About the Book (From the Back Cover):
Because obeying God makes sense to us. In most cases, His laws appear reasonable and wise, and even when we don’t want to obey them, we usually concede that they are good for us. But the circumstances we find ourselves in often defy explanation. When unexpected situations arise that appear unjust, irrational, or even dreadful, we feel confused and frustrated. And before long, we begin to doubt God’s concern for us or His control over our lives.

Adversity is hard to endure and can even be harder to understand. If God were really in control, why would He allow the tragic auto accident or crucial job loss? How could He permit cancer in a loved one or the death of a child? Grappling with His concern for us we ask, “Why is God allowing this?” or “What have I done wrong?”

In an effort to strengthen his own trust in God during a time of adversity, Jerry Bridges began a lengthy Bible study on the topic of God’s sovereignty. What he learned changed his life, and he now shares the fruit of that study with you in Trusting God. As you begin to explore the scope of God’s power over nations, nature, and the detailed lives of individuals, you’ll begin to acknowledge His loving control. And as you come to know Him better, you’ll find yourself trusting Him more completely—even when life hurts.

About the Author:
Dr. Jerry Bridges is the best-selling author of such books as The Pursuit of Holiness, Transforming Grace, and The Practice of Godliness. Jerry is on staff with The Navigators’ collegiate ministry. A popular speaker known around the world, Jerry lives with his wife, Jane, in Colorado Springs.

• Interview with Julie Cave
• Review of Deadly Disclosures
• Review of The Shadowed Mind

I will be reviewing BibleWorks in four parts across four separate blog posts. The review will unfold as follows:

• Part 1: What’s New in BibleWorks 9?
• Part 2: BibleWorks Manuscript Project & CNTTS NT Critical Apparatus
• Part 3: Suggestions on how BibleWorks could be used in the classroom and as a biblical languages learning tool
• Part 4: Using BibleWorks on the Mac

For the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with BibleWorks, let me take a minute to explain what BibleWorks is and give some background on the software. I like to read the fine print and according to the BibleWorks 9 brochure, BibleWorks is “one of the most powerful and economically-priced Bible software packages available…BibleWorks is packed with an impressive array of features and databases, all tightly integrated and designed to make your study of Scripture more efficient and effective.” In my opinion, that’s a pretty fair assessment. From a tools and resources per dollar perspective, it’s hard to beat! BibleWorks software came in to existence back in 1992 as a program to help search Greek and Hebrew Bibles. As BibleWorks has matured through nine versions, they’ve worked hard to understand and respond to the needs of their users, adding more valuable resources and tools with each new release. After twenty years, the BibleWorks team strives to stay true to their mission, which is to “serve the Church and to assist the study, the exegesis, and the preaching of the Scriptures so long as the Lord finds us useful for His Purposes.”

My first encounters with BibleWorks was with versions 7 and 8, during my undergraduate and graduate school days. Early on, I used it sporadically in the computer lab and eventually I was able to procure my own copy of BibleWorks 8. In those days I ran BibleWorks on a Windows XP workstation. The biggest change now is that I’m running BibleWorks 9 on a MacBook Pro with OS 10.7. BibleWorks is not natively supported on the Mac, so I’m running it on a Windows 7 Virtual Machine inside of VMWare Fusion 4. I will share more about my experiences with running BibleWorks on the Mac in part four of my review. BibleWorks is a tool that I use regularly, sometimes for devotional reading, but mostly for Greek and Hebrew exegesis.

So, what’s new in BibleWorks 9? The ninth release of BibleWorks is a significant update. Here is a list of the five updates I felt were most noteworthy:

New Menu / Button Layout

I have always been a big fan of BibleWorks, since the first time I used it. However, my biggest gripe was always with the look and feel of the main menu. I didn’t find it intuitive and couldn’t help but feel that it was something left over from the Windows 95 days. I was ecstatic that they were able to work an interface overhaul into version 9, including updates to the main menu. This new button scheme leaves Windows 95 in the dust and is something I would expect to see in a program designed to run on Windows 7 or Vista.  Although, the functionality in the menu is similar to what we saw in previous versions, these changes go a long way in making the menu more intuitive and aesthetically appealing.

4th Column

Many of us have fairly large screens on our laptops and desktops, so there’s a bit more “real estate” up for grabs. BibleWorks 9 will allow you to capitalize on that extra space, with the introduction of a fourth column to the main window. Two columns are devoted to Analysis content, allowing you to utilize the remaining columns to show up to two resources simultaneously.

Verse Tab
An important new feature found in the main window is the Verse Tab. The Verse Tab will track with any Bible version. Using the mouse cursor as a point of focus, The Verse Tab displays the relevant sections in resources such as the CNTTS apparatus, the NET Bible textual notes, the Tischendorf apparatus, Metzger’s Textual Commentary (requires unlock), and the ESV Study Bible (requires unlock).

Note:  I will be covering the BibleWorks Manuscript Project & CNTTS NT Critical Apparatus in more detail in part two of my review, but certainly need to mention both of them in my list of top five new features.

BW Manuscript project

One of the features that I am most excited about in BibleWorks 9 is the BibleWorks Manuscript Project. This new feature has great implications for personal study and research as well as use in the classroom. It is my hope that ready and easy access to high quality manuscript images will spawn a whole new generation of Bible scholars, who are interested in textual criticism and paleography. The initial release includes the following manuscripts:

• Sinaiticus
• Vaticanus
• Alexandrinus
• Bezae
• Washingtonianus
• Boernerianus
• GA1141

For these manuscripts, the BibleWorks Manuscript Project includes the following:

• New full NT transcriptions
• Complete NT digital image sets (over 7.5 GB!!)
• Verse location tagging in images
• Extensive transcription notes
• MSS comparison tool
• Morphological tagging (not complete for all manuscripts but updates will be provided free of charge to BibleWorks 9 users as they become available)
• Manuscripts are fully searchable and integrated with the full array of BibleWorks analysis tools.
• Ability to tweak and enhance the manuscript images in the sophisticated image processing panel, now included in BibleWorks.

CNTTS NT Critical Apparatus

I don’t know that I could say this any better, so I’m going to defer to the description of the CNTTS NT Critical Apparatus from the BibleWorks 9 brochure.

“For the first time, the New Testament Critical Apparatus from the Center for New Testament Textual Studies is available for PCs. This exhaustive apparatus covers the entire New Testament. The BibleWorks version has been enhanced to show a matrix of Aland categories and time period for the mss for each reading. Users will especially appreciate having the apparatus track and update as the mouse moves over the text in the BibleWorks main window. In addition, the start of each verse entry summarizes the significant, insignificant, and singular variants. When examining a variant, the text of the verse is shown with the variant text highlighted. No unlock required!”

In addition to the five features mentioned above, there many additional updates and changes including The Moody Atlas of the Bible, updated Greek texts, and so much more. If you’d like to get a more complete understanding of what’s new in BibleWorks 9, you can find it at the BibleWorks website: LINK. The brief video below will also help you to better understand the sorts of things you can do with BibleWorks 9.

Look for part 2 of my review soon.

Recommendation:
Review Date:  1/23/2012 by Shaun Tabatt
Rating:  Highly Recommended

Review:
The Gospel Story Bible is the latest addition to the Gospel Story for Kids series by Marty Machowski. Filled with 156 stories spanning from Genesis to Revelation, The Gospel Story Bible strives to bring the Bible to life in a manner that is thoroughly engaging, seeking to develop within our children a deep love for God’s word. It is worth noting that The Gospel Story Bible aligns with the Scripture passages found in the Gospel Story children’s ministry curriculum, allowing parents to reinforce at home, what their children are learning in the classroom each Sunday.

Each story is two pages in length, featuring a Bible story reading,  a great illustration from A. E. Macha, and three discussion questions in the “Let’s Talk About It!” section. My family and I have been working through The Gospel Story Bible during mealtime with our children ranging in age from two years all the way up age thirteen. Every time we read a story, each of the children make sure they each get to look the illustration over carefully and from the youngest to oldest, they all participate in the discussion questions. We have been quite pleased with the level of theological discussion that comes about each and every time we bring out The Gospel Story Bible. In my opinion, it is one of the best children’s story Bibles we have in our home.  I recommend it very highly as a way to get Bible stories into your children, helping them to understand how the thread of the gospel is woven through God’s all the way from Genesis to Revelation.

Where to buy:

• Amazon
• New Growth Press
• WTS Books

Related Media:

• Marty Machowski on Facebook
• The Gospel Story Bible Preview – Old Testament
• The Gospel Story Bible Preview – New Testament

Disclaimer:
This book was provided by New Growth Press for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

• Ezekiel, Daniel (Reformation Commentary on Scripture), Edited by Carl L. Beckwith (March 2012)
• The Wonder of the Universe, Karl W. Giberson (April 2012)
• A Week in the Life of Corinth, Ben Witherington III (May 2012)
• Christ-Centered Biblical Theology, Graeme Goldsworthy (May 2012)
• Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views, Edited by Stanley E. Porter & Beth M. Stovell (June 2012)
• Dictionary of the Old Testament Prophets, Edited by J. Gordon McConville & Mark Boda (June 2012)

Goal # 1 – Lose 50 Pounds

At my last weigh in, I’m down to 254 pounds, which means I’m am 2 pounds closer to my goal of losing 50 pounds. Life has been extremely busy the past few weeks, but I’ve managed to fit in 4 exercise sessions, including a 3 mile run and 3 sessions of P90X. I’m continuing to use the  ”Lose It!” app.  I’ve found this most helpful for monitoring my caloric intake each day.  You can also use it to track your exercise as well.  ”Lose It!” offers a lot of excellent features for a free app.  Highly recommend it.

Goal # 2 – Read 100 Books

I am presently in the midst of several books, including:  The Big Three (Master Books, 2009), The Africa Memory of Mark (IVP, 2011), and The Referral Engine (Portfolio, 2010). Last week I finished Pieces of Light (Master Books, 2011), which makes for 2 books completed in 2012 and only 98 more to go.  I am continuing to track my reading progress on GoodReads. You can follow the books I’m currently reading here:  LINK and my growing 2012 reading list here:  LINK.

Goal # 3 – Write a Book

In my last update, I mentioned that I want to write my first book in 2012.  The topic I have chosen is visionary fatherhood. The short of it is that I want to tell my own story of growing up fatherless and share how God has brought me healing in this area and given me a “God-sized” vision for raising up my own family and being mindful of how what I do today will impact my family line for generations to come. I have relaunched my visionaryfatherhood.com website to share resources relevant for fatherhood and home education and also to chronicle my writing journey. I am in the midst of prayerfully putting together an outline and a list of resources I’ll be reading to help me begin this writing project.  Be sure to stop by visionaryfatherhood.com for updates on my progress.

Goal # 4 – Produce at least 1 YouTube video and Podcast per week

Last week I launched my books and theology podcast. I have wanted to get into podcasting for quite some time and even bought some equipment last year.  However, due to many circumstances it just didn’t come together in 2011.  Although I’m still in a learning phase with podcasting, it feels good to have the first episode under my belt.

The Books and Theology Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by me (Shaun Tabatt). Each show will be divided into three segments:

• Mail Call – A look at some of the books that have recently come across my desk.
• What I’m Reading – A look at some of the books I’m currently reading.
• Featured Segment – Either an in-depth look at a book I’ve recently reviewed or an author interview.

Goal # 5 – Rekindle my Love of Greek & Hebrew

Last week was a busy week at Cross Focused Media. I had a number of deadlines to meet, including a social media proposal for a potential new client as well as my regular schedule of ghostwriting for one of the blogs I create content for.  Sadly, all of this prevented me from beginning work on my goal to re-learn Greek and Hebrew. My plan is to carve out some time this weekend and nurture my “inner Bible Geek” with a bit of “Bible language learning.” I will be starting with the basics: alphabet, vocabulary, etc. If you find you’re like me and have let your Greek skills atrophy since college and seminary, I highly recommend Keep Your Greek: Strategies for Busy People (Zondervan, 2010).

You can stay up to date with my ongoing 2012 Goals progress at:  biblegeekgonewild.com/goals.