Knowing the Bible Series Upgrade (22 vols.)

by Justin S. Holcomb; Christopher A. Beetham; Jay Thomas; Dane C. Ortlund

and

18 more

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2015–2017

Overview

The Knowing the Bible Upgrade collection consists of twenty-two individual 12-week study guides that offer significant ways to learn and study the Bible. Composed from a variety of gifted authors and edited by J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund, these study guides connect the story of God’s grace through Scripture to practical applications, challenging questions, and theological discussions. This enlightening course will guide you through each book and connect important themes and passages to questions that are provoked. This series is for anyone who wants enrich their Bible studies and can be used for personal or group study.

Key Features

• Instructional 12-week courses on books of the Bible
• Practical applications and challenging questions offering exciting theological discussions
• Rich and exciting ways to study the Bible

Endorsements

This Knowing the Bible series is a tremendous resource for those wanting to study and teach the Bible with an understanding of how the gospel is woven throughout Scripture. Here are Gospel-minded pastors and scholars doing Gospel business from all the scriptures—this is a biblical and theological feast preparing God’s people to apply the entire Bible to all of life with heart and mind wholly committed to Christ’s priorities.

—Bryan Chapell, president emeritus, Covenant Theological Seminary

Mark Twain may have smiled when he wrote to a friend, ‘I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long letter.’ But the truth of Twain’s remark remains serious and universal, because well-reasoned, compact writing requires extra time and extra hard work. And this is what we have in the Crossway Bible study series Knowing the Bible—as the skilled authors and notable editors provide the contours of each book of the Bible as well as the grand theological themes that bind them together as one Book. Here, in a 12-week format, are carefully wrought studies that will ignite the mind and the heart.

—R. Kent Hughes, senior pastor emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois

Knowing the Bible brings together a gifted team of Bible teachers to produce a high quality series of study guides. The coordinated focus of these materials is unique: biblical content, provocative questions, systematic theology, practical application, and the gospel story of God’s grace presented all the way through Scripture.

—Philip Graham Ryken, president, Wheaton College

These Knowing the Bible volumes introduce a significant and very welcome variation on the general run of inductive Bible studies. Such series often provide questions with little guidance, leaving students to their own devices. They thus tend to overlook the role of teaching in the church. By contrast, Knowing the Bible avoids the problem by providing substantial instruction with the questions. Knowing the Bible then goes even further by showing how any given passage connects with the gospel, the whole Bible, and Christian theology. I heartily endorse this orientation of individual books to the whole Bible and the gospel, and I applaud the demonstration that sound theology was not something invented later by Christians, but is right there in the pages of Scripture.

—Graeme Goldsworthy, former lecturer in Old Testament, biblical theology, and hermeneutics, Moore Theological College

What a gift to earnest, Bible-loving, Bible-searching believers! The organization and structure of the Bible study format presented through the Knowing the Bible series is so well conceived. Students of the Word are led to understand the content of passages through perceptive, guided questions, and they are given rich insights and application all along the way in the brief but illuminating sections that conclude each study. What potential growth in depth and breadth of understanding these studies offer. One can only pray that vast numbers of believers will discover more of God and the beauty of his Word through these rich studies.

—Bruce A. Ware, professor of Christian theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Crossway Knowing the Bible Series Upgrade
• Theological Editor: J.I. Packer
• Series Editor: Dane C. Ortlund
• Executive Editor: Lane T. Dennis
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Volumes: 22
• Pages: 2,112
• Resource Type: Study Guides
• Topic: Biblical Studies

Exodus: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Matthew R. Newkirk
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Exodus recounts the single most important event in Israel’s history: their escape from slavery in the land of Egypt.

In this easy-to-use guide, readers will follow Israel’s journey through the Red Sea, across the wilderness, and eventually to Mount Sinai—rediscovering the glory of the God who rescues and redeems sinners, even in the midst of their unfaithfulness.

Matthew Newkirk (PhD, Wheaton College) is a professor of Old Testament at Christ Bible Seminary in Nagoya, Japan.

Leviticus: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Michael LeFebvre
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Leviticus can be challenging for contemporary readers, but it has an important message for the modern church. Indeed, the laws outlined in this book are more than just archaic rules. Rather, they reveal the holiness of God and the forgiveness he offers to all who sincerely repent. In this accessible study, pastor Michael LeFebvre helps readers understand how the rituals in the Old Testament law point to Christ’s work of atonement at the cross—highlighting the riches of the gospel for Christians today.

Michael LeFebvre (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is the pastor of Christ Church Reformed Presbyterian in Brownsburg, Indiana, and an adjunct professor of Old Testament at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He serves as a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians.

Deuteronomy: A 12-Week Study`

• Author: Matthew H. Patton
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Deuteronomy contains the final words of Moses to the people of Israel as they await entrance to the Promised Land. Remembering God’s great deliverance from Egypt, Moses calls Israel to forsake their past faithlessness and love the Lord with all that they are.

This accessible study guide walks readers through this important biblical book, helping Christians understand that the only hope for obedience to God’s commands is the grace of God found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Matthew H. Patton (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as pastor of Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Vandalia, Ohio. He is the author of Deuteronomy: A 12-Week Study.

Joshua: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Trent Hunter
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Joshua records a key period in the outworking of God’s plan to redeem his people from slavery in Egypt. At God’s command and under Joshua’s leadership, the nation of Israel invaded Canaan—the land God had promised his people. In this study, pastor Trent Hunter offers readers rich insights into the book’s overarching story of salvation and the ultimate rest offered to all who trust in Christ for salvation— helping them apply its message to their lives today.

Trent Hunter (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as the pastor of preaching and teaching at Heritage Bible Church in Greer, South Carolina. He is a contributor for the Gospel Coalition, 9Marks, and Matthias Media, and an instructor for the Simeon Trust workshops on biblical exposition.

1-2 Kings: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Gavin Ortlund
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The books of 1–2 Kings describe the period of monarchy in ancient Israel, highlighting a clear contrast between the covenant-keeping God and the covenant-breaking people of Israel.

Walking readers through these two books, this 12-week study guide helps us see God’s mercy and grace as he offers blessings instead of curses to his people in response to their disobedience—pointing forward to the faithfulness of the Redeemer yet to come.

Gavin Ortlund serves as an associate pastor at Sierra Madre Congregational Church, is a regular blogger, and is a PhD candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Ezra and Nehemiah: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Kathleen B. Nielson
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of God’s steadfast love toward Israel after their return from exile. The Lord raised up Ezra and Nehemiah to reestablish the nation by rebuilding the temple and city walls and by turning the people back to his Word. In this 12-week study, Kathleen Nielson shows readers God’s mercy and faithfulness demonstrated in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, encouraging Christians toward sincere repentance and persevering hope.

Kathleen B. Nielson (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is an author and speaker who loves working with women in studying the Scriptures. After directing the Gospel Coalition’s women’s initiatives from 2010–2017, she now serves as senior adviser and book editor for TGC.

Job: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Eric Ortlund
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Job deals with the sovereignty of God and the problem of suffering. We, like Job, don’t always understand the reasons behind our pain.

In this 12-week study, Eric Ortlund helps us see the trustworthiness of God in the midst of our trials. Through the agony and pain experienced by Job, we catch a glimpse of God’s purposes for our suffering as we look ahead to the restoration of all things in the new creation.

Eric Ortlund (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is associate professor of Old Testament at Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Ecclesiastes: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Justin S. Holcomb
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Ecclesiastes powerfully conveys the meaninglessness of life without God. The world promises fulfillment, but in the end, it cannot truly satisfy the longings of the human heart.

In this accessible study, Justin S. Holcomb helps Christians understand the necessity of fearing God in a fallen and frustrating world, pointing us to God’s ultimate mission to restore creation from the curse through the power of the gospel.

Justin S. Holcomb (PhD, Emory University) is an Episcopal priest and teaches theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He serves on the boards of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments) and REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade).

Jeremiah: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Matthew S. Harmon
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Appointed to be a prophet before he was born, Jeremiah faithfully preached God’s Word in the face of confusion, opposition, and persecution. When instructed, he brought the message of God’s righteous judgment against sin to the nation of Israel, but not without reminding them of God’s covenant faithfulness. In this 12-week study, Matthew Harmon highlights key biblical themes, clarifies crucial doctrines, and draws personal applications from the book of Jeremiah—reminding us of the truth that God’s proclamation of judgment is always intended to spur his people to seek salvation in and through him.

Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He was previously on staff with Cru for eight years and is the author of several books.

Daniel: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Todd Wilson
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Daniel has all the makings of a great story: memorable characters, cliff-hanging moments, and incredible visions. Yet we miss the point if we pay more attention to Daniel’s story than to Daniel’s God.

In this helpful study, readers will see how this fascinating biblical book ultimately points to the sovereign Lord of history, who rules over all earthly kingdoms and whose plans cannot be thwarted.

Todd Wilson (PhD, Cambridge University) serves as the senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois. Todd has spent over a decade in pastoral ministry, previously serving on staff at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the cofounder and chairman of the Center for Pastor Theologians, a ministry dedicated to resourcing pastor theologians.

Hosea: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Lydia Brownback
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The story of Hosea and Gomer parallels the relationship between God and ancient Israel, helping readers understand the extent of God’s redeeming love for his people. This accessible study walks readers through the biographical and symbolic elements of the book of Hosea, revealing God’s desire to lovingly restore his people to a right relationship with him through Jesus Christ.

Lydia Brownback (MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as a senior editor at Crossway in Wheaton, Illinois, and an author and speaker at women’s conferences around the world. Lydia previously served as writer in residence for Alistair Begg and as producer of the Bible Study Hour radio program with James Montgomery Boice.

Luke: A 12-Week Study

• Author: C.D. Agan III
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Luke is the most thorough historical account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But Luke’s Gospel is more than just history; it’s also a rich source of life-giving theology, revealing Jesus’ identity as Israel’s long-awaited Messiah and the Redeemer of the world.

In this study, New Testament scholar Jimmy Agan III walks readers through Luke’s Gospel, helping Christians see that Jesus is not simply a great teacher but the great Savior.

C.D. "Jimmy" Agan III (PhD, Aberdeen University) is professor of New Testament and director of homiletics at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of The Imitation of Christ in the Gospel of Luke: Growing in Christlike Love for God and Neighbor.

1 Corinthians: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Jay S. Thomas
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of 1 Corinthians contains Paul’s exhortations to the church in Corinth, which was struggling with a lack of unity brought about by arrogance and divisiveness.

In this accessible study, pastor and author Jay Thomas helps readers understand the only remedy for such disunity: the pride-defeating truth of the gospel. At the heart of 1 Corinthians is the reality that the good news of Jesus Christ miraculously saves, changes, and unites God’s people.

Jay Thomas (MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as the lead pastor of Chapel Hill Bible Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was previously the college pastor at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois.

2 Corinthians: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Dane C. Ortlund
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In his second letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul defends the authenticity of his authority and teaching, helping his readers see that the gospel is full of seemingly paradoxical truths—strength from weakness, life through death, and comfort in affliction. Highlighting how the gospel confronts our own culture’s expectations and drawing implications for all of life, Dane C. Ortlund helps us discover the truth that the gospel humbles the powerful while strengthening the weak.

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is the executive vice president of Bible publishing and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Edwards on the Christian Life.

Galatians: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Geoff Ziegler
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Galatians is one of the apostle Paul’s most impassioned and eloquent letters. It warns Christians of the dangers of both legalism and lawlessness, calling believers to live gospel-shaped lives.

In this study, pastor Geoff Ziegler walks readers through the promises, warnings, and gospel declarations found in Galatians. Both accessible and theologically robust, this guide will help Christians find freedom in their identity as God’s adopted children.

Geoff Ziegler (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as the senior pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Hinsdale, Illinois.

Ephesians: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Eric C. Redmond
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The letter to the Ephesians is a source of great encouragement, clearly proclaiming the mystery of the gospel and the supremacy of Jesus while applying that theology to practical living. Made alive in Christ, believers have received a bountiful inheritance and lavish blessings from God, fueling us for holy living. In this study, Eric Redmond opens our eyes to Paul’s teaching about God’s astonishing grace—grace that enables us to walk in love, holiness, and wisdom as we become imitators of Christ.

Eric C. Redmond (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, and associate pastor of adult ministries at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois. He previously served on the council of the Gospel Coalition and as the senior pastor of Reformation Alive Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Colossians and Philemon: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Christopher A. Beetham
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The books of Colossians and Philemon complement each other as two New Testament texts that gloriously display the gospel and its implications for how God’s people should live today.

This short guide will help readers see how both letters resonate with the apostle Paul’s overriding passion: magnifying Jesus Christ as the supreme manifestation of God’s redemptive purposes.

Christopher A. Beetham (PhD, Wheaton College) is assistant professor of biblical studies at the Evangelical Theological College and assistant professor of New Testament at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, both in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is the author of Echoes of Scripture in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians.

1-2 Thessalonians: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Matt Smethurst
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

1–2 Thessalonians remind God’s people of the salvation he has secured for those he has called. When King Jesus returns, he will deliver his people and bring justice to the earth.

Connecting Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians to the lives of Christians today, this 12-week study encourages readers with assurance and hope—pointing them to God’s faithfulness as they pursue lives of holiness and love in anticipation of Jesus’ second coming.

Matt Smethurst is the managing editor of the Gospel Coalition and an elder at Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

1-2 Timothy and Titus: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Brian Tabb
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The books of 1–2 Timothy and Titus are among Paul’s most personal and practical letters. The apostle writes to instruct these younger men in the importance of sound doctrine and urge them to rebuke false teaching.

This accessible study shows how the books of 1–2 Timothy and Titus exhort all Christians to protect and pass on the true gospel of Jesus Christ—the only power capable of saving and transforming sinners.

Brian J. Tabb (PhD, London Theological Seminary) is academic dean at Bethlehem College & Seminary and an elder of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He also serves as managing editor for Themelios, published by the Gospel Coalition, and is the author of Suffering in Ancient Worldview.

Hebrews: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Matthew Z. Capps
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Hebrews stands apart from other biblical books in its unique portrait of Jesus Christ as the supreme revelation of God—a portrait bolstered by the author’s skillful use of imagery, metaphor, and Old Testament analogy.

This accessible guide walks readers through the book of Hebrews, one of the most beautifully written and theologically rich books in the New Testament.

Matthew Z. Capps (MDiv, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Min. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as the senior pastor at Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina. Matt has written various articles for websites and blogs, such as the Gospel Coalition, the Gospel Project, and For the Church.

1-2 Peter and Jude: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Jonathan K. Dodson
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

1–2 Peter and Jude are letters written to churches experiencing various kinds of trials—false teachers, distorted views of the gospel, and harsh persecution. If 1 Peter exults, “Jesus will return!” and 2 Peter rebuffs the claim, “Jesus won’t return,” then Jude exhorts, “Jesus is just about here!”

Together, these letters form a kind of manifesto of hope for living faithfully no matter how dark the times. This study highlights the importance of holding fast to the true gospel, living distinct, holy lives, and looking ahead to the return of Christ.

Jonathan K. Dodson (MDiv and ThM, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is the lead pastor of City Life Church in Austin, Texas, where he lives with his wife and three children. Dodson is the founder of GospelCenteredDiscipleship.com and author of a number of books.

Revelation: A 12-Week Study

• Author: Stephen Witmer
• Editors: J.I. Packer and Dane C. Ortlund
• Series: Knowing the Bible
• Publisher: Crossway
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 96

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The book of Revelation has been a source of both great encouragement and great confusion to Christians throughout the centuries.

In this accessible study, Stephen Witmer helps readers understand and appreciate Revelation’s core message: Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan, sin, and death on our behalf—a truth that gives us great hope for the future.

Stephen Witmer (PhD, University of Cambridge) serves as the lead pastor of Pepperell Christian Fellowship in Pepperell, Massachusetts, and adjunct professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

About the Editors

J.I. Packer (DPhil, Oxford University) serves as the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College. He is the author of numerous books, including the classic best-seller Knowing God. Packer served as general editor for the English Standard Version Bible and as theological editor for the ESV Study Bible.

Dane C. Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) is the executive vice president of Bible publishing and Bible publisher at Crossway. He serves as an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Edwards on the Christian Life.

Lane T. Dennis is president and publisher of Crossway Books and Good News Tracts. Dr. Dennis earned his BS in business from Northern Illinois University, an MDiv from McCormick Theological Seminary, and a PhD in religion from Northwestern University. Before joining Good News Publishers in 1974, he served as a pastor in campus ministry at the University of Michigan (Sault Ste. Marie) and as the Managing Director of Verlag Grosse Freude in Switzerland. He is the author and/or editor of three books, including the Gold Medallion-award-winning book Letters of Francis A. Schaeffer, and he is the former Chairman of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Dennis serves as the Chairman of the ESV (English Standard Version) Bible Translation Oversight Committee and as the Executive Editor of the ESV Study Bible.