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Knowing God the Father Through the Old Testament
paperback
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- Length: 234 pages
- Published: October 16, 2007
- Imprint: IVP Academic
- Item Code: 2592
- ISBN: 9780830825929
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It's almost second nature for Christians to call God Father. Jesus taught his followers as much, although for them it was apparently a surprising practice. The worshiping community of the Old Testament used fatherly images for understanding God's character and actions, but "Father" was not a common way for believers to address God.
In Knowing God the Father Through the Old Testament, Christopher Wright explores in depth the images that pervade the biblical narratives, psalms and prophetic texts of the Old Testament. God is acknowledged as tender yet terrifying, challenging to the nations and yet intimately personal, offering loving care, provision, discipline and forgiveness.
This is the God whom Jesus knew, and whom we can know, as Father. Such knowledge of God is far from merely devotional or doctrinal, but governs our worldview, personal and social ethics, and expectations of the future.
"The reviewer commends it as a volume that will reward careful readers willing to reflect on its author's numerous perceptive insights."
"Wright capably demonstrates proper theological methodology while performing limied exegetical evaluation of the biblical text, demonstrating a biblical theological approach that can be grasped by the common reader."
"An experience of biblical theology from which any believer can benefit."
"Here is theology that feeds the soul in an immediate way, without getting sentimental. Pastors and church members will be rewarded in pocking up this work and meditating on the various topics that fill out a Christian understanding of who God is as our Father."
"I had originally expected an academic treatment of God the Father in the Old Testament (OT) with many references to Hebrew grammar but this is not what I got. What I did get was a very easy to read, somewhat devotional treatment of God as Father in the OT."
"A great starting point for sermons on the nature of God and His will."
CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction
1 Knowing God as a Father in Action
Introduction
God--The Father Who Carries
God--The Father Who Disciplines
God--The Father Who Pities
God--The Father Who Adopts
Conclusion
2 Knowing God Through Experience of His Grace
Introduction: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
The Uniqueness of the Experience
The Content of the Experience
The Transmission of the Experience
The Purpose of the Experience
3 Knowing God Through Exposure to His Judgment
Introduction
The God Pharaoh Came to Know
The God Israel Came to Know
Conclusion
4 Knowing God as the Father of His People
Introduction
God as Father and Israel as Son
God as Father of Israel?s King
Conclusion
5 Knowing God Tthrough Engaging Him in Prayer
Introduction
Abraham--God?s Friend
Moses--God?s Servant
Conclusion
6 Knowing God Through Reflecting His Justice
Introduction
Knowing God in Comparison with the Best Gifts of God
Knowing God in Contrast to the Worst Evil of Humanity
Conclusion
7 Knowing God Tthrough Returning to His Love
Introduction
Knowledge of God Gained Through Redemption
Knowledge of God Lost Through Rebellion
Knowledge of God Restored Through Repentance
Conclusion
8 Knowing God in Expectation of His Victory
Introduction
Gog and Magog--The Movie
What Gog and the Nations Will Know
What God?s People Will Know
Conclusion
9 Knowing God Tthrough Trusting in His Sovereignty
Introduction
Trusting the God We Know
Living as Those Who Know God
Conclusion
Epilogue: How do you know that you know God?
Scripture Index
