Bible college affirmed
936736
This book has been purchased by our Bible college library as a resource for students upon recommendation by the seasoned Biblical Counseling Chair.
2817054
I used this book when I was in Bible College, and of course you have to have this book to graduate.  I lost it during the transition to my home town and now, I found it and I am going to start writing teaching lessons for our church and others else well.  I recommend this book highly, highly and highly.  It's a must, you have to have it.  Buy it!!!!!!!
2680403
Nearly fifty years ago I worked with a group of educators to create the National Association of Christian Schools Student Bible. It included maps, archaeological information, a concordance, a Bible dictionary, and a Bible study guide. Although it was well received in its day, it could not hold a candle to this outstanding offering from Zondervan.

What was largely lacking in the NACS Student Bible was a clear contextual organization to the materials. Each component was placed in its own section in the back of the finished product, so students had to hunt around for the information that went along with a given Bible passage. The NIV Essentials Study Bible solves this problem by embedding the information right into the text of the Bible itself.

Each map, bit of historical/archaeological data, or other resource is located right in the part of the Bible that it is designed to accompany. If the reader wishes to learn more about a given Scripture reference, there is no need to skip to the back of the book to find the study helps. On the other hand, if one merely wishes to read the Bible through, it is easy to skip the additional material and just read the text.

This valuable volume will be kept in a place where I can access it easily, since it provides companion material that is well done and highly professional.
4271283
GTL is an ideal text or resource for  Christian universities and seminaries, along with Bible Study groups (or individuals).  Rev. Rick's  storytelling  style models that of Jesus, the Master Teacher.  His use of the Timeline of Christ's redemptive work throughout Scripture and beyond gives His Story thematic  coherence that I have not seen before.  A must-read for both believers and those exploring the Faith...
P.S.:  The Integrative Questions in each chapter and the companion Teacher's Guide is pedagogy at its very best!

James J. Juergensen,  Ph. D
Former Dean, School of Education
Concordia University Wisconsin
3850683
From the winning stable of fine Pre-
terist Preacher Don K. Preston of
the Ardmore, Oklahoma Church of Christ
comes a new volume of prophesy proclaim-
ing the really good news of Jesus com-
plete and once and for all delivered to
the saints life in Christ.

This in-depth exegeis of 1 Thessalonians
4:13, Preston shows that a linguistic,
grammatical, contexual anaylisis of Paul's
text actually falisifies all future expec-
tations of 'a bodily return of Jesus' to
earth and "end of the Christian age".

Dispensationalism is a house of cards that
will destroy ones correct interpretation
of the fulfilled prophesy correct view of
the Bible. This is very occultic, people.
Pls. wake up and read the truely good
news!

Revisionistically Yours,

Rich Salzer,
Historical Review Library,
Moyock, North Carolina, USA
1041033
When it comes to Bible study, the English speaking church is truly blessed with a glut of materials. And Bible study helps come in almost every shape and size: simple books with application for laymen, heavy tomes with detailed exegesis of the Greek for scholars, and everything in between. In the "Gods Word For You" series from The Good Book Company, we find a unique balance. Each book in the series is attractively designed and emphasizes that the book aims to unveil Gods Word for the ordinary reader. The books aim to help believers read the Biblical text, grow in grace as they learn to feed on Gods Word, and also to equip Bible study leaders and various church teachers with a helpful analysis of the text with an eye to application.

Timothy Keller, one of my favorite authors, gives us a gospel-centered look at the book of Judges, in "Judges For You." I was repeatedly struck by how applicable the stories in Judges are to the church today. Keller avoids an allegorical reading of the text just as much as he shuns a scholastic handling of it. He sees the Messiah in the types found in Judges, and points out how Judges always leaves us looking for a better king, a better judge, a more complete savior. There is a transition from the entire tribe of Judah fighting for Israel in the first chapters, to the solitary savior, Samson at the end. In every way Christ is the greater David, who fulfills Judges expectation in ways that David, whose story follows on the heels of Judges, never could.

Keller has an eye to challenging aspects of the text for todays readers. He provides an appendix for how to handle the concept of holy war in Scripture. And he purposefully points out how Israels common sin of idolatry relates to similar idolatrous sins we find in todays culture and even in the church. Each chapter includes two sets of discussion questions, and can be broken into two lessons if needed.

I listened to the christianaudio version of this book, and it worked well as a devotional read on the way to and from work each day. The chapters build on each other but can be read individually. The narration at first was hard to adjust to. The reader, Maurice England, has a strong southern drawl, and his accent was distracting at first. Perhaps it was more distracting because it contrasts so sharply with Tim Kellers voice which I was imagining in my head when listening to the book. In time, the narration grew on me and I warmed up to Englands voice. I also own the hardback book, and notice that there are only a few things you miss out on with the audio-book. There is one big map in the appendix, as well as a couple diagrams which are not in the audio-book. Additionally, the audio-book does not attempt to include the glossary feature of the book (words in gray font in the text are defined in the glossary at the back of the book).

I highly recommend this series, and am looking forward to picking up additional titles. If each is as gospel-focused as this title, the series will be a boon to the church.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by christianaudio as part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
1439670
I received from Rose Publishing the following Powerpoint to review:  Why Trust The Bible?

I am the Chair of the Biblical Studies department at my college and teach various courses in Biblical Studies.  I have used this powerpoint throughout this past school year and have found it very well done and helpful for the classroom.

This powerpoint consists of 150 slides.  It begins with a menu which allows you to jump to the section you would like to examine.  The menu choices are: Why Trust the Bible?, How Were the Stories Passed Down?, How Can We Know the Bible Was Copied Accurately?, Who Chose the Books in My Bible?, How Reliable Is My Bible?, and Timeline.

The first section, Why Trust the Bible? introduces both the skeptic and believers sides of this issue.  The next four sections of the powerpoint examine different facets of this issue while upholding the accuracy of the biblical text.  How Were the Stories Passed Down focuses on the New Testament; in particular the accuracy of Jesus life.  Interwoven throughout are questions raised by skeptics followed by responses to this question.

The next section questions the accuracy of the Bibles transmission through a text critical examination of the Old and New Testament.  It does not minimize the fact that there are differences between various manuscripts, but does rightly state that these variants do not affect any vital aspect of Christian faith.

The powerpoint then examines the question of who chose the books of the Bible.  Beginning with the New Testament, it notes the questions of the skeptics and proceeds to give a history of how the New Testament books were decided.  The transmission of the Old Testament is briefly discussed (2 slides) before presenting the conclusion that we can be assured the Bible accurately reflects historical truth.  The final section returns to the initial question of Why Trust the Bible?  This is again answered by honestly evaluating the evidence, not sidestepping issues.  The concluding timeline focuses on the New Testament.  The appendix contains footnotes connected to previous slides along with verses which support the information in the slideshow.

This is an excellent collection of slides which would be useful in the classroom setting, for Sunday school, or even to supplement the Sunday morning sermon.  The slides are not locked so the information can be tweaked to fit the particular situation.  In addition to the slides, there are notes available in pdf format.

This powerpoint is an incredible bargin for the price.  I highly recommend it to all who desire to help their students/congregation better understand the issues surrounding the formation and transmission of the Bible.
2522440
Purchased by a conservative Bible college as a library resource upon request of the Biblical Counseling Dept Chair.
2377858
I painfully put away my old trusty Catholic Bible 8 years ago and on a recommendation, purchased this wonderful study Bible. As a Spirit filled believer, the perspective is Biblically accurate and sensitive to the great gift of the supernatural manifestations always intended for God's children to bring the Word in truth and in power. I really read every study note on every verse and the concordance is excellent. Although limited by space, the writers have used spiritual discernment with sound intellect to decide. The Word Wealth so expands my knowledge as the Holy Spirit ministers. Love the Hebrew/Greek dictionary, and all doctrinal explanations and views. The Book of Revelation is presented in a well balanced form with easy to read charts to decipher the varied and much disputed eschatological views.
The New King James version for me is a perfect balance between the older, the newer and the (very new- so much lost) The pages are thin and tissuey so must be treating respectfully. I love my Bible and know so many who also do. I recommend it for a new believer, those who miss the full embrace of the gifts we have received when Christ Jesus sat down at Father's right hand when The Promise was sent and for those wanting an easy to read, reasonable size study Bible.
3204009
This book is being used for a class at Bible College.( Church History) Great book
2891617
As a real Biblical scholar who suspected everything that Barbara Thiering confirmed in her incredible works. This Book is a MUST read for any seeker of truth.
2093394
How refreshing to read such a beautiful compilation of Bible doctrine in a question and answer format from a 1689 Baptist, and one of the contributors to the 1689 Confession no less. It is truth that will bless the soul and move one to worship, be the person young or old. It certainly did for me.

The introductory material is also excellent, providing very helpful historical background and context. The editors are to be commended!

I unreservedly recommend this catechism for anyone and everyone, for personal learning or family and church instruction.
1364425
This is a 'must have' for the book shelves of all Bible students. De La Torre's language is clear and his perspective is spot on.
1795791
Father Bruce Vawter, CM.  a member of the Vincentians gives a most definitive  review and exegetical marvel of Genesis.  There is a presentation of those events which are historical and those which are allegorical and an education for the Hebrew people Father Vawter exegetes Genesis with an academic surge that kept me reading. His commentary on Genesis must be read by all seminarians and priests studying Scripture and striving for a licentiate or  doctorate.  Distinctions between the  Royal and priestly  writing about the creation of all beings  and the knowledge of sin and virtue were clearly  given.  The story of Abraham and Joseph and Noah and Lot  should be read by all academics.  Father Vawter  whom I met in 1954 at St. Mary's  seminary in Perryville, Mo showed a pleasantness of virtue and truth of his  brilliance  I recommend this Genesis commentary and his other works on Jesus Christ and the New Testament.
3929974
The is also a very good book and bible aid and it came recommended for the class I am in for theology.
1200016
This book is well worth being read, especially if the Bible is read and believed. God's Word never lies!
963033
proving this nation was founded on christian biblical principles . this book shows how even 1st graders were taught the bible in school.