Bibles Bible Studies Books

The NIV Life Applications Study Bible is very helpful to those of us who want to have a better understanding and be more knowledgable about the bible. I'm so glad I bought it and will recommend it to all of my family and friends.

It is a New Bible, perfect shape, the add said it had a bent corner on the box, I didn't even notice. It was for me, but I would have given it as a present.

I absoulutely love this Bible. Easy to read and explains everything about the scripture.

I was disappointed in the "large print" of this purported large print bible. I got it for my mother who is 82 and enjoys reading but can only read large print books. granted this is larger print than your standard bible but not by much.

It's a great bible. It is ironic though that on a "large print" bible, the tabs which made the bible more expensive are very small print so they are pretty much worthless. All in all I am pretty happy with it. I would have preferred a color choice or that at least the listing on amazon would indicate the color, which is black.

Fills in some bits of info, but not good as a guide book. Something entitled "How To Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus" should be fairly expected to have a map of Jesus' travels during his ministry, but there is none. No map of Galilee or what there would be to see to trace Jesus' ministry. Terrible maps of ancient Israel and Jerusalem.

This is a MUST HAVE with you when you tour the Holy Land..either by yourself or with a group. Keep the book with you as you travel the Holy Land. In it the author tells you a short historical description and more importantly gives you Bible verses where it is mentioned in the Bible so that you can really get into the meaning and feelings of the Holy Land. The book is set up in alphabetical order by the name of the locations... very easy to follow and locate your area. I highly recommend this book as a carry along book on your trip to the Holy Land. It will add more meaning and insight into the experience.

This is a wonderful little book that contains scriptural references for virtually all of the traditional Christian sites in Israel. It is invaluable to take along when viewing the various religious sites so that their biblical mention can be easily found and read. When I lead tours to the Holy Land, this book is one of three that I advise visitors to consider taking with them (the others are, "Holy Land" by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, and "The Millennium Guide for Pilgrims to the Holy Land", by James H. Charlesworth.

As a traveller to the land of Israel twelve times I have been privileged to see first rate the expertise that went into the pages of this book and I have had many positve comments from those I have shared the book with. A preacher's son describes the part on the "Ark of The Covenant" as an exceptional writing done by an expert in her field. The book is a must for anyone going to the Holyland.

I recently returned from a trip to Israel and I had purchased this book before the trip as a guide. I never opened the book even once 1) because we had an excellent tour guide, and 2) because it includes way more places than what is necessary. The information in the book is quality but if you are going with a tour I wouldn't bother with it. If you are exploring on your own I would recommend it. I would like to see maps in this book to show where these locations are and perhaps organized by region rather than just alphabetically. If you want a great resource to take with you purchase the "DK Eyewitness Guide of Jerusalem and the Holy Land." I thoroughty enjoyed it.

I recieved this book as a gift from a friend and I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone! It encouraged me to give my all to Christ and to trust fully in Him. I have wanted to study these two women even deeper ever since I have read this book.

I have all of the books in the Life Lessons series, and I also have the Inspirational Study Bible (NKJV). This study, as well as the rest in the series, is very well put together. What I especially love about this is that if you don't have your Bible with you, that's ok. The scripture portion is printed right there in the book. There are 2 columns of scripture for each portion of the study. One column is the NKJV (New King James Version) and the other is NCV (New Century Version). So, you have your choice to read between the 2 of those, or you can read both to see if one version emphasizes things differently. Its a very good idea. There is a question before you begin the lesson to make you ponder something that is related to the lesson which will be presented. Then, you read the portion, then answer questions. The back of the book has answers, or suggested answers, to some of the questions asked. This can be used for personal study, or can be used for group study.

I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to get the others in the series as well.

I have all of the books in the Life Lessons series, and I also have the Inspirational Study Bible (NKJV). This study, as well as the rest in the series, is very well put together. What I especially love about this is that if you don't have your Bible with you, that's ok. The scripture portion is printed right there in the book. There are 2 columns of scripture for each portion of the study. One column is the NKJV (New King James Version) and the other is NCV (New Century Version). So, you have your choice to read between the 2 of those, or you can read both to see if one version emphasizes things differently. Its a very good idea. There is a question before you begin the lesson to make you ponder something that is related to the lesson which will be presented. Then, you read the portion, then answer questions. The back of the book has answers, or suggested answers, to some of the questions asked. This can be used for personal study, or can be used for group study.

I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to get the others in the series as well.

Charles Stanley is a true man of God in which he is gifted in teaching. This is highly recommended. In this study tool you will discover true relationship with Jesus. The study guide helps you coast along with the Word.

No, I assure you, I'm not cursing with that review title; I mean it in the literal sense: One cannot be LISTENING TO GOD and simultaneously hearing the hellish voice of "this world." [John 14:30]

Several years ago, a friend in Alabama sent me a number of VHS tapes on which she had recorded Sunday sermons by CHARLES STANLEY that were broadcasted on TV. I was unfamiliar with him at the time, but he was her favorite man of God. Now, I'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of TV evangelists - I'd sooner take my chances with a used car salesman or a politician. (OK, not the politician; I just tossed that in for effect.) And though I'm not what one would call a "proper" Christian, I was impressed with Dr. Stanley - theological disagreements notwithstanding. No, he isn't funny like Jesse Duplantis, he doesn't have the powerful oratory talent of John Hagee, he doesn't possess the charismatic presence of the legendary priest from the Russian Orthodox Church, Yoey O'Dogherty. But what Charles Stanley DOES have going for him is a thorough understanding of the deepest spiritual principles; he is grounded in The Word Of God (a.k.a., The Holy Bible).

I recently purchased LISTENING TO GOD by Charles Stanley because 2006 has been - spiritually speaking - my worst year since accepting the Atonement of Jesus Christ a dozen years ago. (Every year ending in the number six for the last three decades has been bad for me. My personal 666? Just joking.) I even stopped meditating after more than eleven years of daily practice. Yeah, it's been a rotten year! I thought that this book might reignite my passion for meditation (or "sitting before the Lord" as Dr. Stanley likes to call it). And it did. I'm now "shutting the hell up" for a period each day and listening for my Creator's "still small Voice" again. [See 1 Kings 19:11-13]

It surprised me to find that Stanley had written many things that I have so often said in counseling others over the years. For instance:

"If you are going to develop a relationship with another person, you have to converse with that person in some manner. That means both talking and listening." [pg. iv] (*When a person has learned to hear God, I call it having a "REaLATIONSHIP" with Him!)

"I believe God dearly loves to see Bibles that are marked with oil from our fingers...and noted with dates and insights." [pg. 1] (*My Bible is loaded with margin notes. If you want God to clarify some Biblical passage for you, write a "?" next to it in the margin and then wait, watch, and listen.)

"We may be trying to understand the Bible solely with our minds, which is always futile. The Bible is a spiritual book. It speaks to and is applied to the spirit." [pg. 10]

"It is not enough that we comprehend the truth. We must be conformed to the truth." [pg. 13]

"God works from the inside out." [pg. 109] (*C.S. is correct, but do you know why? Because "the Kingdom of God is within you." See Luke 17:21.)

A Catholic friend of mine at work does not believe God actually speaks to us. He is wrong! My own transformation began on January 14, 1992, when I clearly heard God speak in my mind. He gently but effectively admonished me by merely asking me two questions, and my own answers were the rod of correction. Only an unfathomable, creative God could have pulled that off! Years later, He urged me to sobriety by saying with crystal clarity in my head, regarding alcohol, "It's a false God. It's a false God."

And that brings up another point. Stanley mentions the fact that often, God will send us a message and then confirm it. [See Genesis 41:32] Note that God repeated Himself in calling alcohol my false god. Although God usually communicates with us in subtle but unmistakable ways, (the "still small Voice"), C.S. is right: "We must never limit God in the methods that He uses to speak to us." Because occasionally He can even use the sledgehammer approach...

Once, I woke up to find that in the night, my truck had been moved nearly horizontally in its parking spot. I had to track down a fellow and ask him to move his vehicle so I could back mine out. My faith had weakened and I had been depressed recently and the message seemed to be, "You're out of alignment." I pondered the bizarre event all day - it was unexplainable - and pulling back into my parking space that night after work, I thought, Well, if that's REALLY a message from God, He will send a confirmation soon. In this case, soon meant 45 seconds later when I found myself locked out of my apartment by the internal chain on the door. When I finally managed to wake my Brother, who let me in, he insisted that he had not chained the door (we lived alone), and I believe him because he'd never done it before, and it never occurred again. It seemed my depression and lack of faith was "locking me out of my REaLATIONSHIP with The Lord." I got the message.

I also believe that on three occasions, God has sent angels to me with words of encouragement (an old woman, a young woman, and a little girl). But this sort of REaLATIONSHIP with The Creator is really built in silence, LISTENING TO GOD. There is nothing like Bible study - not reading, but studying - and meditation to make us conscious of God's Love and Presence in our lives. (A great Bible companion is the book, LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS by Chuck Missler.)

LISTENING TO GOD by Charles Stanley is 5-Star material in a 4-Star presentation. His writing, while brimming with profound insights, is a tad bland - similar to some of his sermons. And while he does illustrate some points using personal experiences, it is always in the vaguest of terms - not detailed enough to make them truly compelling. Still, this book is too important to downgrade from five stars.

I have found it best to begin every meditation session with a prayer for someone else, especially an "enemy" [see Matthew 5:23,24], and also a slow, thoughtful recitation of The Lord's Prayer [Matthew 6:9-13] And once you've initiated a daily meditation program, never stop (unlike that maroon, Stephen T. McCarthy). Well look, I'm gonna shut the hell up now and go listen for The Voice of Heaven, so...SHHHhhhh........

Are you struggling in your faith? Are you having trouble listening to God's voice? Did you know that there are several ways for God to communicate with you? Did you know that most of the time we hear two voices (Satan and God)? Want to know how to tell them apart and how to ultimately listen to God? Then you should check out Charles Stanley's book Listening to God. Two years ago I received this book as a gift and I just put it on the shelf. When I finally read the book I realized that if I would have read it the first time I would not have been faced with the issues that I am struggling with today.

In this book Charles Stanley not only teaches the reader how to listen to God, but he also tells the reader how to take that new knowledge and apply it in real life situations. He uses examples and stories from his own life, which helps the reader relate to the new concepts and issues. Each point is backed with scripture and is followed by questions that will make the reader take a closer look at his or her walk with God.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is stumbling in their walk with God or anyone who is trying to strengthen their relationship with the Lord. This book, although it is apart of a Bible Study series, does not necessarily have to be read in the correct order. Just pick it up, read it and don't give up because the Lord will use it to show you the way!

I really enjoyed reading this book and thought it was excellent. Not only did it focus on the "why do I feel this way" aspects of emotions, but it also offered great suggestions on how to deal with our emotions. The book focuses on emotions in general, but then gradually confronts specific emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety in later chapters. It gives great examples on what to do when you feel a certain emotion and how to deal with it. What I liked even more is that the text was backed up with great biblical verses and it also made you think. I've already started putting the book to use and I can already see a change in the way I think and react to my emotions! The only problem with this book is I wish it were longer! :) Highly recommended!

As with all Dr. Stanley's works, this one is excellent! It is more of a study guide than a self-help book. Nevertheless, the book is grounded in scripture and replete with examples! Right up there with 'Mizraim Principles' on what we can all learn through God's discipline!

Also recommended: 'The Mizraim Principles', 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity'

I have found this book to be easy to read and it explains the subject well. I encourage anyone to buy it.

An excellent scientific work.

Chatzieleftheriou S. Konstantinos
Teacher of Orthodox Theology
conchatzi@yahoo.gr

For what it was written for, this book does a great job. It is essentially a study of Higher Criticism of the New Testament. Guthrie does excellent work in putting forth the various positions held by numerous scholars. While not of the same theological bent as I, this work is a necessary evil when pursuing any graduate or post graduate degree in the field of Biblical Study. I highly recommend it on that foundation.

NEW TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION by Donald Guthrie probably remains the standard conservative work of its genre. If you want to find consistently conservative views on the authorship, dating, and textual integrity of the books of the New Testament (NT), then this is the place to go. (Raymond Brown, who generally ignores conservative writers, describes this book as "very important".)

As an example of Guthrie's approach, take II Peter: Of all the books of the NT this is the one most likely to be pseudonymous. Guthrie marshals a substantial amount of evidence indicating that Peter could have written it. Much of this you won't find in other NT introductions, which often take for granted that it is a second century work.

It should be noted that this is an introduction to the books of the New Testament. Guthrie does not provide background studies on the history and culture of NT times, or synopsis of the events of the NT (life of Christ, journeys of Paul, etc.) Because of the limited scope of this work (and its length) it is definitely not the first book to read if you are new to the NT.

In the world of New Testament Intro's, Guthrie is the standard. This intro covers background info of each NT book, to include authorship, date, style, unity, problems, etc. If you're buying a New Testament Intro, you can't go wrong with Guthrie, it's the finest. Not as exhaustive, but just as good, and better priced... is the Intro by Carson/Moo/Morris. Both are first rank in scholarship.

The two books complement each other well, either one is a great buy, for your money, Carson is a better value. If they were the same price, Guthrie would edge out Carson, but not by much. Stay away from all other NT intro's, such as Brown, Kummel, Ladd, etc. None can compete with Carson or Guthrie. I have Brown's sitting on my shelf collecting dust, whereas Guthrie and Carson I reference often.

If you're buying a commentary on a specific book, check out my written review for Carson's Intro. I list the best of the best, however, I don't list Bible books that have no clear cut stand out commentary. For example, Mark has several that are arguably the best, but none stand out (stay away from Hooker on Mark, it's garbage). Carson must have lost his mind when he endorsed her in his commentary survey....

I enjoyed this book a lot. Having been raised in a very strict religious household, this book made me shutter as it brought up painful memories that are obviously still in practice today. However, it also showed me that things could have been much wackier. The book is a wonderful mirror being held up to many of the current practices in much of Christian world today that seem to have forgotten the golden rule to love thy neighbor as thyself. But the book holds hope in that their are those who still follow this thesis and are pushing back at the current trend of hatefulness. Mr. Radosh is a great observer and can paint his observations on the page so vividly that I felt myself at each event he attended. I read this book on the New York subway to and from work each day and several times began laughing out loud to the annoyance and curiosity of those around me. I learn a lot of new things and had many gaps in my knowledge filled in. I highly recommend Rapture Ready!

Radosh is an outsider to this world of Christian pop culture, and his encounters are both humorous, well-informed and reflective. Without too much eye-rolling, he sincerely connects with the people behind such diverse entertainments as Bible Man and pro-wrestlers for Christ. Below the surface absurdities, Radosh uncovers the humanity of it all, and the often misunderstood and sometimes sinister implications.

This is a great read, written with the perfect combination of humor, wonder and respect. It definitely opened my eyes to the wide, diverse world of Christian pop culture, and the Christian religion in the United States, and made me think more seriously about what Christian pop culture means for the future of mainstream culture--as well as politics, education, civic life, etc. Since reading this, it seems I can't open the newspaper without noticing an article about something Christian--Christian...more This is a great read, written with the perfect combination of humor, wonder and respect. It definitely opened my eyes to the wide, diverse world of Christian pop culture, and the Christian religion in the United States, and made me think more seriously about what Christian pop culture means for the future of mainstream culture--as well as politics, education, civic life, etc. Since reading this, it seems I can't open the newspaper without noticing an article about something Christian--Christian license plates, Christian gyms. Well done and relevant!

As a former believer who engages in what some call "recreational Christianity" much of what is presented in this book is already familiar to me. However, there were more than a few pearls and bits of trivia that made this book a worthwhile purchase and charming read.

Daniel Radosh is a secular Jew from New York who explores the world of Christian pop culture in his recent book "Rapture Ready! Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture." With a combination of thoughtful critique, appreciation, good humor and above all graciousness, Radosh chronicles his year-long experience exploring the Evangelical subculture in America. A true outsider, Radosh immerses himself in the good, the bad, and the ugly of this sometimes bizarre world. Among other things, Radosh describes his encounters with "Jesus junk," the Holy Land Experience, Christian romance novels, Bibleman, Stephen Baldwin, the Cornerstone music festival, Ultimate Christian Wrestling, Christian sex advice, creation museums, and even a Hell House. Seeking to understand this vast culture, Radosh does a fine job chronicling his experiences and offering some much needed outsider insight. I think this book is a must-read for Christians and non-Christians alike. Christians should read it for exposure to an outsider's perspective on this strange world, and non-Christians should read it to better understand the growing diversity of the Evangelical movement. Everyone can read it for an entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny look at a much talked about but little understood element of American culture.

When I started reading "Rapture Ready!" I was hoping for a funny and entertaining read, and in that regard I was not disappointed. However, I wasn't expecting such an insightful perspective, and I wouldn't have guessed I would finish the book feeling challenged to live differently. Now don't get me wrong, you probably shouldn't read this book looking for a life changing experience. Read it to be entertained. But don't be surprised if it challenges you to think seriously about your relationship to Evangelical culture (whether you are a Christian or not).

Radosh concludes his book with a call for greater interaction between the moderate and progressive elements of Evangelicalism and Radosh's own secular culture. He believes an increasing interaction between these oftentimes separate universes will prove helpful for everyone. I agree.

In short, I highly recommend this book as both an entertaining and insightful read.

... I had the honor of taking a class in which Dr. Morris taught an overview of the Gospel of John. It was after this commentary had been published. Both hearing Dr. Morris and seeing this commentary have convinced me that although he was somewhat diminutive in stature, he was one of the scholarly giants of his generation.

If I may make a suggestion: when reading Morris' commentary, picture yourself sitting in a classroom with Dr. Morris. Then, as he "speaks", pretend you have the ability to raise your hand and ask him a question. (Had you been in his class, you would have found him remarkably cogent and very approachable.) Treat his commentary as an opportunity to, so to speak, interact with this great scholar.

To expand on my point a little, it seems to me that the point of reading a commentary is not so much to collect "all the right answers" like butterflies in a jar, as it is to have the opportunity to sit next to a gifted student (e.g. Dr. Morris) and listen to him as he tries to figure out what are the correct questions.

I don't want to suggest that reading Dr. Morris' commentary is a voyeuristic exercise. Not at all. Unlike many of our contemporaries (i.e. consistent post-Modernists), Dr. Morris apparently assumed that there is such a thing as objective truth and, through diligent study, we can know more and more about it. Yet, he seemed to have possessed a humility in his scholarship which is missing in the majority of scholars (and "poser" scholars) in every field. That may have been the reason he was such an excellent student and teacher of the Johannine literature. (Plus, he was as sharp as a tack.)

Not only is this a great commentary that can be easily read and understood, but it's footnotes take you even deeper and enrich the commentary for those who really want a scholarly experience. This is definately a tool the serious Bible student would want in his or her own library. This is one volume in a set of New Testament Commentaries, but does not depend on the other volumes. However, now that I have purchased this volume, I plan on buying the others as I continue into other New Testament studies.

I highly recommend this commentary for in-depth study of John's Gospel. Morris cites numerous authorities for insights into the material and then provides his own thoughtful assessment of the meaning and background. He is extremely thorough even to the point of analyzing subtle points of the Greek grammar. This is not a book that you can read quickly. It is for serious study of the Gospel according to John.

Morris' insights into John's text are, for the most part, extremely helpful. Although there are other commentaries on John that are more comprehensive, Morris doesn't get lost in the trees but always takes you back from the trees to see the Forest.

The thing that sets Morris apart from other commentators is his often pastoral insights. He always brings back the text to Christ and his redemptive work. If you are a pastor and want great sermon material, use Morris after your own study, he will not disappoint.

I read the commentary of John 6:52-53 and he says that the phrases "eat my flesh" and "drink my blood" can't be an alussion to the Eucharist, because both verbs are in aorist and this would mean that these actions are about a unique and irrepetible event,and we can't say that about the Eucharist.
Well, I want to say this with all the respect, and what I can tell you is that Leon Morris is completly wrong: I went to my Analytical Greek New Testament and I saw that John 6:52 or 53 has both verbs, eat and drink in aorist subjuntive active. After that I looked for identical verb forms in the Gospel of John and I found that if you go to John 17,10 you will read this:
"If you OBEY my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love".
Well, in the Greek Text the verb "obey" is in aorist subjuntive active voice, just like John 6:52 or 53. If we follow Leon Morris definition of the aorist, this would mean that it is enough to obey Jesus only once in a lifetime, and we will remain in Jesus'love forever. That's simply absurd and anti biblical. Read John 15:6. Leon Morris gives us a sample of how a heresy (the zwinglianism = salvation is sola fide, sacraments are nothing but symbols ) can make a good scholar be faithful to Zwingli, and forget about a good service to God's Word. If you go to Mark 7: 3-4 you will find that the greek verbs that the NIV translatates "give...a ceremonial washing" and "wash" are also aorist, subjuntive, and they can't be understood as "once in a lifetime" action:
"The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they GIVE their hands A CEREMONIAL WASHING", holding to the tradition of the elders. 4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they WASH. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles" (Mark 7:3-4). The meaning is clear, the pharisees wash their hands each time that they came back home from their market place, and the same way Jesus tells us that each time (ean me) we eat Jesus flesh, Jesus gives us eternal life. Luther was right in this point, and Zwingli and Leon Morris, his disciple and not so good greek scholar are wrong.

A great catholic bible study series. Wonderful foot notes that provide insight and make reference to the catechsim and the church fathers. I can't wait for them to complete the series.

Scott Hahn and Curtiss Mitch's annotation of Ignatius Press's Catholic Edition of the RSV New Testament is a work in progress. I have been buying it up volume by volume as soon as they can publish them, and I think it is far superior to any other annotated version of the NT out there. It offers footnotes cross referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and citing the Fathers of the Church. They use symbols to communicate whether a note is commenting on the unity of the OT and NT (a book), the unity of the doctrines of the faith (a dove), or the living tradition of the Church (crossed keys). I cannot wait until they've finished. I use it every Sunday to answer questions about the Mass readings.

Frank Frick's "Journey Through the Hebrew Scriptures" is one of the best textbook-guides to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament I have seen yet. It is well written, informative and up-to-date on (almost) the latest theories. Frick's chapters on the geography and the archaeology of the Holy Land, subjects in which the author is well versed himself, are especially useful to the average non-Israeli student.
Unfortunately, the book's high hardcover price and the lack of a soft cover edition make it impractical to use as a college textbook. I do hope that the effort is made to produce an updated soft cover edition soon!