I am currently writing  The Bible: God’s Word for Us.

Commending & Defending Christian Faith: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics (College Press, 2010).

This how-to-think about apologetics is designed to prepare the reader to:

•  Be prepared to deal with doubt and unbelief.
•  Be acquainted with the role of thinking, knowing, truth, and faith in    apologetics.
•  Know why we should defend the faith and how the faith can  be      defended.
• Learn from defenders of the faith in the New Testament and church history.
• Gain practical suggestions and guidelines for giving a defense of your faith.

 

” Where is God?” may be an unbeliever’s taunt of believers or a justification for one unbelief or an anguished cry for understanding. The problem of evil and suffering presents a challenge to belief in good and sovereign God.

This book intends to help persons think biblically about the issues related to suffering. The book is organized into four parts:

1. A Biblical Approach to Suffering
2. Facing Suffering with Faith, Joy, and Hope
3. The Problem of Evil and Suffering
4. Helping the Hurting

Comments:

“Scholarly, sensitive and practical. Born of years of biblical research, tempered by personal crises and tested in the crucible of life. The best I’ve read on this topic. A welcome addition to every Christian library.” Wayne Bigelow, medical doctor and minister, Rocklin, CA

“A transparent and inspirational perspective from one who has maintained a strong faith through horrible experiences . . . acknowledges that much suffering occurs because we live in a fallen, painful world.” Bob Russell, minister, Louisville, KY

“A long-time Bible professor, Gardener shares out of his own experience, then does a good joy of surveying biblical insights about suffering. This will be a useful tool as we preach and teach on this subject.” PreachingNOW, Feb. 5, 2008.

“A valuable overview of the biblical teaching on suffering. Many lessons are illustrated from the writer’s own life as he face the death of a son, pulmonary fibrosis in both of his lungs and his wife’s cancer.” Sam E. Stone, editor and minister, Cincinnati, OH

“Brother Wilson” The Life and Work of Seth Wilson (College Press, 2007).

Seth Wilson, founding dean, shaped Ozark Bible College, not Ozark Christian College, more than any other person in the more than fifty years he served with the college. The reader will learn his ideas and principles on teaching and leadership.

Catch glimpses of his childhood, his conversion, and his student days, the early days of the college in Arkansas, and its move to Joplin. Observe his leadership in the college’s history.

See him as a teacher and learn his ideas about the mission, curriculum, faculty, and spirit of the Bible college. Read his quotable sayings and tributes from co-workers and students.

Comments:

“Seth Wilson’s philosophy shaped Ozark Christian College. His writings impacted multiplied thousands. Lynn Gardner knew Seth Wilson like few others. In this carefully-researched biography you will get to know the real Seth Wilson through this warm personal look at his influential life.” Sam E. Stone, former editor of Christian Standard (1978-2003)

“For over half a century, Seth Wilson was the heart and soul of Ozark Christian College. His impassioned teaching and convictions left an indelible mark on thousands of Christians.” Matt Proctor, President, Ozark Christian College

“I am honored to be his ‘twice-born brother,’ and commend this biography of his life to you for your edification and inspiration.” John Wilson, retired minister and Seth Wilson’s older brother.

“The principles and convictions of Ozark Christian college . . . fascinating and motivating to read. . . . a very informative biography.” Mark Scott, Academic Dean, Ozark Christian College (1998-2001)

Choosing a Commentary: A Review of New Testament Resources (College Press, 2006)

Commentaries are listed on each book of the New Testament with a brief annotation. Under each New Testament book commentaries are listed under the headings: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

There is no “best” commentary on a given book because no one book can serve the specific needs of every individual. Hopefully, this list will help the reader identify a commentary or commentaries that best fits his or her needs.

Comments:

“A helpful tool in guiding and helping Bible students discern which commentaries would be the most beneficial for their particular task and context. I highly recommend that one include it in their personal library.” Doug Aldridge, Academic Dean, Ozark Christian College

“Fair, well researched, and indispensable for New Testament preachers. It should help leaders stretch their book budgets by limiting their wish lists to the best resources.” John Hunter, Librarian, Ozark Christian College

“Awesome. . . . forty years of experience and knowledge in one small book. . . . an invaluable resource . . . a must for every Bible teacher.” Robert A. Higgins, Sunday School Teacher, Joplin, MO

Christianity Stands True: A Common Sense Look at the Evidence (College Press, 1994).

A non-technical presentation of evidence supporting the truth of the Christian faith. The book is organized into five parts:

1. The New Testament Stands True as History
2. Jesus Stands True as the Son of God
3. The Bible Stands True as the Word of God
4. God Stands True in the Universe
5. Christianity Stands True in Life

The book has appeared in four printings and has been translated into six other languages.

Comments:

“Christianity Stands True by Gardner is an excellent introduction to Christian apologetics. The book is quick moving…it holds the reader’s attention. Dr. Gardner’s writing style…weaves humor in with some heavy content. He also has researched his topic well as is evidenced by the notes.” James Stambaugh, Librarian, Institute for Creation Research

“In presenting this material Lynn Gardner does a remarkable job of explaining even complex problems with clarity, humor and apt illustrations that add up to a fascinating and convincing case for the truth in Christianity. Pastors, Sunday school teachers and lay persons who are concerned to meet the intellectual challenge of unbelievers will find this book invaluable. We need to be ready to give a reason for the hope within us to all those who deep down inside themselves know they need and, in fact, deeply long for the very message we Christians want to give them.” From the Foreword,  Kenneth Kantzer, Trinity Christian University.

Ozark Christian College: A Vision of teaching the Word of Christ in the Spirit of Christ (Ozark Christian College, 1992).

Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO, has continued its mission of training men and women for Christian service since its beginning as Ozark Bible College in 1942 in Bentonville, Arkansas. This book traces the history of the college in its first fifty years.

The work is organized into six parts:

1. An Earlier Ozark Christian College, 1938-1942
2. The Vision Established, 1942-1952
3. The Vision Developed, 1952-1963
4. The Vision Expanded, 1963-1979
5. The Vision Reaffirmed, 1979-1990
6. The Vision Past, Present and Future

Comments:

“. . . an excellent, well-documented history. . . . sensitive to both the travail and the joy of the founding and development of the College. The reader will share the exuberance of the author as he races the education and nurturing of so many laborers and messengers of the Word.”   Edwin B. Strong, President, 1946-1951

” . . . a thrilling account of men and women who dreamed of a Christian college and through prayers, trials, sacrifices, hardship, discouragement and opposition eventually saw victory beyond their highest hopes.”     Don  Earl Boatman, President, 1952-1979

” . . . interesting, challenging and even entertaining. I read it in a week-end. My mind was stimulated, my convictions were deepened and my heart was warmed. God’s hand has been on Ozark Christian College through the years, as revealed in this well-documented and well-written work.” Ken Idleman, President, 1979-2006

“in this major work, search for information has been incredibly diligent and thorough. Dr. Gardner has respected all the witnesses and sources of information, and has been entirely fair to let them make the record as clear as possible. Consider well the principles, ideals and goals which the story emphasizes and illustrates.” Seth Wilson, Academic Dean, 1942-1979, Academic Dean Emeritus, 1979-2006.

Books Out of Print:

Twenty-Six Lessons on Luke, Part I (Luke 1-12) (College Press, 1990).

Learning from God’s Word, co-written with Seth Wilson (College Press, 1989).

Books Edited by Lynn Gardner:

The Mind of Christ: A Tribute to Seth Wilson: Spiritual Leadership for New Testament Christianity (College Press, 1987).

Essays offered in appreciation to Seth Wilson including seven essays from the pen of Seth Wilson.

Learning from Jesus by Seth Wilson (College Press, 1977).

Ninety-three essays relating to the Gospels taken from Seth Wilson’s voluminous writings.

Book in Honor of Lynn Gardner:

A Humble Defense: Evidence for the Christian Faith: A Special Tribute Honoring Dr. Lynn Gardner, edited by Mark Scott and Mark Moore (College Press, 2004).

Essays on topics relating to the defense of the Christian faith by former student, colleagues, and others associated with Lynn Gardner.