Evidence for the Bible by Clive Anderson, Brian Edwards

Evidence for the Bible
by Clive Anderson, Brian Edwards

ISBN-13: 9781683441113
Paperback: 252 pages
Publisher: Master Books
Released: January 1st 2018

Source: Bought.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In Evidence for the Bible helps us discover archaeological finds that confirm or illustrate the biblical account. The authors’ purpose was to provide a reliable summary of the up-to-date positions in laymen’s terms, with added reference books suggested for deeper study into the various subjects addressed.


My Review:
Evidence for the Bible works through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and talked about the archaeological evidence found for the people and places mentioned in the Bible. The book had full-color photographs of the archaeological finds along with information about where it can be found. In general, I felt this book did a good job of providing information about Bible-related archaeological finds that confirm the accuracy of the Bible accounts.

That said, the authors' push to reinterpret the text so that only about 30,000 Hebrews left Egypt after living there for 400 years seemed an odd questioning of the Biblical record. Yes, having enough water and food for over a million people was a problem, thus the reason they kept complaining to God about it. And God provided. Just because only two Hebrew midwives were mentioned in Exodus 1 doesn't mean that's all there were (plus dropping the number of women in their care down to maybe 10,000 adults doesn't actually solve the problem of two midwives being not enough). Just because there were 600,000 men of fighting age doesn't mean they really had army yet. They had been slaves, feared for their potential to revolt so it's unlikely they had military training. Not all of them fought in every battle. And the author's method of translating "thousand" into "unit of about 10 men" would change Numbers 31:4 "Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel” as each tribe sending 1 unit or around 120 men total. This was for a major battle. Seriously? So I didn't agree with some of their ideas, though the main information was solid.


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.

The Names of God by Melissa Spoelstra

The Names of God
by Melissa Spoelstra

ISBN-13: 9780593197882
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Today's culture and others' views, even those of other Christians, can present a distorted view of God. Some suggest God exudes qualities He does not possess such as being unloving or apathetic toward His creation. In a world where we find people creating God in their own image, studying God's names can remind us that we are created in His. In fact, one of the best ways to know God's true character and grow closer to Him is to study His names.

In The Names of God, Melissa Spoelstra leads women on an exploration of the many names of our triune God--from El and Elohim to Yahweh and its many combinations to names such as Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit...and many others.

As women study the names of God, their ideas about God will become more grounded in what His names tell them, and thus more personal, allowing a greater trust in Him to share the details of their lives. Whether having walked with God for many years or just starting out in a relationship with Him, by the end of this study women will not only know more about God but will know Him better--because through the discovery of God's names, they will discover Him!


My Review:
The Names of God is a six week long group Bible study on some of the names of God. Each week had 5 days of study, plus there was a day where you took notes on the video study. The author choose various Hebrew and Greek names for God and did a day of study on each name. She gave the name's translation/meaning and then provided some commentary about where this name first occurred in the Bible and how knowing this name may help us to more fully understand God's character and work in our lives. She included verses to read, reading comprehension questions, and discussed how this applies to our lives. She included some verses to memorize and a nice prayer at the end of each chapter. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting study.


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.