What’s In The Bible? – Wanderin’ In The Desert

MY REVIEW:

Wanderin’ In The Dessert is the third DVD in a series created by Phil Vischer that walks kids (and parents!) through an overview of the Bible. This episode covers the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

While I can’t say I agree with every last detail, I still appreciate this video for the great teaching it does offer.  It has a variety show feel with fun and likeable characters that attract both kids and adults.  In my opinion it is a great way to study Bible Overview with kids.  It presents facts in a fun way that will not only hold their attention but have them remembering them for years to come.

As a Mom of 3 children – 7, 5, & 3 – I am always looking for creative ways to teach my children here at home.  Our kids attend a Christian school but we feel very strongly about our responsibility to teach our children in the home as well.  I have, and plan to continue to use this series as a fun way of spending time with my kids while they learn.  It will give us a great starting point for some excellent conversations about topics and information that many people don’t know until their later adult years.

I enjoy What’s In The Bible and would recommend this to any family.  However, I do think it’s best used in a family setting rather than a Sunday School or church setting.  For more information be sure to check out the website: www.whatsinthebible.com.

DVD OVERVIEW:

In What’s In the Bible #3, Wanderin’ in the Desert, Buck Denver and his cast of friends take us through the next three books of the Bible—Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—helping kids understand how these books fit in with Genesis and Exodus to make up the Pentateuch and to set the stage for the trials and victories of God’s people. The question “Did this stuff really happen?” is also answered.
From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing and dance and tell Bible stories) comes this third release in the engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters who bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.  The opinion expressed is strictly my own.  Be sure to check out my review of episode 1 and 2!

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You can watch this video clip from the first 2 episodes to get a feel for the great format Phil Vischer has created.

Be sure to join me next week for T.V. Tuesday with a GIVEAWAY!!!

Between God & Me by Vicki Courtney {GIVEAWAY!}

Between God and Me: A Journey through Proverbs by Vicki Courtney

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

This is a very colorful and eye-catching book for older girls and young teens. This journey through Proverbs is interactive and on a level that and 8 to 12 year old can most likely grasp quickly.

I like the casual layout that can be read in big or small portions and has the feel of a magazine. The quizzes and interactive cause girls to think about what they just read and learned. And of course the design is great and will make any girl want to sit down and read!

However, I have a few cautions. There were a few places where Vicki talked about a passage and I did not entirely agree with her explanation on that verse. The second caution I have with this book is that in my opinion the content is older than what the targeted audience is. I would not be letting my 8 year old daughter read this, but I would let my 12 or 13 year old read it. At the same time, I'm not sure your 13 & 14 year old would really like it because it's design (pictures, etc...) are definitely geared for younger girls.

This is a great concept and I like the book overall, but it is one that needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for each girl looking to buy and read this book.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Vicki Courtney speaks timeless truth to school-age girls in a modern language they understand. Her TeenVirtue and TeenVirtue: Confidential releases won ECPA Christian Book Awards while Between (for ages 8 to 12) landed on the industry’s young adult best seller list. Now, Between God and Me hits the “tween” scene with social talk that’s rooted in chapter-by-chapter wisdom from Proverbs. Amidst the cool, magazine-style photographs and colorful Q&A’s, kids will discover what’s not so cool about hanging with the wrong crowd, gossiping, being lazy or selfish, or having a bad temper. Girls will have all kinds of fun as they begin to understand that God has a greater purpose for their lives—even at this age.

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This review copy is provided by B&H Publishing in connection with Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists. The opinions expressed are purely my own.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

If you think this book would be a match for a girl in your life, please leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for a copy of this book!

Only U.S. addresses are accepted and please include a way for me to contact you in the event you are the winner.  A winner will be drawn on July 25, 2010.

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.

John: The Wiersbe Bible Study Series by Warren Wiersbe

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series by Warren Wiersbe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

In a unique blend of Scripture, excerpts of his own commentaries, and probing questions, Wiersbe digs into the Bible book of John in a thought provoking depth you will not soon forget.

Twelve lessons walk you through the book of John in great depth, yet in an a surprisingly simple fashion. Starting with a brief overview, you step into the lesson through the Going Deeper section that alternates questions based on the passage you read in the opening with portions of commentary that will jump start your meditation on the passage. The Looking Inward section guides you to personal application and is followed by the Going Forward section that walks you to putting that application into fleshed out action.

This Bible study takes longer than the average study guide - probably 30 to 60 minutes per lesson when done as an individual. However, this comprehensive study is worth every minute you will spend. I really liked the combination of both challenging depth and simple explanation woven together to make learning intense and enjoyable.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Developing an intimate relationship with Christ is a life-long process, and the study of His Word is one of the primary avenues through which we learn and draw closer to Him. Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s ability to explore and explain the Bible has been a foundational resource for many during this life-long pursuit, and now his well-loved “Be” commentaries are available in a series of eight-week Bible studies. These small-group studies will enable readers to reach deeply into the riches of God’s Word and gain a clearer understanding of who Christ is and how He taught His followers during His ministry here on earth. Each eight-week study includes an introduction to the particular book of the Bible, tips for small group study, self-introspective questions, and practical applications. Throughout the study, portions of Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” commentaries are included to provide greater insight and to encourage those participating in the study to continue to deepen their study of God’s Word. Students of God’s Word may then decide to explore Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries more completely as they move through individual books of the Bible.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group. The opinions expressed are purely my own.

The Red Letters Project

The Red Letters Project by Velocity Entertainment 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

OVERVIEW:

This dynamic, one-of-a-kind presentation of the words of Christ features 40 tracks—both sung and narrated word-for-word from the Gospel of Matthew. The Red Letters Project is an excellent gift for teens, young adults, lovers of God’s Word, and music fans. A unique alternative to spoken-word audio Bibles, The Red Letters Project was produced by entertainment-industry legend Russ Regan, a committed Christian who envisions this as his legacy project.

MY REVIEW:

The Red Letters Project is a unique way to renew your mind with scripture. These 40 song tracks walk you through the words of Christ in the book of Matthew. While this project is based out of the NLT version of the Bible, it does not quote the Bible word-for-word, but rather present the concept of the passage in song format.

I really like the overall concept of this project, however, due to two reasons I only rate this as a 3. The first is because it's connected with the NLT and I in no way promote the NLT. However, I do give this a 3 (rather than lower) because it does not word-for-word quote the NLT so hence I don't feel that I'm promoting the NLT. The second reason for only rating it with a 3 is that the music is very contemporary and while I enjoy contemporary Christian music, this project while good, is a little out of my enjoyment range.

The 3 CD set comes nicely packaged and includes the book of Matthew in written format (in NLT though) and it highlights the passages that are sung about and lists which song features them. Overall, if you like the music style, I think this can be a very beneficial way to rehearse the book of Matthew.

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This review copy was provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers