The Bible is funny! Very funny, according to Douglas Adams. In this book, Adams demonstrates how readers can discover this often-neglected humor looking at the Bible as a whole and seeing biblical stories with all their rough edges--the unethical and ambiguous characters, the unsolved problems, and the surprising endings. Adams argues that by missing the humor and irony of the Bible, readers often miss intended meanings as well.

Are the Old and New Testament accounts of Jesus lineage contradictory or complimentary? Is the family tree of Jesus a calendar, and what may it tell us about our own generation? Why was Adam old at 900, Abraham old at 150, and David an old man at only 70? How long is a Biblical generation, and exactly when was Jesus born? Is there historical proof of Jesus resurrection? The Family Tree of Jesus explores these questions, and much more. Within these pages: Astonishing facts and numerical properties about the lineage of Jesus. Historical and archaeological proofs that substantiate the Bibles accuracy. Biographies of over 150 real men and women in Jesus genealogy all the way back to Adam. Irrefutable evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was exactly Who He claimed to be according to the prophecies concerning Him -- the Messiah Whose coming was predicted 40 centuries before His birth. The Family Tree of Jesus is a 4000-year journey of discovery: The master list that leads to the Master

People love to hear the familiar Christmas stories during the season of Advent. No matter how creative one might be with different approaches to Christmas preaching, for most it just doesnt seem the same without angels and shepherds and magi, without Mary and Joseph (and even wicked king Herod), and certainly without the child born in the manger! This leaves the preacher with four chapters of the scriptures, Matthew 12 and Luke 12, as the primary resources for the season. Preaching from these chapters for three years, much less thirty years, is a challenge. We are either left with preaching the same sermons, sometimes under different titles, or we need to think about Christmas preaching more creatively. The Birth of Jesus the Messiah combines thematic commentary on the birth stories of Matthew and Luke with preaching and teaching ideas. Biblical themes flowing through each birth narrative, set forth by the Gospel writers themselves, inspire fresh sermon series ideas for the Advent season. Over thirty sermon series ideas include In the Shadow of Herod, Advent at Risk: Women in Jesus Genealogy, Covenants for Christmas, Lukes Symphony, Angels in Advent: Dont Be Afraid. Engage with The Birth of Jesus the Messiah as a fresh starting point and annual resource for planning your Advent and Christmas preaching.

Simply fascinating for Bible scholar and neophyte alike, these family trees shed new light on the lineages of biblical men and women from Aaron to Zimri, their marriages, illicit affairs, and the offspring they produced. This encyclopedic study of over 130 main characters in the Christian Bible provides reference sources for Bible study as well as a better visualization of the relationships between various characters.

Women appear in key places and roles throughout the biblical story-line. In the Old Testament we find Eve in the garden of Eden; the matriarchs Sarah, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel; Deborah and Ruth in the time of the Judges; the prophetesses Huldah in King Josiah's time; the capable woman of Proverbs 31; the passionate woman in the Song of Songs. In the Gospels, various women are involved in the life of Jesus, not least his mother Mary and the first witnesses to his resurrection. The book of Acts includes Lydia the converted businesswoman and Priscilla the fearless teacher. Furthermore, both testaments also contain much teaching about women's life and ministry, for example in prayer, in worship, in marriage and in leadership. Derek and Dianne Tidball's wide-ranging exposition begins with some foundations about women in creation and in the new creation. Next, they survey women under the old covenant. Thirdly, they examine women in the kingdom of God, in the life and teaching of Jesus, and in the final section they deal with women in the new community of the early church, and grapple with some of the more controversial writings of the apostle Paul. Mindful of the complexities, challenges and debates, the authors seek to approach the Bible with humility and integrity, while addressing vitally relevant issues for Christians today with clarity and confidence.

Intriguing and eye-opening interpretations of the most scandalous Bible stories that are puzzling and even shocking, maybe not even worthy of being in the Bible. A serious and sometimes whimsical taking of readers into the most awkward and even repulsive biblical narratives to find answers to the difficult questions facing believers today. Here is an outstanding resource for young adults, Sunday school classes, and quest groups that will provoke real conversations about the Bible and how the faithful should be living their lives. These twenty-eight Bible stories, strictly for adults, would make great sermon material for the pastor who has the courage and wisdom to try. They surely are in the Bible for some important reason. You are warned to approach with caution.

Asking if there is humor in any religious text might seem blasphemous to many readers. Religious texts are there to instruct us, not entertain us. Religious texts are serious works, not frivolous. However, if part of being human entails having a sense of humor, then it would be more surprising indeed for Scripture not to have humor. Humor instructs us as much as it entertains us. God at the Improv seeks to show that being religious and being humorous are not opposites, but actually work in tandem to enhance and enliven our faith and practice.