Mealtime Devotions by John Avery Whittaker

Meal Time Devotions:

It might be targeted for kids, but it goes a lot farther than that. A wonderful book to get you started on the right conversation.

In today's world. Sitting at the dinner table is a rare thing indeed. With our busy schedules. Work, school, church, social events, family events, work around the house and others. Dinner has become more of a pit-stop than a family gathering.

The original purpose of this book is to get your family talking about the spiritual matters that count. To help prepare our children to face life's matters God's way. With that said, I personally am using this book for an entire different purpose.

I am responsible for my church's Men's Ministry. Getting a group of men together is much more difficult than even getting your family together at the dinner table. Early morning is usually out of the question due to work and family. After work is even harder. So what do you do?

One of the best ways for men to meet is at a local restaurant after work for about 45 minutes to an hour at best. After work we are tired and hungry. Meal Time Devotions is the perfect lesson plan for us. Prayer, Appetizer, Main Course, Table Talk, then some Vitamins and Minerals. The issues affecting our youth are very similar to what we as men are facing in today's busy backwards world. The easy to follow format of this book makes leading the group a breeze.

Table Talk, open discussion is key to a productive Bible study group, in my opinion. We sit down during Sunday School and listen. We listen to the Sunday sermon. This is a chance to ask questions and discuss what is going on in our lives while keeping God the focus of the discussions.

Though I am using this book for an entire different purpose, it works just as easy with a group of men as it will with your family or any group gathering. Easy and compact to carry around in your back pocket. Youth Ministers wold benefit greatly by using this book too.

Vitamins and Minerals is the closing session. Leaving everyone with God's Word to follow for the rest of the evening and/or week. This book is a wonderful tool.

Teach, Preach and Reach!

What is God like?

What is God like?

If I asked this question of ten different Christians I would get ten different answers. If I asked this question of ten different unbelievers I too would get ten different answers. Why is that so?

When it comes to our beliefs we often seem ready to express how we feel rather than based on facts. We feel hot. We feel cold. There are some days I do not feel saved, but I am. That is a fact. Does not matter how I feel on that day. I am saved. My focus should be on obeying God, not the other way around.

Theology: The rational and systematic study of religion and its influence and of the nature of religious truth. I have heard the words theology and doctrine kicked around church like a football. Mostly from those in leadership positions who in fact could not explain the definitions of either if their life depended on it. There in charge and that is it according to them. Not hard to see what is wrong in our churches today.

Feelings, beliefs and facts? Sometimes it seems all three are preached in today's pulpits. My feelings are just that. Feelings. They come and go. As Rick Warren once said. “Some people will tell you it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. The problem with that is that you can be sincerely wrong. You can pick up a glass of poison and sincerely believe it is water. You still would be sincerely dead. Dead wrong”

My beliefs must be based on facts. With that said I am often asked, “How do you know the bible is correct?” Over 2,000 years the Bible has been scrutinized, examined, researched, archaeological reviewed and explored. It still is the most studied controversial book in our history. Based on such evidence I believe it is the Word of God. The facts confirm my belief. Your feelings may not.

So what is God like? This is a question I am often asked when witnessing and we need to give them an answer.

First: God is Holy:

(Psalm 99:9, 119:9, Revelation 15:4) God can do nothing that is not Holy. His love is a Holy love. His justice is a Holy justice. His wrath is a Holy wrath. God is free from all sin and evil and in Him is absolute moral perfection. This is beyond our understanding.

Second: God is sovereign:

God has absolute authority and rule over all of His creation.

(1 Chronicles 29:11-12) God is omnipotent (has all power) He is omniscient (has all knowledge) and omnipresent (in all places). God can do and when and will do what he likes and with whom He likes. (Job 23:13)

God is the God of providence:

Nothing happens by chance or luck. God is always at work in our lives. God is always in control. (Genesis 41:22, Ephesians 1:11)

God is good:

(Psalm 145:9, 15-16) Here most people will agree but seldom look beyond what the scriptures tell us. God is kind and generous. This is where most seem to veer off course. They see God's love, kindness and generosity as a sign of weakness or softness. God is not someone you can take advantage of. God is not some cosmic vending machine that you can just push a button and all your problems are solved. We are responsible for the circumstances we find ourselves in. Only through God can we be led out of them towards the will of God.

God is love:

It is undeserved love. (Romans 5:6-8) It is undesired love (1 John 4:10) It is inconceivable love. (1 John 3:1) Here again is where most people lose it. Our own interpretation of love is way off base. We love movies. We love a certain type of food. We love going out and so on. We ourselves have destroyed the meaning of love. On the cross, Jesus demonstrated sacrificial love. Giving Himself. Allowing them to take Him. Beat Him. Mock him. Then crucify Him. Publicly murder Him for all to see. It is one thing to say you love Christ. Would you be willing to sacrifice your own child? This is what Abraham was willing to do to his son Isaac for God. It is what God did for you and me.

What is God like? Here are just a few examples. Read and study your Bible. Speak from truth and not what you feel or think you believe. Speak from fact.

Teach, Preach and Reach. <>< 

The Journey:

I grew up an atheist. Not by any means focused upon me. I was raised in an environment where it was accepted that knowledge and science had the answers. That we controlled our own destiny. Our actions determined our outcome and nothing was beyond that.

My first experience with the so called “Church” was when I was a young boy. Went with my Uncle's family one Sunday while on vacation in Southern California. Went to Sunday school with my cousins, who had been raised in the church since babies. I was handed a Bible, the first I had ever seen one, then the class was ask to turn to chapter and verse. I had no idea what they were talking about. So I sat there. Soon the other kids realized my lack of biblical fortitude and began to laugh at me. Short story: I never wanted to return to church again. It would be twenty years till my next encounter with the “Church.”

I would be thirty-two years old before I came to Christ. As I rose from the baptismal waters it felt like I was in-cased in a block of marble that suddenly turned to Jello and wash over me and off me.

This day, the eve of Christmas I look back and scan through the notes of my worn Bible, not asking why, but looking forward. Perhaps truly for the first time. The last two years of my life have been the darkest I have known and wish not to know again.

Would I have made it through this dark valley of time in my life without Christ? No way. Did I come to Christ for a better life? One of prosperity? One of fun and joy? That's what the world proclaims Christians to be and be living. Nothing could be farther from the truth. No, I came to Christ because of the judgment. I still do. No matter how good a life I could ever try to lead I would come up short on judgment day.

The fact of the matter, I come up short everyday. Something goes wrong I get angry. The opportunity to help someone else passes by me to only realize later I could of helped that person with little effort or cost to my living.

Tonight I am looking forward to going to a Christmas Eve Church Service. Partaking in the Lord's Supper. Unfortunately it is not being held in a church which my family and I are members. Yet, the members there welcome us as family each year. It is a service filled with love. Love not only from above but by those who love Christ. I am blessed this Christmas. -Amen

Me and My Broken Wagon:

The day before Thanksgiving day on my way home from work my car breaks down. Not an uncommon thing. Cars break down all the time. With thousands of parts, nuts and bolts. Gears turning and the wear of the road it's something we have come to expect. When ever your car breaks down it always causes confusion and inconvenience. Especially during the holidays and cold weather. 

So I jack-up the car. Put it up on jack-stands and began to inspect for what I thought was wrong with it. Within minutes I realize this is a job beyond my abilities. That's when the frustration kicks in. Here I have a box load of tools I have gained over the past twenty years. A fairly decent knowledge of auto mechanics. Yet, there I am. Standing in front of a mountain with a shovel and a few spoons. At least that is what it feels like. I have the tools to tear it all apart, but lack the knowledge and experience to finish the job. I have only one choice. Seek help and I know it is going to cost me.

As Christians we face the same thing each day in our Christian Walk. As we read and study the Bible we gain knowledge and I pray, wisdom. We might even go beyond that. Say we attend seminary. We study. We interact with fellow Christians and professors. We write papers and dissertations. We enter into theology and doctoral issues. Really get into the spiritual meat of it.

Yet, each day we know peoples' lives are broken. With all this knowledge more often than most we still stand before others as if standing in front of a mountain with little more than a spoon in hand. We have all the tools we need. Yet, we cannot do it by ourselves.

I was recently asked, “What possibly could be the benefits of fear?” One benefit of fear is to know that we must rely on God. We must seek out help, which begins with prayer. Seeking out help will cost you. First price you will pay is pride. It's hard for a man to be beaten by a machine. A chunk of metal and plastic with wires running here and there. It's even harder for a man to step down from pride and reach up for help.

Is prayer going to fix my car? No, God has given me the first step. To pray and rely on Him. Seek help. It will cost me. God has a purpose in all this. I will let you know how it comes out.

Teach, Preach and Reach. 

Muscular Faith by Ben Patterson

Ben Patterson's new book was not what I expected and I am glad for it. Taking your faith seriously is a 24/7 job. God's first and second commandments absolutely require it. Yet in our day-to-day lives we seem (myself included) to put God's commandments on the back burner of our lives. Then wonder why our lives are more of a roller-coaster ride than the abundant life God wants for us.

My copy of Patterson's book is already filled with highlights and notes. His use of scriptures, personal accounts and life narratives keep your interest from start to finish.

Like the Apostle Paul taught, we need to approach our faith as Ben Patterson so very well describes it with “Vigorous Faith.” We must train. It takes time and commitment. Focusing on the prize means giving up and putting aside self-interest (Self) and truly committing yourself to God. Easier said than done in today's world. It is the world we are fighting against. The world wants to take your attention away from God.

The four parts of Muscular Faith give you easy reference to go back to. Not a step-by-step process in such but a where to go reference. The style is down to earth writing in my opinion. If you're a new Christian or a tried and true veteran you will enjoy and learn from this book. Yes, we get beat up and pushed back in our life. So many of us wish just to sit in the stands and roar with the crowd. Patterson teaches that is not what we have been called to do. We need to get onto the field and run the race. Before we do. We need to train daily. Focus on the prize. Get our house in order. Push through and realize the “good hard” and the “bad hard.” Keep building in our daily walk with Christ.

This book is well worth reading. An excellent book to give to other Christians. Whether they are new or old. Whether they are struggling with their faith or enjoying life abundantly. It will help them both.

In His Image

In His Image Devotional Bible is first of all a complete Bible. One I can bring to worship, Sunday School, and Bible study. The New Living Translation is my translation. God's Word jumps off the pages for me. Easy to understand and share with others.

The devotional features give you the ability to go step-by-step like traditional devotions if you wish. Let me first point out. This devotional Bible focuses solely on your personal relationship with God. For life application there is a Bible for that. For serious study there is a Bible for that. What good is having all this knowledge without having a personal relationship with God? This devotional helps me focus on what is important. My personal relationship with God growing and getting stronger each day.

Each devotional keeps you on track. Prayer, subject verses, focus on what God is telling you. Closing with prayer and taking time to thank God. In today's hurry up and step on the gas world this course of study works.

There are hundreds of combinations you can put together to learn all the attributes of God. It is learning these attributes of God that help me build and grow stronger in faith.

If there are any drawbacks to this devotional Bible they are minor. I am old school and like to have the words of Jesus in red. I would also like a concordance. With that said the In His Image Devotional Bible is my Bible of choice and will be for years to come.

Sword Play:

In Ephesians 6:10-18 teaches us of the Armor of God. I have been told by many that Paul was just using such items as a metaphor. I still disagree. Paul used the armor as a straight forward example for us to follow. I will write a detail explanation another time.

In the 17th verse we receive direct instruction that God's Word is a sword. The first five pieces of armor are for defensive protection. The sword can be used for defense as well as for attack. Here in is the danger. A sword wielded by a child or even a novice can cause great damage to themselves and others. A true swordsman has to practice daily and can take years to acquire the skills to use it effectively.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Heb 4:12 (NLT)

As we see in the Book of Hebrews the sword (Word of God) is a mighty and powerful instrument not to be taken lightly. Too often I witness fellow Christians debating each other using scripture against one-another. In other words like swinging swords wildly back and forth cutting everything in their path. The harm caused is tremendous. Stepping between it to help stop the fight can be extremely dangerous too. We so often as Christians forget just how powerful the Word of God is. Was it not God's Word that brought you to Christ?

Great swordsmen must practice daily. Train intensively over long periods of time. When studying God's Word we tend to skip by sometimes. Perhaps become comfortable with just a quick Sunday School lesson and the preacher's sermon thinking that is enough. I am guilty too.

Scripture memorization is very important. Too often though we tend to quote scripture unaware of realizing our opponent first. What do I mean by that? When I was an atheist and Christians would come up to me to witness they would often quote scripture. I was quick to challenge them by noticing first off that they were not carrying their Bible with them. I would ask, “Does the Bible really say that?” What could they do? They were not carrying their sword. I was in no way going to trust what they had to say. I was challenging their word. Their memory and their integrity was I not?

I have never been very good at scripture memorization. Perhaps because of my own past. I always try to have my Bible with me. When I do quote scripture I make a point in opening my Bible and saying, “My Bible says this.” Now if the scripture is challenged they are challenging God and not I. You see my weakness can and should be challenged. You cannot challenge God and expect to win. Can you say Satan.

There is more to a sword than just carrying it along like some ornament or fashion accessory. Like a great swordsman the sword becomes a part of him. No longer added to his attire but becomes an extension of one's self. A living breathing part of you. That is the Word of God. Living and breathing. The Christian life is one of living for and like Christ and less and less for yourself.

Do not be afraid to carry your sword in public. Do not be afraid to open it in the middle of a restaurant or bring it with you when you might have to sit and wait. Do not be afraid to carry it with you while walking down the street or to any event you might be attending. Wait D. C. someone might ask me a question? Well you got the book for it. Use it.

Team up, Set-up and get into the fight. <><

Debt to the Lost: Radical, Chapter Four

This morning we continued with our study of David Platt's book entitled: RADICAL. Special thanks to Brother Troy for opening his home to us to study God's Word. Speaking for all the men within the study we would like to especially thank Sister Becky for cooking and preparing the wonderful breakfast for all of us. They are servants of the Lord.

This lesson was one of the hardest. We owe a great debt to the lost. That is correct. We as Christians have a debt to the lost. Think about it. We are Christians, we are saved, we have eternal life through Jesus Christ. We have the cure for death. We have this greatest gift and we are commanded to share that with others. Not just those immediately around us, but world-wide.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matt 28:19 (NLT)

I do not know how many times during seminary and during everyday walks of life I have been asked, “Have you been called?” We seem to think that we must be “Called” first before we can serve. As David Platt points out we are not called to do the same tasks nor are we given the same skills and abilities. We are though commanded to share the Gospel. We are commanded. Whatever skills, abilities or other gifts we have been given become useless if we fail to respond to the Great Commission.

Christianity is not dieing. We have simply failed in doing what we have been commanded to do. The author makes a bold statement in chapter four.

Jesus didn't die for just you. “We live in a church culture that has a dangerous tendency to disconnect the grace of God from the glory of God. ….We bask in sermons, conferences, and books that exalt a grace centering on us.” - David Platt, RADICAL

He also states: “We have taken this command, though, and reduced it to a calling—something that only a few people receive.”

The problem I see right in front of me is the fact that we do not teach witnessing. We do not practice witnessing. Therefore how as Christians can we expect to witness? Witnessing must become a habit. As natural as breathing.

Team up, Set-up and get into the fight. <><

Radical and the American Dream:

Today we continued our study in David Platt's book, “Radical.” Chapter three entitled, Beginning at the End of Ourselves. James Truslow Adams is given credit in 1931 in coining the pharse, the American Dream. When you compare the American Dream to God's purpose for our lives the two do not meet. The goal of the American Dream is to make much of us, the goal of the gospel is to make much of God according to Platt. I agree. Here in America we live in a society that teaches and encourages us to be self-reliant. If it has to be, it is up to me attitude. Do not worry about the people you step on the way up unless you expect to see them on the way down is our American motto.

Chapter three starts out telling of how Seminary students in Indonesia must plant a church with at least 30 baptized members before they can graduate. The story continues in explaining how two classmates died at the hands of Muslim persecutors doing so. What if graduating seminary here had the same requirement?

As Brother David explains, giving up self for Christ means giving up everything. Putting your life goals and career aside for a life that God wants for you. Does this mean giving up my job, my career, my life plans and/or my business for Christ? If they are not inline with Christ then the answer is a simple YES. This hurts. I know. This morning we discussed about moving from the valley up to the top of the mountain. What if you reach the top and realized you are on the wrong mountain? Yes, the journey begins all over. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, you will have to make sacrifices. Yes, you are seeking God's will for you. Yes, you will have to trust God with your very life.

The author points out in today's world strategies for doing church require little if any power from God. Today the power of God is no longer needed to draw a crowd in our culture. We are looking for performances and not seeking the truth. Church competes with other social events and entertainment events. We have large auditoriums to accept crowds of people and not focusing on sitting down on the floor in a small room with others sharing and teaching God's Word. We have reached a point where we can download a sermon online. Hand it to an actor to perform along with musical entertainment. Bingo! You got church. The next step is to get rid of the church building all together and just broadcast the event over the internet, satellite, cable or TV.

I like what David Platt has to say about the New Testament Church in the Bible. “A scene where the church radically trusts in God's great power to provide unlikely people with unlimited, unforeseen, uninhibited resources to make his name known as great. I want to be part of that dream.

-Amen

Team up, Set-up and get into the fight. <><

Sunday School Recycled:

This week we start a brand new study lesson in Sunday School. It begins with, “God has an eternal plan.” If you have been in an Adult Sunday School class you quickly realize the subject materials tend to recycle themselves every two years or so.

The main problem is the pressure we place on our Sunday School teachers. For a half hour to forty-five minute lesson our teachers must spend several hours each week in preparing for the lesson. At least our teachers do. On top of that they must be ready to give a lesson that has something for the experienced Bible student as well as the beginner each week. An elementary to high school teacher would be the first to admit that is not possible. Yet, this is what we expect, if not demand, from our Sunday School teachers. This is also why most of the lesson materials come to the church from out-source providers.

The out-sourced materials provider cannot build a lesson plan in the traditional step-by-step and level-by-level way. Why? Our Sunday School classes are arranged by age groups and not by Bible experience levels. Such a provider can only offer so much. With the undo pressure of trying to be everything to everyone our Sunday School teachers are limited in what they can do or provide for.

I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other.
1 Cor 3:2-3 (NLT)

You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Heb 5:12-14 (NLT)

I know and have spoken with those who have told me, “I've been a Sunday School teacher for thirty years.” “Wow,” I reply. “You must have hundreds of students out there teaching Sunday School?” Often the reply is, “No, the same group is still with me today.” Ooops! Does this help promote and grow God's Kingdom? Ouch!

By grouping by age group and not by experience we limit ourselves, the study materials and our ability to grow as a Christian. This teaching model has been in place for decades. Why rock the boat? We are Christians! It is our job to rock the boat.

We have this attitude of “Got Milk.” Then think that is enough. Look at the scriptures above. Milk is not enough.

Solution: Those who want more need to learn to teach. When you teach a lesson you learn more and get more out of it. Sure it takes more of your own personal time. Time spent with God. What could be better? Therefore we need a Sunday School class for new Sunday School teachers. Existing Sunday School teachers could rotate to help teach the class by sharing their personal experiences and offer guidance in a way books just cannot. Just like missionaries. They need others to come in and relieve them once in a while. This way new Sunday School teachers can gain experience without having to be appointed for life to a classroom.

Wait a minute! We do not have enough students to call for the need to train new Sunday School teachers.

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”
Matt 9:37 (NLT)

Not training new Sunday School teachers is like telling farmers we have enough to eat this week. There is no need for you to go to all that trouble in planting another crop.

Team up, Set-up and get into the fight. <><

Week Two of Radical:

This morning ended week two and chapter two in our study of David Platt's book, “Radical.” Is God's Word enough to bring us together?

A group of Christian men getting together for the study of God's Word. Forty and even sixty years ago that was a common occurrence here in the United States of America. Here in the South you would still expect it, but fewer and fewer men are doing it. Why?

Many of us are working two jobs. Working nights and weekends. We have family responsibilities. We are getting older and seem to have less time week after week. Then we say, “I need more Me Time.” Where does God fit in?

Our Christian brothers and sisters around the world risk their lives just getting together to worship. Risk their lives serving Christ many times in secret. They do not have the comfort of air-conditioned rooms. They do not have sound systems, modern projections systems or Power Point. No cushioned chairs. Many meet in rooms with dirt floors. They are there because they thirst for God's Word. They are there because of their personal relationship with Jesus. Not a religion; a relationship with Christ.

We have no threat of being persecuted for meeting at church or in our homes. At least not yet. Christianity should be exploding throughout our country not drying up. Do we go to church for His Word or is it something else? The truth is we do not go to church to worship. We must bring our worship to church.

Being Radical is not about going backwards. It is not about coming up with wild new ideas to attract people to Christ. Marketing sells books. Worshiping God can save souls. I like David's lesson on Secret Church. That got your attention, but there is no secret about it. Christians meeting at church on a non-church night to pray and study God's Word. Not just for an hour but hours. Late into the night. Stripping away any entertainment value and just focusing on Christ. Would you come?

I am talking to Christians directly. Remember moments before, even seconds before you gave your life to Christ? You hungered for God. For His Word. For forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. Nothing could stop you. That void had to be filled now. Filled only by your personal relationship with Christ. Do not tell me you are full. Thirst today as you did that moment.

Team up, set-up and get into the fight. <><

Getting Radical

This is a follow-up article. Today started the new Bible Study of the Book by David Platt entitled “Radical.” I was fortunate to be able to join Stowers Hill Baptist Church Men's Ministry this morning.

As I have stated before this is one must read book for all Christians. Today's lesson comes right at you. To follow Christ we must give up everything and follow Him. We need to put Jesus first in our lives but do we? What is the cost of being a disciple of Christ?

“If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26-27 (NLT)

Here in America we have no idea what it must be like to be persecuted for your faith. Why do you think so many other religions come to America? Just imagine for a moment that if you walked out of your church this Sunday you would be arrested. Separated from your family. All that you owned would be taken from you. You would have to spend the rest of your life in prison. For what? Going to church. Yes, that is what most Christians in foreign lands face today. Every day. Just the Bible study I attended today would be considered illegal and punishable by death in other countries. Then again some members of my church might feel that way for me attending.

In Luke 14 we see Jesus with this “Radical” statement. If we truly love Christ and believe in Him then we must accept His Word as fact. Not pick and choose what seems to fit in our own situation. We have to take it all in. We have to stand when others run away and hide.

This first lesson and first chapter of the book is a test for all of us Christians. We must believe. If not then what is the point? Even when we do not understand the scripture or want to believe it we must. It means giving up control of our lives and handing it all over to Christ. We want to be in control. That is our sinful nature. We want to be God. The god of our lives. The fact is we are not in control therefore why do we still insist in fighting it?

The first step in being Radical is to truly believe. Take Christ at His Word.

The Life Recovery Bible

I do not know where you might be from but where I live the Recovery Ministry is in great demand and need. With today’s economic times getting harder and harder many of our brothers and sisters are falling victim to addiction. Turning to alcohol or drugs to escape the pain of today’s reality. Let’s face it. Life is hard and we are not in control no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves we are.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

These are not just God’s words but also His command. That is the point of being a Christian. Acknowledging and accepting that Christ is the Lord of your life that you are not in control and God is. Yes, I know it is hard at times. In this world we pride ourselves in being in control of our careers, home, family and our very lives. The truth is that we are not. Why do we fight it so?

The Life Recovery Bible is a wonderful tool to be used in the Recovery Ministry in my opinion. Many of you know that I favor the New Living Translation of the Bible. It is simple to read and understand. Easy to share God’s Word with others too. One thing this tool lacks is printing the words of Christ in red. Besides that it has wonderful features not found in other Bibles. One feature I like best is the Reflections section at the end of each book in the bible. In fact I would recommend reading the Reflection section first before reading the particular book first. The Recovery Profiles demonstrate that key characters within the bible have faced trials; temptations and persecution just like each of us. Through God was their only way to get through it.

If you know someone fighting with addiction being Christian or not this Bible would make a wonderful gift. Follow-up with them and read it with them. Be part of the solution and not just sitting on the sidelines.

I am a member of the Tyndale Blog Network. Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

The Gospels should be separate:

Investigative reporter and famous author Lee Strobel in his book “The Case for Christ” points out that when witness’ stories are one and the same they are suspect. In fact it leads one to think about collusion and or conspiracy.

Only since the 17th century have we had an English translation of the Bible that includes the four gospels side by side. Many of us Christians will point out the harmony of the gospels while critics accuse us of conspiracy and contradiction. Because the gospels are grouped together it gives our critics easy opportunities to point out what they feel are direct contradictions in the story of Jesus. One might point out that in the Gospel of Mark 2:25-28, Jesus refers to Abiathar the high priest when in 1 Samuel 21:1-6 the Old Testament clearly tells us that Ahimelech is the high priest. Is Jesus miss-quoted? That is a whole other article.

The four gospels were written separately in different areas of the world and at different times. As Lee Strobel points out it is this reason that gives the Gospels validity. The idea of collusion has no basis to stand on. When the Gospels were written the authors had no idea in time their books would be collected together. God did.

The Gospel of Matthew was written for the Jews. Scholars still debate if the original was first written in Hebrew or Greek. His Gospel is rooted in Hebrew tradition beginning with the lineage of Jesus. The order of events is situated of importance to a Jewish audience. The accounts focus on accuracy in relationship to prophecy within the Old Testament rather than focus on chronological order.

The Gospel of Mark was intended for the Romans. The Roman culture was one of action. They admired individuals who exhibited strong character and determined action. We see Mark using words like “immediately” and points out unequivocal results. Appealing to the Roman culture.

The Gospel of Luke was written for the Greeks. Intellectual minded with a desire for the facts. Greek culture was looking for perfection. With that Luke presents Jesus as the ideal man of that perfection. Also revealing to the Greeks that perfection is one who is not selfish but selfless. Showing Jesus’ love for the poor.

The Gospel of John tends to be written for a general audience. Which makes sense. We often use John’s Gospel in witnessing today nearly 2000 years later. Verse 3:16 are well known. John’s focus is on the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. Reporting on His miracles and deity while Matthew presents Him as the Messiah. Mark presents Jesus as a man of action and Luke describes Jesus as the perfect man. One we should all strive to be.

A lesson in the Gospel of John

When you are involved in witnessing you probably are given the opportunity in giving out a copy of the Gospel of John. Where we fail in witnessing is in discipleship. Continuing follow up and follow through so our new Christian brother or sister does not backslide into Satan’s grip once again.

The new Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Life Application Bible Studies Gospel of John is a tool worth using in discipleship. This is what I would call a true soup to nuts application. Contained within the book is the complete Life Application Study Bible of the Gospel of John. Now I own the 1996 edition of the New Living Translation Life Application Bible. This newest edition is a wonderful and major improvement in my opinion. Within this study book you receive it all. Included are the Life Application notes, maps, articles, cross-references and a guide in using all the tools of what makes a study bible truly a modern asset for today’s Christian. If you do not own such a study bible this is a great inexpensive way to get a hands on feel for it and decide for yourself if it is right for you.

The book contains 13 lessons. They are more than just read a passage of scripture and jot down an answer. The study takes a little different approach than most other bible studies I have been involved in. Since this is a Life Application study the first question always involves an open reflection on a personal life lesson. Though the book recommends a timeframe of 5 to 10 minutes for the opening question I have found it to take much longer depending on the group size. It is an important way to open things up. Many of the lesson questions deal with the Life Application Study notes. Opening the door in how to maximize the use of this study bible. Another key point in the study is the “Realize the Principle” question in each of the 13 lessons. This gets you thinking of how to apply to your life and to share with others what you have learned from the scriptures you are studying. It is a well thought out study program.

Before you hand this bible study to someone make sure you have gone through it yourself first. You personally will benefit from this well thought out and in-depth study of the Book of John.