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The Jesus Who Surprises: Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture
FINALIST FOR THE CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD® • Join beloved Bible teacher and best-selling author Dee Brestin in discovering the surprising places Jesus shows up in the Old Testament and the unexpected ways He speaks into our lives today.Offering a fascinating perspective on the historic, poetic, and prophetic books of the Old Testament, Brestin draws on her deep understanding of the full scope of the Bible to explore the timeless story of God's quest to rescue each of us. She combines rich teaching, memorable storytelling, and an in-depth Bible study component to create a resource that shows readers how the story began (the books of Moses), how to live in the story (the poetic books), and how the story will end (the prophets).
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2019
23 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Dee Brestin
98 books43 followersDee Brestin (http://www.deebrestin.com) is excited about seeing lives changed. Her most recent book is Idol Lies where she tells how the Lord set her free of manipulating people and healed her relationships. Her book The Friendships of Women has sold over a million copies and was recently released in a 20th Anniversary Edition. Falling in Love with Jesus has sold over 400,000 copies. Dee has written twenty Bible studies, the first of which, Proverbs and Parables, has been in print for over thirty years. A graduate of Northwestern University, Dee has studied with Covenant Seminary. She is the mother of five grown children and lives in Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 7, 2019
In her newest release, The Jesus Who Surprises, Dee Brestin provides a marvelous resource for group or individual Bible study. This 13 week study looks at Jesus through Old Testament passages specifically from the Books of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets. By having the focus squarely on Jesus but the passages and teaching coming from the Old Testament, those who use this study will find that they pick up on truths that they may have previously overlooked. Although Brestin focuses the studies on Old Testament passages, she does not limit the studies but draws from passages throughout the Bible.
Each study is set up to be used over 5 days. Day 1 is to read the Brestin's essay which sets up the study. These essays are delightful to read as Brestin shares stories from her experiences and of those she knows. Days 2-5 each have a passages to read and questions to answer along with prayer prompts. Each day's study could be completed in about 15 minutes. Each week's study also has an accompanying video which may be freely accessed via her website (deebrestin.com) or purchased on DVD. The study is designed to be completed in a group setting where it can be discussed but could also be used by individuals. I am very excited about the free videos as it allows the study to be accessible to more people.
If you haven't picked out your curriculum for your fall study or if you are looking ahead to spring, The Jesus Who Surprises would be an excellent choice for your women's study or a small group. While Brestin writes for a largely female audience, the study could also be beneficial for a mixed group as well. This study is excellent for both new believers who may not be as familiar with the Old Testament and for individuals who have been part of the church for a while.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Jesus Who Surprises via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Each study is set up to be used over 5 days. Day 1 is to read the Brestin's essay which sets up the study. These essays are delightful to read as Brestin shares stories from her experiences and of those she knows. Days 2-5 each have a passages to read and questions to answer along with prayer prompts. Each day's study could be completed in about 15 minutes. Each week's study also has an accompanying video which may be freely accessed via her website (deebrestin.com) or purchased on DVD. The study is designed to be completed in a group setting where it can be discussed but could also be used by individuals. I am very excited about the free videos as it allows the study to be accessible to more people.
If you haven't picked out your curriculum for your fall study or if you are looking ahead to spring, The Jesus Who Surprises would be an excellent choice for your women's study or a small group. While Brestin writes for a largely female audience, the study could also be beneficial for a mixed group as well. This study is excellent for both new believers who may not be as familiar with the Old Testament and for individuals who have been part of the church for a while.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Jesus Who Surprises via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
August 29, 2019
The Jesus Who Surprises is a look at all the ways our Savior shows up throughout the Old Testament. He's there from Genesis all the way through Malachi, sometimes more clear than others. Each chapter of this book ends with week-long Bible study activities for either individual or group use, and desires to promote the habit of seeing Jesus at work in our everyday lives as well as in the words of Scripture.
I appreciated the healthy dose of personal testimonies scattered throughout the chapters. It can be so faith-building to hear of God's working in the lives of others and know He desires to work on our behalf in similar mighty ways. We can never know how God will come through for us, but He has gone to great lengths to rescue us and have a relationship with us—He delights in walking with us through the ups and downs of life.
Some things from Scripture came to life in new ways for me in this book, and I got a lot from Dee's life story as well. I would recommend this for those looking for a Bible study or needing a reminder of how God is always at work even when we cannot see Him.
I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
I appreciated the healthy dose of personal testimonies scattered throughout the chapters. It can be so faith-building to hear of God's working in the lives of others and know He desires to work on our behalf in similar mighty ways. We can never know how God will come through for us, but He has gone to great lengths to rescue us and have a relationship with us—He delights in walking with us through the ups and downs of life.
Some things from Scripture came to life in new ways for me in this book, and I got a lot from Dee's life story as well. I would recommend this for those looking for a Bible study or needing a reminder of how God is always at work even when we cannot see Him.
I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
April 27, 2020
The Jesus Who Surprises: Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture by [Dee Brestin]I love how the Old Testament is filled with mentions of the coming Messiah. The Jesus Who Surprises: Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture shows these mentions. From the first book of Genesis through the last book Malachi there are mentions of our Messiah woven through out. Some of them are more obvious than others however he is still there.
This book is written for a Bible Study group or for individual study. For Bible group leaders they even include a nice ice-breaker activity.
Each chapter also includes the authors testimonies. I like the way that the author is able to build on the prophesies of Jesus with her own stories. I came away with a lot from this book and I recommend it to leaders of Bible studies or persons who are interested in building on their knowledge of the Bible.
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This book is written for a Bible Study group or for individual study. For Bible group leaders they even include a nice ice-breaker activity.
Each chapter also includes the authors testimonies. I like the way that the author is able to build on the prophesies of Jesus with her own stories. I came away with a lot from this book and I recommend it to leaders of Bible studies or persons who are interested in building on their knowledge of the Bible.
I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2019
I am enjoying reading this book, and love filling out the study each day as I ponder each of selected readings.
At end of each study I surprised myself as I recalled several ways I saw God today, then think I don’t know why I’m surprised, He is everywhere!
Now I did this study alone, but it is set up for use with a group, and I just skipped over that part. Each chapter begins with words from the author, and each study is divided into five days, beginning with the get acquainted group study, which you can skip.
I will be continuing on and growing using this book! Thank you Dee Brestin.
I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.
At end of each study I surprised myself as I recalled several ways I saw God today, then think I don’t know why I’m surprised, He is everywhere!
Now I did this study alone, but it is set up for use with a group, and I just skipped over that part. Each chapter begins with words from the author, and each study is divided into five days, beginning with the get acquainted group study, which you can skip.
I will be continuing on and growing using this book! Thank you Dee Brestin.
I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 19, 2019
In depth Bible study good for groups or individuals. Great questions at the end of each chapter. This is a book to be read more than once. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
May 15, 2024
I would do this again - 5 stars.
It had been a long time since I'd done other Dee Brestin Bible studies, but I have loved "The Friendships of Women," "A Woman of Worship," "A Woman of Hospitality," "A Woman of Women," and others.
So, when I saw this in the bookstore, I was drawn to it. However, I've been disillusioned by so many Bible study authors & their changing theology. God Himself does not change, nor does His Word. "But you are always the same; you will live forever." - Psalm 102:27 "I am the Lord, I change not." - Malachi 3:6.
I skimmed through the book in the store to determine whether to buy this, whether Dee Brestin had changed like the rest, and I discovered the part of this book where she had been invited to speak at a women's event at a church. Most of the audience and all those in charge were upset that she taught on Jesus Christ and Him crucified. "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2. Between sessions, she was asked to change her topic back to friendship, but she said that was the topic at hand, how those Old Testament friendships foreshadowed Jesus and what He would do for us.
Interestingly enough, I had a similar experience in which I was "invited" not to teach youth anymore at one church, because I had added the Bible verse, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, tehy will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." - 2 Timothy 4:3, NIV
I ended up buying the book and thoroughly loving it. Dee Brestin is such an encouraging writer. I thought the book helped me love Jesus more, and reminded me why I love Him. There's probably no higher compliment for a book than that.
These stories are reassuring and gentle.
I loved the way Psalm 103:17 wove reassurance into her story of losing her husband, that God reassured both of them. "The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments."
I also loved her story of having the imagery of a bright red cardinal on snow on a Christmas card with the verse, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." - Isaiah 1:18. It's funny that those on her Christmas card list were offended. I could picture sending a card like that. I think a generation earlier, people wouldn't have been offended by it because they'd have been more familiar with the verse.
I liked her 4 ways to spy God:
1. Answered prayer
2. Unexpected evidence of His care
3. Help to do His work
4. Unusual linkage or timing
I also liked her analogy of prophesy being like looking at a series of mountains. From where the prophets stood, they all merged together, but from where we stand, we can see they are separate peaks.
"The first thing we absolutely have to realize is that we need help - we cannot overcome the Enemy simply by willing ourselves to stop our destructive behavior."
"No one born of God makes a practice of sinning." - 1 John 3:9
I had not realized that Cleopas and his friend had been "arguing" a "dispute" with each other on the road to Emmaus when Jesus came. How awful to be caught disputing by Jesus! But they even insulted him a little for not knowing current events, and He, in turn, called them foolish and slow to believe scripture. But He taught them patiently.
"Gretta didn't push, trusting God would bring her if this was His plan." How hard to do!
I loved the picture of her daughter's painting on the introductory video to chapter 6.
I thought the interview with Dee Brestin before chapter 4 was good, too. "Heart idols are not your friends. When we do it God's way it is painful at first. It is a little death, but then joy comes, a resurrection. When we do it our way, it may feel good at first, depression and slavery follows." Comfort, affirmation, security, control. God is the God of all comfort.
Not being allowed to do something makes us want to do it. It is better to want to rest in Jesus rather than aching for something more.
Idols skew our perspective.
I loved the video speakers that she recommended in each chapter, too. They had a powerful way of speaking about Jesus. I loved Tim Keller's "Can a Mother Forget?" a short four-minute video, about being engraved on God's hands so much that I posted it on Facebook (and I seldom post sermons, but I do post them on occasion.) "Behold, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands." - Isaiah 49:16. Keller said that a slave might have his master's name tattooed on him, but a master would never have a slave's name tattooed on him. That's how much God is devoted to us. But this word, "engraved" speaks more of a hammer and a chisel. It's a reference to the crucifixion. God will not forget us because we have been chiseled into His hands.
I loved Michael Reeves' "Why the Trinity is So Delightful" about the delight the members of the Trinity have for each other, and correlating that to musical harmony. He warned us not to put music before God, but to allow it to draw us to God. Not just the lyrics, but the music, too.
I also loved Tim Keller's "Nakedness and the Holiness of God" about Adam & Eve in the garden, going from being naked and unashamed before the fall, to today's people wanting to be both known and loved, but thinking we have to hide part of ourselves in order to be loved. He talked about Adam & Eve hiding from each other, hiding from God, and hiding from themselves in the form of excuses. He talked about some people leaving Christianity because they can't stand the gaze of God - not knowing about Jesus' sacrifice.
Then, later, in Tim Keller's "The Prodigal Sons," he said that when the Father put his robe on the younger son, he was covering his nakedness and shame with his own honor. The Father didn't ask him to clean up first. I love that the real treasure is God Himself.
Tim Keller's "The Story of the Lamb" talked about how the upper room Passover celebration did not include the lamb because Jesus Himself was the lamb. The destroyer in Egypt was indiscriminate and no one had been worthy, not the oppressor or the oppressed. He only stopped at the blood of the lamb.
I loved Tim Keller's "Praying our Tears" Religiosity - deny feeling. Secular - feelings are idols. There's a 3rd scriptural way, to pray our feelings, like in the Psalms. If you don't expect tears in life, you will always be crying about 2 things ... the thing that grieves you and the fact you're grieving. Invest your tears. If you plant your tears, they produce joy. If You suffered for me, I can be patient with this suffering." That's in reference to "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" - Psalm 126: 5
Keller said, "That [coming to God with the tears] transforms both the tears and the weeper."
I liked Eugene Peterson's quote "We have to realize that what Psalms are teaching us is that all true prayer, pursued enough, will become praise... It does not always get there quickly or easily." Keller said, "If you know all prayer will end in praise, that we will be with Him forever that frees you to get involved in people's lives even though you know it's gonna make you weep. Are you happy enough to be a weeper?"
In "Removing the Idols of the Heart," I liked Tim Keller's combustion cycle of faith so much that my husband and I created an image of it for my physics class in a Christian school, where we study the combustion cycle. Keller's combustion cycle is a little simpler than the one we learn, but it's that repentance leads to more faith, which leads to more repentance, which leads to even greater faith ...
He asked, "Has something besides Jesus Christ taken title to my heart's functional trust? ... Self-pity is thinking what a mess your sin got you into. Instead of hating your sin you're hating the consequences of your sin and you're hating yourself for being so stupid ... Real repentance is saying what has this sin done to God? How has it cost God? What has this sin done to God?... I have offended a God who had His hands stretched out to me as a friend. My heart must be made of marble, my heart must be made of iron to throw His blood in His face."
I enjoyed Mike Reeves' "Enjoying Christ Constantly" comparing various descriptions of the groom of Song of Solomon to God Himself. The groom came up from the wilderness like a column of smoke (S of S 3:6, comparing to Ex 13:1) smelling like myrrh (prepared for burial) and frankincense (holy). He smells like a dead high priest. "What is she interested in? 'With great delight I sat in his shadow.'.. When I see wearied, joyless Christians, I just wonder if this could be the issue. You see, they're living as if Christianity is about, well, not enjoying a relationship with Him."
I also had not realized that the bride began by being ashamed of her vineyard, and ends by showing her fruit. Her fruit has matured into something beautiful, and she has grown in confidence and character.
R. C. Sproul's "The Trauma of Holiness" was good, too, about Isaiah falling apart before the presence of God, realizing himself to be a sinner.
Eric Alexander said that prophesy "is not to satisfy curiosity," but for us to be assured of grace and faith and "hope of glory which is the end of salvation."
Jason Silver's singing of Psalm 137 was profoundly sad.
The very few negatives:
The amount of homework. Honestly, it's about on par with other studies I have done, but other reviewers have mentioned it, and I'll agree that it took me longer to go through the book than I anticipated.
In the same vein, watching some of the vidoes was time consuming, but well worth it. If I had stuck to a chapter/week the way those in the group studies did, I'm not sure I could've done them all. There were some short ones some weeks, too.
I am a little concerned that Dee Brestin likes Madeline L'Engle's writings, because she believed there were many roads to heaven rather than believing when Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." - John 14:6
Favorite quotes: Most of my favorite quotes are scripture:
"You will call and I will answer you;
you will long for the creature your hands have made..." - Job 14:15, referring to resurrection. I had never noticed this verse before.
"Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,
for behold, the winter is past;
the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land."
- Song of Songs 2:10-12
I hadn't realized that referred to resurrection before.
"My chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands."
- Isaiah 65:22
"They shall not labor in vain"
- Isaiah 65:23
"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." - Psalm 16:8. I hadn't realized this verse was included with the following verses prophesying about Jesus. This is a picture of His determination not to be shaken from His path to the cross.
"The waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so you destroy the hope of man." - Job 14:19. Job's honest feelings. I like this quote because sometimes life can feel like that. Sometimes God allows our hopes for this life to be worn away, so we will put hope in Him & the next life.
"You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11. I liked considering these three joys.
"By day the LORD commends His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." - Psalm 42:8
"God has anointed You with the oil of gladness." - Psalm 45
"Children I have reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against Me." - Isaiah 1:2b. Even God, as a perfect parent, had children (us) go astray.
And everyone who has left ... for my name's sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 19:29
"But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create ..."
- Isaiah 65:18
"Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth..." Isaiah 54:4
"The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands." - Martin Luther
"The lie is always an attack on God's being sufficient to meet our needs." - Dee Brestin
"D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones observed in a sermon that the way a person responds if you ask him if he is a Christian tells you if he is trusting in himself (religion - with a morally restrained heart) or in God (the gospel - with a supernaturally changed heart). If he gets miffed that you would eve ask, he interprets your question as an accusation that he is immoral. But if he responds with joyful glee, with something like, 'Yes - isn't it wonderful?' then he understands that his salvation has absolutely nothing to do with his own righteousness." I posted that one, too.
"God cares most - not about making us comfortable - but about teaching us to hate our sins, grow up spiritually, and love him." - Joni Eareckson Tada
It had been a long time since I'd done other Dee Brestin Bible studies, but I have loved "The Friendships of Women," "A Woman of Worship," "A Woman of Hospitality," "A Woman of Women," and others.
So, when I saw this in the bookstore, I was drawn to it. However, I've been disillusioned by so many Bible study authors & their changing theology. God Himself does not change, nor does His Word. "But you are always the same; you will live forever." - Psalm 102:27 "I am the Lord, I change not." - Malachi 3:6.
I skimmed through the book in the store to determine whether to buy this, whether Dee Brestin had changed like the rest, and I discovered the part of this book where she had been invited to speak at a women's event at a church. Most of the audience and all those in charge were upset that she taught on Jesus Christ and Him crucified. "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2. Between sessions, she was asked to change her topic back to friendship, but she said that was the topic at hand, how those Old Testament friendships foreshadowed Jesus and what He would do for us.
Interestingly enough, I had a similar experience in which I was "invited" not to teach youth anymore at one church, because I had added the Bible verse, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, tehy will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." - 2 Timothy 4:3, NIV
I ended up buying the book and thoroughly loving it. Dee Brestin is such an encouraging writer. I thought the book helped me love Jesus more, and reminded me why I love Him. There's probably no higher compliment for a book than that.
These stories are reassuring and gentle.
I loved the way Psalm 103:17 wove reassurance into her story of losing her husband, that God reassured both of them. "The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments."
I also loved her story of having the imagery of a bright red cardinal on snow on a Christmas card with the verse, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." - Isaiah 1:18. It's funny that those on her Christmas card list were offended. I could picture sending a card like that. I think a generation earlier, people wouldn't have been offended by it because they'd have been more familiar with the verse.
I liked her 4 ways to spy God:
1. Answered prayer
2. Unexpected evidence of His care
3. Help to do His work
4. Unusual linkage or timing
I also liked her analogy of prophesy being like looking at a series of mountains. From where the prophets stood, they all merged together, but from where we stand, we can see they are separate peaks.
"The first thing we absolutely have to realize is that we need help - we cannot overcome the Enemy simply by willing ourselves to stop our destructive behavior."
"No one born of God makes a practice of sinning." - 1 John 3:9
I had not realized that Cleopas and his friend had been "arguing" a "dispute" with each other on the road to Emmaus when Jesus came. How awful to be caught disputing by Jesus! But they even insulted him a little for not knowing current events, and He, in turn, called them foolish and slow to believe scripture. But He taught them patiently.
"Gretta didn't push, trusting God would bring her if this was His plan." How hard to do!
I loved the picture of her daughter's painting on the introductory video to chapter 6.
I thought the interview with Dee Brestin before chapter 4 was good, too. "Heart idols are not your friends. When we do it God's way it is painful at first. It is a little death, but then joy comes, a resurrection. When we do it our way, it may feel good at first, depression and slavery follows." Comfort, affirmation, security, control. God is the God of all comfort.
Not being allowed to do something makes us want to do it. It is better to want to rest in Jesus rather than aching for something more.
Idols skew our perspective.
I loved the video speakers that she recommended in each chapter, too. They had a powerful way of speaking about Jesus. I loved Tim Keller's "Can a Mother Forget?" a short four-minute video, about being engraved on God's hands so much that I posted it on Facebook (and I seldom post sermons, but I do post them on occasion.) "Behold, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands." - Isaiah 49:16. Keller said that a slave might have his master's name tattooed on him, but a master would never have a slave's name tattooed on him. That's how much God is devoted to us. But this word, "engraved" speaks more of a hammer and a chisel. It's a reference to the crucifixion. God will not forget us because we have been chiseled into His hands.
I loved Michael Reeves' "Why the Trinity is So Delightful" about the delight the members of the Trinity have for each other, and correlating that to musical harmony. He warned us not to put music before God, but to allow it to draw us to God. Not just the lyrics, but the music, too.
I also loved Tim Keller's "Nakedness and the Holiness of God" about Adam & Eve in the garden, going from being naked and unashamed before the fall, to today's people wanting to be both known and loved, but thinking we have to hide part of ourselves in order to be loved. He talked about Adam & Eve hiding from each other, hiding from God, and hiding from themselves in the form of excuses. He talked about some people leaving Christianity because they can't stand the gaze of God - not knowing about Jesus' sacrifice.
Then, later, in Tim Keller's "The Prodigal Sons," he said that when the Father put his robe on the younger son, he was covering his nakedness and shame with his own honor. The Father didn't ask him to clean up first. I love that the real treasure is God Himself.
Tim Keller's "The Story of the Lamb" talked about how the upper room Passover celebration did not include the lamb because Jesus Himself was the lamb. The destroyer in Egypt was indiscriminate and no one had been worthy, not the oppressor or the oppressed. He only stopped at the blood of the lamb.
I loved Tim Keller's "Praying our Tears" Religiosity - deny feeling. Secular - feelings are idols. There's a 3rd scriptural way, to pray our feelings, like in the Psalms. If you don't expect tears in life, you will always be crying about 2 things ... the thing that grieves you and the fact you're grieving. Invest your tears. If you plant your tears, they produce joy. If You suffered for me, I can be patient with this suffering." That's in reference to "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" - Psalm 126: 5
Keller said, "That [coming to God with the tears] transforms both the tears and the weeper."
I liked Eugene Peterson's quote "We have to realize that what Psalms are teaching us is that all true prayer, pursued enough, will become praise... It does not always get there quickly or easily." Keller said, "If you know all prayer will end in praise, that we will be with Him forever that frees you to get involved in people's lives even though you know it's gonna make you weep. Are you happy enough to be a weeper?"
In "Removing the Idols of the Heart," I liked Tim Keller's combustion cycle of faith so much that my husband and I created an image of it for my physics class in a Christian school, where we study the combustion cycle. Keller's combustion cycle is a little simpler than the one we learn, but it's that repentance leads to more faith, which leads to more repentance, which leads to even greater faith ...
He asked, "Has something besides Jesus Christ taken title to my heart's functional trust? ... Self-pity is thinking what a mess your sin got you into. Instead of hating your sin you're hating the consequences of your sin and you're hating yourself for being so stupid ... Real repentance is saying what has this sin done to God? How has it cost God? What has this sin done to God?... I have offended a God who had His hands stretched out to me as a friend. My heart must be made of marble, my heart must be made of iron to throw His blood in His face."
I enjoyed Mike Reeves' "Enjoying Christ Constantly" comparing various descriptions of the groom of Song of Solomon to God Himself. The groom came up from the wilderness like a column of smoke (S of S 3:6, comparing to Ex 13:1) smelling like myrrh (prepared for burial) and frankincense (holy). He smells like a dead high priest. "What is she interested in? 'With great delight I sat in his shadow.'.. When I see wearied, joyless Christians, I just wonder if this could be the issue. You see, they're living as if Christianity is about, well, not enjoying a relationship with Him."
I also had not realized that the bride began by being ashamed of her vineyard, and ends by showing her fruit. Her fruit has matured into something beautiful, and she has grown in confidence and character.
R. C. Sproul's "The Trauma of Holiness" was good, too, about Isaiah falling apart before the presence of God, realizing himself to be a sinner.
Eric Alexander said that prophesy "is not to satisfy curiosity," but for us to be assured of grace and faith and "hope of glory which is the end of salvation."
Jason Silver's singing of Psalm 137 was profoundly sad.
The very few negatives:
The amount of homework. Honestly, it's about on par with other studies I have done, but other reviewers have mentioned it, and I'll agree that it took me longer to go through the book than I anticipated.
In the same vein, watching some of the vidoes was time consuming, but well worth it. If I had stuck to a chapter/week the way those in the group studies did, I'm not sure I could've done them all. There were some short ones some weeks, too.
I am a little concerned that Dee Brestin likes Madeline L'Engle's writings, because she believed there were many roads to heaven rather than believing when Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." - John 14:6
Favorite quotes: Most of my favorite quotes are scripture:
"You will call and I will answer you;
you will long for the creature your hands have made..." - Job 14:15, referring to resurrection. I had never noticed this verse before.
"Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away,
for behold, the winter is past;
the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land."
- Song of Songs 2:10-12
I hadn't realized that referred to resurrection before.
"My chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands."
- Isaiah 65:22
"They shall not labor in vain"
- Isaiah 65:23
"I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." - Psalm 16:8. I hadn't realized this verse was included with the following verses prophesying about Jesus. This is a picture of His determination not to be shaken from His path to the cross.
"The waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so you destroy the hope of man." - Job 14:19. Job's honest feelings. I like this quote because sometimes life can feel like that. Sometimes God allows our hopes for this life to be worn away, so we will put hope in Him & the next life.
"You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." - Psalm 16:11. I liked considering these three joys.
"By day the LORD commends His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life." - Psalm 42:8
"God has anointed You with the oil of gladness." - Psalm 45
"Children I have reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against Me." - Isaiah 1:2b. Even God, as a perfect parent, had children (us) go astray.
And everyone who has left ... for my name's sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 19:29
"But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create ..."
- Isaiah 65:18
"Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth..." Isaiah 54:4
"The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ and must take matters into our own hands." - Martin Luther
"The lie is always an attack on God's being sufficient to meet our needs." - Dee Brestin
"D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones observed in a sermon that the way a person responds if you ask him if he is a Christian tells you if he is trusting in himself (religion - with a morally restrained heart) or in God (the gospel - with a supernaturally changed heart). If he gets miffed that you would eve ask, he interprets your question as an accusation that he is immoral. But if he responds with joyful glee, with something like, 'Yes - isn't it wonderful?' then he understands that his salvation has absolutely nothing to do with his own righteousness." I posted that one, too.
"God cares most - not about making us comfortable - but about teaching us to hate our sins, grow up spiritually, and love him." - Joni Eareckson Tada
November 19, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It’s set up as a Bible study, with questions after each chapter that can be done individually, or with a group. And I was incredibly challenged by many of the chapters, encouraged as well. Although I did it individually, it’s a great book for a study group that meets weekly and I may just do it again with friends.
July 29, 2019
The Jesus Who Surprises is a trade paperback women’s Bible study by author Dee Brestin. I was drawn to this study because it shows how Jesus’ presence is in all of scripture. The study takes the student through the Old Testament dividing it into three sections.
I took advantage of the free teachings videos by Dee Brestin, which can be found at deebrestin.com and the audios by Tim Keller which can be found by doing a search for the audios listed in the book. They helped enrich the study by expounding on each chapter.
One thing of interest was Dee’s concept of a daily God Hunt. I began having the daily God Hunt and was pleasantly surprised as Jesus answered my different prayers: fewer cars on the road, husband’s healing after surgery, and a smile from a friend.
This study is great for group or individual study. If studying alone the student can go at her own pace. However, I do recommend studying with a group so you can share what you learn and glean from others.
Did the book meet my expectations? Yes! I was pleasantly surprised to see Jesus in all of scripture. I would recommend this book to all Believers and Seekers of the Way.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I took advantage of the free teachings videos by Dee Brestin, which can be found at deebrestin.com and the audios by Tim Keller which can be found by doing a search for the audios listed in the book. They helped enrich the study by expounding on each chapter.
One thing of interest was Dee’s concept of a daily God Hunt. I began having the daily God Hunt and was pleasantly surprised as Jesus answered my different prayers: fewer cars on the road, husband’s healing after surgery, and a smile from a friend.
This study is great for group or individual study. If studying alone the student can go at her own pace. However, I do recommend studying with a group so you can share what you learn and glean from others.
Did the book meet my expectations? Yes! I was pleasantly surprised to see Jesus in all of scripture. I would recommend this book to all Believers and Seekers of the Way.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
August 12, 2019
The Jesus Who Surprises is a book/bible study designed around Jesus' walk on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. Jesus opens up the scriptures to the disciples present, and reveals His presence as he dines with them. The book is divided into 3 parts: How the Story Began (Moses), How to Live in the Story (Psalms), and How The Story Will End (The Prophets).
I enjoyed reading this book on my own, but I can see the added benefit of doing this in a group setting. Each chapter begins with Dee's teachings and thoughts, followed by bible study questions and sermons to listen to. I really enjoyed Dee's teachings, however I did not always listen to the sermons. I'm a working mom with limited energy and time, and the thought of listening to a sermon each time was a little daunting. Some of the questions are asking about the video also. I would have preferred if the sermon truths could have been incorporated into Dee's text.
Honestly, I struggled to find cohesion in this book. At times I would forget what the point of the book was. I enjoyed reading it, but I wouldn't say it is my favorite book/study of all time. However, I was really encouraged by Dee's passion for Christ and His word, which shines through in her writings. Her humility and wisdom are refreshing.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook and Multnomah, in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book on my own, but I can see the added benefit of doing this in a group setting. Each chapter begins with Dee's teachings and thoughts, followed by bible study questions and sermons to listen to. I really enjoyed Dee's teachings, however I did not always listen to the sermons. I'm a working mom with limited energy and time, and the thought of listening to a sermon each time was a little daunting. Some of the questions are asking about the video also. I would have preferred if the sermon truths could have been incorporated into Dee's text.
Honestly, I struggled to find cohesion in this book. At times I would forget what the point of the book was. I enjoyed reading it, but I wouldn't say it is my favorite book/study of all time. However, I was really encouraged by Dee's passion for Christ and His word, which shines through in her writings. Her humility and wisdom are refreshing.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook and Multnomah, in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2019
Using Luke 24:1-12 as a springboard, Dee Brestin invites the reader to open their eyes to Jesus who is present throughout scripture and throughout our lives. Brestin uses a straightforward and engaging writing style that new believers and those more seasoned can appreciate. The study is formatted for study five days a week and focuses on Scripture while helping the reader look for Jesus in their own life.
I appreciate that Brestin continually revisits Scripture. In a culture where women's "Bible" studies often shift attention inward, she keeps her eyes, and the readers, on the true focus, Jesus.
**An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah. My review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.**
I appreciate that Brestin continually revisits Scripture. In a culture where women's "Bible" studies often shift attention inward, she keeps her eyes, and the readers, on the true focus, Jesus.
**An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah. My review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.**
August 19, 2019
I love books that keep directing my focus back to Jesus. That should be the goal anyway, right? All of scripture points to Jesus, and this book helped me see how Jesus is findable and knowable in the daily things such as craving food,
I enjoyed how this book is laid out. It includes thought-provoking questions that can be used either in personal study or in a group discussion. It is laid out in thirteen lessons, and each reveals a new aspect of how we can see Jesus more clearly. I read it in less than 13 weeks so I could review it in a timely manner, but I feel like I would have gotten more out of it and retained more of what I learned if I'd taken the full time to study a single chapter per week.
I enjoyed how this book is laid out. It includes thought-provoking questions that can be used either in personal study or in a group discussion. It is laid out in thirteen lessons, and each reveals a new aspect of how we can see Jesus more clearly. I read it in less than 13 weeks so I could review it in a timely manner, but I feel like I would have gotten more out of it and retained more of what I learned if I'd taken the full time to study a single chapter per week.
August 26, 2019
At Dee Brestin’s invitation, I’m paying attention to obvious answers to prayer, God’s unexpected care, and his help to do His work. This awareness is just one of the great gifts I’m savoring from The Jesus Who Surprises. Paying attention to God at work, recording and retelling the stories of his provision and rescue, opens our eyes to his presence in all of life.
As it turns out, even first-century believers who lived and traveled with Jesus on dusty Palestinian roads needed a nudge sometimes to help them recognize his presence and his work. Just as his companions on the Emmaus Road required supernatural insight to recognize Jesus at their kitchen table, we also sometimes fail to discover and behold Jesus–particularly where he appears in unexpected places in the pages of Scripture. Brestin’s gift to her readers is a gentle revelation that reads like a visit over steaming mugs.
Jesus in the Pentateuch
In the opening scene of the Bible, the curtain lifts on creation, and Jesus is there. Although he is not mentioned by name, plural pronouns attest to the loving fellowship of the Trinity–“the Word speaking the world into creation.” (23) Every sacrificial lamb points to Jesus, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. Brestin skillfully corrects the common misunderstanding that Old Testament believers were primarily law abiders and that salvation by grace is a strictly New Testament concept.
“It is as if time does not exist for God–it has always been faith in this Lamb that saves us.” (87)
Jesus in the Psalms
Understanding Scripture’s big-picture story arc of a promised Redeemer makes sense of David’s faith-filled pronouncements in song, for even though David’s body did indeed “see corruption,” his reign pointed toward Christ’s perfect and unshakable reign. For example, Psalm 45 is a love letter and an example of the great love of Christ the Bridegroom, and references to Christ in the psalms come in the form of veiled promises of help and rescue in the midst of our own stories and his comforting presence through every variation in our emotional temperature.
Jesus in the Prophets
God’s fore-tellers and forth-tellers never fail to give us the bad news as well as the good news of the gospel, revealing how desperately we needed a Redeemer and then putting on display the outrageously lavish grace of God’s provision. Their pens dripped with warning, but comfort comes to those who read between the lines and find hope, particularly in the last prophecy in which John reminds readers of Jesus’s assurance that the best is yet to come and our days of being homesick on this planet will come to a triumphal ending.
Thorough and insightful Bible study questions follow each chapter and anecdotes from Brestin’s own life illustrate the significant theological truths she shares with a skill born of deep personal study and a rich background of teaching and mentoring. The Jesus Who Surprises becomes, after all, a surprise of its own with its faithful gospel insights that bring my own need into clear focus, reassuring me that Jesus is sufficient for that need and for everything else that shows up along the road we travel together.
Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
As it turns out, even first-century believers who lived and traveled with Jesus on dusty Palestinian roads needed a nudge sometimes to help them recognize his presence and his work. Just as his companions on the Emmaus Road required supernatural insight to recognize Jesus at their kitchen table, we also sometimes fail to discover and behold Jesus–particularly where he appears in unexpected places in the pages of Scripture. Brestin’s gift to her readers is a gentle revelation that reads like a visit over steaming mugs.
Jesus in the Pentateuch
In the opening scene of the Bible, the curtain lifts on creation, and Jesus is there. Although he is not mentioned by name, plural pronouns attest to the loving fellowship of the Trinity–“the Word speaking the world into creation.” (23) Every sacrificial lamb points to Jesus, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. Brestin skillfully corrects the common misunderstanding that Old Testament believers were primarily law abiders and that salvation by grace is a strictly New Testament concept.
“It is as if time does not exist for God–it has always been faith in this Lamb that saves us.” (87)
Jesus in the Psalms
Understanding Scripture’s big-picture story arc of a promised Redeemer makes sense of David’s faith-filled pronouncements in song, for even though David’s body did indeed “see corruption,” his reign pointed toward Christ’s perfect and unshakable reign. For example, Psalm 45 is a love letter and an example of the great love of Christ the Bridegroom, and references to Christ in the psalms come in the form of veiled promises of help and rescue in the midst of our own stories and his comforting presence through every variation in our emotional temperature.
Jesus in the Prophets
God’s fore-tellers and forth-tellers never fail to give us the bad news as well as the good news of the gospel, revealing how desperately we needed a Redeemer and then putting on display the outrageously lavish grace of God’s provision. Their pens dripped with warning, but comfort comes to those who read between the lines and find hope, particularly in the last prophecy in which John reminds readers of Jesus’s assurance that the best is yet to come and our days of being homesick on this planet will come to a triumphal ending.
Thorough and insightful Bible study questions follow each chapter and anecdotes from Brestin’s own life illustrate the significant theological truths she shares with a skill born of deep personal study and a rich background of teaching and mentoring. The Jesus Who Surprises becomes, after all, a surprise of its own with its faithful gospel insights that bring my own need into clear focus, reassuring me that Jesus is sufficient for that need and for everything else that shows up along the road we travel together.
Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.
November 16, 2019
The Jesus Who Surprises: Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture by Dee Brestin (Waterbrook/Multnomah; 2019)
This is the newest book from author and Bible study writer Dee Brestin. Brestin is most known for excellent books she has written for women like The Friendships of Women, and He Calls You Beautiful. I, however, feel that Brestin's newest book is not directed solely at women. The book briefly touches on the scene in Luke's Gospel when the resurrected Jesus visited with two believers who were walking along the Emmaus Road, and Jesus expounded on the Old Testament and how it was all about Him. The Gospel puts it as "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:27)." From there, Brestin proceeds to give pithy studies on numerous Old Testament passages by dividing the book into three sections: The Books of Moses, The Psalms, and The Prophets.
Artfully weaving in experiences from her own life --- which has had its share of heartache and trial --- the author shows how the selected passages in the OT all point to Jesus, and how He came to rescue us and love us. In my opinion, besides the occasional sermons on the "Sunday School" parts of the OT (like David and Goliath; Joshua and Jericho; Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; etc.), we believers really miss out on all of the wisdom and insights available by studying the OT. By using it to analyze and interpret the New Testament, we can apply all of that to our lives today. And Brestin handles this job brilliantly.
Brestin is an excellent writer, and I was totally engaged (again, as a male) with the gold and silver she was able to mine out to give selected OT stories and books more relevance. This tactic gives us an even fuller picture of God than can be received by only studying the New Testament.
Speaking of studying, the book is well-designed to serve as a book study for either a group or individuals. The study guides come at the end of each chapter, and all of the same elements. There is a weekly "God Hunt," as Brestin calls it, where readers are challenged to note and discuss how the presence and love of God are around us every day --- but we might need to "hunt" for them. Then there are five daily sets of questions and "thoughts to consider" to be discussed at each meeting, and a suggested prayer to end each session.
To top this off, Brestin has put together free teaching videos on her website (www.deebrestin.com) that go specifically with this book, as well as pointing readers to online sermons from the likes of Tim Keller, Michael Reeves, and Eugene Peterson. Plus, there is a facilitator guide for those who are leading a group study.
Brestin admirably accomplishes her goal in this book, as stated in the subtitle: "Opening our eyes to [Jesus} His presence in all of life and Scripture." I highly recommend this book to everyone!
This is the newest book from author and Bible study writer Dee Brestin. Brestin is most known for excellent books she has written for women like The Friendships of Women, and He Calls You Beautiful. I, however, feel that Brestin's newest book is not directed solely at women. The book briefly touches on the scene in Luke's Gospel when the resurrected Jesus visited with two believers who were walking along the Emmaus Road, and Jesus expounded on the Old Testament and how it was all about Him. The Gospel puts it as "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:27)." From there, Brestin proceeds to give pithy studies on numerous Old Testament passages by dividing the book into three sections: The Books of Moses, The Psalms, and The Prophets.
Artfully weaving in experiences from her own life --- which has had its share of heartache and trial --- the author shows how the selected passages in the OT all point to Jesus, and how He came to rescue us and love us. In my opinion, besides the occasional sermons on the "Sunday School" parts of the OT (like David and Goliath; Joshua and Jericho; Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; etc.), we believers really miss out on all of the wisdom and insights available by studying the OT. By using it to analyze and interpret the New Testament, we can apply all of that to our lives today. And Brestin handles this job brilliantly.
Brestin is an excellent writer, and I was totally engaged (again, as a male) with the gold and silver she was able to mine out to give selected OT stories and books more relevance. This tactic gives us an even fuller picture of God than can be received by only studying the New Testament.
Speaking of studying, the book is well-designed to serve as a book study for either a group or individuals. The study guides come at the end of each chapter, and all of the same elements. There is a weekly "God Hunt," as Brestin calls it, where readers are challenged to note and discuss how the presence and love of God are around us every day --- but we might need to "hunt" for them. Then there are five daily sets of questions and "thoughts to consider" to be discussed at each meeting, and a suggested prayer to end each session.
To top this off, Brestin has put together free teaching videos on her website (www.deebrestin.com) that go specifically with this book, as well as pointing readers to online sermons from the likes of Tim Keller, Michael Reeves, and Eugene Peterson. Plus, there is a facilitator guide for those who are leading a group study.
Brestin admirably accomplishes her goal in this book, as stated in the subtitle: "Opening our eyes to [Jesus} His presence in all of life and Scripture." I highly recommend this book to everyone!
July 21, 2019
We expect to find Jesus on and through the pages of the New Testament, especially in the four Gospels where Jesus birth, life and death have been recorded.
In her book, The Jesus Who Surprises, author Dee Brestin challenges us to also discover Jesus in the Old Testament and in our everyday experiences.
“We must ask Jesus to remove the veil from our eyes so we can see Him in every corner of Scripture and life.”
Two disciples were on the road to Emmaus when “a stranger” came up alongside them and began conversing. Although this stranger explains Scriptures to them concerning himself, they did not yet recognize the stranger was Jesus Himself. Only later that evening, as they broke bread together, did their eyes become opened and they recognized Him.
With recognition came understanding:
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45, NLT)
This is the premise of “The Jesus Who Surprises”. It is imperative to see the Bible in its entirety as a story. There are themes which thread throughout the Old and New Testament and point to Jesus and salvation.
The book, a Bible study, is broken into three parts:
How the Story Began. This section takes the reader through the books of Moses.
How to Live in the Story. The Psalms shows us how to live with authenticity.
How the Story Will End. Here we look at the message which the prophet Isaiah brings to us – the hope of heaven.
Each chapter includes Bible study questions to be answered and discussed. There are videos which can be accessed on the author’s website for added teaching. Facilitator resources are also included at the close of the book to assist leaders of small groups.
The book reads easily and there is encouragement and truth in each section. The author closes with these words of hope:
“My hope is that seeing this same story from Genesis to Revelation will give you great confidence in the reliability of Scriptures and the truths they hold. For the Jesus that surprised the two on the road to Emmaus, and surprises us in our everyday lives, is not at all finished surprising us.”
*An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah. My review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
In her book, The Jesus Who Surprises, author Dee Brestin challenges us to also discover Jesus in the Old Testament and in our everyday experiences.
“We must ask Jesus to remove the veil from our eyes so we can see Him in every corner of Scripture and life.”
Two disciples were on the road to Emmaus when “a stranger” came up alongside them and began conversing. Although this stranger explains Scriptures to them concerning himself, they did not yet recognize the stranger was Jesus Himself. Only later that evening, as they broke bread together, did their eyes become opened and they recognized Him.
With recognition came understanding:
“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45, NLT)
This is the premise of “The Jesus Who Surprises”. It is imperative to see the Bible in its entirety as a story. There are themes which thread throughout the Old and New Testament and point to Jesus and salvation.
The book, a Bible study, is broken into three parts:
How the Story Began. This section takes the reader through the books of Moses.
How to Live in the Story. The Psalms shows us how to live with authenticity.
How the Story Will End. Here we look at the message which the prophet Isaiah brings to us – the hope of heaven.
Each chapter includes Bible study questions to be answered and discussed. There are videos which can be accessed on the author’s website for added teaching. Facilitator resources are also included at the close of the book to assist leaders of small groups.
The book reads easily and there is encouragement and truth in each section. The author closes with these words of hope:
“My hope is that seeing this same story from Genesis to Revelation will give you great confidence in the reliability of Scriptures and the truths they hold. For the Jesus that surprised the two on the road to Emmaus, and surprises us in our everyday lives, is not at all finished surprising us.”
*An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah. My review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 4, 2019
The Jesus Who Surprises is a wonderfully complete Bible study . It includes not only 6 weeks of Bible study, with lessons for 5 days each week but also lots of supplemental material. Each week's lesson begins with a teaching from the author, Bible teacher Dee Brestin. There is also an optional video testimony on Dee's website for each week as well as a suggested sermons on YouTube from well-known pastors such as Tim Keller and R.C. Sproul for those who want to take an even deeper dive into the material.
Dee starts the book off with a chapter on how to use the book and study and even includes an optional Get-Acquainted study for groups who want to schedule that before they jump right into the study. She ends the book with more extra material for leaders or group facilitators. Brestin even gives different ideas for a group prayer time each week. Really, this book includes both a leader's and member's manual right in one handy package.
But all that is just pretty packaging if the study isn't solid. No fear with that here! This is good stuff! I love the topic: opening our eyes to the presence of Jesus in all of life and Scripture. I'll talk about the Scripture aspect first. The main passage for this study is from Luke 24, where Jesus appears on the Emmaus Road after his resurrection to 2 disciples. They don't recognize him at first so he breaks down the Old Testament to them, showing them passage by passage how he is the Messiah. Dee also takes us through the Bible, passage by passage, showing us Jesus. First in the first 5 books of the Bible, then in the Psalms and Isaiah.
At the same time, Brestin teaches us to look for Jesus in all of our own lives with a method called God Hunt, intentionally looking for signs of Jesus in our everyday lives. This is a concept I learned and practiced years ago through a Bible study by Karen Mains. It was a gift to me then and I'm certain would be a blessing again.
I have not yet done this study with a group, but am excited to do so. There is some wonderful, substantial Biblical teaching here that I am certain would enrich the lives of those who commit to the study. I did receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review.
Dee starts the book off with a chapter on how to use the book and study and even includes an optional Get-Acquainted study for groups who want to schedule that before they jump right into the study. She ends the book with more extra material for leaders or group facilitators. Brestin even gives different ideas for a group prayer time each week. Really, this book includes both a leader's and member's manual right in one handy package.
But all that is just pretty packaging if the study isn't solid. No fear with that here! This is good stuff! I love the topic: opening our eyes to the presence of Jesus in all of life and Scripture. I'll talk about the Scripture aspect first. The main passage for this study is from Luke 24, where Jesus appears on the Emmaus Road after his resurrection to 2 disciples. They don't recognize him at first so he breaks down the Old Testament to them, showing them passage by passage how he is the Messiah. Dee also takes us through the Bible, passage by passage, showing us Jesus. First in the first 5 books of the Bible, then in the Psalms and Isaiah.
At the same time, Brestin teaches us to look for Jesus in all of our own lives with a method called God Hunt, intentionally looking for signs of Jesus in our everyday lives. This is a concept I learned and practiced years ago through a Bible study by Karen Mains. It was a gift to me then and I'm certain would be a blessing again.
I have not yet done this study with a group, but am excited to do so. There is some wonderful, substantial Biblical teaching here that I am certain would enrich the lives of those who commit to the study. I did receive an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review.
July 16, 2019
Summer is the perfect time to dig into an in-depth Bible study! The Jesus Who Surprises ended up being the perfect way for me to do just that. This book is a Bible study that is meant to show the reader the presence of Jesus in all of scripture and our lives. The book is broken into four parts: How the Story Began (the books of Moses), How to Live in the Story (Psalms), and How the Story Will End (the Prophets). Each part is then broken into weekly segments. The weekly segments each begin with a chapter from the author, followed by five days of material/Bible study questions.
I enjoyed how much this study got me thinking about, reading, and studying my Bible. I also enjoyed reading the author's content. I tend to read through and finish books fairly quickly, but this was definitely one that I had to put several hours into over a few days. I would recommend reading this book with a small group for accountability and to be able to discuss the Bible study questions together. I also recommend sticking to the reading schedule, because it would be easy to get information overload if the book is read through too quickly.
I learned a lot from this study, but one thing that really stands out to me that I learned was that Jesus was the Passover lamb. I had heard that before, but this book helped me to understand that Jesus had communion with His disciples on Passover, and called the bread "His body" and the wine "His blood" because He was now going to forever be the lamb Who's blood saved those who believe in Him from death. In the Old Testament, the Israelites spead the Passover lamb's blood on their door frames so that God would pass them over and not allow death to touch that household. That is no longer necessary now that Jesus sacrificed Himself for us on the cross. This book helped me to realize this, along with quite a few other connections between the Old Testament and Jesus.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook and Multnomah, in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed how much this study got me thinking about, reading, and studying my Bible. I also enjoyed reading the author's content. I tend to read through and finish books fairly quickly, but this was definitely one that I had to put several hours into over a few days. I would recommend reading this book with a small group for accountability and to be able to discuss the Bible study questions together. I also recommend sticking to the reading schedule, because it would be easy to get information overload if the book is read through too quickly.
I learned a lot from this study, but one thing that really stands out to me that I learned was that Jesus was the Passover lamb. I had heard that before, but this book helped me to understand that Jesus had communion with His disciples on Passover, and called the bread "His body" and the wine "His blood" because He was now going to forever be the lamb Who's blood saved those who believe in Him from death. In the Old Testament, the Israelites spead the Passover lamb's blood on their door frames so that God would pass them over and not allow death to touch that household. That is no longer necessary now that Jesus sacrificed Himself for us on the cross. This book helped me to realize this, along with quite a few other connections between the Old Testament and Jesus.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook and Multnomah, in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2019
Like a talented chef creating a stew, Author Dee Brestin has melded together scripture, real world experience as a mother, bible teacher, widow and prison minister, and the work of other Christian leaders into a book worth savoring. The Jesus Who Surprises has two main themes, 1) Finding Jesus in surprising places in scripture, such as the books of Isiah, Psalms, and Song of Solomon. 2) Finding Jesus in surprising times and places in our lives, such as when Brestin lost her husband, and father of her children in his fifties.
Brestin does three things well in this book,
First she provides a strong, deeply researched case that Jesus can indeed be found in action throughout scripture, even in the Old Testament. She then illustrates how Jesus can be found in surprising places in our lives, particularly those where we need him most. She then explains how these two realities intersect.
Second she makes good use of real world examples to make this a book of action. Drawing on her own experiences, as well as those she has encountered as a bible teacher, and prison minister, She shows how the surprising places Jesus can be found can give us stronger and happier lives. Brestin spends a significant amount of time and effort on how this impacts our prayer life. She teaches us how to “Pray through the Psalms, and to use that to allow Christ to navigate us through the struggles life invariably brings our way.
Third she has created a book, born to be taught from ! There are discussion questions at the end of the chapter. Facilitator notes for every chapter can be found at the end of the book. She has even provided videos for each chapter on her website ! This is in every way a book, not a “bible study,” but an empowering course or small group study could easily be created from it as Brestin has already done much of the hard work.
This is not a book to be read in one sitting. You will want to spend time with this book, to be immersed in it. Like the chef we talked about earlier Brestin has created a masterpiece.
Brestin does three things well in this book,
First she provides a strong, deeply researched case that Jesus can indeed be found in action throughout scripture, even in the Old Testament. She then illustrates how Jesus can be found in surprising places in our lives, particularly those where we need him most. She then explains how these two realities intersect.
Second she makes good use of real world examples to make this a book of action. Drawing on her own experiences, as well as those she has encountered as a bible teacher, and prison minister, She shows how the surprising places Jesus can be found can give us stronger and happier lives. Brestin spends a significant amount of time and effort on how this impacts our prayer life. She teaches us how to “Pray through the Psalms, and to use that to allow Christ to navigate us through the struggles life invariably brings our way.
Third she has created a book, born to be taught from ! There are discussion questions at the end of the chapter. Facilitator notes for every chapter can be found at the end of the book. She has even provided videos for each chapter on her website ! This is in every way a book, not a “bible study,” but an empowering course or small group study could easily be created from it as Brestin has already done much of the hard work.
This is not a book to be read in one sitting. You will want to spend time with this book, to be immersed in it. Like the chef we talked about earlier Brestin has created a masterpiece.
October 12, 2019
Do you want to be surprised?
Best-selling author of multiple books and Bible teacher Dee Brestin presents "The Jesus Who Surprises. Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture", published by WaterBrook & Multnomah. After the introduction to the book, which includes Bible Study One, Brestin has divided the book into three parts: 1) How the Story Began (The Books of Moses), 2) How to Live in the Story (The Psalms), and 3) How the Story Will End (The Prophets). Every chapter contains an introduction where Brestin shares events and experiences from her own life and from other Christians. Then she recounts and explains the Bible story. This is followed by a four-day Bible study which closes with an idea for the prayer time. Altogether the book contains thirteen of these Bible studies.
Brestin's overall goal with this book is to show where Jesus shows up in the Old Testament, but she also uses passages from the New Testament to present his presence in history. This book is set to be used for individual and group Bible study. I appreciate it that Brestin gives the option to go deeper, using links to the messages from other Bible teachers (e.g., Timothy Keller, R. C. Sproul) and that she offers the accompanying, optional, videos for free on her website. She gives assignments that keep those who study the book engaged and also explains terms, e.g., the use of "nonsense" or "idle talk" in Luke 24:11. Brestin also underlines the importance of homework. The book includes also the references for the quotes and literature used which is another help if one wants to go deeper. The facilitator resources will be a great help for those who are using this book in a group Bible study setting. All in all this is a great book for new and advanced believers.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheJesusWhoSurprises #NetGalley
Best-selling author of multiple books and Bible teacher Dee Brestin presents "The Jesus Who Surprises. Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture", published by WaterBrook & Multnomah. After the introduction to the book, which includes Bible Study One, Brestin has divided the book into three parts: 1) How the Story Began (The Books of Moses), 2) How to Live in the Story (The Psalms), and 3) How the Story Will End (The Prophets). Every chapter contains an introduction where Brestin shares events and experiences from her own life and from other Christians. Then she recounts and explains the Bible story. This is followed by a four-day Bible study which closes with an idea for the prayer time. Altogether the book contains thirteen of these Bible studies.
Brestin's overall goal with this book is to show where Jesus shows up in the Old Testament, but she also uses passages from the New Testament to present his presence in history. This book is set to be used for individual and group Bible study. I appreciate it that Brestin gives the option to go deeper, using links to the messages from other Bible teachers (e.g., Timothy Keller, R. C. Sproul) and that she offers the accompanying, optional, videos for free on her website. She gives assignments that keep those who study the book engaged and also explains terms, e.g., the use of "nonsense" or "idle talk" in Luke 24:11. Brestin also underlines the importance of homework. The book includes also the references for the quotes and literature used which is another help if one wants to go deeper. The facilitator resources will be a great help for those who are using this book in a group Bible study setting. All in all this is a great book for new and advanced believers.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheJesusWhoSurprises #NetGalley
July 26, 2019
Dee Brestin’s The Jesus Who Surprises invites the student of the Word to walk on the Road to Emmaus with two of Jesus’ disciples. Not recognizing Jesus, they told Him that their hopes had been dashed when the One they thought was Israel’s Messiah had been crucified on the cross, buried, and now His body was missing.
As they walked, Jesus opened up the Scriptures to them. Brestin imagines the Scriptures that Jesus may have used.
A skilled storyteller, Brestin takes the reader on a 13-week walk through the Old Testament examining Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, and other Old Testament Scriptures that point to Jesus.
Oh, how the disciples’ hearts burned as Jesus revealed Himself in the Scriptures, and how my heart glowed with delight as I looked at familiar passages of Scripture with new eyes.
The book is divided into three sections:
1. “How the Story Began,” walking through the Books of Moses.
2. “How to Live in the Story,” understanding key Psalms.
3. “How the Story Will End,” reading the prophets and Revelation.
Each week has an enlightening discussion about the Scriptures. Brestin applies them to our walk with Jesus and includes stories that grip the readers’ hearts. After the discussion, she provides an idea for additional resources, like a YouTube video. She also asks the reader to go on a “God Hunt,” recording how the reader “spied God when …” each day. She gives the reader five days of statements and questions that cause the student to meditate with increasing depth into the Old Testament Scriptures in relationship to the New Testament.
This Bible Study is perfect as an individual study as well as a small group study. Brestin even includes helps for the facilitator of a small group.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest review.
As they walked, Jesus opened up the Scriptures to them. Brestin imagines the Scriptures that Jesus may have used.
A skilled storyteller, Brestin takes the reader on a 13-week walk through the Old Testament examining Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, and other Old Testament Scriptures that point to Jesus.
Oh, how the disciples’ hearts burned as Jesus revealed Himself in the Scriptures, and how my heart glowed with delight as I looked at familiar passages of Scripture with new eyes.
The book is divided into three sections:
1. “How the Story Began,” walking through the Books of Moses.
2. “How to Live in the Story,” understanding key Psalms.
3. “How the Story Will End,” reading the prophets and Revelation.
Each week has an enlightening discussion about the Scriptures. Brestin applies them to our walk with Jesus and includes stories that grip the readers’ hearts. After the discussion, she provides an idea for additional resources, like a YouTube video. She also asks the reader to go on a “God Hunt,” recording how the reader “spied God when …” each day. She gives the reader five days of statements and questions that cause the student to meditate with increasing depth into the Old Testament Scriptures in relationship to the New Testament.
This Bible Study is perfect as an individual study as well as a small group study. Brestin even includes helps for the facilitator of a small group.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest review.
July 19, 2019
Sometimes I can be a tough sale. I'm sure many of my friends and family would be surprised with this confession, but when it comes to bible study books I am a cautious consumer. That being said I was simply thrilled with the new bible study by Dee Brestin titled, The Jesus Who Surprises. Now, I was a little concerned when I requested this book, because I received an advanced reader's copy of The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review. I was afraid that it might be a light, charismatic offering. Boy, was I happily "surprised"! Brestin's bible study has meat, and depth. It asks tough questions in the written answer section and causes the reader to do some soul searching along with scripture delving to uncover the answers. Brestin encourages the reader to look for surprises throughout the bible and life in seeing the life of Jesus as foretold through the old testament prophesies, the new testament and in evidence of our everyday lives.
As a bible study student, I am particularly concerned that passages used in various bible study books reflect the context of the passage and are not pulled out of context to simply support an author's whim. Brestin stays true to the bible and supports her teaching with well thought out personal stories, historical accounts, and intact biblical excerpts. I simply adore this bible study and feel excited to suggest it to my friends.
#waterbrook&multnomah
#DeeBrestin
#TheJesusWhoSurpises
As a bible study student, I am particularly concerned that passages used in various bible study books reflect the context of the passage and are not pulled out of context to simply support an author's whim. Brestin stays true to the bible and supports her teaching with well thought out personal stories, historical accounts, and intact biblical excerpts. I simply adore this bible study and feel excited to suggest it to my friends.
#waterbrook&multnomah
#DeeBrestin
#TheJesusWhoSurpises
July 29, 2019
This new bible study by Dee Brestin, The Jesus Who Surprises, really showed me how we can find Jesus not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament. Dee based her study on the passage in Luke where Jesus joined two of His disciples on their way to Emmaus, focusing on Luke 24:32. This is a 13 week study focusing on The Books of Moses, The Psalms, and The Prophets. In each study she delves into specific passages in which Jesus can clearly be seen. But what I also liked about this study was how transparent Dee was about her own life’s experiences; sharing very personal stories that clearly show how Jesus is there for each of us, even during the hard times. I happened to be going through a very hard time myself while reading this book which made it ever so much more meaningful.
After each chapter there are 5 days of study to work on with very probing questions. Dee also included a meaningful message given by her or another speaker which tied into that week’s theme. The questions were very thought provoking and often challenged you to dig deep. And at the end of each day’s lesson we did the God Hunt; how did I see God working in my life that day.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more about finding Jesus in the pages of the Old Testament. This has been quite an eye opener for me. I would, however, have liked to have studied this in a group where we could have shared ideas and thoughts.
After each chapter there are 5 days of study to work on with very probing questions. Dee also included a meaningful message given by her or another speaker which tied into that week’s theme. The questions were very thought provoking and often challenged you to dig deep. And at the end of each day’s lesson we did the God Hunt; how did I see God working in my life that day.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more about finding Jesus in the pages of the Old Testament. This has been quite an eye opener for me. I would, however, have liked to have studied this in a group where we could have shared ideas and thoughts.
August 4, 2019
Author and speaker Dee Brestin has written a book to help us 'discover Jesus in the most unexpected places' and she uses both scripture and personal experiences to help us do this. We know that the New Testament is devoted to Jesus but Brestin shows that Jesus can be found in ALL of the Old Testament. The Jesus Who Surprises has 256 pages devoted to learning more about Jesus and there are three parts. Part One: How the Story Began--The Books of Moses; Part Two: How to Live in the Story--The Psalms; Part Three: How the Story Will End--The Prophets.
This book has been written so that it can be used for both personal bible study or as a small group bible study. I especially like that there are questions to spur my thinking and I appreciate that the author has included Facilitator Resources at the end of the book, with both hints and lesson-by-lesson facilitator notes. There is also a Prayer Time at the end of each chapter and this should help to deepen our prayer life. It is, after all, a fact that God wants to hear from His children.
This is a wonderful resource and I heartily recommend The Jesus Who Surprises for all of those who want to draw closer to Jesus and to increase their understanding of God's Word!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher Multonomah and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.
#waterbrook&multnomah
#DeeBrestin
#TheJesusWhoSurpises
This book has been written so that it can be used for both personal bible study or as a small group bible study. I especially like that there are questions to spur my thinking and I appreciate that the author has included Facilitator Resources at the end of the book, with both hints and lesson-by-lesson facilitator notes. There is also a Prayer Time at the end of each chapter and this should help to deepen our prayer life. It is, after all, a fact that God wants to hear from His children.
This is a wonderful resource and I heartily recommend The Jesus Who Surprises for all of those who want to draw closer to Jesus and to increase their understanding of God's Word!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher Multonomah and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.
#waterbrook&multnomah
#DeeBrestin
#TheJesusWhoSurpises
July 28, 2019
"The Jesus Who Surprises" opens your eyes to the Old Testament in new ways. Dee Brestin's newest book helps us find Jesus in the Old Testament in this in-depth combination book and Bible study.
This 13-week study includes facilitator resources with lesson-by-lesson notes. Brestin's approach features her personal observations followed by a Bible study divided into five-day installments. She walks readers through the books of Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets. You will see Jesus in a different light and better understand how the Old Testament work together to tell God's story.
If you are ready to embark on an exciting Bible journey, choose "The Jesus Who Surprises" and discover Jesus in all of Scripture. Each day's study will take no more than 20 minutes, but in that time you will learn so much. You will see the relationship, find out how to live in the story, see how the story will end and be filled with the hope of heaven.
Companion videos are available for free at www.deebrestin.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s “The Jesus Who Surprises” Launch Team. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This 13-week study includes facilitator resources with lesson-by-lesson notes. Brestin's approach features her personal observations followed by a Bible study divided into five-day installments. She walks readers through the books of Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets. You will see Jesus in a different light and better understand how the Old Testament work together to tell God's story.
If you are ready to embark on an exciting Bible journey, choose "The Jesus Who Surprises" and discover Jesus in all of Scripture. Each day's study will take no more than 20 minutes, but in that time you will learn so much. You will see the relationship, find out how to live in the story, see how the story will end and be filled with the hope of heaven.
Companion videos are available for free at www.deebrestin.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s “The Jesus Who Surprises” Launch Team. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 6, 2020
This is an excellent Bible study. As someone who has studied and read God's Word often, sometimes it can be hard to find studies that stretch my knowledge and understanding. The approach that the author takes on looking at the Old Testament through the eyes of Jesus is an excellent starting point. I have been taking my time going through it with my Bible close at hand, so that I do not miss anything. She makes connections with different points in God's Word where Jesus can be clearly seen. While she does share personal anecdotes, she also points out different relevant stories that relate directly to Scripture. Every chapter ends with an in-depth study that includes questions to examine regarding the verses as well as personal examination that leads to application. While I have enjoyed reading through this study on my own, I would definitely enjoy completing it at some point with a group. I have not taken the time yet to watch the free videos that correlate with the study that are on her website, but I definitely appreciate her willingness to provide resources for further understanding. I definitely recommend this book! The Subtitle sums it up well: Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life and Scripture. A big thank you to Net Galley and to Multnomah Books for allowing me to take a look at this study. All opinions are my own.
July 24, 2019
Jesus in the Old Testament
Although people think of Jesus in the New Testament, he is also found in the books of Isiah, Psalms and the Song of Solomon. He can also be found in our lives in some surprising ways. The book uses both of these sources to craft a readable Bible study.
The book is divided into three sections: The Books of Moses, The Psalms, and the Prophets. Each section has several chapters. Each chapter is divided into a discussion by the author which includes insights from the Bible as well as personal stories from her life and others. After the discussion the author provides five days of Bible study and questions. These can be used either as individual study, or in a group setting. In addition there a notes for a facilitator, if used in a group setting, and videos that can be accessed on her website.
The book is aimed primarily at women, but the author doesn’t discount that some men may use the book. Indeed some of her stories are about men finding Jesus. I found that book very readable. The questions and Bible study take up a major portion of the text, but it’s well worth the effort to use them for a deeper look into the ideas the author is exploring.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review.
Although people think of Jesus in the New Testament, he is also found in the books of Isiah, Psalms and the Song of Solomon. He can also be found in our lives in some surprising ways. The book uses both of these sources to craft a readable Bible study.
The book is divided into three sections: The Books of Moses, The Psalms, and the Prophets. Each section has several chapters. Each chapter is divided into a discussion by the author which includes insights from the Bible as well as personal stories from her life and others. After the discussion the author provides five days of Bible study and questions. These can be used either as individual study, or in a group setting. In addition there a notes for a facilitator, if used in a group setting, and videos that can be accessed on her website.
The book is aimed primarily at women, but the author doesn’t discount that some men may use the book. Indeed some of her stories are about men finding Jesus. I found that book very readable. The questions and Bible study take up a major portion of the text, but it’s well worth the effort to use them for a deeper look into the ideas the author is exploring.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review.
July 30, 2019
I am impressed with this study. Brestin's premise is that Jesus is alive and acting today but we often don't recognize Him. Our problem may be that we are not looking for Him in unusual places. Brestin has written this study to help us see Jesus in the most unexpected of places, namely the Old Testament.
I think Brestin has done an excellent job of exploring an Old Testament section and then relating it to Jesus and gospel truth in really powerful ways. I've been studying the Bible for over five decades yet found new insights in this book. A good example is her encouragement to speak to our soul rather than listening to it. (P. 133) I like the stories Brestin tells to illustrate her lessons. She tells many of her own, some very touching.
I like the Bible study Brestin has included at the end of each chapter. There are questions to answer and videos one can watch. The work after each chapter is divided into five days so this study would be a great one for those who like material to work on between group meetings. I like that it is all in one book, the teaching and the questions. It means this study could be done individually too.
I highly recommend this study.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I think Brestin has done an excellent job of exploring an Old Testament section and then relating it to Jesus and gospel truth in really powerful ways. I've been studying the Bible for over five decades yet found new insights in this book. A good example is her encouragement to speak to our soul rather than listening to it. (P. 133) I like the stories Brestin tells to illustrate her lessons. She tells many of her own, some very touching.
I like the Bible study Brestin has included at the end of each chapter. There are questions to answer and videos one can watch. The work after each chapter is divided into five days so this study would be a great one for those who like material to work on between group meetings. I like that it is all in one book, the teaching and the questions. It means this study could be done individually too.
I highly recommend this study.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
January 8, 2021
Thank you April Jollie of Abide in Christ’s Love for facilitating the Fall 2020 Study of The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin. I also want to tell the other ladies how much I treasure each of you and the effect you have had on my life.
The focus of the study is “Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life & Scripture” It was an exciting ride. Besides doing the weekly homework and participating in the discussion, each day we finished this sentence. “Today I spied God when… “. We also took note of verses that really spoke to us (aka became radioactive). I enjoyed Dee’s weekly videos as well as the additional video content from Tim Keller & Michael Reeves.
Our journey went something like this:
Introduction – Get Acquainted
A Journey of Surprises
The God of the Dance
He Showed Up with a Whip
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Religion v the Gospel
The Plotline of the Bible
The Surprising Way to Pray
The Surprising Fruit of Suffering
Our Secret Weapon
A Royal Wedding Song
Holy, Holy, Holy
Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye, My People
Homesick No More
To access Dee’s website and the FREE videos that go along with this study CLICK HERE
#BGBG2 #BibleGatewayPartner #AbideinChristsLove #TheJesusWhoSurprises #DeeBrestin #TimKeller #MichaelReeves
The focus of the study is “Opening Our Eyes to His Presence in All of Life & Scripture” It was an exciting ride. Besides doing the weekly homework and participating in the discussion, each day we finished this sentence. “Today I spied God when… “. We also took note of verses that really spoke to us (aka became radioactive). I enjoyed Dee’s weekly videos as well as the additional video content from Tim Keller & Michael Reeves.
Our journey went something like this:
Introduction – Get Acquainted
A Journey of Surprises
The God of the Dance
He Showed Up with a Whip
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Religion v the Gospel
The Plotline of the Bible
The Surprising Way to Pray
The Surprising Fruit of Suffering
Our Secret Weapon
A Royal Wedding Song
Holy, Holy, Holy
Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye, My People
Homesick No More
To access Dee’s website and the FREE videos that go along with this study CLICK HERE
#BGBG2 #BibleGatewayPartner #AbideinChristsLove #TheJesusWhoSurprises #DeeBrestin #TimKeller #MichaelReeves
March 19, 2019
"The Jesus Who Surprises" is a Bible study that explores the Old Testament for references to or foreshadowings of Jesus. The author pondered what things Jesus would've talked about with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. She started this study with Genesis and then moved into the Psalms (and poetic books) and then the prophetic books. Each chapter started with her talking about a place in the Old Testament that points to Jesus. She'd connect it into New Testament references and then into a Christian living application. She used examples from her life to illustrate her points. For example, she looked at the child of promise given to Sarah versus the child that Hagar bore. She tied this into following religious rules versus having a personal relationship with Christ.
She followed this commentary with five days worth of Bible study on that topic which can be done individually or in a group. She mainly had you look up verses and asked reading comprehension and personal questions. There were also free videos that can be watched as a part of this study. Overall, I'd recommend this book.
I received an e-book review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
She followed this commentary with five days worth of Bible study on that topic which can be done individually or in a group. She mainly had you look up verses and asked reading comprehension and personal questions. There were also free videos that can be watched as a part of this study. Overall, I'd recommend this book.
I received an e-book review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 29, 2019
The Jesus Who Surprises, by Dee Brestin, is a well-written and thought-provoking Bible study that is perfectly designed to be used by groups or individuals. With short, engaging chapters, corresponding videos that can be watched online for free, and daily homework questions that help the reader explore Scripture more deeply, this Bible study is user friendly, Biblically sound, and faith-filled.
With genuine humility, honesty, and authenticity, Ms. Brestin shares relevant stories from her own experiences in which Jesus surprised her with his great love, mercy, and care. In addition to the encouraging real-life stories, Ms. Brestin also leads the reader through a study of well-chosen scripture passages that highlight the presence, compassion, forgiveness, salvation, and hope that is revealed in Jesus throughout the entirety of the Bible.
I found this Bible study to be refreshingly compelling and soul-stirring. Truly informative and inspiring, The Jesus Who Surprises is a Bible study I sincerely recommend to everyone.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
With genuine humility, honesty, and authenticity, Ms. Brestin shares relevant stories from her own experiences in which Jesus surprised her with his great love, mercy, and care. In addition to the encouraging real-life stories, Ms. Brestin also leads the reader through a study of well-chosen scripture passages that highlight the presence, compassion, forgiveness, salvation, and hope that is revealed in Jesus throughout the entirety of the Bible.
I found this Bible study to be refreshingly compelling and soul-stirring. Truly informative and inspiring, The Jesus Who Surprises is a Bible study I sincerely recommend to everyone.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
July 29, 2019
The premise of this book begins with the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus being surprised when they discover later they were in the presence of Jesus all along the road. Dee Brestin takes the reader on a journey through the books of the Old Testament featuring the books of Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets. Along the way, the reader will discover the story of Jesus in the midst of all of those accounts and the way Jesus continues to work and surprise us in our individual lives each day.
At the end of each chapter there is a Bible study with questions to do on your own each day. There is also a place each day when you can record when you spied God at work. There are resources for facilitators at the end of the book which allows the study to be done in a group setting. Companion teaching videos are also available online.
This 13 week study would be ideal for women who want to go deeper in their faith and grow in their relationship with the Lord and with others. I would highly recommend this.
I received this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for this honest review.
At the end of each chapter there is a Bible study with questions to do on your own each day. There is also a place each day when you can record when you spied God at work. There are resources for facilitators at the end of the book which allows the study to be done in a group setting. Companion teaching videos are also available online.
This 13 week study would be ideal for women who want to go deeper in their faith and grow in their relationship with the Lord and with others. I would highly recommend this.
I received this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for this honest review.
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