THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE - FULL COLOR EDITION

At this point in my life I can say that I have every translation of a Bible that I want. Now when I obtain a new Bible it is for the additional information provided thus the presentation of Thomas Nelson’s latest contribution to the Bible Geeks of the world: “THE KING JAMES VERSION STUDY BIBLE, FULL COLOR EDITION” really intrigued me.

It is interesting to note that I have recently decided to go back to the basics of Scripture reading which includes reading the King James more than the New King James version of the Bible.

 There are four aspects of this Bible I am looking at: graphics, commentary, cross reference, and of course readability.

I think most of us take the maps for granted and a picture here and there throughout a Bible is a bonus. The images in THE KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE, is truly more than what I was expecting. Archeological finds, pictures that relate to the text and of course the maps. The images definately help make the text relevant.

The comments found at the bottom of the page help put various passages in context by defining various words. They also present information to help the reader understand the relevance to what was written.

Finally it is good to know  that in this version of The KING JAMES VERSION STUDY BIBLE Cross reference are available for various verses. There are also alternative translations of words or phrases.  A bonus is the Hebrew and Greek names of God found in the comment section.

This is by far the best Bible ever! (I might have said that before but it really is good.) Though I often give away the Bibles I review this one is definately a keeper / user. I love 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.”

GIVING IT ALL AWAY by David Green with Bill High

GET THIS BOOK! Written by David Green, Founder & CEO of Hobby Lobby, with Bill High, Lawyer and CEO of the National Christian Foundation Heartland; GIVING IT ALL AWAY . . . And Getting It All Back Again - The Way of Living Generously is all that and more.  But, you have to know I am a Hobby Lobby fan!
GIVING IT ALL AWAY presents the principles the Green family live by in a way that is doable for any one who wants to succeed in life and business. In one-hundred fifty three pages the reader is presented with bullions (not nuggets) of wisdom. If you like to underline important tidbits in a book get ready to color code it.
Beginning with the Forward I was captured by the information presented. The book is divided into 5 parts with concepts presented in chapters. The book is actually 189 pages, there are three pages of notes at the end however there is also a “Readers Guide” which is where you will find a brief discussion of a chapter, concepts to reflect upon and discussion questions. A great book for personal reading as well as Bible Study.
GIVING IT ALL AWAY is a book written by a businessman who did not compromise his faith but lived to the best of his ability as a man of God. As believers we are blessed to be a blessing and this book tells you how to do it. BUY 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.”

CAN I BE SURE I'M SAVED by R C Sproul

CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED by R. C. Sproul is a book you should read; period. I first heard about this FREE ebook from a Facebook Bible study, they were discussing chapter three however before that I was having a discussion about salvation with a friend. Though it was not necessary to do so to follow along with the discussion I did download the book and read form chapter one to the end.

I have been increasingly disturbed at the number of individuals who believe in Jesus and have been faithful in church attendance (40 plus years) who do not know what true salvation is and are not sure they will go to heaven when they die. Then there are others who, by virtue of church and tithes records, assume that they are good with God. Just when I thought I had seen and heard it all a friend of mine, who knows the Bible inside out and has lead others to Christ, questioned her own salvation. CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED addresses these personality types and more.

I cannot begin to explain how important it is for each person to understand their position in Christ. I believe, as the old folks use to say: Everybody talkin’ ‘bout goin’ to heaven ain’t goin’ there! CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED explains why.

This book is so important that I purchased two print copies, I would suggest you do the same. — written by Marsha L F Randolph

CHASING GRACE by Sonya Richards-Ross

What does an athlete know about grace? In the book CHASING GRACE -What the Quarter Mile Has Taught Me About God and Life by Sonya Richards-Ross answers this question. The concepts are presented in four key words: Push, Pace, Position and Poise but it is all about determination.

In this book, CHASING GRACE the author shares with the reader the journey she took in achieving her goals. This path included such disappointments as discovering someone she admired was not such a shining star. How do you handle discovering someone you thought was perfect wasn’t really?

This book is a quick and easy read and contains real life details about the ups and downs of being an athlete from a Christian perspective. There is nothing really dramatic found within the pages but there is a very real story being told- success is not always pretty. The lessons the author learned as an athlete have been successfully transferred to life in general from a Christian perspective.

This is not your average motivational book which is refreshing in this day of motivational speakers. With practical tips presented in a digestible format this book is a good read and I recommend reading 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.”

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.”