The Intertestamental Period. Mike Willis. Guardian of Truth Foundation, 2011. 92 pages softback. ISBN: 978-158427199-4

A recent adult workbook by Mike Willis titled The Intertestamental Period fills a need for the study of ancient history between the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes called the “Silent 400 Years,” the intertestamental period is an important study to anyone who wants to understand the flow of history between the two testaments. While it is true that there is no revelation from God during this time, it is not true that the Bible has nothing to say about this period of history. The book of Daniel, for example, records future events that take place during the intertestamental period and the gospels record persons, places, and institutions that had their beginning during this same period. In The Intertestamental Period, Willis offers a good overview of Jewish history from Abraham to Nehemiah. A better knowledge of these periods will help the Bible student to understand some of the many persons mentioned in the Bible. Willis also covers the background to Herod’s temple and the synagogue that appear especially in the gospels and the book of Acts. Key individuals and groups that have their origins in the intertestament period are also included in Willis’ research. He examines various Jewish and Roman leaders, the Samaritans, and the popular sects of ancient Judaism (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, etc.). Willis closes his study with a brief look at the intertestamental literature found in the Septuagint and the non-canonical books of the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. The next time you are looking for something to study between Malachi and Matthew, consider using The Intertestamental Period workbook. It is recommended because it helps fill a gap that is often neglected in Bible study.

The Essential 8: Essentials of a Growing Marriage. Sam and Geri Laing. Illumination Publishers International, 2011. 94 pages softback. ISBN:978-0-9835411-1-0

With many marriages “on the rocks” in our society, what married couples need most is counseling from God’s word. God made both marriage and the marriage manual, yet many marriages are in serious trouble today and many others are far less than satisfying. The Essential 8 by Sam and Geri Laing is a small workbook that helps get marriages back on a solid spiritual foundation and keep them there. The Laings offer bedrock concepts and advice from God’s word to ground married couples (from newlyweds to seasoned couples) and to keep marriages strong and growing. The eight marriage principles offered by the Laings come from the Bible – the ultimate “User’s Manual” for life on earth. The eight principles covered are: (1) Jesus is Lord, (2) Know yourself and your spouse, (3) Communicate clearly and kindly, (4) Husbands love and lead, (5) Wives admire and adapt, (6) Solid stewardship, (7) Hot and holy (sexual intimacy in marriage), and (8) Love for a lifetime. The Essential 8 is a good hands-on workbook set up with very practical lessons, questions, and even real-life “homework” assignments. Couples are encouraged to put these principles into practice each day. Married couples would do well to invest their time and attention to go through The Essential 8 together.

An Introduction to Ancient Mesopotamian Religion. Tammi J. Schneider. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2011. 146 pages softback. ISBN: 978-0-8028-2959-7

The Bible student encounters the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations when studying the lives of men like Abraham, Isaiah, and Daniel. A recent Introduction to Ancient Mesopotamian Religion by Tammi J. Schneider will prove helpful in getting a basic overview of these ancient peoples. Schneider covers the history, myths, gods, temples, religious personnel, texts, and rituals of the ancient Mesopotamian people. There are no Biblical references in the book, but the material can be easily placed beside the Biblical narrative that covers the same topics. An Introduction to Ancient Mesopotamian Religion is recommended because it is brief, up-to-date, informative, and easy to understand. It will get the reader up and going real quick on ancient Mesopotamian religion.