For each of these letters, the guide includes background and supplemental information, including a timeline, an overview, an outline, the main themes, and applicable maps. After that is the full text of the letter, accompanied by abundant explanatory footnotes and some application suggestions.
The second part of the book is devoted to Bible study lessons, which can be used in large classes or small groups. Each lesson, which is planned to take 60 or 90 minutes, follows this format:
- Reflect on your life
- Read the passage
- Realize the principle
- Respond to the message
- Resolve to take action
- I appreciate that the study questions lead the reader to apply the principles to daily life and to make specific resolutions to accomplish that.
- I don't usually read the NLT, and I didn't compare it closely to the NIV. Debating which Bible translation is "best" is beyond the scope of this book review.
- At first I thought that the full text and footnotes were redundant, since my family already has a study Bible. But as I read on, I began to appreciate the convenience and portability of this small volume. It would easily tuck into a handbag or briefcase. In addition, although my family chooses not to write in our study Bible, I wouldn't hesitate to underline or make notes in this book. I think it's worth every penny of its $7.99 retail price.
Purchase the book from Amazon.com or other retailers.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book, at no cost to me, for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link: if you click through my Amazon.com link and complete a purchase, I will receive a small commission. Thank you!
I'm going to be reviewing a similar product by NavPress. It's called the "Life Change" series and I currently am doing Psalms. I really love Navpress and I love this little book on Psalms too. But I'll wait for the review to gloat more about it ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review. It is helpful.
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