Old and New Testament Bible Characters

A CBM Christian Book Review - 10.0 out of 10.0 stars

This is a highly recommended read that will keep you coming back for more. A blessings, well written and filled with gems. Stepping Out of the Pages by Karen K. Satterlee brings Old and New Testament Bible characters to life through a series of fascinating monologues without compromising Scriptural truths.  Revealing each character’s thoughts, feelings and perspective, these stories bring understanding, faith and hope to readers. 

All the monologues are meant to be read individually or within a Bible Study Group. At the end of the book, a Study Guide is presented to bring a deeper study into each storyline. Inevitably, a chapter will bring light and life to your heart!

Divided into 7 sections, the author shares insight into some well-known Biblical figures, and some others you may have never head of.  Such Biblical characters as the prodigal son are shared, continuing into the parable of the Great Banquet, and insights into Mary of Bethany (The Alabaster Box), Mary of Magdala, Jared’s lunch, Pilate’s Wife, Salome, the dinner guests at Emmaus, Elisha and the widow’s oil, the healing of Naaman, the raising of Lazarus, Midnight Praises (the Philippian jail), a miracle in Cana, the woman with the issue of blood, the Schunemite woman, Lot’s wife and much more with stories on Heaven’s bread (the role of bread in the Bible), the wedding garment (being properly dressed for the wedding Banquet). The last chapter ends in an encouraging challenge to use what God gives us. 

Biblical principles are not compromised, which gives a fascinating viewpoint of why these stories were written – they were written for us: to teach, instruct, edify and comfort. The author also has done an excellent job in providing metaphors that relate to our modern life today, bringing these ancient Biblical characters into our every day life, thus revealing a relevancy that stands the test of time and gives readers the truth of God’s Word.

The author also recommends that these monologues can be used and portrayed in churches as skits to bring meaning and understanding in a creative and artistic framework that can be performed in full costume on the stage. 

This book comes highly recommended as a book that brings glory and honor to God. Be sure to get your copy of Stepping Out of the Pages at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. You can visit the author at her author's site at Author Karen K. Satterlee

A Comprehensive Overview of God’s People

Over 900 pages of in-depth scriptural study of the Hebrew Calendar Romance of the Hebrew Calendar: Breaking the Alabaster Jar by Dr. Raphael Ben Levi sheds light in his comprehensive book (900 pages) on the Jewish Hebraic calendar. He invites readers to contemplate, reflect and understand the Jewish people (God’s chosen) and the multiple layers, dimensions and appointed feasts of the Lord. As God’s chosen people, the Jewish race play a crucial part in Christianity and the history of world events. With this in mind, the author speaks from a perspective as a descendant from Holocaust escapees and writes with a Messianic Jewish perspective, giving a keen understanding of the Hebraic roots. 

From the Israelites in captivity in the wilderness to Passover, to many of the memorialized days that lie within the times and dates within the Jewish calendar, the author helps readers understand the full cultural aspects within a contextual and biblical perspective. Systematically, the author presents a thorough and comprehensive overview of God’s people, their sufferings, and afflictions that offers a vast amount of wisdom from years of study. The Jewish roots that have shaped Christianity unfolds in such a way that reveals the love relationship which the Lord God has with His people and the nations of the World.

Fascinating, easy-to-read, and historically accurate, the author has selected quotes from various sources, then presents explanatory charts that not only summarize the 12 month calendar, but also include a detailed description of the 12 Tribes of Israel, and their location within the tribe’s camp, offering a clear look into the ancestry of the birth of Israel and so much more. Within this, the meaning and significance of the Breastplate of the High Priest and the corresponding jewels reveal a complicated subject with ease. 

Further exploring the rich Jewish identity, the author brings revelation from the Scriptures without the “esoteric mystical interpretation” often incorporated within this subject. The author describes his endeavors as, “. . . a divine romance dancing to the heartbeat of the Hebrew calendar. What can we compare it to? It is like a deer who pants for running streams. . .” and that, “True brokenness always leads to restoration.” What a profound statement for a book about the Jewish calendar! His book is quite unique, embellished with commentaries, stories and historical/cultural insight that will ignite a passion for the things of God that bring a vast understanding and honor of the Jewish nation, people and culture.

This is an amazing read for Christians, helping them understand the significance of their heritage from the Jewish people, but also for the Jewish person, helping them better recognize “Yeshua” (Jesus) as the Messiah.
and at Barnes and Noble

Romance of the Hebrew Calendar: Breaking the Alabaster Jar
By: Dr. Raphael Ben Levi
ISBN#978-1-4691-2775-0 (SC)
A CBM Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0 stars