Forthcoming Title On Eagles' Wings: An Exploration of Strength in the Midst of Weakness By Michael Parsons & David J. Cohen (editors) Bringing together scholarship from the fields of biblical studies and theology, this collection of essays examines the Christian theme of strength in weakness and its relevance for today's ministry. ISBN-13: 9780718891954 Specifications: 229x152 mm, 248pp, Paperback Price: £17.50 • US$37.50 Publication: December 2008 Order this Title Now

About this Book

This is a volume of practical, scriptural, and contemporary essays exploring the idea of strength in weakness in the context of Christian life and ministry.

Biblical scholars, theologians, and Christian ministry practitioners have thought about the biblical paradigm of strength in weakness within their own areas of expertise and interest. Biblical scholars encounter the idea of strength in weakness in both Old and New Testament passages that suggest human weakness and divine strength. The people of Israel, a community reliant on grace, exemplify this theme. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus Christ indicates that it is in weakness that Christ saves. Paul’s paradigm for ministry suggests the same.

Theological chapters engage this teaching of strength in weakness as it surfaces in Luther’s life, in Calvin’s view of prayer, in Barth’s theology, and ultimately in the divine dealing with the world. Pastoral theology demonstrates this theme’s foundational significance for a suffering church in its mission to the world as well as the theme’s importance for preaching the leading of God’s people today.

Drawing together scholars from fields of biblical studies, systematic theology, and pastoral theology, On Eagles’ Wings questions the over-emphasis on power in today’s church. The authors propose various ways that ministry and mission may be best engaged with a biblical humility and with reliance on God’s grace.

Reviews and Comments

"This is a heart-warming, insightful, and deeply human collection of essays ... Based on sound scholarly work and exegesis, this volume is winsomely and sometimes amusingly written. It is a book to be read in the high and the low times of the Christian life, especially by Christian leaders and workers who are expected in some greater measure than others to be incarnations of the faith of cross and resurrection. It exudes practical wisdom, realism, and devotion. It will not disappoint."
Nigel G. Wright, Principal, Spurgeon’s College, London

About the Author

Michael Parsons is Director of Postgraduate Study and Research at Vose Seminary of Western Australia. He is the author of Luther and Calvin on Old Testament Narratives (2004), Reformation Marriage (2005), and Calvin’s Preaching on the Prophet Micah (2006). He is also the editor of Text and Task: Scripture and Mission (2005).

David J. Cohen is Head of Biblical Studies and a lecturer in Hebrew Bible at Vose Seminary of Western Australia. He has written about the relevance of lament psalms for worship and pastoral care in Text and Task: Scripture and Mission (2005) and is currently examining the relationship between praying, lament psalms and coping with stress.