This week Free Stuff Friday is sponsored by BJU Seminary. They are giving away a bundle of books on biblical theology and exposition that their faculty authored. BJU Seminary equips Christian leaders through an educational and ministry experience that is biblically shaped, theologically rich, historically significant, and evangelistically robust.

Beyond Suffering: Discovering the Message of Job  by Layton Talbert
In Beyond Suffering, Layton Talbert uncovers the often-missed message of Job, tracing it sequentially and applying it to Christian living. Suffering becomes, rather than the theme itself, a catalyst for discussing the relationship between God and man. Does God really deserve unconditional service? Does He really care for His children? Writing for all readers but addressing the many difficult interpretational issues, Talbert brings the message of Job to life. “More than a commentary . . . You will see God’s story in its pages.”
Beyond Chapter and Verse: The Theology and Practice of Biblical Application by Ken Casillas
Do you struggle to connect the dots between the Bible and your life? While Christians instinctively want to apply Scripture, we encounter difficulties that can discourage us and diminish our engagement with God’s Word. Indeed, biblical application has suffered in various ways in the church—everything from neglect to abuse to contempt. Responding to such challenges, Beyond Chapter and Verse provides a biblically based rationale for the practice of application and then proposes a biblically consistent method for application. The book is substantive but accessible, relevant for believers generally as well as preachers. It begins by sketching the broad theological context of Bible application, relating it to the gospel generally and to sanctification specifically. The heart of the study then synthesizes key Old and New Testament passages relative to the process of application. Building on this foundation, the book sets forth a sensible approach for arriving at legitimate applications of Scripture. A rich assortment of positive and negative case studies illustrates the method, motivating believers to apply the Scriptures for themselves.
The Trustworthiness of God’s Words: Why the Reliability of Every Word from God Matters by Layton Talbert
This is a book about God’s jealousy for His integrity, His passion to be believed, on the basis of His words alone. Throughout Scripture God expresses His determination to be known as the God who keeps His words. He has resolved that every person and nation will see and confess that all His words are reliable down to every last syllable, jot, and tittle. Learning to trust a God who is sovereign and in control, especially in the ache and throb of life, means hanging on to the conviction that everything he says is utterly dependable.
Knowing that God’s words are trustworthy and living it out can be two different things though, so as well as laying out the theological foundations, Layton MacDonald Talbert explores the practical applications. What does trusting God’s words look like in real life, and how has it played out in the experience of God’s people? Let Talbert show you how in tracing the reliability of God through history we can learn to trust Him with the future.
Theological Themes of Psalms: The Theology of the Book of Psalms by Robert Bell
The pastor who seeks to preach expositionally through Psalms faces a daunting task, for the sermon series would take several years to complete and many of the sermons would seem repetitious because of similar psalms. To respond to this challenge, the author has used the book theology method to analyze the Book of Psalms into twenty-eight theological themes, providing the preacher with material for approximately a one-year series on the book. Each chapter includes a list of applicable theological propositions that can be preached or taught to contemporary audiences. Then the chapter concludes by linking the topic to New Testament passages. This monograph contains over seventy tables, mainly charting the Hebrew terms used for a particular theme. Careful textual and exegetical notes provide guidance for translation and interpretation of many verses. Furthermore, relevant Hebrew word studies inform theological understanding. Backing up the analysis are numerous references to Psalm commentaries, both classical and contemporary.
Giveaway Rules: You may enter one time.  The winners will be notified via email. The giveaway closes on Sunday, July 2nd, at noon ET.

Here is another Sunday devotional—a brief thought to orient your heart toward the Lord.
God takes the initiative in establishing relationship by reaching out to helpless humanity. He reveals himself to the creatures he has made. But what does it mean for him to provide such revelation of himself?
John Calvin began his Institutes by saying, “Nearly all the wisdom which we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” This is exactly the knowledge God provides us. He takes us into his confidence to share what would otherwise remain hidden from our understanding. He enlightens our minds to know and our hearts to receive the truth about himself and the truth about ourselves, for these are the keys to any true wisdom. God provides such revelation not because we deserve it or are in any way owed it, but only because he is gracious, because he delights to give us those things we do not deserve.
Because of his grace, we have access to information that would otherwise remain hidden, information we need if we are to be saved from our sin. Praise God for revealing himself to us!

May the Lord grant you his richest blessings as you serve and worship him this weekend.

Today’s Kindle deals include a number of good options.
(Yesterday on the blog: Strange New World)
Does Predestination Mean God Is the Author of Sin?
Michael Horton begins his answer to the question by drawing an important distinction. “This question is a struggle for so many. It’s important to keep in mind that there is a distinction—a very important distinction—between God’s active decree and his permissive decree.”
Decision Time
Acknowledging all the turmoil in recent days and months, Matthew Hosier–very wisely, I believe–counsels pastors and church members to stay put until at least the summer. “There are times when it is right to move congregation, to change occupation, to adjust our theology – but I’m not sure now is that time. Hold fast. Love and serve Jesus by loving and serving the church. Plant and heal and build. It’s that time.”
Is It ‘Christian’ for Europe to Welcome Refugees from Ukraine but Not Syria?
As refugees stream out of Ukraine, it has been interesting to compare their reception with that of Syrian refugees. This article from Christianity Today covers that issue very well. “Since the invasion, about 4 million of Ukraine’s population of 43 million have become refugees. Another 6.5 million are internally displaced. Yet 11 years since its civil war, most of Syria’s 6.8 million refugees—out of a population of 20 million—still live in limbo. Europe largely shut its doors, certainly in comparison to its warm welcome of those fleeing Russian aggression.”
Let the Global Church Give You Perspective
I really appreciate Trevin Wax’s counsel here. “One of the best ways to maintain sound doctrine and gain perspective on some of our society’s most heated debates is to stay in close contact with Christians in other parts of the world. Cultural quirks and theological distinctions will help you discern what’s essential and where Christians can ‘agree to disagree.’”
Your Job is to Make Words Clear
Pastors, as you prepare to preach this weekend, make sure you remember: Your job is to make words clear. “Preaching goes way beyond clarification of the meaning of a string of words. But preaching won’t go anywhere good if it bypasses this critical element of the task.”
God Sees The Whole Picture
This article from Sylvia Schroeder reminds us that God, and God alone, sees the whole picture.
Flashback: Get to Know Yourself
To know myself, I need to look outside of myself. My best assessment of self does not come from within but from without. It does not originate with me but with God.

Down then into the dust; there you are in the fittest place and posture for delightful converse with God. —John Howe