I am happy to announce publication of my latest book.
The title is Day by Day: A Journey Into the Bible.
The publisher is Resource Publications, the practical theology imprint of Wipf & Stock, which also published my two previous books, Change of Heart: A Wesleyan Spirituality, and Keeping Christmas.
It is now available from wipfandstock.com and from Amazon, both for $25.
Kindle and hardcover editions are forthcoming, at what price I cannot say, except that the Kindle edition is generally half the price of the paperback and hardcover about twice the price of the paperback. (Not even I own the hardbacks!)
Here is the back cover description of the book and the featured endorsements:
In Day by Day, James A. Hopwood presents a straightforward, no-nonsense Journey Into the Bible that’s suitable for personal or small group study. In guiding readers through the big story the Bible tells, the book moves easily from the overall “narrative arc” to such details as how those 10 tribes of Israel got “lost.” Not bound by the constraints of pop religion, the study offers a fresh look at familiar passages and frank evaluations of interpretive issues. It comes in a format that’s conducive to one-year study but is easily adapted for other uses. It includes many insightful questions for personal reflection and group discussion. Its purpose, following Richard of Chichester and a memorable pop song, is to help you to see Christ more clearly, love Christ more dearly, and follow Christ more nearly, day by day.
“The Bible can be difficult to understand unless one sees it as presenting the story of God centered on Jesus Christ. In this book Jim Hopwood’s careful arrangement of passages enables the reader to follow that story in all its richness and drama. But be ready: he also gets you to think about what you read, often in new and surprising ways. If you want a very understandable, at times challenging, and always fruitful engagement with scripture and the God of which it speaks, this is the book for you.”
– Henry H. Knight III, Professor Emeritus of Wesleyan Studies and Evangelism, Saint Paul School of Theology, Leawood, Kansas
“Day by Day offers an accessible and compelling approach to the Bible’s blueprint of divine love. Written with humor, humility and first-class hermeneutics, Jim has captured the essence of the meta-narrative of scripture, focusing not on the details but on the storyline that consistently points toward God’s inclusive and radical love for humanity. The format of daily readings is adaptable to an individual’s desires or a small group’s time frame. If you’re looking for an overview of the Bible, you won’t find better than Day by Day.”
– Angie McCarty, Location Pastor, Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas
“With the investigative powers of a newspaper man and the spiritual sensitivity of a pastor, this wonderful text for biblical study provides exactly what people need. The introduction alone is worth the price of the book. From there we receive an outline of each book of the Bible, with brief, illuminating comments and just enough questions to take one deeper into the text. I recommend it with enthusiasm.”
– Tex Sample, Robert B. and Kathleen Rogers Professor Emeritus of Church and Society, Saint Paul School of Theology, Leawood, Kansas
“I love Jim Hopwood! His approach to scripture study combines the curiosity, research and storytelling of a great journalist with the devotion, passion and theological acumen of thoughtful pastor. Day by Day is a great resource for individuals and groups hoping to hear the Word of the Lord in the words of scripture.” – Adam Hamilton, author of Making Sense of the Bible and senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas
I am honored to have received such warm endorsements from several people who are not only friends but also mentors and fine examples of how to follow Jesus day by day.