How We Got The Bible by Timothy Paul Jones

How We Got The Bible by Timothy Paul Jones, PhD ISBN-13: 9781628622164 Paperback: 184 pages Publisher: Rose Publishing Released: July 16, 2015

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Amazon:
Have you ever wondered who wrote the books in the Bible and how they ended up together? Has anyone ever told you that some books were cut out of the Bible or that the stories of Jesus in the Gospels can t be trusted? In this book, dive into the fascinating account of the most amazing and best-preserved book the world has ever seen. Dr. Timothy Paul Jones gives easy-to-understand answers to popular questions on the Bible s reliability and accuracy. Includes:

1. How the Old Testament and New Testament came to us

2. Definitions of popular terms such as inspired, inerrant and infallible

3. Reasons the New Testament books were chosen

4. Compelling stories behind Polycarp, Serapion, John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, the King James Version of the Bible and more!

5. Fascinating facts about the Bible such as: there are more than 5,700 surviving manuscripts from the New Testament compared to 210 surviving copies of Plato.


My Review:
How We Got The Bible described how the Bible was written, copied, translated, and basically how we got the Bible that we use today. It's written from a conservative, Protestant viewpoint. Not only did the author explain how we got the Bible, but he dealt with some common claims that skeptics make. He showed that the Bible is trustworthy. This book was easy to read and to follow, and it used charts to help break down some ideas for quick reference.

This book is intended for Christians who want to know more about the origins of the Bible. It's part of a larger DVD group study on the topic (though the book stands on its own). It did a good job of giving a solid, basic overview of the topics covered. Christians who wish to debate skeptics on these topics will probably need to read a more in-depth book, but I'd recommend this as a relatively quick read for Christians who simply want the basics.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

A Story Worth Telling by Bill Blankschaen

A Story Worth Telling by Bill Blankschaen ISBN-13: 9781426786433 Trade Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Abingdon Press Released: May 19, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
What if you could live an authentic life of such lasting significance that your story can be celebrated in places and times you can't even imagine?

This hands-on field guide packs in true stories and practical tips for living a life of authentic faith in God, the kind that gets out of the boat and leaves a lasting legacy. Author Bill Blankschaen's winsome voice meets you where you are in your life journey and calls you to something more, to a grander, more meaningful life grounded on unshakeable truth. Blankschaen shows you how authentic faith:

* Gives focus to your life,
* Opens your eyes to possibilities,
* Produces the courage to answer the call,
* Moves you to move mountains, and
* Empowers you to keep moving forward when facing problems.


My Review:
A Story Worth Telling is a Christian living book that could pass as a Bible study on faith. He started by explaining why it matters in what/who you place your faith. Then it's an experienced FaithWalker passing on what he's learned about our Journey of Faith from the Bible. He illustrated the principles with stories from his own life and the lives of others. He's easy to follow and understand, and he stayed focused on topic so there's little filler. Throughout the book, he asked questions that help you to focus on how the principles he's just discussed apply to your life (and they're good questions).

I was concerned the book might be about doing something splashy so you can brag about it on the news as you receive a reward for your humble service to humanity. It's not: it's about living a life of ever-deepening faith and following where God leads you, even if no one this side of heaven ever hears about it. It's a fulfilling life full of adventure! Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to those who want advice on how to deepen your faith and FaithWalk with God.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.