Audiobooks by Michael F. Bird

What Christians Ought to Believe, Second Edition: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine through the Apostles' Creed

"The Apostles' Creed is a treasure trove of basic Christian beliefs and wisdom that helps ensure the integrity and orthodoxy of our faith. Sadly, modern churches have often hesitated to embrace the ancient creeds because of our 'nothing but the Bible' tradition. In What Christians Ought to Believe, Second Edition Michael Bird will open your eyes to the possibilities of the Apostles' Creed as a way to explore and understand the essential teachings of the Christian faith. This updated edition enhances the explanations to provide even more thorough expositions and illustrations of the basic tenets of Christian faith and tackles questions such as: - Are the creeds biblical? - Why do churches still need the creeds? - How can the creeds invigorate my faith? Bringing together theological commentary, tips for application, and memorable illustrations, What Christians Ought to Believe, Second Edition summarizes the basic tenets of the Christian faith using the Apostles' Creed as its entryway. After first emphasizing the importance of creeds for the formation of the Christian faith, each chapter, following the Creed's outline, introduces the Father, the Son, and the Spirit and the Church. An appendix includes the Apostles' Creed in the original Latin and Greek, as well as the Nicene Creed. What Christians Ought to Believe, Second Edition is ideally suited for both the classroom and the church setting to teach beginning students and laypersons the basics of what Christians ought to affirm if they are to be called Christians. Graphics, study questions, and recommended reading can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download."

Michael F. Bird (Author), Les Horovitz (Narrator)

Audiobook

Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies

"An urgent call for Christians everywhere to explore the nature of the kingdom amid the political upheaval of our day. Should Christians be politically withdrawn, avoiding participation in politics to maintain their prophetic voice and to keep from being used as political pawns? Or should Christians be actively involved, seeking to utilize political systems to control the levers of power? In Jesus and the Powers, N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird call Christians everywhere to discern the nature of Christian witness in fractured political environments. In an age of ascending autocracies, in a time of fear and fragmentation, amid carnage and crises, Jesus is king, and Jesus's kingdom remains the object of the church's witness and work. Part political theology, part biblical overview, and part church history, this book argues that building for Jesus's kingdom requires confronting empire in all its forms. This approach should orient Christians toward a form of political engagement that contributes to free democratic societies and vigorously opposes political schemes based on autocracy and nationalism. Throughout, Wright and Bird reflect on the relevance of this kingdom-oriented approach to current events, including the Russian-Ukraine conflict, the China-Taiwan tension, political turmoil in the USA, UK, and Australia, and the problem of Christian nationalism."

Michael F. Bird, N. T. Wright (Author), James Langton (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Bird's-Eye View of Luke and Acts: Context, Story, and Themes

"What do the books of Luke and Acts teach us about God, Jesus, and the early church? How do these two books relate to each other? And what do they mean for us today? In this accessible and compelling introduction, Michael Bird draws us into the wide-ranging narrative of Luke-Acts to discover how Luke frames the life of Jesus and of the first disciples who set out from Jerusalem to 'the ends of the earth' proclaiming the Good News. Bird shows us how these two books, when read together, tell a cohesive narrative about Jesus, the Church, and the mission of God—with implications for the whole of our lives today. Situating both books in their historical and literary context, Bird moves through an exploration of their central theological themes and culminates with consideration of the books' relevance for contemporary social issues."

Michael F. Bird (Author), Shaun Grindell (Narrator)

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Unlimited Atonement: Amyraldism and Reformed Theology

"Limited atonement is not the only Reformed model of atonement 'Hypothetical universalism,' or 'unlimited atonement,' states that Christ's death is sufficient for the guilt of all people yet is only effectively applied to those with faith. This tradition, typified by the French Reformer Moïse Amyraut, has continued among Anglicans and Baptists for over four centuries, yet has been underexplored in Reformed systematic theology. Unlimited Atonement fills a gap in resources on atonement theology that begin with the unlimited love of God. Editors Michael F. Bird and Scott Harrower draw on the specialties of each of the ten contributors, addressing themes such as: the biblical and historical sources of the soteriological position known as Amyraldism; distinctive features of Anglican atonement theology; hypothetical universalism, election, and the Baptist theological tradition; other prominent advocates of unlimited atonement; the issues of systematic theology at stake; and atonement theology in preaching. Unlimited Atonement is the most comprehensive analysis of Amyraldism to date, providing a resource for theology and Bible students and teachers in an esoteric stream of Reformed theology. Bird and Harrower provide a starting point for anyone who wants to understand the sources and merits of Amyraldism."

Michael F. Bird, Scott Harrower (Author), Rick Adamson, Susan Hanfield (Narrator)

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When Did Jesus Become God?: A Christological Debate

"How did early Christians come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the divine Son of God? This is the central question in this book. When Did Jesus Become God? is a transcribed conversation between Bart Ehrman and Michael Bird, with a helpful historiographic introduction by Robert Stewart that helps listeners understand the conclusions reached by Ehrman and Bird. Ehrman contends that neither Jesus himself nor the apostles believed that Jesus was divine during Jesus' life; it was only after Jesus was crucified and the apostles began to have visions and revelations that they became convinced that Jesus was a godlike figure who was sent by God. Over an extended period of time, the early church solidified its belief that Jesus was God—first, with an inventive claim that Jesus was exalted to divinity, then later by seeing him as a preexistent angel become human. Bird disagrees. Based on different historiographic criteria and different readings of Scripture, he asserts that Jesus himself claimed to be the divine Son during his lifetime and that many of the apostles believed Jesus to be identified with God's own prerogatives and identity. In Bird's account of the early church, Jesus was the preexistent Son of God from the beginning, who then became human, exercised the role of Israel's Messiah, and was exalted as God the Father's vice-regent."

Bart D. Ehrman, Michael F. Bird, Robert B. Stewart (Author), Steve Menasche (Narrator)

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Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government

"Discover how to responsibly defend religious freedom for all without compromising your personal beliefs. Religious freedom is a bitterly contested issue that spills over into political, public, and online spheres. It's an issue that's becoming ever more heated, and neither of the global political polarities is interested in protecting it. While the political left is openly hostile toward traditional religion, the political right seeks to weaponize it. How can we ensure that 'religious freedom' is truly about freedom of one's religion rather than serving an ethno-nationalist agenda? In Religious Freedom in a Secular Age, Michael Bird (New Testament scholar and author of Evangelical Theology) has four main goals: - To explain the true nature of secularism and help us to see it as one of the best ways of promoting liberty and mutual respect in a multifaith world. - To dismantle the arguments for limiting religious freedom. - To outline a biblical strategy for maintaining a Christian witness in a post-Christian society. - To encourage Christians to participate in a new age of apologetics by being prepared to defend not only their own believes but also the freedom of all faiths. While Bird does address the recent political administrations in the US, his focus is global. Bird-who lives in Melbourne, Australia-freely admits to his anxiety of the militant secularism surrounding him, but he also strongly critiques the marriage of national and religious identities that has gained ground in countries like Hungary and Poland. The fact is that religion has a lot to contribute to the common good. Religious Freedom in a Secular Age will challenge readers of all backgrounds and beliefs not only to make room for peaceable difference, but also to find common ground on the values of justice, mercy, and equality."

Michael F. Bird (Author), Alan Irving (Narrator)

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The New Testament in Its World: Part 2: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians

"Your ticket from the twenty-first century to the era of Jesus and the first Christians. A listenable, two-volume introduction placing the entire New Testament and early Christianity in its original context, written by distinguished scholar and author N. T. Wright. An ideal guide for students, The New Testament in Its World addresses the many difficult questions faced by those studying early Christianity, including: - What was the first century understanding of the Kingdom of God? - What is the meaning of the resurrection in its original context? - What were the Gospels, and how did they come about? - Who was Paul and why are his letters so controversial? Written for both classroom and personal use, this book brings together decades of ground-breaking research, writing, and teaching into one volume. It presents the New Testament books-along with their subjects: Jesus and the early church-within the historical and social context of Second Temple Judaism and Greco-Roman politics and culture. The New Testament in Its World allows you to recover the excitement of what it was like to live as Christians in the first or second centuries. Features include: - Surveys of each New Testament book that discuss their significance and provides commentary on their contents, along with implications for the Christian life. - Major sections on the historical Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and Paul's chronology and theology. - Up-to-date discussions of textual criticism and the canonization of the New Testament. - Frequent illustrations, maps, charts, diagrams, and artwork provide additional explanations and insights. - A distillation of the life work of N. T. Wright on the New Testament with input from Michael Bird. Accompanying figures, tables, images, and reference materials are available in the audiobook companion PDF download."

Michael F. Bird, N. T. Wright (Author), Richard Littledale (Narrator)

Audiobook

The New Testament in Its World: Part 1: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians

Michael F. Bird, N. T. Wright (Author), Richard Littledale (Narrator)

Audiobook

Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible

"Answers to the most common questions and misconceptions about the Bible Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible is a short and accessible introduction to the Bible--its origins, interpretation, truthfulness, and authority. Bible scholar, prolific author, and Anglican minister Michael Bird helps Christians understand seven important 'things' about this unique book: - how the Bible was put together; - what 'inspiration' means; - how the Bible is true; - why the Bible needs to be rooted in history; - why literal interpretation is not always the best interpretation; - how the Bible gives us knowledge, faith, love, and hope; and - how Jesus Christ is the center of the Bible. Seven Things presents a clear and understandable evangelical account of the Bible's inspiration, canonization, significance, and relevance in a way that is irenic and compelling. It is a must for any serious Bible reader who desires an informed and mature view of the Bible that will enrich their faith. Accompanying tables and recommended reading are available in the audiobook companion PDF download."

Michael F. Bird (Author), Alan Irving (Narrator)

Audiobook

The New Testament You Never Knew: Audio Bible Studies: Exploring the Context, Purpose, and Meaning of the Story of God

"Do you know the real story behind the New Testament? We all share a fascination for discovering 'the rest of the story.' We enjoy learning the behind-the-scenes facts about seemingly familiar events. In this eight-session Bible study, well-known Bible scholars N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird team up to take you on a tour of the story behind the explosive story of the New Testament. You will discover things you never knew about Jesus' baptism and journey into the wilderness, the meaning behind his parables and miracles, the significance of his death and resurrection, the incredible expansion of the early church into the Greco-Roman world, and how the transforming mission of Jesus can still turn the world upside down today. Through reading the New Testament we continually discover that God indeed keeps his promises, but those promises don't always look like what people expected. Especially when it comes to Jesus. So, come join the journey with N.T. Wright and Michael Bird and they will help you understand the New Testament you never knew. The Audio Bible Study series provides a unique learning experience. Instead of sitting down to watch a video teaching for Bible study, listen to the same quality Bible study content on the go! Whether you listen on your commute, while walking outside, or over a lunch break, you can access high-quality audio Bible studies wherever you are. Get the most out of the teaching by diving into the accompanying study guide (sold separately) to walk through reflection questions and individual Bible study to go deeper."

Michael F. Bird, N. T. Wright (Author), Michael F. Bird, N. Wright (Narrator)

Audiobook

The New Testament in Its World: Audio Lectures, Part 1 of 2: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians

"The Zondervan Biblical and Theological Lectures series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, The New Testament in Its World: Audio Lectures includes high quality live-recordings of college-level lectures that cover the important points from each subject as well as relevant material from other sources. Enter the world of the New Testament. A companion to The New Testament in Its World by N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, these lectures serve as your passageway from the twenty-first century to the era of Jesus and the first Christians. In part 1, professors Wright and Bird will guide you through how to read the New Testament, the world of Jesus and the early church, approaches to studying the historical Jesus, the historical context of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and much more. Part 1 includes lectures on: - Beginning Study of the New Testament - The New Testament as History - The New Testament as Literature - The New Testament as Theology - The History of the Jews Between the Persian and Roman Empires - The Jewish Context of Jesus and the Early Church - The Greco-Roman Context of the Early Church - The Study of the Historical Jesus - The Profile and Praxis of a Prophet - Who Did Jesus Think He Was? - The Death of the Messiah - The Afterlife in Greek, Roman, and Jewish Thought - The Story of Easter According to the Apostle Paul - The Story of Easter According to the Evangelists - The Story of Paul's Life and Ministry - A Primer on Pauline Theology Short bonus lectures have also been included: - The Bema Seat - Critical Realism - Faith in Jesus Christ or Faith of Jesus Christ - Holy Spirit - Major Philosophies - Paul and Virtue - Persecuted Church - Principalities - Why Do Historical Bible Studies? - Resurrection"

Michael F. Bird, N. T. Wright (Author), Michael F. Bird, N. Wright (Narrator)

Audiobook

The New Testament in Its World: Audio Lectures, Part 2 of 2: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians

"The Zondervan Biblical and Theological Lectures series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, The New Testament in Its World: Audio Lectures includes high quality live-recordings of college-level lectures that cover the important points from each subject as well as relevant material from other sources. Enter the world of the New Testament. A companion to The New Testament in Its World by N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, these lectures serve as your passageway from the twenty-first century to the era of Jesus and the first Christians. In part 2, professors Wright and Bird detail the apostle Paul's life, ministry, and theology; every book of the New Testament, with particularly close analysis to the Pauline epistles, the Gospels, and Acts; how the New Testament came to be; and how to live the New Testament story today. Part 2 includes lectures on: - Galatians - 1 and 2 Thessalonians - Philippians - Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians - 1 and 2 Corinthians - Romans - The Pastoral Epistles - The Gospel According to Mark - The Gospel According to Matthew - The Gospel According to Luke and Acts of the Apostles - The Gospel According to John - The Making of the Gospels - Introduction to Early Christian Letters - The Letter to the Hebrews - Letters by Jesus' Brothers: James and Jude - Petrine Letters: 1 and 2 Peter - Johannine Letters: 1, 2, and 3 John - Revelation - Introduction to Textual Criticism of the New Testament - The Canonization of the New Testament - Bringing It All Together--Living the Story of the New Testament "

Michael F. Bird, N. T. Wright (Author), Michael F. Bird, N. Wright (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks by Michael F. Bird

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