Sunday, February 9, 2014

35 minutes DVD packed with info.

Passover DVD Bible Study
ISBN: 9781596367289
Product Code: 044DV
This DVD last 35 minutes and is part one of a six part study of the Feasts of the Passover. I ordered this DVD while studying the Jewish feasts in the book of Deuteronomy.
Dr. Sam Nadler grew up in a Jewish home but did not understand the meaning of the Feast of the Passover for Christians and the fulfillment of the paschal lamb in Jesus Christ. After he came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, he uses his knowledge of the feasts to share with non-Jews the history and symbolism of the Passover. Dr. Nadler is the president of Word of Messiah Ministries.
In the DVD large poster photos behind the speaker helps us understand some traditions in the Jewish life. The Passover is also called the Feasts of Unleavened Bread. Preparation must take place in the Jewish homes before the Seder meal by removing all products of yeast from the home. There are two reasons for the use of unleavened bread or Matza. The historical reason is the hasty retreat from Egypt when the Israelites had no time for the bread to rise. In addition there are references in the Old Testament that leaven is equated with sin. Jesus also told his disciples to beware the leaven of the false teachers. A clean home and a clean heart are needed for Passover.
Dr. Nadler walks us through a typical Seder meal and explains each part of the ceremony. We see the table set up for the Passover meal with four cups of wine, the special Seder plate and the candles on the table. Each cup has a special meaning and a specific order in the meal. The head of the house uses a book called Haggadah to lead the family through the Seder.
The Matzah Tash or bread bag is the most interesting to me. The Matzah Tash has three layers for three pieces of matzah. Dr. Nadler tells how the Triune God of Israel is represented in this demonstration. The middle piece that was broken, wrapped, and hidden represents Christ.
The head of household has the privilege of telling the Passover Story using various parts the book of Exodus.  Dr. Nadler clearly and briefly explains the plight of the Children of Israel in Egypt. The ten plagues God used to deliver them out of the hands of the pharaoh.
Though I have attended at least three demonstration of the Passover, Dr. Nadler gave many new facts and a more complete understanding of the fulfillment through Jesus. The explanation of Christ’s movements the last week before his crucifixion gave a clearer picture of his purpose as the Passover Lamb.
This would be an excellent video for a small group. The video can be paused and allow for more discussion. Online access to one PDF leader guide and one PDF participant guide can be printed for the participants.

 Rose Publishing has provided me with this advanced reader copy.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

A very good Historical Fiction

This review is from: Emma of Aurora: The Complete Change and Cherish Trilogy: A Clearing in the Wild, A Tendering in the Storm, A Mending at the Edge (Kindle Edition)

As a teacher I had read some of Jane Kirkpatrick's books written for younger reader, I know her style. This book was not fluff, nor a mushy romance. The characters were based on real people and real events. Sometimes I got bogged down in the first story, but there was much background to explain and characters to flesh out. Kirkpatrick does a fine job by offering a list of character at the front of each noval. Emma was selfish and manipulative in getting her way with the community leader Wilheim. But the trials and harsh conditions proved her to be a strong intelliegent woman with vision other often failed to recognize. Emma during her later years reminded me of myself. Strong-willed and self-reliant. Sometimes God has to get our attention for us to put our faith in Him and not our abilities. The trials and the ugly side of life is displayed in a tasteful manner. I enjoyed the learning the history of the Bethel and the Aurora communities. Kirkpatrick has many primary resources as well as information from historical societies. I received this book free from Waterbrook Press for review. Definitely would recommend if for lovers of historical fiction.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Governess of Highland Hall



Sir William Ramsey, a widower with two young children and two cousins to raise, hires Julia Foster daughter of missionary parents as governess of Highland Hall. Sir William is preoccupied with raising enough money to save the estate from ruin and pay the death duties for his inheritance. He is embittered after learning of the unfaithfulness of his deceased wife and finds it hard to trust any woman. Julia though educated and qualified to be governess has lived most of her life in India with her parents rescuing young girls from slavery. Her high ideals and outspoken manner causes some controversy from the beginning. Toss in the resentful teenage nieces who remained in the home after the dead of their father and conflict abounds. Two romances in the story are doomed because of the strict class divisions in Edwardian England. If you enjoy Downton Abbey you will love this Christian romance.

I received this book free from Multnomah Press to review for Blogging for Books.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Hard to follow





















I was not familiar with the author and this is not my favorite genre, but I has few choices to review. Martyr's Fire had a strong heroic character, but the previous books probably gave more insight into the other characters such as Isabelle and Gervaise. Parts of the book were well written and intriguing. But it was hard to follow the plot with the false Priests of the Holy Grail and discern which characters were true to Thomas. While I am not a fan of magic or immortals I'm sure that teen readers would enjoy it. I received this book free from Multnomah Press to review for Blogging for Books.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

My Hope is Found


Book 3 in the Cadence of Grace series by Joanne Bischof was a joy to read. Christian fiction is my escape from lust and perversion of television. As a senior citizen, I have no interest in reality TV and certainly don't want to read anything I'd be afraid for my grandchildren to see.

Joanne writes from the heart. Hurt and sorrow is not a stranger to her characters. Grace and mercy abound from the family and friends of Gideon, a man with a past and many mistakes to undo. Lonnie loves Gideon but thinks he is lost to her. Can she really forget him and make a new live with Toby?

Christy Award-finalist, Bischof has a bright future in writing stories of God's love. Her trilogy of books center on characters from Appalachian Mountains. Being from North Carolina and attending college in Boone, peaked my interest in this writers interpretation of the culture and country living in Appalachia.

I received this book free from Multnomah Press to review for Blogging for Books.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

For Every Season Amish Viines and Orchards, book 3

Cindy Woodsmall is one of my favorite authors. The simple life of the Amish and the focus of God in their lives is a pleasure to read. The King's Orchard has many problems in their first year in Unity, Maine. Friction between brothers over their feelings for the same women create another dilemma in the lives of the workers. Rhoda moves in to stay with Englisch neighbors and her spiritual gift of "heightened intuition" shows her information about Camilla feels too sensitive to share but too wonderful to ignore. Her beau Jacob needs to grow up and think of others for a change. Will the harvest survive.
This book was given to me by Waterbrook Multnomah publishing for my review.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Rose Then and Now Bible Map Atlas



Dr. Paul H. Wright, author of this book is the President of Jerusalem University College. He has lead many students on field studies throughout the territories of Israel and Palestine. With his many degrees and vast knowledge of the Old and New Testament life and times in this area, his book of Then and Now Bible Map Atlas is a welcome addition to the library of any student or teacher of biblical content.

The book has lots of pictures and text relating the history of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of our faith. A two-page spread shows an Old Testament Timeline from Genesis to 400 BC. The first chapter describes in detail the topography and climate of the land of the Biblical Story. Numerous scriptures sprinkle the pages pointing out facts verified in the scripture.

Some large full page maps have sturdy clear plastic overlays of modern day places. Not only maps but photographs of places of interest like the Dead Sea with the salt formations, Shiloh settlement of Joshua and Mt. Carmel. Walk where Jesus walked and see photos of the Sea of Galilee, the shoreline of Capernaum, and what many believe to be the garden tomb of Jesus resurrection.

 The Bibliography is impressive with a least thirty-seven books and articles used to gather information for the book. The Index is very detailed covering seven pages: a welcome tool when searching for a particular place or character in Bible history.

My favorite feature is that you receive a very nice book as well as the book on PDF, 287 pages. The book is very large but the files can be opened on the iPad.

Thank you to Rose Publishing who gave me this book to review.