By This Name: Is there more to life than one can see?

by John R. Cross

By This Name was written as a tool of bible study lessons to help explain the message of the Bible to a postmodern, post-Christian, secular society. Beginning by identifying who God is and what makes him unique, the author moves through Scripture from creation to the cross. Each chapter lays a crucial block into the foundation for a correct understanding of the gospel. Filled with drawings, maps and diagrams to help communicate the message, By This Name peels the religion off the Bible and lets the ancient story speak for itself.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christian Living

380 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Hedzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to go through this book in a seminar with the author. In the seminar they used lots of visual aids to help the reader understand different Christian concepts and ideas.
I found it to be very helpful for understanding the big picture of the bible.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful overview that pulls together the threads of the biblical message. Although it is aimed primarily to people who have little background knowledge of the Bible, I think it has a devotional quality that would make it beneficial to readers all along the spectrum of familiarity with the Bible. Some of the graphics/charts were impressive.

[Sharon Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

By This Name

This book was so good by being easy to understand and educating. I was transfixed by John Cross as he explained the puzzle and what went with them. He was easy to understand and that was what I needed to help me. Thank you Johm Cross.

[Tatie Punkinhead · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not all the information presented was accurate. The book has good intentions but written from too narrow of a perspective. I would not recommend this book.

[Dez Van Der Voort · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing: 3/5
Knowledge Gained: 1/5
Enjoyment: 1/5

Kudos to anyone who read this, and decided to become a Christian.

This book, is a 500 page behemoth that has around 60%-70% content straight out from the Bible, and from different versions of the Bible too. I understand that may not be plagiarism, but wouldn't it be faster to just read the Bible itself?

The sentence on the front cover says, "is there more to life than one can see?" I do not feel that he has answered this question. Other than becoming a Christian, and establishing your relationship with Jesus, I'm not sure what message is the author trying to convey.

The book can be summarized, well, it sort of borrowed, from the 4 steps of Christianity:
1) God is the only God, and He created the world.
2) Due to Adam and Eve's sin, sin entered the world, and the punishment is death.
3) However, the unblemished and pure son of God, Jesus, died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead, conquered death.
4) All who repents, believes in Jesus and God, helped by the Holy Spirit, will be able to be with God, and go to heaven after death.

There, saved you USD9.99 and 500 pages. This is not a spoiler alert, but if you're reading 70% of another book, in snippets, and in different version translations, might as well.

If you have faith and believe in God and want to know more, contact your local Gideon organization, there, you will be given, for free, your very own Bible containing both old and new Testaments, and I suggest the King James Version, or the NASB version, at the very least, get the NKJV or NIV version.

[Maci Bogdonovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend reading to get a better grasp on the gospel and Old Testament. Learned so much and continually was amazing at the parallels throughout the Bible that point out it was written by a God!

[Mini McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to explain the bible to newbies or people who have not put all the pieces of the bible puzzle together (not that I have but I am no newbie). As a life long catholic I found it a bit basic and of course some differences in doctrine. I give it a 3.5. Rounded up to 4

[Coyote69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it explains a lot of the text in the Bible. As a new Christian I found it to be a helpful tool in understanding the Bible and the background of the different eras.

[Paul Hypki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent telling of God's story from creation through current times in plain language. Covers all the main topics in scriptures to make clear the history behind why Jesus came.

[Jenna Schoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to the overarching story of the Bible, would be helpful to go through with a new believer. Very intentional to explain any misconceptions and remains faithful to the truth of God’s Word.

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this! It is a great introduction to the Bible and to basic theology. I would give this to a new believer to help in their study of the Bible.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great intro into the main message of the Holy Bible including background, history, and additional references for further clarification and reading. Would make a good outline for a Bible study with people curious about the Christian faith or new Christian believers who want a clearer understanding.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

We did this book as a Bible Study this summer. It was awesome to see new people come to study and ask such great questions about what the Bible says. It's investigative and thought-provoking. It also challenged me and gave me new insight into various portions of the Word.

[Gary Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for understanding how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Also the best way to teach the meaning and purpose of life and understanding the need we have for the Savior. Highly recommend.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great way to see the Bible in a different light. This would be a great evangelistic tool. I loved the chart at the end showing how Jesus fulfilled the law and prophets.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this for the second time. It is outstanding.