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Here is one Greek book that may revolutionize the way you understand your Bible. Aside from teaching you enough about Greek to make you "dangerous", William D. Mounce also takes you step by step through a study method he calls phrasing. Using this method will bring out points in the text that you have never before noticed. And if you're a Bible teacher, you'll be excited to apply what you've learned to your next lesson.

This text will likely become a reference for pastors and students in need of a brush-up, as well as anyone else with a love for understanding God through His written Word.

Greek for the Rest of Us By William Mounce / Zondervan Learn how to intelligently use commentaries and reference works that will produce more beneficial Bible study with minimal knowledge of New Testament Greek.You do not have to be a Greek student to understand biblical Greek. If you would love to learn Greek so you can study your Bible better, but you cannot spare two years for college or seminary courses, then this book is for you. Developed by renowned Greek teacher William Mounce, this revolutionary crash-course on elementary Greek will acquaint you with the essentials of the language and deepen your understanding of God's Word. You'll gain a sound knowledge of basic Greek, and you'll learn how to use tools that will add muscle to your Bible studies. In six sections, you will learn to: recite the Greek alphabet, read and pronounce Greek words, learn the Greek noun and verbal system, conduct Greek word studies, decipher why translations are different , and read better commentaries. Greek for the Rest of Us broadens your knowledge still further with an appendix on biblical Hebrew. It also includes a CD-ROM for your computer featuring the author's class lectures in audio, combined with text and overheads.

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I am pleased to announce the opening of the first of four shoppes from BibleStoreBrowser.com. The Thoughtworthy Shoppe highlights fiction books and movies from ChristianBook.com, so you know it's entertainment worth thinking about. I believe you will find the Shoppes of BSB to be unlike any other online store because it's more than a store. Visit a couple of pages and you'll find out why! Then, check back every few weeks for the addition of more stores. There are plans for an apparel store, a home store, and (my favorite) a Christian book store. My sincere prayer is that these shoppes will aid others in living a life fully committed to Christ.

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If I had to choose one time in my life that represented a turning point in my relationship with God, it would be the months I spent studying Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. I was a sophomore in college and the pastor of my home church had decided to make this the Sunday School curriculum for the quarter. Even though I was unable to make it home for all but a few of the group sessions, the workbook made a significant impact on my life, leading me into a deeper relationship with God.

I have forgotten a lot of the principles in the book, but a question at my Xanga led me to pull it out and read through parts of it again. Some of what I read was basic to me, but other things were thought-provoking reminders. I was especially surprised to see a lot of things I've "relearned" in the last year as I've studied how to apply passion and vision.

If you've been through the Experiencing God workbook, why not pick it up again and glance through it? If you've never been through it, I recommend it highly. It will help you see that God wants you to be at work with Him, ministering in ways He will show you.

This study is not something to go into lightly. It takes a commitment of 30-45 minutes a day, five days a week. You don't have to go through it with a group, but you may find it easier to keep up with the work if you have at least one other person to be accountable to. It sounds like hard work, and it is, but it is so worth it!

Experiencing God Workbook By Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King / Lifeway Experiencing God, Knowing and Doing the Will of God will help you learn to hear when God is speaking to you, encourage you to find out where God is working in the world around you so that you can join him, and therefore experience Him working through you in ways only God can. A workbook that can change your life, Experiencing God leads you in an exploration of the seven vital aspects of your relationship with God: knowing, loving, hearing, joining, believing, obeying and experiencing. The workbook includes text, questions, and activities. Although it does contain parts of the book Experiencing God (with Study Guide), this is a separate book that corresponds to the video curriculum (#327764). It can also be used independently of the book and video. Each of the 12 units are divided into 5 daily lessons. (The lessons are non-reproducible.) A leader guide is also available (WW499512).

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So many Christians are looking for a place to use their special skills and talents for the Church, but they simply don't know where to start. S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees is a great place! The fourth purpose in Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life introduces the concept of S.H.A.P.E. As pastor of ministry and S.H.A.P.E. discovery at Saddleback Church, Erik Rees is uniquely qualified to expand on Rick Warren's message. This book is a step-by-step guide for finding your own S.H.A.P.E., preparing yourself to put it to use, and determining how to use it.

Uncovering Your S.H.A.P.E.

• Masterpiece
• Spiritual Gifts
• Heart
• Abilities
• Personality
• Experiences

Unlocking Your Life

• Letting Go
• Other-Centered
• Better Together

Unleashing Your S.H.A.P.E. for Life

• Kingdom Purpose
• Pass It On
• Full Potential

In my research on volunteer ministries I have read a few other books and online assessments aimed at ministry fit but so far S.H.A.P.E. tops them all. From the very beginning I was whisked back into that motivation I felt when I first read the chapter on service in The Purpose Driven Life. Erik Rees wastes no time getting to the good stuff. The first chapter asserts that everyone has a Kingdom purpose. It ends, as every chapter does, with an application section called Grabbing Hold. The next five chapters are devoted to activities for finding one's S.H.A.P.E. I felt like things slowed down just a little for a couple chapters as he explained barriers to complete surrender and the importance of having the attitude of a servant. Then it picks right up again as he encourages the reader to surround himself/herself with individuals who will be on his/her S.H.A.P.E. Training Team. The last unit helps the individual take action, effect change in others, and reach his/her full potential through maintaining a healthy spiritual life.

Because this book is thoroughly interactive (right down to the online assessment available to readers using a special code), it is recommended that each person have his/her own copy. A note of interest: This book acknowledges some gifts (like apostleship, tongues, and miracles) many may not agree with. Knowledge is mentioned but not defined as a sign gift ("word of knowledge"). There is no discussion outside of the gift description list specifically on sign gifts, so if you don't agree these are for today, you can simply skip over those gifts when evaluating your possible gifts. Please don't let a few definitions keep you from seeking God's purpose through this one-of-a-kind resource.

S.H.A.P.E. is for every Christian with at least some life experience (perhaps as early as mid to late teens) who wants to be using the way God made them. It is motivating, empowering, and sure to change the way you see your future.

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A growing trend in churches today is the presence of a women's ministry. This ministry, when fully developed, strives to go beyond just Bible studies or missions organizations to reach every woman in the church.

For those who see a need in their church for an effective (or more effective) women's ministry, Chris Adams has compiled Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women's Ministry. The Revised and Expanded edition, published in 2005, includes chapters by fifteen different contributors:

Introduction
Leading Well: The Spiritual Life of the Leader
Why Have a Women's Enrichment Ministry?
The Generations of a Postmodern World
Women Using Their Gifts. . . To Share the Gift
Beginning a Women's Enrichment Ministry
Balanced Ministry
The Team That Jesus Built
Building Your Leadership Team
Involving the Uninvolved
Small Church Issues
Ministry One-on-One
Meeting Needs Through Groups
Ministry to Women Whose Husbands Are Not Spiritual Leaders
Girls Ministry
Special Events: Programs or People?
Conferences and Retreats
Publicity and Promotion
Tapping Resources for Women's Enrichment Ministry
Idea Chapter

The book begins with an emphasis on the necessity of a leader to have an active spiritual life. Then it discusses the value of a women's enrichment ministry. The lists of generational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities in the church, and threats were especially eye-opening for me because they helped me understand attitudes of other generations and how to better put them to work.

When you're finished with this book you will have a greater understanding of what it takes to get a ministry off the ground or ideas for how to improve an existing one. The most important thing you will be left with is the need for prayer at the beginning of and throughout the ministry--a truth to be carried into every aspect of life. You will also have been exposed to basic leadership skills that can help you anywhere you find yourself leading.

This book is available at a limited number of places. I recommend purchasing it at your local LifeWay store if possible because even a special order will not require shipping. Just be sure you check the ISBN-10 (1415825904; ISBN-13: 9781415825907) or book cover because the original edition is still out there and your well meaning sales associate may not know there is a difference if they're not on the shelf together (which was the case where I bought mine).

*Wondering what's up with the ISBN-13? Here's the scoop from ISBN.org.

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For a few months now I've been using the NET Bible for study. "NET" is somewhat of a play on words because it is both an acronym for New English Translation and a description of the NET Bible's roots. It's available as a free download or in bound form. The folks at Bible.org have also put together a nice online interface they call the NExT Bible, which includes a number of additional resources.

While I was originally attracted to the New English Translation for its extensive translators' notes (all 60,932 of them!), I have thoroughly enjoyed the readability of this translation. When studying the Bible, the most important factor to me is accuracy. For this reason, I've been using the New American Standard Bible or its Update (NASB and NASU, respectively) for a number of years. With the New English Translation's notes, though, I don't feel as though I am giving up so much in accuracy. In a way the notes make the translation even more accurate because they discuss the reason behind the word choice, thus providing a more informed reading of the text and greater awareness of the textual considerations involved. At the same time, the words often flow so naturally, I find myself drawn into the text in a way I haven't been before.

Recently, the makers of the NET Bible released a Reader's Edition with only 7,722 condensed notes and other considerations based on NET readers' requests.

If you're looking for a Bible that will give you greater appreciation for the translation process, I would recommend the NET Bible First Edition in Premium Bonded Leather (the one with all the notes). But if you'd like a lightweight, easy-to-read Bible with limited notes, the NET Bible Reader's Edition may be just what you need.

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Drowning in debt? Or maybe you have only a couple loans, but you need encouragement and direction for paying them off. This book will help anyone with a debt if they're willing to become "gazelle intense" about getting rid of their debt. (Read about snowballing debt--and your spiritual growth goals-- in today's Bible study entry.

The Total Money Makeover, Revised and Updated By Dave Ramsey / Thomas Nelson Is your "owe" starting to show? Shrink your waste line, bulk up your bank balance, and get into financial shape with money expert and radio host Ramsey's comprehensive---and simple---plan for debt-free living. You'll be fiscally fit in no time! This revised edition of the bestseller features all-new success stories and Dave's answers to his critics. 224 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

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This weekend marks the opening of the long-awaited motion picture The Nativity Story.

Gordon Robertson of the 700 Club hails it as "THE movie to see this Christmas." Anne Graham Lotz affirms, "God's hand is on this movie." View the trailer.

Download an Advent calendar, check for local listings and view the photo gallery at the official website of The Nativity Story

.

Read the Novelization:

The Nativity Story By Angela Hunt / Tyndale House The story of Mary and Joseph is one of a miraculous pregnancy, an arduous journey, and the birth of a son who would forever change the world. In her adaptation of the movie screenplay, Hunt applies her imagination and commitment to historical accuracy to show how the greatest of all gifts came from a humble beginning. 250 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

Read excerpts from the novelization, including a discussion guide and interview with the author.

Also worth checking out:
Why the Nativity?
By David Jeremiah / Tyndale House

Looking Forward to the Nativity
By Jon Farrar / Tyndale House

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The Treasure Principle, Book and Study Guide, buy both and save!
By Randy Alcorn / Multnomah Publishers Inc.

Be part of The Treasure Principle revolution! Discover the abundant blessings that result from radical generosity and freedom from materialism. Featuring a provocative new conclusion, Brian Smith and Randy Alcorn's updated bestseller and stimulating study guide will challenge you to a stewardship that brings God maximum glory---and his children ultimate pleasure. Ideal for personal or group studies. One hardcover and one softcover, Multnomah.

The Treasure Principle, DVD
By Randy Alcorn / DRC Films LLC

Discover the joy of giving! Randy Alcorn's best-selling book leaps to life in this dynamic video presentation. Hosted by Alcorn and Ryan Rush, it's filled with powerful graphics, special effects, interviews with "generous givers," re-enactments, and photographs---all illustrating a revolutionary principle: Cheerful giving brings God maximum glory and his children maximum pleasure. Two DVDs, approx. 90 minutes each.

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The Ten Commandments were given by God to teach us that we can not keep the Law. Let this Ten Commandments Plaque serve as a reminder of God's expectations and of the grace He has given us.

The Ten Commandments Plaque By Cbd Gift Exclusive Product (I) Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. (II) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image. (III) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. (IV) Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. (V) Honor thy father and thy mother. (VI) Thou shalt not kill. (VII) Thou shalt not commit adultery. (VIII) Thou shalt not steal. (IX) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (X) Thou shalt not covet. Resin tablets measure 8" x 7". Can stand alone or be mounted on wall. Ready to hang.

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Here's something a little different from the norm for BibleStoreBrowser.com. The products featured here are usually books, but the last two weeks have brought the release of a new album from Jason Holdridge and a new podcast from Gabe Taviano.

"Technology meets eternity" in the passion-led ministry of Godsmac.com.

Gabe Taviano begins each podcast with a review of technology (with a slant toward the Mac). The "meets" segment follows with an interview. Then Gabe closes with inspiring thoughts God has laid on his heart and a prayer for the guest(s) and other concerns.

This week's Godsmac.com podcast featured an interview with a man who is a worshiper at heart: Jason Holdridge. Highlights from the interview include using God-given gifts and raising daughters.

I can not say enough about how God is using this man. I have had the privilege of being led by him in worship and being challenged and inspired by his preaching. It is no surprise to me that God has led him to this point in his life, and I expect even greater things from God to come through him.

You can sample some of Jason's music at his myspace. His album Pursue Me also features Bethany Dillon, whose incredible voice I was blessed to hear live just before she went on the road a couple years ago. Jason Holdridge's album is available at his website, www.JasonHoldridge.com.

If you've been following the Finding a Ministry series at Xanga, you'll understand how important passion is in ministry. These two men exemplify what God can do when we apply our talents and gifts to our passions.

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On page one of Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, 25th Anniversary Edition, he writes, "We must not be led to believe that the Disciplines are only for spiritual giants and hence beyond our reach, or only for contemplatives who devote all their time to prayer and meditation." He goes on to say that the Disciplines are for ordinary human beings. That's right! People like you and me! Learn more about applying the disciplines to your life in these books.

Celebration of Discipline, 25th Anniversary Edition By Richard Foster / Harpercollins Publishing In this contemporary classic Richard Foster introduces us to the ancient disciplines of the Christian faith. As Foster explains, the practice of these disciplines does not amount to drudgery, but to delight, for it is through these practices that we are brought closer to Christ. As thousands of readers have found, there is no surer guide to spiritual growth than Celebration of Discipline.

Celebration of Discipline - Audiobook on Cassette
By Richard Foster / Blackstone Audiobooks

For this newly revised and updated edition, the author expands on the inward Disciplines of meditation and prayer, the outward Discipline of simplicity, and the corporate Discipline of celebration. He provieds a wealth of examples demonstrating how these Disciplines can become part of our daily activities and how they can help us forward inner transformation and "liberation from the stifling slavery of self interest and fear. Meditation, fasting, study, solitude, submission, service, confession, worship and guidance all help us to shed our superficial habits and bring the abundance of God into our lives. Offering crucial new insights on simplicity, Foster demonstrates how the biblical view of simplicity, properly understood and applied, brings joy and balance to our inward and outward lives and "sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others." The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the Disciplines, is enhanced to show its importance, since it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. This audiobook will help motivate Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth. Read by Tom Parker. Unabridged. 6 cassettes. 9 hours.

Celebrating the Disciplines
By Richard J. Foster & Kathryn A. Yanni / Harpercollins Publishing

With the help of Foster's Celebration of Discipline, thousands of Christians have grown spiritually and infused their daily activities with joy, peace, and deepened understanding. This practical combination journal-workbook will give you new ways to integrate the Disciplines into your life. Using the original book as a primary reference, 52 weeks of study (you can design your own sequence) present you with spiritual reflections, journaling questions, and exercises. Powerful and profitable for both individuals and groups! 212 pages, softcover from HarperCollins.

Also Recommended

The Life You've Always Wanted, Expanded By John Ortberg / Zondervan Corp. In The Life You've Always Wanted, Expanded Edition John Ortberg explores how practicing simple spiritual disciplines can train us to live a transformed life. Since this book provides a more contemporary perspective on the classic spiritual disciplines it is a wonderful companion to Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Through clear biblical teaching, real-life application and an uncanny sense of humor, John Ortberg will guide you towards The Life You've Always Wanted.

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If you've been thinking about expanding your Christian reading to the classics, here's a nice little collection to get you started.

Christian Classics Collection, 6 Volumes By Baker What makes a book a classic? Its timeless insight and profound wisdom! Here in one affordable collection are six priceless masterpieces that no Christian should be without---The Pilgrim's Progress, Foxe's Book of Martyrs, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, The Practice of the Presence of God, My Utmost for His Highest, and In His Steps. Softcovers.

These books are also available separately:

• The Practice of the Presence of God
  By Brother Lawrence / Baker
• Pilgrim's Progress: One Man's Search for Eternal Life -A Christian Allegory
  By John Bunyan / Baker
• The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life
  By Hannah Whitall Smith / Baker
• Foxe's Book of Martyrs
  By Baker
• My Utmost For His Highest, Classic Edition, Mass Market Paperback
  By Oswald Chambers / Discovery House Publishers
• In His Steps, Mass Market Edition
  By Charles M. Sheldon / Barbour Publishing

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I've been curious about the book 23 Minutes in Hell: One Man's Story About What He Saw, Heard, and Felt in That Place of Torment, which I've seen a lot lately, but hadn't checked it out because I thought it didn't really fit with the purpose of this site. Today, though, I forgot to turn off the television after we finished watching a video. I was surprised when the satellite kicked on and the show coming on would be discussing this book.

I don't believe in consequences, so that is why I am sharing this book with you. Bill Weise, the author, had been a conservative Christian for 36 years when, in 1998, he was lying in bed one moment and transported to Hell the next. He shares what he experienced not to condemn anyone, but to say Hell is a very real and terrible place, but the good news is that nobody has to go there.

23 Minutes in Hell: One Man's Story About What He Saw, Heard, and Felt in That Place of Torment By Bill Wiese / Strang Communications What does an eternity in torment look like, and how can it be avoided? God allowed Wiese to spend time in the devil's lair, and now he shares what he saw, heard, and felt. Along with hundreds of Scriptures referencing hell's horrors, Wiese shares his insights to commonly asked questions such as "Is hell a literal burning place?", "Where is hell?", "Do you have a body in hell?" and "Can 'good' people go to hell?"

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The 2006 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalists were recently announced. Previously known as the Gold Medallion Awards, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association awards have been revamped to be even more prestigious. All titles are available at Christian Book Distributors where you can also read excerpts of these award-winning books. Categories include Bibles, Fiction, Children & Youth, Inspiration & Gift, Bible Reference & Study, and Christian Life.

Some Highlights from CBD:

Faith in Action Study Bible: Living God's Word in the World, Hardcover By Zondervan Corp. Published in partnership with World Vision, The NIV Faith In Action Study Bible helps you deepen your understanding of God's Word and cultivate a thoughtful, genuinely Christian lifestyle in a world challenged by wars, conflict, greed, lust, injustice, poverty and affluence. Its unique, passage by passage commentary note system links the unchanging meaning and context of the Bible to the world of the 21st century and then helps you apply it. The "There and Then" notes help you understand the significance of Scripture as it unfolded in its ancient time and context. The "Here and Now" notes help you translate God's eternal Word in practical actions - and actions into a way of living that reflects God's heart. Features include: Over 75 full page articles share practical advice, inspiriting profiles, and classic writings to help you live your faith every day. Over 75 brief snapshots share glimpses of the lives of people around the world who've lived out a high impact faith, as well as everyday recipients of Christian love in action. 16 full color Geo-Graphics pages have you a view of the world from a historical statistical and demographic perspectives. Over 175 charts, graphs and tables highlight thought provoking worldwide realities and help you to evaluate your spiritual life and grow as a disciple. 29 reading tracks with corresponding study guides help you organize individual or group studies on relevant topics. Book introductions including at a glance timelines and outlines Concordance, Subject and feature Index. Readable, single column format with side references. The Faith In Action Study Bible is a real world Bible for the individual who wants to translate Scriptural truth into a carefully considered and deeply committed lifestyle. Its "commentary style" notes reveal the original context of Scripture passages and then connect those passages to life today. This unique approach gives you a deeply rooted understanding of how the passage applies to contemporary issues and personal growth. You'll discover the relationship between history, culture, and the Biblical narrative. You'll obtain insights into God's heart for our world that transcend times and customs. Designed in a highly readable passage by passage (rather than verse by verse) commentary style, the footnotes of this Bible are its centerpeice. Also included are full page articles by respected Christian authors that help you live out a wise and vibrate faith on your journey through this multifaceted world. The articles also profile people who've moved from looking at Christianity as a view of life to embracing it as a way of life and they infuse classic writings on Christianity with fresh relevance. Hardcover.

The Rising, Before They Were Left Behind Series #1 By Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins / Tyndale House The beginning of the end - experience Left Behind from first to last in this gripping prequel to the explosive series! Like insignificant tremors preceding a cataclysm, the choices of individuals such as Marilena Carpathia, a young Ray Steele, and others will soon shape the fate of millions. The silent countdown begins for an unheeding world. 350 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson Do you arise each morning, work all day, watch TV at night, go to bed, and then do it all over again the next day? Max Lucado says there IS a cure for the doldrums of daily life. The answer is to find your "sweet spot." God tailored your life to fit an empty spot in his jigsaw puzzle and once you find your spot, life makes sweet sense. In Cure for the Common Life, Max Lucado offers practical tools for exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, putting your strengths to work, and living in your "sweet spot" for the rest of your life.

God's Mirror: Reflecting the Father's Heart, Book and CD By Max Lucado / Integrity Publishers In Max Lucado's contemporary parable, a daughter possesses the power to reflect her father's character. When she speaks, she speaks for him. When she acts, she acts for him. Though others have never seen or met him, they know his child---and so they know his heart! 64 pages, 6" x 6" hardcover with companion CD from Integrity.

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Christianity Today has announced the winners of its 2006 book awards. Below are a selected few as seen at CBD:

Apologetics/Evangelism

So Much More: An Invitation to Christian Spirituality (Award of Merit) By Debra Rienstra / John Wiley & Sons "A gentle and winsome introduction,"---Christian Century. Rienstra takes us on a tour through basic Christian doctrines and such important practices as prayer, Bible study, worship, and service. She flavors her lively presentation with personal anecdotes, literary allusions, and a number of practical suggestions. 288 pages, hardcover. Jossey-Bass.

Christian Living

The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience By Ronald J. Sider / Baker Subtitled "Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World?" this book makes a strong case for why faith should make a difference in areas such as racism, materialism, hedonism, egotism, and more. Are we truly dedicated to the Lord or simply questing after money, sex, or personal self-fulfillment? 144 pages, softcover. Baker.

Biblical Studies

Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible By Edited by Kevin J. Vanhoozer / Baker Today's biblical interpreter, whether scholar, student, or pastor, is faced with a plethora of philosophies and methods for interpreting Scripture. Postmodern trends have emphasized one's community identity in shaping interpretation, leading to differing conclusions. In addition, modern biblical interpretation has too often been characterized by a schism between the disciplines of exegesis and theology. The Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible is a groundbreaking reference tool that seeks first of all to marry the tasks of exegesis and theology with the goal of theological interpretation of Scripture that is, interpretation that has recovered a focus on the subject matter of Scripture: the nature and activity of God and the gospel. Second, it aims to provide a guide to understanding various interpretative approaches and a tool for evaluating them in light of this goal. The dictionary covers a wide range of topics related to biblical interpretation with both depth and clarity. Topics include the theological interpretation of individual books of the Bible, issues of hermeneutics, various biblical interpreters and interpretative communities, and the interplay of interpretation with various doctrines and doctrinal themes. The contributors represent a diverse range of theological backgrounds and interpretative approaches and are experts in their respective fields.

The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture (Award of Merit) By N.T. Wright / Harpercollins Publishing According to Wright, evangelicals and liberals are misreading the Bible. He explains why both overly literal and politically correct positions are indefensible, then sheds light on how Christians have grappled with the authority of Scripture over the centuries. Crucial reading for guiding the church through its many controversies. 144 pages, hardcover from HarperSanFrancisco.

Fiction

This Heavy Silence By Nicole Mazzarella / Paraclete Press Spite and loyalty, not affection, prompt Dottie Connell to adopt her best friend's daughter. But as she struggles to farm her family's 300 acres, she grows to love the child as her own. When the farm is put on the block, she faces a difficult choice---either buy back the property or betray her daughter. A luminous first novel shedding light on the mysteries of grace. 240 pages, hardcover from Paraclete.

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The release of The Da Vinci Code has a lot of people talking. For churches, it's a great time to share the truth behind the outrageous claims made by the runaway bestselling book. Discussing the Da Vinci Code DVD Curriculum works with the Discussing the Da Vinci Code Participants Guide to help participants learn more about the topics in four sessions:

• What Can History Really Tell Us?
• Can We Trust the Four Gospels?
• What's the Role of Women in Christianity?
• Is Jesus the Son of God?

If you're looking for more on The Da Vinci Code, see the link on the right side of this page. You can also catch the tv special Discussing the DaVinci Code on the Liberty Channel or on their streaming video 9 pm EST Wednesday, May 17th and 10 pm EST Saturday, May 20th. In addition, if you have the SkyAngel family of networks, they are airing a number of additional programs about the Da Vinci Code.

See Discussing the Da Vinci Code Curriculum at CBD:

Discussing the Da Vinci Code, DVD Curriculum By Lee Strobel & Garry Poole / Zondervan Corp. The Da Vinci Code has captivated millions with its dramatic claims about Christianity. Do the novel and movie unearth explosive facts, or are they merely colorful but inaccurate depictions of ancient events? This first-ever DVD-driven small group study guide stimulates animated discussion over one of today's hottest topics. This DVD-guided small group forum is designed for use with an accompanying participant's guide that includes discussion questions, sidebar information, background material, Bible verses, and relevant quotes. Each session includes interviews with experts and concludes with facilitator Lee Strobel's perspective.

Discussing the Da Vinci Code Participants Guide: Exploring the Issues Raised by the Book and Movie By Zondervan Corp.

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Moms, this is for you! A Mom's Ordinary Day Bible Study Series is a collection of 8 Bible study guides aimed at moms who want to be the best they can be toward their children, others, and God.

Winner of the Silver Medallion Book Award, this collection includes the following volumes, also available separately:

• Finding Joy in All You Are
• Gaining and Being a Friend
• Growing Strong with God
• Mothering Without Guilt
• Making Praise a Priority
• Managing Your Time
• Entering God's Presence
• Winning Over Worry

See it at CBD:

A Mom's Ordinary Day Bible Study Series, 8 volumes By Zondervan Corp. 8 award-winning Bible studies by Jean E. Syswerda that help women discover God's wisdom on how to be the best mothers, women, and disciples they can be. Each study contains 6 sessions divided into 5 flexible portions: For You Alone, For You and God's Word, For You and Others, For You and God, and For You and Your Kids. The last section helps moms share each week's nugget of truth with their children. These are designed for group study but can also be used for individual reflection.

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If you're looking for a Bible that will help you grasp what life was like when the Bible was written, this is your Bible! Let's face it. It's not exactly ideal to carry both your Bible and a handbook of Bible customs. Zondervan's new Archaeological Study Bible combines the bestselling NIV with historical notes to "Bring the Bible to life. Your life."

See it at Christian Book Distributors:

NIV Archaeological Study Bible, Hardcover By Zondervan Corp. An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture, The NIV Archaeological Study Bible sheds new light on the Bible. From the beginnings of Genesis to the end of Revelation, this new study Bible is filled with informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects that will open your eyes to the historical context of the stories you read and the people you meet in Scripture. From kings and empires to weapons of war to clay pots used for carrying water, the archaeological record surrounding God's Word will help contextualize and inform your personal study. Purchase any style before June 30th and receive a $10 rebate from Zondervan! The NIV Archaeological Study Bible is available in nine different cover styles.

Check it out
at Amazon:
 

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You finally have a new Bible before you and are excited to dig right in. But wait! There's one thing you should do before you start using your Bible: Read the introduction, preface and any other explanatory materials about the translation or study system. It may seem like dry reading, but there are often nuggets of information that will enhance your experience and pay off in the end.

What can you learn? Well, for one thing, translators often explain their goals of translation or reasons for the specific translation. Some even go so far as to give a very basic primer on Bible translation. You might also learn who the translators were or how they handled the translation of certain words.

Study Bibles present a whole different facet to Bible reading. A study Bible often has a concordance, maps, and an index in addition to certain features that make it different from other Bibles. Most study systems are intuitive: the study note at the bottom of the page coincides with the verse number referenced. But others, such as chain references, may require instructions.

After reading the accompanying informational and/or instructional articles, familiarize yourself with the features of your Bible. Get a feel for the contents of each one and determine how you can use them. Pay special attention to the location of any one or two page indexes. These are so easily overlooked, but are very helpful when looking for a particular article, table or picture within the text portion of your Bible.

Finally, use your Bible, taking advantage of everything it has to offer as the need arises. Only through practice can you become better acquainted with a Bible's layout, and only through reading the Word can you experience its riches.

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I'm always looking for great values on Christian products, and with bundles like these, you usually can't go wrong. Hendrickson 12 Volumes includes some basic references like Nave's Topical Bible and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, as well as heartier, more interpretive resources like Grudem's Systematic Theology and Early Christian Doctrines, making this an ideal collection for Sunday School teachers and other serious lay students of the Bible. Keep them all for yourself or share them with Bible-loving friends!

Hendrickson 12 Volumes By Hendrickson Publishers Includes these titles: Halley's Bible Handbook Hard Sayings of the Bible The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible--with CD-ROM Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words New Unger's Bible Dictionary Nave's Topical Bible Willmington's Guide to the Bible The Story of Christianity, One-Volume Edition Believer's Bible Commentary Early Christian Doctrines Systematic Theology

Halley's Bible Handbook By Dr. Henry Halley / Zondervan Corp. Halley's Bible Handbook, the classic layperson's companion text, includes a concise Bible commentary, important discoveries in archaeology, related historical data, church history, maps, and more. It was born out of the conviction of Henry H. Halley that everyone ought to read the Bible daily. From its first edition, a small give-away booklet of 16 pages, it has grown into an 864-page "almanac" of biblical information, used regularly by hundreds of thousands of laymen, teachers, and ministers. It has been a continuous best-seller through the years.

Hard Sayings of the Bible By Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. / Inter-varsity Press Confused by what you read in the Bible? Let seasoned scholars answer your questions! Compiled from five earlier Hard Sayings books, this handy reference offers short, easy-to-read historical, cultural, and linguistic explanations to help you interpret the meanings of 500 perplexing passages. 796 pages, hardcover from InterVarsity.

The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times By Ralph Gower / Moody Publishers To understand the Bible, you must understand the culture, customs and background of the Bible. This best-selling reference guide takes you on a journey back to biblical times. Each chapter is filled with colorful photography and artwork that brings the Bible to life explaining crafts, occupations, archaeological finds, sculpture, and daily life, food, housing, worship, farming, customs and more. Diagrams, maps,and charts offer more detailed analysis of Bible times. Also includes a useful scriptural and topical index and helpful tips on trips to the Holy Land. Features:"Look at Your Bible" sections give special scriptural insight More than 160 full color and black and white photographs 58 pieces of original artwork

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible--with CD-ROM By James Strong / Hendrickson Publishers The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is an indispensable tool that all readers of the Bible will want to have as part of their basic library. It contains every word in the King James Version and allows the reader to easily find all biblical occurrences of a word. The Strong's numbering system is used and cross-referenced in most study tools today. This resource also includes complete Hebrew and Greek dictionaries, organized by the Strong's numbers, which give brief lexical definitions of each word of the original languages of the Bible. This is a complete concordance and dictionary in one sturdy and deluxe hardcover volume for use with the KJV. This also includes an expanded premium edition CD-ROM for PC or PDA, a $75.00 value, included with the hardcover at no additional cost. The CD-ROM is the first in Hendrickson Publishers ScriptureLink series, and includes interactive, interlinked versions of Strong's and many other valuable reference works easily accessible with either a PC or PDA. The Strong's Expanded Premium Edition CD-ROM provides ready access to all of the Strong's information, including enhanced Strong's Hebrew and Greek dictionaries.

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words By W.E. Vine / Thomas Nelson / W This convenient one volume combines Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words and Unger and White's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament. This book allows you to easily access the alphabetized English equivalents of the Greek or Hebrew words from which they are translated. Throughout the text the most significant biblical words are illustrated by Scripture passages, comments, cross-references, ancient and modern meanings, precise etymologies, historical notes, and clearly defined technical information. Each original language is indexed, and the addition of a topical index allows you to access all the dictionary entries pertinent to specific New Testament ideas and teachings.

New Unger's Bible Dictionary By Edited by R.K. Harrison, H.F. Vos & C.J. Barber / Moody Publishers From Aaron to the Zuzites this bible dictionary offers 6700 thoroughly researched entries including an outline of every book along with complete coverage of people and places of the Bible to help you understand the Bible. This revised edition boasts more than 200 new illustrations, 300 photographs with almost half in color, 50 maps, updated Greek and Hebrew transliterations, updated bibliographies and extensive cross-referencing for further study. This dictionary is compatible with the NAS, NIV, KJV, and NKJV Bible translations and also includes full color 16 page insert featuring the award-winning maps from The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands.

Nave's Topical Bible By Orville Nave / Hendrickson Publishers The best-known of all topical Bibles has been a bestseller for more than 75 years! It covers over 20,000 topics and 100,000 Scripture references, and includes the full biblical text with the most significant references so you don't have to look up each verse separately. This edition also features a useful Scripture index. 1615 pages, hardcover from Hendrickson.

Willmington's Guide to the Bible By Harold Willmington / Tyndale House A treasury of Bible knowledge written in a quick recovery format. Eight Bible reference volumes in one: Bible commentary, topical dictionary, archaeological handbook, Old Testament/New Testament cross-reference guide, theological manual, illustrated Bible encyclopedia, prayer fact-finder, and history of Israel textbook. 1009 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

The Story of Christianity, One-Volume Edition By Justo L. Gonzalez / Prince Press Now available in one affordable hardcover, Gonzalez's 2- volume work continues to set the standard in seminary classrooms worldwide. This highly acclaimed text provides a vivid introduction to Christian history, from the apostolic church to the present day. Gonzalez skillfully weaves in relevant details from the lives of prominent figures, tracing out core theological developments as reflected in the lives of leading thinkers within various church traditions. Especially careful attention is given to Christian expansion into Central and South America during the early modern period. 880 pages, from Prince Press.

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Cambridge is a name long known for quality Bibles. Their Pitt range of Bibles has been around since the 1930's, and until 2006 they were available only in the King James Version. The NIV Pitt Minion Reference Bible boasts all the qualities of a Cambridge Bible (such as sewn pages, India paper with gilt or art-gilt edges, and ribbon marker) with the familiar slimline format of the Pitt Minion and the text of the bestselling New International Version of the Bible.

OTHER FEATURES:

1,120 pages
4 5/8 x 6 7/8 inch pages
3/4 inch spine
6.75 pt Lexicon No. 1 font

• Words of Christ in Red
• Cross References
• Concordance
• 15 Color Maps
• Presentation Page
• Head and Tail Bands

AVAILABLE BINDINGS:
NIV Pitt Minion Reference Edition in Black or Burgundy Goatskin Leather NI186RC
NIV Pitt Minion Reference Edition in Black or Burgundy French Morocco Leather NI183RC

See a sample page from the NIV Pitt Minion Reference Bible.
(Be sure your Adobe Reader is set to "100%.")

See the NIV Pitt Minion Reference Bibles available from Christian Book Distributors.

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If you'd like to start a Bible reference library, here's a great opportunity. This set of Bible references includes The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance with CD-ROM, Nave's Topical Bible, and The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament & New Testament, 2 Volumes all at a tremendous savings over retail. Each volume in this collection will give you the resources to reap even more from your Bible study!

CBD Reference Library
By Various / Hendrickson Publishers

Let CBD help you build your essential study library! Buy all 7 must-have references below and SAVE over $100!

New Unger's Bible Dictionary
By Edited by R.K. Harrison, H.F. Vos & C.J. Barber / Moody Publishers

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
By W.E. Vine / Thomas Nelson / W

The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times
By Ralph Gower / Moody Publishers

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible--with CD-ROM
By James Strong / Hendrickson Publishers

Nave's Topical Bible
By Orville Nave / Hendrickson Publishers

Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament & New Testament
By Edited by John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck / Cook Communications

Also available on CD-ROM:

WORDsearch 7 CBD Reference Library on CD-ROM
By Wordsearch Corp.

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