The Baker Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies Book Review

SUMMARY:  CLEAR, CONCISE, AND ACCURATE DEFINITIONS OF MORE THAN 500 BIBLICAL TERMS AND TOPICS.
     When it comes to the realm of biblical studies, students of the Bible are often overwhelmed, both with the sheer volume of information and with all of the unfamiliar terms, concepts, and topics. Like any other field of study, the serious study of the Bible has developed a specialized vocabulary. The key terms in this important field are defined in The Compact Dictionary of Biblical Studies. It provides clear, concise, and accurate definitions to help students of the Bible make sense of the specialized language of biblical studies.

REVIEW:  If you want to learn more about the bible but are intimidated with all the resources out there and the sizes of the books available (some of them are HUGE!!!), this might be the book for you.  The authors have defined common, and not so common words, used by Christian theologians, pastors and bible studies leaders.  Scholars of the Old and New Testaments and other men and women who have shaped how we study and interpret scripture are noted along with their contributions to the study and understanding of the bible.  Also included are words not found in the bible but are used to help understand the culture, times and customs of the Old and New Testaments.  It's nice to have something I can throw in a bag with my bible and notebook that can help me in my pursuit of a better understanding of God and His Word.  If you want to expand your knowledge, this would be a great place to start.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without any compensation.

Tremper Longman, III (PhD, Yale University) is Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.  He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament and How to Read Proverbs.

Mark L Strauss (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary.  He is the author of several books, including Distorting Scripture? and Four Portraits, One Jesus.

The Temple and the Tabernacle Book Review

A Study of God's Dwelling Places 

from Genesis to Revelation

SUMMARY:  Grasp the Majesty, Beauty, and Significance of God's Dwelling Places
At various points in Israel's history, God dwelt in specific, significant places, most notably in the tabernacle and the temple. These structures, meticulously planned, extravagantly furnished, and regularly frequented by the devout, were more than just places of worship and sacrifice. They were pictures of God's relationship with his chosen people and of the atoning work that would be done by the Messiah. To understand the tabernacle and the temple, then, is to understand how we are brought into God's family through the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus.

Visually stunning and theologically rich, this full-color resource brings together the latest scholarship and archeological discoveries to bring God's dwelling places alive for modern believers. It places these important structures in their historical and theological contexts, connects them with the overall biblical story, and shows how they bring meaning and depth to the faith of Christians today.

 

REVIEW:  This book is a wonderful reference book focusing on the tabernacle constructed by Moses, the first temple built by Solomon, the reconstructed temple after the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity, the expanded temple built by Herod and the temple in heaven mentioned in Revelation.  The author does an excellent job explaining each detail and comparing the temples to the tabernacle.  There were things I had never considered or even thought about such as the different building materials used, the men in charge of each building projects and the events surrounding each one.  Sometimes the author was repetitive but it helped keep me from forgetting facts and information mentioned earlier.  The drawings and pictures included were very helpful in getting a visual of what each item and structure looked like and where they were placed.

     If you are interested in learning more about God's tabernacle and temples, or just getting a better understanding of the meaning behind them, this book would be a tremendous asset.  It was very easy to understand, written for the common man not just biblical scholars.

     I really enjoyed this book and plan to keep it in my library.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

 

J. Daniel Hays  (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is dean of the School of Christian Studies and professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He is the author or coauthor of many articles and books, including Grasping God's Word and The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook.

They Were Christian Book Review

The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women

who Changed the World

SUMMARY:  What do Abraham Lincoln, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Louis Pasteur, Frederick Douglass, Florence Nightingale, and John D. Rockefeller, Sr. have in common?  They all changed the world - and they were all Christians.  With passion and precision, Cristobal Krusen brings to light the little-known stories of faith behind twelve influential people of history.

     They Were Christians reveals the faith-filled motivations of these important world figures who made some of the most outstanding political, scientific, and humanitarian contributions in history.  Discover the true stories behind

• the founding of the Red Cross
• the family crisis that drove America's favorite president to his knees
• the supernatural call that led a beautiful English socialite to save thousands of soldiers
• and more

The fascinating profiles of these faithful history makers will encourage, entertain, and inspire you to deepen your faith, pursue excellence in your vocation, and serve others.

REVIEW:  This book was a very interesting read.  It consists of twelve brief biographies that, as the author described, tells "the rest of the story."  The stories are concise and go into just enough detail to keep the reader from getting boring and keep their attention.  Each person described is known for their inventions, contributions to medicine, or how they changed the thinking and beliefs of their time.  Most are not as well known about their walk with Christ.  Some started their walk with Jesus at an early age; some came to know Christ and His forgiveness of sin later.  But each one strived to emulate Jesus in their pursuit of peace, understanding and in helping their fellow man.
     While I am not a big biography fan, this is one book I really enjoyed reading and will keep on my shelf.  Check it out.  You might just learn something new.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Cristobal Krusen is a screenwriter, film director, and author who has lived and worked in Latin America, Australia, and the United States.  In 1988, he founded Messenger Films, a nonprofit film production company.  He studied English literature at Harvard University and also studied film and television at NYU and the Art Center College in Design.  He currently lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity Book Review

SUMMARY:  Your biggest questions about God and faith - answered.

     This book provides short and to-the-point answers to pressing questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity, including

• What will heaven be like?
• Can a Christian be demon possessed?
• Do science and faith conflict?
• Is hell a real place?
• Is it possible to prove God exists?
• What is God like?
• What is my purpose in life?
• and many more.

If you want a clear introduction to the essential teachings of Christianity, look no further.

REVIEW:  The title says it all.  The questions are big and difficult, at times, but the answers are short and concise.  The authors have nine sections with questions that people have who either don't understand Christianity or who maybe are Christians but don't fully understand God, the Christian faith and their Christian walk.  At the end of each chapter, there are discussion questions and key scripture passages, when necessary.  As the authors state in the preface, this book cannot answer all the questions but it meant to be a tool to help you in your search and walk.  Volumes upon volumes have been written about each area; this book can help you find answers in one place with the tools you need to further your search, if need be. 
     This is a great resource book to have for Christians to have.  It reinforced some ideas I had and helped solidify others.  It's one I plan to keep in my library.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Clinton E. Arnold is dean of Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.  He is the author of many books, including 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, and is the editor of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary.

Jeff Arnold is a high school English and logic teacher in Downey, California.  A former youth pastor, he is the creator of Unleashed, an intensive training camp that equips Christian teens to share their faith.  He also trains new believers in the basics of theology.
 

The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols Book Review

Understanding Their Meaning and Significance

SUMMARY:  Uncover worlds of meaning behind the signs and symbols in Scripture.

     How might our understanding of God's Word be deepened if we recognized the significance of the signs and symbols found within its pages - signs that were clear to the original readers?  Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness.  This illustrated resource will help you appreciate key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth, such as 

• Babylon
• beast
• candlestick
• eye
• fire
• grapes
• Jordan River
• key
• pigs 
• sword
• throne
• and much more

Each of the more than one hundred entries includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages.  Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.

REVIEW:  Have you ever read the bible and wished you understood some of the imagery and references that were mentioned? A land of milk and honey - sounds kind of messy to me but the Israelites were very impressed with the description of the Promised land.  What is the difference between the tabernacle and the temple? Why is anointing with oil so important?  This book does an incredible job explaining the signs and symbols in easy to understand language.  Each entry has scripture showing where this imagery is used, pictures, a key verse and a quote from notable bible scholars and ministers.  The summaries are listed in alphabetical order and are very easy to find.  The layout of each is very easy to read.  I have been looking for something like this for a long time.  This is one tome that will stay on my shelves and will be referred to quite often as I read and try to understand scripture.  Anyone wanting to understand the bible better should get a copy of this book.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Neil Wilson is the author of several books, including Were Your There? and The Handbook of Bible Application.  A graduate of Aurora College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Neil has ministered in Youth for Christ and as pastor of a local church.  He currently serves as a publishing project manager with Dr. James MacDonald's ministry Walk in the Word. 

Nancy Ryken Taylor is a freelance writer and editor who has worked behind the scenes on hundreds of books for many publishers, mainly in the areas of theology and Christian living.

The Bible's Answers to 100 of Life's Biggest Questions Book Review

SUMMARY:  Clear, convincing answers to the toughest questions we face.
     We all have questions about faith.  If there is a God, why is there evil in the world?  Why would a loving God send people to hell?  Can we trust modern translations of the Bible?  Why did Jesus have to die?  How can I know God's will for my life?  What is God's position on things like abortion, cloning, same-sex marriage, capital punishment, and euthanasia?  Should Christians be involved in politics?
     With insight and precision, this comprehensive resource addresses one hundred penetrating questions that need satisfying answers, including controversial questions raging in the public sphere and personal questions about family issues, the purpose and meaning of life, and the future of the world.

REVIEW:  Contents of the book are laid out in an easy to search manner.  The entries have all sorts of tools that are easy to read and understand.  Each one has the question, answer, sometimes a description or definition of the subject, application, bible verse references, books for further research, and, if available, websites, DVDs and online video references.  I found the answers to be thorough but not pat, with a lot of detail and heart.  This is a good book to have for new Christians or even for people are just searching.  It is also a good one for Christians, no matter how long you've walked with the Lord, to have on hand when questions arise, whether in your own thinking or if you are presented with one. This is one I hope to keep on my shelves and reference books for a long time.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Norman L. Geisler (PhD, Loyola University of Chicago) is Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and Theology at Veritas Evangelical Seminary in Murrieta, California.  He is the author of more than ninety books, including When Skeptics Ask and The Big Book of Christian Apologetics.

Jason Jimenez is the founder and president of re|shift ministries, inc. (http://reshiftministries.org/), and has pastored families for over fifteen years.  He is the author of The Raging War of Ideas and lives in North Carolina. 

Designed for Devotion Book Review

A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation

SUMMARY:  You are always just one day away from a deeper relationship with God.

     There is no better way to know God more intimately than to immerse yourself in his Word, and Designed for Devotion helps you do just that.  Combining fascinating historical background information about the Bible with practical application you can implement in your life each day, Dianne Matthews takes you through the Bible from beginning to end.  Guiding your journey, she

• highlights key stories, characters and basic teachings
• explores Old Testament passages that reveal Jesus as the Messiah
• offers historical background about each book of the Bible, including author, theme and purpose
• ties the Old and New Testaments together to show the Bible as a single story
• shows you how to apply each day's lesson to your own spiritual journey

      Whether you are new to Bible study or  you simply long to learn about God's Word, this is the perfect devotional to bring you deeper into the Scriptures as you deepen your relationship with God.

REVIEW:  This is probably my favorite devotional ever!!!  The way the author lays it out makes it easy to read the Bible in one year and not feel bogged down. She handles potential controversial areas with delicacy and tact.  Hard to understand ideas are simplified without watering down the information.  While she doesn't cover every chapter or verse in the Bible, Mrs. Matthews does make sure the important ones are delved into with accuracy and depth.  If you are looking for a new devotional, check this one out.  You will not be disappointed.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Dianne Neal Matthews is a freelance writer and the author of four daily devotional books, including The One Year on This Day, The One Year Women of the Bible, and Drawing Closer to God.  She also speaks and teaches at writer's conferences.  Please visit www.DianneNealMatthews.com for more information.