notes, 500,000 cross/chain references
and 9,000 outline headings. It expands
obscure readings and ancient customs
as well as history, culture and geography.
will find more than 8,000 outlines for
sermons. The general principle adhered
to is to take the Bible literally if at all
possible. When symbolic language is
used, readers are urged to seek the
underlying literal truth. This Bible also
points to hundreds of details of biblical
prophecies. Although the text is readable, the small size of the
notes may be problematic for some readers.
ter two years of marriage most
people would choose the same life
partner. A majority of them, how-
ever, would prepare better by clar-
ifying roles and responsibilities,
improving conflict management,
increasing their transparency, ac-
cepting their spouse more fully
and viewing life from their part-
ner's point of view.
assist Army counselors with help-
ful materials and constructive
guidance during the premarital
counseling process. Discussion is
focused on the couple's expectations for their relationship,
boundaries for the merger of two separate families, good
communication skills and conflict resolution. Other potentially
problematic issues include intimacy, sexuality and children,
financial planning and setting realistic goals for the relation-
ship. A married couple will encounter many surprises, but
keeping God at the center will give both partners the
knowledge and confidence that only He can provide.
ing that goes on forever. Ortberg ex-
concept that most people believe in, al-
though few of us can truly understand or
explain it. Jesus said that the soul is worth
more than the world, which is more than
enough reason to respect and care for it. But
what exactly is a soul? What is a lost soul?
How does sin impact the soul? What feeds
the soul? Ortberg probes these and other
compelling questions using Scripture, sto-
ries, and talks with the late Dallas Willard, a
well-known philosopher and teacher. He also describes the
estant church in California.
person--the will (intentions), the mind (thoughts and feel-
ings, values and conscience) and the body (the face, body
language and actions that control appetites, habits and
behaviors.) The soul was made to be with God, so when
ple, we have a healthy soul. Preoccupation
with idols and superficial living cause us to
neglect the soul and allow it to wither. The
soul has many needs, and admitting your
own vulnerability will enable it to grow in
God. When you feel overwhelmed by strong
emotions, it means that your soul is in dis-
tress. Time and again the Psalmist takes
care of his soul by speaking to it about his
need for God.
it embodies divine healing that can obliterate
anxiety, depression, fear and loneliness. A
acts as a much-needed reminder that what counts is not
what we accomplish while we are here on earth. What
matters is our journey of transformation into the image of
God. At the end of your life, the person you have become
is what you will take with you, and everything you have
acquired, achieved and grown attached to will wither
away.