I have been using this series as I teach my six chidren at home. The authors have done an excellent job of bringing us the best of the original McGuffy Readers, returning to the contents of the first series, not those later published under his name. My children are discovering a nobler time and way of life as they learn the basics with these fine readers. The study guide is simple to use with many practical exercises and examples. The only reason for less than five stars seems to be the quality of the paper and binding. In the noble effort to keep costs down, the durability of the product suffers. I am hoping for a hard bound edition. Should one appear, the publishers should be prepared for greater sales than the previous edition. Such excellent content deserves an equally excellent binding with the ability withstand being read again and again.

These are the original 1837 McGuffey Readers before the secular revisions, with slight revisions of archaic grammar. Four Readers and a Study Guide show you how to teach your children to reason cogently, speak persuasively, write clearly--all in a Christian framework. Each lesson has moral and intellectual content, and offers an impressive vocabulary. Words progress from 'learn,' 'keep,' in the early grades to 'assiduity, profligate, efficacious, calcaneous, penury, communition, execrated' in high school. Lessons are followed by spell/define exercises, and thoughtful questions. Ex.: "Is it not better to be industrious and possess a good name than to possess many riches?" "What is the effect of making public opinion the rule of life?" "Have we not reason to rejoice that we live where we may hear the glad tidings of salvation?" Each lesson begins with a basic rule of reading and elocution. Study Guide ties each original lesson to a biblica! l theme. There are 10 years of 36 weekly lessons (grades 1-10). Instructions on teaching reading aloud, public speaking, good writing habits, memorization, logic, love for language as one of God's gifts. Many famous authors like Blackthorn, Shakespeare, Bacon, Irving figure prominently. By the time a child begins the third reader he will have surpassed most of today's high schoolers. Mastery of the fourth reader puts him beyond most college students. Any adult can read the selections with profit. You'll be awed at what was once accomplished in American schools, and resolved that your children grow up with the same advantages. The lessons cover a broad range of worthy topics including history, geography, poetry, and virtue. These are just reading selections,however, and do not as such offer instruction in phonics or grammar. Some of the 19th-century perspecitves are quaint, even funny. These lessons are intended for Christian parents who homeschool their children. ! I'm happy to learn from them myself. I see the sublime ed! ucational value of these lessons, and see the great need for moral and spiritual training for young people. These lessons will provide those in spades.

This book is great for someone who is stressed out because they are always so busy dealing with the urgent that they find themself forgetting the important. While many books on time management are great for motivation - this one brings time management tips to you in a practical manner - with questions for reflection and application at the end of each chapter.

There were two sections of this book that I found particularly helpful. One dealt with the difference between being efficient - and being effective. Before reading this, I had never realized that a person could show 100% efficiency in something but never have it be effective in helping anyone! The second section that helped me was a list of 7 tips and ways to say no. One of the most helpful tips was to learn to "go with your gifts" when making the choice between two good things.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to reclaim their time.

Hummel's "Freedom from Tyranny..." is a wonderful amplification of his booklet "Tyranny of the Urgent." Like its predecessor, the book encourages you to examine your life and realign your priorities by seeking to live a holy life. This book is a beautiful balance of illustrative vignettes, Scripture, and Hummel's thoughts.

The book is very encouraging, uplifting, and peace-inducing.

I've been leading a small group study in which we are slowly digesting the book and attempting, with God's help, to apply it. The group members unanimously love the book. They all feel uplifted and have remarked on Hummel's giftedness in encouraging us rather than making us feel guilty that we haven't mastered the topics yet.

This book is a gift to yourself. I encourage you to read it with an open heart, then give a copy to loved ones.

I've returned to order an additional five. That brings my total to 20 so far.

God bless you.

This book is great for anyone who desires to grow in their ability to read the Bible the way it wants to be read. If you desire to really understand what "thus sayeth the LORD", you've got to learn what the Bible says about itself. "Let the Reader Understand", will get you started on that journey. It tackles complex material in a very understandible way. The Authors are great communicators! Learn more about how to learn about the one true God! Peace.....

A very helpful introduction to the complexities surrounding Biblical interpretation.

The book is basically a collection of quotes from contemporary authors -Jewish, Christian or pagan - living in the decades during and after the rise of early Christianity. A novice would not understand the usefulness of this book, but for someone like me who has a deep interest in the early beginnings of the Semitic faiths, this book is very useful indeed, as it contains certain quotes often used in Christian texts but obscure to track down its source (such as quotes from Epicurus or Josephus, for example). I would certainly recommend this book for those who know well enough the historical context of Christianity and wishes to use this book in order to track down (and gain) such references.

Many have the idea in their minds that Christianity simply appeared in a vacuum, or that Christianity began when one's church was built. However, Jesus was born into a much different world than ours today. We must also remember that the New Testament writers and Church fathers were writing under different conditions as well, and these influences are seen in their writings.

Barrett's book should give the reader a fine background into the period of the New Testament. I personally think every New Testament class should require this text, if anything as a side textbook to be consulted when necessary. Barrett saves us the work of finding the appropriate background writings on our own. He has collected them and given us pertinent excerpts.

He gives writings from the:

Roman Empire- Here he has writings from Roman Statesmen and Emperors, showing policies towards the Jews, etc.

Papyri- He translates various everyday letters, wills, and deeds in Koine Greek, perhaps showing us what the average Christian or Jew may have experienced in everyday life.

Inscriptions- here he translates inscriptions on synagogues, tombs, and other buildings.

Philosophers and Poets- Excerpts from Plato, Epicurus, the Stoics, and many others show us the prevailing pagan philosophies of the day.

Gnosticism and Gnosis- this section has writings discovered at Nag-Hammadi and from other Gnostic groups lacking Christian influence. He has divided Gnosticism (the full blown heresy of the 2nd century) and Gnosis (the developing religion perhaps addressed in Colossians) into 2 groups for clarity.

He also has sections on the Mystery Religions, Jewish History (including readings from the apocrypha), Rabbinic Literature, Qumran Texts, Philo, Josephus, the Septuagint, the Targums, and finally from Jewish apocalyptic literature.

As can be seen, Barrett gives a fine survey of the time period using the writings of important Jews and Gentiles. Chronologically, the writings are all from the New Testament and the Ante-Nicene time periods in the Church. Overall, this is an essential text, which should introduce the student to the influences upon Christian Thought and writings, as well as to the world Jesus was born into and in which generations of Christians lived.

This book is very thorough and comes with very good references on every proverb, relating it to other verses in the Bible. It makes a terrific personal study guide or guide to create a study for others. There is lots of commentary that is sure to shed light on so many verses that you will be sure to highlight and refer to this book often.

Excellent book, well worth the money. I've had mine for 8 years now and treasure it.

Classic devotional commentary on the bible book of Proverbs containing wisdom from King Solomon and others.

Charles Bridges provides sound insight into the book of Proverbs.

Sure to touch the heart many times in many ways. Just a little study of this book often produces rich results. Be sure to look up the scripture references. Be prepared to grow in wisdom and knowledge and understanding.

For good, down-to-earth advice about the practicalities of living a life that honours God, Chuck's writings can't be beaten. He addresses a number of relevant issues, such as finances, sexual purity, and prayer, in a way that reflects on the teaching of the Bible as well as the wisdom gained through his wealth of Christian experience.

This is one of the best books out by Charles Swindoll. This is a great book for anyone struggling with any aspect of the Christian life. Swindoll lets you know that you aren't alone, and offers suggestions from the Bible's perspective. This is an excellent book!

So, the author thinks that the future king of England is the anti Christ, just because the prince is into off the wall new age beliefs and wants to be the future king of Europe. According to the author the prince has all familiy ties and religious ties that will one day make him the king of Europe or the so called anti Christ. The royal emblem, according to the author is the same thing described in the Bible describing the beast in revalations. This idea was interesting. I can believe that the prince and the royal family are very corupt and involved in secret societies to manipulate the world but to go as far to say that the prince is the anti Christ, give me a brake. Although I disagreed with some of the concepts in this book, it is very entertaining and filled with a whole lot of great informaion. This book is well worth reading.

This book draws reasonable conclusions from incredibly well-documented sources. A quick scan of the other endorsements (nearly all five stars), not to mention the editorial reviews (see the above link), will show that others agree. As for me, I give "The AntiChrist and a Cup of Tea" five stars, which is clearly what this one-of-a-kind-in-history book deserves. Indeed, anyone who has read the LaHaye and Jenkins "Left Behind" series will, upon reading Mr. Cohen's book, likely abandon that series as false prophecy (see the warnings against adding to or taking away from scripture, which apocalyptic fiction must inevitably do, in Revelation 22) in favor of an author and a title that offers real, credible information (for example, see pages 394-396) rather than fictional speculation and sensationalism. Although Mr. Cohen cannot be 100% accurate in everything he has said (he's just a human being), I still have to say kudos! If his first book leaves everyone else who has ever written on the subject of the antichrist in the dust (and it does), just think what Mr. Cohen's upcoming title, "Messiah, History, and the Tribulation Period" (mentioned in "The AntiChrist and a Cup of Tea") will do. I for one can't wait to see.

I could not help but notice the recent one-star reviews on this book. They are so obviously intended to blackball the work that those who gave them should cower in shame; they have no integrity. In fact, anyone who HAS read Tim Cohen's "The AntiChrist and a Cup of Tea" will immediately recognize that those who proffered the one-star reviews did NOT; their assertions concerning the book are false and completely misleading. (On the other hand, it may be that these "readers" are simply incapable of comprehending what they read.) That these are phony one-star readers also becomes evident from the fact that others who have responded have ALL given the book five and, in fewer instances, four stars. As several have pointed out, the book is incredibly well researched, and its sources are all documented; any diligent reader can verify the information given. I believe that Cohen's conclusions are warranted considering the evidence offered; the book is not at all sensationalistic. What's more, Cohen does NOT actually state that Prince Charles is the AntiChrist in the work. (One would search in vain to find any such statement.) Instead, he presents an incredibly strong case based upon documented facts, and then allows the READER to draw his or her own conclusions. Take some good advice: read this book, and don't listen to dishonest individuals who make a pretense of being readers.

Yes. It's true! A good friend of my family gave us this book and by the time I went thru the first chapter, I was in tears and saw a light I had missed and nearly forgot in my yrs as a Christian and pastor (besides having gone thru a long wilderness). My current pastor's birthday came up and even tho I had not finished the second chapter, I decided to either buy one for him or give this one away! I gave it away as the bookstores had sold out! I do not know whether he has read it yet as his messages did not show it. Still, I am hoping... Wonderfully, our friend lent her copy to us and now I can continue reading. I have preached and taught grace and works and all that for so long I forgot what it really meant to ME! (It can happen!) So, altho I knew what Swindoll would basically be writing, his experience and authority as a seasoned man of God in our generation sealed the truth of grace into my heart like few others could. From that day, I have been having a wonderful time just LIVING for Him!!!! Praise the Lord!! Thank u Mr. Swindoll for teaching this truth with boldness and with all grace! May the Lord continue to see u thru till the end of time!!

This book brings out what many christians can't put their fingers on. It screams out and says how are you walking?? chained up or FREE? We are all to seek God and obey his commandments and this book does not take away from that. It just tells it like it is. It's all God and not US. That is where the focus should be. We as humans tend to take things to the extrem thus distorting and re-adusting what(we think). This book offers an insight to balaced christian living and points straight to God and his word. That in itself brings contentment to a christian being filled with guilt and burden. We can love God and be so happy and confident about who we are in Him. Sadly those who are convinced that they want to choose a rigid christian life will continue to have tunnel vision. They will not want to be set free, for them I will say, Only Christ died and only He and He alone can make you righteouse. I also pray for your awakening and if in humility to Christ you can read your bible without any preconcevied thoughts about what you've been taught or any of your own understanding, but that which lines up with Gods word (which is infoulable). Even when you think your OBEYING and LEADING a righteous life...guess what?? you still have SIN and God's GRACE is ever so graciously covering you...Why not enjoy it like he intended. This book is that simple. God does not have favorites as the bible says. So lets all grow up and accept our imperfection and live triumphant,righteous,happy christian lives that only comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Only Satan would bring rigidness to a believers life. Let start living like Jesus died for us and rose up to give us LIFE in the true sence of the word(LIFE).

The Grace Awakening was a fantastic read! Very encouraging, motivating and challenging. In a day when traditionalism is so emphasized in the Church, we are too soon forgetting the grace of Jesus that set us free from, not only sin, but legalism and the restrictive traditions of men that we may rather serve the Lord freely and cheerfully with love and according to the prompting of God's Holy Spirit and the instruction of His incredible Word. Many have left the simplicity of the Gospel and of Scripture for the fancier details of "Christian" pop-culture and modern theology.

Charles illustrates for the reader a beautiful picture of the grace of God, as it is seen exampled and taught in Scripture, and calls the reader to return to this focus on grace and allow it to liberate our Christian experience, to motivate and stir us to love for one another in the body of Christ, and to encourage us in that pursuit of intimacy with Christ. And as these things come into alignment in our perspectives it will also effect change in our approach to winning the lost for Jesus. Not so much merely with words, but real action that is motivated by God's amazing and awakening grace!

This is a great book that reminds the reader to return to God's Word and set his/her mind upon the rich and wonderful grace of God. Highly recommended reading!