Audiobooks by Michael F. Bird

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

Should Christians be politically withdrawn, avoiding participation in politics to maintain their prophetic voice and keep from being used as political pawns? Or should Christians be actively involved, seeking to control and utilize political systems to control the levers of power? In Jesus and the Powers, N.T. Wright and Michael Bird argue that Christians should pursue active involvement in ways that encourage and sustain liberal democratic systems while opposing both totalitarianism and nationalism. They argue that Christians should faithfully and earnestly contribute to free democratic societies and vigorously oppose political schemes based on autocracy and nationalism. Wright and Bird outline a Christian approach to political engagement with reflections on their relevance to current events, including the Russian-Ukraine conflict, China-Taiwan tension, political turmoil in the USA, UK, and Australia, as well as to the problem of white Christian nationalism.

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

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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

Religious freedom is up for debate and needs to be defended--discover how. In Religious Freedom in a Secular Age author Michael Bird argues that religious freedom should not be preserved by churches entrusting themselves to the protection of a conservative leader draped in the apparel of civil religion, nor should they consent to allowing religious freedom to be steam rolled by progressive activists with their increasing hostility towards people of faith. What is needed instead is a better appreciation for how secularism can work to create space for people of all faiths and none, to resolve tense relationships between church and state, and to come to a fair and equitable settlement when religious liberty and LGBTQI+ rights come into conflict. Bird tackles complicated debates about the nature, extent, and limitations of religious freedom with a view to encouraging Christians to stand up for their faith in a post-Christian world in a way that is humble and gentle yet also courageous. Advance Praise: 'This book's global perspective will challenge readers of all backgrounds and beliefs toward better arguments and better understanding.' - John D. Inazu, Washington University in St. Louis 'Bird demonstrates that religious liberty is of interest not only to Christians but also to the marketplace of ideas that helped deepen faith while simultaneously making room for peaceable difference.' - Andrew T. Walker, professor and author of Liberty for All

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

Finally: an introduction that captures the excitement of the early Christians, helping today's listeners to think like a first-century believer while reading the text responsibly for today. The New Testament in Its World: Part 2 is your passageway from the twenty-first century to the era of Jesus and the first Christians. An introduction placing the entire New Testament and early Christianity in its original context, it is the only such work by distinguished scholar and author N. T. (Tom) Wright. An ideal guide for students, The New Testament in Its World: Part 2 addresses the many difficult questions faced by those studying early Christianity. Both large and small, these questions include: - What is the purpose of the New Testament? - What was the first-century understanding of the kingdom? - What is the real meaning of the resurrection in its original context? - What really were the Gospels? - Who was Paul and why are his letters so controversial? - As twenty-first-century people, how do we recover the excitement of what it was like to live as Christians in the first or second centuries? In short, The New Testament in Its World: Part 2 brings together decades of ground-breaking research, writing, and teaching into one volume that will open listeners' eyes to the larger world of the New Testament. It presents the New Testament books as historical, literary, and social phenomena located in the world of Second Temple Judaism, amidst Greco-Roman politics and culture, and within early Christianity. Written for both classroom and personal use, the benefits of The New Testament in Its World: Part 2 include: - A distillation of the life work of N. T. Wright on the New Testament with input from Michael Bird - Historical context that situates Jesus and the early church within the history, culture, and religion of Second Temple Judaism and the Greco-Roman world - Major sections on the historical Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and Paul's chronology and theology - Surveys of each New Testament book that discuss their significance, critical topics like authorship and date, and that provide commentary on contents along with implications for the Christian life - Up-to-date discussions of textual criticism and the canonization of the New Testament - A concluding chapter dedicated to living the story of the New Testament

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

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

Finally: an introduction that captures the excitement of the early Christians, helping today's listeners to think like a first-century believer while reading the text responsibly for today. The New Testament in Its World: Part 1 is your passageway from the twenty-first century to the era of Jesus and the first Christians. An introduction placing the entire New Testament and early Christianity in its original context, it is the only such work by distinguished scholar and author N. T. (Tom) Wright. An ideal guide for students, The New Testament in Its World: Part 1 addresses the many difficult questions faced by those studying early Christianity. Both large and small, these questions include: - What is the purpose of the New Testament? - What was the first-century understanding of the kingdom? - What is the real meaning of the resurrection in its original context? - What really were the Gospels? - Who was Paul and why are his letters so controversial? - As twenty-first-century people, how do we recover the excitement of what it was like to live as Christians in the first or second centuries? In short, The New Testament in Its World: Part 1 brings together decades of ground-breaking research, writing, and teaching into one volume that will open listeners' eyes to the larger world of the New Testament. It presents the New Testament books as historical, literary, and social phenomena located in the world of Second Temple Judaism, amidst Greco-Roman politics and culture, and within early Christianity. Written for both classroom and personal use, the benefits of The New Testament in Its World: Part 1 include: - A distillation of the life work of N. T. Wright on the New Testament with input from Michael Bird - Historical context that situates Jesus and the early church within the history, culture, and religion of Second Temple Judaism and the Greco-Roman world - Major sections on the historical Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and Paul's chronology and theology - Surveys of each New Testament book that discuss their significance, critical topics like authorship and date, and that provide commentary on contents along with implications for the Christian life - Up-to-date discussions of textual criticism and the canonization of the New Testament - A concluding chapter dedicated to living the story of the New Testament

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

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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 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)

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

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)

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The New Testament in Its World: Audio Lectures, Part 1 of 2: An Introduction to the History, Literat

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 ChurchThe 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 ThoughtThe Story of Easter According to the apostle Paul The Story of Easter According to the Evangelists The Story of Paul's Life and MinistryA Primer on Pauline TheologyShort bonus lectures have also been included: The Bema SeatCritical RealismFaith in Jesus Christ or Faith of Jesus ChristHoly SpiritMajor PhilosophiesPaul and VirtuePersecuted ChurchPrincipalitiesWhy Do Historical Bible Studies?ResurrectionPauline ChronologyEarly Christian BaptismThe Lord's Supper

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

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The New Testament in Its World: Audio Lectures, Part 2 of 2: An Introduction to the History, Literat

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 ThessaloniansPhilippians Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians1 and 2 Corinthians Romans The Pastoral EpistlesThe Gospel According to MarkThe Gospel According to MatthewThe Gospel According to Luke and Acts of the ApostlesThe Gospel According to John The Making of the Gospels Introduction to Early Christian LettersThe Letter to the HebrewsLetters by Jesus' Brothers: James and JudePetrine Letters: 1 and 2 PeterJohannine Letters: 1, 2, and 3 JohnRevelationIntroduction to Textual Criticism of the New TestamentThe Canonization of the New Testament Bringing It All Together--Living the Story of the New Testament

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

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Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy: Audio Lectures: 28 Lessons on the Spectrum of Evangelical Position

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, Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy: Audio Lectures include high quality live-recordings of college-level lectures that cover the important points from each subject as well as relevant material from other sources. There is little doubt that the inerrancy of the Bible is a current and often contentious topic among evangelicals. Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy: Audio Lectures showcases the spectrum of evangelical positions on inerrancy and facilitates understanding of these perspectives, particularly where and why they diverge. Each main lesson in Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy: Audio Lectures considers: the present context and the viability and relevance of inerrancy for contemporary Christian witness;whether and to what extent Scripture teaches its own inerrancy;the position's assumed/implied understandings of the nature of Scripture, God, and truth; andthree difficult biblical texts: one that implies intra-canonical contradictions, one that raises questions of theological plurality, and one that concerns historicity.Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy: Audio Lectures serves not only as a resource for surveying the current debate, but also as a catalyst both for understanding and advancing the conversation further. Featuring scholars Al Mohler, Kevin Vanhoozer, Michael Bird, Peter Enns, and John Franke, these lectures provide listeners with the tools they need to draw informed conclusions on this debated issue and is an ideal resource for traditional students, students in distance and online-learning courses, and self-learners wanting to better understand Christian theology.

John R. Franke, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Michael F. Bird, Peter E. Enns, R. Albert Mohler Jr., R. Albert Mohler, Jr. (Author), Albert Mohler, John Franker, Kevin Vanhoozer, Michael Bird, Michael F. Bird, Peter Enns, R. Albert Mohler (Narrator)

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