God Is Present - by Frank J Matera (Paperback)

About the Book

Through an exploration of key Old Testament stories, a leading biblical scholar shows how God enters the lives of his people and helps readers learn how to enter more deeply into friendship with God.

Book Synopsis

Does God enter our lives in a personal way? We read stories in the Bible of how he did in the past, but we may wonder how he does so today.

To answer this crucial question, leading biblical scholar Frank J. Matera examines seven Old Testament stories and how God made his presence known, drawing out important theological principles. He then traces each story and theme into the New Testament, showing how God makes his presence known in our lives in similar ways. We can experience God's presence through his promises, his purposes, his name, his silence, his judgment, his restoration, and his call. And when we do, everything changes, taking us into deeper friendship with God.

This well-informed biblical study is appropriate for classroom use, but its warm, accessible style makes it ideal for study in church groups as well.

From the Back Cover

"Offers spiritual reflection and insight for anyone pondering the question of God's presence"

Through an exploration of key Old Testament stories, leading biblical scholar Frank J. Matera shows how God enters the lives of his people and helps readers learn how to enter more deeply into friendship with God.

"Matera masterfully bridges the ancient Scriptures with modern life, showing how the stories of seven Old Testament figures reveal God's desire for a personal relationship with each of us. Engaging and deeply inspiring."
--Jose Enrique Aguilar, St. Joseph's Seminary, New York

"Offers beautifully written meditations on human-divine interaction in selected biblical stories and applications to daily life. A deeply thoughtful and clearly communicated book."
--David A. Bosworth, The Catholic University of America

"This book is a remarkable achievement, and I recommended it for academic, parish, and personal study."
--Bonnie Thurston, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (retired)

"Matera is well known for showing how the Bible still speaks to us. I warmly recommend this text for a broad, ecumenically diverse audience; it is useful for personal reflection or group discussions."
--Ronald D. Witherup, PSS, St. Mary's Seminary & University, Baltimore

"God Is Present is yet another gift from the rich and prolific career of scholar and pastor Frank Matera. An excellent choice for Bible study or faith-sharing groups."
--Amy Ekeh, author of Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus

"Clearly and engagingly written and grounded in pastoral wisdom, this book will enrich how we read the Scriptures and inform how we pray."
--Ian Boxall, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis

"This book will be useful to many: It offers spiritual reflection and insight for anyone pondering the question of God's presence and will be a useful resource for teachers and preachers."
--Marsha M. Wilfong, retired pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, Iowa; University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (retired)

About the Author

Frank J. Matera (PhD, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond) is professor emeritus at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where he taught New Testament for many years. He recently served as pastor at St. Mary's Church in Simsbury, Connecticut. A past president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America, he has written commentaries on Romans, Galatians, and 2 Corinthians as well as volumes on Pauline theology, New Testament theology, Christology, and ethics.