Description: The key to understanding the Gospel of John is an awareness of its purpose: to offer "proof" that Jesus is the Messiah. The Signs of the Christ text--and separate Teacher's Guide and Study Guide--help the reader, small group, university, or seminary class understand the theological significance of each of Christ's signs recorded in John's gospe
Brief description: Dr. J. Rodney Taylor is a native of Pensacola, Florida. His professional career began as an editor and included many roles: adjunct professor, minister of music, pastor, sr. pastor, sports writer, sr. newspaper writer-and for thirty-six years-president of a company he founded. Rodney holds a bachelor's degree from Samford University, two master's from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from Florida State University. He is an avid researcher and author. Along with his books, he has published over thirty articles in scholarly, professional, and technical publications. His leisure time is dedicated to golf, Tennessee Titan and Florida State football, flying, and the company of his grandchildren.
Review Quotes:
"Anytime one travels to an unfamiliar place, it is wise to secure the talents of a guide--someone who knows the terrain and is familiar with the best roads for safe passage. In The Signs of the Christ: A New Perspective on John's Gospel, Dr. Taylor has given us just that. Here we have the insights of an experienced guide whose familiarity with the Gospel writer's territory enables the traveler to navigate to a trove of truth treasure. Any serious Bible student would benefit from this great book!"
--Mike Harland, Director, LifeWay Worship Resources
"The Signs of the Christ is a journey worth taking, for each 'sign' illustrates the divine authority entrusted to Christ, and each symbol is a further manifestation that He is the person of Christ! Therefore, without reservation, let me recommend for your reading pleasure, The Signs of the Christ, by J. Rodney Taylor."
--Dr. John R. Bisagno, Preacher and Theologian
"Dr. Taylor's thoughtful, scholarly reflections on the Gospel of John provide a fascinating interpretation of the fourth Gospel. Dr. Taylor brings his lifelong study of scripture, active involvement in church, and deep devotion to Christ to this study. He shows us the dramatic way the Fourth Gospel highlights Jesus' divinity and preserves Jesus' humanity. He takes us scene by scene, using careful exposition of scripture while also summarizing John's plot. Any student of scripture or Bible study class will grow in their knowledge and faith because of Dr. Taylor's work."
--William D. Shiell, Ph.D., President & Professor, Pastoral Theology and Preaching, Northern Seminary
The Signs of the Christ is a useful tool for new believers to understand that Jesus is fully divine just as he is fully human. It is also a commentary available to pastors, teachers, and theologians who will appreciate the author's careful exegesis of key passages. Taylor demonstrates that each of the signs is 'wrapped in the marvel of a miracle, ' revealing the authority of the Messiah and pointing to symbolism beyond itself.
The manifestations of John's Gospel are not proof that Jesus is the Messiah, rather they offer qualities that point to him as a Messianic figure. John writes as an eyewitness of the one who gave his life and was raised from the dead to give life to those who believe. Taylor's book will help us to communicate to believers and nonbelievers alike that Jesus is the Messiah."
--K. Randel Everett, President, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative