Featured Resource – Week of 05/20/2012

With the Word by Warren Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson, 1993
864 pages
ISBN-10: 0840792131

This resource provides a chapter-by-chapter commentary on every book of the Bible.  The format lends itself to a variety of uses.  It can be used as a commentary, a devotional, or a ready tool to prepare Bible studies or Sunday School lessons.

Wiersbe’s insights are practical and applicable to any audience.  His many years as a pastor and writer provide a wealth of insight into the Bible and how it relates to everyday life.

The book also has introductions to every book in the Bible, which provides important historical and cultural information to aid the reader in understanding God’s Word.

Try the Spirits

In our world, there is a broad spectrum of religious systems.  Without being unkind, it is safe to say that they all cannot be right since they often have beliefs that contradict each other.  How do we know which is right and which is wrong?  The Bible provides us guidance in this area. Continue reading

The Blessedness of Godliness

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

These verses have a simple, yet profound message.  First, stay away from ungodliness (vs. 1).  Second, delight in God’s Word (vs. 2).  Third, enjoy the benefits that right living brings (vs. 3). Continue reading

The Need for Spirit-Led Bible Study

I want to cover a topic that is sometimes overlooked or at least under-emphasized when discussing Bible study.  That is the fact that proper interpretation is a matter of spiritual guidance, not just grammar, syntax, and context.  Even a thorough knowledge of the original languages of the BIble (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) is no substitute for the active work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.  Continue reading

Featured Resource – Week of 05/06/2012

A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell

Thomas Nelson, 1992
496 pages
ISBN-10: 0840744196

This is a great resource for strengthening and defending your faith.  This book begins by upholding the authority of the Bible.  It addresses supposed contradictions and criticisms of God’s Word.  After laying that groundwork, a section on Jesus Christ shows that He is truly God incarnate and why Jesus must be exactly Who He claimed to be.

There are lengthy sections comparing Christianity with non-Christian religions, cults, and occult phenomena.  This is particularly helpful for defending your faith in light of these religious systems.

A section on most asked questions about Christianity covers common objections and inquiries people have when confronted with the person of Jesus Christ. This is valuable information that often comes up when sharing your faith with others.

The final section covers the uniqueness of the Christian faith.  The emphasis here is on how lives are changed through Jesus Christ.

The book is formatted so that it can be read from front to back or used as a reference book for specific topics.  The subject matter is divided into 45 chapters, so most chapters are relatively small and great for quick reading on a particular issue.