EPHESIANS: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ by Sue Edwards

ABOUT THE BOOK

Women need Bible study to keep balanced, focused and Christ-centered in their busy worlds. However, many find it difficult to set aside the time and discipline needed for an in-depth study. The Discover Together studies offer tiered questions to allow readers to choose a depth of study that fits with their individual lifestyles or schedules, even if they vary by the week, month or season.

This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul's church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God's Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos. Scan the video QR code in the book with a smart phone or visit the series website to watch Sue provide historical and cultural background, teach important truths found in each week's lesson, or ask thoughtful questions to encourage deeper discussion.

GET YOUR COPY HERE! 

JOIN THE ONLINE BIBLE STUDY HERE! 

Just LIKE the page and then follow along. There will be a launch party for Ephesians on April 11th and the online Bible study will begin the following week on April 15th.  
 

Women crave Bible studies that challenge them to grow in their faith. But after balancing carpools, sports schedules, or work deadlines, you may not be able to commit to another evening out of the house. Now you don't have to.  

Whether studying with a small group or by yourself, you know can join popular Bible teacher Sue Edwards on the Year of Discovery. Sue will be leading women through her studies with online chats and discussions on her Facebook page. All year long. Every week. Any time of day. From the comfort of home. Make-up and hair-do optional. Come as you are!  

Each week you will find quotes, links to articles and other resources, and videos to help you as you study. Complete the lessons at your convenience. Then visit Facebook.com/DiscoverTogetherSeries any time of day to comment or ask questions. Sue will be there frequently to respond, encourage, and equip!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women's ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women's Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the new Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.  

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT SUE EDWARDS HERE! 

MY REVIEW

When I was studying to obtain my bachelor's degree in Biblical Theology, I had the privilege to sit under many different bible teachers. Some were great, like Dr. Ron Cottle and some were good and a few left me shaking my head. 

I said that to say Sue Edwards is a great teacher. One of the things that make her great is her love for God's written word. When someone is teaching a subject, whether it be the Bible or any other thing, to be a great teacher there much be a passion about that subject as well as knowledge. Sue Edwards shows and expresses that passion with this teaching on Ephesians. Not only does she have a passion for teaching, she also demonstrates a deep knowledge about what she is teaching. Her research in the history of Ephesians, knowledge she has gleaned from commentators and other theologians flows through with this in-depth study. In fact, she used a lot from one of my favorite people, Watchman Nee. ( I have his book, Sit, Walk, Stand, and it is a great study on Ephesians.)

My work schedule is so crazy that it is difficult for me to join studies, so knowing I could do this study at my own pace was a huge comfort to me. Any time I wanted to see and hear Sue all I had to do was go to her website, THE DISCOVER TOGETHER BIBLE STUDY SERIES, and click on the appropriate link or if I had my cell phone close to hand, I could scan the QR codes. That was way cool!

This study is great for individual studying or small groups. Since I am one of those people who wants to learn all I can, going into the "Digging Deeper" sections was not only fulfilling but gave me a deeper understanding of this precious word of God and why He has done so much for me. My little home has memory verses posted throughout, from this study. It's a comfort to know I am seated in the heavenly places with Jesus, spiritually, even though some days I am running all day long at my job.

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose in Christ is a study I look forward to going through again, hopefully with a couple of friends. I also intend to look into more of Sue Edwards bible studies. I have to say again, she is a great teacher. She definitely has been given the gift of teaching. 

This review was made possible because Litfuse Publicity Group provided me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

 





 



 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS! 

POISON: Bloodline Trilogy 2 by Jordyn Redwood

ABOUT THE BOOK

Five years ago, Keelyn Blake’s armed, mentally ill stepfather took her family hostage in their house in rural Colorado. She and her half-sister Raven made it out alive, but others did not. Authorities blamed the father’s frequent hallucinations about a being named Lucent, but in the end, even the best of the FBI’s hostage negotiators failed to overcome the man’s delusions and end the standoff peacefully.

Now, Lucent is back, and he’s no hallucination. In fact, he is a very real person with dangerous motives. He has kidnapped Raven’s daughter, and--Keelyn worries--maybe has hurt Raven as well. Though she is estranged from her sister, Keelyn feels the immediate need to find Raven and save what family she has left. But when others who were involved in that fateful day start dying, some by mysterious circumstances, Keelyn wonders if she can emerge unscathed a second time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Jordyn Redwood has specialized in critical care and emergency nursing for nearly two decades. She is a member of both the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Christian Fiction Writers association.

JORDYN REDWOOD'S WEBSITE 

MY REVIEW

Since I had read Jordyn's first book of this trilogy, Proof, I had to read the second book, Poison. I was not disappointed. Scary, chilling and absolutely twisted, Poison, kept me spellbound from the first page to the last.

Jordyn's style of writing draws the reader into the story with her strong characters. Her medical knowledge comes through in a way that is easy to understand for any layperson reading her work. She doesn't use terminology without a quick definition that helps the reader to understand what is taking place.

The main characters in this second book are primarily Keelyn, Lee, Nathan and Keeyln's sister, Raven. Though each one of these people are strong, they all have secrets that can and do cause harm. Some of this harm may have a deadly effect. 

Woven throughout the storyline, Jordyn weaves a thread of hope. Keelyn, Lee and Nathan have a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the various circumstances and trials, they all find their faith tested.

This is not a stand-alone novel. I highly recommend reading Proof before delving into this spine-chilling second book. Proof lays the foundation that Jordyn uses to build on to bring us Poison.

I do highly recommend this book if you enjoy a good thriller. I don't know that they get any better than this one. I do know I am avidly awaiting for the third book of this Bloodline Trilogy.

WANT TO READ A CHAPTER? CLICK HERE!

READ A CHAPTER OF PROOF HERE! 

Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy in order to write this review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

Ephesians Online Bible Study! Launch party 4/11 – RSVP today

Ephesians: Discovering Your Identity and Purpose for Christ.
Join the online Bible study (4/15 - 6/17) with Sue Edwards! And invite your friends to join you.



 Sue will be posting weekly on the Year of Discovery Facebook Page and interacting with groups and individuals around the country going through the study at the same time. Women will be able to discuss the study with each other and ask questions via Facebook. Edwards will launching the Ephesians study with an April 11 Facebook launch party. The online study will begin the following week.  (April 15 – June 17)


Completing each lesson requires about one-and-a-half hours. Readers still receive in-depth Bible study but with a minimum time commitment. For those who desire a more thorough study, including an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and geography related to the Bible, Edwards has provided “Digging Deeper” questions. Answering these questions may require outside resources such as an atlas, Bible dictionary or concordance and challenge readers to examine complex theological issues and differing views more closely.


More about the Ephesians study: This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul’s church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God’s Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos.




Purchase a copy of Ephesians and join the on-line Bible study today.




If you join the Ephesians Bible Study - add this button to your blog: (just copy the code and paste it into a blog post or your blog sidebar)
“Ephesians” Online Bible Study – JOIN ME!


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MY VERY FIRST EASTER STORY STICKER BOOK by Lois Rock and Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

ABOUT THE BOOK   

Here is a story and activity book containing a complete retelling of the Easter story presented in a simple manner for young children to grasp. The stickers are used first to complete the illustrations in the main story. Then there are extra activities on each page alongside the story--counting, naming, identifying--with stickers for each. All of the stickers are found in the center of the book where they are grouped and numbered according to activity to make it easy for young children to find the right sticker.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lois Rock is the Commissioning Editor for Lion Children’s Books, as well as a highly respected and trusted author in her own right, acclaimed in many different countries for her books of prayers, Bible stories, and non-fiction books about the Christian faith.

Lois lives in Oxfordshire, is married and has 3 children, all of whom are now grown up. She enjoys cycling and walking and has helped to lead church children’s groups for many years, an experience that she draws on when writing books for children.  

MY REVIEW

This is a wonderful sticker book about the Easter Story. Alex Ayliffe uses bright colors and simple graphics that catch a child's eye. Lois's story line is a simple retelling of the Easter Story, about Jesus and His death and resurrection. A child will have no trouble staying attentive to the story. 

A child will also enjoy placing the colorful stickers in their respective places. There are easy activities besides the stickers that include simple math questions,identifying objects and more.

This sticker book will give any child a basic understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection as well as countless hours of joy as they reread the Easter Story.

Kregel Publications provided me with a review copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

  

    

UNHOLY HUNGER: Lure of the Serpent Book 1 by Heather James

ABOUT THE BOOK

Evelyn Barrett wants to die. As long as her daughter’s murderer dies with her, she is ready to go. Why did this man--this stranger--destroy her family? Why has he not been brought to justice? Why is she forced to live a life of anger and grief? Amid a million questions she cannot answer, Evelyn knows one thing for sure: this murderer must be punished for his crime.

Before it all, she was a successful attorney who won all the hard cases. Now that the case is personal, Evelyn will stop at nothing to seek her own version of justice. When another girl goes missing, Evelyn plows forward, ignoring the warnings from police detectives, the pleas of her grief-stricken husband, and the strange, almost supernatural tingles that tug at her. But as she follows the stench of evil, Evelyn learns that the hardest thing she will have to face may not be the death of her child after all. Perhaps the harder lesson is this: the ultimate truth--of crime and verdict, of life and death--cannot be swayed by a mother’s revenge.

In this first book of a new, page-turning series, a woman will be brought to her limits before she finally recognizes the movement of the Holy Spirit and reconnects with the source of true peace.

WATCH THE TRAILER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Heather James is the author of the upcoming Lure of the Serpent Series, suspense novels that pack quick wit into the high heels of attorney turned vigilante, Evelyn Barrett.

 

In addition, Heather is a practicing lawyer in California and a columnist with The Bakersfield Californian. Her columns focus on the humorous aspects of marriage and parenthood. Heather is married and works at home, raising two young sons.
To visit Heather’s author page on Amazon and see current books and trailers: http://www.amazon.com/Heather-James/e/B009TWYH2C/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Her website is heatherjames.net

MY REVIEW

I am thrilled to write about this debut novel by Heather James. It is always a privilege to review debuting authors. So without further ado, here is my review.

Written in the first person viewpoint, we meet Evelyn Barrett as she talks about the first Eve and a piece of fruit. From that point forward it becomes a wild roller-coaster ride for Evelyn, emotionally, spiritually and physically. 

Heather chose a difficult subject to write about, sexual abuse and murder of young innocent children. Her main character, Evelyn, is a woman who tries to deal with the murder of her only child. It is how she deals with it that will make the reader continue to read this extremely suspenseful novel.   

Will she accomplish what she sets out to do? Will revenge fulfill her emptiness?  

Heather James has crafted a novel that will have have you turning the pages until you reach the last. An incredible, chilling tale with a spiritual twist that will have you looking at things differently, Unholy Hunger, is a winner for me. 

I look forward to reading the next one in this powerful series. 

Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy for the purpose of writing this review. 

  

J.R.R. TOLKIEN: The Making of a Legend by Colin Duriez

ABOUT THE BOOK

Long before the successful, Lord of the Rings film trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginary world and characters had enthralled and delighted millions of readers. But who was this man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth? 

 

Tolkien had a difficult life for many years: orphaned and poor, his guardian forbad him to communicate with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he went through the horrors of the First World War. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent over fifty years working on the languages, history, peoples and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology inspiried by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations. This engaging and accessible biography brings him to life.

 

READ AN EXCERPT HERE  be sure to click download!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Colin Duriez has appeared as a commentator on DVD's of Peter Jackson;s The Lord of the Rings, and BBC television's The Worlds of Fantasy. He is also the author of The Inklings Handbook (with the late David Porter), J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship, and Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings.He has contributed to several definitive reference works, including The Tolkien Encyclopedia.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW HIS WEBSITE

MY REVIEW

I have been a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien since I was a child. I met Bilbo Baggins at a young age and to this day I own a copy of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

When I saw the opportunity to review a biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, I couldn't pass it up. How did he come up with his ideas, languages and story line, characters, Middle-earth and all that makes up The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Mr. Duriez has written a wonderful biography that was enlightening, entertaining and well researched. He brought back to life J.R.R. Tolkien, from his childhood through adulthood. Now when I read about the Two Towers, I have a good idea of what inspired that idea. 

I wasn't aware or rather I didn't think about it, but reading about Tolkien's war experiences during the First World War made such a huge impact on his writing and descriptions of orcs and balrogs and more. Now when I read about Frodo and Sam trekking through the bogs, I know in Tolkien's mind he was remembering all those young men laying in the mud and mire on the front line.

Though I was a teenager when Tolkien died, reading this biography has really made him more real to me, not a myth of a man, but someone who struggled with insecurities, brilliance and a life-long love with his precious Edith - Luthien.

Reading this book has also encouraged me to obtain another copy (the last one I had belonged to a library) of The Silmarillion. I think I am ready to tackle it again!

Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

THE WEIGHT OF MERCY: A NOVICE PASTOR ON THE CITY STREETS by Deb Richardson-Moore

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ministry can be messy, complicated, and bewildering. Whether responding to the church alarm mysteriously and repeatedly going off in the middle of the night, firing a kitchen assistant with a habit of buying drugs from parishioners, or interacting with the Chicken-Eatin' Preacher from West Greenville, pastor Deb Richardson-Moore quickly admits that there is a great deal they do not teach you in seminary. 

In this frank and engaging account of answering a call later in life, Richardson-Moore brings the reader into the world of her work at the Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The result is an honest look at the complications and difficulties surrounding her first years of ministry to homeless men and women suffering from mental illness, crack addictions, and alcoholism. At the same time, it is a humorous and deeply touching account of God's grace manifested in the most remarkable of ways, whether in the inadvertent befriending of a mugger or in the unexpected witnessing of an addict tenderly washing another's wounded foot. 

In The Weight of Mercy, Richardson-Moore weaves a story that is difficult to forget, due both to its engaging characters and also its radical vision of what the Christian church could look like if it truly lived out Christ's command to welcome the stranger.

READ A CHAPTER HERE! 

ABOUT DEB RICHARDSON-MOORE

 

Deb Richardson-Moore is pastor of the non-denominational Triune Mercy Center--a mission church that ministers to and alongside the homeless in Greenville, South Carolina. Her congregation consists of street people who live in Greenville's "homeless triangle," as well as city dwellers and suburbanites who believe that the kingdom of God is widely and wildly inclusive.  

She is a native South Carolinian and a graduate of Wake Forest University and Erskine Theological Seminary. Prior to becoming a pastor, she was an award-winning writer for The Greenville News, covering art, theater, religion and unconventional features. Her stories on a losing soccer team and on the lost art of clothes ironing won national awards, as did her body of work on religion. 

Under Deb's leadership, Triune has been transformed from a dying church and crowded soup kitchen into a vibrant worship community whose parishioners mingle freely across socioeconomic lines. She has introduced international opera and Broadway stars to the homeless, and in return, introduced homeless musicians and visual artists to the Greenville community. Using art, music, drama and gardening along with more traditional programming such as mental health counseling, computer training, employment help, and drug rehabilitation, Triune has become known as a ministry that practices and preaches. 

Deb believes that living in solidarity with the impoverished, homeless, and mentally ill who make their way to Triune doesn't have to be grim. Nor ugly. Therefore, all comers are invited to share their gifts and to serve each other--from running the laundry room to serving communion to leading tours in which they are the experts on homelessness. Many of their efforts have gone into beautifying the building and grounds and making the inner-city church a sunny, cheerful place to be. 

But it wasn't always so. When Deb stepped into the Triune pastorate as an inexperienced, middle-aged seminary graduate, she was overwhelmed by the need and the grime, the demands and the dirt, the hidden horrors of a population she didn't know existed. She was determined not to forget those early years, and out of that determination came The Weight of Mercy. Deb is married to Vince Moore, who is director of media relations for Furman University. They have three grown children--Dustin, 29, Taylor, 27, and Madison, 22. The Weight of Mercy is her first book.  

CONNECT WITH DEB 

TRIUNE MERCY CENTER 

MY REVIEW

I wasn't exactly sure what I would be getting into when I decided to review this book. Sometimes when you read memoirs/biographies they can be hard to relate to. However, The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets is a real eye-opener not to mention encouraging, and heart-wrenching at times.
Extremely well written, Deb lays bare her heart for the ministry God put into her hands. Through her words I could see in my minds-eye Triune Mercy and those who came to find a hot meal, counseling, and hope. 

She openly shares the triumphs, the loses, the frustrations and the joys of stepping outside of her comfort zone to minister to those who may or may not care. 

Having personally been involved in a similar ministry, I could well-relate to her battles because it is war. It is a war between hope and hopelessness. It is a war between adiction and being set free. It is a war between loving those who hate everyone. Yet in spite of it all, it is the insurmountable joy of watching and sharing in the life that rises from the grave (so to speak) to becoming someone brand new in Christ. 

Through Deb's book I was encouraged and reminded that no matter how hopeless a situation may seem, when God places you there, He will bring you through to the end and He is the one who will receive the glory and praise. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in their ministry and to those who are trying to decide if inner-city ministry is where God really wants them. It's worth it.
 
Kregel Publications provided me with a free review copy in order for me to write this review.   

 

SONS OF JUDE by Brandt Dodson

WATCH THE VIDEO TRAILER HERE!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new series of gritty, fast-paced thrillers
 

The body of a young woman is found in a dumpster in Chicago and detectives Andy Polanski and Frank Campello are charged with finding the killer. The two are polar opposites. Polanski is the son of a disgraced Chicago police officer and is fastidious about his reputation. He has also recently been transferred from another district having blown the whistle on some corrupt cops. Campello, however, takes a live-and-let-live approach to his life and job.

 

It soon becomes clear, as another young woman--a potential witness--is murdered, that a sex-trafficking operation in Chicago is preying on illegal aliens. As the ill-matched pair dig deeper, an influential alderman and his son are implicated. Then Polanski is framed for a narcotics offense, devastating the cases against the corrupt officers and the alderman. Only when Campello is challenged by a local minister, whom he meets when visiting Polanski, does he find the motivation to seek justice.

 

READ AN EXCERPT HERE! 

 

ABOUT BRANDT DODSON

 

 

 

 Brandt Dodson comes from a long line of police officers, and was employed by the Indianapolis office of the FBI. He has lived in Chicago and travels to the city regularly. He is the creator of the Colton Parker series and author of several stand-alone thrillers. You can find Brandt at www.brandtdodson.com.

MY REVIEW

Sons of Jude is a well-written, exciting crime thriller. The first page had me more than ready to read the rest. I had to find out what happened to Campello's partner. Then in comes Polanski, his new partner that everyone despises. 

Brandt did exceptional in creating his very believable characters. I could understand why Campello wasn't excited about working with not just another partner but one who "betrayed" his fellow officers. And Polanski, here was an officer who wanted to do what was right, and his family is harassed as well as the grief he went through from the other officers.

Throw in the inquisitive, sharp reporter who leaves no stone unturned... and a case with more sneaky turns than straight answers, you have got an awesome novel!

Reading this book from beginning to end, I found I have to read the next one and the ones after that. I was so thoroughly entertained and hooked I couldn't quit reading it. Brandt Dodson has a new fan in me!

And guys, this is a gritty book that you will enjoy. I have an eclectic taste in reading material and I happen to like gritty crime thrillers. But that doesn't mean you wouldn't like it too. There is just enough toughness in these great characters that you will most definitely relate to them better than me. 

I also wanted to note how laid-back Brandt was in bringing out the ethical aspect in the story-line. Polanski is the Christian in this unwanted partnership but Campello doesn't realize it until the both of them are facing some real life and death moments in this crazy case they are working on. 

Well I don't want to spoil the rest of the book. So be sure to get your copy today. It's available through your favorite bookstores.

Kregel Publications made this review possible by providing me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

MORTAL FIRE: The Secret of the Journal by C.F.Dunn

About the book

Twenty-nine-year-old, independent, and self-assured Cambridge history professor Emma D'Eresby has one obsession in life: the curious journal of a seventeenth-century Englishman, a portion of which was left to her by her late grandfather.

When an unexpected opportunity to study the journal in its entirety presents itself, Emma finds herself leaving Cambridge to take up a year-long position at a prestigious university in Maine. Anticipating a quiet year of research, Emma quickly discovers her work impeded by a range of unforeseen complications. 

From the start, there is the well-intentioned matchmaking of her vivacious Russian colleague, Elena Smalova, and the unexpected jailing of one of her post-graduate students. More troublesome, however, are the unsolved, brutal night attacks on women near the university and Emma's suspicion that they might be linked to the sinister English professor, Kort Staahl. But, most diverting and disconcerting of all, is Emma's growing attraction to the strikingly handsome Dr. Matthew Lyons, whose kind but deliberately distant demeanor puzzles her.

Suspense and dread mount when Kort begins to take a persistent and unsettling interest in Emma. What are Kort's intentions, and what is he capable of? And the mystery surrounding Matthew only deepens when Emma discovers a link between him and the journal. What is Matthew trying to hide?

Read Chapter One here

C.F.Dunn runs a specialist dyslexia and autism school in south east England, and writes in the south west.

Here is the link to C.F. Dunn's website

My Review

I am always excited to receive a package in the mail. Invariably it contains a new book for reviewing. I usually have a few books going at the same time in the review process, so I will let a new one wait until I get the others finished. Can't get too many books going at once. 

However, today when I received the review copy of Mortal Fire, I knew it was a book that couldn't wait to be read. The cover alone was intriguing. Dark and mysterious, old books in the foreground and an eye surrounded by wisps of smoke. Very intriguing, indeed. But the best part lay in-between the pages. 

Once I began reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I only stopped because my dogs wouldn't stop pestering me to take them outside. I had to know what was going to happen next. 

Extremely well-written, strong, bold characters and a plot so tight with suspense I found myself holding my breath more often than not.

Emma D'Eresby, a visiting History professor from England, is on a journey, a quest, searching for a lost journal. The people she meets at Howard's Lake College in Maine, USA, are a cast of characters in and of themselves. Sam Wiesner, the "lady's man;" Elena Smalova, intelligent and excitable, and Matthew Lynes, mysterious, strong, and maybe even something more.... just who is he?

Mortal Fire is a book you want to read with the lights on and during the day. But if you are like me.... you won't be able to put it down.

You can purchase your copy here: 

http://store.kregel.com/searchproducts.cfm

www.amazon.com

This review was made possible by Kregel Publications providing me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

MY POP-UP BIBLE STORIES Retold by Juliet David

ABOUT THE BOOK

With a pop-up scene on every page, children will cherish this selection of favorite stories from the Old and New Testaments. From the moment Baby Moses is found floating in a basket among the bulrushes to Jesus' stilling of the storm, children will be captivated by Daniel Howarth's remarkable illustrations as each story pops off the page. 

Stories include: Daniel, Baby Moses, Lost Sheep, Jairus's Daughter, and Stilling the Storm.

MY REVIEW

I have always loved pop-up books, ever since I was a child they were one of my favorite books. I have bought many pop-up books for my daughter when she was a child and I buy them for my grandchildren.

This one is exceptionally wonderful. The illustrations are eye-catching with vibrant colors. Each page will capture a child's eye with wonderful pop-ups and moving pieces. 

The stories are simple for a young child to grasp. There is also scripture reference to encourage family bible time and discussion with each story. Parents will be able to bring out the bible and show their young child the story they are reading, in it. What a wonderful way to share the Word of God.

This book will make a great gift to any young child in your life. It will introduce them not only to some of the great figures of the Bible but it also provides a wonderful introduction to Jesus, our Great Shepherd. It will foster a desire in a child to learn more about these stories in the bible, itself.

This review copy was provided by Kregel Publications for the purpose of reviewing freely. I only give my own opinion and thoughts. I am under no obligation to do otherwise.

 

 

GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME By Catherine Campbell

ABOUT THE BOOK

Contemporary and biblical stories offer hope to those struggling with rejection

  For many people the idea that God likes us as individuals, just as we are, is often an unfamiliar concept, while rejection--by a partner, one's parents, an employer, or friends--is a fact of life.

This book encourages readers to embrace the truth of a personal God with whom we do not need to struggle to gain recognition, a God who intervenes and acts on our behalf, a God who knows our names!

Each of the six chapters contains two stories dealing with situations of rejection. The first story concerns an individual from the Bible, explaining how God stepped in to change his or her situation, thus revealing how important the individual was to him.

The second, connecting story tells of a present day individual in similar circumstances and how God again positively intervened. These are true stories, using carefully researched material for authenticity and accuracy, and told with remarkable power and conviction.

Read an excerpt here http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I_-aC0ySCz6d_Pk32Twfk-bdAyYndS6--B4AXAY_CpX2ge1iWjQAdMhb-dlLgws_2lRVUZ-7UAxTUTY3tiIbVIwicjzW5dweyM9OmleK1qqe3yaFRSkbDZ5_TyxA2nbTs6rzNzg831tJfwZE6Iq-gXRhRwzPaE_l6OA=

Want to know about Catherine Campbell? View her video! http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I_8vrmuNH-42Ks4xmy5eihAxDUSfoeIoiZ2BUAjBGzviKvmQVdqwr1rrBMU4bUXILJy8l5tMgsK5X_YaDB06VOKMwAO0iJWnnoyRYriVnP3x6Q==

Be sure to go to Catherine's website and Facebook page! 
Website: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I_888j2UEywc85lUA-oXh1TUtZseugmDEpWZf2PacQatPrpTWoqKOG1wZ3yO3D2A9jo5MfSq4rB56mxuIYy7mOIDHJ0IT34XcoW8HT_FO91khyRW2TSHgqkX 

Facebook page: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001bOIOIYb-I__FTtdm8y2qMtK1Pjid62t9b5ePXinsUITCEOAHGjiTeBm3BbDeXIDJXeR4qXOlqUQA9uQfVPFN8aLiNzwl2QO6FbZUNWXmyXcRVh173_5AOSuS09fHspNQ9qXOzuVaSNiX700jqyEYtQ== 

MY REVIEW

I feel reviewing books is a blessing not only for me but also for the author who took the time and effort to write a book on a subject that will interest someone out there in reader-land, and because of my review and the reviews of my fellow reviewers, that book is bought by many people.

Reviewing books is also a blessing especially for new authors with a voice that wants to be heard. So I get to "hear" what they are saying and pass it on to you. 

Having said that, I have to say Catherine Campbell has written an outstanding book. God Knows Your Name: In a world of rejection, He knows you, is timely, timeless, and beautiful.

Many, many times I had tears streaming down my face as I was reading this very moving book. Oh how she brought to life those stories we read in the Bible: Hagar, the man healed of leprosy, the woman with the issue of blood and more.   

Catherine combines a biblical character story with a contemporary story to reveal to us that no matter what others think about us, say about us, or even treat us, God knows our name and we are priceless to Him.

It doesn't matter if someone is born as a Dalit, or is merely a slave who must do their mistress's bidding, God knows our name. How transforming is that phrase when you think about it. 

We live with so much rejection, yet, God is there, waiting for us, calling us by name, and Catherine has captured the Father heart of God with each portrait she has painted with her words.

This book will bring you to your knees in gratitude, reverence, and humbled before the One who knew each one of us before the before the foundations of the earth was laid. 

This review was made possible by Kregel Publications. They provided me with a free review copy. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. 

 

  

THE JESUS SCANDALS by David Instone-Brewer

ABOUT THE BOOK

30 scandals uncovered in historical sources

If tabloid newspapers had existed during the first century, Jesus would have featured constantly in the headlines, linked with scandals of all kinds. Details of these were recorded in historical documents by both his friends and his enemies. They provide insights into Jesus' life and teaching that have been obscured by the centuries. They tell us what his contemporaries really thought. These scandals include:  

• his parentage and accusations of alcohol abuse and fraudulent miracles
• the dubious status of his followers - poorly educated, ex-prostitutes and the certifiably mad
• his anti-religious teaching on temple practices, eternal torment, easy divorces and judgement in this life
• his thoughts of suicide, shameful execution and impossible resurrection

Faithful to the biblical text, this carefully researched book can be read as a whole or as stand-alone chapters.

Suitable for house group leaders or discussion starters.

TO READ CHAPTER EXCERPTS AND MORE CLICK ON THE LINK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Revd Dr. David Instone-Brewer is a Baptist Minister who was seconded to the academic world by his denomination. He is now the Senior Research Fellow in Rabbinics and the New Testament at Tyndale House in Cambridge. He has written several academic books and articles on early Judaism and the Bible, as well as regular contributions to Christianity magazine. Other interests include computer programing and lowbrow movies.

MY REVIEW

The Jesus Scandals: Why He Shocked His Contemporaries (and still does today) is a great book for small bible study groups and individual bible study. Why? Because Dr. Instone-Brewer has taken thirty scandals that not just shocked Jesus' contemporaries, it also challenged them and their religious beliefs. 

These scandals may also shock you, challenge you and your religious beliefs as well. 

I found several things in the book that caused me to re-examine how I look at things like divorce, Easter, and even finances. 

Instone-Brewer takes a look scandals in Jesus' life, among His friends, and in His teachings, using historical references from Jewish historians and plenty of bible references.

Looking at these scandals from the eyes of the Jewish people of that time makes reading the New Testament more understandable. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand why Jesus would say something like forgive someone seventy times seven. Read "Bitterness and Hatred" to find out why. 

There is just so much I want to say about this book but fear of spoiling it for you. So all I will say is READ IT! It is worth your time. It will open up the New Testament for you in a marvelous way. 

Reading this book will give you a better understanding of those who wrote the New Testament, who the writers were trying to reach at that time and it will give you a better understanding of how it applies to your life. 

Dr. Instone-Brewer's compassion and love for Jesus and the church comes through each page in this well-written, easy to understand book.

Kregel Publications provided me with this free review copy. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.