Friday, May 25, 2018

Review and Giveaway: Journible by Robert Wyanlda and Joel Beeke

About these Books

Title: Journible: The 17:18 Series

Author: Robert Wynalda (a local businessman) and Dr. Joel R. Beeke (President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary)

Genre: Non-fiction, Bible study tool

Release Date: Series released in 2009

Why the 17:18 series?

In Deuteronomy 17, Moses is leaving final instructions concerning the future of Israel. As a prophet of God, Moses foretells of when Israel will place a king over the nation (v. 14). In verse 18, the king is commanded to not simply acquire a copy of the law (the entire book of Deuteronomy) from the scroll publishing house, but to hand write his own copy of the law. Thirty-four hundred years later, educators are discovering that students that physically write out their notes by hand have a much greater retention rate than simply hearing or visually reading the information. Apparently, God knew this to be true of the kings of Israel also. From such understanding came the conception of this series of books.

How to Use These Books

Each book is organized so that you can write out your very own copy of Scripture. You will be writing the Bible text only on the right hand page of the book. This should make for easier writing and also allows ample space on the left page to write your own notes and comments. From time to time a question or word will be lightly printed on the left page; these questions are to aid in further study, but should not interfere with your own notes and comments.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts:

Journibles are a new concept for me for studying the Word of God. I found this particular journal/devotional helpful. So here is how I understood it to work:

(I was using the Romans title)

-You copy the scripture out on the right hand side. Yes by the end of this journaling book you will have written out the entire book of Romans.

-On the left hand side is where you will write your own notes-thoughts about the passage just read, new revelations, etc. On some of the pages of notes the Journible gives questions to deeper understand the text.

So by the end you have written out a Bible book in your own hand, with notes of what stood out to you and have learned. This is an interesting learning and teaching tool and can be used in all kinds of settings: personal, Bible groups, or homeschool. I like how well put together this hardback version is. It is something tangible to be looked at again and then passed down to future generations. This is quite an ingenious idea. I like this type of journaling, it makes sense and I think helps to retain the knowledge longer. There are other books in this series and I am interested in the one on Proverbs.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited seventy books (most recently, A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life, Living Zealously, Friends and Lovers: Cultivating Companionship and Intimacy in Marriage, Getting Back Into the Race: The Cure for Backsliding, Parenting by God’s Promises: How to Raise Children in the Covenant of Grace, Living for the Glory of God: An Introduction to Calvinism, Meet the Puritans, Contagious Christian Living, Calvin for Today, Developing a Healthy Prayer Life, and Taking Hold of God), and contributed 2,000 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. is in Reformation and Post-Reformation theology from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). He is frequently called upon to lecture at seminaries and to speak at Reformed conferences around the world. He and his wife Mary have been blessed with three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

The 17:18 Series