The Return

Review: NIV Proclamation Bible: Correctly Handling the Word of Truth Zondervan 2013 Another version of the NIV?   Wow!   Not sure about the why’s, but this one is different as far as the extra-biblical features are concerned.   The text of the biblical portions is the NIV 2011, and I will not comment on that leaving the language experts to their jobs.   The format is dual column, paragraph form with verse numbering, and center column cross references.   The main text font that looks to be in the neighborhood of a 12 point.   My eyes thank the publishers for that.   The copy I have is hardbound and lays flat and has two ribbon markers.   There’s a concordance and color maps included.    The study information included with this version is a group of articles at the beginning that pertain to good Bible study methods such as a biblical overview, how to study without distorting the meaning and context, and even theology. ...

Review: The Pleasure of His Company: A Journey to Intimate Friendship with God Dutch Sheets Bethany House Publishers 2014 A pleasure to read as well as a journey sums up how I see this book from Dutch Sheets.   Sheets style is gentle, but still able to lead his reader toward God.   I like that and especially in this format.   The book is divided into 30 readings or chapters and could easily be a devotional book for anyone.   As the back cover says, “Learn from Dutch Sheets as he shares his life lessons for cultivating an intimate relationship with God.”   But before you think he’s going to share a formula or 7 easy steps, listen to what he has to say in this quote, “Every time I see another church-growth conference advertised, I cringe.   It isn’t that the principles shared are wrong… But each of us still must allow the Holy Spirit to show us how and apply the principles to our personal lives and ministries.” (150)   He wants each of us ...

Review: Jesus Outside the Lines: a way forward for those who are tired of taking sides Scott Sauls Tyndale House Publishers 2015 Refreshing, a valuable encouragement, insightful approach, a gem.   Those descriptions come from the endorsements presented at the start of this book.   I have to admit when I read those very complimentary words, I resolved to read something less than I hoped for.   Cynical? Yes, and very wrong.   This book lives up to all those kind words.This is for the person who is indeed tired of having to take sides within and without the assembly of Christian people.   Most of us already know the conversation and rhetoric has gotten out of control in political and ethical matters, not to mention matters of religion.   Sauls enters the fray with a voice of what most would call a voice of reason.   Actually, it more a voice of a peacemaker or counselor.    His book approaches the lines (battle lines in some ...