(sung to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas)
On the last day before Christmas, Bible Geek Gone Wild gave to me a chance to win another multi-publisher grab bag full of many goodies…
Welcome to day twelve of Bible Geek Gone Wild’s 2nd Annual 12 Days Before Christmas. It’s the last day of the Christmas promotion and I still have a lot of books to finish packing up for all of the previous winners. Today’s contest has prizes sponsored by B&H Publishing Group, Crossway Boooks, Abingdon Press, Bethany House Publishers, Thomas Nelson, and a few miscellaneous titles from Shaun’s personal library. There will be one winner in today’s contest, who will receive all twelve books listed below:
When People Thrown Stones by Blaine Allen (Kregel)
Sticks, stones, and words do hurt. No one knows this better than people in ministry who are often the targets of “”Christian critics.”" Pastor Blaine Allen helps leaders under attack respond to criticism biblically, working through the bitterness, resentment, and rage that often result. He shows them what to do when they cannot take anymore, when the criticism is accurate, and when they don’t want to forgive. The counsel in this valuable book will help the ministry leader know when to shrug off criticism, when to heed the criticism, and when to say enough is enough.
Jesus 365 by Ed Stewart (Harvest House)
Jesus 365 presents a fascinating chronological walk through the ministry of Christ. Using an original translation by biblical scholar Johnston Cheney that blends the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Ed Stewart creates a year long devotional journey that transports readers to Jesus’ time through the vivid lens of Scripture.
24/7: The One Year Chronological Bible (Tyndale)
This daily reading Bible is the story of how God reached into the world, in the order the events happened. It is in chronological order to emphasize the continuous narrative of the Bible. Each day you get a little more from the Scriptures and it only takes about 15 minutes. The interior art and square shape were designed to appeal to a younger audience. Front matter and daily verse callouts help guide customers through the readings.
The Fisherman’s Testament by Cesar Vidal (Zondervan)
In AD 62, Marco Junio Vitalis, a seasoned military general, is assigned to interrogate an elderly Jewish fisherman called Peter and unravels a story that shakes the very foundations of the Roman Empire. Now making its debut in English, this award-winning Spanish bestseller transports readers to ancient Rome where the stakes are high for Christ followers.
Because He Loves Me by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick (Crossway)
Rightly understood and cherished, God’s love makes Christians increasingly more like the One who has lavished his love on them. In this book a well-known biblical counselor points you to your true identity as God’s beloved child and teaches you how to become who you already are, without legalism or lawlessness.
Fearless by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson)
Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.
They’re talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word terror. Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn’t it be great to walk out?
Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.
Can you imagine your life without fear?
The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm (Crossway)
Everyone loves a good story–especially children! The Big Picture Story Bible presents the remarkable true story of God’s love for the world. Simple words and striking illustrations unfold the storyline of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. All ages will enjoy this exciting discovery of a God who keeps his big promise.
The Word Of Promise Next Generation: What is Salvation? (Thomas Nelson)
Going deep into The Word of Promise Next Generation . . . the audio Bible for the “wired generation!”
You’ve heard the dramatized New Testament featuring the voice talents of many of today’s top young Hollywood stars. Now dig deeper and embrace the truths and knowledge of the Bible like never before. This new devotional study guide series is available in four volumes. Each volume includes an MP3 CD, a devotional guide, and journaling section. The devotional guide is presented in 13 lessons with topical articles, exciting and fun 2-color graphic design, and creative interactive games and activities for youth to enjoy! Also included is a journaling section at the end of each lesson of the each book.
The Word of Promise Next Generation: Who is Jesus? (Thomas Nelson)
Going deep into The Word of Promise Next Generation . . . the audio Bible for the “wired generation!”
You’ve heard the dramatized New Testament featuring the voice talents of many of today’s top young Hollywood stars. Now dig deeper and embrace the truths and knowledge of the Bible like never before. This new devotional study guide series is available in four volumes. Each volume includes an MP3 CD, a devotional guide, and journaling section. The devotional guide is presented in 13 lessons with topical articles, exciting and fun 2-color graphic design, and creative interactive games and activities for youth to enjoy! Also included is a journaling section at the end of each lesson of the each book.
Sacred Waiting by David Timms (Bethany House)
Waiting–the Key to Joy, Peace, and Abundance
No one likes to wait. Our irritation level rises in checkout lines, train stations, restaurants, and doctors’ offices. We don’t have time to waste. But Scripture constantly speaks of waiting: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
The good news is that waiting on God is much more than watching the clock. Waiting plays a vital role in our spiritual formation as we draw closer to the Lord and respond to His leading. Challenging believers to rediscover this lost spiritual discipline, pastor and Bible professor David Timms reveals the hidden treasures of waiting on God–the peace and joy of being with Him.
The heroes of the faith all waited on God. And just like Abraham, Moses, and David, you’ll find that your best moments arise from God’s timing, not your own. Every covenant God made came at the end of a season of waiting. God’s rewards wait for you when you learn to practice Sacred Waiting.
Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Proverbs by Christine Roy Yoder (Abingdon Press)
The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation, to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves.
The book of Proverbs invites us into an ancient and ongoing conversation about what is good and wise and true in life. Yoder explores the book through literary, exegetical, and theological-ethical analysis, paying particular attention to how Proverbs shapes the moral imagination of its readers. She highlights the poetics of each proverb, considers similarities and differences between the book’s sections, and ponders how the content, pedagogies, and arrangement of Proverbs contribute to its aim to form “fearers of the Lord.”
Salvation and Sovereignty by Kenneth Keathley (B&H Academic)
In Salvation and Sovereignty, Kenneth Keathley asks, “What shall a Christian do who is convinced of certain central tenets of Calvinism but not its corollaries?” He then writes, “I see salvation as a sovereign work of grace but suspect that the usual Calvinist understanding of sovereignty (that God is the cause of all things) is not sustained by the biblical witness as a whole.”
Aiming to resolve this matter, the author argues that just three of Calvinism’s five TULIP points can be defended scripturally and instead builds on the ROSES acronym first presented by Timothy George (Radical depravity, Overcoming grace, Sovereign election, Eternal life, Singular redemption). In relation, Keathley looks at salvation and sovereignty through the lens of Molinism, a doctrine named after Luis Molina (1535-1600) that is based on a strong notion of God’s control and an equally firm affirmation of human freedom.
Contest Details
The object of today’s contest will be to leave a comment sharing either your salvation story and/or an explanation of the call God has put on your life. Following the close of the contest, the winner will be contacted via e-mail. Good luck!
Terms and Conditions
* This contest is limited to residents of the 48 state continental United States.
* Contestants may submit one entry per contest per day.
* The winner or winners will be announced following the close of each contest.
* Prizes will be shipped within several days of the close of each contest.
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5 users responded in this post
I was saved during a vacation bible school program at my grandmother’s church. I remember thinking that if anybody loved me enough to give their life for me, I should give my life for him. And I accepted Jesus as my savior!
I had always been rebellious and unsettled. I was alone – listless and unfocused. Life had no joy. And then I started reading the Bible again looking for answers. I so clearly remember the night and the words. How long will you resist me? You know I love you. I created you. You know I gave my son for you. I have plans for you. How long will you resist me? I did know all those things – I knew them in an instant with every ounce of my being, and I couldn’t resist any longer. I surrendered.
I grew up in a Christian home, and this fact is owing completely to God’s grace. At the age of 4 I was convicted of my sins and had been instructed in Sunday School that I should pray and ask Jesus to save me, forgive my sins, and give me a home in heaven. One night after family devotions, when it was my turn to pray I confessed my sins and asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me. My Mom wrote the date down, June 26, 1984.
I remember my Mom & Dad asking me questions about what I had done, and then my Dad taking me over to the pastor’s house (which was a half block from where we lived). I told the pastor what I had done, and Dad and the Pastor talked a while. I was sitting on the porch and looked up and saw the bright moon. I remember feeling full of God’s love and being in awe of God.
Later, in my particular church environment, I was encouraged to doubt this decision. I can remember praying many times “Lord, if I’m really not saved, please save me.”
In Bible College, I came to the Lord and prayed over the first few chapters of Hebrew. I felt that God gave me peace about my salvation and I didn’t strongly doubt my salvation again. I realized I didn’t have to say magic words or anything, it was God who does the saving.
A few years later I did go through a crisis time where I came to believe perhaps I had never been saved (else why would I struggle with different sins?). I again found rest in God’s love, and at the time claimed I had truly been saved for the first time. Looking back on my life prior to that, I can see fruit of the Spirit and evidence of God’s working in my life.
When it all comes down to it, I don’t have to know the exact date. I know God is mercifully dealing with me still. Jesus is lovely to me, and although at times it is painfully slow, I am progressing in sanctification.
My call is to honor God, and I do believe He has gifted me for pastoral ministry. I am working to that end and seeking God’s provision and grace to find me faithful enough to be placed in ministry.
Thanks for the fun contests, Shaun.
Blessings in Christ,
Bob Hayton
These really do end up being “stories” and not an event.
As a brief run down I grew up in a Christian family. I was depressed in mid/high school, and it was when a friend died after my senior year that i got shook up enough to realize I wasn’t actually relying on God. Before that He was just a piece of information. That really started my journey toward Jesus, and the years following have been nothing but boring!
Someone in college asked me to try reading the book of John. I did and the Holy Spirit entered me and opened my eyes. Suddenly I could see what all the liturgy of the Lutheran church meant. I’m so glad that I was saved by God’s words. (And that my testimony is so simple.)
Jeff
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