I stood in the fourth row at Passion City church on the first Sunday of this year, hands raised as the band played King of Glory as the service’s call to worship. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so dense that tears flowed down during the very first chorus of the song. My heart filled with joy and gratitude, since right beside me, my 16 and 13-year old daughters joined the throng, faces lifted towards Heaven while worshiping their King.
P.r.i.c.e.l.e.s.s.
Thank God for Pastor Louie Giglio and his wife Shelley. Their ministry at Passion City and through the annual Passion Conference has impacted thousands, if not millions of young people throughout the globe.
I know there are many pastors and ministries that focus on the next generation, but there are also many who fail to teach the relevance of the full counsel of God’s Word. Whether by blatantly refuting certain texts in Scriptures or by lightly (and sometimes heavily) treading on dangerous compromises, there is no question that there is a war raging against the Word of God.
Nothing new, of course. The devil started his war against God’s Word in the Garden of Eden, by deliberately planting doubt in Eve’s mind:
“And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1,4-5)
His strategies worked then, and they still work now.
That’s why I was super excited when BibleGateway.com invited me to review “The Jesus Bible” as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2).
I first heard about it from my youngest daughter. She has been attending Passion City’s “Rising” events for the past two years and was excited when she flipped through her best friend’s Jesus Bible.
When I received my FREE copy for review, I waited to open it together with my daughter. As she opened the box, her eyes lit up.
The cover is absolutely gorgeous – colorful and with the stylish cross that has become known through the Passion Movement events and resources printed in gold.
As you open the book, the title is displayed on the first page and it sums it up:
The Jesus Bible:
sixty-six books. One Story. All about One Name.
Louie Giglio is the Editor in Chief, but this study bible features articles from some pretty amazing pastors and authors: Randy Alcorn, Max Lucado, Dr. John Piper, Dr. Ravi Zacharias and Giglio himself.
Several wonderful contributing writers shared their insights in the pages of this amazing bible, including some names I recognize for their scholarly insights and knowledge, like Karen Woodall and John Kramp.
As one opens the bible’s website: thejesusbible.com, the following words are found, in big letters:
There is no B.C.
Before Jesus walked on water, he walked in the Garden.
Before Jesus chose his disciples, he chose Abraham.
That is the central purpose of this Bible – to dispel any doubts about the fact that Jesus is as relevant in Genesis as He is in the gospels. He was in the beginning and will be the one who will open the scroll (Revelations 5).
He was and is and is to come.
As Giglio says in the Introduction:
“It’s not uncommon for people to approach the Bible with preconceived notions about where it came from or what it has to say. Some assert it is a fable, created by men. Others view it as just another religious manual, while some see it simply as a helpful roadmap for those seeking spiritual guidance.
But ultimately the Bible defines itself, claiming to be a book like no other. The Bible declares that it is altogether different – the holy, sacred, inspired, alive and active Word of God. It is the unique story of God from beginning to end, with one central character – Jesus Christ.”
The Bible declares that it is altogether different – the holy, sacred, inspired, alive and active Word of God. @louiegiglio Click To TweetI could not agree more.
Only through studying Scriptures one truly realizes how God’s perfect salvation plan is weaved through the pages of the Old Testament. From the freedom offered in Exodus to the grace extended throughout Israel’s history. From the promised suffering Messiah in Isaiah to the kinsman Redeemer in Ruth.
The whole story, with its dramatic lows and mountain highs. With its peoples’ flaws and God’s mercy and grace lavishing them over and over again. All of it culminating in the climactic victory of the One and only protagonist of the Story.
The Jesus Bible ties it all for you with insightful introductions, timelines and commentaries, all highlighting the presence of the Christ throughout Scriptures.
As for me, I finish this post with a prayer of thanksgiving for these leaders of my children’s generation – godly, gifted and God-fearing men and women who dare to stand up for Christ.
Unwavering and unapologetically, they shout to those who come behind us:
Do not forget Genesis. For if the enemy allows you to doubt it, he can easily convince you to dismiss the cross.
Do not forget Genesis. For if the enemy allows you to doubt it, he can easily convince you to dismiss the cross. Click To TweetAnd in case you wonder, my baby girl did claim this Bible. I had to get my own.
You can find the Jesus Bible in all major bookstores, Amazon and other retailers. (I found it at Walmart!)
Patricia, you have convinced me here that I truly need this Bible! As my birthday is coming up, I think I’ll make that suggestion to my husband. 🙂
Blessings!
Well, Happy birthday, Martha! May God give you his greatest blessings this year!
You will love this bible. It’s pretty cool 🙂