Big Themes of the Bible: Grasping the Heart of Jesus’s Message

By Jon Morales

Big Themes of the Bible teaches readers to better understand the work of Christ as he’s revealed to us in some of the major themes of Scripture. Each of the big themes in this book—creation, forgiveness, people, presence, yoke, and healing—captures important aspects of the story of God and his good purposes for his creation.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: BH Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087712994

Book preview

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

About the Library

Introduction: People and Elephants Are Not Trees

Chapter One: Creation

Chapter Two: Forgiveness

Chapter Three: People

Chapter Four: Presence

Chapter Five: Yoke

Chapter Six: Healing

Epilogue: People as Trees

Name and Subject Index

Scripture Index

Commendations for Big Themes of the Bible

"Jon Morales is one of the brightest young stars in the evangelical firmament, and Big Themes of the Bible reveals why. In it, he highlights the narrative coherence of the Bible, the relationship of the Old and New Testaments, and the importance of the church. He connects everything to Jesus’s message in a way that is accessible and helpful for college students, laypeople, and ministers. Highly recommended."

—Bruce Riley Ashford, professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Starting with an anecdotal story of six blind men, Morales gradually opens the reader’s eyes by tracing six big themes through the Bible. This book is an exercise in seeing—seeing and understanding the whole of the Christian story in the Bible. Morales has given us something accessible, informative, relevant, delightful!"

—Cornelis Bennema, academic dean and senior lecturer in New Testament, Union School of Theology, Wales, UK

Jon Morales offers a readable and informative tour through several prominent biblical themes. The Bible is a big book, and Morales offers cogent and concise explanations as to what it is really about. A terrific resource for Bible studies!

—Michael F. Bird, academic dean and lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

"Big Themes of the Bible is a wonderful gift for today’s church. Jon Morales writes with wit, wisdom, and faithfulness to Scripture that cultivates a love for God’s Word. Today’s disciple faces the daunting task of bearing witness in a post-Christian culture. If we are going to effectively call people into the better story of the gospel, it is essential that we know the comprehensive story of the Bible. Big Themes helps us do just that."

—Chris Brooks, senior pastor, Woodside Bible Church, Troy, MI, and radio host, Moody Radio’s Equipped with Chris Brooks

"Big Themes of the Bible offers a beautiful survey of six major subjects in the Bible—creation, forgiveness, people, presence, yoke, and healing—that is clear and accessible. Tying both the Old Testament and the New Testament together, this book points to the unifying message of Jesus. For the new believer or the more experienced­leader-servant in a church, Big Themes of the Bible will encourage you to grow in your walk with God and in the knowledge of his Word."

—Tara Dew, adjunct professor in the Ministry Wives Certificate Program, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

"Jon Morales’s Big Themes of the Bible is a masterful combination of deep thinking, careful research, pointed application, and a call to transformation. The careful reader is sure to ponder deeply, stand in awe, and weep over the grace of God in Christ as presented in this volume. It is a masterful treasure for both the seeker and the servant. I consider it a must-read for those who want clarity about our need for the gospel and Jesus’s accomplishment for us."

—L. Scott Kellum, professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The story of God redeeming his people is a powerful, gripping, and yet simple story. Indeed, we sometimes overcomplicate its truths to the point that we lose our wonder over the grace of God. Big Themes of the Bible seeks to present that story clearly and concisely by focusing on the themes of creation, forgiveness, people, presence, yoke, and healing. Central to these themes is Jesus Christ, to whom the author directs us over and over again. Dr. Morales wants us to see more of Jesus, and he accomplishes that goal. You will find this book both informative and inspiring."

—Chuck Lawless, vice president for spiritual formation and ministry centers, dean of doctoral studies, Richard and Gina Headrick Chair of World Missions, and professor of evangelism and missions, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

This book by Morales is simple, yet profound. By tracing six central themes, he is able to accurately and skillfully present an overview of the message of the Bible. This book is not mere Christian fluff but is written by someone with a firm grasp of the Bible and a shepherd’s heart. A great addition to the Hobbs College Library series.

—Benjamin L. Merkle, professor of New Testament and Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

To write an introduction to the main themes of the Bible in just a hundred pages is a difficult task, but Morales has succeeded admirably. Not only does this book handle Scripture faithfully, but it is also clear, concise, interesting, engaging, and inspiring. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to get a grasp of basic Christian beliefs.

—Charles L. Quarles, research professor of New Testament and biblical theology and Charles Page Chair of Biblical Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Commendations for Hobbs College Library

This series honors a wonderful servant of Christ with a stellar lineup of contributors. What a gift to the body of Christ! My hope and prayer is that it will be widely read and used for the glory of God and the good of his Church.

—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

This series is a must-have, go-to resource for everyone who is serious about Bible study, teaching, and preaching. The authors are committed to the authority of the Bible and the vitality of the local church. I am excited about the kingdom impact of this much-needed resource.

—Hance Dilbeck, executive director, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

I am very excited about the dynamic leadership of Dr. Heath Thomas and his vision of the Hobbs College Library at Oklahoma Baptist University that he is developing. Through his work as dean of the Hobbs College of Theology, this 21-volume set of books will ascend the theological understanding of laypeople, church leaders, pastors, and bi-vocational pastors. Therefore, I want to encourage you to participate in this vision that will equip your church to make a greater difference for Jesus Christ in your community and around the world.

—Ronnie Floyd, president, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee

This series offers an outstanding opportunity for leaders of all kinds to strengthen their knowledge of God, his word, and the manner in which we should engage the culture around us. Do not miss this opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus and as a leader of his church.

—Micah Fries, senior pastor, Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN

The Hobbs College Library is a perfect way to help people who want to grow in the basics of their faith. Whether you are a layperson or longtime pastor, this tool will help give you the theological base needed for ministry today. I highly recommend this tremendous resource to anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Scripture.

—Jack Graham, pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church, North TX, and former president, the Southern Baptist Convention

The best resources are those that develop the church theologically while instructing her practically in the work of the Great Commission. Dr. Thomas has assembled an impressive host of contributors for a new set of resources that will equip leaders at all levels who want to leave a lasting impact for the gospel. Dr. Hobbs exemplified the pastor-leader-theologian, and it’s inspiring to see a series put out in his name that so aptly embodies his ministry and calling.

—J.D. Greear, pastor, The Summit Church, Raleigh-Durham, NC, and president, the Southern Baptist Convention

Big Themes of the Bible

Copyright © 2021 by Jon Morales

Published by B&H Academic

Nashville, Tennessee

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-0877-1298-7

Dewey Decimal Classification: 220.076

Subject Heading: JESUS CHRIST / GOD / PROVIDENCE AND GOVERNMENT OF GOD

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Printed in the United States of America

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Bb

For Anna

You said, I do.

Everything else is a footnote.

Bb

Acknowledgments

This book, like everything else that is good in my life, is the result of kindness—the kindness of God and friends.

Dr. Heath Thomas welcomed me into the PhD program at Southeastern and then invited me to write this volume. Thank you for your vote of confidence. I wholeheartedly affirm your vision for this series.

The team at B&H Academic has been a joy to work with. I’m thankful to Chris Thompson, Sarah Landers, Audrey Greeson, and Jessi Wallace for improving the work, clarifying many sentences, and seeing the project through to completion.

My professors—Jeff Purswell, John Frame, Scott Swain, Charles E. Hill, L. Scott Kellum, Charles L. Quarles, and many ­others—through instruction and example awakened my passion to read and study carefully the Scriptures.

My friend Steve Zarrilli demonstrates the rare humility that makes pastoral ministry about Jesus and not about the many lesser things we often choose.

Mark Goralewski, Jake Jakubek, and Andrea Dell are dear friends who have come to know Christ through the ministry of my local church. Your vibrant faith inspires me.

The staff and church family at