WordLive
By Scripture Union

Reviewer Chris Hall, Communications Writer

WordLive is a new free multi-media daily bible study from Scripture Union which you can access in a number of ways. Once you have registered on the website you can read it online or on your mobile phone or pda. It can be delivered to your news reader or homepage by rss, you can receive it by email or download a podcast version.

The daily session begins with a time for prayer and then goes into the reading for the day. Every day is different but normally you will then have a reflection on the bible passage, a challenge to act on it and explanation of terms used in the text. There is also a weekly review of the week's theme or Bible book. There are then study questions for individuals and group study questions if you want to use it in your home or cell group. Some days there may be video clips or excerpts from worship songs. You can also listen to the podcast online if you don't have an ipod or mp3 player.

The website is well designed and easy to use. I went through the study on my mobile phone and found that straightforward as well. There is a lot of material for each day so it is not a quick Word for Today experience - you would probably need to set aside approx 10 minutes to get the most out of the study. If you want something quicker the podcast features just the prayer, bible reading and shortened reflection. What makes WordLive so good is not necessarily the different ways of accessing it, but the quality of the bible studies themselves. They unpack the bible passages and challenge you to apply them to your life in an accessible way. WordLive is a useful resource for your quiet time and for your church, especially home groups and well worth trying out. www.wordlive.org.uk

Hope 08 - Resource Publication
By many Authors
Published by Authentic Media
Price £2 - or free (very large) download from the Hope08 website: www.message.org.uk

Reviewer Ian Bunce

Once in a while, across my desk, comes a real gem. This new publication from Hope08 is once such publication. 160 pages of ideas, resources and thinking that comes from practitioners from a broad spectrum of church backgrounds and areas of work. It is made up of 20 practical chapters in 4 sections, these are:

1) Setting the scene

2) Big ideas

3) Planning and preparation

4) Resources and Acknowledgements

This is a first publication of its kind, in which practical and visionary come together in an easy to understand way. It has ideas for every age group and also can be used in all settings. It is not a "this is the answer to church growth" book, we have all read them and been disappointed. It is about working out the Great Commission in our villages, towns and cities under the strapline "Do more. Do it together, Do it in word and action".

In case I have not been clear, I would recommend this book, in fact, I think it is a resources that is worth buying a copy for all the pastors, deacons, youth workers of your church, Although written in the context of Hope08, it has a purpose well beyond this. Value for money is exceptional, readability is great and although available as a free download, I would suggest you buy the hard copy. Oh and do get excited about Hope 08.



Evan Almighty - Film Review

On the 3rd of August a new film opens in the UK: Evan Almighty. You may have read about it already in the Christian press. For a review of this story of a modern-day Noah, a fun SMS vote, film stills and more, visit www.rejesus.co.uk/evan - the text vote in particular could be a useful way to start a conversation about God; do tell as many people as you can about it.

Gareth Squire
Development Manager rejesus.co.uk
Director, Christian Enquiry Agency



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