Showing posts with label Bible studies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible studies. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Book Review: The Song of Solomon Revealed by Owen Sypher
The Song of Solomon Revealed by Owen Sypher is the author's commentary on this book of the Bible, also known as "The Song of Songs."
It is the author's opinion through research that "The Song of Solomon" is an allegory dealing with the deep and loving relationship between Jesus and His bride. It's certainly one of the most poetic books of the Bible.
The book starts out with an introduction from the author, which includes a list of who is speaking during which songs, before the first chapter begins. Then verses and commentary appear throughout with some black and white photographs included.
Anytime an author desires to share God's Word in a meaningful way, he should be applauded. We were tasked by Jesus to make disciples of all nations. This is a task Sypher has taken seriously.
While I found this book interesting, the format wasn't my favorite. There was a Bible verse or two and then an explanation of the author's meaning: "What this verse is referring to is...," "what I mean by this is." The format made for a very choppy read. At the same time I was reading a different Bible study discussing what the Gospels teach us about Jesus' birth and the flow was so much better. I didn't feel distracted throughout it.
The other thing I would say is that the author's bio does not indicate any type of education or experience to show he has the skill set to teach on such a subject. Typically authors of this type of work are professors, theologians, or men of the cloth. There's nothing wrong with being self-taught and sharing your opinions. It would simply be good to know if the author has some credentials that go unstated.
The Song of Solomon Revealed is a book that each person will have to judge for himself. I'm glad to have read it and plan to pass it on.
Paperback
Publisher: Litfire Publishing, LLC (December 12, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635244803
ISBN-13: 978-1635244809
I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Mailbox Monday - Happy New Year!
Mailbox Monday is a meme started by Marcia of To Be Continued. Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. It now has a permanent home at the Mailbox Monday blog.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists.
Happy new year, everyone! I pray you all had a safe and fun time last night. I hung out at home and accomplished what I wanted to: signing up for a few reading challenges for The Book Connection, putting my TBR pile spreadsheet in order and updating it with the new books, signing up for STORYSTORM 2018, and contemplating my personal, real estate and writing goals for 2018.
Nothing new in my mailbox, but I downloaded a few Kindle freebies (as if I need more of those).
Trouble, the Sherlock of black cat detective, finds himself in Turnout, MS on Christmas Eve. Teddy Adamson, that heart breaker, has just walked back into Billie Dean Bailey’s life. But more dire happenings are going on under the mistletoe. Who ends up dead and why? Was it the maraschino cherries in the Tizzington sisters’ fruit compote? Or was it something more sinister? Find out in this short story of Trouble’s latest escapade in the Familiar Legacy Mystery Series.
Golden Scroll Award, Book for the Year—CAN Book of the Year
Regardless of the storms of trials, temptations, worry, uncertainty, or regrets that you're facing, you can find peace in all kinds of weather. These short devotions will increase your faith and trust in God, allowing you to experience the peace you desire. Its conversational style, personal testimonies, practical illustrations, and solid biblical teaching provide the tools you need to overcome the devastating effects of worry.
When worry strikes, find strength and reassurance in God's arms.
The perfect follow-up to The Last Week, Borg and Crossan's The First Christmas is an account of the two nativity narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Borg and Crossan focus on discovering the actual literary story that the Gospels tell. Borg and Crossan feel that history has biased our readings of these texts; we are all so familiar with the nativity story that we don't really hear it anymore. The First Christmas will help us see the nativity story afresh and be able to appreciate the powerful message the Gospels contain.
I'm looking forward to a relaxing day at home before we are all back to our schedules tomorrow. Hope you have a blessed day.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Seasonal Non-fiction: The First Christmas by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan
In The First Christmas Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan—top Jesus scholars and authors of The Last Week—help us see the real Christmas story buried in the familiar Bible accounts. Basing their interpretations on the two nativity narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Borg and Crossan focus on the literal story—the inner truth rather than the historical facts—to offer a clear and uplifting message of hope and peace. With The First Christmas readers get a fresh, deep, and new understanding of the nativity story, enabling us to better appreciate the powerful message of the Gospels.
File Size: 726 KB
Print Length: 274 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0281060045
Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (October 13, 2009)
Publication Date: October 13, 2009
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ASIN: B000WPXTJ2
Order here!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Mailbox Monday - January 6
Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
Here is what I received this week:
James Study Guide
Deepening Life Together video Bible studies guide small groups into a deeper understanding of the Bible, and a deeper relationship with God and others. Each DVD features inspirational teaching by trusted scholars and pastors edited with engaging graphics and footage from the Jesus film. The study guides are based on the Five Biblical Purposes and enhance fellowship, discipleship, ministry, evangelism, and worship.
Each guide includes leader notes, discussion questions, daily reflections, and personal assessments to chart and track spiritual growth. Deepening Life Together is a great church resource and includes built-in leader training. With leader notes and video coaching for each session, the curriculum is perfect for new or experienced leaders. Lifetogether has sold more than 2.5 million copies of its award-winning studies for small groups, taking groups deeper into the Bible and providing proven techniques to start and sustain a small group.
Kindle freebies
Practical, insightful and relatable 250 page in depth devotional study with great personal stories. Each day is short enough to be able to read and have time to process the personal application questions. It can be used in conjunction with the discussion guide (at www.TheBookofJudges.com) or as a stand alone devotional.
This comic romance is a tasty morsel for the holidays to make even the truest cynic believe in love again.
Christmas is a time of togetherness, celebrations, family and love. But for Heather it is a time for second guessing and false hope. Fearing for her still young marriage and feeling abandoned in a time of great emotional need, she has pinned all her hopes on a Christmas present--a small gesture with great meaning--to renew her faltering relationship.
As her husband, Derek, an intern, spends long hours and late nights in the emergency room saving lives, Heather diligently and lovingly teaches her kindergarten class and wonders if her marriage is slowly, imperceptibly, slipping away. As Christmas approaches, she remembers the joy and the closeness she and her husband shared in holidays past, and grapples with her options for reigniting the spark they once shared. But did she get it all wrong when she decided that a mere sweet pastry from the hottest bakery in town was the answer to all her woes? Could it be that simple?
And how could a poodle skirt, a princess and bouncer help?
When all is said and done, Derek and Heather will come to know the regenerative power of love and Christmas, as the very best Christmas present ever touches both their lives and leaves their lives forever changed.
Point Pleasant. Virginia. 1859
A slave revolt is spreading across across the land.
Amid fears of terrible bloodshed, the gentleman farmer Mr Underwood is promoted to the position of Supervisor.
After a tense confrontation, the town is kept safe.
But on the ride home, an escaped slave lands Mr Underwood in a whole lot of trouble.
And suddenly he is embroiled in a bitter and bloody feud between the North and South, the Confederates and the Unionists.
As the two sides battle over Virginia, Mr Underwood is caught up in a dangerous struggle for control of the State.
And when he meets a beautiful widow, it is not just the State that is divided - it is Underwood's heart that is at stake as well as must choose between the beguiling Ariadne and his shrewish wife.
The Secessionist is a fast-paced, brilliantly researched historical novel that is sure to have you on edge of your seat from the first to the last page.
It is a must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Charles Frazier.
"A wonderful book combining detailed research and fast-moving story-telling." - Tom Kasey, best-selling author of Trade Off.
In spite of having to recover from serious injuries from her fall down a cliff with O'nan, Josiah Reynolds is back to sleuthing. This time her friend, Irene Meckler, asks Josiah to investigate the death of her nephew which was ruled accidental. Irene has her doubts.
Along with her best friend Matt, and Jake Dosh, a physician assistant hired by Josiah's daughter, Josiah again makes the rounds of quirky characters that can only be found in the mysterious world of antebellum homes, bourbon and horse racing of Kentucky's Bluegrass region.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Book Review: Peter: Rock Star from Galilee
Peter: Rock Star from Galilee is the latest guided Bible study for teens from Sherree Funk.
This eight-week Bible study for teens combines music, Bible learning, and modern-day applications. Each week begins with a playlist of songs that are a mix of contemporary Christian music and traditional hymns. Various aspects of Peter's life are covered: his calling by Jesus, his stepping out onto the stormy sea, his denial of Jesus after His arrest, the miracles he performed in the name of Jesus, his legacy, and more!
Readers get a preview of the week's study to help spark initial discussions. There are questions and exercises along the way. The "Chew on This" moments give teens time to consider things like their blessings, while the "Christian Reality Challenge" blurbs cement learning. The "Jam Session" at the end of each week includes questions to get teens thinking about how the Bible applies to them today. Then the replay wraps the week up for them to round out discussions. Also included are maps and historical photos.
As a Sunday school teacher, I am always on the lookout for engaging new materials for our young people. Peter: Rock Star from Galilee definitely has what it takes. With sound Bible learning and music, this Bible study will meet kids where they are today. I've already shared it with our youth group leader and she's excited about it. If you are in youth ministry, you'll want to take a peek into this one.
Title: Peter: Rock Star from Galilee
Author: Sherree Funk
Publisher: WinePress Publishing
ISBN-10: 1414119836
ISBN-13: 978-1414119830
SRP: $16.99
Also available in eformats
The author paid me to promote this book through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I received no monetary compensation.
This eight-week Bible study for teens combines music, Bible learning, and modern-day applications. Each week begins with a playlist of songs that are a mix of contemporary Christian music and traditional hymns. Various aspects of Peter's life are covered: his calling by Jesus, his stepping out onto the stormy sea, his denial of Jesus after His arrest, the miracles he performed in the name of Jesus, his legacy, and more!
Readers get a preview of the week's study to help spark initial discussions. There are questions and exercises along the way. The "Chew on This" moments give teens time to consider things like their blessings, while the "Christian Reality Challenge" blurbs cement learning. The "Jam Session" at the end of each week includes questions to get teens thinking about how the Bible applies to them today. Then the replay wraps the week up for them to round out discussions. Also included are maps and historical photos.
As a Sunday school teacher, I am always on the lookout for engaging new materials for our young people. Peter: Rock Star from Galilee definitely has what it takes. With sound Bible learning and music, this Bible study will meet kids where they are today. I've already shared it with our youth group leader and she's excited about it. If you are in youth ministry, you'll want to take a peek into this one.
Title: Peter: Rock Star from Galilee
Author: Sherree Funk
Publisher: WinePress Publishing
ISBN-10: 1414119836
ISBN-13: 978-1414119830
SRP: $16.99
Also available in eformats
The author paid me to promote this book through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. That fee did not include a review. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I received no monetary compensation.
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