Monday, December 23, 2013

NIV Essentials Study Bible

The NIV Essentials Study Bible is a well laid-out Bible that draws from six different resources. Having used both the NIV Quest Study Bible and the NIV Archaeological Study Bible I was curious to see how this study Bible would look. 

The first thing is that I found the Bible to really good placement of notes, facts, study helps, and archaeological information. I never felt that the notes distracted me from reading the Biblical text and found the helps to be at good places to reflect on what I read. I also like how relevant each study help was to the passages I was reading. For example, some background on what was happening in the world when Paul wrote Romans shed light on some of the phrases and statements Paul makes. This allowed for better comprehension and understanding of the points Paul was trying to make. 


I also found that the Bible was decent size. I must admit that it is slightly on the heavy side and would probably not be a good Bible for personal devotions where one just wants to read. However, the typeface is an ideal size and didn't cause me to squint or bring the Bible closer so that I could read it.

I would recommend this Bible for someone wanting to do deeper studying and for those who want a historical context as they read. I would suggest those looking for study/devotional probably try a lighter Bible with fewer helps.

*I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Kingdom Man by Dr. Tony Evans

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the Tyndale Blog Network. The words are my own and I was not influenced in any way to write a positive or negative review.*

Dr. Tony Evans has written a timely and very much needed book in Kingdom Man. Dr. Evans lays out what a man who is transformed by God should look like and how he should act. Being a man is more than just growing up male. It is a responsibility from God to be a protector, provider, moral guide, and leader. All of this should be done with a kingdom-minded bent.

Dr. Evans builds the foundation of what a kingdom man should be with each chapter. Items such as provider are discussed and shown to be more than just "bringing home the bacon." A provider should provide emotional security, spiritual security, moral security, and yes, financial security.

A kingdom man is also a leader, leading his family, community, workplace, and church in the way of truth, righteousness, and humility. Too many men sit back and take it easy. This should not be the case and Dr. Evans challenges men to live a life of adventure, to desire to get on the field and battle it out. The collapse of a family, community, and nation occur when men abdicate their responsibility of leadership.

There is much more to this book and I would highly recommend that every man get a copy and dig deep into the teachings and ultimately strive to become a Kingdom Man.