About the Book
If God was trying to teach you something through His intentional use of numbers in the Bible, would you want to know?
Numbers matter in many aspects of our lives. They matter in the Bible too. Whether we realize it or not, Christ teaches us through the numeric rhythms of His Word.
Faith by Numbers is a thematic approach to the Scriptures which helps Christians examine the Bible in a unique way, while reinforcing the core tenants of our beliefs. Several numbers in the Bible, specifically 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, & 40 reoccur many times and with deep significance. These numbers connect quite readily and often point to their catechetical counterparts of doctrine like; the Trinity, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, the Ten Commandments, Holy Communion, and Confession & Absolution.
Lutheran pastor and author, Rev. Eric Eichinger, employs his wit and wisdom in this joy of a study tool. New and seasoned readers of the Bible will be delighted to discover the not often recognized underlying meanings and theological relevance of this Biblical design pattern.
By examining these Biblical numbers, the way God uses them, we find meaning not easily seen, which further illuminates the gifts we have in Jesus.
About the Author :
Eric Eichinger is a pastor and award-winning author. He has degrees from Michigan State University (B.A.) and Concordia Seminary (M.Div.) His adventures teaching the faith have taken him from New York, to China, and his current post as Sr. Pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, Clearwater, FL.
Review :
"Anyone who's ever read Scripture has noticed that certain numbers repeat themselves. And any pastor who has taught a Bible class has had someone ask about the significance of these numbers. Rev. Eichinger's work brings faithful, grace-filled clarity to these numbers. Eichinger tackles the numbers in Scripture from the unique perspective of the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism and uses the repeating numbers of Scripture to teach God's children His grace, mercy, and love. This book is a must have for every catechist's shelf."--Rev. Ross Engel Host of the Ringside Preachers podcast, Author at The Jagged Word, Navy Chaplain, and Senior Pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Middleburg, FL
"If you have ever wondered about the significance of numbers in Scripture, this book sums it up nicely! Pastor Eric Eichinger has produced a handy little primer on biblical numerology from a strong confessional Lutheran perspective that speaks to catechetical students of all ages. Faith by Numbers provides a tremendous opportunity and great clarity to a deeper understanding of God's powerful Word."--Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Walton President, Florida-Georgia District, LCMS
"Numbers matter. They matter on paychecks, scoreboards, medical charts, and speedometers; and, Faith by Numbers makes clear, they should matter to Christians. Without playing annoyingly cute games with numbers or mnemonics, Eichinger shows us why numbers matter for the simple walk of faith and the ongoing task of catechizing the saints. This short book weaves together animated narrative accounts, numeric rhythms of Scripture, and foundational doctrinal truth in an engaging and rewarding way that will benefit every disciple of Christ."--Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and author of A Case for Character and Wholly Citizens.
"Pastor Eichinger has produced a helpful book that will be appreciated by anyone who is interested in resources for Bible study, whether in a pastor's study or a small group setting. Eric has a wonderful way with words, and is able to convey important theological concepts in a faithful and easy to understand fashion. This is a wonderful resource."--Pastor Tim Seeber Zion Lutheran Church, Kalamazoo, MI
"The repetitive use of numbers in the Holy Scriptures is not thoughtless or inconsequential. Eric Eichinger does a masterful job of explaining this and showing how the weaving together of numbers and theological truths is an important feature of how the Scriptures speak to us. Eichinger's capturing of these biblical design patterns and subsequent flushing out their relevance for the modern reader is a much-needed resource for God's people."--Todd A. Stryd, PsyD, MDiv Philadelphia, PA
"These pages, brimming with creativity and fidelity, will enable teachers and students of the Bible to truly "count their blessings." As number after number is mined for its biblical significance, we learn to count our blessings and enumerate the ways that God works in our lives. By the end, all those tens, threes, sevens, and other numbers scattered through the Scriptures, and expressed in the teachings of the Catechism, will shed light on all the gifts we have in Jesus Christ."--Chad Bird Author and Scholar in Residence at 1517.org
"We live in a world of numbers and counting. We count our age, assets, and various anniversaries, all for the purpose of tracking and making sense of the dimensions of our lives. Pastor Eichinger gives us a closer look at the numbers intentionally weaved throughout Scripture. Thoughtfully he brings the message and themes of God's love through Christ Jesus into view through the common and not so common numerical texts in Scripture. Faith by Numbers provides an organized catechetical work by which to better understand the dimensions of our lives within the principles of faith."--Dr. Michael Walcheski Associate Vice President, Professor of Psychology & Family Science, Concordia St. Paul, MN
