Echoes of His Presence: Stories of the Messiah from the People of His Day [Hardcover]

Ray Vander Laan (Author), Judith Markham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1996

Journey back to the world of Jesus' day and take a historically- sound, culturally-accurate look at the Man, His ministry, and His message.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Picture yourself standing on Mount Carmel, witnessing Elijah's fiery showdown with the prophets of Baal . . . or hearing the ram's horn sound from Herod's temple at the very moment when Jesus is breathing his last breath. What would you think? How would you think? What meanings would the places and events of the Bible hold for you as a person of a different time and culture? Azekah, Qumran, the Mount of Olives . . . Philistine weaponry, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the refining of olive oil . . . thanks to the ministry Ray of Vander Laan and That the World May Know, you can understand their significance in a way that transforms your faith today. Filmed in Israel by Focus on the Family, the Church Pak video series helps small groups understand ancient cultures and events from the mindset of a citizen of those times. Thanks to the Zondervan Groupware approach, the Church Pak series provides a dynamic way for participants to engage with biblical truths in a life-changing, group-interactive format. Each volume in this 4-volume series includes an all-new Leader's Guide and Participant's Guide designed for maximum clarity, relevance, and ease of use. Drawing on Ray Vander Laan's video presentations, participants will enjoy spirited discussions and find practical applications that turn faith lessons learned from past millennia into faith lessons lived today. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Author

Ray Vander Laan holds a Master’s of Divinity from Westminster Seminary and is enrolled in the doctoral program at Trinity International University. He is an instructor of religion at Holland Christian High School. Ray has been intrigued with the meaning and message of Jesus Christ since childhood. Having extensively studied Jewish culture, history, and geography, Ray developed "Israel in Depth," an on-site study program with a decade-long waiting list. Ray and his wife, Esther, live near Holland, Michiga --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 195 pages
• Publisher: Focus on the Family Pub (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561794384
• ISBN-13: 978-1561794386
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ray Vander Laan is the founder of That the World May Know Ministries and creator of the Faith Lessons video series with Focus on the Family. An ordained minister, he holds the chair of biblical cultural studies as a religion instructor at Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Esther, have four children and fifteen grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opener into the culture of Jesus' time, March 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Echoes of His Presence (Hardcover)

This book paints a picture of the multi-faceted culture in which Jesus lived. It's a wonderful, God-honoring book which helps us to better understand His life because it demonstrates the political, familial, societal and religious background that we miss not having lived in that culture. Mr. Vander Laan draws parallels in story form of Jesus in various roles, such as the Rabbi, the Teacher, the Bridegroom, etc. I walked away with a greater foundation for understanding my Savior. Vander Laan's experience in and understanding of the Holy Land add priceless insights into this work. This is a great book! I highly recommend it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding Jesua Better, December 30, 2000

By 

Dr. Christopher R. Bennett (Auckland NEW ZEALAND) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Echoes of His Presence (Hardcover)

This is a brilliant book which provides much needed background to the life and times of Jesus. It has greatly helped my understanding of the Bible.

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

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

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All commentaries should be as good as this..., April 18, 2002

By 

Charles Richardson (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Echoes of His Presence: Stories of the Messiah from the People of His Day (Hardcover)

Mr. Vander Laan through a lifelong study of the land, culture and history of the Bible has written an amazing book. Echoes, presents many of the culture and historical settings of the world that Jesus was born, taught and lived while on this earth.

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

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