Beyond Chapter and Verse: The Theology and Practice of Biblical Application

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 Gods 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. Many Christians have a problem with the Christian life. For some Christianity is just a set of beliefs and for others a rigid set of standards. There is in the gospel a dynamic to energize and guide life along the proper paths. God has given his Word to point his people to the way of piety. Casillas has charted a course showing how the truths of the Bible must translate to life. He effectively shows that Christianity is not just a religion; it is a way of life. --Michael P. V. Barrett Vice-President for Academic Affairs Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary How can an ancient book like the Bible guide us through the complexities of contemporary life? This is the question that Ken Casillas answers and he does a fine job. This is an unusual book and one that is unusually insightful. Casillas challenged my thinking and he fed my soul. --Kevin Bauder Research Professor of Systematic Theology Central Baptist Theological Seminary Minneapolis Casillas wrote this book with the heart of a pastor and with the biblically based conviction that Christ saves believers not only from Gods wrath but in order that we may increasingly image Gods holiness. Beyond Chapter and Verse supplies Christians with a theological framework and method for applying Scripture to our everyday lives. He suggests that our interpretive quest is to distinguish the time-bound elements from the timeless truths and he supplies a host of Old and New Testament examples that model an approach to Scripture that takes seriously the power of the gospel to save--past present and future. He helpfully distinguishes his approach from legalism defines Christian liberty and saturates his discussion with rich and careful biblical exposition. This thoroughly researched book is worshipful and will help those of us in Christ become more who we already are and who Christ saved us to be. --Jason S. DeRouchie Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology Bethlehem College and Seminary Many of our problems in the Christian life are problems of how to apply Scripture to ourselves. Ken Casillas helps us with a comprehensive study of the nature of application including many specific examples. He shows how biblical writers themselves apply Gods Word and how we in turn ought to do it. The book is based on a strong view of Scriptures authority and sufficiency and it shows a deep insight into the real problems we face in our walk with God. Casillas is especially concerned with sanctification--the doctrine of how the Spirit and the Word conform our lives to Christ. I hope that the book will gain a wide readership and thus be a great blessing to the church. --John Frame Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy Emeritus Reformed Theological Seminary If you havent encountered difficulties in applying the B