My List of Recommended Bible Study Tools

My List of Recommended Bible Study Tools

First of all I will recommend a web site ! You know we are living in the cyber age and there are some great resources online to help you study your Bible ( as well as some very very wacko ones – be careful!)

Blue Letter Bible allows you to search the entire text of the Bible in multiple translations to find verses.  In the King James and New American Standard versions , you will also be able to access Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance definitions and even Vines Dictionary definitions ( see below for these books).

It is truly an amazing tool!

www.blueletterbible.org

(In this Blog, I assume a belief on the part of the reader  in the inerrancy and Divinity of the Bible. However for those who have questions I have a couple recommendations  at the very bottom.

 In the area of Apologetics you may also want to read other works by Lee Stroebel, Dr. William Lane Craig, Ravi Zacharias, Dr. Craig Blomberg, Dr. Gary Habermas  or Dr. Bruce Metzger etc….)

Concordance

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance

A list of literally EVERY word in the English Bible sorted alphabetically and with a Hebrew and Greek Dictionary Definition.

If you can think of only a word or two of the verse you’re looking for and you want to look up what the Bible says about a certain word – this can all be done through Strong’s   ( Other concordances include Young’s and Cruden’s  but Strong’s is the most widely )

Next to the specific word you will find the Verse where it is located ( i.e. Eph 2:8) and also a number that corresponds to the Hebrew and Greek dictionaries at the back of the book.  Find the same number in the dictionary ( one set of numbers for Hebrew – Old Testament / and one set of numbers for Greek – New Testament) and you will find the corresponding word and a brief definition of that word in its original language.

Commentary

Believer’s Bible Commentary by William Macdonald

A Bible commentary follows Biblical Theology in the sense that it offers interpretation and other notes one verse at a time from Genesis 1:1 to the end of your Bible. It is great when you are struggling with a particular passage to get a basic understanding of it through Biblical, Linguistic and Cultural context.

We need to remember though that a commentary is a man’s view of the Bible and it often helps to have more than one.  You should usually try reading and understanding each Scripture passage on your own first with prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

There are many commentaries out there and you need to be careful which one you choose and trust.  Often commentaries are multiple books ( MacArthur, Warren Weirsbe,  H.A. Ironside etc…) but sometimes you will find a single volume one like McDonald’s  or Matthew Henry’s. 

I like Believer’s Bible Commentary as it is concise and simple,  yet very deep in its theology and understanding of the Scriptures.  

Systematic Theology

Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology

Systematic Theology is different from Biblical Theology in that it tackles a specific topic or doctrine  and then seeks to find out what the Bible – as a whole – says and teaches on that topic.  Examples of topics would be “the Church”,  “the Trinity”, “the Holy Spirit” etc…

The same warnings need to be heeded about Systematic Theology books as about Bible commentaries – they are only human.  But when you find a good trustworthy one, it can be quite helpful.

Grudem’s is under the category of “Reformed” theology – essentially meaning that it is not Roman Catholic theology which does differ in certain points.  I like Grudem’s book because although he is upfront about his personal views on a topic, he also explains some other views and , ultimately, appeals to Scripture to interpret Scripture ( i.e. what does the whole Bible in its full context say on the matter – not just picking out a verse here and there).

Note – mark Driscoll has put out a book called “Doctrine” that is kind of like a mini- systematic theology. Although Mark can sometimes come off as a bit blunt and rough around the edges, I find this book quite reliable and easily understood and sticks mainly to the “facts” as opposed to the “opinions”.

Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

Don’t let the titles intimidate you. This is simply a dictionary with more in-depth definitions on Bible words in their original language as compared to a concordance dictionary.

Nelson’s Book of Bible Maps and Charts

I am a complete nerd for maps and charts so this book is right up my alley. However, regardless of your like of history or geography – this little book ( or one like it) is extremely helpful in getting a handle on the Bible as whole.

Each book of the Bible is briefly looked at and you are given information such as : the author, date of writing, place of writing, audience directed at and a short summary. You will also get a little “outline” of that book ( I.e. Genesis) in chart form , showing the main themes and key verses and message.

There is so much good and important information in here and yet you will love its simplicity and colourful charts and maps ( yes, pictures! ;)  ….

Here’s the Difference

This small book,  also by William MacDonald, is a treasure in the art of Biblical distinctions – in other words telling the difference between different Bible  topics (i.e. Israel and the Church, The Old covenant and the New Covenant” etc.. ) .

As many scholars will tell you , you must first “define the terms” you are using. This book helps with that a great deal and can really enlighten your Bible study as you begin to understand the context of the passage or topic you are reading..

Rose Publications

Rose has many small pamphlet type publications that are very valuable for a “quick” reference guide.  Rose covers many many topics and I have found them all to be quite Biblically reliable so far.

The Case for Christ

This book is not so much to for studying the Bible but for authenticating It.  Author Lee Stroebel’s ground breaking work does a fantastic job of looking at the evidence that Jesus Christ was who He said He was – the Son of God. As part of that it goes in depth to study the reliability of the New testament – specifically the Gospels – Matthew , Mark, Luke and John  - in other words, Jesus’ biographies.

A much smaller work but also very valuable for evidence of the reliability of the Bible ( both Old and New Testaments)  is “The Bible: Myth or divine Truth” by Warren Henderson.

Josh Hamilton - Relapse and Redemption

What a great article on Josh Hamilton.... stumbling in your attempt to walk a healthy righteous life does not make you a failure. I'm amazed at how people attack him after one relapse in years.... for you Christians out there - this man's a believer and needs our prayers ... 

Contrary to popular belief - becoming a Christian doesn't make life a picnic. It usually makes it harder - way way better, but harder...


Its not that Josh Hamilton redeemed himself - Jesus did.


We've got your back Josh!


Original article here:   http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2012/02/josh-hamilton-relapse-give-the-guy-a-break.html

Sports Now

SPORTS NEWS FROM LOS ANGELES AND BEYOND

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Josh Hamilton relapse: Show some compassion

February 3, 2012 |  8:14 am

It's time to show Josh Hamilton a little compassion. Hamilton, the Texas Rangers' outfielder and a recovering addict, drank alcohol at a Dallas area bar Monday night, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The Rangers released a statement saying they are "aware of a situation, but we do not have further comment at this time."

Meanwhile, this has brought out the worst in some commenters all across the Internet, with many laughing at Hamilton's professed belief that Jesus gives him strength, or thinking "What do you expect from an addict?"

Apparently, teammate Ian Kinsler went to the bar Monday in an attempt to convince Hamilton to leave, which shows you at least one teammate thinks he is worth trying to help.

All we know for sure right now is that Hamilton relapsed for one night. He is tested for drugs three times a week. He had an accountability partner, former coach Jerry Narron, to support him in his recovery, and it's probably no coincidence that the relapse comes after Narron left the team to become the Milwaukee Brewers' hitting coach. His accountability partner leaving is just one of a couple of bad things to happen to Hamilton in the last year.

Last summer, Hamilton threw a foul ball toward fans in the left-field seats at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, and a man fell to his death as he lost his balance trying to make the catch. The man's young son was standing right next to his father when he fell. That had to have had an effect on Hamilton. Add that tragedy to the disappointment of losing in the World Series for the second year in a row, followed by his accountability partner leaving, and it's easy to see how all those things could lead to a moment of weakness.

But this is the time for people to rally around Hamilton and support him. To understand that he is human, just like the rest of us, and while he made a mistake, it doesn't have to be the end of his world. That we have all had moments of weakness, and we have all needed people to support us during those times, not make fun of us. That we applaud his years of sobriety, and don't add "but you let us all down" to his thought process as he tries to find the right path again.

A little compassion goes a long way. Many people are rallying around Hamilton today, but for those who want to use this to attack him, look in a mirror, and ask yourself if you will ever need anyone to support you one day. 

--Houston Mitchell

Photo: Josh Hamilton of the Rangers during the 2011 season. Credit: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press.

Child Sponsorship - Why I Chose Compassion Canada ( International)

We’ve all seen the TV ads . We usually turn the channel right away. Not because we’re heartless but maybe because we can’t stand to see the suffering… or we don’t know what effect we could possibly have on it. 

Maybe its because they seem to be begging for money – and we don’t really like that. We’ve heard the stories of so-called charities who are actually just lining their own pockets – and this is probably just another one  of those.

Of course there’s also the realities of making ends meet – this is understandable. And then there are the selfish reasons – but I’ll leave that between you and your Maker. Because this is no guilt trip folks – it’s a reality check.. its an opportunity.. it’s a reward.

Feeding, educating and loving children in the third world is all of those things and, of course, more. Sponsoring a child through a reputable organization is a wonderful thing – for you and for the child and their family.

We talk about investing our money - think about the intangible priceless returns of investing in another human being!

My wife and I  have chosen an organization called Compassion International 

( specifically Compassion Canada) for a variety of reasons. Whatever organization you choose I believe that organization needs to fill the physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual needs of the child – if the last three are not met then its just survival.

We have been with Compassion for about 8 years now and have never once been disappointed with the way our money , our sponsor child or we, ourselves, have been handled.

We recently gave our sponsor child a birthday gift of $50 (Canadian) last July - she just wrote back and thanked us for the $441,001.00 Rupiah....  this puts things in perspective for me.  I really do have the extra money, I think most of us do if we really committed to it.... 

Whether we are teenagers, young adults, married with children or seniors.

I think one of the main reasons people hesitate to donate money to overseas efforts is that they are just not confident that their money will reach those in need and actually make a difference.


 Because of Compassion's reputation of integrity and their holistic appraoch to helping children through a local church and indigenous people of that specific country - it really works. 


 For the financials and ratings you can see below why it is wise stewardship of your money , the child's care and , ultimately, God's glory and Kingdom. 


 For a real life testimony of people who have been through the program as children and are now successful healthy adults - please see the video below - it is truly amazing.

CNN's money man, Clark  Howard , advised that if you are thinking of giving to a charity to check out their rating with two specific watchdog organizations - The Better Business Bureau Charity and Charity Navigator. You can find both reviews at the links below.

 BBB Wise Giving Alliance Both Compassion International and Compassion Canada meet all 20 standards of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and are accredited charities with the BBB.

Better Business Bureau Review: 

Charity Navigator notes that this organization receives $0 in government support. and rates it  4 out of 4 stars.

Charity Navigator Review: 

After reading the above reviews, it is undeniable that Compassion has one of the best reputations - secular or Christian .  Now take a few minutes to watch this video. it has the unique quality of looking back at children who have grown through Compassion and the local church and are now adults...

For a further look into Compassion - visit their website at http://www.compassion.ca/index.asp

and specifically the "Why Compassion?" page here

Here is a taste of what you'll find:

Releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name

As the world’s leading Christian child development ministry, Compassion is committed to eliminating the root causes of poverty for children around the globe. Our passion and purpose reside in our unwavering commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and the ability of His Church to execute His command to serve the poor.

In response to the Great Commission, Compassion exists as an advocate for children to release them from their spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults.

Compassion is Distinctly Christian

Compassion’s ministry is distinctly Christian. Our child development programs are unique in that they are:

• Christ-centred
• Child-focused
• Church-based

" Each person is created in God’s image and bears God’s Likeness. Jesus treated everyone with respect and willingly gave His life for the redemption of all people. Therefore, all people are worthy of our respect and love."

Here's the list of the children who have been waiting the longest:    http://www.compassion.ca/child_list.asp?linkid=74

The Great Debate

Mental Illness Stigma in Africa

Original Article Here:  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/31/health/frank-njenga-mental-health/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

(CNN) -- As Kenya's leading psychiatrist, Frank Njenga has been championing the cause of better mental health care on the east African country and the continent for more than three decades.

He's been working tirelessly to bring quality mental health care in a country where mentally disabled people receive little help from the state and face massive stigma from society.

"It's a horrible indictment on what we've done but the truth and reality is that very little has been done systematically and deliberately by government or by ourselves to bring up the level of mental health in this part of the world," says Njenga.

In Kenya, an estimated three million, mostly poor, people live with intellectual and mental disabilities, according to NGO and United Nations figures. At the same time, the ratio of psychiatrists to the population is dismal -- just one psychiatrist to half a million people.

See also: Kenya's mentally ill locked up and forgotten

But Njenga, who is president of the African Association of Psychiatrists, says the problem is even worse in other countries on the continent.

A psychiatrist in Kenya

Lessons of mental healthcare

"It is a major challenge but it is a challenge that is very sadly is spread across the whole of the Africa continent," he says Njenga.

"In fact, Kenya is ironically behind South Africa and perhaps Egypt in the ratios of psychiatrists that are available per population. There are countries in Africa where there is no single psychiatrist to five-six million people."

This has motivated Njenga to dedicate his life helping mental health patients and raising awareness in a continent where mental disorders are often neglected and described as "un-African" and belonging to "people in the West."

Njenga, however, discards such claims as "clear nonsense."

"For as long as you are a self-confessed human being you will continue to suffer human conditions of which mental disorders are an integral part," he says.

Read also: Namibia's 'miracle doctor' brings gift of sight

Njenga describes Africa as "truly the traumatized continent" that's been plagued by wars, human suffering and lethal dictatorships.

"Whether you are looking at Rwanda or southern Sudan or Sierra Leone or DRC, the number of women and children and adults who have suffered severe trauma is greater than any other continent that I can think of."

We are losing far too many men and women to mental illness and therefore to un-productivity by not treating them for mental illness.
Frank Njenga

He underlines the link between good mental health and productivity and calls policy makers to make mental health services a priority in order to help their countries escape poverty.

"There is no health without mental health and there is no economy," says Njenga. "We are losing far too many men and women to mental illness and therefore to un-productivity by not treating them for mental illness."

Born in Kenya, Njenga was inspired as a teenager by the work of psychiatrist Frantz Fanon, writer of "Wretched of the Earth," a seminal book that explores identity and the post-colonial experience.

From then on, Njenga was convinced he wanted to be a psychiatrist. He went on to study psychology throughout medical school in Kenya before moving to the UK for his post-graduate studies at the Maudsley Hospital -- the world's oldest psychiatric hospital.

At the end of this studies, however, Njenga chose not to pursue a career in the UK but to return to his home country, committed to promoting the cause of better mental health in the continent.

"I went to the UK to come back and to come back as a psychiatrist and to make a difference in my homeland and in my continent. That is the reason I left Kenya and that is the reason I came back," he says.

Read also:The Africans giving aid to the world

On his return to Kenya, Njenga embarked on a mission to reduce the social stigma that is attached to going to a psychiatrist or seeing a mental health professional.

In a ground-breaking weekly show called "Frankly Speaking," Njenga spoke with his patients on television, putting the spotlight on tough issues such as schizophrenia and substance abuse -- taboo topics that were usually kept out of public sight.

Today the discussion of mental health issues on this continent is focused and is positive -- about that I feel proud and privileged.
Frank Njenga

"I felt powerful and relaxed I felt at last here I was able to tell it exactly as it was," he says. "Of all the things I have done in this society and community it is the program on television -- Frankly Speaking -- because I spoke frankly as my name is and my patients spoke very frankly indeed."

In his commitment to providing top-notch mental health care, Njenga also helped build a private in-patient psychiatric hospital, the first of its kind in Kenya.

He's also authored several children's books in a bid to build better understanding of mental illness and advocated for an insurance cover for mental health patients as chairman of the largest insurance company in Kenya.

Through awareness and affordable treatment, Njenga has changed how many people in Kenya think about mental health.

"Today the discussion of mental health issues on this continent is focused and is positive -- about that I feel proud and privileged," he says.