As a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member, I received a complimentary copy of Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men in exchange for an honest review. In the introduction, The NIV Bible for Men identifies several questions men have about the significant issues of life. The answers to these pressing questions are found in the pages of Scripture, and the NIV Bible for Men is designed to help in the discovery process. The distinctive features found in this Bible were written "for men by men who are fellow travelers in this adventurous journey called life." These features include: • Myths-addressing lies our ..read more

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 1. Recognize the Context: Historical context- Acts 17:1-10 presents the initial establishment of the Thessalonian church by Paul and his companions. Literary context- Verse 1 includes three traits of an ancient letter. A. The senders- Paul, Silas (also known as Silvanus), and Timothy B. The recipients- the church in Thessalonica, who formed the people of God, and were identified by their relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ C. The greeting- Grace is God’s unconditional loving unmerited favor extended to humanity, as demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ. P ..read more

As a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member, I received a complimentary copy of the NET Eternity Now New Testament Series Box Set in exchange for an honest review. I first encountered The New English Translation (NET) Bible when my dad purchased one at a Bible sale. I immediately saw its value for in-depth Bible study and devotional reading. I had to have my own. The NET Eternity Now New Testament Series is the latest presentation of the NET Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. They state, “The NET Eternity Now, New Testament Bible series reveals the history-shaping story of how Jesus Christ chang ..read more

As a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member, I received a complimentary copy of the NET Eternity Now New Testament Series Box Set in exchange for an honest review. I first encountered The New English Translation (NET) Bible when my dad purchased one at a Bible sale. I immediately saw its value for in-depth Bible study and devotional reading. I had to have my own. The NET Eternity Now New Testament Series is the latest presentation of the NET Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. They state, “The NET Eternity Now, New Testament Bible series reveals the history-shaping story of how Jesus Christ chang ..read more

As a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member, I received a complimentary electronic copy of The Gospel of Mark:Word for WordBible Comic: NIV Translation in exchange for an honest review. The Word for Word Bible Comic is a graphic novel series created using the New International Version (NIV). The unique features of this graphic novel series include: 1. Historical The creators have sought to maintain accurate depictions of historical periods through research and biblical scholarship. 2. Unabridged These Bible comics use the entire text of Scripture, with no part of the story omitted. 3. “Untamed” Th ..read more

The Significance of His Birth Day 23 Monday, December 20th Matthew 2:13-18 1. Recognize the Context: Previous context: When the Magi saw Jesus, they “bowed down and worshiped him.” Then they presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Finally, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod as they had intended. Instead, they went home via an alternate route. 2. Read the Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for ..read more

The Significance of His Birth Day 22 Sunday, December 19th Matthew 2:7-12 1. Recognize the Context: Previous context: Chapter 2 begins with the birth of Jesus, which took place during the reign of King Herod. Magi from the east came to Jerusalem looking for the one to be born King of the Jews. When King Herod heard the reason for the Magi's visit, he was disturbed and all of Jerusalem with him. So Herod conferred with his court about the Messianic prophecies, and they identified the location of the Messiah’s birth from the prophecy in Micah 5:2. 2. Read the Scripture: Matthew 2:7-12 7 Th ..read more

The Significance of His Birth Day 21 Saturday, December 18th Matthew 2:1-6 1. Recognize the Context: Previous context: The Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy of Jesus (verses 1-17). The first story presented is Joseph’s encounter with an angel of the Lord in a dream (verses 18-25). Joseph was instructed to take Mary as his wife, even though she was pregnant. He was told of the future greatness of this child. Joseph obeyed the command given to him by the angel of the Lord. 2. Read the Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi ..read more

The Significance of His Birth Day 20 Friday, December 17th Luke 2:33-40 1. Recognize the Context: Previous context: After the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph presented the purification offering (Leviticus 12) and dedicated Jesus in the temple as their firstborn (Exodus 13:2, 12). While at the temple, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, met Joseph and Mary. When they dedicated Jesus, Simeon held him and praised God with a song (2:29-32). As God had promised, Simeon had looked into the very eyes of salvation (1:69, 2:11). Simeon’s song indicated God’s salvation would be seen by “all the nations ..read more

The Child is Born Day 19 Thursday, December 16th Luke 2:22-32 1. Recognize the Context: Previous context: In Luke 2:8-14, the shepherds encountered the angel of the Lord, and they were instructed not to be afraid. This angel announced the good news of the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord. Then suddenly, a chorus of angels began to rejoice, and the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the child. They spread the message concerning what they had seen and heard, and the people marveled. Mary meditated on what she heard and experienced. The shepherds then returned and praised God. On the 8th day ..read more