Tag: picture

Quotes to Note 39: Alec Motyer on the Church

~ Bob Hayton

Alec Motyer has spent his life studying the riches of Isaiah, and I’m almost finished enjoying the fruits of his study so helpfully laid out in Isaiah By the Day: A New Devotional Translation (Christian Focus, 2011). In each of the daily readings in this book, Motyer presents his translation with commentary and offers a devotional in line with the text of that day’s passage. I came across a jewel of a quote about the Church, with special focus on denominations and how each local church is to be a picture of the whole Church. I thought it was a great way to look at things and offer it hear for your benefit as well.

The truth remains the same today: the Lord’s earthly people are themselves the temple in which he lives by his Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16), the locus and display of his holiness and beauty. Well may we mourn that our sinfulness, divisiveness, our failure in biblical distinctiveness, and our manifest lack of holiness have marred the image. Who, looking at today’s church–denominational or local–can see the likeness of Jesus? And this is not a matter only of denominational failure, though that is all too plain. The Bible knows nothing of our “denominationalism,” and if Isaiah’s wording promts us to put our hand to reform and renovation then its proper focus is the local church to which we each belong. When we look at the merest sliver of a crescent moon we don’t say, “Oh, there’s part of the moon.” We say “Look, there’s the moon.” In the same way each local church, however small–or in the eyes of onlookers, insignificant–is meant to be a mirror and image of the whole, an earthly replica of the heavenly reality where Christ is all. We should be able to look at the fellowships to which we belong and say, “There is The Church,” bearing the two oustanding marks of holiness and beauty: obeying the command, “Be holy because I am holy” (Lev. 19:2), and displaying the beauty of Jesus in all its gatherings, relationships and individual characters.

~ excerpted from p. 306, on Isaiah 63:15-64:12.

For a sample reading from this helpful book by Motyer, see this post.

Book Briefs: “Timothy: A Little Fish with a Big Purpose!” by Brad Riley

~ Bob Hayton ~ 1 Comment

Timothy: A Little Fish with a Big Purpose! by Brad RileyI have read my fair share of kids’ story books. I’ve read about talking pigs and meandering puppies, about cats with hats and showers of noodles. Christian books come in almost as wide a variety too, from talking vegetables to time travelers and more. But I have never heard of a book about the fish Peter caught for Jesus — the fish that had money in its mouth, remember? This unique story is what you’ll find in Timothy: A Little Fish with a Big Purpose!

It takes a pretty imaginative mind to think of a back-story to the fish with a coin in its mouth! Author Brad Riley pulls off an intriguing yet captivating tale with a moral. The illustrations by Krystahl Goodale are bright and fresh, and the result is a captivating picture book with a story that will interest adult readers.

The book seems designed for children too young to read. I have the kindle version, but even that makes it seem like this is more of a picture book than a story with pictures. And while the stories will capture the interest of little readers, the story is more involved than most picture books. Riley also takes liberties with the story, and children should be cautioned that this is just a guess at what the fish might have been thinking. Some may think the story is overly done and that too much is made of the imaginative angle. But this is a story that will spark conversation and that is saying something for a kids’ picture book that comes in at only 30 or so pages.

I was fascinated and delighted by the tale, even if I didn’t totally buy the author’s take on the story. I thought the illustrations were bright, colorful and engaging. Little hearts will be directed to Jesus and the place of faith in the reading of this book, and for that reason I hope it gains a wide audience.

Pick up a copy of this book at any of the following online retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or direct from Vox Dei Publishing.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

About Book Briefs: Book Briefs are book notes, or short-form book reviews. They are my informed evaluation of a book, but stop short of being a full-length book review.

Book Briefs: “Inside the Reformation” compiled by Mark Sengele

~ Bob Hayton ~ 4 Comments

Having just concluded a ten week adult SS series on the Reformation, I was excited to get my hands on a new book that introduces children to the world of the Reformation. Inside the Reformation, compiled by Mark Sengele, is a beautifully produced, coffee-table quality book for kids. The pictures and illustrations are top-notch and will captivate young readers.

The book covers such topics as the Holy Roman Empire, world exploration, music, food and medicine in the middle ages, travel, art, architecture and more. Martin Luther is the focus of this work produced by Concordia Publishing House. Some space is devoted to Luther’s wife and other reformers such as Philip Melanchthon, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli. Important Reformation events such as Luther’s 95 Theses and the Diet of Worms, as well as significant documents, like the Augsburg Confession and the Book of Concord are also surveyed.

The book is a montage of assorted pictures and information, and no attempt is made to tell the full story of the Reformation, directly. Even so, the collection of engaging images and intriguing facts will spur readers to research further and inquire into the history of the Reformation for themselves. The detail and intricacy of some of the concepts covered in this book make it more suited for children in middle school and above.

This book would make a great resource for the child studying Reformation-era history. It would also serve as a useful addition to a homeschool curriculum covering Church history. I was quite impressed with the quality of the book and am very thankful that such high-quality resources are being made available for our children.

Pick up a copy of this book at any of the following online retailers: Christianbook.com, Amazon or direct from Concordia Publishing House.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Concordia Publishing House. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

About Book Briefs: Book Briefs are book notes, or short-form book reviews. They are my informed evaluation of a book, but stop short of being a full-length book review.

Book Briefs: “Bible Detective: A Puzzle Search Book” by Peter Martin

~ Bob Hayton

Where’s Waldo? Many a child has spent countless hours poring over a large picture book searching in vain for a funny man in a stocking cap, and his companions. Not much was learned in the process, however, and so Peter Martin has set out to change that. Working with illustrator Peter Kent, Martin has created Bible Detective: A Puzzle Search Book, a book that rivals Waldo for fun, but also offers an education in the world of the Bible.

This colorful picture book includes seventeen puzzles with a variety of objects to search for. Women fighting over a well of water, nine yellow frogs, the Tabernacle furniture and Solomon’s baboons–the variety of items to find is incredible. Bible scenes covered include David and Goliath, the census of Bethlehem, the siege of Lachish and Peter in Cornelius’ house. The pictures are engrossing, the artwork detailed and engaging, and the material is true to the biblical period being explored.

Exploring is just the right term to describe how a young reader will feel as he or she peruses through this bright book. And for those who are quick to give up, there is an answer key in the back with all the scenes mapped out. The quality of this book is superb, and Bible references and dates are provided to allow the puzzle being studied to be properly placed in its specific context.

There are a variety of puzzle books that are available for young readers. But there are not many Christian puzzle books produced with this level of attention to detail and quality of workmanship. This book will compete with secular products well, and should enjoy a long press run. For Christian parents seeking to equip their children with any Bible-themed resource available, this book is a must-have. It will appeal to elementary and middle school-aged children, with the older ones more able to appreciate the manners and customs explained. Come to think of it, even high-schoolers could enjoy paging through this book with their younger siblings.

This excerpt from Kregel illustrates the genius of this book. I encourage parents and grandparents to consider adding this book to their Christmas list this year. It is sure to please.

Pick up a copy of this book at any of the following online retailers: Christianbook.com, Amazon, or direct from Lion Books (Kregel).

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Lion Books (Kregel Publications). I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

About Book Briefs: Book Briefs are book notes, or short-form book reviews. They are my informed evaluation of a book, but stop short of being a full-length book review.

“God Made the World” and “God Made Animals” by Michael Vander Klipp

~ Bob Hayton

Author: Michael A. Vander Klipp
Publisher: Kregel Kidzone
Format: Boardbook
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 14 (each)
Age: 4 and under
ISBN: 9780825439117
and 9780825439148
Stars: 3 of 5

As a father of four girls (currently ages 6 – 23 months), I’m constantly keeping an eye out for good Christian kids’ books. Every toddler loves a boardbook, and the “God Made” series by Michael Vander Klipp, are excellent books for little hands.

The books are colorful, with a rainbow “handle” of sorts, that fits little fingers nicely. Each small page (and the book is small, measuring apx. 5 by 4 inches) has a beautiful picture and a word. “God Made Stones” with a picture of stones. “God Made Frogs” with a picture of frogs. The pictures are clear and sharp, and the colors on the books are bright.

The books have a simple God-ward message. There are other books with animals and natural objects in them. These books focus on the fact that God made the things we see. A little heart can begin to see God’s hand behind everything their eye discovers.

At the end of each book, a pertinent Bible verse is shared. Jer. 10:12 for the God Made the World book, and Job 12:7-9 for the God Made Animals book. The Scripture verses are taken from the New International Reader’s Version to be simple for young children. Two other books are available in the series: God Made Food and God Made My Body.

The books seem as durable as any boardbook, and they include a spiritual message. I recommend these books for little children particularly ages 18 months through 3 years.

Disclaimer: this book was provided by the publisher for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

These books are available for purchase at the following sites: Amazon.com (God Made the World / God Made Animals) or direct from Kregel (God Made the World / God Made Animals).