Urban Legends of the New Testament surveys forty of the most commonly misinterpreted passages in the New Testament. These "urban legends" often arise because interpreters neglect a passage's context, misuse historical background information, or misunderstand the Greek language.
With examples from the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation, Urban Legends of the New Testament will not only help readers avoid missteps in these texts but also provide a model for engaging in correct interpretation of other New Testament passages. In addition, QR codes are placed throughout the book so the reader can watch David Croteau carefully navigate through ten urban legends to arrive at the true meaning of each text.
My Thoughts
Urban Legends of the New Testament is absolutely fascinating and left me feeling quite sheepish. Before reading this book if you would have asked me if I thought I knew my Bible well I would have pretty confidently said yes. I've been to Bible College and sat through class after class learning a hermeneutical approach to understanding the text.
The very first urban legend bowled me over. The title of the chapter is There Was No Room at the Inn and it covers the Scriptures from Luke 2:1-7. A very familiar passage. So familiar in fact that I would hazard a guess that most of us can recite it from memory. After reading Croteau's chapter on it I have to laugh at not only my preconceptions but also those of the vast majority. As a credit to him I can honestly say that I will never again read that portion of Scripture in the same way.
The second urban legend was entitled We Three Kings of Orient Are. By the end of the chapter I was cheering because I actually already knew the misconceptions. A big thanks goes out to Dr. Sherman for that one! Of course I didn't have long before I was once again astounded at my lack of understanding. But sure enough when I compared Croteau's notes with Scripture it came out just the way he said it would.
This book is designed to be a pseudo text book, but I'm here to tell you that it doesn't read like one. It is quite reader friendly and I think that anyone who reads their Bible would enjoy reading this book as well. Croteau has a way of presenting complicated scenarios and facts so that even the non Bible student can grasp and retain. In fact his whole approach is one of discovery rather than shaming for not knowing in the first place. It's a very refreshing way of teaching.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any Christian whether a lay-person or a church staff member. Even if you know each of the forty passages and completely understand their meaning I am sure you will be able to take away some nuggets that will enhance your walk with Christ.
End Times and the Secret of the Mahdiis an action plan for living confidently in these turbulent and uncertain times. In this exciting new book, Dr. Michael Youssef examines current events in light of end times prophecies, revealing:
Striking parallels between the Antichrist of Revelation and the Mahdi of Islam
The rise of ISIS and other events leading to the end times
The movement toward a one-world government
Insights into the events of the Great Tribulation
Though most of Revelation deals with future events, this book is not primarily about the future. It's about the present--your present.
As you read these pages, you will be encouraged to stand for truth without compromise as God moves human events toward a dramatic and triumphant conclusion. And even when it appears that evil is winning, you will be assured by God's promises and filled with eager expectation for our Lord's return.
My Thoughts
If you listen closely you can almost hear hear the earth groaning. The wars in the Middle-East, the terrorists in Europe, all of these awful things make us think of the end times spoken about in the book of Revelation. In Dr. Michael Youssef's new book End Times and the Secret of the Mahdi these things are looked at and explored.
I've read many books on the book of Revelation and the subject of the Antichrist so I was expecting something similar. I was pleasantly surprised at Dr. Youssef's fresh perspective. Rather than taking it verse by verse through the book of Revelation he chose instead to look at it in the major themes of the book. He also related it to our current situation and how things are lining up for this ultimate battle and triumph of Christ.
I really liked this approach. It allowed me to concentrate on a particular portion such as the new heaven and earth. Dr. Youssef used Scripture to show what has been foretold and what is to come. Another thing that I appreciated was how clear he was when he was giving his own opinion. He made certain that the reader understood that while his opinion is based on his understanding of Scripture it was just that, his opinion.
If the rise of ISIS and all the terrorism around the world has you scared and wondering what is going to happen pick up Dr. Youssef's book. You'll be reminded not only about the course of events to come but more importantly that Christ will triumph and we that are His followers will be united with Him.
