When the Good News Gets Even Better: Rediscovering the Gospels through First-Century Jewish Eyes (Paperback)

~ Neb Hayden (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This unique Bible study allows readers to experience the gospels as they were originally intended by providing vital insights into Jewish culture, customs, and perspectives. Readers will gain a fresh and thoroughly relevant context to the life of Christ while they see and feel the places, the people, and the emotions as they experience the gospels in a fresh new way.

Using a three-month format, this study combines all four gospels into one comprehensive and chronological narrative, allowing readers to focus on the overall themes and truths as they occurred.

This remarkable guide allows readers to truly experience the gospels as never before as observers, readers, and witnesses to those miraculous events and times.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434767000
• ISBN-13: 978-1434767004
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #408,362 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars When the Good News Gets Even Better, August 23, 2009

By	Laura Davis "Laura" (Canada) - See all my reviews

I was excited when I received this book for review. I loved the idea that I would be looking at the gospels from the perspective of someone who was in the first century, listening at Jesus' feet. I also liked the idea that it was a study/workbook all in one. I began it almost immediately.

The study takes you from Jesus' birth to his resurrection and ascension. Each day there is a section of scripture to read and then commentary by the author. The commentary includes pertinent facts that are always valuable when studying scripture, such as the author's insights that he has gleaned from over 34 years in ministry. The snippets of Jewish culture and history are helpful to understand the reactions that the people of Jesus' day had when they heard him speak.

I found the book to be a welcome addition to my study times. It can be done as a private study or in a group study. I do believe it would make a great group study and at times wished that I was in a group while I was going through it, because of some of the intriguing questions that came up. Like this one - "Is there a difference between the "Christian mind" and the "mind of Christ"? Intriguing question isn't it? The questions are geared to help you examine your life and how you are living it in regards to Jesus' teachings.

Introspective, enlightening and intriguing - When the Good News Gets Even Better, will be a welcome addition to your study time.

5.0 out of 5 stars When the Good News, August 12, 2009

By	Cindy Loven "~LovenGod~" (Arkansas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When the Good News Gets Even Better
Rediscovering the Gospels Through First-Century Jewish Eyes
Neb Hayden
2009
David C. Cook
Non-fiction/Christian Living/Spiritual Growth

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

A fan of David C. Cook Bible studies, this one does not disappoint. Rediscover, or even discover the teachings of Christ. Delve into the meaning of Jewish customs, and the Jewish language, phrases and context of the Scripture.
Laid out in a eye pleasing, easy to study format, this 12 week Bible study, will be a joy to participate in. With study notes in the margins of the book, similar to the lay out of some study Bibles, you will learn tidbits to help you understand each section more clearly.
Using symbols, such as a Star of David, to explain Jewish customs, or a light bulb for insights of the author, this guide is set up to maximize your study time, allowing you to learn more and retain more during your time.
Discussion questions through out the study, make this a perfect study for a group or an individual. David C. Cook Publishing and Neb Hayden have brought us a book most definitely worth sharing with others! 5 star rating from this reviewer. 302 pages[...]

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional guide to getting the most out of the Gospels, July 2, 2009

By	Christina Lockstein "http://christysbookblog.... (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

When the Good News Gets Even Better by Neb Hayden is the perfect guide to getting a thorough understanding of the Gospels. I've read through the Gospels several times, and they really are essential to understanding who Jesus is, but even my son has asked: why do they keep telling the same stories over and over again? Reading through Matthew, then Mark, on to Luke, and finally John can make you feel like you are just reading the same stuff over and over again. Hayden has written a superb guide to the Gospels, taking the reader on a journey from the birth of Christ to his death in order. It's a twelve week study that can easily be done in just 15 minutes each day. The reader will follow Jesus' life chronologically to gain greater understanding of what order things happened. I always thought that Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman late in his ministry, probably because the story is told in the book of John, but the meeting actually took place very early on. Hayden includes Jewish customs and a great deal of historical detail to put Jesus and his life firmly in context. Knowing that King Herod was an Edomite gives texture to his order to kill all of the baby boys in Bethlehem; the tribes of Israel had been fighting with Edom since Jacob and Esau were still in the womb! Each lesson has questions to encourage further reflection. I have loved spending time in this devotional each night. It's added to my overall comprehension of who Jesus was not just to me in the 21st century, but in 1st century Jerusalem as a Jew as well.