Recently Published
Dr. Ken Casillas is author of a recently released book, Beyond Chapter and Verse: The Theology and Practice of Biblical Application. The book 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.
“Casillas wrote this book with the heart of a pastor and
with the biblically based conviction that Christ saves believers not only from
God’s wrath but in order that we may increasingly image God’s holiness. Beyond Chapter and Verse supplies
Christians with a theological framework and method of applying Scripture to our
everyday lives. He suggest that our interpretive quest is to distinguish the
timebound 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 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 usual 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)
“If you haven’t encountered difficulties in applying the Bible,
then you haven’t spent much time applying it. Walking in a manner worthy of the
gospel can seem unrealistic or, at the very least, incredibly difficult. But
there is hope. This book is an encouraging aid in connecting the Bible with
your life. These pages provide a helpful tool to joyfully and confidently build
your life on God’s Word for his glory.”
— (Sam Horn, Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Ministerial
Advancement, Dean of the School of Religion and the Seminary, Bob Jones
University)
“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 God’s Word, and how
we, in turn, ought to do it. The book is based on a strong view of Scripture’s
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)
Ken Casillas is also the author of the Law and the Christian: God’s Light within God’s Limits.