Reviews (5)

Leading You Back to God
I have read devotionals before but this is the cream of the crop.Dr. Carson points out, "The rising biblical illiteracy in Western culture means that the Bible is increasingly a closed book, even to many Christians(p. 11)."The purpose of this devotional is to get people back toreading the Bible.Carson does this by modifying Robert Murracy M'Cheyne'ssystem of reading the Bible.Carson has four sections to be read for theday of the devotion.Usually these sections are one chapter in length. The first two in italics are for family reading.The devotion of the daycomes from one of the family's readings.The other two chapters are forprivate reading.If a person reads all four chapters including thedevotion, he or she will read, "The New Testament and Psalms twice andthe rest of the Bible once in a year.Dr. Carson's comments on one ofthe chapters in italics enlightens the reader on the biblical content ofthe passage with application for the reader.My wife and I found thisservice of Dr. Carson invaluable.This is only surpassed by the humblenessof Dr. Carson himself who writes in the introduction, "If you mustskip something, skip this book; read the Bible instead (p. 13)."Dr.Carson in his many books as well as being the research professor at TrinityEvangelical Divinty School, wants nothing more than to bring others closerto God, His Word (the Bible), and His living Word, Jesus Christ.Thisdevotional more than accomplishes that feat.

Highly recommended for those who want to get into the Bible.
Other 'devotionals' suffer from being guided by the author in 'what they thought' and can get 'mushy'.Carson keeps our focus in and upon the text of the bible passage for the day, and allows the context of the passage tospeak first, then allowing the reader to draw conclusions for applicationtoday.I can't wait to get to it everyday - not because it is 'DonCarson', but because it is the Bible, and Don is a great servant in helpingme do that.Brilliant.

This Devotional Will Bring To Light The Word of God For You
I have been using this devotional for about 5 months now and I have missed very few days!It is an incredible work indeed.Carson is a master at showing how the entire Bible fits together.The Lord will bless yougreatly as Carson, along with the Spirit, open your eyes to eternal truth! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible Study Guide    3. Devotional    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (8)

Mining the Depths of the Glory of God
Piper mines the depths of the glory of God. He has been doing it for decades, and it is a testimony to the riches of God's glory that John continues, year after year, to bring up ever more precious treasure for us to behold and prize. This precious treasure of God's glory shines brightly in God Is the Gospel.
What else could it be?
I think the title just about sums it all up!Another phenomenal work by John Piper.Warning:if you read it, you'll be intensely dissatisfied with human-centered gospel presentations!And that's not bad at all.
Piper at it again...
Piper is all about seeing God for who he is and I feel like when I've read one of his books I've read them all...but, I still read them all.He does a great job of going after the simplicity that the Gospel is God.It is a person.It is not abstract.I've used this book as part of my devotions, not taking big bites, but chewing on some of Piper's little nuggets.Enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Discipleship    5. Devotional    6. Faith    7. God (Christianity)    8. Love    9. Religion    10. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    11. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality   

Reviews (4)

Great book for a women's study!
We have used this book for our Women's Book Study this year, covering one chapter per month.It has been a wonderful source for learning, faith sharing, and growing in love with our families, our selves, and those around us.Highly recommended for group study or individual!!!

Awesome study that involves scripture, Catechism, and Saints
If you are looking for a complete bible study (that's not just for woman) this is the book... It pulls in scripture, the cathechism of the Catholic Church, Saints writings, and future Saints writings... There are 8 woman in my group -- we meet every other week and take about 1 1/2 hours to go through 3 questions.Most chapters have about8 or 9 questions... You can do it on your own, too...

For Catholic women!
It's wonderful to find a women's Bible Study out there written specifically for Catholics.There are some good Protestant ones out there, but their "slant" is not always close to the Magisterium's.Besides, where apart from a Catholic Bible study are you going to find comments that include the sacred tradition, Mary, and the Magisterium?Highly recommended for women at any stage in their life who are wondering about holiness, their faith, and trying to draw closer to God. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christianity - Catholicism    3. Faith    4. Fiction    5. Religion - Classic Works   

Reviews (1)

A Good Bible Study
Secrets of the Vine by Wilkinson is perfect for someone who has embraced the Christian lifestyle and is on the journey toward seeking God's will in their lives.It is a self study on figuring out how to find out God's plan for us.He shows us the significance of Jesus last parable on the night before He died - knowing He is about to die, He gives us a way to live. the topic is crucial for finding a peaceful way to reap the fruit God has in mind for us.Wilkinson wrote a book, devotional and study.I read the devotional first and loved it.So I put together a study.The Bible Study works best in a group.I am not beyond week 1 yet, but so far it has taught us a lot by looking up relevant passages and reading them aloud to eachother.I get a lot more out of the group study than I do when I read it first on my own.It is highly recommended for church groups that seek growth within themselves as members of a family, church and society. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Devotional    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies    7. BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE STUDY / GENERAL    8. Religion / Devotional   

Reviews (30)

Too Much Supposition to Support the Premise
This book presents some intriguing information and historical-cultural analysis on Chinese ideographic characters.The historical and cultural analysis is very informative.The authors trace back possible meanings and origins of the complex characters of Chinese ideographs.
More proof of a Biblical Creation
We were given this book years ago and were thrilled with the content. This one is a review for us but hasn't lost the thrill. It is very well written, contains many illustrations of the Chinese characters that help to understand that they knew the story of Creation.

Wonderful Book!
I found this book to be a wonderful source of information. My grandparents have been missionaries to Taiwan for over 40 years, and they have often explained the meanings of the different Chinese characters to me and shown me how they have Biblical meanings. I found that this book confirmed everything they have told me about the Chinese language. I truly believe that thousands of years ago the Chinese worshiped the One and True, the Only God--our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (this belief is also shared by my grandparents). If you want to read a book that shows that God created everything and that His Word can never be destroyed, then I would strongly urge you to read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible.    4. Chinese characters    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Creation    7. Eastern - General    8. Genesis    9. Miscellanea    10. O.T    11. O.T.    12. Religion    13. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible - Hermeneutics    4. Bible - Study - General    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    9. Religion & Theology | Biblical Studies    10. Religion / Bible / General   

Reviews (3)

One of the best
I have read 5 to 10 of the NIV Life Application Series commentaries (a quality series), and Burge's volume on John is easily my favorite.Burge's scholarship and writing are solid and the book is a joy to read.The book of John comes alive when the context is discussed along side the text.You will never view the phrases "bread of life," "living water," and "light of the world" the same again.
High Hopes Disappointed
Having benefited from previous volumes in this same series, I was hopeful as I purchased Burge's volume on John.Burge's exegetical notes are helpful, and I have gleaned helpful insights in my sermon prep.But when it comes to the "contemporary significance" stage of the commentary, Burge seems more interested in riding his own personal hobby horses and in vindicating some of his own peculiar views.For the student or preacher wanting to find a really solid volume on the gospel of John, I would suggest he/she keep shopping.

incredible
I found this book incredibly helpful to my personal and academic study of the book of John. This commentary is the most helpful and the most applicable I think I have ever seen. It is so insightful, and allows even a casual reader to delve into the scripture to discover what these words ment to Jesus and how they can be applicable to our lives today. I read John very much differently than I did before readign this book. I give it an A+ ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Bible - Study - New Testament    5. Bible.    6. Commentaries    7. John    8. N.T    9. N.T.    10. New Testament - Single Book Studies    11. Religion    12. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    13. BIBLICAL STUDIES COMMENTARIES SET/SERIES    14. Biblical concordances & commentaries    15. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    16. Books of the New Testament    17. New Testament    18. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / General   

Reviews (3)

Excellent Find!
This is the first book by Cynthia Heald that I have ever purchased, and I am hooked!It is the absolute best Bible study/devotional I have ever purchased.You are prompted to read short excerpts from the Bible and are then given questions from the author that allow you to reflect on what you have read.There is space provided for comments, as well as additional empty "notes" pages in the back.I am a very hands on learner so this format is great for me.Although, I am a daily Bible reader, this study has really helped me to grasp the power and awe of God's grace.I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

What a wonderful set of books!!!
Cynthia's Heald's books "Becoming a woman of..." books are excellent for any woman, whether you are just starting to read the Bible or have read it 10 times.Cynthia's writing style was truly impressive to me.Each chapter starts with a reflective Bible verse and an exerpt from a Christian author or speaker.Then it gives you three or four different verses to look up in the Bible, sections to write your notes, and then a section with the Author's reflection on the concept of the chapter.The chapters increase in complexity, each more challenging as you go on through the book.I bought them all at once, along with "Loving Your Husband" which is also in this Bible study format.

Excellent!
Becoming a Woman of Grace was a wonderful study! It went back to the basics of christianity by defining the purpose of the law (10 commandments) and the purpose and reason for grace! I have always been impressed withCynthia Healds books... they provide a great format for getting into theword and really learning what it means to be a better woman for Christ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Topical Studies    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies    6. Spirituality - Women's    7. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    8. Reference    9. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (1)

Excellent, Christological, Apologetical and thorough survey
I have a couple of Old Testament survey books and have seen many but this is definitely the best one of them all. Dr. Geisler approaches the Old Testament from a uniquely Christ-centered point of view.The whole oulineof his survey is based on Christ the substance of the OT shadows. Hedivides the OT in mainly 4 parts,the books of the Law: The foundation forChrist. The books of History:The preparation for Christ.The Books ofPoetry: THe aspiration for Christ and the books of Prophecy the expectationof Christ. He follows the same excellent system of studying each bookstarting with the author (here he uses his excellent apologetics skills),then when they were written, to whom and also the historical, doctrinal andChristological purpose of the book.Thereafter he divides the book intomain parts and begin his systematic survey of it.I highly recommendthis book to any Bible student and also to the average Christian seeking toobtain a good understanding of the OT and it's message for us today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Bible.    5. General    6. Introductions    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Biblical Studies: Old Testament Survey   

Reviews (2)

Re-forming the Reformation
Father Capon has done it again!He has given us food for thought with his own unique spin.True, he makes points that he's already made in precedingbooks - but in this one, he zeros in on the mistakes of some of the churchfathers and puts a name to it - "transactionalism" - the oldleft-brain idea that one must contribute some kind of coin - sacrifice,repentance, good works - whatever - to deserve the free gift of forgivenessand grace given by God from the get-go to humanity.The Reformation kickedtransactionalism out the front door, proclaiming salvation by grace,through faith, (not works), but let it right back in the back door bystipulating that faith was the current coin of the realm. Burns the Heart
Fr. Capon has a book that gives me an Emmaus experience.This author hasbeen gifted with the ability to present the Gospel in fresh ways that lighta fire inside.Like his other works, Capon has been careful in hisaccuracy, yet prophetic in his mission.He is one of the few authors todaywho side steps the modern avalanche of pious moralisms. Rather, he seeks topresent the Word in context and in the radical and revolutionary power ofwhat God is saying to us.From page one, I found my well-constructedtheological walls of presumption and complacency being chipped starting tocrumble.Not a casual read, but an incredble journey for someone whoalready has inner hints that there must be something more than we have beentold about God's relationship to us! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attributes    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. God    5. God (Theology)    6. Image of God    7. Religion    8. Religion - Theology    9. Christian theology    10. Mind, Body, Spirit    11. Religion / Theology    12. Religion-Bible - Study - General   

Reviews (1)

terrific two-part combo
?The Story?.On an icy Chicago day, Pastor Jake Stauros of Calvary Fellowship sees the desperate mumbling woman in her Goodwill wardrobe struggling to walk so he offered her help.Mary Margaret Delaney pretends to ignore his kindness and just keeps slipping, and incoherently saying ?Luna?.Jake truly wants to help her, but wonders how to reach Mary Margaret without a miracle as she acts as if demons possess her mind, and soul.Yet with God?s help he has assisted several rag tag muffins now part of the Calvary Fellowship.He will continue to pray for Mary Margaret, show her she is not alone, and optimistically hope she will join them.Mary Margaret?s story is a brilliantly written modern day parable paralleling that of Mary Magdalene so that readers can place a contemporary context on perhaps the bible?s ?baddest girl?.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Religion / Bible / Study / General   

Reviews (1)

Take a Guided Tour Through the Scriptures with this Respected Scholar
What if you could read through the Bible shoulder to shoulder with a Bible scholar? Wouldn't the experience keep you motivated and give you an "edge" to keep going? It's what you get with THROUGH THE BIBLE, THROUGH THE YEAR.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - General    5. Devotional    6. Devotional calendars    7. Devotional use    8. Religion    9. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    10. Religion / Christianity   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Children's Baby - Bibles    4. Christian education    5. Christianity - Education - Adult    6. Christianity - Education - Program Resources    7. Jesus Christ    8. Person and offices    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Education - Teaching Helps / Programs    11. Textbooks for youth    12. Christian Interest    13. Christology    14. Religion / Bible / Study / General   

Reviews (1)

Pretty Interesting!
This book is pretty interesting, and I learned a lot about Satanism and all that. Check out this book if your interested in reading it. It was worth it to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Angels    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible Commentary    4. Biblical teaching    5. Christianity - Theology - Angelology    6. Cults    7. Demonology    8. Devil    9. Religion    10. Religion - Theology    11. Theology    12. Religion / Christianity / Spiritual Warfare   

Reviews (15)

Assumptions, Lies, Deliberate Reality Gaps and Wishful Thinking
The stuff contained in this book ranges, as the saying goes, from the ridiculous to the sublime. Mr. Miner states a great deal of what he says as if it is fact, rather than merely his (very wishful) opinion. He says, for instance, that "Lot knew the men of Sodom much better than any of today's fundamentalist preachers do. And it's obvious he believed the crowd outside his door was predominantly heterosexual. Why else would he offer his daughters?" It is NOT "obvious" at all that the crowd was predominantly heterosexual. The author conveniently leaves out the very distinct and far MORE obvious possibility that a great many of the people of Sodom were BIsexual, in which case, offering them his daughters, despicable as it was, would have made plenty of sense. Note, please, that even though my argument makes far more sense than what the author says, I am here using the terms "could have" and "possibility," whereas the author of this book states his case as if everything he is saying isfactual. Mr. Miner says elsewhere that "Since the Middle Ages, Christian theologians have viewed this story as a blanket condemnation of homosexuality. They have perpetuated the idea that Sodom was destroyed for its sexual wickedness and that the proof of this wickedness was the desire of the men of Sodom to have homosexual sex." Mr. Miner is again stating his opinion as if it is fact. In fact, Sodom was not destroyed only because of sexual perversion, but rather, as Paul says in the New Testament, because the Sodomites TOOK PRIDE in their perversions. Note, please, for instance, that today's homosexuals are participating in yearly "Gay Pride" Parades. It is true the Bible does not say that homosexuality is a worse sin than adultery, incest or murder, but nowhere in the world that I know of is anyone yet holding yearly "Adultery Pride" or "Incest Pride" or "Murderer Pride" parades.
Encouraging, sound review of Scripture
This book was a Godsend for me. I grew up in a faith that was very condemning of the feelings I quite naturally experienced. As a result, I was very unhappy for years, even marrying and divorcing as a result. After my divorce, while searching for guidance, I happened upon this book and found the answers I had sought for so many years. The authors make a logical, reasoned argument for their affirming position that addresses common points of contention for people of faith. My only complaint is the somewhat hoky writing style that seems to be a way of making the book as casual and conversational as possible. However, this is a vast improvement over the other books that I have read, which are so steeped in intellectual dissection and examination that they confused me and left me with no "ammo" for later discussions. This book lays out understandable evaluations of Scripture that are easy to understand and even easy to recall during later discussions. Thank God for this book! It said all the things I knew but couldn't articulate.

God loves and blesses us all
This is a detail review of both the condeming and affirming references to Same-sex Relationships in the bible.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Sexuality    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Religion / Christian Life    6. Sexuality & Gender Studies    7. Social Science / Gay Studies    8. Bisexuality    9. Christian life    10. Christianity    11. Gay Studies    12. Homosexuality    13. Homosexuality and Christianity    14. Religious aspects    15. Social Science   

Reviews (1)

So powerful and refreshing
This Bible study is such a blessing.I have read the book of Esther many times, but this is the first time that I have taken such a simple but powerful look at the real Esther and just what she was all about.She was a faithful servant and followed every instruction to the letter, but she had back bone like no other.To sit across a feast table and accuse Haman of his wrong doing showed so much strength.This book is truly a book of Strength and Beauty.So simply put and easy to apply to our own lives. Elizabeth George is a wonderful writer for today's women. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    6. Criticism, interpretation, inc    7. Esther    8. O.T    9. O.T.    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Bible Study Guide    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies    6. Religion / Bible / Study / General   

Reviews (2)

GOD IS OUR FRIEND AND SAVIOR NOT A NUMBER
I haven't read the book yet. So I know I really can't give it a rating but I couldn't just leave what I read from the last reviewer without saying something. I am sure by knowing some of what Max Lucado has written that he does not subscribe to this current numerical cult that I have heard some people speak about. Your salvation does NOT lie in whether or not you are a mathmetician. God is not able to be described as just part of a numeric equation.I am fairly liberal and do not dish out the word "cult" easily.However, this gentleman and another person I have heard talk about it are not spreading the grace of God but rather fear. AND that certainly is not the message of God. Please don't worry if you read a passage of the Bible and don't know how that mathmatically equates.That is NOT what it is all about. God love us just as we are. His death on the cross was not an end to a numeric equation.It was a gift because He loves each and everyone of us so much (as individuals not as numbers).It is grace.Alpha and Omega also mean beginning and end by the way.I do find it facinating yes how we can use math to figure out many things and yes that is amazing. And we are still learning just how much math may play a part. HOWEVER, God's grace and life then and with us is NOT merely something that can be figured out and put in a Alegebra text book.It is so so so much more than that.

The Revelation of the Beginning after the end
This Book is attributed to Saint John, but was probably written by his followers after his death on the basis of his oral teaching. It is an essential piece of Christian fantastique litterature.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Religion / Bible / Study / New Testament    6. Study Guides   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Bible.    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Toddlers    7. Minor Prophets    8. O.T    9. O.T.    10. Old Testament Commentary    11. Religion    12. Religion - Biblical Studies    13. Study and teaching    14. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works   

Reviews (1)

Finally a consistent and logical commentary on the Apocalypse
The author gives a consistent commentary on the literal meaning of Revelation and a good explanation of the spirtual senses (i.e the loving moral view, a faithful analogical/typological view and a hopeful anagogical view.)Particular care for the liturgical elements in the book and their relation with the Divine Liturgy (the Roman Rite Mass) is developed and applied, showing the biblical basis for the New Testament Church's Liturgy.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Christianity - Catholicism    5. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    6. Religion - Classic Works