NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible - A Review

NIV

Biblical Theology

Study Bible

General Editor

D. A. Carson

(see my earlier review at http://bit.ly/NIVZSB)

Welcome to (one of) the best modern Study Bible available in 2018. A number of features make it stand out. The first obvious indication of its value is its size. Containing 2500+ pages of Biblical text, notes, essays, concordance, and maps — this thing is HUGE. But more important than this is the range of authorship (something I missed in my earlier review). Authors come from a range of institutions — Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (my alma mater), Wheaton College, Asbury Seminary, Baylor University, Westminster Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, etc. The authors include men who mentored me, men whom I have read, and some that are new to me. There seems to be a missing diversity in gender and, perhaps, ethnicity (more difficult to verify). Though the book has a somewhat Baptist/Reformed flavor, the editor has drawn from a wide variety of sources.

The notes are extensive, occupying nearly 20% of most pages — and given that the notes use a slightly smaller font than the Biblical text itself, they truly contribute to 25% or more of the text. Along with the notes, helpful full-color charts and maps are scattered throughout the book to help the reader grasp the broader structure of the text. There are also nearly 30 essays addressing topics which typically cross the normal divisions of scripture such as testaments, books, authors, etc. Some of these essay discuss topics such as

* The Story of the Bible: How the Good News About Jesus is Central by Timothy Keller
* The Bible and Theology by D. A. Carson
* A Biblical-Theological Overview by D. A. Carson
* Death and Resurrection by Philip S. Johnston
* The Consummation by Douglas J. Moo

An extensive concordance is also included along with a 14 map atlas (note: maps, as mentioned earlier, are also embedded in the notes as well).

Weaknesses are few. Though there is a wide theological diversity demonstrated among the contributors, the lack of gender diversity is too obvious. The font of the notes sometimes seems too small. Thankfully the text of this Study Bible is available in a number of digital versions including Kindle and LOGOS. Finally, be aware that this book was published as recently as 2015 under a different title, NIV Zondervan Study Bible. I have this book in both hard copy, as a Kindle book, and as a LOGOS e-book. A brief survey suggests there is no difference between the earlier version of the book and the current one.

As I wrote earlier, while reviewing the previous edition: I have a few favorite Study Bibles - the NIV Zondervan Study Bible will/has become another of those favorites. I will be consulting it often — I suspect others will as well. The same can be said for the newer NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Infographic Bible - A Review

The Infographic Bible

by

Karen Sawrey

The Infographic Bible is a colorful book full of useful details. However, the type face is so small and the font color so light, it is often hard to read and understand the information included by the author. The book, thus, becomes more of a coffee table book, than a useful reference book.

One must begin by stating that this is not a Bible — but a set of images designed to convey information to the reader. The images do stand out and are vivid. They draw the reader’s attention immediately to the pictures. But the font chosen to accompany the illustrations is so small as to make them difficult to read. Contributing to this is that the colors chosen for many of the fonts do not contrast well with the page background. Finally, it must be noted that though the images are designed to convey information, there is no data to support the claims made by the illustrations. “Sources” are given, but it appears that the data gleaned from the sources comes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it is directly inferred from the sources, but at other times it is only indirectly drawn from the sources referenced.

Several improvements would make this book more useful.

1. Be sure that all data is thoroughly referenced using standard footnotes 
2. Reduce the size of the graphics and increase the size of the fonts 
3. Provide the book in an electronic format that would allow images and fonts to be enlarged 
4. Allow a book designer to review the finished book to ensure that information is clear and readable — this includes both the sizes and the colors used throughout the book. 

I had looked forward to reviewing this book, but was disappointed with the final product.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Fatality In F - A Review

Fatality In F

by

Alexia Gordon

Murder and classical music seem to go together for Gethsemane Brown. And she has done it again. Gethsemane, her cohort of community friends, and one almost friendly ghost, Eamon McCarthy, are again called upon to the murder mystery surrounding The International Rose Hybridizers’ Association. Watching Gethsemane living in an Irish community with its mythos and culture, is as much fun as watching her solve the current problem standing before her.

As expected, Alexia Gordon has produced an enjoyable cozy mystery that will hold the reader's attention from page one. But Alexia Gordon also adds a brief introduction to the classical music world as she introduces us to the composers and music that are part of that world. The author does not focus on just the names that most neophytes might know, but also lesser known names (at least to this author) from the classical music genre such as Prokofiev’s ‘Prologue from The Tale of the Stone Flower’ or Strauss’s ‘Roses from The South’. A quick search on Google and the reader can verify the facts presented by Ms. Gordon, learn more about the composer, and listen to the pieces referenced in the book. It might be possible for the publisher to create a website supporting this successful author and the musical references made in her books.

The book is great just as a cozy mystery read. This book easily earns its 5-star review. However, for those in high school or college, it might serve as a lighter text in those institutions highlighting “Reading Across the Curriculum” or “Writing Across the Curriculum”. Combined with a writing and listening assignment, it could also easily integrate into an appropriate course.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Persian Gamble - A Review

The Persian Gamble

by

Joel Rosenberg

I have enjoyed the three books I have read, The Persian Gamble being the latest. Markus Ryker is again the star protagonist in this international thriller that moves between Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Washington DC, along with some minor players. The book is an immediate successor to Rosenberg’s previous novel, The Kremlin Conspiracy, which concludes with Marcus and two conspirators leaving a small private jet over Northeastern Russia with unopened parachutes. And that is where we find Marcus and the others as this newest book opens. The author uses the first third of the book enough of the previous history to help the current reader find his place in the current story.

The middle third of the book describes a gripping and intriguing novel of espionage, tracking from the various countries mentioned earlier. The last part of the book focus on the attempt to capture the nuclear weapons purchased secretly and being transported for installation into a set of fully capable missiles aimed at western capitals around the world. A movie based on this third part of the book would surely be rated R — not suitable for children under the age of 18 - because of the level of violence.

The author does a good job of weaving Marcus’ faith into the story — both as it relates to himself and how it relates to those around him. It is not a simple faith, but it is real (well, as real as it can be in a novel).

For fans of Tom Clancy and Nick Thacker, Joel Rosenberg’s The Persian Gamble will be satisfying. Church libraries may or may not want to add this book to their collection — depending on their willingness include the violence found in the last third of the book on their shelves. As a pastor, I would be bothered; but I know several readers who would be less bothered than I.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Killalot - A Review

Killalot
An Ivy Meadows Mystery

by

Cindy Brown

Ivy Meadows is in trouble again. She was there, in the jousting arena, she had seen Angus get knocked off his horse by the competitor, one of Ivy’s best friends. And the police determined that it was murder. But Riley could not have done it.

While working to clear Riley, Ivy finds herself wrapped up in the development of a new off, off Broadway musical involving a mash-up of Camelot and JFK’s years in the oval office. A development that will nearly ruin the relationship with her long-time boy friend.

Killalot is not the best cozy mystery I have read, but it was well-done. Moving between three roles (Olive Ziegwart, the detective; Ivy Meadows, the actor; and Olive-y, the sister and friend of Cody) keeps the protagonist as she seeks to discover who is really responsible for Agnus and two others’ deaths -- before she loses her own life.

The reader looking for a good spring or summer book will not go wrong the Killalot.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Bark of the Town - A Review

The Bark of the Town

by

Stella St. Claire

Stella St. Claire is a new author for this reader. The booked was picked up for review by the luck of the draw — and it was good luck.

As I started with the Prologue, I became concerned that I had made a poor choice for a relaxing cozy mystery. It appeared that I had picked up a darker book than I usually enjoy. I soon learned, however, that, except for the Prologue, the book had everything that might draw one to a new cozy mystery.

Willow Wells would soon find herself in the midst of a double mystery that seemed to put all the blame onto her sister, Wednesday. Because the two sisters’ father was the chief of police, he was quickly removed from the case. And the detective who was assigned to the case wanted a quick resolution by arresting Wednesday at the first opportunity. The evidence was there for a quick resolution — Wednesday was found at the scene of both crimes, she had each of the victims’ blood on her hands, and she had a motive. Willow would follow the evidence being ignored by the detective.

My only disappointment in the book was that the dogs were not the detectives — but only served as Willow Wells’ occupational interests. Regardless, the book was well-written and enjoyed. Most cozy mystery writers would find the book an enjoyable weekend of reading.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Holy Bible: Filament Edition - A Review

Holy Bible:
Filament Edition

New Living Translation

WOW ... Wow ... wow ...

Tyndale may have just introduced the next generation Study Bible. By combining a well-known paper translation (which must be purchased) with notes, videos, graphics, and devotionals, supplied digitally (via a free app), the reader is introduced to the best of two worlds. Fonts in the printed version can be larger — space does not need to be consumed by the Study Bible notes. Fonts in the notes are not scalable, but they are larger than those found in many Study Bibles. The notes are helpful and thorough. It is unclear who are the individuals involved in preparing the study notes for each section. Credit is given for each devotional entry — being drawn from a variety of previously published resources. Credit is also given for some of the videos to The Bible Project, a non-profit animation studio whose mission is to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Given the new format, it is difficult to compare the amount of content present to a more traditional Study Bible, but my first guess is that there is more material than would be found in other similar resources. Even if the notes are comparable to a more traditional resource, to that one must add the devotional material and the audio/visual material — the result is a generous set of resources.

A couple of concerns should be mentioned. I already mentioned that the text is not scalable — not a big problem for this reader, but it might be for some. Another issue that should be made clear up front is that audio/visual resources require that the tablet or phone being used to scan page number require that the device is connected to the Internet. Study notes and devotional material are supplied with the app. Finally, notes that one may want to incorporate into one’s personal Bible Study or into a set of digital sermon preparation notes (e.g. OneNote or Evernote) will need to be copied/typed by hand. At this point, there is no Windows version of the app. One workaround would be to mirror the phone screen onto a desktop or laptop — but until a later version of Windows 10 is released, that is not part of the default operating system.

In addition to addressing the above issues, the app might be embellished in other ways. It would be interesting to see the app integrated with publicly available websites containing public domain resources. Similarly, it might be interesting to see the app’s search tools integrated with one of a major Bible Software programs (e.g. WordSearch or LOGOS). The product could also be enhanced by introducing material found in other Study Bibles which are sourced using The Living Translation.

This new approach to Bible Study will find a home in the hands of any serious Bible Student — college student, seminary student, layman, or pastor. I hope that Christian Bookstore can make a sample version along with a tablet available for customers to try. Once a user has had the opportunity to experience this new Study Bible, it should easily sell itself.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Hidden Peril - A Review

Hidden Peril

by

Irene Hannon

A Review

Beginning with three murders, one in Syria and two in St. Louis, MO, Irene Hannon’s most recent thriller takes Kristin Dane, the owner of WorldCraft, a sustainable craft store, and FBI Special Agent Luke Carter, into the midst of an ISIS terror cell operating on their very doorsteps. The crimes are personal and the closer they come to the discovering the center of the cell, the more danger the key players will find around them.

The excitement does not end until the reader hits the “Epilogue”. The Epilogue does tie up the loose ends for the story, but it does so sluggishly and the reader quickly wishes it were over. Thankfully, it is no longer than most of the book’s chapters and does not detract from the body of the work. It might have made a more satisfying conclusion if the Epilogue had been wrapped into the “Teaser” included for the author’s next book in the series which begins with “Chaos …” Though coming from a Christian publisher, the book is light on faith; but for those for whom faith is an issue, there is little that will offend. Made into a movie, the story as presented by the author would be easily rated PG-13. This reader found the story well-done and a rewarding read.

This book will make great holiday reading for fans of the author, fans of light romantic thrillers, and fans of FBI or police procedurals.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Not A Creature Was Stirring - A Review

Not A Creature Was Stirring

by

Christina Freeburn

A Review

Henery Press continues to produce some of the best cozy mysteries on the market - Christina Freeburn’s newest book, the first in a new series, is no exception.

Merry Christmas (yep, that is her name) arrives at the first of the season’s craft sales in Morgantown, West Virginia, with an awful smell in her new (though used) RV. And she is the first, and most likely suspect, in the murder of her ex-husband who is the source of the rancid smell.

With the help of Ebenezer, Merry’s pet guinea pig, she will have to survive the obnoxious detective and the various attempts to sabotage her work as a Etsy dealer, in order to discover the actual culprit.

The book kept moving forward at a satisfying pace, held this reader’s attention and kept him returning for more. The possible suspects grows and keeps the reader guessing and gathering clues as the story progresses. The book should remain satisfying to most cozy mystery readers. The book will make a great Christmas read - except its publication is not expected till after the new year (January 2019). Perhaps a January purchase in preparation for a Christmas 2019 gift.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Ancient-Modern Bible (NKJV) - A Review

Ancient-Modern Bible

NKJV

by

Thomas Nelson Bibles

A Review

This Bible is a great concept and probably needed by the church, but its design leaves something to be desired.

Designed with a new “Comfort Print” font that is supposed to be easier to read, the compilation of comments from authors writing across the centuries. Opening to a random page in Isaiah (Isaiah 54-56), I see quotes from Augustine, Billy Graham, and John Calvin. The quotes are interesting and applicable to the life of the Christian — both at the time they were originally written and in the modern context of this Bible. Also included are a number of essays by well-known church leaders. Setting between the book of Isaiah and Jeremiah is an essay by H. Richard Niebuhr entitled: “Connecting Christ and Culture”. This Bible concludes with a set of seven “Supplemental Articles” on a number of broader topics: Creation, Meditation, Church, Trinity, etc.

Though borrowing from a great deal of source material, the notes and essays are not well-cited. A bibliography is included in the end notes (following the “Supplemental Articles”), but the entries are not tied directly to the notes included in the margins of the Bible; thus adding a layer of complexity to the researcher or pastor wanting to verify the source material. Though many resources are used, it is unclear as to how varied they are. Only on reference from the Wesley’s is cited and there is no way to follow that citation back to see where, how, or how often it is used.

A bigger problem than the poor use of citations is the design of the Bible. Though using a new font, this font is so small it makes both the Bible text and the notes difficult to read. There is plenty of white space on most pages — a larger font could easily have been used — better still would be to have the notes available as supplements on the Internet for registered users of the Bible. The pages are thin, occasionally making page turning more cumbersome than necessary.

Assuming plenty of light, nimble fingers, and good eyes, this Bible has a place on most pastor’s desk. Laymen may find it of use or interest as well.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

A Secret To Die For - A Review

A Secret To Die For

by

Lisa Harris

A Review

Lisa Harris is one of my go to authors. She has written another attention holding title for the suspense audience.

Psychologist Grace Callahan’s home was being broken into. She managed to escape after getting shot at a couple of times. She got off easy. Later that morning she would find that one of her counseling clients had been murdered the previous evening. And that was just the start of the week’s excitement.

Terrorist were determined to take down the electrical grid across the US - much as had occurred in the Northeastern United States in 2003, except then it was a software glitch, not terrorist. Grace’s client had been hired to find and patch holes in the software controlling the grid - except those who hired him were the terrorists and they were trying to prevent the utility infrastructure from installing a patch that would prevent their taking down the utilities. And would do just that in a matter of hours.

Detective Nathaniel (Nate) Quinn had drawn the (un)lucky straw to follow the death of Steven Shaw, Grace Callahan’s client. Nate had two strikes against him. First, it was his first day on the job after a three month break after his previous team and partner had been killed in an explosion related to a previous case. He was left with a case of PTSD that was not yet completely addressed. The second strike was that he had gone to college with Grace Callahan - she had married his best friend. That marriage had broken up shortly after their daughter had died from Leukemia. Now, neither Nate nor Grace were sure they were ready for a serious relationship - especially in the midst of a crisis that might effect the entire country.

The plot is well developed and believable - involving multiple policing agencies. kidnappings, automobile accidents, murders, and robberies, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs that the detective and his colleagues would need to follow in order to protect their key witness and their country.

The story is told well - with a single exception. The climax is weak. This reader felt as if the solution to the story popped out of nowhere. It came not of result of good police work, but because of the totally disconnected piece of evidence was dropped into the detective’s lap.

Despite the small disappointment, the book was a heart stopper. It allows the reader to examine the impact loss of various kinds can have on people. It also delves into the significant role faith can have on individuals as the deal with that loss. Lee Harris has done a great job of examining those questions as Nate and Grace reflect on the various losses that have been a part of their individual lives.

Fans of Lee Harris’ work, of Christian suspense, and of techno-thrillers will find the reading rewarding.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Rush - A Review

RUSH

by

Stephen Fried

A Review

I am not a history fan, but an earlier published review drew me to this book and I asked to review it for myself. I am glad that I asked and that my request was granted.

Dr. Benjamin Rush was the only medical school trained physician to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was not among the top tier of the founding fathers - but he did much to support and encourage the Washingtons, the Franklins, the Adams, and the others that led the new United States of America during its formative years. For many he was their doctor, for most he was their confident and friend.

Rush follows the life of Benjamin Rush, MD, from his birth in rural Pennsylvania in 1745 to his death in Philadelphia in 1813. He was educated and opinionated. He was a frequent writer - both of published works and many (still) unpublished pieces that have assisted historians to understand the years preceding and following the revolutionary war. Fried has done a superb job of drawing the reader into Rush’s life - as he looks at his family, colleagues, and work. The book concludes with an examination of the influence Rush had on fields as diverse as politics, education, medicine (particularly mental health), and literature. This includes a brief reference to the creation of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago named after Dr. Benjamin Rush.

Reading much like a well-written novel, anyone with an interest in early American History, Medicine. Religion (Rush might be thought of as an original Evangelical), Education, and politics, will find this book to be a delight. Even though it is longer than most books I review (I even took a few days break to read a more typical book to change my pace), it was well worth my time. It is well documented (the last 1/5th of the book consists of notes and references) and might drive some readers to dive further into the history and impact of this man who touched so many of the founding father’s lives in the late 18th and early 19th century.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

The Purpose of Christmas - A Review

The Purpose of Christmas

by

Rick Warren

A Review

Howard Books presents a new edition of a short, 4 chapter, book originally written in 2008 by Rick Warren, founding pastor of the world-famous Saddleback Church in Irvine, CA. The author is best known for the classic The Purpose Driven Life. I suppose this reviewer should be open and honest by saying he has never read that classic or any other book by Rick Warren until the publisher dropped the current book in his mailbox for review.

The current book presents three purposes for Christmas:

1. Celebration 
2. Salvation 
3. Reconciliation 

I suspect that the author does not mean to say these are the only three purposes for Christmas, but they are three purposes for Christmas. Along with an introductory chapter, the author makes each purpose into a chapter. The chapters are then subdivided into shorter sub-points focusing on these three purposes. I felt like I was reading the transcript of a 20-year-old sermon series – with the thesis statements and their sub-points being clearly stated in the text and its subdivisions.The book is readable and not hobbled by sermonese. What is missing are solid references for much of the material – scripture references are well-documented, but other content is not. This makes it hard to distinguish between opinion and fact.

I appreciated the suggested “Birthday Party for Jesus” found at the end of the book – appropriate for families, adult, youth or children’s groups. The idea is presented early in the book, but the details are laid out in the final pages of the volume.

The book may make a great gift for the church to give to its members as a pre-Advent gift. It might also find a home in the church library for families to borrow for the Christmas season. 

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Murder With All The Trimmings - A Review

Murder With All The Trimmings

by

Shawn Reilly Simmons

A Review

Shawn Reilly Simmons has created another great cozy mystery for Henery Press and their readers. Penelope Sutherland and her Red Carpet Caterers has been asked to provide catering services for the major Christmas extravaganza being held at a classically old theater in the heart of New York City. But the day after Thanksgiving, as she and her team begin to plan and set up for the weeks-long event, the first murder occurs.

Penelope’s boyfriend and the NYC Police Detective investigating the case tell her to “keep out of it.” But, like any good protagonist in a cozy mystery, Penelope cannot keep out of it. And because of that, the reader keeps turning the pages of a well-written story.

To be honest, there was one point about 1/3 of the way through the book that became so slow, this reader almost put the book down. He is glad that he did not. The reader who likes to travel – whether visiting New York City, the larger State of New York, the US Pacific Northwest, or the US Southwest – is encouraged to keep a map handy.

Looking for a good read for those few slow days following Thanksgiving or to tide you over until the most hectic time of Christmas Eve and the remainder of the holidays, Murder With All The Trimmings might just put you into survival mode.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

God Winks Christmas Stories - A Review

God Winks

Christmas Stories

by

Squire BushnellLouise Duart

A Review

Devotions based on true-life stories – it was a new concept to me, but husband and wife Bushnell and Duart carry it off well. Each entry consists of three parts:

1. A brief story (four or five pages in length)– some have been previously published, but all were new to me
2. Some brief devotional thoughts (“Reflections”) based on the story and asking the reader to reflect upon their own busy life.
3. A Scripture verse (a possible memory verse?) which again strengthens the lessons inherent in the stories.

The 30 parables serve to remind the reader that God can work in remarkable ways in a world full of broken people. Whether the brokenness is the result of loss, consequences, illness, etc., God can be ready to meet those needs in unexpected ways, if we will let Him.

The book will serve as a great gift (or stocking stuffer) for a couple, a young family, or a senior citizen. It could easily serve as an early Christmas gift for the members of a small group. Be sure to grab an extra copy for yourself as well. It would be worth 30 days of devotions.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Lesson Plan for Murder - A Review

Lesson Plan for Murder

by

Lori Robbins

Marcia Deaver is dead on the floor of her classroom at Valerian Hills High School. Nobody liked her - and most of them were glad to see her go and could have committed the crime. Elizabeth Hopewell was the unlucky colleague to find her body. It was her scream that bought the rest of the faculty, staff, and police.

Liz is as concerned as clearing her name as she is in finding the culprit. At that same time she seemed intent on destroying her marriage. The spends a great deal of time following Liz as she follows clues and develops a crush on one of the detectives working the case.

The author has presented a solid mystery. It comes across as a bit darker than the normal cozy mystery - as we begin to wonder about the state of the protagonist's marriage. But all ends well, the guilty party (all of them) is found and the marriage survives.

This reader found the book just a bit boring - taking a little over a week to read.

1. Would I recommend it - “Yes, as a good fall read.” 
2. Do I want to read more from this author - “Definitely, YES!” 

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Third Edition Leathersoft - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Third Edition

Leathersoft

edited by

Jack Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed and are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this new edition. I was surprised that the includes two ribbon bookmarks rather than the three ribbon bookmarks found in the leather edition. Built with a nice sturdy cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on a Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Lethal Target - A Review

Lethal Target

by

Janice Cantore

A Review

Janice Cantore has written a powerful sequel to her earlier book, Crisis Shot. Tess O’ourke has now been the Chief of Police of Rogue’s Hollow, OR, for just about a year. The community has accepted her and she feels a part of the community she has made her home. At least until the body is literally found at the doorstep of her home. Oregon’s new legal pot trade has made itself at home in her community – but, surprisingly, there has been an uptick in the number of opioid overdoses during that same time. Suspicions run high that there is a connection between the pot farms and the increasing drug crisis – but Tess, the County Sheriff, nor the Federal DEA can find a connection between the two.

The book has enough suspense to keep this reader’s nose in the book for the four or five nights it took to read. Written by a former police officer, the book has the sound of truth from the first page to the last. Though probably classified as a romantic suspense, the romance is relatively light and does not overwhelm the plot as is sometimes happens in books of this genre. The role of faith is also present – a bit more than romance – but not overwhelmingly so. The book could easily find a home in the public library, the church library, or in the home of anybody looking for a well-written suspense novel.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Third Edition Hardcover - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Third Edition

Hardcover

edited by

Jack Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed and are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this new edition. I was surprised that the hardcopy version did not include the three ribbon bookmarks found in other editions Built with a nice sturdy cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on a Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

The Portable Seminary (2nd Edition) - A Review

The Portable Seminary

2^nd Edition

by

David Horton

A Review

Full of useful information – this book is not a portable seminary. No reader should take it off the shelf and expect to cover the topics to the depth that a typical seminary education would provide.

Having said that some topics are covered in further depth than others. A good overview of theology is provided – this is most of the first third of the book, though the author does sneak chapters on “Biblical Languages” and “Interpreting Scripture: Hermeneutics & Exegesis” into the middle of the theological chapters (immediately following a chapter on the “Doctrine of Scripture” and prior to “The Doctrine of God the Father”}. The author is strongly supportive of inerrancy; but, he clearly states, this doctrine must not be used to distinguish between authentic Christians and apostasy. Definitions are given for many of the most important terms, but few examples are given. For example, a clear distinction is made between exegesis and eisegesis – but no examples are given of either. In fact, no single example (from beginning to end) of exegesis is given. Similarly, no complete example of writing a sermon (from idea to finished sermon outline or text) is given.

Other topics covered include:

1. Five chapters introducing the Old Testament and New Testament 
2. Three chapters on evangelism: Apologetics, World Religions, and Missiology 
3. Five chapters on church history 
4. Four chapters on practical theology: Homiletics, Leadership, Ethics, and Christian Education 

It is not clear who has officially contributed to each chapter, versus allowing the quoted material to be included. Several pages of “Contributors” are included, but it is not clear who contributed what to the final volume. The ARC I was provided did set aside “1 page” for “Acknowledgments”, but it was blank and it is not clear what role these “acknowledgments” played in the development of the book.

To summarize, the book has lots of information, but the depth and helpfulness of that material will vary depending on the chapter and area of study. USE WITH CAUTION.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Cost of Betrayal - A Review

The Cost of Betrayal

by

Dee Henderson

Dani Pettrey

Lynette Eason

A Review

The publisher has brought together three accomplished writers to create a set of three romantic suspense filled novellas. Each story stands alone – there is no connection between them.

Dee Henderson’s story, “Betrayed”, shares the work of the Falcons – Ann, a retired FBI agent, and her husband, Paul. They have discovered a small box of leftover beauty products which also contains a knife, a murder weapon. The problem is that Janelle Roberts was convicted of the murder six years ago, but she probably is not the perpetrator. The Falcons need to find a way to get Janelle out of prison and discover the actual murderer.

Dani Pettrey’s story, “Deadly Isle”, has a young woman, whose engagement had recently been broken, finding that her cousin has been murdered and her own life is threatened. Finding the guilty party would mean risking her life yet again.

Lynette Eason presents a story, “Code of Ethics”, full of medical and police officers – who may or may not be able to be trusted.

Each could serve as a prequel for a series – though there is no indication that will be the case. I have previously read books by Dee Henderson and Dani Pettrey, their stories were suspenseful as those found in their books. Though I have never read a title by Lynette Eason, I expect the same is true for her books. These stories will make a good read during the cool Fall evenings facing readers over the next few months.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.