It’s November 19, 1945. A gallon of gas runs 21 cents, Harry James, Tony Bennet, and Dinah Shore are top of the pop charts, World War II has just ended, and Sandra Summers (Shumskis) is born. Her mother, the daughter of the wealthy Nacarado family, receives her with great joy. This is her second daughter, and Sandra is a mirror image of her except for her bright blue eyes. These she was given by her father, Bernard Summers (they changed their name from Shumskis), the son of poor Lithuanian immigrants. When they met dancing one night, they fell in love. The Nacarados disowned Lucille for this. She was to marry another well-to-do Italian man, a Catholic of course. Instead, she married this poor nobody whose parents were Russian Orthodox.
I wish I could say she never lived to regret this choice. Sandra told me of the many times her mother…
A review of the E.S.V. Panorama New Testament from Crossway.
The folks at Crossway were kind enough to send me this edition for review. I have to admit, I don’t know what to think of it, or what niche it fills in the Bible lineup. It is too tall to fit standing vertically on most bookcases. It is too thin to lay horizontally unless it is on the bottom of the stack or it will warp. It is to wide across to not stick out of most bookcases when laying flat at the bottom of a stack.
I understand that on each page there are pages worth of Bible so that the reader gets to follow the theme of a section uninterrupted longer. I don’t have a problem keeping ideas in context while turning pages. I don’t find it inconvenient, or difficult. I don’t imagine many readers do. It might be a problem for some people. Who knows? I don’t anticipate that it is a large enough problem to necessitate a volume like the Panorama. In other words, it seems to be a solution for a problem that I wasn’t aware of. That being said, I’m not the sole arbiter of problem declaration. I imagine someone saw a problem that needed fixing in their estimation and designed the Panorama.
I know it sounds like I’m knocking this edition, but I’m not. What it was designed for, it does. The paper is very thick, and doesn’t show any ghosting. The text is Crossway’s single column E.S.V. text, but it is laid out in double columns. Each page has what would amount to pages of text in a regular single column Bible.
Here is what Crossway has to say about this edition,
“The treasures found in God’s Word do not come to his people out of context. Even our most beloved verses of the Bible come in the midst of chapters, of carefully reasoned arguments, of intentional flows and patterns of thought—and of entire books. Therefore, the goal of the ESV Panorama New Testament is to allow readers to see as much of a biblical book at one time as possible. In this Bible, any one of 17 of the books of the New Testament can be viewed in its entirety, without the need to turn the page; the other 10 books comprise as few pages as possible. The advantages of a panoramic, two-page spread are many. For instance, users may desire to trace the use of key words or phrases across several chapters of biblical text, or throughout a Gospel or Epistle. The format of the ESV Panorama New Testament allows readers to follow the uses of such words or phrases while turning as few pages as necessary. Furthermore, this edition provides generous spacing between each line of biblical text, with plenty of room to mark or circle words being studied. This panoramic view of the New Testament also encourages readers to consider the large-scale outlines and thought patterns of the writers of Scripture. Preachers or teachers planning sermon series or Bible study lessons, for example, will be able to utilize this edition in a way that allows them to appreciate the major sections and transitions of the book under examination. Line spacing and margins allow for outlining or other ways of marking the biblical author’s flow of thought. These are just a few ways in which the ESV Panorama New Testament will facilitate users’ undistracted interaction with God’s Holy Word. In a style reminiscent of the large scrolls of antiquity, this Bible encourages readers to encounter the New Testament as it was first delivered—as complete Gospels, Epistles, history, and apocalypse. It is our prayer that this edition will foster users’ appreciation of the unity, depth, and beauty of our God’s precious and inerrant Word.”
After looking this edition over, and spending some time with it, I can say that it could help in tracing a thought through in context. If you find yourself having that problem, you could give this edition a try. Let me know what you think afterwards. I think the oddity of this edition might even be sufficient reason alone to purchase it for your collection.
This edition is well made. The gray cloth over board hardback cover is very handsome, and durable. The spine is sewn. The paper, as I said earlier is heavy and offers a nice contrast to the text. The layout is pleasant enough, and the text is free of distractions. There is room on most pages for some note taking. There are 3 very large blank pages at the back of the edition where copious notes could be written. There are no helps at the back of this edition. This is a black letter edition, and does not have a ribbon marker. The only exterior writing on this edition is in silver stamping on the spine. The spine is rounded however, the corners are not. The page edges are not gilt. This is a case bound edition. Overall, I find it well made, and legible.
Here are the stats from Crossway’s product page,
Features
10″ X 12.5″
8.2-point Lexicon type
Double-column format
Thick, cream-colored book paper
Smyth-sewn binding
Extra-large page size
Product Details
Format:
Cloth Over Board
Type Size:
8.50
Page Layout:
Double Column
Page Count:
192
Size:
10.0 in x 12.5 in
Weight:
36.26 ounces
ISBN-10:
1-4335-7193-5
ISBN-13:
978-1-4335-7193-0
ISBN-UPC:
9781433571930
Case Quantity:
10
Published:
February 26, 2021
All things considered, you can make an informed decision about purchasing this edition. If after reading this review you think this would be useful, or interesting to you, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the edition. It is in keeping with Crossway’s standards. If you are interested in picking up a copy you can purchase it through Crossway’s site, or Amazon. Make sure to check out the rest of the pictures I took of this edition on my Flickr page.
I was solicited to do this review by the author. He sent a copy of his book to me at no charge for the purpose of an honest review. First, I do not want to harm the author. Honesty demands that I give bad news as well as good news. The book is in dire need of editing, and rewriting. It was a difficult book to read. So much so, that it took away from the author’s message. The poor writing was so bad, I did not finish reading the book. You only need to eat so much of a sandwich made from rotten meat to know you won’t be nourished by consuming more of it. You would also know by that analogy that you may even be poisoned, and made sick by it. This is how poor the writing was.
I don’t want to give the impression that the review is based solely on the poor writing. It is also on the focus of the author which seemed to be an eschatological one. The book is a collection of short fictional stories, set in a diner, focused on the end times. I want to encourage the author here. Christian allegories, and stories, if done right, can be very inspirational, and thought provoking. When done wrong, they can lead people into heterodoxy, and be a waste of time. The stories that I read lead me to believe that the author should focus more on the glory of God, and seeking first His kingdom, and less on eschatological pursuits. In my opinion, he was passionate about what he wanted to communicate. He should take that passion, and use it to further improve his writing skills. It would help to take a few classes on writing, and literature. If that is out of the question, he should read the classics. If he coupled that with a class or two at a solid seminary, he might have something of value to add.
At the end of the day, his story telling skills are going to be subjective. If you like reading self-published books, with subpar writing, then you will like this book. I don’t. I usually grade a book for Christians either one of two ways. Does it add value to an individual’s personal Christian library? If the answer is, “No” I don’t recommend it. If the answer is, “Yes” I recommend it. In this case, the answer is no. I might change my mind if the author gets an editor to go through his work thoroughly, and he makes the necessary revisions. Again, what do I know? I’m just some guy, sitting at home, hacking away on an old Unicomp keyboard for his own web site. I apologize for the blunt summation, but I didn’t want to flatter the author, or protect his feelings, when he could really crank out some good work if he gets the education.
ps. Dave, you need to learn the difference between the book of Revelation, and revelations. You called the last book of the Bible, “Revelations” numerous times. Don’t start sentences with a conjunction.
I made a table, and then converted it into a very large graphic. Then I added a link to the graphic on my Flickr page. You can view the file in its full size by clicking on the image below.
Now, I know many of you are like minded along with me that the differences in these texts are negligible, and don’t have an effect on the intended meaning. Yet, there are some out there who would disagree. I believe they do so out of a misguided devotion to a human tradition known as King James Onlyism. It is one thing to prefer one text over another, but these folks go further and make it into a primary article of faith. In other words, they don’t consider anyone using a different translation other than the 1611 King James to be a Christian. Pretty strange right? Well, it is more common than you might think. The KJVO people would claim that I am ignoring the most meaningful examples of how the other translations have got it wrong. I admit, I’m not going to do a thorough treatment here as many more people have already done so, and their work is readily available for free on the internet. What I am doing is simply asking you to think. For those who claim it must be the KJV, which version of the KJV are you talking about? There have been several editions over time. Usually they insist that it must be the 1611, “Authorized” edition. I think this is quite humorous. Many of them are surprised to find out there are different editions of the KJV, but the ones who insist on the 1611 make me laugh. The 1560 Geneva Bible was the first complete Old and New Testament Bible in English, with chapter and verse numbers to my knowledge. It was translated from the same collection of texts that the 1611 KJV was. Yet, most KJVO people have never heard of the 1560 Geneva Bible. Did you know it was the translation the Pilgrims took with them to America? Well, it was. It sure wasn’t the 1611 KJV lol! There is a reason the Puritans fled England, and Europe in general. It wasn’t because they weren’t locking them up in prison, hanging them, and burning them at the stake for being anabaptists…
Anyhow, enjoy your cult KJVO peeps. Remember, knowing is half the battle! G.I. Joe is there… or something like that.
We are to seek what is good, and right. We know what we are to seek because God has given us His word. When the government is so corrupt that it insists you accept a lie as the truth, and not only accept it, but repeat it, and act as if it is true, they are requiring you to violate your conscience. If you go along with them, you are guilty of lying, and much more. When they tell you that there are more than two genders, it is a lie. This lie does harm to the people who believe it, their families, their local communities, and the nation. When parents pervert a child into thinking they are a girl instead of a boy, this is child abuse. It will have life long effects. If you go along with the lie, you are complicit in the abuse. You might think you are being polite by not causing drama, or hurt feelings, but the truth is a necessity. God knows the truth of all things, and He is truth. If the government would have you violate your conscience to obey them, and your conscience is captive to God, then you must obey God instead. This by necessity of consequence will bring persecution to your very door. Remember, they crucified our Lord. We can expect no different treatment from a bloody, murderous, and satanic world.
I’m pretty sure, most of us have felt frustrated, and angry with what we see going on around us. Many of us have probably thought, “Stop the world! I want off!” I know that I have. I’ve also been very angry as of late. I think it stems from being lied to. As Christians, we should be on the inside track with the truth. We have a corner on the market. Sure there are folks with bits of truth, but we have the truth. If you don’t believe that, you need to check yourself. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
When I read God’s revealed word, (the Bible) I get informed as a person, and I get transformed. I think, and feel, “This is right, and good. This is what I should be about.” I notice when I watch the news, or online videos, I get more angry. I hear all the lies, and the people telling them act as if they are blessing us with the truth. The truth about gender, economics, sexuality, personhood, infants, marriage, children, health, disease, coronavirus, vaccines, and worst of all, people seem to believe the lies, and act as if nothing is wrong. I guess it is a good testimony that at least I know the truth, but I am tempted to respond with anger, and malice towards the lost when they repeat the lies. We can’t expect the lost to act, and believe, as if they were among the church. I have to take a moment to remember, “There for the grace of God go I.” I think we all would be helped by doing that, and then, share the truth in love. Share the only truth that will win them as brothers and sisters. Share the gospel (good news) of Jesus. Help them see their sin, their need for the Savior, and then tell them what He did so that they can be with Him in eternity instead of being in hell where we all justly belong. Repentance and faith are the ideas to get across to them. Help them understand the grace of God, and maybe they will be with us here and now, but even more importantly, they might be with us all in our heavenly family.
It is easy to be angry, and prideful. It feels good to be right, but we have to remember, this is a temporary life with eternal consequences. There is only one way into the family, and Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
While driving in my car, I can smell the vapors exhaled by the person driving, and vaping 15 yards in front of me. The person’s breath goes out the slightly opened window. It swirls in the air behind their car, and gets sucked into my car, even with the windows up, and I can smell the sweet candy scent of the vape of the day. My car has a filter for the cabin air. I tell you this to ask you, “Do you truly believe that you can protect yourself from a virus with a silly little mask?” I bet you could smell the vape through a mask while riding in the car. You people who wear your masks in the car with the windows up, have you ever smelled the vapes from someone driving in front of you? Did it not occur to you, that your mask was as useless as a screen door on a submarine? Covid sucks. I get it. Heck I even got it, but come on man!? Where am I? What’s this place? Oh, I’m the President?… You don’t say… Whoops, wait a sec, I thought I was Brandon for a moment. By the way, “Let’s go Brandon!” Stop wearing masks. Stop acting as if you are o.k. with the lies they are telling you. It isn’t o.k. for them to lie to us. The people mandating things, are the same people who would urinate on your back and tell you it is raining, and you are going, “Well, ok… I guess if you say so… It must be raining…” Stop covering your faces with freedom filters! It is a psy-op by satan and his globalist forces.
I can’t believe we are still talking about this! I know people who are going to lose their jobs because they won’t get the vaccine. I don’t want it. I’m getting sick of being called anti-vax, or a vax-denier, when I have taken several vaccines over the years. I’m not a vax-denier! They are side-effects-deniers! They deny there have been an unacceptable number of horrendous negative side-effects. I personally know people who have had, and are suffering long-term negative side-effects from the necro-nectar. I know people who have died from this lab-created bioweapon. It ticks me off to no end! Yet people are still so dumb, stupid, slow, and gullible! We need to fight back! We need to refuse to comply! Obey God! Defy tyrants!
Yes, that time of year is upon us once more. The dreaded pagan holiday where people put up scary decorations, and attempt to frighten off the demons that come around extorting them for treats, or else tricks. As Christians, most of us have had the debate internally as well as externally, over whether or not to celebrate Halloween due to its pagan roots. No matter where you land on that issue, I have an alternative to offer you, “Reformation Day!”
The Protestant Reformation was a pivotal instance in world history. In public education, little is made of it. In the same way little is made of the spread of Christianity being responsible for the Renaissance era. The world actually credits humanism for the Renaissance, and blames Christianity. Without a Christian world-view, we’d all still be stuck in the dark ages. This is my assertion, and opinion. You are free to go argue the point somewhere else if you don’t agree. I’m not going to argue over it. I do believe it is factual. I’m old enough to remember how history was taught when I was a kid in school, as opposed to now. When I was a kid the pilgrims were heroes, and the puritans were too. Now the indians are considered peaceful, spiritual, earth hippies, who were victimized by the pilgrims. It seems that the, “Ministry of Truth” Orwell wrote about is in full effect.
Anyway, back on task. On October 31st in 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his list of 95 thesis to the Church door, he started something big. A movement began. People started to question what Rome had been telling them. Soon they would have the Bible in their own language to read for themselves. Armed with God’s word, they were able to analyze Rome’s lies against the truths of the Bible. The movement only picked up more steam from there.
It wasn’t without problems. The peasant uprising occurred. Much to Luther’s dismay many of his countrymen died. They were fighting against tyranny and lies. Much like then, tyranny lives on today in the form of secular-humanism, globalism, and leftism. All of these can be sub-categorized under satanism. I believe we must continue to protest against spiritual tyranny in all of its manifestations. One way to do that is to teach our children about what happened, and what to do about it. We commemorate Reformation Day, as a memorial to the past saints, and martyrs, who travailed and suffered for the one true faith. We also must remember that our turn may well be upon us, and if we forget the lessons of the past, our futures will be that much more spiritually impoverished.
So, on October 31st, don’t just had out candy, do trick or trunk, or hide out with the lights off. Watch the 2003 movie, “Luther” with Joseph Fiennes. Read the 95 Thesis and try to figure out what that Luther fellow was all upset about. Have a Bible study on the doctrine of justification, or how to resist tyrants. Consider the effects, both good, and bad, of the Reformation. Wonder at the grace demonstrated by God in bringing the world out of the dark ages. Hand out some gospel tracts to the kids knocking on your door. Put up some decorations that might make your neighbors ask, “What the heck kind of Halloween decoration is that Ted?” Educate someone about freedoms they enjoy due to the Reformation. The gospel of Christ will not disappear from the Earth. The truth and light will not be extinguished. We can thank God, all of us, for justification by faith alone, and the other four Solas that came out of the Reformation. You could even do a little lesson on the Solas.
Don’t forget what happened, and teach the kids to remember as well. Have a great month, and enjoy the holiday by enjoying God, and the peace you have with Him, in Christ.
This was the first Reformation Boise Conference since the Coronavirus hit. I was concerned that it wouldn’t have a good turnout due to people being limited in their travel from other states, or being hesitant to gather together, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how many folks did attend. In my estimation it was over 400. I’m not sure how many actually were there. This was just my personal estimation… Don’t be hatin’ if I got that wrong.
I went with a friend from my local Church. We both had a great time. It was good to see that we are not alone in Idaho. I don’t know how much you know about the spiritual state of Idaho. It has been predominately Mormon for an exceedingly long duration. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) For those of you who don’t know what Mormonism is, it is a works-righteousness cult developed by a con-man and false prophet named Joseph Smith. Like all cults, they insist they are Christians while denying, the deity of Christ, the trinity, the nature of sin, and righteousness, monogamous marriage, and the aseity of God just to name a few key points. I hope you get the picture. They are not the only cult in Idaho. There are the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Seventh Day Adventists, and a few other minor ones. The rest of the religious landscape is filled up with different Arminian, Pelagian, and Semi-Pelagian anthropocentric denominations.
I had never known an Idaho, my entire life, that wasn’t Mormon primarily. That is why it has been so very encouraging to have this convention annually. I, along with others who believe like I do, get to meet up, and listen to intelligent, and educated men, give discourse on topics of great theological import. This is edifying to the body of Christ. I can’t speak for everyone, but I assume they feel similarly, else why would they return year after year? It is wonderful to see the same people year after year, and have fellowship. It is also a great blessing to be able to purchase books at the book tables. This year they were offered at cost simply to get the resources into the hands of those who need them, and would use them.
I know they are probably tired of hearing it, but thanks for putting the conference on. It takes a lot of planning and work.
Snyder's Soapbox 