In the Bible, a rock is repeatedly used as a metaphor for Jesus Christ and His spiritual assurance. So as a symbol for Jesus Christ, the "Solid Rock" in our name communicate our mission, and the attitude of our hearts and, hopefully, those that wear our products. Solid Rock Jewelry's popular contemporary products are of course, designed for fashion, but fashion is just one of the practical reasons that the products succeed commercially. Retailers who carry Solid Rock Jewelry often comment on the range of customers buying our products, the importance of having Christian products that appeal to the critical youth audience and on Solid Rock Jewelry's cutting edge product designs. Dolores and Scott Hahn have been making jewelry commercially for over 20 years. They each began their walk with the Lord later in life and have been able to increasingly apply their life skills to a spiritual mission. Scott and Dolores say, "We see a generation of young people with a need to express their love for the Lord in fresh new ways. They also want to be a witness to their "un-churched" peers, and we design our jewelry with these people in mind. We want to let people make the statement that being a Christian can be both exciting and fun."
Many of you know our passion for China’s orphans. After given the privilege of visiting our daughter’s orphanages, our hearts ache for those girls left behind. Our family is committed to helping China’s “Lost Daughters”. Our mission is to help enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for the babies and children in China who still wait to be adopted, and for those who will spend their entire childhoods in orphanages. We now have part of our website dedicated to raising money to aid children in Chinese orphanages. A portion of all sales of Wishing Tree Products will be given to organizations such as Half The Sky and Love Without Boundaries that we are partnering with. Visit www.lovewithoutboundaries.com and www.halfthesky.org for more information on these fine organizations.
Solid Rock is one of the leading manufacturers of Purity Jewelry, Rings and Toe Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets and Anklets, and Earrings.
For a complete line of Solid Rock Jewelry…
For other Jewelry Items
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Kay Arthur
Since founding Precept Ministries International with her husband Jack in 1970 with the vision to establish people in God’s Word, International Bible teacher and four-time Gold Medallion award-winning author Kay Arthur has authored more than 100 books and Bible studies. Kay is also the teacher and host of Precepts for Life, a radio and television program, which reaches a worldwide viewing audience of over 94 million, teaching them how to discover Truth for themselves. Today God is using Precept Ministries to reach nearly 150 countries with inductive Bible studies translated into nearly 70 languages. Kay serves as Executive Vice President and shares the office of Precept CEO with Jack. The Arthurs live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Kay’s enthusiastic practical approach to the Biblical texts has drawn thousands to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Her renowned distinguishable Christian character, Bible teaching, inductive study books, and national radio and television programs continue to touch innumerable lives with her passion to establish people in God’s Word and to teach them to discover truth for themselves. Kay’s fervor for the Lord is driven by remembrance of her humble beginnings. In August 2007 Kay received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Tennessee Temple University located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
If you had followed the call to spread the Gospel in a foreign land but your health forced you to return home, what would you do? That was the troubling situation a missionary couple to Mexico, Jack and Kay Arthur, found themselves in the late 1960s, which led to their return home to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
After years serving with the Pocket Testament League, Jack Arthur met a young widow who had two small boys, Mark and Tom, at Tennessee Temple in Chattanooga. After marrying, they went on the mission field together to Mexico, where they had another son, David. Illness forced them to pack up and head home, but their disappointment was really God’s appointment for them in ministry. Back in Chattanooga, Jack became the Station Manager for a Christian radio station that brought Bible teaching to the airwaves in the Southeast. Kay started a Bible study for teenagers in their living room. As young people started to hear the Word of God and study it, the Bible study grew. By 1970, the Arthur’s had stepped out in faith to purchase what was a chicken farm to create a home for their fledgling ministry founded as Reach Out Ranch. Soon the teens were meeting in a barn they had cleaned out and patched up themselves.
Then the first Tuesday morning women’s Bible study class began, word spread, and then night classes began when husbands wanted to attend as they saw their wives’ enthusiasm. Soon Kay was traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, to teach a study of eventually 1800 adults every week. Knowing she and Jack would not be able to travel to Atlanta every week at some point, Kay wanted to teach others to learn to study inductively as she studied and share in the joy of learning to study the Word of God for themselves, and so began writing Precept Upon Precept courses. The Arthurs and Reach Out began to publish their style of Bible studies so believers could go deeper with God anywhere they were, irrespective of a single teacher’s personality or proximity.
Jack left his broadcasting career to devote his energy full-time to the growing Ministry as its president, overseeing it along with the building of the facility to accommodate booming distribution and training demands. Now the small team of staff and Bible study trainees packed and shipped studies to churches and small groups across America. The Ministry’s leadership developed training so that in-depth Bible study could multiply beyond their reach and Reach Out became Precept Ministries. Then the studies spread internationally, to Korea, Mexico, and Romania. By the time the studies had reached over 100 countries and 60 languages, the word “International” was added to the name. Today, Precept Ministries International trains millions of people to discover Truth for themselves. Through inductive study method training workshops and thousands of Bible studies in local churches and small group studies; through Precepts for Life television, radio and online media; through Bible study tours to biblical sites and Bible-centered conferences; and an international effort with studies in nearly 150 countries and nearly 70 languages, PMI is focused on establishing people in God’s Word.
You are invited to join fellow sojourners on the adventure of an eternal lifetime as we meet God through the daily, personal, in-depth study of His Word.
You can discover Truth for yourself!
Bible Studies for Women
Lord, Teach Me to Pray
Based on her popular trade book, Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days, this interactive, discipleship study helps women grow in a love for God's Word and in a desire to communicate with Him through prayer. Learn what the Lord's Prayer teaches us about effective prayer and how to put into practice its timeless principles. This dynamic study will include sharing answers to prayer and practicing prayer in a supportive small-group setting. The Lord Teach Me to Pray workbook has a leader guide, with session by session teaching suggestions, in the back of the book - pages 116-124 include these teaching plans. Softcover, LifeWay, 125 pages.
Bible Studies for Couples
Marriage Without Regrets
“This book isn’t about how to have a perfect marriage, or to change our spouses,” says Kay. “It’s about having the kind of marriage where you can stand before God and say, ‘Lord, I was all that You intended me to be.’ Only when we make that kind of commitment can we truly have a marriage without regrets!”
Speaking candidly about her first marriage, her conversion to Christianity, and her longtime marriage to Jack, Kay offers practical advice on effective communication, security and significance, difficult relationships, parenting, and God’s guidelines for divorce and remarriage.
Readers will discover what the Bible says about...
resolving conflict
understanding each partner’s role
improving the sexual relationship
becoming financially wise
respecting and keeping marriage vows
This re-release with a fresh new cover (more than 110,000 copies sold) contains the marriage–building and life–changing material Kay has presented to enthusiastic audiences worldwide—helping thousands of people in many countries experience supportive, Christ–centered marriages.
Bible Studies for Kid’s
How to Study Your Bible, for Kid’s
Discover 4 Yourself Inductive Bible Studies for Kids!. . .How to Study Your Bible for Kids -- by Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt -- (6- week study) -- Kids, learn how to discover God's powerful truths from the Bible, all by yourself! Observe, interpret, and apply the Bible with games, puzzles, and more! You'll become an "Inductive Bible Detective" with an "Inductive Detective" card and a 40% discount on the New Inductive Study Bible, when you mail in a card included in the book! Harvest House Publishers-- 7 x 9 Softcover Book - 185 pages. For ages 8-12 (Children's reading skills and maturity levels vary, so your child might be ready for these books at a younger age, or you might find them useful for 13-year olds.) Children completing this study who send in the enclosed card in their book will receive: a letter from Kay and Janna, plus a certificate with a detective card. If they score between 150-200 on the Inductive Detective Exam on page 138, they will receive a copy of the NISB excerpt (#20999) and the 40% off coupon for a New Inductive Study Bible.
To see a complete line of Kay Arthur material, click here!
To see other Bible study material, click here!
Please Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Kay’s enthusiastic practical approach to the Biblical texts has drawn thousands to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Her renowned distinguishable Christian character, Bible teaching, inductive study books, and national radio and television programs continue to touch innumerable lives with her passion to establish people in God’s Word and to teach them to discover truth for themselves. Kay’s fervor for the Lord is driven by remembrance of her humble beginnings. In August 2007 Kay received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Tennessee Temple University located in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
If you had followed the call to spread the Gospel in a foreign land but your health forced you to return home, what would you do? That was the troubling situation a missionary couple to Mexico, Jack and Kay Arthur, found themselves in the late 1960s, which led to their return home to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
After years serving with the Pocket Testament League, Jack Arthur met a young widow who had two small boys, Mark and Tom, at Tennessee Temple in Chattanooga. After marrying, they went on the mission field together to Mexico, where they had another son, David. Illness forced them to pack up and head home, but their disappointment was really God’s appointment for them in ministry. Back in Chattanooga, Jack became the Station Manager for a Christian radio station that brought Bible teaching to the airwaves in the Southeast. Kay started a Bible study for teenagers in their living room. As young people started to hear the Word of God and study it, the Bible study grew. By 1970, the Arthur’s had stepped out in faith to purchase what was a chicken farm to create a home for their fledgling ministry founded as Reach Out Ranch. Soon the teens were meeting in a barn they had cleaned out and patched up themselves.
Then the first Tuesday morning women’s Bible study class began, word spread, and then night classes began when husbands wanted to attend as they saw their wives’ enthusiasm. Soon Kay was traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, to teach a study of eventually 1800 adults every week. Knowing she and Jack would not be able to travel to Atlanta every week at some point, Kay wanted to teach others to learn to study inductively as she studied and share in the joy of learning to study the Word of God for themselves, and so began writing Precept Upon Precept courses. The Arthurs and Reach Out began to publish their style of Bible studies so believers could go deeper with God anywhere they were, irrespective of a single teacher’s personality or proximity.
Jack left his broadcasting career to devote his energy full-time to the growing Ministry as its president, overseeing it along with the building of the facility to accommodate booming distribution and training demands. Now the small team of staff and Bible study trainees packed and shipped studies to churches and small groups across America. The Ministry’s leadership developed training so that in-depth Bible study could multiply beyond their reach and Reach Out became Precept Ministries. Then the studies spread internationally, to Korea, Mexico, and Romania. By the time the studies had reached over 100 countries and 60 languages, the word “International” was added to the name. Today, Precept Ministries International trains millions of people to discover Truth for themselves. Through inductive study method training workshops and thousands of Bible studies in local churches and small group studies; through Precepts for Life television, radio and online media; through Bible study tours to biblical sites and Bible-centered conferences; and an international effort with studies in nearly 150 countries and nearly 70 languages, PMI is focused on establishing people in God’s Word.
You are invited to join fellow sojourners on the adventure of an eternal lifetime as we meet God through the daily, personal, in-depth study of His Word.
You can discover Truth for yourself!
Bible Studies for Women
Lord, Teach Me to PrayBased on her popular trade book, Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days, this interactive, discipleship study helps women grow in a love for God's Word and in a desire to communicate with Him through prayer. Learn what the Lord's Prayer teaches us about effective prayer and how to put into practice its timeless principles. This dynamic study will include sharing answers to prayer and practicing prayer in a supportive small-group setting. The Lord Teach Me to Pray workbook has a leader guide, with session by session teaching suggestions, in the back of the book - pages 116-124 include these teaching plans. Softcover, LifeWay, 125 pages.
Bible Studies for Couples
Marriage Without Regrets“This book isn’t about how to have a perfect marriage, or to change our spouses,” says Kay. “It’s about having the kind of marriage where you can stand before God and say, ‘Lord, I was all that You intended me to be.’ Only when we make that kind of commitment can we truly have a marriage without regrets!”
Speaking candidly about her first marriage, her conversion to Christianity, and her longtime marriage to Jack, Kay offers practical advice on effective communication, security and significance, difficult relationships, parenting, and God’s guidelines for divorce and remarriage.
Readers will discover what the Bible says about...
resolving conflict
understanding each partner’s role
improving the sexual relationship
becoming financially wise
respecting and keeping marriage vows
This re-release with a fresh new cover (more than 110,000 copies sold) contains the marriage–building and life–changing material Kay has presented to enthusiastic audiences worldwide—helping thousands of people in many countries experience supportive, Christ–centered marriages.
Bible Studies for Kid’s
How to Study Your Bible, for Kid’sDiscover 4 Yourself Inductive Bible Studies for Kids!. . .How to Study Your Bible for Kids -- by Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt -- (6- week study) -- Kids, learn how to discover God's powerful truths from the Bible, all by yourself! Observe, interpret, and apply the Bible with games, puzzles, and more! You'll become an "Inductive Bible Detective" with an "Inductive Detective" card and a 40% discount on the New Inductive Study Bible, when you mail in a card included in the book! Harvest House Publishers-- 7 x 9 Softcover Book - 185 pages. For ages 8-12 (Children's reading skills and maturity levels vary, so your child might be ready for these books at a younger age, or you might find them useful for 13-year olds.) Children completing this study who send in the enclosed card in their book will receive: a letter from Kay and Janna, plus a certificate with a detective card. If they score between 150-200 on the Inductive Detective Exam on page 138, they will receive a copy of the NISB excerpt (#20999) and the 40% off coupon for a New Inductive Study Bible.
To see a complete line of Kay Arthur material, click here!
To see other Bible study material, click here!
Please Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Monday, September 28, 2009
John Piper
John Stephen Piper was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Bill and Ruth Piper January 11, 1946. When John and his older sister were still small the Pipers moved to Greenville, South Carolina where John spent the rest of his growing-up years. His father was an itinerant evangelist who is still actively ministering through international radio and Bible courses. John has written a tribute to his mother, who died in 1974, in the booklet, "What's the Difference" (Crossway Books, 1990) which is also chapter one of the book, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (Crossway Books, 1991).
At Wheaton College (1964-68), John majored in Literature and minored in Philosophy. Studying Romantic Literature with Clyde Kilby stimulated the poetic side of his nature and today he regularly writes poems to celebrate special family occasions as well as composing story-poems (based on the life of a Biblical character) for his congregation during the four weeks of Advent each year. At Wheaton John also met Noel Henry whom he married 1968.
Following college he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California (1968-71). While at Fuller, John took as many courses as he could from Dr. Daniel Fuller, the most influential "living" teacher in his life. Through Dr. Fuller he discovered the writings of Jonathan Edwards, his most influential "dead" teacher.
John did his doctoral work in New Testament Studies at the University of Munich, Munich, West Germany (1971-74). His dissertation, Love Your Enemies, was published by Cambridge University Press and Baker Book House. Upon completion of his doctorate he went on to teach Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota for six years (1974-80).
In 1980, sensing an irresistible call of the Lord to preach, John became the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he has been ministering ever since. Together with his people, John is dedicated to spreading a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.
John and Noël have four sons, a daughter, and an increasing number of grandchildren.
John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, where he first sensed God's call to enter the ministry. He went on to earn degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.) and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem. John is the author of more than 30 books and more than 25 years of his preaching and teaching.
Don't Waste Your Life
Millions of people are wasting their lives pursuing dreams of happiness that don't rise above a good marriage, nice kids, a successful career, a nice car, fun vacations, nice friends, a fun retirement, a painless death, and (hopefully) no hell. John Piper calls this a tragedy in the making. He argues that we were created for joy. We were designed to have one passion.
In this book he describes his own journey toward this great, single passion. And he pleads that at all costs we pursue our joy in the crucified Christ, who is the glory of God. The cost is great. But the joy is worth any cost.
Table of Contents
Preface: For Christians and Non-Christians
1 My Search for a Single Passion to Live By
2 Breakthrough—the Beauty of Christ, My Joy
3 Boasting Only in the Cross, The Blazing Center of the Glory of God
4 Magnifying Christ Through Pain and Death
5 Risk Is Right—Better to Lose Your Life Than to Waste It
6 The Goal of Life—Gladly Making Others Glad in God
7 Living to Prove He Is More Precious Than Life
8 Making Much of Christ from 8 to 5
9 The Majesty of Christ in Missions and Mercy—A Plea to This Generation
10 My Prayer—Let None Say in the End, “I’ve Wasted It”
Desiring God
Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Third Edition)
The message of Desiring God is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. In this book, Piper calls this worldview “Christian Hedonism” and explains why pursuing maximum joy is essential to glorifying God. He discusses the implications of this for conversion, worship, love, Scripture, prayer, money, marriage, missions, and suffering.
What’s New in the 2003 Edition?
New Appendix: Is God Less Glorious Because He Ordained That Evil Be? Jonathan Edwards on the Divine Decrees
New Appendix: How Then Shall We Fight for Joy
Updated References to Statistics and Literature
New Illustrations and Quotations
Corrections and Clarifications
Table of Contents
What's New in the 2003 Edition?PrefaceIntroduction: How I Became a Christian Hedonist
The Happiness of God: Foundation for Christian Hedonism
Conversion: The Creation of a Christian Hedonist
Worship: The Feast of Christian Hedonism
Love: The Labor of Christian Hedonism
Scripture: Kindling for Christian Hedonism
Prayer: The Power of Christian Hedonism
Money: The Currency of Christian Hedonism
Marriage: A Matrix for Christian Hedonism
Missions: The Battle Cry of Christian Hedonism
Suffering: The Sacrifice of Christian Hedonism
Epilogue: Why I have Written this Book: Seven ReasonsAppendix 1: The Goal of God in Redemptive HistoryAppendix 2: Is the Bible a Reliable Guide to Lasting Joy?Appendix 3: Is God Less Glorious Because He Ordained that Evil Be? Jonathan Edwards on the Divine DecreesAppendix 4: How then Shall We Fight for Joy? An OutlineAppendix 5: Why Call It Christian Hedonism?Indexes
To view other John Piper books, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
At Wheaton College (1964-68), John majored in Literature and minored in Philosophy. Studying Romantic Literature with Clyde Kilby stimulated the poetic side of his nature and today he regularly writes poems to celebrate special family occasions as well as composing story-poems (based on the life of a Biblical character) for his congregation during the four weeks of Advent each year. At Wheaton John also met Noel Henry whom he married 1968.
Following college he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California (1968-71). While at Fuller, John took as many courses as he could from Dr. Daniel Fuller, the most influential "living" teacher in his life. Through Dr. Fuller he discovered the writings of Jonathan Edwards, his most influential "dead" teacher.
John did his doctoral work in New Testament Studies at the University of Munich, Munich, West Germany (1971-74). His dissertation, Love Your Enemies, was published by Cambridge University Press and Baker Book House. Upon completion of his doctorate he went on to teach Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota for six years (1974-80).
In 1980, sensing an irresistible call of the Lord to preach, John became the senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he has been ministering ever since. Together with his people, John is dedicated to spreading a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.
John and Noël have four sons, a daughter, and an increasing number of grandchildren.
John Piper is the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, where he first sensed God's call to enter the ministry. He went on to earn degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.) and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem. John is the author of more than 30 books and more than 25 years of his preaching and teaching.
Don't Waste Your LifeMillions of people are wasting their lives pursuing dreams of happiness that don't rise above a good marriage, nice kids, a successful career, a nice car, fun vacations, nice friends, a fun retirement, a painless death, and (hopefully) no hell. John Piper calls this a tragedy in the making. He argues that we were created for joy. We were designed to have one passion.
In this book he describes his own journey toward this great, single passion. And he pleads that at all costs we pursue our joy in the crucified Christ, who is the glory of God. The cost is great. But the joy is worth any cost.
Table of Contents
Preface: For Christians and Non-Christians
1 My Search for a Single Passion to Live By
2 Breakthrough—the Beauty of Christ, My Joy
3 Boasting Only in the Cross, The Blazing Center of the Glory of God
4 Magnifying Christ Through Pain and Death
5 Risk Is Right—Better to Lose Your Life Than to Waste It
6 The Goal of Life—Gladly Making Others Glad in God
7 Living to Prove He Is More Precious Than Life
8 Making Much of Christ from 8 to 5
9 The Majesty of Christ in Missions and Mercy—A Plea to This Generation
10 My Prayer—Let None Say in the End, “I’ve Wasted It”
Desiring GodMeditations of a Christian Hedonist (Third Edition)
The message of Desiring God is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. In this book, Piper calls this worldview “Christian Hedonism” and explains why pursuing maximum joy is essential to glorifying God. He discusses the implications of this for conversion, worship, love, Scripture, prayer, money, marriage, missions, and suffering.
What’s New in the 2003 Edition?
New Appendix: Is God Less Glorious Because He Ordained That Evil Be? Jonathan Edwards on the Divine Decrees
New Appendix: How Then Shall We Fight for Joy
Updated References to Statistics and Literature
New Illustrations and Quotations
Corrections and Clarifications
Table of Contents
What's New in the 2003 Edition?PrefaceIntroduction: How I Became a Christian Hedonist
The Happiness of God: Foundation for Christian Hedonism
Conversion: The Creation of a Christian Hedonist
Worship: The Feast of Christian Hedonism
Love: The Labor of Christian Hedonism
Scripture: Kindling for Christian Hedonism
Prayer: The Power of Christian Hedonism
Money: The Currency of Christian Hedonism
Marriage: A Matrix for Christian Hedonism
Missions: The Battle Cry of Christian Hedonism
Suffering: The Sacrifice of Christian Hedonism
Epilogue: Why I have Written this Book: Seven ReasonsAppendix 1: The Goal of God in Redemptive HistoryAppendix 2: Is the Bible a Reliable Guide to Lasting Joy?Appendix 3: Is God Less Glorious Because He Ordained that Evil Be? Jonathan Edwards on the Divine DecreesAppendix 4: How then Shall We Fight for Joy? An OutlineAppendix 5: Why Call It Christian Hedonism?Indexes
To view other John Piper books, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Christian Art Gifts
Today’s focus is on a Christian company who manufactures Christian products but one that most people don’t think of, they just buy their products. That company is Christian Art Gifts. They are a company whose purpose is Glorifying the Person of Christ by remaining faithful to the call of reaching the world through Christian resources; serving our customers with the highest level of service excellence, while building on firm biblical principles.
As a company their purpose is to meet their customers and consumers at their point of need by empowering, equipping, encouraging and enriching them through their unique range of products. Their products along with their purpose is that of providing relevant resources, including Gift Books with solid scriptural truths, Bookmarks, Journals, Pass-around cards, Bible cases, Promise boxes - all with designs that radiate joyful and godly living. At Emmaus Road Christian Store we are very happy to have a complete line of Christian Art Gifts products available to our customers.
They have a highly efficient editorial staff, innovative graphic artists and capable customer service and fulfillment team that’s always ready to respond to the needs of Christians, leading with creative designs, invigorating concepts and service excellence.
To get an idea of the products they have, click here!
If you can, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
As a company their purpose is to meet their customers and consumers at their point of need by empowering, equipping, encouraging and enriching them through their unique range of products. Their products along with their purpose is that of providing relevant resources, including Gift Books with solid scriptural truths, Bookmarks, Journals, Pass-around cards, Bible cases, Promise boxes - all with designs that radiate joyful and godly living. At Emmaus Road Christian Store we are very happy to have a complete line of Christian Art Gifts products available to our customers.
They have a highly efficient editorial staff, innovative graphic artists and capable customer service and fulfillment team that’s always ready to respond to the needs of Christians, leading with creative designs, invigorating concepts and service excellence.
To get an idea of the products they have, click here!
If you can, please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Jeremy Camp
When you think of Jeremy Camp, the words "shy" and "quiet" don't come to mind. Energetic? Yes. Passionate? Definitely. Straightforward? Absolutely. Camp's thoughtful lyrics and booming voice have earned him legions of fans and accolades including 16 No. 1 songs, five Dove Awards, three ASCAP Songwriter of the Year wins and an American Music Award nomination. So why would someone so well known for his willingness to speak his mind and share his heart title his latest release Speaking Louder Than Before? After all, his message has always come through loud and clear.
Beyond Measure
Beyond Measure continues to showcase his powerful voice that earned him back-to-back Male Vocalist of the Year honors at the GMA Music Awards. The new album is promising to be more edgy, organic and keyboard-oriented while featuring more vocal experimentation. Click Here to Order it for only $12.59
Restored
Restored encompasses the emotions of being put back together, carrying on with his desire to minister and etching deeper into his musical horizons. The disc is packed with a balance of stadium filling anthems, rock and roll revelry and praiseworthy yet edgy power ballads, while the message is sure to strike a chord with followers at all levels of their faith walk. Get ready for Restored, the next chapter in the story of this incredible artist. Click Here to Order it for only $12.59
Live Unplugged
Take a front row seat with Jeremy Camp in his latest CD/DVD entitled Live Unplugged. Recorded live in Franklin, Tennessee, Live Unplugged features the reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Jeremy Camp, backed by a string quartet singing stripped-down versions of his #1 songs along with fan favorites from his three previous releases, Stay, Carried Me and Restored. Also included is a DVD of live footage plus a VH1 storyteller-style concert! For the Jeremy Camp fan and for the music lover, Jeremy's latest offering is a must have in your collection! Click Here to Order it for only $17.09
To see other Jeremy Camp listings, Click Here!
Interested in Christian music, Click Here!
Jeremy Camp is a renewed man, that's why. Over the course of four studio discs and one live album, this grown up pastor's kid has shared his life with us. Through his songs we've seen the joy and the sorrow, his devotion to God, his fear of falling short and his certainty that Jesus is the answer to life's toughest questions. Even when Jeremy's message became painfully persona when losing his first wife to cancer just months after their wedding, he boldly wore the mantle of comforter, soothing the pain of others by sharing his story, listening patiently to theirs, and providing them with songs that expressed what they were feeling when their grief left them unable to speak. It was that life-altering tragedy that inspired his early career.
Now, remarried with two young children and a new home base in Nashville, Camp feels like he's starting fresh. "It's so new because I'm in such a different place," he says. "I'm 30 years old now. I've been doing this for a while and so much has happened since it began. At this point, I have a more clear-cut purpose and vision of what I'm meant to do. I'm more purposeful in what I'm sharing." Being more purposeful is important now that time on the road can mean time away from his family. So Speaking Louder isn't so much about Camp turning up the volume as it is finding greater clarity in what God's called him to do. And while he continues to grow and mature as an artist and a man, it only makes sense that this rocker with a preacher's heart would use his platform to proclaim 'louder than ever' the message he knows today's kids need to hear.
Speaking Louder's songs will resonate with people of any age, but Camp's message this time around is directed squarely at youth. "I see the hurt, the lack of direction, in this new generation," the former youth leader says. "I always had a passion for youth, but this album is really aimed at them." He just planned on delivering that message from a different location. The Camp clan was planning to settle down in Jeremy's home state of Indiana, build a home, plant some roots. It seemed like the right time to take that next step. But as he was reading his Bible one day, Camp says he sensed God saying, "don't put your tent pegs in too deep here." Soon after, he felt directed to move to Nashville. Since relocating, he's found his place, encouraging other artists by sharing what he's learned. The Camps also found a spiritual home in a church just outside of Nashville. Adrienne is involved in the women's ministry and leads worship (drawing on her experience in the Christian band The Benjamin Gate), while Isabella, nearly four, and Arianne, two, were welcomed with open arms by a congregation completely unfazed by what their dad does for a living. The positive effects are visible to others, too. "My mom told me, 'you just seem more at peace and more settled than you ever have,'" Camp recounts.
It's a good thing life at home is calm, because Camp admits he's "the busiest I've ever been," balancing work and family life. It helps that the Camps have made a commitment not to be apart for more than a week at a time. "My priority is my family - the girls are at such a crucial age that I just want to pour into them even more - but I also know what I'm called to do. We tell the girls, 'dad's going out and sharing Jesus with people.'
"If life had gone just a little differently, Camp would probably be standing behind a pulpit instead of a microphone. But he spreads his message through music, anthemic songs with all the depth of a Sunday sermon. Sometimes waiting for that divine inspiration can be a little nerve-wracking, though. Camp was scheduled to start recording Speaking Louder Than Before in May 2008 with Grammy-winning producer Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Rich Mullins). The album's first single, "There Will Be a Day," wasn't penned until April. Talk about cutting it close. "It wasn't because I wasn't prepared," Camp insists. "It was because I refused to force it." In the end, he replaced a several of the songs written earlier in the year with newer tunes that may draw some attention because of the urgency that he addresses.
"Some people might think I'm being preachy. I'm not angry; I'm not pointing a finger. Really, my heart is breaking. I'm talking about loving people and serving people." And it's not a message he necessarily believes everyone is called to deliver. "I'm telling my story," he clarifies. I'm pointing that finger at me." As he works to live out what he's teaching others, Camp admits it's a battle to stay on track. "If my heart's not breaking for the lost, I won't come across the way I need to." That realization keeps him on his face before God, turning to passages like Psalm 119, where's he's regularly reminded that he's not the one building this house. "I've given up on making this life my home," he says, adding, "I don't want to put my messy handprints all over this."
During pre-production, Camp was still bringing songs to Bannister, whose excitement was just the encouragement that was needed. Once in the studio, Camp recorded for five straight days, 12 hours each day, with some of Nashville's best session players backing him up and offering input that resulted in a larger sound than ever before. With its epic feel, haunting strings and plenty of ear candy, Louder goes far beyond any of Camp's previous projects, but the inspiration solidly remains the same.
The track "You Will Be There" is drawn directly from Psalm 139, while "I Know Who I Am" is based on Paul's impassioned speech in Romans 7 about doing the things he doesn't want to and failing to do what he knows he should (who can't relate to that?). Camp credits Bannister's "true heart and passion for what he's doing" with bringing out the best in him. "He knows how to get in my head and help me figure out how to get across what I want to." There's also the very personal song "Healing Hand of God," which serves as an epilogue of sorts to the story of Camp's loss of his first wife, a subject he needed encouragement to revisit. "I never want this to be just a story. It was my life, it was her life, and it was hard. But I still have people who come up to me every night who have lost someone, and God showed me that this is still part of His plan for me. It's a chapter of my life He still wants me share." But as the years have passed, he's been given a new perspective on his pain, singing now about finding rest in the shadow of His wing. The worshipful track "Surrender" serves as a fitting album closer.
Camp's calling isn't for the faint of heart. He knows he's to be the image of Christ to those he comes across, to show love and serve at all times. It's what he sings about and it's what he lives. "God called us to be the light of the world as we represent Him," he says emphatically, his conviction never wavering. "When you're speaking the truth, when you know what you believe, you speak loud." If that's the case, it's no wonder Camp goes through life with the volume turned all the way up.Jeremy Speaks Loudly About...Sharing the Gospel at his concerts: "Realizing that I have a platform to share with thousands of people, I always share the gospel every night, speaking the truth in love. I also know I need to be an example of Christ every day, too."
Love without truth: "Society today is all about love and no rules. We tiptoe around people, but if you love someone and never tell them the truth, their life will never be changed. When you speak the truth, that is love."
Talking to others about our faith: "God's Word is living and active and when you're experiencing God moving and living in your life, that will come out naturally when you're talking to somebody."
The role of the Bible in our lives: "The Bible is all we need, but there is a departure from the Word of God -- we're replacing it with other things."
His new campaign, Speak Up, Speak Now, Speak Loud: "It's an agenda without an agenda. The Speak Up comes from Paul saying, 'I didn't come to you with persuasive words, the Holy Spirit did the work.' It's not about what you can do on your own power. God just wants us to spend time with Him and have a willing heart. Speak Now comes from the urgency of the scary times we live in. Lastly, Speak Loud challenges us to hear loud this declaration from out across the nations where people are crying out. It's not about volume, it's about the substance behind what we're saying."
The teaching tools that accompany this album: For each song, Camp has created commentaries that feature him in a video song-by-song for the whole album. There are also music videos, and whether you've purchase a physical CD or download of Speaking Louder Than Before, you'll get access to these extras.
Speaking Louder Than Before
Speaking Louder Than Before is the fifth studio album from contemporary Christian musician Jeremy Camp. It was released on November 25, 2008, and debuted at #38 on the Billboard 200. The album's first single, "There Will Be a Day", was released to Christian radio two months prior, and became a number one hit by the end of November. Click Here to Order it for only $12.59
Speaking Louder Than BeforeSpeaking Louder Than Before is the fifth studio album from contemporary Christian musician Jeremy Camp. It was released on November 25, 2008, and debuted at #38 on the Billboard 200. The album's first single, "There Will Be a Day", was released to Christian radio two months prior, and became a number one hit by the end of November. Click Here to Order it for only $12.59
Beyond MeasureBeyond Measure continues to showcase his powerful voice that earned him back-to-back Male Vocalist of the Year honors at the GMA Music Awards. The new album is promising to be more edgy, organic and keyboard-oriented while featuring more vocal experimentation. Click Here to Order it for only $12.59
RestoredRestored encompasses the emotions of being put back together, carrying on with his desire to minister and etching deeper into his musical horizons. The disc is packed with a balance of stadium filling anthems, rock and roll revelry and praiseworthy yet edgy power ballads, while the message is sure to strike a chord with followers at all levels of their faith walk. Get ready for Restored, the next chapter in the story of this incredible artist. Click Here to Order it for only $12.59
Live UnpluggedTake a front row seat with Jeremy Camp in his latest CD/DVD entitled Live Unplugged. Recorded live in Franklin, Tennessee, Live Unplugged features the reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Jeremy Camp, backed by a string quartet singing stripped-down versions of his #1 songs along with fan favorites from his three previous releases, Stay, Carried Me and Restored. Also included is a DVD of live footage plus a VH1 storyteller-style concert! For the Jeremy Camp fan and for the music lover, Jeremy's latest offering is a must have in your collection! Click Here to Order it for only $17.09
To see other Jeremy Camp listings, Click Here!
Interested in Christian music, Click Here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Dake Annotated Reference Bible
When examining any Bible that has any one person or even a group of peoples opinions, the Bible student must read seeking discernment and wisdom. What I mean by this is for example, is the study Bibles or the reference Bibles. The scripture is the scripture by the notes are supplemental to the scripture and written by man. They may be God inspired but they are not scripture and should not be taken as such. Those notes included are designed to help the reader have a better understanding of the Word, but they are not the Word.
With that said, today I will give you information on the The Dake Annotated Reference Bible. There is no doubt that the The Dake Annotated Reference Bible is a useful tool. Many people will however, take note of the controversies surrounding Finis Dake and not give his study much credit. Others believe that Fenis Dake was right on. I do not take sides on this issue, leaving the decision you. If, after you read this feel compelled to look further at the Dake Bibles, you can visit Emmaus Road Christian Store for a complete line of Dake Bibles.
Finis Dake (Autobiography)
I rejected Christianity in my youth, until I found some believers who lived the life they professed. Faced with truth backed by Christian example, I knew I had to make a decision. After weeks of struggling with my conscience, I chose to serve God the rest of my life and do His will, whatever it may be. I had the witness of the Spirit with my spirit that I was a child of God, the blood of Christ having cleansed me from all unrighteousness. I was baptized in water as an outward symbol of an inward work of Christ in my life.
But I was more hungry for God than ever before. I cried out for a closer walk with Him, to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I spent hours in prayer and worship, seeking God.
After three months of wholehearted surrender, I received a great anointing of the Spirit. A cool and rushing wind came over me. From the depths of my being came the “rivers of rushing water” that Jesus promised in John 7:37-39. Torrents of praise began to flow from my lips as I received in measure what the disciples had on the day of Pentecost. It was May, 1920, and I was seventeen years old.
I was immediately able to quote hundreds of Scriptures without memorizing them. I also noticed a quickening of my mind to know what chapters and books various verses were found in. Before conversion, I had not read one full chapter of the Bible. This new knowledge of Scripture was a gift to me, for which I give God the praise.
From the time of this special anointing until now, I have never had to memorize the thousands of scriptures I use in teaching. I just quote a verse when I need it, by the anointing of the Spirit.
I then began to study the Bible without ceasing, and have now spent around a hundred thousand hours digging into the wealth of its teachings.
From the first of my studies, I found the Bible to be simple and clear. Daily study, coupled with my ability to quote the Bible as I yielded to the Spirit, helped me “rightly divide the truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Difficult passages in prophecy and elsewhere did not seem mystifying to me, for what was unclear in one passage was made clear by other scriptures on the same subject. Hours of study provided a rich storehouse to draw from as I yielded to the Spirit. When I was eighteen I enrolled in a Bible Institute to prepare for the ministry. I soon learned that one must either believe what the Bible alone teaches, or spend his life wrestling with the confusing and varied interpretations of men. The professors did not agree among themselves on some of the basic truths, and a number even disagreed with what the Bible plainly stated on certain subjects.
I thus became acquainted with a perplexing array of doctrines. Some of them were in agreement with Scripture and could be proved when all passages dealing with the subject were examined. But others turned out to be “hand-me-down” theology from a former generation of preachers, many of whom were great in spite of their doctrinal errors.
With that said, today I will give you information on the The Dake Annotated Reference Bible. There is no doubt that the The Dake Annotated Reference Bible is a useful tool. Many people will however, take note of the controversies surrounding Finis Dake and not give his study much credit. Others believe that Fenis Dake was right on. I do not take sides on this issue, leaving the decision you. If, after you read this feel compelled to look further at the Dake Bibles, you can visit Emmaus Road Christian Store for a complete line of Dake Bibles.
Finis Dake (Autobiography)
I rejected Christianity in my youth, until I found some believers who lived the life they professed. Faced with truth backed by Christian example, I knew I had to make a decision. After weeks of struggling with my conscience, I chose to serve God the rest of my life and do His will, whatever it may be. I had the witness of the Spirit with my spirit that I was a child of God, the blood of Christ having cleansed me from all unrighteousness. I was baptized in water as an outward symbol of an inward work of Christ in my life.
But I was more hungry for God than ever before. I cried out for a closer walk with Him, to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I spent hours in prayer and worship, seeking God.
After three months of wholehearted surrender, I received a great anointing of the Spirit. A cool and rushing wind came over me. From the depths of my being came the “rivers of rushing water” that Jesus promised in John 7:37-39. Torrents of praise began to flow from my lips as I received in measure what the disciples had on the day of Pentecost. It was May, 1920, and I was seventeen years old.
I was immediately able to quote hundreds of Scriptures without memorizing them. I also noticed a quickening of my mind to know what chapters and books various verses were found in. Before conversion, I had not read one full chapter of the Bible. This new knowledge of Scripture was a gift to me, for which I give God the praise.
From the time of this special anointing until now, I have never had to memorize the thousands of scriptures I use in teaching. I just quote a verse when I need it, by the anointing of the Spirit.
I then began to study the Bible without ceasing, and have now spent around a hundred thousand hours digging into the wealth of its teachings.
From the first of my studies, I found the Bible to be simple and clear. Daily study, coupled with my ability to quote the Bible as I yielded to the Spirit, helped me “rightly divide the truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Difficult passages in prophecy and elsewhere did not seem mystifying to me, for what was unclear in one passage was made clear by other scriptures on the same subject. Hours of study provided a rich storehouse to draw from as I yielded to the Spirit. When I was eighteen I enrolled in a Bible Institute to prepare for the ministry. I soon learned that one must either believe what the Bible alone teaches, or spend his life wrestling with the confusing and varied interpretations of men. The professors did not agree among themselves on some of the basic truths, and a number even disagreed with what the Bible plainly stated on certain subjects.
I thus became acquainted with a perplexing array of doctrines. Some of them were in agreement with Scripture and could be proved when all passages dealing with the subject were examined. But others turned out to be “hand-me-down” theology from a former generation of preachers, many of whom were great in spite of their doctrinal errors.
I had to decide either to respect my gift and depend on God and the knowledge of the Word He had given me as a guide to determining scriptural truth, or go along with the crowd.
My decision was firm. I vowed to the Lord never to teach one thing I could not prove with two or three plain Scriptures, agreeing with Paul that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Cor. 13:1). Believing also that “no prophecy . . . is of any private interpretation” (to be interpreted without comparison with other Scriptures, 2 Pet. 1:20), I reasoned that the Bible is God’s Word in human language and means exactly what it says. Any interpretation which is out of harmony with what is plainly written must be rejected as the theory of man.
It was a big decision for a lad, and cost me a few friends now and again - friends who preferred to listen to almost anyone who had gray hair, rather than a youth just emerging from his teens. But my hair is gray too now, yet my decision remains the same. The prophecies, promises, admonitions and doctrines are there in the Bible the same as they were when I began quoting them years ago. They are in plain language, understandable by anyone who can read and will take time to look up an occasional word in the dictionary.
My early decision has paid off in many ways, one of them being letters I receive now and again from someone who says, “I didn’t have much use for your teaching years ago, but now I find your writings a great help and inspiration.” Such testimonies are my reward for carrying out my early vows to teach exactly what the Bible says on all subjects it deals with.
If I have inspired you to study God’s Word with an open mind; if I have influenced you to take Scriptures literally; and if my testimony has made you hungry for God, His Word and His anointing, then I have accomplished the purpose I had in mind - that of blessing your life!
The Dake Annotated Reference Bible
The Dake Annotated Reference Bible is like no other study Bible on the market. More than twenty years of painstaking research went into it. With 35,000 commentary notes, 500,000 cross/chain references and 9,000 outline headings, the Dake Bible gives you more resources for personal study than you'll find in any other Bible. Period.
Yet it's not just the number of notes, references and headings that set the Dake Bible apart. It's what those tools do for you. Thousands of passages are amplified. Obscure readings are made clear. Ancient customs are explained, along with matters of history, culture and geography. Greek and Hebrew words and idioms are handled. In addition, parables, types, symbols, allegories and figures of speech are dealt with. Dispensational issues are treated in a systematic fashion, along with hundreds of details of biblical prophecy.
In other words, the Dake Bible is the ultimate tool to help you truly understand Scripture and "rightly divide the word of truth."
Dake's Annotated Reference Bible contains the Old and New Testament of the authorized or KJV Text. The Dake Bible is laid out with four columns on each page—two columns containing the KJV text and two containing notes and comments. The Dake Bible also features a complete concordance and cyclopedic index. The words of Christ are in red, and Old Testament and New Testament Questions are found at the end of each section. The Plan of the Ages chart is included at the back of the Bible. There is a complete concordance that lists every Bible word. There are 9,000 headings to divide the text and 35,000 commentary notes. Plus, there are more than 8,000 outlines for sermons and the definitions of key Hebrew and Greek words are included. There is also a complete summary at the conclusion of each book and over 500,000 helpful cross chain references for study.
To help illustrate the power of the Dake Bible, I’ve created a sample page with many of the Bible's features highlighted for you. In addition, the Reading Room offers numerous examples of the different types of notes in the Dake Bible. (Note: The sample page is an example of the Standard Dake Bible. Although the new Large Print and Compact Dake Bibles have the same notes as the Standard Dake Bible, the layout is much different.
To view a complete line of Dake Bibles, click here!
To view a Bibles, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey to Heaven
Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey to Heaven is a modern adaptation of John Bunyan’s beloved classic. It is the #1 Christian fantasy of all time! The novel has been heralded as a literary masterpiece around the world, as it has been published in over 100 languages and is the most read book other than the Bible.Amazing visual effects, beautiful locations and a wonderful cast bring to life the story that has inspired each generation for hundreds of years. Follow Christian and his companions on a great Journey from the City of Destruction to the gates of Heaven as they face obstacles large and small, man-made and demon-spawned.
Beyond the gripping drama, Bunyan’s powerful allegory teaches us all the hazards and hopes of the Christian life, and it features the triumphant glory that awaits all who faithfully follow the King of kings!
The production team did not take this tremendous challenge lightly, as we know that millions of
people love the book, THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.This amazing story covers deep spiritual truths using incredible imagery. A few examples include the following: the burden of sin on Christian’s back, the wonder at the cross when Christian loses his burden, the beauty of grace unfolding in the parlor of the House of the Interpreter, the path of righteousness that we must all walk, and the glory of heaven and the torment of hell.A great deal of prayer, hard work and tears went into the making of this movie. The locations, both interior and exterior, seemed endless. Many characters required special effects makeup and design such as: Christian and his burden, the demons, the angels, Apollyon, and the Giant Despair.The story required hundreds of props including: Christian’s helmet, swords, shields, spears, bows, arrows, the Cross, ropes, the jaw of a donkey, fire, shackles, scrolls, skulls, bones, walking canes and much, much more.Click to order Pilgrim’s Progress: Journey to Heaven
Click to order the book THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS.
To see other Christian movie listings, click here!
Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Game Wave - Family Fun for All!
Talk about fun! You’ve got to check out Game Wave. This is a family video game for the entire family (until the kids win). The company’s game philosophy is very straightforward; keep it simple. The idea is for you to be able to turn on your Game Wave, insert a game, and have six people who have never played it before become masters in minutes.
That doesn’t mean the games are easy. Their titles will challenge even the most enthusiastic gamers while exercising their brains at the same time.
Keeping it simple also means not having to wait for turns. In all of their games all the players are engaged all the time. They believe watching someone else have all the fun isn’t that much fun, so in a Game Wave game everyone plays all the time.
Designed for kids, parents and grandparents alike, their family games are divided into four categories: Trivia Games, Word Games, Numbers Games and Puzzle Games.
They invite you to check out their existing game titles. They also have many more exciting games in development and each one of those will provide a fun, interactive experience for you and your friends and family.
What the Media is saying about Game Wave
Extreme Kids"After playing it was, 'We will keep the Game Wave system in the family room.' The other systems can go in the kid’s rooms or game rooms. Great family fun!"
Click here for more from Extreme Kids
GamerDad"This is not the gaming console your kids are looking for. But it just might be the one your family wants." Click here for more from GamerDad
About.com:Fatherhood - Five out of Five Stars"For a great family interactive experience that will attract gamers and non-gamers alike, the GameWave has it all. It has become a welcome addition to our family's quality time tool box."Click here for more from Fatherhood
Toronto Star writes the Game Wave "outdoes its competition in a meaningful way.""Perhaps there is room for kinder, gentler, more socially responsible gaming."
Click here for more from The Toronto Star
Washington Times says Game Wave blows away the competition"The curvy Game Wave console allows families and friends — those not enamored by titles such as Halo, Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty — to play together and interact in kinder video-game realms."
Click here for more from The Washington Times
New York Times reports the Game Wave "Expands the Action...”"Every member of the family can have an equal chance to win..."Click here for more from The New York Times
Today's Parent reviews 4 Degrees which comes with the Game Wave“It is quite extraordinary and it is, without a doubt, the best trivia game I’ve ever played.”
Click here for more from Today's Parent
Game Wave on G4TechTVThe G4TechTV Channel in Canada is airing HotTech product reviews on the Game Wave Click here to watch video from G4TechTV Canada
Game Wave DVD system lets families play together"Game Wave's combination of music, videos, narration and multimedia breathes life into trivia games in a way that this new generation can embrace." - Jinny GudmundsenClick here for the full story on USATODAY.com
Awards & Recognition
Game Wave Awarded the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval In their review, the council remarks: "Brilliantly designed and engineered, the system impressed our testers from the start." Click here for the complete review from the National Parenting Center's web site.iParenting Media Awards recognises the Game Wave as an Outstanding Product of 2006
"The curvy new console is ready to entertain at family gatherings and parties – places where traditional video games never go. Game Wave ™ combines the group interaction of traditional board games with the excitement of interactive video."Click here to visit the Award Winner page for the Game Wave.
About iParenting Media Awards:The iParenting Media Awards is the only consumer awards program certified by ISO 9001:2000, the internationally recognized standard of quality assurance.
"iParenting is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a leader in providing parents with the best information. It is an honor and a responsibility to let them know which products resonated with our reviewers," says Alvin All, Chief Executive Officer of iParenting Media. "We evaluated wonderful items in our Outstanding Products Call for Entry, but only the ones that exceeded the high evaluation standards we set earned the iParenting Media Award."
To see a complete line of Game Wave, click here!
To see other Christian games, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
That doesn’t mean the games are easy. Their titles will challenge even the most enthusiastic gamers while exercising their brains at the same time.
Keeping it simple also means not having to wait for turns. In all of their games all the players are engaged all the time. They believe watching someone else have all the fun isn’t that much fun, so in a Game Wave game everyone plays all the time.
Designed for kids, parents and grandparents alike, their family games are divided into four categories: Trivia Games, Word Games, Numbers Games and Puzzle Games.
They invite you to check out their existing game titles. They also have many more exciting games in development and each one of those will provide a fun, interactive experience for you and your friends and family.
What the Media is saying about Game Wave
Extreme Kids"After playing it was, 'We will keep the Game Wave system in the family room.' The other systems can go in the kid’s rooms or game rooms. Great family fun!"
Click here for more from Extreme Kids
GamerDad"This is not the gaming console your kids are looking for. But it just might be the one your family wants." Click here for more from GamerDad
About.com:Fatherhood - Five out of Five Stars"For a great family interactive experience that will attract gamers and non-gamers alike, the GameWave has it all. It has become a welcome addition to our family's quality time tool box."Click here for more from Fatherhood
Toronto Star writes the Game Wave "outdoes its competition in a meaningful way.""Perhaps there is room for kinder, gentler, more socially responsible gaming."
Click here for more from The Toronto Star
Washington Times says Game Wave blows away the competition"The curvy Game Wave console allows families and friends — those not enamored by titles such as Halo, Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty — to play together and interact in kinder video-game realms."
Click here for more from The Washington Times
New York Times reports the Game Wave "Expands the Action...”"Every member of the family can have an equal chance to win..."Click here for more from The New York Times
Today's Parent reviews 4 Degrees which comes with the Game Wave“It is quite extraordinary and it is, without a doubt, the best trivia game I’ve ever played.”
Click here for more from Today's Parent
Game Wave on G4TechTVThe G4TechTV Channel in Canada is airing HotTech product reviews on the Game Wave Click here to watch video from G4TechTV Canada
Game Wave DVD system lets families play together"Game Wave's combination of music, videos, narration and multimedia breathes life into trivia games in a way that this new generation can embrace." - Jinny GudmundsenClick here for the full story on USATODAY.com
Awards & Recognition
Game Wave Awarded the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval In their review, the council remarks: "Brilliantly designed and engineered, the system impressed our testers from the start." Click here for the complete review from the National Parenting Center's web site.iParenting Media Awards recognises the Game Wave as an Outstanding Product of 2006
"The curvy new console is ready to entertain at family gatherings and parties – places where traditional video games never go. Game Wave ™ combines the group interaction of traditional board games with the excitement of interactive video."Click here to visit the Award Winner page for the Game Wave.
About iParenting Media Awards:The iParenting Media Awards is the only consumer awards program certified by ISO 9001:2000, the internationally recognized standard of quality assurance.
"iParenting is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a leader in providing parents with the best information. It is an honor and a responsibility to let them know which products resonated with our reviewers," says Alvin All, Chief Executive Officer of iParenting Media. "We evaluated wonderful items in our Outstanding Products Call for Entry, but only the ones that exceeded the high evaluation standards we set earned the iParenting Media Award."
To see a complete line of Game Wave, click here!
To see other Christian games, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dr. Gary Chapman, Marriage, Love and Relationships
This week’s feature author is Dr. Gary Chapman. When one speaks of relationships and love, the fist name that comes to the Christian mind is Gary Chapman. Dr. Gary Chapman seeks to fulfill his call to the ministry as a pastor, speaker, and author. He speaks extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally on marriage, family, and relationships. The government of Singapore invited him to present his marriage seminar there and the Chaplain’s Office of NATO issued a special invitation for Dr. Chapman to speak to the NATO forces in Germany. Other engagements have taken him to England, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Mexico and Hong Kong. Sales exceeding 5 million copies earned him the Platinum Book Award from the Evangelical Publishers Association for The Five Love Languages, which has been translated into over thirty-six languages. Twenty-seven other books and five video series are also among his publications.
On the home front, Dr. Chapman is Senior Associate Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He and his wife, Karolyn, have two adult children and two grandchildren.
Love is a Verb
From the best-selling author of The Five Love Languages comes an inspiring collection of forty true stories displaying love in action. Couples, singles, parents, and leaders will benefit and grow relationally as they learn to put the love principles found here into action-packed verbs. The stories you'll read in Love Is a Verb are written by real-life couples, parents, children, and friends. Each of these real and heartfelt accounts are followed by insightful lessons in which Dr. Gary Chapman shows you how to apply these love transforming, relationship-building principles.
Because love isn't just a feeling.Love is a choice, and love is something we all need to do.Love is a verb.
The Five Love Languages
Are you and your spouse speaking the same language? While love is a many splendor thing, it is sometimes a very confusing thing, too. And as people come in all varieties, shapes, and sizes, so do their choices of personal expressions of love. But more often than not, the giver and the receiver express love in two different ways. This can lead to misunderstanding, quarrels, and even divorce. Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Physical Touch; Dr. Gary Chapman identifies five basic languages of love and then guides couples towards a better understanding of their unique languages of love. Learn to speak and understand your mate's love language, and in no time you will be able to effectively love and truly feel loved in return. Skillful communication is within your grasp!Unhappiness in marriage often has a simple root cause: we speak different love languages, believes Dr. Gary Chapman. While working as a marriage counselor for more than 30 years, he identified five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. In a friendly, often humorous style, he unpacks each one. Some husbands or wives may crave focused attention; another needs regular praise. Gifts are highly important to one spouse, while another sees fixing a leaky faucet, ironing a shirt, or cooking a meal as filling their "love tank." Some partners might find physical touch makes them feel valued: holding hands, giving back rubs, and sexual contact. Chapman illustrates each love language with real-life examples from his counseling practice.
How do you discover your spouse’s – and your own – love language? Chapman’s short questionnaires are one of several ways to find out. Throughout the book, he also includes application questions that can be answered more extensively in the beautifully detailed companion leather journal (an exclusive Outline set). Each section of the journal corresponds with a chapter from the book, offering opportunities for deeper reflection on your marriage.
Although some readers may find choosing to love a spouse that they no longer even like –hoping the feelings of affection will follow later– a difficult concept to swallow, Chapman promises that the results will be worth the effort. "Love is a choice," says Chapman. "And either partner can start the process today." --Cindy Crosby. This text refers to the Outline Exclusive Journal & Paperback Book Set.
Love as a Way of Life
Each day involves countless interactions with others–not only among family and friends but also with neighbors, coworkers, even telephone solicitors. An attitude of love may not be your top priority in some of these encounters. But what if the ancient maxim “love your neighbor as yourself” applied to everyone, including those you meet in the most ordinary circumstances?
By giving love, instead of grabbing for it, you’ll become the person others want to love in return, no matter what their role in your life.
Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman applies the seven characteristics of authentic love to family life, friendship, the workplace, and beyond. Eye-opening personal assessments uncover relational strengths and weaknesses, while real-life stories and ideas for building habits of love will inspire you to grow into the complete person you were meant/created to be.
Capture a vision that will transform your relationships and make your corner of the world a better place–by choosing Love As a Way of Life. Includes self-tests; practical ideas; and a discussion guide for churches and ministry groups.
Desperate Marriages
Countless couples today face major marital struggles. Dr. Gary Chapman communicates genuine hope for every marriage–even for those with deeply rooted wounds. Chapman provides positive steps for dealing with spouses who are:
Workaholics
Controlling
Uncommunicative
Physically, verbally, or sexually abusive
Unfaithful
Alcoholic or drug-abusing
Depressed
Irresponsible
For a complete listing and offering of Dr. Chapman material, click here!
For offerings of other marriage, relationship materials, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
On the home front, Dr. Chapman is Senior Associate Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He and his wife, Karolyn, have two adult children and two grandchildren.
Love is a VerbFrom the best-selling author of The Five Love Languages comes an inspiring collection of forty true stories displaying love in action. Couples, singles, parents, and leaders will benefit and grow relationally as they learn to put the love principles found here into action-packed verbs. The stories you'll read in Love Is a Verb are written by real-life couples, parents, children, and friends. Each of these real and heartfelt accounts are followed by insightful lessons in which Dr. Gary Chapman shows you how to apply these love transforming, relationship-building principles.
Because love isn't just a feeling.Love is a choice, and love is something we all need to do.Love is a verb.
The Five Love LanguagesAre you and your spouse speaking the same language? While love is a many splendor thing, it is sometimes a very confusing thing, too. And as people come in all varieties, shapes, and sizes, so do their choices of personal expressions of love. But more often than not, the giver and the receiver express love in two different ways. This can lead to misunderstanding, quarrels, and even divorce. Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Physical Touch; Dr. Gary Chapman identifies five basic languages of love and then guides couples towards a better understanding of their unique languages of love. Learn to speak and understand your mate's love language, and in no time you will be able to effectively love and truly feel loved in return. Skillful communication is within your grasp!Unhappiness in marriage often has a simple root cause: we speak different love languages, believes Dr. Gary Chapman. While working as a marriage counselor for more than 30 years, he identified five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. In a friendly, often humorous style, he unpacks each one. Some husbands or wives may crave focused attention; another needs regular praise. Gifts are highly important to one spouse, while another sees fixing a leaky faucet, ironing a shirt, or cooking a meal as filling their "love tank." Some partners might find physical touch makes them feel valued: holding hands, giving back rubs, and sexual contact. Chapman illustrates each love language with real-life examples from his counseling practice.
How do you discover your spouse’s – and your own – love language? Chapman’s short questionnaires are one of several ways to find out. Throughout the book, he also includes application questions that can be answered more extensively in the beautifully detailed companion leather journal (an exclusive Outline set). Each section of the journal corresponds with a chapter from the book, offering opportunities for deeper reflection on your marriage.
Although some readers may find choosing to love a spouse that they no longer even like –hoping the feelings of affection will follow later– a difficult concept to swallow, Chapman promises that the results will be worth the effort. "Love is a choice," says Chapman. "And either partner can start the process today." --Cindy Crosby. This text refers to the Outline Exclusive Journal & Paperback Book Set.
Love as a Way of LifeEach day involves countless interactions with others–not only among family and friends but also with neighbors, coworkers, even telephone solicitors. An attitude of love may not be your top priority in some of these encounters. But what if the ancient maxim “love your neighbor as yourself” applied to everyone, including those you meet in the most ordinary circumstances?
By giving love, instead of grabbing for it, you’ll become the person others want to love in return, no matter what their role in your life.
Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman applies the seven characteristics of authentic love to family life, friendship, the workplace, and beyond. Eye-opening personal assessments uncover relational strengths and weaknesses, while real-life stories and ideas for building habits of love will inspire you to grow into the complete person you were meant/created to be.
Capture a vision that will transform your relationships and make your corner of the world a better place–by choosing Love As a Way of Life. Includes self-tests; practical ideas; and a discussion guide for churches and ministry groups.
Desperate MarriagesCountless couples today face major marital struggles. Dr. Gary Chapman communicates genuine hope for every marriage–even for those with deeply rooted wounds. Chapman provides positive steps for dealing with spouses who are:
Workaholics
Controlling
Uncommunicative
Physically, verbally, or sexually abusive
Unfaithful
Alcoholic or drug-abusing
Depressed
Irresponsible
For a complete listing and offering of Dr. Chapman material, click here!
For offerings of other marriage, relationship materials, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
What is a Concordance?
When the word “concordance” is thrown out, many people look at the size, type print and become very intimidated. This should not be. A concordance is a useful tool from the most advanced Bible scholar to the one just opening the scriptures for the first time. Written below is general information about concordances beginning with the man who it is believed put together the first, James Strong. I hope that after you read this you will be more comfortable with the concordance. You can view the various concordances available at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
To view Strong Concordances, Click Here!
To view other Concordances, Click Here!
Please Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
James Strong, scholar, was born in New York City, on August 14, 1822. His father, Thomas, came from England to this country in 1815. James was left an orphan at an early age, and at age 17 began the study of medicine, but the failure of his health led to its abandonment. He was graduated at Wesleyan in 1844; taught two years in Poultney, Vermont, and then failing health again compelled his retirement to a farm in Newtown, Long Island. Eighteen months later he settled at Flushing, where he followed biblical studies. He held various local offices, took an active interest in the development of tile town, and projected and built the Flushing railroad, of which he was president. He gave gratuitous private instruction to classes in Greek and Hebrew, which led to his first literary labor, the preparation of brief manuals of Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldee grammar, which were afterward published (1856-1869). From 1858 until 1861 he was professor of biblical literature and acting president of Troy University, where in the former year he delivered an inaugural on "Scholastic Education and Biblical Interpretation" (Troy, 1859), and he then returned to Flushing to engage in public improvements. Since 1868 he has been professor of exegetical theology in Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey. Wesleyan gave him the degrees of D. D, and LL. D. in 1856 and 1881 respectively. James Strong traveled in Egypt and Palestine in 1874, and is a member of the American branch of the Palestine exploration committee. He is also tied to one of the Old Testament company of the committee for the revision of the authorized version of the Bible. In 1872 he was a lay delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the author of "A New Harmony and Exposition of the Gospels" (New York, 1852); " Harmony in Greek" (1854); "Scripture History delineated from the Biblical Records and all other Accessible Sources" (Madison, New Jersey, 1878); " Irenics, a Series of Essays showing the Virtual Agreement between Science and the Bible" (New York, 1883); and "The Tabernacle of Israel in the Desert" (1888). He has edited, for the American edition of Lange's commentary, the parts on "Daniel" (1876) and "Esther" (1877), and published a "Literal Translation of Ecclesiastes" (1877) The chief work of his life is the "Cyclopmdia of Biblical, Theo-logical, and Ecclesiastical Literature" (10 vols., 1867-'81 ; supplement, 2 vols., 1885-'7). In the preparation of the first three volumes of this work, which was begun in 1853, he was the associate of its projector, Dr. John McClintock (q. v.), who took charge of the theological part, while he attended to the department of biblical literature, but since the death of Dr. McClintock Dr. Strong has had sole charge. He has also prepared various question manuals for Sunday-schools and Bible classes, based on his " Harmony of the Gospels," several of which were edited by Daniel P. Kidder, D. D. (New York, 1853-'4), and with Orange Judd and Mrs. Julia M. Olin lessons for every Sunday in the year (4 vols., 1862-'5), on the plan afterward used in the " International Lessons."
A Concordance
A concordance is a very useful tool for studying the Bible. Made up of word lists and formatted in alphabetical order, under each word there is a series of verses where that word can be found.
The original Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, for example, takes every single word of the KJV and lists where it can be found in the scriptures. Each word has been assigned a number, and each number represents the word in the original Hebrew or Greek. Using a lexicon or other word study dictionary, the numbers can be used to locate the word and read the Hebrew or Greek definition.
Concordances are great for topical studies or to locate a scripture verse according to words when the chapter and verse can’t be recalled.
The Strong's Concordance is a very useful tool for studying the scriptures. It takes every single word of the King James Version and lists where each word can be found in the scriptures. It is useful for locating scripture verses that you know the words to, but don't know the book, chapter and verse.
For example, let's say that you know of a verse that says our hairs are numbered. You could look up the word "numbered" in a Strong's Concordance and it would give you a listing of all the verses that contain the word "numbered". You would then find Matthew 10:30, where Yahushua said that "the very hairs of your head are all numbered". You can find the Strong's Concordance in most any bible bookstore (See the graphic to your right).
Also beside each verse reference there is a number. That number represents a Hebrew word (if in the Old Testament) or Greek word (if in the New Testament). In the back of the book it lists Hebrew and Greek words used to translate the bible into English. Each has a a number beside them so that we may only need to know the number to locate a Greek or Hebrew word. Then we can do a word study by reading the meaning of the original word. Whenever I refer to a number in the Strong's concordance, you can look up the number for yourself in the Strong's Lexicon or other lexicons that use Strong's numbers to verify everything.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the Strong's Concordance is fairly reliable in its lexicon definitions, it is relying on 19th century scholarship. One of the best ways to determine the true meaning of a word is look up that word in a Hebrew or Greek Lexicon to see how it was translated in various places (See below). Also, Hebrew especially has various verb forms, tenses and stems that can have different meanings. The Strong's Lexicon doesn't do much to address this, but others (such as the Brown Driver Briggs that the online concordance uses) have more detailed definitions for each verb stem.
A ConcordanceA concordance is a very useful tool for studying the Bible. Made up of word lists and formatted in alphabetical order, under each word there is a series of verses where that word can be found.
The original Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, for example, takes every single word of the KJV and lists where it can be found in the scriptures. Each word has been assigned a number, and each number represents the word in the original Hebrew or Greek. Using a lexicon or other word study dictionary, the numbers can be used to locate the word and read the Hebrew or Greek definition.
Concordances are great for topical studies or to locate a scripture verse according to words when the chapter and verse can’t be recalled.
The Strong's Concordance is a very useful tool for studying the scriptures. It takes every single word of the King James Version and lists where each word can be found in the scriptures. It is useful for locating scripture verses that you know the words to, but don't know the book, chapter and verse.For example, let's say that you know of a verse that says our hairs are numbered. You could look up the word "numbered" in a Strong's Concordance and it would give you a listing of all the verses that contain the word "numbered". You would then find Matthew 10:30, where Yahushua said that "the very hairs of your head are all numbered". You can find the Strong's Concordance in most any bible bookstore (See the graphic to your right).
Also beside each verse reference there is a number. That number represents a Hebrew word (if in the Old Testament) or Greek word (if in the New Testament). In the back of the book it lists Hebrew and Greek words used to translate the bible into English. Each has a a number beside them so that we may only need to know the number to locate a Greek or Hebrew word. Then we can do a word study by reading the meaning of the original word. Whenever I refer to a number in the Strong's concordance, you can look up the number for yourself in the Strong's Lexicon or other lexicons that use Strong's numbers to verify everything.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the Strong's Concordance is fairly reliable in its lexicon definitions, it is relying on 19th century scholarship. One of the best ways to determine the true meaning of a word is look up that word in a Hebrew or Greek Lexicon to see how it was translated in various places (See below). Also, Hebrew especially has various verb forms, tenses and stems that can have different meanings. The Strong's Lexicon doesn't do much to address this, but others (such as the Brown Driver Briggs that the online concordance uses) have more detailed definitions for each verb stem.
To view Strong Concordances, Click Here!
To view other Concordances, Click Here!
Please Visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Things Not Seen - Christian Apparel
"Things Not Seen was placed on my heart in November of 2006," said CEO, Robert Taylor.
At that time, and after many discussions with trusted mentors, friends, and much prayer, Robert had the faith that the endeavor would become a reality, but the issue of when was up to God. He had this planned long before Robert ever came into existence, and only He knew when.
In August of 2007, Things Not Seen was born.
The mission of the company has always been:
"To Evangelize to the World the Message of Jesus Christthrough our line of Christian Clothing and Accessories."
In 2008, TNS grew to be carried nationally by many wonderful stores and begin expanding into international markets.
Our name is derived from an incredible passage in Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV):"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Listen for that still, small voice as God is always with you! Embrace your Faith...It is a TRUE gift from God.
May Things Not Seen Clothing and Accessories bring you much joy, and allow you to...
At that time, and after many discussions with trusted mentors, friends, and much prayer, Robert had the faith that the endeavor would become a reality, but the issue of when was up to God. He had this planned long before Robert ever came into existence, and only He knew when.
In August of 2007, Things Not Seen was born.
The mission of the company has always been:
"To Evangelize to the World the Message of Jesus Christthrough our line of Christian Clothing and Accessories."
In 2008, TNS grew to be carried nationally by many wonderful stores and begin expanding into international markets.
Our name is derived from an incredible passage in Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV):"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Listen for that still, small voice as God is always with you! Embrace your Faith...It is a TRUE gift from God.
May Things Not Seen Clothing and Accessories bring you much joy, and allow you to...
To View "Things Not Seen" products, Click Here!
To View Christian Apparel, Click Here!
For Savings on all of your Christian Product Needs, visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at www.emmaus-road.com
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Point of Grace
This week’s Christian artist highlight is “Point of Grace.” The group originated in 1991 calling themselves “Say So” as a quartet forming at Ouachita Baptist University. The foursome traveled the country singing and self-promoting their group. The original group consisting of Shelly Breen, Denise Jones, Terry Jones and Heather Payne quickly caught the attention of Word Records and in 1993 they changed their name to “Point of Grace.” Since their inception they have been considered one of the top Christian recording groups. From 1993 to 2003 the group has had five Gold Albums (their fist being self titled, Point of Grace) and two Platinum Albums. At the close of 2003 Terry Jones left the group to be with her family. Leigh Cappillino was chosen as her replacement. In 2008 Heather Payne followed suite. She has yet to be replaced.
True talent really knows no boundaries; so it’s no surprise at all to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” The beautiful ballad is the centerpiece of Point of Grace’s “How You Live Deluxe Edition,” featuring a newly recorded acoustic version of the multi-format hit.
“We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics.
“What we’ve always been doing as Point of Grace, we are finding that country music is beginning to embrace even more, especially lyrically,” continues Breen. “Many of the lyrics you hear on country radio are so much more faith-based. There is definitely a place there now for the music that we’ve been singing for a long time.”
The readily identifiable sound has fueled one of the most successful careers in gospel music. Point of Grace has sold more than five million albums, won eight Dove Awards and received two Grammy nods. They’ve earned two platinum and five gold albums and have scored more than two dozen No. 1 hits at Christian radio, among them “Steady On,” “The Great Divide” and “Circle of Friends.”
Most recently, the talented trio has been busy in the studio recording three new songs to add to the deluxe edition of their award-winning “How You Live” project. The title track took home the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for Country Recorded Song of the Year. They reprise that hit on the new collection as well as serve up two new tunes---“I Wish” and “King of the World.”
“The first time we heard ‘King of the World’ we all cried,” says Jones. “All three of us have incredible fathers and we’re thankful to have a song that pays tribute to them. There just aren’t a lot of songs out there that highlight the true importance of a father’s role in a girl’s life.”
Among the other new offerings on the Deluxe Edition is a song titled “I Wish”, produced by Nathan Chapman. Nathan’s career launched with his production of the triple platinum debut country album by Taylor Swift. The song was penned by Cindy Morgan, who also wrote “How You Live.” “We love her,” gushes Jones. “She’s very much where we are in life. She’s a mom with kids. She is able to put all the things that we feel in our hearts onto paper.”
Breen and Cappillino agree.“Up tempos are really hard to come by, we heard ‘I Wish’ and we all just fell in love with it,” says Cappillino, who began her career singing in a duo with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. “’I Wish’ is one of those songs that you can so relate to. It’s about the things in your heart that you yearn to see happen.”
The deluxe edition also includes a new acoustic rendition of “How You Live”. The groups’ signature harmonies take center stage as Breen, Jones, and Cappillino offer up a more intimate version of the thought-provoking hit. “It’s just a reminder to savor life and make the most of it,” says Cappillino. “It’s a great song with a great message and we’re just enjoying the fact that country music has embraced it.”
“The very first time we performed the new acoustic version was at the Grand Ole Opry,” adds Breen. “To stand on that stage and have those legendary players behind us was a night we’ll never forget.”
In addition to recording their new deluxe edition of “How You Live,” Point of Grace has also been in the studio working with producer Brown Bannister on an upcoming Christmas project that will combine songs from their two previous holiday collections—1999’s “A Christmas Story” and 2005’s “Winter Wonderland”—along with a new version of the classic “Tennessee Christmas.”“At first we were a bit daunted by it,” Breen says of the challenge in recording the Amy Grant hit.“She has been a huge musical influence in each of our lives, so we wanted to make her proud. It’s been 25 years since she first recorded it. Our version is true to the original, but it’s never been recorded as a group, so there will be a lot of harmonies.”
The same enthusiasm that led college friends to form a vocal group still permeates every performance today---even though the women of Point of Grace are now juggling their music career with the demands of marriage and motherhood. What keeps them doing it? “We’re trying to support our shopping habits,” says Breen as they all dissolve with laughter. “Being on the road gets in your blood and honestly at this point, it is about the music and encouraging people. This is what we do. We’re so lucky to love our jobs.”
They are also happy to be singing for old friends who’ve been fans for years and for the new fans they’ve made during this latest chapter of their career. “This is a new audience who might have never turned on a Christian radio station because they don’t know about it or they don’t have it in their area,” says Cappillino. “For us to be able to bring some hope in their life through our music, it’s just huge for us.”
“Above anything else, it’s very rejuvenating,” adds Breen. “When you’ve done what you do for 15 years, the great part is you get better at it. You get better at communicating with people, and get better on stage because of the amount of time you put into it. Normally when people are at their best, they’ve been doing it for so long, their audience size is shrinking and not as many people get to see the best of them. I’m just excited that a whole new audience will get to see us. We definitely will continue to make Christian records. It’s very important to us, but it’s a great thing that these new doors have opened to take our music to a wider audience. It’s a blessing to wake up every day and do what we get to do.”
Point of Grace music on sale by clicking here!
Interested in Christian music by clicking here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
True talent really knows no boundaries; so it’s no surprise at all to those who have followed Point of Grace’s groundbreaking success in the gospel market that the gifted group has recently seen their audience expand to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music).” The beautiful ballad is the centerpiece of Point of Grace’s “How You Live Deluxe Edition,” featuring a newly recorded acoustic version of the multi-format hit.
“We couldn’t have planned it. It’s a natural progression for our music,” observes Point of Grace’s Shelley Breen of the group’s organic move onto the country charts. Though some artists might tweak their sound to appeal to a new audience, Point of Grace has simply continued to make the same positive, life-affirming music distinguished by soaring harmonies and compelling lyrics.
“What we’ve always been doing as Point of Grace, we are finding that country music is beginning to embrace even more, especially lyrically,” continues Breen. “Many of the lyrics you hear on country radio are so much more faith-based. There is definitely a place there now for the music that we’ve been singing for a long time.”
The readily identifiable sound has fueled one of the most successful careers in gospel music. Point of Grace has sold more than five million albums, won eight Dove Awards and received two Grammy nods. They’ve earned two platinum and five gold albums and have scored more than two dozen No. 1 hits at Christian radio, among them “Steady On,” “The Great Divide” and “Circle of Friends.”
Most recently, the talented trio has been busy in the studio recording three new songs to add to the deluxe edition of their award-winning “How You Live” project. The title track took home the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for Country Recorded Song of the Year. They reprise that hit on the new collection as well as serve up two new tunes---“I Wish” and “King of the World.”
“The first time we heard ‘King of the World’ we all cried,” says Jones. “All three of us have incredible fathers and we’re thankful to have a song that pays tribute to them. There just aren’t a lot of songs out there that highlight the true importance of a father’s role in a girl’s life.”
Among the other new offerings on the Deluxe Edition is a song titled “I Wish”, produced by Nathan Chapman. Nathan’s career launched with his production of the triple platinum debut country album by Taylor Swift. The song was penned by Cindy Morgan, who also wrote “How You Live.” “We love her,” gushes Jones. “She’s very much where we are in life. She’s a mom with kids. She is able to put all the things that we feel in our hearts onto paper.”
Breen and Cappillino agree.“Up tempos are really hard to come by, we heard ‘I Wish’ and we all just fell in love with it,” says Cappillino, who began her career singing in a duo with Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town. “’I Wish’ is one of those songs that you can so relate to. It’s about the things in your heart that you yearn to see happen.”
The deluxe edition also includes a new acoustic rendition of “How You Live”. The groups’ signature harmonies take center stage as Breen, Jones, and Cappillino offer up a more intimate version of the thought-provoking hit. “It’s just a reminder to savor life and make the most of it,” says Cappillino. “It’s a great song with a great message and we’re just enjoying the fact that country music has embraced it.”
“The very first time we performed the new acoustic version was at the Grand Ole Opry,” adds Breen. “To stand on that stage and have those legendary players behind us was a night we’ll never forget.”
In addition to recording their new deluxe edition of “How You Live,” Point of Grace has also been in the studio working with producer Brown Bannister on an upcoming Christmas project that will combine songs from their two previous holiday collections—1999’s “A Christmas Story” and 2005’s “Winter Wonderland”—along with a new version of the classic “Tennessee Christmas.”“At first we were a bit daunted by it,” Breen says of the challenge in recording the Amy Grant hit.“She has been a huge musical influence in each of our lives, so we wanted to make her proud. It’s been 25 years since she first recorded it. Our version is true to the original, but it’s never been recorded as a group, so there will be a lot of harmonies.”
The same enthusiasm that led college friends to form a vocal group still permeates every performance today---even though the women of Point of Grace are now juggling their music career with the demands of marriage and motherhood. What keeps them doing it? “We’re trying to support our shopping habits,” says Breen as they all dissolve with laughter. “Being on the road gets in your blood and honestly at this point, it is about the music and encouraging people. This is what we do. We’re so lucky to love our jobs.”
They are also happy to be singing for old friends who’ve been fans for years and for the new fans they’ve made during this latest chapter of their career. “This is a new audience who might have never turned on a Christian radio station because they don’t know about it or they don’t have it in their area,” says Cappillino. “For us to be able to bring some hope in their life through our music, it’s just huge for us.”
“Above anything else, it’s very rejuvenating,” adds Breen. “When you’ve done what you do for 15 years, the great part is you get better at it. You get better at communicating with people, and get better on stage because of the amount of time you put into it. Normally when people are at their best, they’ve been doing it for so long, their audience size is shrinking and not as many people get to see the best of them. I’m just excited that a whole new audience will get to see us. We definitely will continue to make Christian records. It’s very important to us, but it’s a great thing that these new doors have opened to take our music to a wider audience. It’s a blessing to wake up every day and do what we get to do.”
Point of Grace music on sale by clicking here!
Interested in Christian music by clicking here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Dr. Don Colbert M.D. (Health and Nutrition)
One of the most well known Christian health practitioners is Dr. Don Colbert. His insight into health and nutrition has dramatically changed the lives of countless people, all for the better. This week’s health and nutrition article will feature Dr. Colbert. His books may be obtained at Emmaus Road Christian Store.
Don Colbert, M.D., is board certified in family practice and anti aging medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Divine Health Wellness Center in Orlando, Florida where he has treated over 40,000 patients. Dr. Colbert is an internationally known expert and prolific speaker on integrative medicine (a combination of traditional and alternative medicine).
Dr. Colbert has also become affectionately known as “The Doctor to God’s Generals. “ Don Colbert, M.D. has been featured on Fox News, ABC World News, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, BBC, Readers Digest, News Week, Prevention Magazine, and many others. He's the best-selling author of over 40 books including What Would Jesus Eat, The Bible Cure Series, as well as The Seven Pillars of Health (a New York Times best-seller) that together have sold over 4 million copies.
Many of Dr. Colbert's books are required reading at many medical schools around the world. Dr. Colbert is also the president of Divine Health Inc.
Eat This and Live
Today we have an abundance of options when it comes to the food we eat. But all foods are not created equal. In fact, some food should not even be labeled food but rather “consumable product” or “edible, but void of nourishment.”
In Eat This and Live! Dr. Don Colbert provides a road map to help you navigate this often treacherous territory. Based on the key principles for healthy eating in Dr. Colbert’s New York Times best seller, The Seven Pillars of Health, this practical guidebook to food includes “Dr. Colbert Approved” foods and restaurant menu choices, along with helpful tips, charts, and nutrition information that will make it easier for you to stay healthy and lose weight.
Seven Pillars of Health
What you can do for yourself concerning your health, God will not do. It’s up to you to do it now. Most diseases are caused by unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and inadequate sleep. This book, based on best-selling author Dr. Don Colbert’s life message, reveals seven fundamental principles that will enable people to walk in and enjoy the health God intended. Dr. Colbert explains the body’s vital need for:
Water
Sleep and rest
Living food
Exercise
Detoxification
Supplements
Coping with stress
Dr. Colbert, who conducts comprehensive seminars in churches based on the subject of this book, presents a non-condemning, life-giving approach to optimal health. His well-respected life plan outlined in The Seven Pillars of Health will help people make healthy choices one day at a time!
Toxic Relief
Dr. Don Colbert provides an easy-to-understand and comprehensive explanation of the toxic battle you’re in. He also exposes risk factors and provides alternative solutions for living free from cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes and more. You may be an average American who is overfed and undernourished, which means you are probably toxic, but there is hope. Detoxify your body with Dr. Colbert’s medically sound and proven program of juice fasting. Deep cleansing your body right down to the cellular level will renew your vitality, restore your energy, reclaim your health, shed toxic fat, lengthen your life and give you a healthy glow you haven’t had in years. Let Dr. Colbert escort you to healthier living—body, mind and spirit, and experience toxic relief today!
To see a complete list of Dr. Colbert’s books, Click Here!
To see other health and nutritional items, Click Here!
Please visit Emmaus road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Don Colbert, M.D., is board certified in family practice and anti aging medicine. He is the Medical Director of the Divine Health Wellness Center in Orlando, Florida where he has treated over 40,000 patients. Dr. Colbert is an internationally known expert and prolific speaker on integrative medicine (a combination of traditional and alternative medicine).
Dr. Colbert has also become affectionately known as “The Doctor to God’s Generals. “ Don Colbert, M.D. has been featured on Fox News, ABC World News, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, BBC, Readers Digest, News Week, Prevention Magazine, and many others. He's the best-selling author of over 40 books including What Would Jesus Eat, The Bible Cure Series, as well as The Seven Pillars of Health (a New York Times best-seller) that together have sold over 4 million copies.
Many of Dr. Colbert's books are required reading at many medical schools around the world. Dr. Colbert is also the president of Divine Health Inc.
Eat This and LiveToday we have an abundance of options when it comes to the food we eat. But all foods are not created equal. In fact, some food should not even be labeled food but rather “consumable product” or “edible, but void of nourishment.”
In Eat This and Live! Dr. Don Colbert provides a road map to help you navigate this often treacherous territory. Based on the key principles for healthy eating in Dr. Colbert’s New York Times best seller, The Seven Pillars of Health, this practical guidebook to food includes “Dr. Colbert Approved” foods and restaurant menu choices, along with helpful tips, charts, and nutrition information that will make it easier for you to stay healthy and lose weight.
Seven Pillars of HealthWhat you can do for yourself concerning your health, God will not do. It’s up to you to do it now. Most diseases are caused by unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, and inadequate sleep. This book, based on best-selling author Dr. Don Colbert’s life message, reveals seven fundamental principles that will enable people to walk in and enjoy the health God intended. Dr. Colbert explains the body’s vital need for:
Water
Sleep and rest
Living food
Exercise
Detoxification
Supplements
Coping with stress
Dr. Colbert, who conducts comprehensive seminars in churches based on the subject of this book, presents a non-condemning, life-giving approach to optimal health. His well-respected life plan outlined in The Seven Pillars of Health will help people make healthy choices one day at a time!
Toxic ReliefDr. Don Colbert provides an easy-to-understand and comprehensive explanation of the toxic battle you’re in. He also exposes risk factors and provides alternative solutions for living free from cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes and more. You may be an average American who is overfed and undernourished, which means you are probably toxic, but there is hope. Detoxify your body with Dr. Colbert’s medically sound and proven program of juice fasting. Deep cleansing your body right down to the cellular level will renew your vitality, restore your energy, reclaim your health, shed toxic fat, lengthen your life and give you a healthy glow you haven’t had in years. Let Dr. Colbert escort you to healthier living—body, mind and spirit, and experience toxic relief today!
To see a complete list of Dr. Colbert’s books, Click Here!
To see other health and nutritional items, Click Here!
Please visit Emmaus road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bible Translations
I talk to many people who are looking to purchase a new Bible. Many of my shoppers are unfamiliar with the different translations available. They want to perhaps purchase a Bible based on the type of Bible their parents have or perhaps their minister. While these are two important criteria, they are not the most important. This article will examine the various Bible translations without prejudice. It is not my intent to persuade you or to push you in any particular direction. When asked, “which translation is the best?”, I simple tell them ‘the one you like.’
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Reading Level: Grade 5.6
The Contemporary English Version (New Testament, 1991, full Bible, 1995) "was begun in 1984 by the American Bible Society. The mandate for the ABS translation team was to craft a translation that was biblically accurate, reader friendly, and understandable—even for first-time Bible readers. Among special concerns were ease of reading without sounding 'childish,' comprehensibility when read aloud, modern formatting, quality of style, and literary value. An international, interdenominational group of over 100, including translators, English language experts, and biblical authorities [comprised] the CEV translation team" (Thomas Nelson brochure). In general, it employs natural and uncomplicated English.
God's Word
In 1936, Dr. William F. Beck "started the task of diligently searching and studying the best available manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments in the original languages. ... Once he accurately comprehended the text, he made every effort to express its meaning in a way that communicated God's thoughts in an unambiguous and easy-to-understand form.
"Beck's aim was accuracy of meaning and the absolutely clear expression of that meaning for all the English readers of his day. ... But language tends to change even within the lifetime of translators. ... It has now been over 50 years since Beck began his ... work. ... But already in 1978 the question had arisen: should Beck's translation just remain a pioneer effort or is it worthy of an updated revision? A team of Bible scholars and pastors felt that the above-mentioned translation was worth the hours of time needed to revise it in order to produce a superior product. Thorough revision/translation work began in 1982" (from the Preface to God's Word to the Nations: New Testament). The first edition appeared in 1988, with minor revisions in 1989 and 1990. "God's Word" has yet to receive broad recognition or be widely distributed.
King James Version (KJV)
Reading Level: Grade 12
This, the most famous of English versions, is named after King James I of England who initiated the work. It is basically a revision of previous translations: Tyndale's, Coverdale's, the Great Bible and the Geneva Bible. Over fifty scholars worked on the project, which started in 1607. It was finished in 1611.
"The King James Version, known in England as the Authorized Version because it was authorized by the king, has become an enduring monument of English prose because of its gracious style, majestic language, and poetic rhythms. No other book has had such a tremendous influence on English literature." (Comfort, pp. 48-49)
However, the KJV translators had access to only a few ancient manuscripts. Since their day many older manuscripts have been discovered, resulting in a more reliable Greek and Hebrew text. In addition, many words in the KJV are now obscure; others cannot be traced back to the most reliable manuscripts. While IBS is glad to provide the historic KJV, we feel the NIV is both more accurate and more readable for today's audience.
The Living Bible
Reading Level: Grade 8.3
"In 1962 Kenneth Taylor published a paraphrase of the New Testament Epistles. ... The entire Living Bible was published in 1971. .. Using the American Standard Version as his working text, Taylor rephrased the Bible into modern speech—such that anyone, even a child, could understand the message of the original writers. In the preface to The Living Bible Taylor explains his view of paraphrasing:
'... to say as exactly as possible what the writers of the Scriptures meant, and to say it simply, expanding where necessary for a clear understanding by the modern reader.'
"Even though many modern readers have greatly appreciated the fact that The Living Bible made God's Word clear to them, Taylor's paraphrase has been criticized for being too interpretive. But that is the nature of paraphrases—and the danger as well.
"The Living Bible has been very popular among English readers worldwide" (Comfort, pp. 75-76).
The Message
Reading Level: Grade 8.5
The Message, published in 1993 by NavPress, is a free, highly colloquial and interpretive translation/paraphrase of the New Testament by Eugene H. Peterson. An earlier form of the book of Galatians appeared in 1988 under the title Traveling Light.
"This version of the New Testament in a contemporary idiom keeps the language of the Message current and fresh and understandable in the same language in which we do our shopping, talk with our friends, worry about world affairs, and teach our children their table manners. The goal is not to render a word-for-word conversion of Greek into English, but rather to convert the tone, the rhythm, the events, the ideas, into the way we actually think and speak" (from the Introduction).
New American Bible
Reading Level: Grade 6.6
"The first American Catholic Bible to be translated from the original languages is The New American Bible (not to be confused with the New American Standard Bible). Although this translation was first published in 1970, it was updated in 1991. The New American Bible has short introductions to each book of the Bible and very few marginal notes. Kubo and Specht provide this description of the translation:
'The translation ... is simple, clear, and straightforward and reads very smoothly. It is good American English, not as pungent and colorful as the N.E.B. [New English Bible]. Its translations are not striking but neither are they clumsy. They seem to be more conservative in the sense that they tend not to stray from the original' [p. 165, Kubo and Specht, So Many Versions?). "
(Comfort, p. 82-82)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Reading Level: Grade 11
"The Lockman Foundation, a nonprofit Christian corporation committed to evangelism ... organized a team of thirty-two scholars to prepare a new revision [of the American Standard Version of 1901]. These scholars ... strove to produce a literal translation ... in the belief that such a translation 'brings the contemporary reader as close as possible to the actual wording and grammatical structure of the original writers' "' [from the preface].
"After the New American Standard Bible was published (in 1963 for the New Testament and 1971 for the entire Bible), it received a mixed response. Some critics applauded its literal accuracy, while other sharply criticized its language for hardly being contemporary or modern.
"On the whole, the New American Standard Bible became respected as a good study Bible that accurately reflects the wording of the original languages yet is not a good translation for Bible reading" (Comfort, pp. 77-78)
.
New International Reader's Version (NIrV)
Reading Level: Grade 3.5
The New International Reader's Version (NIrV, 1996) "is a new Bible version developed to enable early readers to understand God's message. Begun in 1992 and co-sponsored by Biblica and Zondervan Publishing House, the New International Reader's Version is a simplification of the New International Version (NIV), today's most popular translation of the Bible. " (from the NIrV "Sample Booklet").
The NIrV was designed to make the Bible clear and understandable to early readers, and can be read by a typical fourth grader. For this reason, it is also of value to the millions for whom English is a second language. It intends to be distinguished by five fundamental characteristics—readability, understandability, compatibility with the NIV, reliability and trustworthiness. It serves as a natural stepping-stone to the NIV when the time is right.
New International Version (NIV)
Reading Level: Grade 7.8
"The New International Version is a completely new rendering of the original languages done by an international group of more than a hundred scholars. These scholars worked many years and in several committees to produce an excellent thought-for-thought translation in contemporary English for private and public use. ...
"The translators of the New International Version sought to make a version that was midway between a literal rendering (as in the New American Standard Bible) and a free paraphrase (as in The Living Bible). Their goal was to convey in English the thought of the original writers. ... The New Testament of the New International Version was published in 1973, and the entire Bible, in 1978. This version has been phenomenally successful. Millions and millions of readers have adopted the New International Version as their 'Bible.' Since 1987 it has outsold the King James Version, the best-seller for centuries—a remarkable indication of its popularity and acceptance in the Christian community. The New International Version, sponsored by the [International] Bible Society, ... has become a standard version used for private reading and pulpit reading in many English-speaking countries" (Comfort, pp. 79-81).
Jerusalem Bible
"The first complete Catholic Bible to be translated from the original languages is The Jerusalem Bible, published in England in 1966. ...This Bible, which includes the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical books, contains many study helps—such as introductions to each book of the Bible, extensive notes on various passages, and maps. The study helps are an intricate part of the whole translation because it is the belief of Roman Catholic leadership that lay people should be given interpretive helps in their reading of the sacred text. The study helps in The Jerusalem Bible were translated from the French, whereas the Bible text itself was translated from the original languages. ... The translation of the text ... is considerably freer than other translations, such as the Revised Standard Version, because the translators sought to capture the meaning of the original writings in a 'vigorous, contemporary literary style'" [from the preface] (Comfort, pp. 81-82).
New King James Version (NKJV)
Reading Level: Grade 8.5
The New King James Version (1982) is a revision of the King James Version, called for primarily due to the same reasons given for the New Revised Standard Version. It retains the elegant literary style of the KJV, but is easier to read.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Reading Level: Grade 6.3
The New Living Translation (Tyndale, 1996) is a "thorough revision" of The Living Bible. "More than ninety scholars from various theological backgrounds and denominations [were involved] ... with the goal that it be exegetically accurate and idiomatically powerful.
"Most significantly, the New Living Translation is not a paraphrase but a translation. Every verse has been carefully compared to the most reliable editions of the Hebrew and Greek texts in an effort to make a translation that accurately conveys the meaning of the original texts" (from the Preface to the review copy of Romans).
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Reading Level: Grade 8.1 (but Zondervan says it's actually 10.)
"The New Revised Standard Version [was] published in 1990. ... In the preface to this revision, Bruce Metzger, chair-person of the revision committee, wrote:
'The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is an authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version, published in 1952, which is a revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901. ... The need for issuing a revision of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible arises from three circumstances: (a) the acquisition of still older biblical manuscripts, (b) further investigation of linguistic features of the text, and (c) changes in preferred English usage' (Comfort, p. 85).
Revised English Bible
" (1989) ... is a radical revision of the New English Bible" (Comfort, p. 85).
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
"The organization that held the copyright to the American Standard Version ... authorized a new revision in 1937. "The New Testament was published in 1946; and the entire Bible with the the Old Testament, in 1952.
"The principles of the revision were specified in the preface to the Revised Standard Version:
'The Revised Standard Version is not a new translation in the language of today. It is not a paraphrase which aims at striking idioms. It is a revision which seeks to preserve all that is best in the English Bible as it has been known and used throughout the years.
"This revision was well received by many Protestant Churches and soon became their 'standard' text. ... Evangelical and fundamental Christians, however, did not receive the Revised Standard Version very well—primarily because of one verse, Isaiah 7:14...." (Comfort, pp. 66-67). The RSV has now been replaced by the NRSV.
To see a complete line of Bibles, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Reading Level: Grade 5.6
The Contemporary English Version (New Testament, 1991, full Bible, 1995) "was begun in 1984 by the American Bible Society. The mandate for the ABS translation team was to craft a translation that was biblically accurate, reader friendly, and understandable—even for first-time Bible readers. Among special concerns were ease of reading without sounding 'childish,' comprehensibility when read aloud, modern formatting, quality of style, and literary value. An international, interdenominational group of over 100, including translators, English language experts, and biblical authorities [comprised] the CEV translation team" (Thomas Nelson brochure). In general, it employs natural and uncomplicated English.
God's Word
In 1936, Dr. William F. Beck "started the task of diligently searching and studying the best available manuscripts of the Old and New Testaments in the original languages. ... Once he accurately comprehended the text, he made every effort to express its meaning in a way that communicated God's thoughts in an unambiguous and easy-to-understand form.
"Beck's aim was accuracy of meaning and the absolutely clear expression of that meaning for all the English readers of his day. ... But language tends to change even within the lifetime of translators. ... It has now been over 50 years since Beck began his ... work. ... But already in 1978 the question had arisen: should Beck's translation just remain a pioneer effort or is it worthy of an updated revision? A team of Bible scholars and pastors felt that the above-mentioned translation was worth the hours of time needed to revise it in order to produce a superior product. Thorough revision/translation work began in 1982" (from the Preface to God's Word to the Nations: New Testament). The first edition appeared in 1988, with minor revisions in 1989 and 1990. "God's Word" has yet to receive broad recognition or be widely distributed.
King James Version (KJV)
Reading Level: Grade 12
This, the most famous of English versions, is named after King James I of England who initiated the work. It is basically a revision of previous translations: Tyndale's, Coverdale's, the Great Bible and the Geneva Bible. Over fifty scholars worked on the project, which started in 1607. It was finished in 1611.
"The King James Version, known in England as the Authorized Version because it was authorized by the king, has become an enduring monument of English prose because of its gracious style, majestic language, and poetic rhythms. No other book has had such a tremendous influence on English literature." (Comfort, pp. 48-49)
However, the KJV translators had access to only a few ancient manuscripts. Since their day many older manuscripts have been discovered, resulting in a more reliable Greek and Hebrew text. In addition, many words in the KJV are now obscure; others cannot be traced back to the most reliable manuscripts. While IBS is glad to provide the historic KJV, we feel the NIV is both more accurate and more readable for today's audience.
The Living Bible
Reading Level: Grade 8.3
"In 1962 Kenneth Taylor published a paraphrase of the New Testament Epistles. ... The entire Living Bible was published in 1971. .. Using the American Standard Version as his working text, Taylor rephrased the Bible into modern speech—such that anyone, even a child, could understand the message of the original writers. In the preface to The Living Bible Taylor explains his view of paraphrasing:
'... to say as exactly as possible what the writers of the Scriptures meant, and to say it simply, expanding where necessary for a clear understanding by the modern reader.'
"Even though many modern readers have greatly appreciated the fact that The Living Bible made God's Word clear to them, Taylor's paraphrase has been criticized for being too interpretive. But that is the nature of paraphrases—and the danger as well.
"The Living Bible has been very popular among English readers worldwide" (Comfort, pp. 75-76).
The Message
Reading Level: Grade 8.5
The Message, published in 1993 by NavPress, is a free, highly colloquial and interpretive translation/paraphrase of the New Testament by Eugene H. Peterson. An earlier form of the book of Galatians appeared in 1988 under the title Traveling Light.
"This version of the New Testament in a contemporary idiom keeps the language of the Message current and fresh and understandable in the same language in which we do our shopping, talk with our friends, worry about world affairs, and teach our children their table manners. The goal is not to render a word-for-word conversion of Greek into English, but rather to convert the tone, the rhythm, the events, the ideas, into the way we actually think and speak" (from the Introduction).
New American Bible
Reading Level: Grade 6.6
"The first American Catholic Bible to be translated from the original languages is The New American Bible (not to be confused with the New American Standard Bible). Although this translation was first published in 1970, it was updated in 1991. The New American Bible has short introductions to each book of the Bible and very few marginal notes. Kubo and Specht provide this description of the translation:
'The translation ... is simple, clear, and straightforward and reads very smoothly. It is good American English, not as pungent and colorful as the N.E.B. [New English Bible]. Its translations are not striking but neither are they clumsy. They seem to be more conservative in the sense that they tend not to stray from the original' [p. 165, Kubo and Specht, So Many Versions?). "
(Comfort, p. 82-82)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Reading Level: Grade 11
"The Lockman Foundation, a nonprofit Christian corporation committed to evangelism ... organized a team of thirty-two scholars to prepare a new revision [of the American Standard Version of 1901]. These scholars ... strove to produce a literal translation ... in the belief that such a translation 'brings the contemporary reader as close as possible to the actual wording and grammatical structure of the original writers' "' [from the preface].
"After the New American Standard Bible was published (in 1963 for the New Testament and 1971 for the entire Bible), it received a mixed response. Some critics applauded its literal accuracy, while other sharply criticized its language for hardly being contemporary or modern.
"On the whole, the New American Standard Bible became respected as a good study Bible that accurately reflects the wording of the original languages yet is not a good translation for Bible reading" (Comfort, pp. 77-78)
.
New International Reader's Version (NIrV)
Reading Level: Grade 3.5
The New International Reader's Version (NIrV, 1996) "is a new Bible version developed to enable early readers to understand God's message. Begun in 1992 and co-sponsored by Biblica and Zondervan Publishing House, the New International Reader's Version is a simplification of the New International Version (NIV), today's most popular translation of the Bible. " (from the NIrV "Sample Booklet").
The NIrV was designed to make the Bible clear and understandable to early readers, and can be read by a typical fourth grader. For this reason, it is also of value to the millions for whom English is a second language. It intends to be distinguished by five fundamental characteristics—readability, understandability, compatibility with the NIV, reliability and trustworthiness. It serves as a natural stepping-stone to the NIV when the time is right.
New International Version (NIV)
Reading Level: Grade 7.8
"The New International Version is a completely new rendering of the original languages done by an international group of more than a hundred scholars. These scholars worked many years and in several committees to produce an excellent thought-for-thought translation in contemporary English for private and public use. ...
"The translators of the New International Version sought to make a version that was midway between a literal rendering (as in the New American Standard Bible) and a free paraphrase (as in The Living Bible). Their goal was to convey in English the thought of the original writers. ... The New Testament of the New International Version was published in 1973, and the entire Bible, in 1978. This version has been phenomenally successful. Millions and millions of readers have adopted the New International Version as their 'Bible.' Since 1987 it has outsold the King James Version, the best-seller for centuries—a remarkable indication of its popularity and acceptance in the Christian community. The New International Version, sponsored by the [International] Bible Society, ... has become a standard version used for private reading and pulpit reading in many English-speaking countries" (Comfort, pp. 79-81).
Jerusalem Bible
"The first complete Catholic Bible to be translated from the original languages is The Jerusalem Bible, published in England in 1966. ...This Bible, which includes the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical books, contains many study helps—such as introductions to each book of the Bible, extensive notes on various passages, and maps. The study helps are an intricate part of the whole translation because it is the belief of Roman Catholic leadership that lay people should be given interpretive helps in their reading of the sacred text. The study helps in The Jerusalem Bible were translated from the French, whereas the Bible text itself was translated from the original languages. ... The translation of the text ... is considerably freer than other translations, such as the Revised Standard Version, because the translators sought to capture the meaning of the original writings in a 'vigorous, contemporary literary style'" [from the preface] (Comfort, pp. 81-82).
New King James Version (NKJV)
Reading Level: Grade 8.5
The New King James Version (1982) is a revision of the King James Version, called for primarily due to the same reasons given for the New Revised Standard Version. It retains the elegant literary style of the KJV, but is easier to read.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Reading Level: Grade 6.3
The New Living Translation (Tyndale, 1996) is a "thorough revision" of The Living Bible. "More than ninety scholars from various theological backgrounds and denominations [were involved] ... with the goal that it be exegetically accurate and idiomatically powerful.
"Most significantly, the New Living Translation is not a paraphrase but a translation. Every verse has been carefully compared to the most reliable editions of the Hebrew and Greek texts in an effort to make a translation that accurately conveys the meaning of the original texts" (from the Preface to the review copy of Romans).
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Reading Level: Grade 8.1 (but Zondervan says it's actually 10.)
"The New Revised Standard Version [was] published in 1990. ... In the preface to this revision, Bruce Metzger, chair-person of the revision committee, wrote:
'The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible is an authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version, published in 1952, which is a revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901. ... The need for issuing a revision of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible arises from three circumstances: (a) the acquisition of still older biblical manuscripts, (b) further investigation of linguistic features of the text, and (c) changes in preferred English usage' (Comfort, p. 85).
Revised English Bible
" (1989) ... is a radical revision of the New English Bible" (Comfort, p. 85).
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
"The organization that held the copyright to the American Standard Version ... authorized a new revision in 1937. "The New Testament was published in 1946; and the entire Bible with the the Old Testament, in 1952.
"The principles of the revision were specified in the preface to the Revised Standard Version:
'The Revised Standard Version is not a new translation in the language of today. It is not a paraphrase which aims at striking idioms. It is a revision which seeks to preserve all that is best in the English Bible as it has been known and used throughout the years.
"This revision was well received by many Protestant Churches and soon became their 'standard' text. ... Evangelical and fundamental Christians, however, did not receive the Revised Standard Version very well—primarily because of one verse, Isaiah 7:14...." (Comfort, pp. 66-67). The RSV has now been replaced by the NRSV.
To see a complete line of Bibles, click here!
Please visit Emmaus Road Christian Store at http://www.emmaus-road.com/
May God Richly Bless Your Life!
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