Bible Reading Resources

As the new year slowly rolls on…or maybe quickly for some…I know that many people desire to do more Bible reading this year. I was delighted to find a great little post by Crossway on 10 Bible Reading Resources.  You can read it HERE.  And, before you come back and leave me a comment about “10” being the wrong number…look very close!  And read the whole post!

The MacArthur Bible Commentary

The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Do you want to update to a new Bible that has study notes and commentary included but don't want to let go of your notes and marks from the years past? An easy solution is to buy a single volume Bible commentary.

Regardless of the Bible you have - unless you have the MacArthur study Bible! - this whole Bible commentary is a valuable addition to your study as you dig into the Word of God. While thick and heavy physically, this book is thorough and easy to use and understand. MacArthur's verse-by-verse approach is very helpful to deeper study of any passage. There are also plenty of sidebars with topical notes and outlines as well as maps and timelines. This is a great resource for any home library and for all ages 10 and up.

Am I Really a Christian? by Mike McKinley

Am I Really a Christian? by Mike McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Convicting. Encouraging. Challenging.

I always approach books on this topic with a bit of anxiety - wondering if I will walk away with more questions than when I begun. However, this book ranks first in the several I have read on this topic because it not only answered all my questions, but did so with great clarity. McKinley does not beat around the bush and present pages of lengthy explanation, rather he takes you back to Scripture for the answers. This book is a 140 page handbook for those who are willing to ask themselves the hard question of: "Am I really a Christian?".

Despite the sober subject and deep content, Mike helps ease the tension with his sprinkling of humor throughout the book. At first this may seem out of place, but as you read you feel as if you are having a personal conversation with a trusted mentor. He also provides great word pictures that take some difficult concepts and make them so much easier to understand. The book is also hands-on and interactive due to the "How To Respond" section at the end of each chapter. It is a good blend of book and Bible study combined into one cover and is suitable for individual or group use as well as appropriate for both teens and adults.

I was convicted and encouraged by this book. It helped me see some weak areas of my life and direct me to passages in the Bible that helped me determine my answer to the question: Am I Really a Christian? Whether you can answer that question without thinking about it or not, I highly recommend this book. Anyone who reads it will walk away benefiting from it...it's just that they may not benefit from it as they first expected. It's short, it's easy to read, founded on the Bible, and Christ centered. It is a great stand-alone read or a fabulous follow-up read to Because He Loves my, or Living the Cross Centered Life, or books of like kind.

Am I Really a Christian? is more than what meets the eye at first glance. This is a "really should read" book that packs quite a punch.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Wheaton IL¬—Some stats indicate that nearly 80% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. Mike McKinley has noticed a concerning trend: There are far too many people who think that they are Christians, but aren’t actually in Christ. He likens it to people who claim to be “huge Yankees fans” but don’t watch games, don’t know the lineup, or the stats, and only ride the team’s glory around playoff time for the exciting World Series victory.
In Am I Really a Christian?, McKinley argues that there is much at stake in the decision to follow Christ, and it is crucial to know where you stand and what it means for your life.
McKinley writes with a genuine love and concern for those in the church. He asks tough questions in order to plead with readers who may not be running the race marked out in God’s Word to change course. Emphasizing the importance that Jesus and Paul placed on this issue, McKinley guides readers through Scripture to show what the Bible says about genuine faith.

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The review copies were courtesy of Crossway and Amazon.com. The opinion expressed is strictly my own.

The Reformation Study Bible ESV

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version Hardcover 2nd Ed w/Maps by R.C. Sproul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

One of the endorsements I read for this Bible said that this is the "Gold standard" in Bibles. I agree.

This Bible is the best study Bible I have yet to use. It is the flowing and easy-reading ESV version which is accurate and eloquent. On top of being a superb version, it contains wonderful study notes, articles, and commentary that make it not only a Bible, but a study tool. My favorite part is that this study Bible highlights the Word of God rather than any man's opinion as the contributors share insight based on a cross centered view point. While I use several other study Bibles in my personal study, I appreciate this one the most for coming back to the heart of the matter - the gospel - from start to finish. The features in this study Bible will help you learn more for your cross centered life.

This study Bible is a wonderful, easy-to-use, and simple tool for teens and adults both. It's a must-read and must-use!


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Widely considered one of the best tools available for Bible study and previously only available in the New King James Version, the Reformation Study Bible (RSB) has been updated to the readable and accurate English Standard Version (ESV).

Respected theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul, founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, served as this study Bible's general editor. "The Reformation Study Bible contains a modern restatement of Reformation truth in its comments and theological notes. Its purpose is to present the light of the Reformation afresh," stated Dr. Sproul.

The thousands of in-depth study notes included in the RSB were compiled from over 50 distinguished biblical scholars, including Drs. J.I. Packer, James Boice, and Wayne Grudem. In addition to the comprehensive study notes, the RSB offers readers extended discussions on the authority of Scripture, the atonement, and other key aspects of biblical theology.

The RSB is intended for use by anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. The reader will appreciate book introductions, an extensive cross-reference system, and illuminated words and terms within the Bible that are crucial to an in-depth understanding. This new edition in the ESV is published by Ligonier Ministries and produced and distributed by P&R Publishing of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Features:

Theological Notes index
In-text maps index
Charts index
Section introductions (Pentateuch, History, etc)
Book Introductions
Passage headings
Double-column format
Center-column references
Black letter edtion
Concordance
8 pages of full-color maps

Choosing A Bible: Understanding Translation Differences by Leland Ryken

Choosing a Bible: Understanding Bible Translation Differences by Leland Ryken
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Whether you are curious about the various Bible translations or not you should read this book. It is very short - all of 30 pages - and extremely informative and helpful in both learning and making a choice on what version of the Bible you want to use for your personal study.

I appreciated the way Ryken succinctly shares the facts in a book that can be easily read in one sitting. It is a book that is to the point and nothing but the point versus a thick "flowery" book that one never quite manages to read from cover to cover. While this is not a comprehensive book - as I am sure there is more that could be said - it says enough to help one know the appropriate settings in which to use the various types of versions.

My only disappointment in this book was that Ryken uses a lot of big words which make it a little hard to wade through at times. However, if you're willing to either look up words a few times or read what you can, you will enjoy it and benefit greatly from it. And the fact is, it's so short it's not that bad to work through - even if you don't know a word or two. Overall this is a must read for teens to adults of any age. If nothing else you will walk away with a basic understanding of Essentially Literal and Dynamic Equivalent translations.

Slave by John MacArthur

Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

According to the back cover of this book there has been quite the cover up happening in our English translations of the Bible. However, a few short pages into the book we find out that most likely it's not intentional. While the promotion for this book may be a bit misleading, the message inside the cover is not. In fact, it will set you back in your chair with a sober "wow!".

I don't consider this book to be an "easy-read", but neither do I think it is hard to read. It is solid theology and historical facts woven together to teach us how we are not just "servants" of Christ, but "slaves". At first glance it doesn't seem to be a big difference but MacArthur shows us the huge difference in no uncertain terms. The look back into the history of the Roman-Greco slaves is fascinating in that understanding that era greatly aids one in understanding the New Testament.

Personally, I enjoyed the entire book for it's eye opening truth, fascinating historical facts, and personal application. The concept that I was once slave to sin, bought as a slave of Christ, and now have been adopted into God's family has radically changed my view on life.

Slave flows from one chapter to another building upon what we know to teach us what it means to be a slave of God. I highly recommend this book to any one - believer or unbeliever - from early teen to any age adult.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Best-selling author and pastor Dr. John MacArthur reveals one crucial word that revolutionizes what it means to follow Jesus.

Throughout the Bible, followers of Jesus are commanded to submit to Him as their King. They are told to obey and follow, faithfully and without hesitation. Every time Christians utter the word Lord, they make a subtle yet profound declaration—that God is their Master and that they belong to Him. In fact, the Bible describes believers as His slaves. They have been bought with a price and now live for Christ as a people for His own possession.

But go into most churches today, even flip through most Bible translations, and you won’t see or hear the word slave anywhere. That’s because it has been lost in translation. In this gripping book, Dr. John MacArthur uses deep Bible teaching and historical evaluation to expertly uncover the one forgotten word that restores the Bible’s definition of true Christian freedom.

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Special thanks to BookSneeze for the courtesy review copy, but the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

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This book is awarded with the To Read, Or Not To Read badge of distinction  - Best Of The Best - for the fact that because they are so good, they have been added to Mandy’s bookshelf!

Start! Bible for New Believers by Greg Laurie

START! The Bible for New Believers by Greg Laurie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Start! is a fantastic way to start the Christian life! I appreciate the work developed here to help new believers Live, Grow, Know, and Learn God's Word. The New King James version is easy to read, the bright red cover is attention catching, and the introduction chapters so very helpful. It is a Bible without the stuffy feel of the traditional award Bibles given out to new believers and comes with the benefit little tidbits and helps which will aid greatly in their understanding and continued growth. Every person should have one on hand to give to someone they lead to Christ!

Be sure to check out the Start! Bible website for more information.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Start! The Bible for New Believers, NKJV was developed to help those beginning a brand new life of faith to place their trust in Jesus Christ while refreshing the foundations of the faith for longtime believers. START! is designed to take the hand of a new believer, or perhaps a believer who does not know their way around the Bible as they ought to, and lead them through. All of the notes are written to be understandable, conversational, and friendly while never assume that the reader knows what all the words mean. Start! The Bible for New Believers focuses on basic discipleship with articles and devotions on subjects including prayer, Bible study, church involvement, sharing your faith, and discovering God's will. Core biblical themes are introduced at basic levels of theological sophistication and presented in very simple language. Features include: · Grow entries, revealing key disciplines of the Christian life. · Know articles, exposing the core beliefs of Christians. · Live messages, focusing on various aspects of salvation. · Learn notes, providing mini-commentaries on key passages for spiritual growth. · Topical Index to articles and Scriptures · Secrets to Spiritual Success from the General Editor Greg Laurie – a crusading pastor and author who has impacted over four million people with the Gospel message, and seen well over 340,000 people come forward to make professions of faith in Christ.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Book Sneeze Blogger Review Program through Thomas Nelson. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Be Compassionate by Warren W. Wiersbe

Be Compassionate by Warren W. Wiersbe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW

Be Compassionate is a commentary that has the feel of a book. Yes, yes! I know all commentaries ARE books. But a "normal" commentary you don't sit down and read straight through. Well unless you are not "normal"! However, Wiersbe's updated "Be" series can be read through like you would do with most books.

Not only can you read this book chapter-by-chapter, but there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter for group or personal dialogue to help you connect with and digest what you just read.

I enjoyed Wiersbe's verse-by-verse commentary in a story like presentation. You are not reading a small tid-bit on each verse, but rather being pulled into the big picture while learning about each individual verse.

Wiersbe's Be Compassionate will make a great addition to the library of any person, young or old.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

The twenty-first century Christian faces unique and disturbing moral challenges that demand a great degree of Biblical wisdom and understanding in order to successfully defeat a tireless enemy. With greater and faster technology bombarding lives with an ever darkening array of moral depravity, it is essential that Christians be able to discern the enemy’s attack and answer God’s call to share truth and light both responsibly and dependably. Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s “Be” series is filled with the timeless truths of God’s Word, and his books will adequately equip today’s believers with the tools they need to reach a world in desperate need of an eternal hope.

David C Cook’s latest additions to the revised “Be” series include insightful introductions by Ken Bough, updated content for today’s readers, as well as new study questions for each chapter. Each of these expositional commentaries incorporate material from Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” series into a small group Bible study format and focus on a specific book of the Bible. This effectively updated series of books incorporates topics as they were originally presented in the “Be” books.

Be Compassionate: Let the World Know That Jesus Cares uses the first thirteen chapters of Luke to explore the believer’s responsibility to tell the world that Jesus cares about them in a very personal way. (ISBN 978-1-4347-6502-4/softcover/185 pages/$12.99/July 2010)

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This review copy was provided by The B&B Media group in connection with David C. Cook. All opinions expressed are my own.

Leonard’s Biblical Chronological Chart

Leonard's Biblical Chronological Chart by C. W. Leonard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Don't judge this book by it's cover! It's hiding a treasure inside - a 29" x 34" detailed chronological chart of the Bible.

This beautiful chart folds up neatly into a book for easy and safe storage on your bookshelf. The chart is an incredibly detailed reference tool that gives you the chronological order of the Bible, Old Testament genealogy, and many more facts. The chart is so beautiful to look at in it's original 1860 format that part of me wanted to hang it up. However, being able to neatly fold and store it in book format is certainly handy. The only downside is that it did not fold back up quite as compact as it was before I opened it. It would have been nice to have "folding-up" directions shown on the inside cover!

I recommend this unique chart to any person who is intent on studying the Word of God. Every detail on this chart is important and pertains to the overall goal of explaining the Bible in it's chronological order.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of New Leaf Publishing Group and the opinions expressed are purely my own.

The NEW Moody Atlas of the Bible

The New Moody Atlas of the Bible by Barry J. Beitzel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

One of the best gifts you can give a graduate is an investment into their future. What better way to invest in their future than through giving them a resource that will last them a lifetime?!

The NEW Moody Atlas of the Bible is that resource.

This book is more than just a glorified book of maps found in the back of your Bible, it's full of current, full-color photos of sites and ruins from the Bible times. It also contains written history and explanation of the maps, pictures, and charts shown.

Technically it has 2 chapters, but each of them are broken into short sections on a specific time, event, or place. The Scriptural Index as well as the General Index make it easy to use and a wonderful addition to any Bible study of any depth. This atlas is a colorful guide to understanding the Bible in ways you have not understood it before and will be a book you refer to over and over again.

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This post is sponsored by Moody Publishing & Zondervan Publishing.

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GIVEAWAY!!

Leave a comment on any of the Graduation Gift posts to be entered to win not one…but TWO DVD Bible Studies by Andy Stanley!

MORE GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS:

• Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith {Giveaway!} (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• Faith, Hope, & Luck by Andy Stanley (readornotread.blogspot.com)
• Great Graduate Gifts for 2010 (readornotread.blogspot.com)

What Did Jesus Say? by Diane Bay {Giveaway}

What Did Jesus Say?: Bible Verses on Issues You Deal With by Diane Bay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Teens or Tweens would be the perfect person to give this book to!

This topical book is full of catchy pictures and simple explanation of scripture dealing with 62 different topics that teens and tweens face. It's in alphabetical order and has a handy index so anyone can look something up quickly. With it's appealing format it's easy to sit down to look up one thing and end up reading several pages!

I appreciate that the Bible passages are written out in the book and explained in simple terms that are easy to understand. It's a great book for teens and tweens to use on their own to look up issues they face or to help them dig into God's Word.

As a youth leader, I think this book is a great gift idea for newly saved teens or those seeking to understand more. The only thing I didn't like so much was that all the scripture is from the NLT, but since it's a resources and not a complete Bible, I think it could be of use to making things easy to understand for this younger age range.

Overall, it's like the names says, a great way to get kids asking: What Did Jesus Say?

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Kids, much like adults, are looking for answers and guidance about the issues they face every day. What Did Jesus Say? is an easy-to-use topical Bible that combines the words Jesus said about 62 subjects. Each topic is explained before the verses, and the words of Jesus are summed up after the verses to help youth understand what they’ve read. Some of the topics include anger, jealousy, humility, love, fear, hate, grief, and worry. This book is a natural bridge between colorful story Bibles for children and full-text Bibles for teens and adults. It is perfect for tweens—kids “in between” these ages. The one-color graphics relate to the subject and make reading the Bible text easier and more interesting for this age group.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers but the opinions expressed are my own.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

To enter the giveaway for a copy of this book, please leave a comment below.

Don’t forget to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner!

The drawing ends on May 22nd and the winner will be drawn using Random.org.

For an extra entry, follow me through facebook or google friends and then leave another comment saying you did!

UPDATE 5/22/10: Congratulations to Crystal who won this book!

Storylines by Mike Pilavachi and Andy Croft

Storylines: Your Map to Understanding the Bible by Mike Pilavachi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Storylines is a refreshing look at the Bible and the story of God's love that weaves it's way through from beginning to end. Andy and Mike explain the Bible in an overview of six stories. Their humor was fun and enjoyable and made the book feel like a relaxing conversation with friends. I appreciated the fresh look at what these six story lines mean to us here and now and how these two men use examples we can relate to in order to make it come alive in our own minds.

I would have rated this book with five stars if it hadn't been for one red flag on page 23 where it reads as if baptism plays a part in our actual salvation. It is only one sentence, but still I believe one needs to exercise discernment in reading and hence I will recommend this book but with this caution. However, the rest of the book is wonderful and gives many examples that make the Bible come to life. In fact, I also have marked several pages that grabbed my attention and helped clarify in my mind a Biblical truth.

This book is frank on matters and because of that I recommend this to only adults and older teens. While it's directness is not meant for younger readers, it will most likely help you understand the Bible in ways you have not before. Storylines is a cool glass of lemonade on a warm summer day!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Across our nation, thousands upon thousands of people, especially young people, are biblically illiterate. Many give up trying to read the Bible at all—confused and intimidated by its length and complexity. In their new book, Storylines: Exploring the Themes of the Bible (David C Cook, March 2010), Mike Pilavachi and Andy Croft address this issue head on by providing readers with the keys to unlocking their understanding.

Intended for beginners, rather than biblical scholars, Storylines explores the six main themes of the Bible—Jesus, Covenant, (Divine) Presence, Kingdom, Salvation, and Worship—and takes an exciting journey into the “big pictures” of Scripture. On the way, readers will also uncover amazing truths about the Person to whom all Scriptures ultimately point.

“We believe the six majors motifs we investigate in Storylines are the strong cords that will bind together readers’ understanding of Scripture, helping them grasp the central ideas before delving into the details,” say authors Pilavachi and Croft, leaders of the U.K.’s biggest Christian youth event, Soul Survivor. “We hope the book we’ve written will make a massive impact on readers’ lives; we know that it has deeply affected ours!”

Storylines is topped and tailed by an overview of Scripture’s content—a concise summary of the Bible in 20 pages!—and a brief history of how the Bible came to be in its present form. In between, each chapter focuses on one “thread” and closes with a “paperchase” that summarizes how that particular theme develops through Scripture. Throughout the book, readers will encounter Old Testament characters and events who anticipate the fullness that came in Christ and is being worked out in the world through the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church.

With a youth-friendly style, Storylines is a handy and much needed resource for pastors and youth leaders concerned about low biblical literacy levels in their churches and groups. Older Christians will also find it lively and refreshing as they, too, trace the threads that run through the Bible. The future sequel to Storylines, Lifelines, will be a journey through big ideas in Scripture—biblical values and life management issues such as generosity, sexual morality, and anxiety—to equip readers for living.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group

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Ryken’s Bible Handbook by Ryken, Ryken, & Wilhoit

Ryken's Bible Handbook: Graham. by Leland Ryken

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK OVERVIEW:

This book gives students of the Bible a quick overview of every book in the Bible. Leland Ryken's distinctive trait is a literary approach to the Bible--understanding the Bible as literature. The three authors help shed light on understanding the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as literature by looking at the Bible's different literary genres: poetry, narrative, wisdom literature, story, parables, and more.

MY REVIEW:

Can you say "amazing"?

This is the word I would use to describe this wonderful book known as Ryken's Bible Handbook. All 630 plus pages of this handbook are full of facts, insights, perspectives, colorful maps, articles, charts, and many other resources that will aid you in understanding each book of the Bible. It starts with an introduction to the Bible as a whole and how we got what we have. Then it takes each book of the Bible and gives an overview with elements such as:

• Key Doctrines
• Key Characters
• Tips for Reading or Teaching the particular book
• Applying the Book
• The Challenges of The Book
• The Implied Audience
• Things to Look for
• And so much more...

I was also very impressed with the simple, yet extremely helpful, maps and charts in the back of this book that are in full color. This section includes current maps as well as OT and NT maps, a time line, guide to the temple, and several more.

The Ryken's Bible Handbook is a resource that I would highly recommend you buy and place within arms reach of where you study your Bible...it will quickly become a favorite!

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.

Be Authentic by Warren W. Wiersbe

Be Authentic by Warren W. Wiersbe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are over 4 million "Be" books in print and there is a reason for that! This book, along with it's counterparts, are excellent resources for the person in the pew as well as the full-time ministry personnel.

Reading this book is not like reading a dry, just the facts, commentary - it's like reading a fascinating book that helps you really grasp the passages of Genesis 25-50. Wiersbe explains the scripture in a clear way that is easy to understand for anyone, not just the scholars. I highly recommend buying this series of books that will walk you through the entire Bible so that you can have personal access to digging deeper in your walk with Christ.

Here is some more detailed information on this book:

As pastors seek to make the Word of God more understandable in an age that is unfamiliar with the Bible and as growing disciples seek to discover the truth of Scripture in a skeptical culture, there is a great need for guidance in both the preaching and study of God’s Word.  Whether you’re a pastor, a seminary student or a truth-seeking disciple, an understanding of the Bible can be made clear to you with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth and practical Bible scholars in modern history.

A man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago and the author of more than 150 books.  For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series.  Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation.  Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today. 

Easily accessible for both pastors and lay people alike, Wiersbe’s profound study guides can be used in personal Bible study or with a group.  David C Cook’s third installment of eight revised “BE” series volumes each feature updated content for today’s readers, a new introduction by Ken Baugh and new study questions for each chapter.  The 2009 expanded Bible commentaries will include the following studies:

· Be Diligent (A Study of Matthew) encourages us to follow Christ’s example and actively serve others and God. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6631-1/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)

· Be Wise (A Study of 1 Corinthians) explores 1 Corinthians, Paul’s practical guide to seeking Godly wisdom. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6636-6/192 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)

· Be Authentic (A Study of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) shares how we can pursue authentic relationships with others and God. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6630-4/192 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)

· Be Basic (A Study of Genesis) gives fundamental truths from the book of Genesis on relationships, faith, sin and spiritual fulfillment. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6635-9/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)

· Be Obedient (A Study of Abraham) explores the remarkable life of Abraham and shows how we too can be obedient through faith. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6632-8/160 pages/softcover/$12.99/January 2010)

· Be Strong (A Study of Joshua) shares the need for strong believers of purpose, while encouraging us to lead victorious lives. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6637-3/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)

· Be Decisive (A Study of Jeremiah) powerful insights for making the decisive, powerful choice to live by God’s absolute truth and values. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6634-2/204 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)

· Be Encouraged (A Study of 2 Corinthians) is a lively commentary that will help you be encouraged no matter what challenges come your way. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6633-5/176 pages/softcover/$12.99/March 2010)

Acclaimed worldwide as a pastoral resource for international leaders, the “BE” series will soon include companion study guides—the Wiersbe Bible Study Series—with each study guide correlating with the appropriate “BE” book.  David C Cook plans to release additional editions of the series over the next few years.

The “BE” Series by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe

David C Cook/January and March 2010

www.davidccook.com

This review copy was provided courtesy of David C. Cook.

Quick Scripture Reference Books for Counseling

Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Youth by Patricia A. Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Youth should be in the "tool box" of every person who works with teens and/or their parents. The subject index lists over 130 topics relevant to teens. Turn to the page listed and you will find various aspects of that topic with a brief thought pertaining to it followed by multiple scripture references with the verses written out for you. Each topic also refers you to the title of other topics that may be of help as well.

If you teach, counsel, or work with teens in any arena this book is a great resource to have to quickly find scripture that will relate and address their problems.

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Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Women by Patricia A. Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This easy-to-use, quick reference guide is a perfect resource for anyone who works with woman in a counseling or mentoring setting. The subject index is a well rounded list of topics pertaining to women and their struggles. Each topic provides a brief thought, scripture verses written out, and recommendations for other topics that may also be of help.

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Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling, by John G. Kruis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling is a necessary tool for any counselor, pastor, deacon, teacher, or person serving people in a church or ministry setting.

The subject guide contains a list of topics that are relevant and most struggled with in people's lives. From adultery to youth, this book has a balanced list of subjects that will come up as you minister to other people.

Each topic presents multiple and brief thoughts on the topic with verses that follow. The verses are written out for quick reading. There is also a reference to other topics that may be of help in addressing the problem or situation at hand.

At the beginning of this book it also includes a short introduction on how to use this book and also and easy reference tool in leading someone to salvation in Christ.

If you work with people, you need this book. If you are a person who struggles with things in life, you need this book.

The One Year Bible of Praying through the Bible by Cheri Fuller

The One Year Book of Praying through the Bible by Cheri Fuller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cheri Fuller has written and compiled a wonderful resource for those who want to read through the Bible and grow in their self-discipline of prayer.

The One Year Book of Praying through the Bible has a dated page for each day of the year that contains the Bible passages to be read, a selected verse from those passages, a short devotional, a prayer starter, and a thoughtful quote. The Bible plan includes an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a few verses from Psalms, and a few verses from Proverbs for each day.

This book provides a well rounded plan for reading through the Bible in a year while offering focus on application and prayer. I would recommend this book to anyone who has not yet read through the Bible because it is simple to use, and also for the veteran of Bible reading because of the attention to application.

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I recommend more good devotionals for both kids and adults here!

How To Study The Bible

How to Study the Bible by John MacArthur Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I bought this book because I know anything by this author is going to be good. However, I did go into reading this book with the expectation that it would be the nuts and bolts of how to study the Bible; like tips and how-to's of what to do to get the most out of your daily Bible reading. While there were many tips and practical suggestions, this book was way beyond a simple self-help book. Dr. MacArthur digs deep, yet in a simple way, of how to study the Bible. From the why we should study, to the benefits of study, and who can study, along with how we study...you will refer to this book over and over again.

I am ready to jump into studying the Bible with an excitement I have never experienced before due to a new and more in depth understanding of how I can study without spending all day trying to understand.

This book has prompted me to start a new pattern in my daily Bible reading and also helped me understand even better how to use the resources I have to compliment my reading.

Whether you are a veteran of intense Bible Study or a newbie trying to learn the ropes, you will both benefit and enjoy this easy reading book that packs a powerful punch!

The Bible In 90 Days

The Bible in 90 Days: Cover to Cover in 12 Pages a Day by Ted Cooper Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This was hard, but it was well worth it!

I will be honest and admit that I missed a few days, but it was still a wonderful time in the Word. It was intense and took about 45 minutes a day, but being saturated in the Word like that was an amazing experience. If you feel like a dry sponge that has nothing left to squeeze out...then I hope you do more than consider taking this 90 day challenge. You will be dripping wet again and will soak anyone who bumps into you!

While you can google reading plans on the web and print of the 90 plan, actually buying this special Bible was well worth the money. It was easily marked which made it possible to focus on what I was reading instead of counting pages while reading. And reading the easy flow of the NIV was nice when reading such huge portions in one sitting.

I walked away feeling like I had a much better grasp on the Bible, especially the Old Testament. It is all fresh in my mind and I now have a much clearer understanding of the "big picture".