Echoes of His Presence

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Meditation Material
Review: I use this book daily in my quiet time. Mr VanderLaan writes so as you are there with the people he is writing about. If anyone had any doubt about the humanity of Jesus, this is an excellent education. I found I wanted to spend more time in the bible after reading this, over and over, the stories in this book helps understanding some of the stories in the bible. Excellent, wonderful, I need to buy one for my friends!!! Thank You, Mary Hughes

Rating:
Summary: An eye opener into the culture of Jesus' time
Review: i want to know the summary of it, i have to hand in the summary tomorrow, or i will die hard

Rating:
Summary: All commentaries should be as good as this...
Review: Mr. Vander Laan through a lifelong study of the land, culture and history of the Bible has written an amazing book. Echoes, presents many of the culture and historical settings of the world that Jesus was born, taught and lived while on this earth.

Ray through some life experiences shares insights that will allow you as the reader to see most of the gospel accounts with the "eyes" of the first century witnesses. I have never seen these stories and teaching of Jesus the same after reading this book.

Get your hands on a copy and read this one at least once a year.

Rating:
Summary: Understanding Jesua Better
Review: This is a brilliant book which provides much needed background to the life and times of Jesus. It has greatly helped my understanding of the Bible.

The stories provide details of the culture and living experiences of those in Jesus' day and by doing so we are transported back in time in a very effective way. My favourite one was the story of the woman who was bleeding and touched Jesus' robe. I didn't appreciate the social stigma that would have accompanied the illness due to her always being 'unclean', nor of what it would have meant to be free. Then there is the story covering the meaning of the 'living water'.

If you are interested in the Bible (particularly if you are a Christian) get the book. You won't regret it. I've given 5 copies to friends as gifts and they have all appreciated it.