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BibleSavvy by Pastor James Nicodem
Made up of four individual volumes (Epic, Foundation, Context, and Walk), Bible Savvy is a foundational resource for those wanting to better understand the Bible. From the whole storyline of the Bible to personal application and how to live it, this set of four accessible books is an ideal resource for small groups, Sunday school classes, youth groups, and individuals seeking to increase their breadth of knowledge about God's word.
Epic: The Storyline of the Bible unveils the single theme that ties all the various parts of scripture together: redemption.
Foundation: The Trustworthiness of the Bible explains that the Bible is God's book, not merely man made, and why it can be wholly trusted.
Context: How to Understand the Bible shows readers how to read the different parts of the Bible as they were meant to be read and how they fit together.
Walk: How to Apply the Bible helps readers put their greater understanding of the text into practice and how to draw real-life applications from it.
View the set as a whole or try a copy of EPIC, FOUNDATION, CONTEXT, or WALK before you commit to the entire collection.
Series: Bible Savvy Series
Paperback: 576 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition (March 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802494048
ISBN-13: 978-0802494047
"Jim Nicodem has taken on a monumental task -- putting the Bible in a thimble-sized summary that gives the reader tremendous insight into...the greatest story ever told."
-Franklin Graham
"Jim wants churches to be filled with men and women who will become better Bible readers." -D.A. Carson, PhD Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Author of New Testament Commentary Survey.
“Jim Nicodem’s Bible Savvy series is the kind of resource needed to reengage our hearts and minds with God’s Word, and renew our hunger for God’s truth on par with our persecuted brothers and sisters.”
-James E. Dau
President, The Voice of the Martyrs
"Like a master storyteller, Jim Nicodem takes us beyond the details and exposes the grand plot of Scripture."
-Joseph Stowell
About the Author:
JIM NICODEM has been the senior pastor of Christ Community Church since its start in 1984. Beginning with a group of six families, the church has grown to over five thousand people at four campuses. A significant focus on reaching spiritual seekers has resulted in scores of new believers being baptized each year. Born and raised in the Midwest, Jim did his schooling in Biblical studies (BA/Wheaton College; MDiv, DMin/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School). In keeping with Christ Community Church's mission to make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, Jim loves to mentor others in prayer and the study of God's Word. With that goal in mind, he has authored Prayer Coach: For All Who Want to Get Off the Bench and Onto the Praying Field (2008) and the four-book Bible Savvy series (2013). Jim and his wife, Sue, have been married for more than thirty years and have three grown children. Jim enjoys biking, hiking and kayaking for recreation. He loves to hang out in Chicago, where he can watch the Cubs play (no better park than Wrigley) or listen to the world-class Symphony Orchestra. The local Starbucks also sees a lot of Jim, accompanied by books (mostly biographies) or friends.
Summary
Not unlike the official description and endorsements have alluded to, I’ll make mention of the layout of this short series.
I. EPIC: The Storyline of the Bible
II. FOUNDATION: The Reliability of the Bible
III. CONTEXT: How to Understand the Bible
IV. WALK: How to Apply the Bible
I. EPIC: The Storyline of the Bible
*Trying to make sense of it all is a tall task. There are so many different people and places and events comprising so many different stories, it makes one’s head spin. In this helpful book, pastor James Nicodem helps you make sense of the Bible with one simple revelation: It is not dozens of separate stories but rather one single story. Nicodem guides the reader across the high points of the story so it becomes easy to see how it all fits together. All those stories and poems and lessons make up the greatest epic tale in history, a story with a single theme: redemption.
II. FOUNDATION: The Reliability of the Bible
*Do we even know where it came from or how it got to us? What makes this book so special? People wonder about questions like these, and there are answers to be found.
Nicodem provides the concise and concrete answers we need to these questions about the trustworthiness of the Bible. He explains foundational doctrines, such as inspiration and revelation, and offers a clear account of the history of our modern Bible.
III. CONTEXT: How to Understand the Bible
*History, instructions, poetry, prophecy, apocalypse, sermons, and all of it written thousands of years ago. In this uncomplicated, clarifying book, pastor James Nicodem explains four different aspects of the Bible that readers need to understand in order to grasp it as a whole: history, literature, theology, and how we should see this ancient book through modern eyes. In short, he gives the context needed to read the Bible well.
IV. WALK: How to Apply the Bible
*“The Bible says…” is a common enough refrain for Christians deciding how to live or what to do. But even if we know what the Bible says, that doesn’t make it easy to follow – especially in an age that often disparages the Bible.
With pointed teaching and motivation from the Bible itself, pastor Nicodem encourages us in this difficult but vitally important challenge. Using the COMA (Context, Observation, Message, Application) structure, he offers helpful and understandable teaching on how a Christian can learn to walk out what the Bible teaches.
*Section summaries found in the back of each section of BibleSavvy.
If you cannot tell from the description and summaries up to this point, this resource is a powerhouse miniature library. As was mentioned above, it does not matter the age of the person traveling through the material because everybody will be encouraged by what lies within the pages of this text. What has not been mentioned up to this point is that there is much more to the book than front to back pages full of wordy information. If you visit www.BibleSavvy.com, the small library grows to include videos from the author, study guides as well as additional easy-to-use resources. The short series from Nicodem gets at the heart of what our generation needs, well-guided discussions on the text of the Bible, where it came from, how to interpret it, and how to apply it. I strongly endorse this series for anybody to travel through on their own, but most especially to travel through with a small group of people that desire to grasp the over-arching story of Scripture and how we are to interpret and live it out ourselves.
View the set as a whole or try a copy of EPIC, FOUNDATION, CONTEXT, or WALK before you commit to the entire collection.
**This series was provided free from Moody Publishers with my promise to post an unbiased review.
God's Favorite Place on Earth by Frank Viola
God's Favorite Place on Earth is Frank Viola's "life's work." It just released.
Click here to read the free Sampler
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Here are the reviews . . .
“In Frank Viola's hands, the story of Lazarus—like Lazarus himself—once again comes to life. In a world where hope is battered and life can so easily beat down the human spirit, we are reminded once more of the possibility of becoming a host of Life. The gift given to Lazarus can be yours as well.”
John Ortberg, senior pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and author of Who Is This Man?
"God’s Favorite Place on Earth realigned my heart toward Jesus and His mysterious, confounding, surprising, beautiful ways. It’s not often I learn something new when reading a book, but Frank Viola’s sharp storytelling and insightful interpretation made me hunger for more of the real Jesus. Pick up this book if you need a reversal in your Christian life; it will not disappoint."
Mary DeMuth, author of Everything: What You Give and What You Gain To Become Like Jesus
“Frank Viola’s pen and voice are consistently both penetrating and trustworthy. Beyond his invitingly beautiful writing skill—which makes reading a joy and a sight-seeing tour that brings God’s Word into 3-D when he relates narrative passages, I’m grateful for the depth of his themes. Frank probes the ‘deep calls unto deep’ content of the Holy Spirit’s call within the Scriptures, and awakens that hunger that must be regularly fed to secure renewal in each of us. God’s Favorite Place on Earth is the kind of book I’ve discovered I need to periodically find and read; thereby keeping ‘the fallow ground’ of my own soul plowed, re-sown and watered, in order to continue fruitfulness and to deepen the root system of my spiritual walk and growth in Christ.”
Pastor Jack Hayford, Chancellor of The King’s University, Los Angeles
“Frank Viola's God's Favorite Place on Earth is a fast-moving, groundbreaking look at the Christian's struggle against legalism, discouragement, doubt, rejection, and spiritual complacency. Told through the voice of Lazarus, the narrative is intellectually gripping and emotionally touching. This is a masterfully engaging book that distills the vision of the Christian life into one focused quest: To be God's favorite place on earth today. I recommend this little volume to all Christians and Christian leaders. It brings several familiar Gospel stories to life in a fresh and compelling way.”
Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker
"Out of the rubble of the crumbling religion of Christendom is arising a new tribe of kingdom revolutionaries who are captivated by a vision of a God and a kingdom that is anchored in the humble, enemy-loving, self-sacrificial love manifested on the cross. And one of the boldest, most insightful and certainly most creative leaders of this rising movement is Frank Viola. Combining masterful storytelling, historical knowledge, biblical insight and practical wisdom, Frank artfully uses the Gospels' depiction of Lazarus and the small town of Bethany to lay out a beautiful and compelling vision of a God who longs to make every human heart and every church ‘His favorite place.’ In the process, Frank prophetically exposes the subtle but all-important difference between hearts that embrace Jesus and hearts that merely appear to do so. It is the difference between the unimpressive town of Bethany, where Jesus was welcomed and worshiped, and the much more impressive Jerusalem, which crucified Him. This is a beautifully written, timely, prophetic work all would benefit from reading!"
Greg Boyd, pastor and author of Benefit of the Doubt, Present Perfect, and The Myth of a Christian Nation
"A lot of people write books, Frank writes stories and in this one we once again see why he's such a master. Honored to call him a friend, excited to call him an author I love to read."
Jon Acuff, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Start, Quitter, and Stuff Christians Like
"As masterly as a Cezanne canvas or a Stravinsky score, Frank Viola surpasses himself in his best book yet—a work of serene, soaring magnificence. Part novel, part biography, part theology, part Bible study, Frank’s imaginative touch and command of prose haiku leaves the reader resolved more than ever to be a Bethany—God’s favorite place on earth."
Leonard Sweet, Drew University, George Fox University, Chief Contributor to sermons.com
“My Sunday School teachers did the best they could, but growing up the biblical people and accounts were no more than flannel graph images in my mind. They existed at about the same level as the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny. As I've become a student of God's Word, I've fallen in love with the real people who find themselves in the pages of the Bible. I learn so much from their dreams, their failures, and especially their surrender. Reading God's Favorite Place on Earth by Frank Viola, my soul began to burn from Chapter One. To delve into Lazarus' heart and thoughts ... I received a beautiful glimpse into the life of Christ on earth. Lazarus' stories make a perfect foundation for God's truth, God's intimacy. I can't wait to share this book!”
Tricia Goyer, USA Today best-selling author of 35 books, including The Promise Box
"Perhaps it's because I work in a creative business, the idea of ‘place’ has always been important to me. Where I find inspiration, where I write, or where I take time off, matters because I've discovered that where I create is the key to what I create. In spite of that, and in spite of my Ph.D. in Theology, I had never considered the importance of Bethany in the life of Jesus. Frank Viola's new book God's Favorite Place on Earth helped me understand why that one location meant so much to His life and ministry – and why a loved and valued place can transform yours."
Phil Cooke, media consultant and author of Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media
"This book exudes love for Jesus. Its creative format offers an inviting window for valuable meditations on what we can learn about the Lord and our relationship with Him from His life and that of some of His closest friends."
Craig Keener, Professor of New Testament at Asbury Seminary, author of The IVP Bible Background Commentary
"Reading God's Favorite Place on Earth illuminates the story of Jesus in such a new and captivating way that it's bound to impact your life. Read this powerful book and reconnect with the Lord's heart for every Christian, every church, and every city. "
Pete Wilson, pastor and author of Plan B and Empty Promises
"God's Favorite Place on Earth is engaging fiction, poetry, theology, and devotion all put under one cover. The book brings new insight and perspective to Jesus and His most intimate friends – Lazarus, Mary, and Martha – with creative language that is beautiful and inspiring. It's emotionally moving and brings the reader back into the Gospels as an observer, addressing some of our deepest struggles as Christians in the process."
Anne Marie Miller, author of Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic and Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear Confession and Grace, speaker and blogger
“In the scope of the Biblical story, weren't Lazarus, Martha, and Mary just minor figures living in a unimportant village? That's certainly what I assumed until Frank Viola showed me what I had been missing. With a mix of creative narrative and pastoral insight, Viola reveals what these friends of Jesus meant to Him—and what that means for us.”
Joe Carter, editor at The Gospel Coalition and The Action Institute
"Frank Viola is a powerful story teller. The story in this book changed Frank's life. That's a powerful statement. After reading the pages of this book, I'm convinced that learning God's favorite place on earth might just change yours also. Do you need some encouragement? Ever feel rejected in your Christian walk? Read this book!"
Ron Edmondson, pastor and blogger at ronedmondson.com
“More than a devotional, better than an academic study, God’s Favorite Place on Earth is a deeply moving pastoral book that will build your faith. Turn its pages slowly, pause between chapters and allow yourself to be immersed into the world of the New Testament. Prepare yourself for an encounter with Jesus the Galilean yet the very Son of God.”
David Fitch, B R Lindner Chair of Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary, author of Prodigal Christianity
“My friend Frank Viola is one of my favorite authors. He has the rare ability to make theology beautiful and grace delicious and practical. In God’s Favorite Place on Earth, Frank teleports you back into the ancient 1st Century soil of Bethany, Jesus’ favorite place on earth, and a whole new world of grace will unfold like drama right before your eyes. This book will move you to love Jesus more. "
Derwin L. Gray, author of Limitless Life: You Are Not Your Past When God Holds Your Future, speaker and pastor
"God's Favorite Place on Earth beautifully creates a powerful and moving portrait of the humanness of Jesus and His dearest relationships. Taking a story well-told, Frank Viola engages the voice and view of Lazarus to bring a new perspective and moving relatability to Jesus’ life on earth. Incredibly thoughtful and moving."
Jenni Catron, Executive Director of Cross Point Church and author of Just Lead!
“Frank's deep love for Jesus abides in every sentence of this unique and beautiful book. He makes the dry bones of the old stories-from-Sunday-school dance with beauty and resurrection power. God's Favorite Place is a call, a challenge, and a love story, all at once.”
Sarah Bessey, author, editor of A Deeper Story, and blogger at sarahbessey.com
"Familiar stories scattered in different parts of the gospels are woven together into one narrative in this innovative work. Fictional elements help bring the events to life, and each chapter concludes with practical teaching to drive home the message that if you choose to welcome Jesus into your life, remarkable consequences will follow. Frank's refreshing and infectious passion for Jesus permeates every word."
Adrian Warnock, author of Raised with Christ and blogger at adrianwarnock.com
“Hold on for a mind-bending, Spirit-honing journey. I've been a fan of Frank's writing for many years now, and this book distills all of the things I love best about his books. Here, for the first time, Frank not only offers great wisdom and theological insight, but also offers narrative passages to take us back to the sights, sounds, and realities of Jesus' day. We are there at the table with him in Bethany. We are there at His side when He calls Lazarus from the tomb. To encounter Jesus personally is to be changed forever, and Frank offers that opportunity by taking us to God's Favorite Place on Earth.”
Eric Wilson, New York Times best-selling author of Fireproof, 1 Step Away, and October Baby
“Here's an invitation to experience Jesus in a remarkably personal way, through the eyes of His close friend Lazarus. As Lazarus retells ‘the old, old story,’ we find ourselves there, with him, with his family, with Jesus, watching Jesus at work and enjoying the warmth of His presence and the power of His influence. Frank Viola draws us into a powerful drama very much at home in the Gospels and faithful to the first-century world, and then he helps us to personalize Jesus' message.”
Joel B. Green, Ph.D. Professor of New Testament Interpretation & Associate Dean for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
“God's Favorite Place on Earth is old school, time-tested wisdom delivered in a highly creative format. I not only hope this book gains a wide reading, but an equal application. I know it spoke to my heart and gently challenged me to follow Jesus ever more closely, to make a Bethany in my heart.”
Todd Hunter, Anglican bishop, founder of Churches For the Sake of Others, author of Our Favorite Sins and Christianity Beyond Belief
“Without question, this is Frank Viola’s most exhilarating book yet. Read it to see into the heart of Lazarus. Read it to experience the tenderness of Jesus like never before!”
Dr. Andrew Farley, bestselling author of The Naked Gospel and God Without Religion
"Frank Viola has a rare gift for helping us all to understand the intimate union we share with the Father through Jesus Christ. God's Favorite Place on Earth will stir your emotions and empower you to open yourself to be a ‘Bethany’where Jesus feels right at home. This is one of those books you'll read twice and then share with a friend.”
Steve McVey, author of Grace Walk
“History is always informative, but it takes an artist to make it inspirational. By weaving imagination and history together, Frank Viola has crafted a captivating tale of a place where God ‘hung out’ with His friends and touched real human life. You won't regret the time you invest in exploring this ancient villa through Frank's creative mind!”
Brandon Cox, pastor and editor of pastors.com
"After reading God's Favorite Place, I find myself longing to be in each Bethany story with Jesus, tasting the food, smelling the perfume, seeing the man raised, and watching Jesus soar to the heavens. But more so than this desire, I now long to be Bethany to those around me. Thanks Frank, for helping me see."
Pete Briscoe, pastor at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, Telling the Truth
"Few authors challenge me in my faith like Frank Viola. This book and the stories it contains will force you to face the myth of religion and instead adopt a life of deeper dedication to God, to find your own Bethany. It sure did for me."
Jeff Goins, author of Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life
“Frank Viola's new book God's Favorite Place on Earth couldn't have reached me at a better time. I've been grappling with the pain of being rejected, misunderstood, and judged by other Christians for a few years now. I had no idea how dangerously bitter I'd become. Frank's book spoke directly into my heart, giving me much-needed perspective on the way God reconciles these difficult experiences, both in Jesus' life in the flesh and in ours. I realized how I had slipped into the modern church's focus on the self and success, and how that set me up to be bitter instead of forgiving, cynical instead of surrendered. I had forgotten that God's greatest work comes in and through my weakness and brokenness. This book is a timely and poignant reminder, through the story of Jesus' life and His one safe place, of the way God can redeem the pain of rejection by fellow believers and do amazing things through our own weakness when we embrace our brokenness and surrender to God.”
Joy Bennett, writer, editor, and blogger at joyinthisjourney.com
“God's Favorite Place on Earth invites you to discover in a fresh way God’s desire to live in close relationship. Many struggle today from self-doubt and discouragement. They feel stress at home, school and work. This book invites you into the life and experience of Lazarus and his small village of Bethany. In an easy to read and creative way, Viola tells the story of Lazarus and why Jesus, as God with us, found Bethany as His favorite place on earth. This journey ends with a compelling vision for believers to become God’s Bethany to their own communities. This book will inspire all who read it.”
Bruxy Cavey, teaching pastor at The Meeting House and author of The End of Religion
“The best thing I can say about Frank Viola is this: When I read his books—and I read them all—I don't think much about Frank Viola. I think about Jesus. And I learn to love Him more. This book is no different. Read it, and you'll find yourself thinking, if you're like me, ‘I knew Jesus was great, but... Wow!’ And that, at least from me, is as good as it gets.”
Brant Hansen, radio personality and blogger
“Do you know what it feels like to be rejected? Do you long for the chance to start over in life? Do you yearn to find someone worthy of the love you have to give? Then take a walk with Frank Viola to the town of Bethany, to meet a family you’ll feel right at home with. And to meet their friend Jesus for the first time all over again.”
Sean Gladding, author of The Story of God, the Story of Us
“As you read these pages I predict that you, like me, will receive a fresh vision to ‘Follow hard after God’ as David did. I also predict that you'll receive new prophetic vision as to what Jesus wants for us, His Church.”
Steve Sjogren, author, church planter, pastor
“God's Favorite Place on Earth illuminates the town of Bethany, welcoming us to visit and, in doing so, gain a powerful and irreplaceable picture of our Lord. Viola effortlessly weaves together a compelling narrative with practical wisdom, offering a fresh, imaginative, and exciting new vision of Jesus Christ, while also challenging our thinking to make room for this new revelation of an incredibly intimate and altogether real Christ.”
Nicole Cottrell, blogger at modernreject.com
"The insights of this book are profound for someone seeking a clear understanding of Jesus' character. More than that, it's a compelling display of Christ’s human depth that is uncommon to traditional Christian literature."
Dale Partridge, CEO at Sevenly.org
“In Frank's new book, God's Favorite Place on Earth, through the power of fictional story and eye-opening life applications, we see Bethany, the physical place where Jesus retreated while on earth. But Bethany is more than just a historical city. The parallels and message Viola reveals is powerful. I hope your heart is touched like mine was. May we all strive daily to be a Bethany.”
Melissa K. Norris, novelist, newspaper columnist, speaker, author of Pioneering Today-Faith and Home the Old Fashioned Way, and blogger at melissaknorris.com
"I have often been haunted by Paul's reflections in 2 Corinthians 11 that we put up with ‘another Jesus’ way too easily as we slide away from the moorings of simple devotion in a cultural milieu that, as Frank says in his Introduction, causes us to battle ‘doubt, discouragement, fear, guilt, division, rejection, and the struggle against consumerism and lukewarmness.’ In our attempts to follow Jesus in such a hostile environment, we often lose sight of who He really is. Frank Viola does a marvelous job of getting our eyes back on Jesus and the gospel narrative through the eyes of one of His dearest friends, Lazarus, and the surprising beauty and safety of the place where He lived, Bethany. A truly unique vision of Jesus unfolds in this well written and beautifully-told story. I believe Frank's efforts here will go a long way in keeping us from embracing ‘another Jesus,’ ‘another Spirit’ and ‘another gospel.’
David Ruis, pastor and musician, davidruis.com
“In the great age of new media entrepreneurs, Viola has established himself as simultaneously one of the most consistently creative Christian thinkers writing today, and one of the most deeply rooted in classical Christian tradition. It's the imaginative interweaving of old and new that has always made Viola interesting - and that trait, that special skill, is in full flower in this new work. Entering into the life and story of Jesus of Nazareth through the person of Lazarus, and through the divine ‘home’ of Bethany, is a true stroke of inspiration.”
Timothy Dalrymple, Ph.D., direct of content at patheos.com and managing editor of the patheos evangelical portal
“In God's Favorite Place on Earth, Frank Viola invites us into the little village of Bethany to experience Jesus anew through the eyes of Lazarus. Together we discover that the world has not really changed that much, and that meeting Jesus has the same transformational impact 2,000 years after His first visit to Lazarus’ home. It’s challenging and encouraging to uncover the power of grace again for the first time.”
Geoff Surratt, speaker, author, consultant, and director of Exponential
“Frank Viola’s creative narrative, engaging discussion and insightful commentary on Jesus’ association with the village of Bethany spoke to my heart, challenged my lifestyle, and fed my soul.”
David Lamb, associate professor of Old Testament, Biblical Seminary, author of God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?
"If Jesus had a BFF, there's a good chance it was Lazarus. With fresh perspective, unique insight, and a poetic touch, Frank Viola brings us a look at Jesus' life and ministry through Lazarus' eyes. What we discover is God's Favorite Place on Earth and a surprising challenge to us all. It still exists, and it's closer than you might think."
Jamie Wright, author and blogger, theveryworstmissionary.com
“When He wasn’t teaching, healing, and sowing the seeds of God’s New Creation ecology, where on earth did Jesus go to just be Himself? He went to Bethany, an unassuming village containing remarkable relationships – a space where Jesus could simply be. With the pen of a seasoned storyteller, Frank Viola brings Lazarus back to life again to tell us the story of God’s Favorite Place on Earth – a ‘Bethany’ that’s not only a historical place in time, but a hospitable haven for the living Christ that can be born in every heart, home, church, and village today. This is a must-read that nourishes heart and mind – you’ll want to get extras to give to friends!”
Mike Morrell, journalist and blogger, mikemorrell.org
“This book fastened my heart and mind on Jesus Christ. I count it as Frank Viola’s best work. His passion for and love of Jesus Christ are on full display. But more importantly, Jesus Christ is on full display. The setting is Bethany, a little village atop the Mount of Olives. The story is told by Lazarus. It is powerful and moving. Be prepared to step into the story, to take a place in Bethany and encounter Jesus like never before.”
Bob Christopher, host of People to People Radio, author of Love Is
“Ministry Leadership is tough, and so is the path of ministry preparation. Frank Viola presents a great narrative on church leadership and how criticism and rejection are many times God's tools for, as Frank puts it, 'liberating His servants from human control and the desire to please men.' This is a great read for any church leader.”
Todd Rhoades, blogger and idea generator at Leadership Network
“In God's Favorite Place on Earth, Frank Viola creatively brings forth powerful and practical truths through the incarnate life of Christ. Jesus loved all whom He encountered, and yet like us, He had special relationships that brought Him much joy. God's special place called 'Bethany' is a place where real life, real relationships, and transformational experiences happen. As Bethany comes alive in your own heart as you read this book, you will find encouragement, revelatory insight, and strength for your journey.”
Robert Ricciardelli, founder of Converging Zone Network
"The heart of the Christian faith is not simply allegiance to a book or obedience to a set of rules. Instead it is a profound transaction with Jesus Christ. Frank Viola re-tells the tale of two sisters and a brother who encounter Christ within both their ordinary existence in a small village, and their human drama of suffering, life and death. With the skill of a compassionate preacher and skillful teacher, Viola draws from the story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus lessons from life that will lead the reader to his own life-changing encounter with the King of Kings—Christ the Lord."
Dwight Longenecker, Catholic priest, author of The Quest for the Creed and The Romance of Religion, award winning blogger, speaker, and retreat leader
"If the gospel has become rote for you, if the familiarity of the stories weigh tiredly on your shoulders, if you wish you could read again with the passion and excitement of new eyes – then you need this book. Frank has taken the familiar and made it new, embracing the gospel for what it is – a warm, real narrative – not a cold, culturally inaccessible fable. This book will shed new light on a tale you thought you had mastered."
Jessica Bowman, blogger at bohemianbowmans.com
“There could not be anything more human than to have a home, a home close to the heart, a favorite place to just be. Viola strikes deep emotional chords in reminding us in a new way that God became flesh in Christ Jesus, that the city of Bethany was God's Favorite Place on Earth. All I can say as I read this touching story is, ‘Yes, Jesus had a home. Jesus was human.’ Every pastor, Sunday School teacher, and Bible study leader looking for a fresh way to reach people with the story of the incarnation will find here an exciting new approach. It is the story of Jesus through the biographical eyes of Lazarus wrapped in a teaching method. Brilliant!”
Brett Blair, president and founder of sermons.com
Publisher’s Description: Jesus Christ has been given the name above all names, the highest seat of honor, the right to reign and rule. Yet the busyness of our lives and the diversions of this world often distract us from knowing the most important person we could ever know. Perhaps we need some help to see Jesus afresh.
In this thoughtful study and worshipful reflection, two influential pastors draw on decades of pastoral experience in order to guide us through the whole sweep of Scripture and examine seven key qualities of Jesus’s identity and ministry:
Jesus as the True Prophet
Jesus as the Great High Priest
Jesus as the Conquering King
Jesus as the Seed of the Woman
Jesus as the Son of Man
Jesus as the Suffering Servant
Jesus as the Lamb on the Throne
Name above All Names helps us to see and meditate on the incomparable character of Christ—a spiritual exercise that enables us to readily respond to the exhortations of Scripture, to focus our gaze upon the King of kings, and to better understand just how great Jesus really is.
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Authors: Allistair Begg & Sinclair Ferguson
Title: Name Above All Names Hardcover: 192 pages Publisher: Crossway (May 31, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1433537753 ISBN-13: 978-1433537752 Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches Price: $19.99
Buy Name Above All Names on Amazon.com.
Purchase from Crossway.com
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Editorial Reviews: “No biblical or theological subject captivates my heart and stimulates my mind more than the glory of Christ. One day every knee with bow at the mention of His name. If you want to understand why (and have your won heart humbled, filled with gratitude, and aroused to worship), nourish your soul with this simple yet profound overview of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.” —John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California
“As Christians, we find it easy to talk about God’s work in our communities and around the world. It’s easy to describe our growth in Christ and what we are learning from him. But how many of us simply delight in talking about Jesus? The art of contemplating the loveliness of Christ—and infusing those admirations into everyday conversation—is a dying discipline. But in Name above All Names, my friends Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson invite us to meditate afresh on our wonderful savior and all that makes him beautiful and praiseworthy. I highly recommend this remarkable volume!” —Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
“Who is Jesus? There is no more important question human beings can face. Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson provide a wealth of knowledge about Christ by looking at how Christ is presented in the New Testament through a collection of exquisite images. Every Christian will celebrate this book as these two gifted authors bring us into an even deeper understanding of who Christ is and who he is for us.” —R. Albert Mohler Jr., President and Joseph Emerson Brown Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“You can’t have too many good books about the person and work of Jesus Christ. And this is a great book. Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson handle the most important doctrines of the faith with clarity, fidelity, pastoral insight, and good humor. New Christians, non-Christians, and long-time Christians will benefit from these superb expositions.” —Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan.
For all of those who, like me, have spent a lifetime in church hearing the Bible stories, but have only begun to grasp the central story of the Bible, Name above All Names winsomely and clearly connects the dots. Two wise guides help us to see Jesus throughout the scriptures—from the promise of his coming as the seed of the woman in Genesis, to the promise of his coming again as Lamb on the Throne in Revelation.” —Nancy Guthrie, Bible Teacher; author, Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament Bible study series
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Jesus. It’s all about Jesus. Working in full-time ministry, I’ve heard that over and over. Sometimes I get numb to it. Can I confess that sometimes I get numb to Jesus. I’ve heard the gospel at the very least 2-3 times a month since I was a boy.
I grew up in a Christian home with parents who did their best to point me toward Jesus. Jesus was the “Savior of my sins" the “Lord of my life". Jesus was the person who got me out of hell. He was the one who “died for me".
My tone my sound sarcastic. I assure you it’s not. Jesus is indeed my Lord and Savior. He is my rescuer and restoration. He is my hope and guide. He is my anchor in storm. He is my refuge. I’m simply going to be honest about the fact that growing up around Jesus smoothed out some of His rugged edges.
I began to shape my own ideas of who Jesus was. I took advantage of His grace and my get out of hell free card. I knew little of what it actually meant to surrender my life to His lordship.
In college I began to align my life with Jesus life. I began to examine Scripture for a closer look at who this man was that I claimed allegiance to. If I lived my life under the banner of His call on my life, I had better know what the heck that banner was waving for.
I found the banner of Jesus to be love and truth. My favorite passage in Scripture comes from Matthew 22:35-40 in which a religious leader tries to pigeon hole Jesus into answering the question “which law is the greatest". The religious leader was referring to the over 600 laws found in the Old Testament Scriptures handed down from God. Jesus takes a confusing an trapping question and turns it on it’s head. “Love God with all that you are and love people as you love yourself." Love. The greatest of all commandments. Jesus went as far as to say that all of the laws from before hinge on those two things. That was a banner I could align myself with. Jesus became a person I could follow.
Yet, every week I stand on stage and sing songs about Jesus. I lead people to lift their voices in a gang vocal melodious noise in exalted praise to Jesus. Who is Jesus? I can’t just go off of who I think He is or what I want Him to be. Jesus is who He is.
I believe in the value of Biblical Authority. It gives me a basis in which to examine God. It’s a standard I can align myself with. So when asking the question: “Who is Jesus?" I must ask, “What do the Scripture teach about Jesus?" This is the question that Allistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson hope to answer in their book Name Above All Names.
The authors begin by looking at some major “names" or “roles" that we see Jesus fill throughout Scripture. They divide the sections of the book into these roles:
Jesus as the True Prophet
Jesus as the Great High Priest
Jesus as the Conquering King
Jesus as the Seed of the Woman
Jesus as the Son of Man
Jesus as the Suffering Servant
Jesus as the Lamb on the Throne
The authors do an great job of showing Scripture’s support and explanation of these roles and how seeing Jesus in these roles effects the life of the believer - all without ever feeling too academic. It’s a great read. Check it out!
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"This book was provided free from (Crossway Publishers) with my promise to post an unbiased review." Review was written by M. Hasty.
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The Kingdom Manifesto: An exploration of the Sermon on the Mount for today.
By Steve Wilmshurst. UK, EP Books, 2012. 239 Pages. ISBN: 0852348266. £8.49
“Steve Wilmshurst has the happy knack of combining thoroughly orthodox and Christ-centred theology with a perceptive grasp of the contemporary scene. This combination, coupled with his incisive applications from the biblical text, makes the Kingdom Manifesto a great read. Both those who are disciples of that kingdom and those who preach its glad tidings will derive great spiritual benefit from this accessible analysis of the Sermon on the Mount.” Roger Fay, Senior Editor, Evangelical Times.
“It might seem that another book on the Sermon on the Mount was not needed, but Steve Wilmshurst has produced something that deals well with the text and is fresh and relevant. Here is a book that will be of value to preachers and individual Christians who are studying this passage, and also will help and challenge an enquiring unbeliever. The author excels in making applications which speak to today's world in a totally accessible style. A book to be recommended.”
Robert Hitchings
Official Description:
“Matthew's gospel is about the King and his kingdom, and the Sermon on the Mount is his Manifesto. The high ideals and behaviour he presents are possible through his Spirit working in his subjects.”
Summary:
In this book, the author discusses the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, and gives helpful, practical advice to believers in our day and age. By combining timeless truth with a modern voice, Wilmshurst is able to send a clear and powerful message that calls us as followers of Christ back to the foundations of our faith. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people, God transforms lives and draws us to himself. Wilmshurst believes that after such an encounter with God and in light of the Gospel of Matthew’s proclamation of the Sermon on the Mount, a life in God’s hands will be fundamentally different from the rest of the world. In particular, the author asserts that once our lives are entrusted to the King, we will devote ourselves to furthering His Kingdom by fleshing out Christ’s manifesto contained in the Beatitudes.
Evaluation:
Throughout the book, the author skillfully articulates what it means to be a follower of Christ. He is firm, but not self-righteous, as he calls believers into a life of holiness and Christlikeness. The hours that I spent in reading the book flew by due to Wilmshurst’s ability to bring ancient truth to life once again. The book was challenging, in that it painted a clear picture of the life Christ calls us to, a life wherein we radically abandon our comfort in order to make an impact for His Kingdom. In a time where our Christian culture (myself included!) has grown lethargic to Kingdom living, The Kingdom Manifesto serves as a reminder that Christ calls us forward into a different life, one where the first is last and the last is first. It is a message that calls us to forsake comfort and embrace a lifestyle where Jesus is our King. This book is the perfect reminder of Christ’s vision for our lives, and would be an excellent read for personal reflection or group discussion.
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**This book was provided free from EP Books with my promise to post an unbiased review. This review was written by P. Giles.
An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling
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An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. 2013. 199 pages, $15, paperback. ISBN 978-0-8308-3573-7
Book Description (from back cover):
“I am a recovering speed addict.” Pastor and spiritual director Alan Fadling begins with this confession and continues by describing his journey out of the fast lane into the rhythms of Jesus. Here is a book that affirms that we are called to do work. Productivity is not sin - it is the attitudes behind our work that can be our undoing. So how do we find balance between our sense of calling and the call to rest? This book offers a way.
Summary:
In eleven chapters, Fadling draws upon his personal and vocational experiences to present us with a clear rationale for living what he has called “an unhurried life;” that being a lifestyle that is modeled after Jesus’ own relaxed and steady pace of ministry. Drawing upon much of what Jesus did in the Gospels, his own life experiences, and texts from well known spiritual directors and authors, Fadling discusses the following in the hope of providing a clear outline for what an unhurried life might look like: discipleship, productivity, temptation, care for others, prayer, rest, suffering, maturity. He closes the text with chapters on various spiritual practices for unhurrying as well as forming an eternal perspective. Each chapter concludes with a section Fadling calls “Unhurried Time,” which lists a short series of questions for thoughtful reflection, prayer, and discussion.
Evaluation:
Despite the tendency to be redundant at times, the book was a quick and enjoyable read with practical implications for life and ministry work. Fadling’s use of scripture and the wisdom of great spiritual pioneers kept me engaged and supported his argument for an unhurried way of living. The structure of the book was easy to follow and made it simple for me to draw connections with my own often very hurried ways of living, and Fadling thankfully provides practical advice on how to slow down (both within each chapter and in Chapter 10: Spiritual Practices for Unhurrying). While any Christian would find this book both challenging and applicable, it is particularly beneficial for people engaged in active vocational ministry (pastors, church leaders, spiritual mentors, etc.). This book would be great to discuss in a small group (especially if the group is filled with hurryers such as myself), not only because of the chapter breakdown but also because of the wonderful reflection questions at the conclusion of each chapter.
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Learn more at AlanFadling.com.
*This book was provided free from InterVarsity Press with my promise to post an unbiased review. This review was written by K. Meyers.
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, Edited by Dr. John Walton
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Official Description:
The Premier Reference for Engaging the Historical & Cultural Context of the Old Testament
Many today find the Old Testament a closed book. The cultural issues seem insurmountable and we are easily baffled by what seems obscure. Furthermore, without knowledge of the ancient context we can easily impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it.
Combining informative entries and full-color photos and graphics, the ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED BIBLE BACKGROUNDS COMMENTARY brings readers back to the ancient world in a way unlike other commentaries. Its unique visual approach -- backed by the very best scholarship -- will help readers connect with the historical and cultural contexts of the Old Testament.
Features of the commentaries include:
- Numerous photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams, and charts provide a visual feast that breathes fresh life into the text.
- Passage-by-passage commentary presenting archaeological findings, historical explanations, geographic insights, notes on manners and customs, and more.
- Analysis into the literature of the ancient Near East that will open your eyes to new depths of understanding both familiar and unfamiliar passages.
Public Information:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary John Walton, ed. Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan, 2013.
Endorsements:
"This is a unique and important commentary. It is a milestone in the collection of comparative interpretation of ancient Near Eastern texts, pictures, and other archaeological material as well as geographical, historical, and cultural information as they relate to the Old Testament. There is nothing else like it available today..."
- Richard Averbeck, Professor of Old Testament & Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"To me, every Christian should own these commentaries. I say that seriously because when we study Scripture without looking into the historical and cultural background of what was happening when each part of the Bible was written, we miss so much meaning, understanding, and depth."
- Dan Kimball, pastor and author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church.
"As a pastor, I am certain that the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament is a deeply valuable tool for ministry"
- Kevin Harney, pastor and author of Organic Outreach for Ordinary People
"This is a rich gift to everyone who seeks to teach the Scriptures."
- John Ortberg, author and pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, Menlo Park, California.
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Summary:
The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament (ZIBBC:OT) was named, as a five-volume set covering the entire Old Testament, Best Bible Reference in the 2011 Christian Book Awards. Zondervan has released individual titles to this series for the books of Genesis (John Walton), Psalms (John Hilber), and Isaiah (David Baker).
The ZIBBC:OT first appeared in 2009 as a five-volume set covering the entire Old Testament. The project brought together over thirty contributors from around the world, all top scholars in background studies. Written to be both accessible to non-specialists and a starting point for Old Testament research, the commentary brings together the best available scholarship on background issues related to history, archaeology, geography, manners and customs, and ancient literature. With the release of volumes covering one biblical book, even more lay and beginning Bible students -- as well as researchers interested in the books' extensive footnotes -- will have access to this wealth of information. [obtained from press release excerpt]
From start to finish, the commentaries are packed with verse-by-verse insight into the ancient world of Old Testament people and their neighbors. Commentary contributors draw insight from age-old texts, images, customs, and more to draw insightful conclusions about people in the foreign and ancient world that existed centuries ago. It can be difficult to understand American culture some 200 years ago, a biblical scholar or pastor would be foolish to think he has a grasp on the Word of God without considering the life and times of its original audience.
As for the commentary itself, and I am using the individual commentaries on Genesis (J. Walton) and Isaiah (D. Baker) for my analysis, they are packed. Verse-by-verse insight that uncovers the ancient world in order to better interpret, and in turn apply, God's Word. The running commentary in itself is easy to understand -- I like that the writers do not force their readers to have to interpret their interpretations of the Bible!
Also important to note in the summary of the material is that the authors have included an intense amount of footnotes, aiding in further study of a verse or the issue at hand. For many, the bibliography may be worth the price of purchase itself.
Evaluation:
If you cannot tell from the endorsements and the press release information, the individual book commentaries are powerhouses of cultural backgrounds information. I will preface your inquiry in saying that these commentaries are merely starting points, but they certainly are strong and well-respected starting points. They contributors are not so simply because they are trying to gain clout in the world of evangelical scholarship. The scholars who have poured time into these texts have done so with having been trained and deeply experienced in the ancient world that surrounds the Scriptures of the Old testament.
In fact, I had the opportunity to study at Wheaton Graduate School where I graduated from the Biblical Exegesis of which Dr. John Walton directs. Though the commentary does allow Dr. Walton to profess as much insight concerning a passage of Scripture, the text does justice to what he would share if I were in class with him. I took a course on Job and Ancient Near Eastern studies with Dr. Walton, and I would recommend picking up this commentary series as well as his other text on the ancient Near East.
I highly recommend this text for anyone who is dialoging with the Old Testament (which should be all believers, New Testament scholars and lay people alike). The God of the Old Testament is unlike any god worshipped in the Old Testament and it is only when we study His unique revelation that we understand and worship Him as such. Exploring the world of the ancient cultures is a crucial step in moving from the text to application and this is a great resource to help make that leap.
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Charts on the Life, Letters, and Theology of Paul by Lars Kierspel
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Official Description:
Paul's letters have fascinated and challenged most every reader of the Bible. As a result, many general introductions and specific studies on Paul are available, but none are like Charts on the Life and Letters of Paul, which provides over 100 charts to explore the apostle's background, life and ministry, letters, and theology. The charts visually offer clarity on:
Basic insights (e.g., "Autobiographical Information")
Comparisons (e.g., "Parallels between Acts and Paul's Letters")
Advanced tools for further study (e.g., "Key Words in Romans")
Analysis (e.g., "The 'New Perspective' on Paul")
Research (e.g., "Key Texts and Their Interpretations")
Comments on the charts and discussions of significant theories-with leads for further exploration-are offered together with an extensive bibliography that includes references to past and current Pauline scholarship.
Interested Bible readers as well as students of Paul's life, letters, and theology will find plenty of material to deepen their understanding. Teachers will find the charts to be a valuable teaching resource. This book is an excellent supplement to any general introduction or specific study on Paul.
Publication Information:
Charts on the Life, Letters, and Theology of Paul. By Lars Kierspel Grand Rapids, MI.: Kregel Publications, 2012. 288 pages. ISBN: 978-0-8254-2936-1. $26.99.
Endorsements:
"Lars Kierspel has taken charting to a whole new level. This book provides an incredible number of charts-often quite detailed-on virtually every dimension of Paul imaginable... Kierspel has provided a whole new level of information in various other charts on theology, comparisons of Paul to others, and a variety of contextual matters."
Stanley Porter, President & Dean, Professor of New Testament. McMaster Divinity College.
"His [Kierspel] work can be a useful tool for those who are trying to sort out both the biblical data and current questions."
Mark Seifrid, The Mildred and Ernest Hogan Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"This is a single resource for the data I have commonly distributed to students."
E. Randolph Richards, Professor of Biblical Studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University
About the Author: Lars Kierspel (born 1972 in Germany) received his M.Div. at the Freie Theologische Hochschule (1998 in Giessen), his Th.M. at the Covenant Theological Seminary (2001 in St. Louis) and his Ph.D. at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2006 in Louisville). His dissertation about "the Jews" in the Gospel of John was published by Mohr Siebeck. He currently teaches at Shiloh University in Iowa. His research interests include Gospel narratives, Luke-Acts, and Pauline literature.
Summary:
Taken as a whole, Kierspel's work can be broken into four sections. Each section contains a number of charts depicting the information at hand. The four main sections are as follows:
A. PAUL'S BACKGROUND & CONTEXT
B. PAUL'S LIFE AND MINISTRY
C. PAUL'S LETTERS
D. PAUL'S THEOLOGICAL CONCEPTS
As the title of the book and the layout of the four sections note, this is a text that organizes the many pieces of information that surround Paul's life, letters and theology.
Section A, Paul's Background and Context, includes historical and biblical details. Who reigned before and during Paul's life and ministry? What religion and politics encircled Paul? What Greco-Roman or Jewish influences had an impact on Paul's ministry? These questions and many more are answered by the charts found in Section A.
Section B looks specifically at the man of the hour, Paul himself. What was Paul's life like? How does Acts line up with what Paul says throughout his letts about his ministry? This section provides an easy to understand (and easy to teach) breakdown of the chronology of Paul and the missionary journeys of Paul.
The third segment of Kierspel's book, or the section on "Paul's Letters," is a powerhouse of information. I honestly cannot imagine the number of hours that Kierspel put into this section. From manuscript resources to OT quotations and allusions, a multitude of details are organized and easily interpreted. Also, what I believe may be the most applicable piece to this entire compilation of Pauline charts, Kierspel has provided us with what he calls "SNAPSHOTS" of each of Paul's letters (and, yes, there is a chart on page 80 seeking to provide an answer to those who wonder whether or not Paul was actually the author of a letter).
The last for the four sections, and the most important of sections for students interested in theology, is dedicated to Paul's Theological Concepts. Are you curious as to what Paul thought concerning idolatry or are you looking for a collocated arrangement of Paul's opinions on vices? This section also systemizes theological ideas, such as Paul's statements on soteriology, gifts of the Spirit or the millenium (i.e., where does Paul mention the "already-not-yet" millenium?).
** Having spent so much time in Paul's writings, it would be hard to sum up everything that needs said in the charts. Therefore, at the back of the book, Kierspel also adds additional comments/thoughts/notes for each of his charts.
Evaluation:
This is the second of the KREGEL CHARTS OF THE BIBLE SERIES that I have had the opportunity to review (the first was Bateman's compilation on Hebrews, found here). The series, as a whole, has a lot to offer biblical scholars and theologians (some other topics include Charts on the Book of Revelation, Systematic Theology, and Open Theism/Orthodoxy). That said, this title does does fits right into the series. This title is not an easy read for people who have not been introduced to the many layers of Pauline theology. I would suggest this title most prominently for teachers/professors who are looking to present portions of Paul's life and theology to others.
The lists are exhaustive and very well researched. In the time that I spent with Kierspel's work, I did not come across any errors and, refreshingly, the book is more a display of texts and opinions rather than a one-sided argument for a particular stance on Pauline theology. I highly recommend this text for whoever desires to dig deep into the world of Paul's writings (and how Paul's transcripts link beyond Pauline letters).
**This book was provided free from Kregel Publications with my promise to post an unbiased review.
Who do you think you are? This question sounds like you are going to start a fight. But who are you wrestling with? "Who Do You Think You Are?" by Mark Driscoll is trying to answer just that. Who are you? Are you a Dad? A son? A hard worker? A winner? A loser? Who are you? How do you define yourself? You are wrestling with yourself and wrestling with God. In this book Mark Driscoll uses the Bible to give believers a picture of who they really are and why they matter. Driscoll goes head first into the book of Ephesians. And takes an in depth look at what you are made of and for what purpose...
Read the rest of Jeff's review at BattleBorn NV.
Pub. Date: Jan 8, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
256 Pages
*This short teaser was contributed by Jeff at www.battlebornnv.com. Visit his site for the rest.
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Bound Together: How we are tied to others in good and bad choices by Chris Brauns
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Author Interview & Book Review! Official Description:
Our lives are woven together in such a way that the choices each one of us makes have an effect on the lives of others, both for good and for bad. Because much of the pain we endure in life is in the context of relationships, this truth often strikes us as unfair. Why should a child suffer because of the poor decisions of his or her parents? And on a grander scale, why do we all suffer the curse of Adam's disobedience? Why should anyone be judges for someone else's sin? In BOUND TOGETHER, Chris Brauns explains the biblical truth that we are bound to one another. He calls this reality the "principle of the rope" and explains why it is both bad news and good news. Grasping this foundational principle will help you better understand your married, your relationship with others, and how one person's choices can affect many others. Above all, it will help you understand more deeply the truth of the gospel.
Publication Information:
Brauns, Chris. Bound Together: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.
Endorsements:
"In BOUND TOGETHER, Chris Brauns cleverly unpacks two key theological concepts -- union with Christ, and original sin -- and manages to explain them in a way that any reader can understand. Highly recommended."
MICHAEL HORTON, Westminster Seminary.
Summary:
Chris moves through the concept of the rope with easy to understand dialogue. The text opens with the principle of the rope and his own personal testimony of how one person is tied to another person, whether we realize it in the moment or not. Before he expounds on this concept and how it affects your life and the lives of those around you, Brauns (wisely) goes to Scripture to explain how it all started (original sin) and where it is all going (union with Christ).
Brauns moves from the discussion of the original rope just as the apostle Paul describes original sin and the second Adam (Ro. 5:12-21). To the second Adam, to the new King, we are bound in solidarity. Through the Gospel, we are intricately connected and even united. As Brauns transitions from the biblical exposition of the "rope," he moves into the application of this concept. Rightly so, as exemplified by Christ and his bride, the Church, Brauns starts with unity in marriages before discussing hurting families (both one's immediate and the global Christian family).
Then, in an almost abrupt manner, Brauns discusses the impact that the "rope" plays on one's view of death. Though abrupt, the chapter proves a rewarding read as Brauns proclaims, "We can fall from the highest cliff, yet we need not fear. The rope that binds us to Christ is the unchanging reality of his incarnation and the good news of his atoning death on our behalf." (p. 159) Furthermore, we share and will share in that final scene which is his resurrection. Brauns concludes the text (prior to some appendices) with what appears to have been hours spent in studies of society. How does the ideology of the "rope" play into our lives in this country and the stirring call to "radical individualism"?
Evaluation:
I was hooked from the first page. Well, technically, from page seven where you'll find the table of contents. This is not a book simply about being nice to your neighbor and, in return, your neighbor will be nice to you. This isn't a biblical exposition of a worldly karma way of life. Bound Together is a down to earth, theologically packed discussion of the doctrines of original sin, corporate solidarity and union with Christ, and how all of this actually plays out day to day, moment to moment. That's the global Gospel (not in whole, but in part).
Brauns writes very well. His thoughts are not hard to follow and a reader will take note that this text is written with confident assurance in the promises of the Gospel. In that, I mean that Chris appears to be responding to a generation or a collection of conversations in which faith, both in Christ and in the promises of the LORD, is filled with doubt. It is as though the word and work our our Savior is fleeting and Brauns wants to remind everyone, through his own stories and through Scripture, that you can rest assured in your union with Christ. You can take Christ at His word. "Christ's rope to save is stronger than Adam's rope is to condemn." (p. 182)
A well-written, engaging, and significant conversation to be had this day in age (or any day in age), Brauns does a great job in reminding us how our tie to others, especially Christ, affects others.
**This book was provided free from Zondervan with my promise to post an unbiased review
INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS BRAUNS ABOUT HIS BOOK TO FOLLOW
Jason Brueckner (http://www.thebravereviews.com/)
Bound Together is a wonderful read. It has reminded me that our interactions with others, whether family or strangers, aren't perchance, and that we can make or break our opportunities!
1. Hey Chris, for the reader's sake, what's the crux message of your book? If someone was to only give you two sentences to sum up your book - what's it about? (put simply, what is its thesis & call to action?)’
Jason, first, thanks so much for your interaction with Bound Together. As an author, getting to dialogue with people who have read the book is the fun part.
Before I forget, I would invite your readers to stop by my web site (www.chrisbrauns.com). In the month of May I am giving away the last of some books as well as some free Nooks (see the Bound Together Quiz). The goal of my web site is to post material that would be helpful to people in our local church. But it ends up being helpful to a lot of other people as well.
Back to your question, in order to give the crux of my book I need to define a term I invented: “the principle of the rope.” The principle of the rope is a metaphor that references corporate solidarity: the idea that we are not islands unto ourselves but that we are bound together with other people. As I explain in Bound Together:
Our future and place in this world isn’t simply the sum of our own individual choices. On varying levels, we are roped together with others. When someone we are roped to is lifted up, we are lifted up with them. When he or she jumps off a figurative cliff, we are pulled over with them. This is what I refer to as the “principle of the rope”: the simple truth that our lives, choices, and actions are linked to the lives, choices, and actions of other people. To put it simply, as I have in the title of this book, we are “bound together,” tied to others in our good and bad choices.
There are endless illustrations of this principle . . . We talk a lot about the principle of the rope in our church and at home. Recently, when I was out for a walk with my ten year old son, I asked him, “Benjamin, what do I mean by the principle of the rope.” He responded quickly. “Oh, I think about that a lot. Here’s the best example I can give. Today a couple of kids in my class got in trouble. So, none of us got to go out to recess. That’s the principle of the rope.”
This definition of the principle of rope in mind, the thesis of Bound Together is that the principle of the rope (corporate solidarity) is more powerful in the Gospel than in Adam’s sin.
In order to develop that thesis, I first had to defend that the principle of the rope is real. We are truly are bound together. One person’s action can affect many others. To make this point, I gave a number of examples from both real life and Scripture. For example, everyone died in Sodom and Gomorrah including the children. They were bound together as a culture. I then gave the ultimate negative example of the principle of the rope: the doctrine of original sin. When Adam and Eve rebelled their guilt was imputed not just to themselves but to all their descendants.
Considering how all were bound together with Adam and Eve sets us up to be amazed by the Gospel. The ultimate positive example of the principle of the rope is union with Christ. The wonderful news, per Romans 5 is that union in Christ is greater than sin in Adam.
2. Who has been most influential on this topic (you seem to be leaning on evangelically reformed concepts - am I wrong?) and what's the most helpful stepping stone from BOUND TOGETHER for people who want to really dig into this idea?
On my site, I gave a list of the books on corporate solidarity or the principle of the rope that most influenced my thinking.
You are right that I lean on evangelically reformed concepts. John Murray’s writings were a signicant influence including The Imputation of Adam’s Sin. However, a wide range of others also helped my thinking. C.S. Lewis was a tremendous influence. In the Problem of Pain, Lewis wrote:
Everyone will have noticed how the Old Testament seems at times to ignore our conception of the individual. When God promises Jacob that ‘He will go down with him into Egypt and will also surely bring him up again’, this is fulfilled either by the burial of Jacob’s body in Palestine or by the exodus of Jacob’s descendants from Egypt. It is quite right to connect this notion with the social structure of early communities in which the individual is constantly overlooked in favour of the tribe or family: but we ought to express this connection by two propositions of equal importance – - firstly that their social experience blinded the ancients to some truths we perceive, and secondly that it made them sensible of some truths to which we are blind. Legal fiction, adoption, and transference or imputation of merit and guilt, could never have played the part they did in theology if they had always be felt to be so artificial as we now feel them to be.
. . . the separateness – - which we discern between individuals, is balanced, in absolute reality, by some kind of ‘interanimation’ of which we have no conception at all. It may be that the acts and sufferings of great archetypal individuals such as Adam and Christ are ours, not by legal fiction, metaphor, or casuality, but in some much deeper fashion. There is no question, of course, of individuals melting down into a kind of spiritual continuum such as Pantheistic systems believe in; that is excluded by the whole tenor of our faith. But there may be a tension between individuality and some other principle. C.S. Lewis, emphasis added (page 83).
The “other principle” to which Lewis alludes is what my book is about. I call it the “principle of the rope.” I recently pointed out in a post (see C.S. Lewis and his Last Hurdle to Belief) that one of the final hurdles Lewis dealt with before becoming a Christian focused on this subject was the question of how what Christ accomplished could have significance for us today.
John Donne’s poetry inspired me. I remember reading Donne’s poem in the forward of For Whom the Bell Tolls decades ago. It has been in my thoughts ever since.
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Alan Jacobs book on original sin as well as Robert Bellah’s, Habits of the Heart were also very influential.
I will stop here, but I really recommend that those interested look at the recommended reading list on my site. There are some wonderful books there.
3. It's a wonderful concept, recognizing the unity in the body of Christ and how the entire world is intrinsically tied together, but, Chris, how do you live this out? [Maybe summate the second part of your book as if you're just having a conversation] Life gets busy and, if we're honest, we get distracted and forget that we're all in this together. What's your practice for living out the exhortation of your book?
First, as a family we are committed to our local church as extended family. That may seem obvious for a pastor, but
it is possible for a pastor to keep themselves at arms length. In the case of our family, our lives are intertwined with our church and community. Recently, I celebrated a milestone birthday. (As I have now sojourned this earth for 50 years). One of my favorite cards was from a little girl in our church. She wrote, “I love you. You love me. Love Elaine. Meow.” I asked her parents about the significance of “meow.” They explained that she just likes cats and so she put that in at the end. Cats aside, I pray that Elaine’s summary is true of all of our relationships in our church family. If we are “bound together” in Jesus, then we should expect nothing less.
Of course, it is in intertwining our lives with other believers that we can be most joyfully Christ-centered and celebrate about our unity in Him. I am already looking forward to communion this Sunday and the opportunity to remember Christ’s broken body and shed blood.
My family is also very involved in the life of our community. We invite people into our home. We try and express the love of Christ for as many people as possible in as many ways as possible. As I am writing this, I just finished meeting with the president of the senior class in our high school. She wanted to talk to me about speaking at baccalaureate. She does not attend our church. But she and the other class officers know how much we care about them.
One of the central ways that I have sought to show solidarity for young people in our community is through photography. I enjoy sports and special events photography. I take a lot of pictures. I can then share those pictures with young people through social media. It is a small way to repeatedly tell young people that I care bout them.
The picture to the right is of an important touchdown in a high school football game. The young man does not attend our church. But I made sure I got him a copy of the picture. I think it is a small way to tell families that we see ourselves as bound together with our community. Over time those small ways make a difference.
A couple of weeks ago a young man, whose picture I have taken many times, visited our church. He came by himself. He spent time chatting with my wife and me at the back after church. I know that part of the reason he is comfortable visiting our church is because he knows that we care about him.
Daniel Darling recently wrote a helpful post, How to Build Community in Your Church. He offers 5 practical suggestions and his post is worth reading.
Thanks so much for your message - for tangible image of the Church. We are all tied together, bound by the life, death and the resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Thank you for keeping the discussion going. Books come and go. But we need to keep talking about the reality that we are not islands unto ourselves. People are bound together.
CheerGive: Let’s Make Giving Simple.
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Brave Reviews gets contacted regularly by all sorts of people, not just book publishers or independent authors. I am meeting people from all over the world, from the United States, Canada, Australia and even South Africa! We have recently begun commenting on Bible Software because of the ground that it is gaining in Biblical Studies, but we also fully resonate with the organization to which this post is dedicated.
If you are only reading about Scripture, and not living Scripture, than, put simply, you have only just begun your walk with the LORD. When you dig into the life of Christ and discover Christ's consistant devotion to self-sacrifice than you can't help but pay forward the grace of God. You will just want to give any way that you are able - and for many people, that involves either time or money. It is to the latter that CheerGive is paving the way.
CheerGive is an easy-to-use online giving and donation platform. With no setup or monthly fees, CheerGive offers donors the ability to give online and is supported by detailed reporting and donor management tools. CheerGive provides your donors a variety of giving options, including: one-time, recurring, goal based or time based.
Additionally, no technical knowledge is required, in fact you don't even need a website, as CheerGive offers your organization its own webpage hosted on the CheerGive network. The look and feel of your page is customizable to showcase your organization’s colors and logo. The goal of CheerGive is pretty simple; provide donors with an easy way to give and organizations with an easy way to receive and manage those donations.
CheerGive: Let’s Make Giving Simple.
Visit CheerGive online or get immediate, popular questions answered by visiting their FAQ page.
Follow CheerGive on Twitter.
Abraham: Following God’s Promise: Complete Church Curriculum for Leaders and Pastors
By the following authors: Miles Custis, Michael R. Grigoni, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead
You can learn more and purchase the curriculum by visiting the product page here at Logos.com.
Official Description:
Abraham: Following God’s Promise helps your entire church dig deeper into the life of Abraham—together.
This all-in-one curriculum package has something for everyone:
- Preaching resources and sermon starters for pastors and teachers
- Videos, slides, and media for the tech team
- Bulletin inserts and handouts for the congregation
- Discussion guides and videos for small group leaders
- A take-home book for small group members available separately for only $9.95 per person
The resource lays out the curriculum for an 8-Week study, as follows:
8-Week Program
Stepping Out in Faith (Genesis 11:27–12:9)
Fear versus Faith (Genesis 12:10–20)
Active Faith (Genesis 14:1–24)
Dealing with Doubt (Genesis 15:1–21; 16:1–15)
Promising the Impossible (Genesis 17:1–18:15)
Bargaining with God (Genesis 18:16–33; 19:1–38)
God’s Faithfulness despite Relapse (Genesis 20:1–18; 21:22–34)
Of Sons and Sacrifice (Genesis 21:1–21; 22:1–24)
What You’ll Get
The study book:
A complete introduction to the life of Abraham
Reflection questions to keep you focused on the text
Fill-in-the-blank answer boxes to keep your group engaged
Recommended resources to help you continue your study
An elegant design, featuring 32 graphics tied to the commentary—also in slide format
Presenting/Preaching materials:
8 sermon outlines
8 sermon handouts
A video lead-in for your sermon
8 teaching slideshows, which work on PowerPoint, Keynote, and Proclaim
Group curriculum:
The leader’s book
8 lesson plans
8 teaching slideshows, which work on PowerPoint, Keynote, and Proclaim
8 handouts with discussion questions, in Microsoft Word and PDF
8 intro videos, one for each lesson, which you can download after you check out. You can also pre-order a DVD separately for $4.95.
The entire program is designed for Logos Bible Software and Logos’ Faithlife Study Bible app. It combines text and visuals with today’s most advanced Bible study tools. All Scripture passages link to your favorite Bible translation and to the original language texts in your library.
Publication Information:
Title: Abraham: Following God’s Promise: Complete Church Curriculum for Leaders and Pastors Authors: Miles Custis, Michael R. Grigoni, Douglas Mangum, and Matthew M. Whitehead
Editor: Michael R. Grigoni (Series: Studies in Faithful Living)
Publisher: Logos Bible Software, 2012
Price: $21.99/mo. or $84.99
Endorsement:
"Logos has taken group Bible study to the next level with their new Studies in Faithful Living series. Deeply engaging, biblically accurate, and filled with life-changing applications, this series is destined to be the go-to resource for lay leaders for years to come."
—Israel Loken, Chair, Bible and Theology Departments, College of Biblical Studies, Houston, TX
Summary:
Abraham - how often does the church just touch on and breeze by the matter of Israel's forefather, Abraham? What if information, presentation, and application of Scripture pertaining to the one called from among nations to form a great nation was already done for you? What if the pastor of a congregation has got more to worry about than creating a catchy slideshow or introduction video? And the weekly community groups, that stew over their sermon notes, what if they had questions directly related to the passage and supplied by the pastor? No longer is there a place for distracted, off-topic small groups -- Sermon-based community groups are making ground and Logos Bible Software has created a package deal.
This 8-Week program walks through the book of Genesis, particularly the commissioning and the mission of Abraham. For the expositor, the book itself unpacks the pericopes in five easy steps:
1. "Setting the Stage" (the theme, context and historical background);
2. "A Closer Look" (walk through the event while exploring issues of interpretation, original language, and theology)
3. "Throughout the Bible" (Examines the story, biblically)
4. "Beyond the Bible" (Credits ancient documents and extrabiblical/extracanonical texts as well as theologians, church fathers, and contemporary thinkers)
5. "Application" (Concludes the chapter by exploring the event's relevance to your journey of faith)
Evaluation:
My evaluation? A one stop shop, literally, for everything that you'd need if you desired to walk a class, a small group, or a congregation through the life and times of Abraham. Logos Bible Software has truly done their homework and are preparing materials unlike anyone else in the world of faith-based publications. Not only is the information available, and is it displayed systematically making reader's use of the information a snap, but it is both sound and supported. If you have read any of my reviews up until this point, you'll know that I always comment on how a resource is cited. Does the author appear to be rolling on his/her own opinions, attempting to created followers until they are read in the face? Or does an author consider a broad spectrum of authorship in any given topic? Furthermore, is the authorship well-supported? I am not suggesting you have to follow whatever the "spiritual superstars" are saying, but, typically when you are saying something that no one else is saying or has said, my opinion is that you are treading on dangerous territory. All that to say, the team who has accumulated the material for this product has done their homework and has considered the research and opinions of well-respected, Godly theologians and pastors. (consider also their "further reading" section at the close of every chapter - this provides readers with stepping stones for continuing the conversation if they so desire to)
I seldom give products a "star" rating, but if I would, I would give this a 4.5. This is great for pastors and even professors who desire a cursory understanding of Abraham's ancient context and means to bring that context to light today. The only pitfall I've seen, as I mention this product and Logos Bible Software to others within my church body, is that not everybody is on board just yet with the digital database. Logos Bible Software has attempted to cover dilemma with allowing small group members to purchase a booklet at $9.95 a person. That minor complaint should NOT take away from the greatness of this product. This curriculum package is a sound resource that provides organized, applicable research to the ever-busy pastor. I highly recommend it to all pastors, even instructors who teach in churches.
** This book was provided free from Logos.com with my promise to post an unbiased review.
Forgiveness Is In Your Future (May It Be In Your Present) by Zachary Hamilton
[GUEST POST]
The story we find ourselves in, that we're born into at once, and each and every day when we arise, is a story about forgiveness.
In 2010, I traveled to the "land of a thousand hills" on my own dollar to discover that Rwanda's meta-narrative, as told through many personal and seemingly insignificant experiences and events, is a parable for the world, and each of us in whatever context we find ourselves. The people I met and stories I absorbed altered my ego from those days forward. In the aftermath, I began to reflect theologically and practically about what I'd seen and heard - witnessed. So, I published a book to share my journey with others.
In this thoughtful and challenging book, I mix a typewritten tonic that might be hard to swallow, but is sure to produce a lasting effect. I weave powerful stories about actual people conducting their own truth and reconciliation experiments with an imaginative slant on many sacred texts to help readers understand a major point; to enter the future, and experience the world as it should be, each of us must pass through forgiveness.
You'll be inspired by true stories of grace and peace and you'll be encouraged to conclude what we once thought was only possible in a place called heaven can actually be manifest here and now.
My friend Claude Gatebuke is a Rwandan genocide survivor who I’m indebted to. He wrote the foreword to my book. About the project he wrote, “This book is about more than Rwanda. It’s about freeing oneself from hurts of the past that cannot be taken back. It is about looking beyond the satisfaction of seeing another person, unsavory as that person may be, living a miserable life because of their past deeds. The book is about demonstrating how we can all be forgiven not only by God, but also by other human beings for our trespasses. More importantly, it’s about how much freedom we can experience within ourselves, with other human beings, and with God. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, this book serves as a reminder that forgiving is freedom on earth.”
I want to offer a big thanks to Jason here at Brave Reviews for this opportunity to introduce my book to those of you who frequent his website. Consider downloading Future Is Forgiveness: The Supernatural Remedy to Self & Social Destruction. Write a review, especially if it’s positive. Share the book with your friends. Don’t forget to visit the book landing page at futureisforgiveness.com.
Zachary Hamilton is simply a happily married husband, a grateful father, son, brother and friend, as well as a concerned neighbor and engaged citizen.
Follow Zach’s tweets @zhamilton.
Bible Software Tour: Accordance II
Tuesday Tour Day
Accordance has just recently published a video making mention of the many layers that are at work as you search through your Biblical library. As you learn about all of the tagging and research that has been done in the background of the bible software, watch this short video to learn about the new FLEX SEARCH feature.
Find the video here: YouTube or Vimeo.
Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples by Michael Horton
CURRENTLY 78% OFF AT AMAZON.COM (as of 4/17/2013)
Click --> here <-- to check it out.
Or you can find it on Zondervan's site.
Official Book Description:
The 2011 award-winning publication The Christian Faith garnered wide praise as a thorough, well-informed treatment of the philosophical foundations of Christian theology, the classical elements of systematic theology, and exegesis of relevant biblical texts. Pilgrim Theology distills the distinctive benefits of this approach into a more accessible introduction designed for classroom and group study. In this book, Michael Horton guides readers through a preliminary exploration of Christian theology in 'a Reformed key.' Horton reviews the biblical passages that give rise to a particular doctrine in addition to surveying past and present interpretations. Also included are sidebars showing the key distinctions readers need to grasp on a particular subject, helpful charts and tables illuminating exegetical and historical topics, and questions at the end of each chapter for individual, classroom, and small group reflection. Pilgrim Theology will help undergraduate students of theology and educated laypersons gain an understanding of the Christian tradition's biblical and historical foundations.
Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310330645
ISBN-13: 978-0310330646
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.6 x 9.5 inches
About the Author:
Michael S. Horton (PhD, University of Coventry and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California. He is the president of White Horse Media, for which he co-hosts the White Horse Inn, a nationally syndicated, weekly radio talk show exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. The editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation magazine, Horton is the author of more than 20 publications. His book The Christian Faith was awarded the 2012 Christianity Today Book Award for Theology and Ethics.
Learn more about the book from our friends at the koinonia (Zondervan) blog:
Infographic Part 1
Infographic Part 2
My own thoughts?
I don't know how I can say anything negative about this book (and I am not just being nice). It is a Reformed systematic theology for people who don't want to read a text that feels like systematic theology. He laces countless hours of research and the study of the Word of God with evidence of himself scuffling through the truths and their application.
What I found most helpful was his organization of thoughts and the ease of which he approaches different subjects. Many people, including Horton himself, say that this text is a gutted version of his larger systematic work, Christian Faith. Though gutted by about half the depth as his larger work (Horton took out ~500 pages), Pilgrim Theology is a steller introduction to systematics. Pertinent theological terms are highlighted, typically given their own special attention off to the side, and included in the glossary at the back of the book. Following the glossary, Horton has supplied his (visual) readers with a chart that takes students from the Scriptures to application in an array of concepts (in the same format that he has written his entire systematic theology in, from Drama --> Doctrine --> Doxology --> Discipline). The chart is followed by Scripture, Subject, and Author indexes.
As far as ease of reading and organization of content, this is a 4.5/5 stars and a text that every student should have on their shelf. I would love to have a copy of his larger work, Christian Faith, to compare this to but until then I say that this is a solid resource for someone seeking a understanding of Reformed theology.
*This book was provided free from our friends at Zondervan.com with our promise of an unbiased summary/review.
Bible Software Tour: Accordance I
Tuesday Tour Day
First stop on the Bible Software tour, and here is a look at the Accordance Bible Software home screen from launch! This just explains the most basic of features, beginning with using and customizing the toolbar.
Watch the introduction video here on YouTube!