Publisher's Synopsis
Guidelines is a unique Bible reading resource that offers four months of in-depth study written by leading scholars. Contributors are drawn from around the world, as well as the UK, and represent a stimulating and thought-provoking breadth of Christian tradition. Instead of the usual dated daily readings, Guidelines provides weekly units, broken into at least six sections, plus an introduction giving context for the passage and a final section of points for thought and prayer. On any day you can read as many or as few sections as you wish, to fit in with work or home routine. As well as a copy of Guidelines, you will need a Bible. Each contributor also suggests books for further study. Published every four months (in January, May and September) and is edited by David Spriggs. A word from the new Editor Guidelines has an enviable and well-warranted reputation of supplying intelligent and insightful comments to elucidate the biblical text and provide substantial inspiration for our spiritual journey. This reputation has been enhanced by the Revd Dr Jeremy Duff who has served us as commissioning editor. As Jeremy lays down this role, on behalf of all our readers I want to say a huge thank you to him. We recognise with thanksgiving our debt of gratitude to him for maintaining the quality and ensuring freshness and relevance - the best of old and new. This edition continues that process. Some of the writers are part of the riches of the old. Fr Henry Wansbrough continues his guided tour through the Psalms and Janet Fletcher opens up for us the fruit of the Spirit as part of our post-Pentecost meditations. Andrew Watson may be new to Guidelines but he has already written several books for BRF. Here we have some of his most incisive insights on Christian leadership today, in the light of Christ's ministry. There are, however, some new contributors. Steve Holmes of St Andrews University (yes, the meeting place of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!) brings his understanding of systematic theology to interplay with biblical texts as he explores some of the Bible's teaching on the Holy Spirit. Antony Billington of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) opens up some Old Testament insights on wisdom, while Bill Goodman explores the little gem of 2 Peter. Then there are Derek Tidball and myself! Derek is both old and new, as he wrote for Guidelines some time ago, as is true for me. Derek takes us into the strange world of Leviticus but, perhaps surprisingly for some, enables us to see its profound value for Christians today. I continue my contribution on Luke's Gospel, as well as one week of readings considering the Missio Dei in the light of the Acts of the Apostles. Taken together, here is a rich diet. Frequently both Old and New Testaments feature in the same set of notes, for as Christians we regard both Testaments together as one book. The whole of this amazing text is fundamental to all that is provided in these notes. As we engage with the Bible prayerfully and responsively, the notes serve best their noble purpose. I look forward to serving you all over the next few editions. David Spriggs Commissioning Editor In this issue Leviticus Derek Tidball 6-19 May 2 Peter Bill Goodman 20-26 May God's mission, human involvement David Spriggs 27 May-2 June Wisdom for life Antony Billington 3-16 June Psalms 114 - 125 Henry Wansbrough 17-30 June Luke 18 - 21 David Spriggs 1-21 July Jesus and leadership Andrew Watson 22 July-4 August The fruit of the Spirit Janet Fletcher 5-18 August Meet the Holy Spirit Steve Holmes 19 August-1 September About the contributors in this issue Antony Billington is Head of Theology at London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, having formerly taught hermeneutics and biblical theology at London School of Theology. He is the author, with Margaret Killingray and Helen Parry, of Whole Life, Whole Bible (BRF, 2012). Janet Fletcher is Team Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of Bangor. She offers spiritual direction and enjoys teaching groups in prayer, faith and spirituality, and leading quiet days. She has written Pathway to God (SPCK, 2006) and has contributed to BRF's prayer and spirituality journal, Quiet Spaces. P.W. (Bill) Goodman is a teacher, writer and Anglican clergyman living in Leicestershire. He loves helping people explore the Bible in different cultural contexts. His recent PhD set contemporary songs in conversation with biblical songs. Steve Holmes is Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology at the University of St Andrews. A regular speaker at Christian conferences, he offers theological consultancy to Christian organisations engaged in public policy work. He chairs the Theology and Public Policy Advisory Commission for the Evangelical Alliance. David Spriggs is a Baptist minister who has worked for the last 15 years with Bible Society, helping the churches and Higher Education to engage more fruitfully with the Bible. His passion is to see Christians enjoying their faith more and growing in their love for God and people. Derek Tidball is a Baptist minister who was principal of London School of Theology (formerly London Bible College) for twelve years. A frequent Bible conference speaker and prolific author, Derek has written The Message of Leviticus for IVP's 'Bible Speaks Today' series. He lives in Leicester where he is on the leadership team of Whetstone Baptist Church. Henry Wansbrough OSB is a monk at Ampleforth Abbey in Yorkshire. He is Executive Secretary of the International Commission for Producing an English-Language Lectionary (ICPEL) for the Roman Catholic Church, and lectures frequently across the globe. Andrew Watson is the Bishop of Aston, having previously led three churches in Redditch, Notting Hill and Twickenham, and planted several more. He is the author of The Fourfold Leadership of Jesus, Confidence in the Living God and The Way of the Desert, all published by BRF.
