FREE/BARGAIN - Christian Interest - 2015

[Difflugia]

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

I'm attempting to convert your commands to UNIX and Mac (which is unix at heart). "dd" is built in to a mac, in a terminal window. File b.txt can be created either in a text editor, or via
cat >b.txt
[ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ]^d^d

and ls -a b.txt shows that it has 19 bytes in size.

Copy is cp.

But what does your /b flag do? I'm trying to translate that.

Deb

PS since I'm working with a COPY of the Nelson*Maps*.pdf file, I renamed it Maps.pdf, so that the dd command lines weren't so long! Though of course a <tab> command will autocomplete the filename anyway.

Actually, I figured it out on a Linux system myself and converted things to Windows.
The "/B" on the copy command is telling it that it's binary file, which isn't necessary on UNIX. In Windows, the copy command also includes file concatenation using the "+" in between the files. The command that you want on UNIX is:

cat a b.txt c > fixed.pdf

If for some reason that doesn't work for you, this should:

sed "s/\[ 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 \]/\[ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 \]/" Maps.pdf > fixed.pdf

[badgoodDeb]

That (cat) worked marvelously, thanks!!

[GtrsRGr8]

Well, fairly new anyway, with the Kindle mobi, at least, being published in February of this year.

In the sixteenth century, theologian and reformer John Calvin taught that Christ's death to atone for sin was not for all people, but only for the "elect" (people chosen by God to be saved). That view is sometimes expressed as "limited atonement." In this book, three highly qualified scholars present three different positions on the scope of the Atonement.

This is an important matter. Calvin's teaching on the Atonement is a key element in his very logically laid out system. Without it, it would be difficult to sustain the whole system.

Many denominations embrace and teach Calvinism, to one extent or another (two of the scholars in the book do). Those that quickly come to mind are the Presbyterian, Methodist, most Baptist, and Congregational Churches. A couple that don't are the Pentecostal Church and Christian Church/Churches of Christ.

Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: 3 Views. By John Hammett; Grant Osborne, Carl Trueman. Newness of the book makes it hard to find enough ratings at any one place--I'll give from three places: 5 at Christianbook, but from only 1 review; 4.4 stars, but from only 7 reviews at Amazon; 4.62, from 8 reviews, at GoodReads. List price (Amazon) $24.99; regular digital price $9.59 (EReaderIQ); Christianbook price now $0.99. B&H Academic, publisher, 256 pages. http://www.christianbook.com/perspec...1EB?event=EBRN.

It's also 99 cents at Amazon.

Book Description
Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement presents a point-counterpoint exchange concerning God's intention in sending Christ to die on the cross. All three contributors recognize a substitutionary element in the atoning work of Christ, but disagree over the nature and objects of that substitution.

Carl Trueman (Westminster Theological Seminary) argues that Christ's atoning work secured the redemption of his elect alone. While infinite in value, Christ's death was intended for and applied strictly to those whom the Father had elected unconditionally in eternity past.

John Hammett (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) argues that Christ's atoning work had multiple intentions. Of these intentions two rise to the fore: (1) the intention to accomplish atonement for God's elect and (2) the intention to provide atonement for all mankind.

Grant Osborne (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) argues that Christ's atoning work provided atonement generally for all mankind. The application of that atoning work is conditioned, however, on each person's willingness to receive it.

[GtrsRGr8]

I ran across this ebook Bible on a couple of other websites yesterday (Tuesday). I have to admit that I wasn't even aware that this version (translation) of the Bible existed. The ebook edition was published a little less than a year ago. However, the hardback and paperback renditions of the New Life Bible (NLV) have been around since 2006!

One thing that intrigues me about this version--and perhaps I will even like after some more thought about it--is the fact that it uses a very limited, and also simple, vocabulary. People, maybe especially children, complain that the Bible is "too hard" to read. That certainly has kept people of all ages from being interested in reading it. Even newer translations, which chuck the archaic and grandiose language of the King James Version, almost inevitably use "big words," which many people do not understand. However, those characteristics of limited vocabulary and simplicity, that are assets to some people, make it completely unsuitable for the Bible student doing serious Bible study.

Nothing that I've said speaks to the quality of the translation. That has to do with whether or not the translation is accurate--does it take translation liberties or interpretative liberties? The Bible is "compiled by" the "Barbour Staff" (Barbour being the name of the publisher). Was the translation made by them (too)? If so, how qualified are they to do that? Also, I have questions about using simple words; it seems to be that there is the potential, at least, for a lot of things to literally "get lost in translation" doing that. Having just become aware that the translation exists(!), I simply do not know the answers to these questions--yet.

Although this cannot be considered a "study Bible," probably by any stretch of the imagination, there are a few study "helps" in this edition. Those are the nearly ubiquitous subheads in the text, some topical study outlines, and others.

The price of the paper-based editions (which are available at Amazon from third party sellers only) is a little more than $20 for the hardback and a little under $20 for the paperback. I couldn't find a list price for the Kindle ebook, but the list price at Christianbook (ePub) is $14.97. Who knows what the price of the Kindle ebook will settle out at. My point is: if you have any inkling that you might be interested in this Bible now or in the future, my advice to you is to get it now. It's free!

The Holy Bible - Old and New Testament: New Life VersionTM (New Life Bible). Barbour Staff (compilers). Rated 5 stars, but from only 12 reviews at the present moment, at Amazon; rated 5 stars at GoodReads, but from only 3 reviews. Print list price N/A; digital list price N/A; Kindle price now $0.00. http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Life-Ver...0564660&sr=1-1.

FYI--Christianbook has the ePub of the entire Bible for $3.99.

There is a New Testament only edition of this version available, also free, at Amazon. Being digital, it takes up no less physical space than the full Bible, however. Unless your ebook reader is low on memory, I see no advantage to purchasing the New Testament only.

Book Description
Looking for a Bible you can really understand? Try the New Life™ Bible, specially designed to clarify difficult words and passages. The New Life™ Version—used around the world in mission work—is now available as an ebook edition. Containing the complete Old and New Testament text, helpful descriptive subheads throughout, and topical study outlines to further explain the scriptures, this NLV Bible is for everyone. Its limited vocabulary makes it perfect for younger readers, in English-as-a-second-language use, or even for longer-term Christians who just want a fresh perspective on the scriptures.

This unique scripture version, originally designed to reach people who did not speak English as their native language, uses a limited vocabulary of 850 words to simply and clearly share God's truth. For example, the term "justified" is rendered "made right with God," and "blaspheme" is rendered "speak against God." Ideal for seekers, new believers, or even mature Christians who want a new perspective on the Bible.

[pendragginp]

Many denominations embrace and teach Calvinism, to one extent or another (two of the scholars in the book do). Those that quickly come to mind are the Presbyterian, Methodist, most Baptist, and Congregational Churches. A couple that don't are the Pentecostal Church and Christian Church/Churches of Christ.

And, of course, all of the Catholic, Orthodox, Eastern, and Anglican churches.

[Athens80]

Originally Posted by pendragginp

And, of course, all of the Catholic, Orthodox, Eastern, and Anglican churches.

And Methodists (i.e., Wesleyan-Arminians).

[Difflugia]

Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8

I ran across this ebook Bible on a couple of other websites yesterday (Tuesday). I have to admit that I wasn't even aware that this version (translation) of the Bible existed. The ebook edition was published a little less than a year ago. However, the hardback and paperback renditions of the New Life Bible (NLV) have been around since 2006!

That's a new one on me, too. Thanks for finding it.

I would have been really sad if I had missed a free Bible.

[GtrsRGr8]

Which is a great 88% from the digital list price of $7.99.

With all of the bargain ebooks that I run across, for me to post a particular book means that I have seen something in it that is special, or different from, the rest.

In the case of this book, it is the fact that it is a novel. Now that is not unusual for co-author Sally John, as she has written a dozen or more of them. What is surprising is that along with her name in the byline of this book, there is the name of Gary Smalley. Dr. Smalley has written over 60 books but, to my knowledge, the only genre of books that Dr. Smalley has authored before have been non-fiction.

Dr. Smalley deals in this book with the same theme as most, if not all, of his previous works, however--relationships such as those in the family. This ebook deals specifically with marriage. In common with his previous writings, too, is the fact, it seems, that he tries to help the relationship by the things that he writes.

Expect this book to be faith-based, as Dr. Smalley is an avowed Christian and the book comes from HarperCollins Christian Publishing. However, references to Christianity appear to be minimal in this book.

A Time to Mend: Safe Harbors Book One. By Sally John; Gary Smalley. Rated 4.4 stars, but from only 10 reviews, at Amazon at the present moment; it's rated 3.82, from 210 ratings, at GoodReads. Print list price $14.99; digital list(?) price $7.99; Kindle price now $0.99. HarperCollins Christian Publishing, publisher. 401 pages. http://www.amazon.com/Time-Mend-Safe...rbors+Book+One.

Book Description
An unopened gift. A broken vow. A tragic fire. Sometimes there are wounds that even time can't heal.

Max and Claire Beaumont seem to have the perfect marriage. They live in a beautiful home, have four wonderful children and everything else that success and money can buy. Yet beneath this picture-perfect exterior, Claire's life is falling apart. She can no longer hold her peace and keep up appearances.

After all the silent years, she must speak the truth.

As their lives unravel, deep needs and even deeper hurts are revealed. Not only the wounds between husband and wife, but family wounds as well. Will this time of soul-searching and conflict bring them closer together--or tear their marriage apart?

It's a strange irony to leave home in search of a safe harbor. Yet that is often where the journey begins . . . especially when it is time to mend.

A Time to Mend is the first novel in the Safe Harbor series. Drawing on the insights of best-selling marriage expert Gary Smalley, the series explores the joys and struggles of marriage, family, and faith.

[GtrsRGr8]

Removed. Physical product, not digital.

[Froide]

At Christian Audio, the Free Audiobook of the Month is AHA : The God Moment That Changes Everything by pastor and best-selling author Kyle Idleman.

We've all had "aha!" moments in our lives — times when a sudden revelation surprises us with insight. We can experience this same kind of "aha!" in our spiritual lives by awakening to the reality of our true spiritual condition. We then see ourselves and our need for a Savior with renewed honesty. The result is a life-changing, destiny-altering collision - an AHA moment that leads us home to our loving Father.

[GtrsRGr8]

I feel that I really don't have time to post this, what with UCP adding a new round of ebooks to their sale (see the "Non-Fiction" thread if you don't know what I'm talking about), and other things going on, today. But this is such an excellent bargain that I feel compelled to post it.

Folks, this ebook is only 79 cents. That represents a 95% markdown from the digital list price. To look at it another way, you're paying only 5% of the digital list price. Another factoid: the ebook is a combination of 8 of Rose Publishing's pamphlets. Their pamphlets are frequently on sale; when they are, they are usually 79 cents for each one, which would be $6.32 for all 8 at Christianbook (a little higher at Amazon).

In case you're wondering, I've put "my money [although it didn't take much] where my mouth is." I bought the ebook for myself--and I own all or almost all of the pamphlets!

And, as you'll see below, it is an excellent ebook that is substantial in size. It looks like it would be a great tool for your Bible study.

At this writing, it is not available marked down (from the usual price) at Amazon. It's $13.71 there, at the present moment.

Remember: with Christianbook you'll be getting the ebook in the ePub format. This particular one is DRM Free, however.

The Bible at a Glance: What You Need to Know About the Bible. By Rose Publishing. No ratings at Christianbook; rated 4.7 stars, but from only 3 reviews at Amazon; rated 4.0 at GoodReads, but from only 1 review. Rose Publishing's products are almost without exception very high quality in every way. Print list price $14.99; digital list price $14.99; Christianbook price now $0.79. Rose Publishing, publisher. 299 pages. http://www.christianbook.com/bible-g...EB?event=ESRCG.

Book Description (from the Publisher).
Rose Bible Basics: The Bible at a Glance - What You Need To Know About The Bible

Rose Bible Basics: The Bible at a Glance contains the basics everyone should know about the Bible. This full-color ebook contains:

- A Bible Overview - summarizes each book of the Bible in 100 words or less

- A Bible Time Line - compares Bible history and world history side by side

- A handy guide on how to study the Bible inductively

Then & Now Bible Maps - shows where biblical events took place and where they are in relation to modern day sites

Rose Bible Basics: The Bible at a Glance also contains a handy list of favorite Bible verses, Bible promises, the basics of following Jesus (forgiveness, love, prayer, tithing, salvation, serving, dealing with doubt and fear, trusting in God, and more), and an easy to understand introduction to Bible translations with a comparison chart showing the top 20 english translations. Includes color diagrams, maps, charts, illustrations, and photos throughout and discussion questions to use personally, or in small groups, new members classes, church groups, new believer classes, and homeschools.

Rose Bible Basics: The Bible at a Glance combines eight of the most popular Rose pamphlets: Bible Overview, Bible Time Line, How to Study the Bible, Then and Now Bible Maps, Where to Find Favorite Bible Verses, Bible Promises, Following Jesus, and Bible Translations Comparison chart. (A $32 value for only $14.99.).

[GtrsRGr8]

If you have bought any physical (i.e., printed on paper) books from Christianbook, you may have access to some bargain matching ebooks (for the titles that have ebook counterparts, of course) at Christianbook that you're not aware of. At least, I wasn't aware of mine, until yesterday.

When I say "bargain," I mean at sharply reduced prices.

To see what bargains might be in store for you, go to "my account." One link that's very convenient is one in the blue box located at the top right corner (it's on everyone of their webpages, I think). Click on the link. On the webpage that comes up there will be a menu on the left side. One of the items on the menu is "ebook match." Select it.

What do you see? I see a list of ebooks with pictures of the covers for each one, which covers I know that I've seen somewhere before. The reason that they look very familiar is that I had bought the physical books from Christianbook sometime in the past. And with each ebook listed is the special price for the ebook, ranging from 57% to 80% of the retail price--a considerable discount even to Christianbook's regular discounted price. In my case, the ebooks range in price from only $1.99 to $2.99!

Okay, there's got to be a downside to this ebook match thing, right? Of course. First, keep in mind that not all physical books at Christianbook have ebook counterparts. Other than that, the one downside that I know of is that Christianbook apparently does not offer you a match to all of the physical books that you've bought from them. In my case, there are a total of 6 ebook matches available to me, right now. Admittedly, that's not many, but I know that if you are a true ebook bargain hunter you are happy to find even one bargain. Right?

Of course, you know the URL for Christianbook.com.

[Difflugia]

I browse The Bible Hunter every so often to see if anything new pops up. The Bible Hunter's goal is to catalog all English translations of the Bible and while most of his posts discuss mainstream translations and their updates, there are gems in there that range from amusingly quirky to theologically interesting to downright weird.

Anyway, The Bible Hunter found a free PDF of the 1599 Geneva Bible, Patriot's Edition. I'm going to put this one in both the interesting and quirky categories.

It's interesting because it updates the Geneva Bible with modernized spelling (like nearly all printings of the KJV since 1769) and includes the footnotes of later editions (the 1560 edition has different New Testament footnotes than the 1599 editions). The Geneva Bible and its footnotes are very Calvinist (think "Puritan") and as such were disliked by the Anglican establishment. Replacing the Geneva Bible is one of the main reasons that King James commisioned the Authorized Version of 1611.

It's quirky because it seems to be part of the recent movement to recast US history in terms of evangelical Christianity. In addition to the Bible text, this PDF includes the text of the US Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, the Magna Carta and a prayer attributed to George Washington.

This particular link to the free PDF appears to be legitimate (mostly because Kirk Cameron doesn't seem the type to be bootlegging digital Bibles), but it's perhaps left over from an earlier promotion. The only other free link that Google found seemed dodgy and the publisher is selling it for $9.95. It looks the same as this hardcover version (the publisher data and page count are the same). If you decide that you want to pay for it, I'd recommend skipping the "Patriot" edition and getting the one with the Apocrypha.

Edit: The publisher has a whole website just for this family of Bibles.

[GtrsRGr8]

Originally Posted by Difflugia

I browse The Bible Hunter every so often to see if anything new pops up.
. . . .

Was glad to know about the free Geneva Bible. I downloaded it. But, boy, was I glad that I upgraded my Internet service and wi-fi a while back--that's a big book! I was probably as glad to learn of the Bible Hunter website/blog as to learn of the free Bible. I put the website in my browser bookmark folder labelled "Check Frequently."

Your comments about the connection (or lack thereof) of the Geneva Bible with the creation of the King James Bible jogged my memory. The Puritans were none too happy about King James (the king) commissioning a new version--they felt that their beloved Geneva Bible was just fine. That was just one more grievance added to the long list that they already had against the Church of England, etc., etc. Maybe it's not too much of a stretch to say that the King James Bible helped lead to the beginning of America, because all of those grievances led to some of the Puritans getting on a ship called the Mayflower a decade or so later.

I was glad that you shared the information about the changes in spelling in the KJB over the years. There may not be any Mobilereaders who believe this way, but I have run across and read writings of people who held the "King James Only" position. I think that I am correct in saying that they believe that people should use only the King James of 1611. But the KJB being published today has gone through many revisions since 1611, and not just in spelling. The Bible that they have is not (unless it is an extremely unusual circumstance) the same as the one of 1611. In a sense, they have a modern version!

A quick comment on your view that there is a "recent movement to recast US history in terms of evangelical Christianity" . . . . I have the opposite perception, at least concerning part of American history. It seems to me that people more and more are refuting the idea that evangelicals have that America was founded by believers in God. A side point: sometimes I think that all American historians--representing both sides--are pushing agendas and we're not getting the whole truth from any of them.

Thanks for your thought-provoking post.

[Difflugia]

Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8

Was glad to know about the free Geneva Bible. I downloaded it. But, boy, was I glad that I upgraded my Internet service and wi-fi a while back--that's a big book! I was probably as glad to learn of the Bible Hunter website/blog as to learn of the free Bible. I put the website in my browser bookmark folder labelled "Check Frequently."

There's sometimes quite a wait between updates, but I find nearly all of his posts interesting (even if I don't get a new Bible out of the deal).

Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8

Your comments about the connection (or lack thereof) of the Geneva Bible with the creation of the King James Bible jogged my memory. The Puritans were none too happy about King James (the king) commissioning a new version--they felt that their beloved Geneva Bible was just fine. That was just one more grievance added to the long list that they already had against the Church of England, etc., etc. Maybe it's not too much of a stretch to say that the King James Bible helped lead to the beginning of America, because all of those grievances led to some of the Puritans getting on a ship called the Mayflower a decade or so later.

I hadn't thought about that.

Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8

I was glad that you shared the information about the changes in spelling in the KJB over the years. There may not be any Mobilereaders who believe this way, but I have run across and read writings of people who held the "King James Only" position. I think that I am correct in saying that they believe that people should use only the King James of 1611. But the KJB being published today has gone through many revisions since 1611, and not just in spelling. The Bible that they have is not (unless it is an extremely unusual circumstance) the same as the one of 1611. In a sense, they have a modern version!

The "King James Only" thing is a huge can of worms. What started the KJO movement wasn't so much an affirmative statement that the King James version was perfect or inspired, but dismay that all subsequent English translations were based on Greek texts that were the result of textual criticism. The argument against textual criticism is that, as a reflection of many originals, the critical texts are, in effect, newly created texts that don't match any specific originals.

From that sprang a number of theological positions, ranging from the softer, "the King James isn't necessarily perfect, but everything later is worse" view to "the King James is itself inspired". The latter, most extreme view has led to discussions about which version is the correct one with the main consensus being the version published in 1769 (standardized spelling and some typographical changes, but otherwise more-or-less the same as the 1611 version). This guy has become influential with the movement by nailing down what he thinks is the best of editions, one published by Cambridge around 1900. He calls it the "Pure Cambridge Edition".

It's interesting to note that almost as soon as the Revised Version was published in the 1880s, there were already objections to the relatively minor changes made then. You can find several discussions of this by browsing Google.Books.

Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8

A quick comment on your view that there is a "recent movement to recast US history in terms of evangelical Christianity" . . . . I have the opposite perception, at least concerning part of American history. It seems to me that people more and more are refuting the idea that evangelicals have that America was founded by believers in God. A side point: sometimes I think that all American historians--representing both sides--are pushing agendas and we're not getting the whole truth from any of them.

To avoid taking the discussion to "Politics and Religion" territory, I'll just say "fair enough".

Originally Posted by GtrsRGr8

Thanks for your thought-provoking post.

You're welcome. If it isn't obvious, this is one of my favorite topics.