Customer Reviews

Teen People of the Bible: Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure

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Daniel Darling brilliantly weaves the choices, challenges, victories and defeats of the Bible's young people into intriguing and thought-provoking lessons for today's teen. If you are looking for a daily dose of wisdom and a deeper understanding of how God's Word applies to your life, look no further. This is truly an excellent book!

Ginger Plowman
Author, Don't Make Me Count to Three and Heaven at Home

In fact, I've been waiting a long time for a devotional like this to come along. Daniel Darling's Teen People Of The Bible is by far the best Bible study I've ever seen. It's not a watered down "warm fuzzies" version of the Bible for teens, it takes you deeper into The Word and is both challenging and convicting. As I was going through it, I was incredibly blessed and challenged by the life applications.

Another great thing about this devotional is the way it's set up. First, you'll read the theme verse and the passage in the Bible. For example on Day 4, the overall theme is legacy. The teen we're studying is Abel, the verse is Genesis 4:10 and the passage is Genesis 4. You'll have to read the passage and the chapter in order to fully understand the "digging deeper" section. In that section and in the "Just Like You" section we'll see ways to apply what we just learned. At the end of every lesson there is a spot for journaling, which makes you think deeper and also helps you understand the application. There's also a prayer included in every day's lesson that relates directly to what we discovered in scripture that day. Each lesson is only about 2 pages long, which means that it doesn't take 3 hours to complete, and leaves you with something to think about and apply after you close the book.

Teen People Of The Bible is not a "feel good" devotional, but it is definitely one that when applied will change your life and bring you closer to Christ. This is one devotional that I highly recommend.

TEEN PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE is, without a doubt, geared towards Christian young adults. That being said, though, I think that the appeal of the book will cross over to both the old and the young, the church-going and the non. Although its layout is that of a daily devotional meant to be used alongside the Bible, it can also be used as a simple reference guide that is both accurate and entertaining in the way it gets its message across -- and that is its greatest strength.

Historical figures were not perfect, and this applies even to those whose stories are narrated throughout the Bible. I think people, mainly younger people, forget that the men and women who lived before, during, and after the time of Christ were fallible humans just as we are. Everyone is a sinner, and the youth of the Bible were no exception. From an arrogant (but well-meaning) Moses to a self-sacrificing (yet sometimes still annoyed) Jeremiah, there were teens and adults who served Christ imperfectly.

This is a book meant to be used daily, with "journal" type spots to work through scenarios and to jot down your thoughts. There is an abundance of Biblical verses that you can use to study further, along with a "did you know?" section, a deeper delve into each scripture and character, and a daily prayer.

All in all, TEEN PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE is a must-have for Christian teens, but it's also a "you might want to check this out" for every teen, regardless of whether they're a Christian or not.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

I knew that I was going to love this book when I first picked it up, but I didn't know how much. It captured me in the introduction. It settled me in the "How to Use This Book" when the author stated that it wasn't to replace Bible reading. Daniel Darling has taken the stories written down thousands of years ago and effectively shown that they are still alive and well for life today in the 21st century. The 100 entries are laid out in a format that presents the Bible passage, a synopsis, a current situation, and then a place for teens to give the topic thought for their own lives. An excellent book! We are considering incorporating this book into our Christian school Bible class curriculum! I heartily recommend it!!

I bought this book for my teen son two months ago and he hasn't missed one daily lesson yet! He loves reading the Bible passages that go with each daily message, and has shared with me how they have helped him grow in his walk with God. This outstanding teen resource has been a real blessing to my son and family! I highly recommend sharing this book with the teens in your life.

I feel this devo would be better for younger teens. It was just ok. The whole book seemed like it was his opinion and not historically accurate of that time. It wasn't a deep look into the Bible like we were hoping for.

This 100 day Devotional for teens is a great source for a teen who wants to see how Bible stories can relate to them since they aren't "old." For the most part, this was a great devotional and I enjoyed it. It seemed to have good insight into the Word, and relevant scripture usage. There were only a few things that I disagreed with, or was a little "fuzzy" on. All in all, I think this is a good place for teens to go to show stories and explain about the teenagers from the Bible.

"Packed of resources, well written and organized, this is a wonderful resource for teens."

Looking for a devotional for teens that gets to the heart of the matter? Want to put a book in the hands of your teenager that does not sugar-coat hard issues, real life, and the simplicity of the gospel? Teen People of the Bible: Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure by Daniel Darling is just what you are looking for.

After reading and reviewing Crash Course: Forming a Faith Foundation for Life by Pastor and Author, Dan Darling, I was encouraged by the information he presented in that devotional. Teen People of the Bible: Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure is very much the same except this devotional urges teenagers to identify with all the stories in the bible of young people and the choices they faced.

These choices are not so different that what teenagers face today. For instance:

* Day 36 asks the question "Why do I have obey all the rules?" and offers the story of Samson as an example.
* Day 62 asks the question "Does God have a plan for me even if my parents don't follow Him?" and offers the story of Jonathan as an example.
* Day 87 asks the question "Are small compromises such a big deal?" and offers the story of Daniel as an example.

I especially like the way the devotions are arranged. First, a question is stated so that teens can identify and want to read more. The bible teen, the bible verse, the storyline (context reference), and the question the bible teen would ask (if alive today) wraps up the intro of the devotion. The devotion (digging deeper) follows and the sections `Did You Know', `Today's Prayer', and `Journal Questions' finish the devotion. This format drew me in and I expect it would do the same for a teenager.

Another insightful devotional for teens from a pastor with a heart for teenagers. Love the fact it is packed out with info, additional resources and recommended reading. This would make a great gift for any teenager or for study in a youth ministry. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer:
The review copy of this book was provided by the author free of charge and donated to the Youth Ministry of Westwood Baptist Church.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: Daniel Darling

Paris Hilton or Esther? Justin Timberlake or David? Teens are going to emulate someone. They're bombarded at every turn by celebrities who might not be sending messages of self esteem, godliness, purity and strength. But the Bible is full of "celebrity" teens who stood up under pressure and made a difference in their world. Daniel Darling offers a cool alternative to today's fare of role models in "Teen People of the Bible". And it's about time.

Teenagers recorded in the Bible are presented in an approachable format, like a daily devotional. Even their mistakes are laid out and the consequences explored. Regrettably, the book only spans 100 days, each devoted to a different youth and a question pertinent both then and now. Day 24 asks: Is it possible to resist sexual temptation? Joseph offers in the "Joseph Speaking Today" section: "Saying yes to sexual purity isn't easy, but it's always the best choice." With the Scripture reference to him fleeing from Potiphar's wife, the message has street cred that might not be there if it was merely a sermon. Then the "Just Like You" segment profiles a present day teen choosing purity when temptations are high. Each entry ends with a "Today's Prayer" and a journal question with space to write your own thoughts on the topic.

"Does music have that much influence on my life?" "Am I a pawn for someone else's evil desires?" Darling deals with thought provoking, timeless, and relevant subjects here. We see in a new way how Leah and Rachel must have felt when they fought over the same guy. Rebekah's inner beauty is revealed when she helps a stranger, inner beauty being an under emphasized and much needed attribute nowadays. Samuel set himself apart for God's calling and changed history, and suddenly the teenaged reader might wonder if he can too.

The book asks us to take the 100 day challenge, to stay in the Word for 100 days. It suggests that you reward yourself with a new CD or book if you make the goal. It couldn't be easier to do with this book. Just by reading the two page chapter each day we're meditating on the given verses and putting ourselves in the place of a teen who lived so long ago. And even though so much has changed, human nature hasn't. We still struggle to overcome the very same obstacles.

I wish I could give "Teen People of the Bible" to every guy and girl in America. I didn't even know there were so many teenage heroes in there! Truly inspiring and just what we need, it's a book no teen should be without.

--Reviewed by Carol Kurtz for TitleTrakk

This guy really did a nice job for teens who want to relate to the Bible, their characters, and making it real for them in a crazy world. Topnotch stuff for parents who care about their kids getting more exposure to the Bible.