A Teacher's Guide to Understanding the Scriptures

by Samuel M. Powell

From differences over which translation is best to disagreements about what the Scriptures say about women in ministry, homosexuality, and creation, the Bible continues to be at the center of debate for many Christians.In this enlightening book Samuel Powell introduces a Christian doctrine of Scripture that sweeps away much of the controversy. By giving special attention to the authority, revelation, and inspiration of the Bible, Dr. Powell provides a concise, but scholarly, understanding of the Scriptures that is historically well-grounded and theologically sound.Written from a Wesleyan perspective, this book is an indispensable resource for pastors, teachers, and small-group leaders. Equipped with a bibliography for further study, it is an ideal teaching tool and a valuable reference for anyone wanting to know more about the nature and purpose of the Bible.ReviewsThis clearly written and clearly articulated writing will prove both timely and invaluable for anyone who takes scripture seriously in the local church. The result of reading this text should prepare church leaders, teachers, and members to read the word of God, the Bible, expecting scripture will reveal the true Word of God, Jesus Christ. -Dean G. Blevins, Ph.D, Director, Master of Arts in Christian Formation and Discipleship, Nazarene Theological SeminaryIn a carefully crafted work on the doctrine of Scripture, Sam Powell invites readers to think about the Bible as a divine and human book, the Word of God and the word written by human beings in ancient cultures. This engaging book will no doubt become an important teaching tool and lively conversation starter in the days ahead. -Kenneth J. Collins, Ph.D, Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

72 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Here’s my official, academically heavy, biography–the sort of thing that publishers ask for.

Samuel M. Powell has taught at Point Loma Nazarene University since 1986. He is the editor (with Michael Lodahl) of Embodied Holiness (originally published by InterVarsity Press, 1999, now reprinted by Wipf & Stock), and the author of The Trinity in German Thought (Cambridge University Press, 2001), Participating in God (Fortress Press, 2003), A Theology of Christian Spirituality (Abingdon Press, 2005), Discovering Our Christian Faith (Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2008), and several smaller monographs. He graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary and Claremont Graduate University and is an ordained deacon in the Church of the Nazarene. He served as secretary-treasurer of the Wesleyan Theological Society and is a member of the editorial committee of Kingswood Press. From 1999 to 2001 he participated in the John Templeton Foundation Oxford Seminars on Science and Christianity. In 2005 he won the Wesleyan Theological Society’s Smith-Wynkoop award for his book, Participating In God: Creation and Trinity. The award recognizes recent publication of distinction in a research area related to the Wesleyan/Holiness tradition. Powell attends Mission Church of the Nazarene, where he teaches an adult Sunday School class. He lives in Santee, California with his wife, Terrie. He has two children and four grandchildren.

Reviews

[Brian Tooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter who is taking a Bible class at PLNU suggested a read this. It was very thought provoking. I loved reading about scripture and how we need to take a step back and learn more about God. P.S. I am an alumni of PLNU as long with my wife and we remember Professor Powell from our time there.