The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students - Review

The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students: Study Guide with Leader's Notes
Author: Kristen Hatton
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: New Growth Press; 2018
ISBN: 978-1948130066

About the Book:

The first in a series of small group studies for teens and young adults that traces God s story of redemption through the whole Bible, The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students is a twelve-lesson resource written by Kristen Hatton to teach students how to study God's Word and connect it to their lives.

As students come together to read and discuss they will discover that, just like the ancient Israelites, we all need a Redeemer. As the Israelites grumble, complain, disobey, worship false gods, and try to be their own Savior, teens and young adults will see that they too do those same things. But they will also see how God gives grace to the guilty and over and over again comes to the rescue, pointing to the deliverance of God s people that is later fulfilled in Christ and the gospel.

With each easy-to-use, self-contained lesson that requires no outside work and can be completed in just one hour, teens and young adults will find and meet Jesus in unexpected places and see the pattern of redemption present even in the Old Testament. As they learn that the entire Bible is one unfolding story about Jesus, and that the same God who spoke to Moses also sent his Son to redeem us from our sins, study participants will better learn how to read Scripture and view it as the manna needed for their daily life.

My Thoughts:

Unfortunately, I won't be able to comment on the scriptures or how doctrinally correct they are. I have had some issues with blood clots and my eye, so had to put things aside, causing me to become seriously behind on reading and studying. My notes were separate as I was using a egalley instead of a hard copy, and for the life of me, I cannot find those notes! So, this won't be the indepth review that I had originally planned. My sincere apologies.

First, it appears The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students is a combination of both leader guide and student study guide. That may be a plus or a minus, depending on your needs and your personal preferences. This also does not use the KJV, so, I'm not recommending it. The book focuses on Exodus and how it pertains to teens, life and Christ. It is supposed to get them focused and interested to dive into group discussions and hopefully will lead them to study more on their own.

This is one of the few studies on the market geared towards teens and it had some good points as well as some things I wasn't so sure about. I just wish I could find those notes to discuss it more. If I find them, I'll make another post and will post a much more indepth review.

I received an egalley of this book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

"More Beauty, Less Beast" by Debora M. Coty

More Beauty, Less Beast: 
Transforming Your Inner Ogre
Author: Debora M. Coty
Publisher: Barbour Books (March 1, 2012)
Paperback: 224 pages
ISBN: 9781616263478
Available at Amazon

About the book:

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess hidden within. In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find simple, practical techniques for embracing the true beauty rightfully theirs as cherished daughters of the King. Whether jaded by emotional wounds, unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud, girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant to be.

My Thoughts:

Filled with wisdom mixed with humor, snuggling up with this book is like visiting an old friend. Debora Coty's prose is conversational and makes you feel like she's talking "with" you instead of "at" you, while tackling some difficult subjects that all women face: aging, self-esteem, body image, and inner beauty, just to name a few.

Each chapter is only a few pages long, starting with a Bible verse, then Debora's message, a quote, and a few questions to help you focus and really think about what was discussed. Each chapter would make a great devotional or mini-study and would be a perfect way to start out your day. Each chapter is categorized, making it easy to return to again and again for those times you need a little "help".

This is a great addition to any woman's library. Make sure to pick up a copy and tame that "inner ogre" so that you can become the woman God created you to be!

About the Author:

Debora Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion. Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living."

Visit www.deboracoty.com for more about Debora and her books.

Visit other bloggers on the tour to see what they have to say about More Beauty, Less Beast.



Transform Your Inner Ogre with a $150 Visa Cash Card from @DeboraCoty!

Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor, Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!





One "beautiful" winner will receive:

• A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
• A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
• Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party on  3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via Skype.)


So grab your copy of More Beauty, Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of March 22nd for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

 

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for this tour. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

The Qur'an Dilemma - Glass Road PR Tour

The Qur'an Dilemma (English version) Volume 1
Authors: Former Muslims and professional Islamic scholars
Publisher: Water Life Publishing
ISBN: 9781935577034

A book of terror or a book of peace? An inspired text or a political agenda? How is one to know the truth about the Qur'an? Where does one even begin? How can an English speaker ever hope to wade through the history, the translations, the sects, and the commentaries to begin making sense of the issues?

During the last decade, interest in Islam and the teachings of the Qur'an has grown globally. In order to allow Westerners to investigate the truth about Islam, this research text was translated from Arabic to give English speaking readers the opportunity to see the Qur’an with clear lenses that are not fogged by propaganda or missionary zeal. This book provides the background of the Qur'an in an objective manner . It also presents the text of the Qur’an with parallel commentary, addressing important issues that Muslim scholars have wrestled with throughout the centuries, shedding light on their attempts to solve them and giving a rounded view of the various schools of thought.

The critical approach in this book is inspired by the courageous tradition of those who have dared to analyze the Qur'an throughout history, while also incorporating the contemporary intellectual productions available in Arabic and foreign sources. The discoveries made through these scholarly critical methods are directed to non-Muslims and Muslims equally:

To non-Muslims who want to unravel the mysteries of Islam, this book presents information that Islamic resources rarely disclose--to allow those who seek the truth to comprehend the full picture with all its outlines, colors, and dimensions.

To Muslims who seek genuine choices far from the culture of “indoctrination,” this book opens a world of understanding to them, so that they can decide for themselves their intellectual and spiritual paths.

The Quran Dilemma (Volume One) – available now both in English and in Arabic - covers the first nine suras (chapters) of the Quran.  The remaining suras will be covered in Volume Two, due for release in 2011.  Articles and commentary found throughout this masterfully executed book – which explain and analyze each sura - are based on authoritative Islamic sources.

Make sure to visit The Qur'an.com to download a sample and to see the special offer of 25% off this Volume. 

My Thoughts

First, I must comment on the physical appearance of this volume. When I removed "The Qur'an Dilemma" from the package, I was struck by its beauty. This burgundy and gold hardcover gives a hint of what it holds inside. The artwork on each page plus that found between each sura is no less than stunning. This makes this volume not only a wonderful resource, but a beautiful gift for anyone who is interested in world religions or Muslim teachings.

This is far from a light read, and although I read through it quickly the first time to finish for the tour, but I will admit I am reading it again slowly because of how the book is written. I missed so much the first time through! This is a book that is written for the scholar, but at the same time, for someone who just wants to study and learn more about the Qur'an and its teachings.

I was very, very surprised with what I was taught the Qur'an held, and what it actually there. I was taught that it was a peaceful teaching, but what I'm finding is something different. My heart broke when I read about the belief towards women and to learn that one that follows the teachings is not even allowed to befriend someone of a different faith!

I cannot even begin to cover what I have learned so far, and I'm looking forward to finishing the book and getting the other volumes. "The Qur'an Dilemma" is nothing less than amazing and to have a translation in my hands that I can read and understand makes me aware of how much I do not know. Like those who hear about a book and do not read it, one really never knows what is held in those pages but can only rely on others to tell the truth.

This volume is an eye-opener and one that should be considered to be added to every Christian's library.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

I received a copy of "The Qur'an Dilemma" to read and honestly review for this tour.