I have read the Bible several times, but was intrigued by Dr. David Jeremiah's efforts to make it read like a novel. I have been utterly disappointed by some author's efforts to do this in the past. Paraphrasing the Word of God must be done with care to keep His message intact and uncompromised. The first two chapters had me concerned that the book would be too basic and would bore me since the information being covered is a subject I am familiar with. I could instantly see the value this book would offer for people curious about the Christian faith or anyone aged above middle school who would like to know what the book of Acts contains and what the Christian religion is founded on. I didn't find anywhere that conflicted my understanding of the Scripture, although there is one place I felt a potential angle of an event wasn't fully covered. In no way was Scripture twisted or "cherry-picked", however, so it was merely a difference in interpretation on a somewhat trivial incident. When Peter and the others cast lots to fill the vacant position in the 12 disciples, I personally feel they were a bit hasty and taking matters in their own hands, as God already had a plan to appoint Saul (later Paul) to His ministry. |
Some Christian organizations have expressed a complaint that the A.D. Bible Continues TV mini series on NBC did not clearly present the Gospel message. I don't have cable TV, so I never watched the series, but I can assure you that if you read far enough into this book, you will have a basic understanding of the gospel along with some oversight into the terms often used by Christian and the historical time period the book of Acts records.
Jesus is the only way to God. As he himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). But he invites everyone to come through him. He excludes no one. People can exclude themselves and rject that invitation, but that rejection is not an exclusion imposed by Christianity; it is self-imposed. It's a bit irrational for someone who rejects an invitation to accuse the host of inhospitality." [page 121 of A.D. The Bible Continues by Dr. David Jeremiah]
*** In the interest of full-disclosure: I received a copy of this book courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to write a positive review; the opnions I expressed are my own.