Journey to Jesus: A 6-Session DVD Curriculum

The jacket cover of this 6-session DVD curriculum reminded me that the goal of this teaching was for "Building Christ-centered friendships with Muslims." All six sessions were delivered with the love of Christ without compromise and each group of Christians and Muslims connected (respectively) via children, food and college.

I watched the Teaching Slideshow. I did not know that Hinduism was the first world religion. I also was educated regarding exactly who Buddha was. The Maps of War was excellent. For the educational value alone, this teaching would be perfect for a small group setting.

Session 1&2 with Kate and Salima was my favorite. The common bond which allowed Kate entrance to become friendly with Salima was their children. The balance Kate had between her home life, her Christianity and prioritizing her time was quite admirable. Salima was drawn to her and the relationship became one I would like to enjoy with a neighbor. Theirs was a casual, no pressure but caring relationship.

Sessions 3&4 focused on Larry and Azim. Their relationship focused around food (almost to a quasi-gluttonous degree). They were co-workers and Larry held Azim in high esteem for Azim's technical abilities. As with Kate and Salima, the two initially met outside their homes, but the last scene showed Azim at Larry's house. I liked that the end scene left me knowing that plans were to be made to continue the friendship.

Sessions 5&6 was the most challenging and frustrating relationship to observe. Brian and Abdul were partnered to work on a college assignment regarding world religions. A very angry Abdul was difficult to get along with and poor Brian was so kind, yet clearly persecuted. I was very sad about how their relationship ended but this demonstration of rejection was so very relatable!!

Journey to Jesus did an excellent job of portraying ways to connect with Muslims and each takeaway stuck with me. This DVD curriculum would be perfect for Sunday School class, a women's group or just to pass along to Christian friends. Nowadays, we are meeting many people from many walks of life. We must be educated and navigate the fine line of how to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:14-15). God reminds us in His Word that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4). But above all we are called to love our neighbor; of which the definition is basically = anyone we come in contact with!

Speaking of the Word, it would have been refreshing and helpful to hear Scripture read during the interactions. I don't recall hearing any Scripture spoken. Possibly, I missed it, but I do not recall hearing any verses. 

I recommend this product from Tyndale House to be an excellent tool to share the love of Christ with Muslims without compromise (a delicate balancing act!). Sharing is truly a matter of life and death. Christians need to be prepared! This resource is a great first step in preparing to share the Gospel with Muslims.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their blog network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Restless: A DVD-Based Study by Jennie Allen

I reviewed the eight sessions of the DVD in the "See" portion of the Leadership box before reviewing the participant book and leadership guide.

Since I am a visual person, my eyes celebrated the fact right away that this study was to be a beautiful setting in which we would journey into God's Word. The teaching took place in a shabby chic style coffeehouse chapel setting. The beauty of the light, stained glass and the bottles, cups and saucers were highlighted. Each session began with this type of visual tour. Artistically done, I was instantly inspired and ready to glean from each day's teaching. Joseph was the main character in this study but so many life lessons and Truth was mentioned in each session.

My favorite session was Places. I actually watched it twice. The second time I watched it with my husband. He agreed that Jennie Allen was wonderfully expressive and on fire for Jesus.

Clearly, each day was the anointed day for me to tune in to her teaching. This study was anointed and I do believe was and still is bathed in much prayer. I just know from my own personal time with the materials that God had already entered the process. I felt the presence of the  Holy Spirit within the first few seconds the DVD began. 

The speaker was humble, direct and honest. I have not witnessed a  Bible teacher (public figure in print and video) with her passion and transparency in a long time (if ever!).

For once, I have to say that I am at a loss for words to describe how blessed I was to be entrusted with a review. I have learned so much and have so much respect for this teacher. I reviewed the study book and the cards that would be introduced in a small group setting. I regretted not having had attended her study at my church. This study needs to be at every church where the Word of God is spoken!

One mini criticism I had which was even more minor after watching the study was the repetition of the word 'feel' on the cards and on the back of the study book for the participants. I run far and fast away from the 'feel' word. The back of the book asked, "Do you feel restless? What if this feeling weren't a bad thing? This feeling could be a longing, ..." I get it. And we do need to appeal to others feelings to lead them to Christ. We need to know our feelings will lead way to faith. And faith was the order of the day in Restless. It was not based on emotions, but the Word of God.

Lastly, I have a confession to make. I wanted to be in that room with Jennie Allen! I wanted to be next to that sweet sister she hugged at the end of one of the sessions and be close enough to see the tear fall down her cheek. I like that she admitted she does not like small talk and she wants to be real, even though being real costs and hurts. I want more from her! I would love to be her friend, to be cheering her on and sharing a cup of the coffee she served with the creamy heart in the center. She was cool, beautiful, humble,  passionate and everything I aspire to be! Of course, as she stated, she was not a 'Beth Moore' ha ha! 

We all need to be who God designed each of us to be. However, a hero of the faith such as Jennie Allen surely is someone I would want to befriend - and so, I shall pray for her ministry and follow her blog and to hopefully continue to review her Bible Studies! Though she is quite young in years, her wisdom will hopefully lead her on to be the Titus woman that this generation is so sorely lacking.

Jennie Allen, be blessed and be well. Preach it, sister!!

For more information and to order the kit and book visit Jennie Allen's website. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.

Unexpected Love: God's Heart Revealed in Jesus's Conversations With Women by Julie Zine Coleman

Unexpected Love was a breath of fresh air! This anointed work by Julie Zine Coleman highlighted nine women of the Bible and their interaction with Jesus in the Bible. The tone in which the author used was conversational but rich in context. I actually felt like I was there in each scene with Jesus and the women, listening in on their conversations!

I learned about water used for purification rites as well as being a part of the first miracle (wedding at Cana). Water has so much more meaning than to satisfy our thirst!

Every word in the Bible is used to demonstrate God's love and plan for each of us. Often, someone will throw out the lie that God disrespects women or seeks to repress women. This lie from the pit of hell is refuted over and over again in each Biblical account in this book. I saw the woman at the well in a new way as well as Martha and Mary. The author dove into a word here or there and expounded on the context and  historical perspective of that word. Her digging and explanations were so rich and she was an excellent teacher for this reason.

There were many great comments such as (page 150), "Being part of a Christian organization doesn't give you a relationship with God any more than touring the White House makes you the president."

I recommend this book to anyone seeking to grow closer to Jesus (which includes a lot of us!). This book would also make for an excellent women's or teen's Bible study book as there are two sections: "For Today's Woman" as well as "Food for Thought" at the end of each chapter. There was also a section titled "Journaling" at the end of each chapter with excellent questions to challenge the reader to journal.

Unexpected Love was all about Jesus being in love with women. This book will bless you and remind you to take time every now and then to spend time at Jesus's feet as He truly longs for us to take a breath and a moment to inhale His sweet aroma. What a blessed God we serve!!! Truly, Unexpected Love.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Are you a manufacturer of a product or currently market a service? Christina will review it! Email christina@wordsofgrace.info with product name, description and manufacturer's suggested retail price along with any other information relative to said product. You will receive a response via email within two weeks if product will be reviewed. Please note not all products will be considered reviewable. Please do not send products without prior consent. Note: Products sent for review will not be returned. Product submission authorizes consent for said product to remain in sole possession of recipient. No monies shall be exchanged for product submission nor permission granted for reviews prior to submission. Reviews shall remain effective and in full force at sole discretion of blog administrator and/or authors related to http://www.christinawillreviewit.blogspot.com.