THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL by John MacArthur

The first question one must ask is: Why read another book on the Apostle Paul? This is what I asked myself when I agreed to review THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL by John MacArthur. My answer was: it is written by John MacArthur and I respect his writings.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL is a type of survey of the teachings of the Apostle. In writing this book the author presents the basis of Christianity, there really is no other way to say it. What is important about this book is: it serves as a reality check for those who profess to be Christians.

The book is easy to read and only 134 pages not counting the Appendix which brings it to 190. The Appendix is just as an important a read as the body of the book. I was intrigued by the discussions found in the Appendix particularly “Redefining Atonement” page 141; Appendix 1 “In Defense of Substitutionary Atonement.” THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL proves that you do not need a thousand page book to present information.

This book, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL, is a necessary read and not like other books I have read or skimmed through. If you were going to purchase a book about the Apostle Paul this is the one. It is a very informative read thus I recommend it.  — written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

MISCONCEPTIONS by Steven Reider

One of the reasons I don’t read (or write) a lot of fiction is because I like books that make me think. MISCONCEPTIONS by Steven Reider is such a book, I like the book.

Do not read MISCONCEPTIONS if you are content with your church traditions (Matthew 15:2-6) or just don’t have time to study your Bible. Second Timothy 2:15 advises us to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (King James Version) This book is going to force you back into the word.

So what are the misconceptions? The first one the author discusses is “poor Jesus.”  As I read this I felt personally vindicated as I was told by both my Pastor and an Associate Pastor (who was not a Pastor at the time) that Jesus was poor and went through Scripture to prove it. Both the word and common sense reveals the truth- he was not.

If you can digest what is in the introduction and chapters one and two then get out your pen and paper (if you haven’t already) for chapter three as this is a discussion on the names of God.

What I have noticed is the book gets deeper as you progress through the pages. What I mean to say is as you digest one part the next chapter takes you  a little deeper into understanding the word of God. If you treat MISCONCEPTIONS as a Bible teaching tool, which it is, you will indeed grow in knowledge and understanding.

OOPS!  I often neglect to give the entire title of books, which I almost did with this one it is:
MISCONCEPTIONS- A Look at God's Word through First Century Hebraic Eyes

I recommend this book, my only regret is that I have an ebook copy for review and I have to now order a print copy. Books like this are meant to be printed and place next to your dictionary!  - written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

NIV KIDS VISUAL STUDY BIBLE

It just so happens that I received my copy of NIV KIDS VISUAL STUDY BIBLE as I was getting ready to study my Sabbath School lesson- so I used it. Of course Zondervan published this Bible for children between the ages of 8 to 12 but God’s word is God’s word.

The assumption is that around 8 years of age young people should be able to read God’s word and not an overview as you see with many children’s Bible. The NIV KIDS VISUAL STUDY BIBLE is a graduation of sorts for many young people however the pictures make it fun and the explanations / commentaries were easy to understand.

As I said, I was using the Bible to do my own Bible Study so I went to Judges 4-6, which is what we were studying. Within the Bible each page has two columns one white and one golden yellow. Scripture is written on the inner white column while commentary and pictures are on the outer yellow column. On page 360 there was a picture of a man leading two oxen attached to a cart and underneath was a comment regarding Judges 4:1-2:

“How the Lord “sold” his people The Lord “sold them” by allowing a pagan tribe to defeat Israel and make them slaves to Jabin.” 

I knew that but I didn’t know that! This explanation brought clarity to a verse that I have often read but rarely meditated on.

Another example of what I learned: A few weeks ago I was on Facebook and one of my FBFs called someone a Leviathan. Well I did look it up in my Bible however I was it again in the NIV KIDS VISUAL STUDY BIBLE. Isaiah 27:1 note:

Leviathan This was a mthological sea monster. Here, it is a symbol of wicked nations such as Egypt. 

Why is this important? Because this study Bible is designed for children but it is actually informative enough that grown-ups could use it. Yes; there are tables, charts and maps. This is indeed a great Bible.
—written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”