A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
by Fred G. Zaspel
My daughter-in-law, Marina, works diligently in teaching our grandchildren (and it shows!), and she is always on the lookout for resources. Recently she texted me about this book which I had somehow overlooked altogether. She had found it helpful, and so I thought I should check it out. Turns out she was very right! What a great idea and what a wonderfully helpful resource this book is!
The Waltons highlight 175 Bible stories and in short shrift provide interpretive guidance for each. Treatment of each story follows a similar pattern:
- Lesson Focus
- Lesson Application
- Biblical Context
- Interpretational Issues in the Story
- Background Information
- Mistakes to Avoid
My first thought was that this is a superb reference tool for Sunday School and homeschool teachers. It is certainly that. But on further examination, it occurred to me that it is just as useful for the pastor-preacher. The Waltons provide a helpful guide to the essence of each story, they stress what is important, and they caution away from tertiary issues that may be off-point or even distracting. That is to say, they help keep the lesson on point.
An excellent resource that deserves more attention than it has received. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Marina!