Baker Books

Vince writes straight out of his own personal life. His raw and authentic approach is full of personal struggles, questions, and triumphs. The book is littered with funny stories and jokes and some not so funny. You won't regret reading this book.

Changed my outlook on a faith that I had lost faith in...:)

Completely agree with the other reviewer comparing it to a B-12 Shot for the soul. I feel that God has used this book to jump start the healing of my own brokenness from the church and from God, who i believe now more than I ever have, wants to be apart of and repair the messy sides of our lives. I became a Christian's Author truly showed (or reminded us) Christ's call for his followers to be compassionate and loving to the broken. Something I think we all need to practice and preach.

I bought the book on a Saturday and finshed reading it on Monday. It was like a shot of B-12 for the soul! Vince takes the simple gospel of Jesus Christ and actually keeps it simple. He really helps the reader understand the challenge to "follow" Jesus. I am buying more copies to give to friends and family.

Thank you, Vince. I think that everyone can relate to this book. I personally like Vince's life mixed in with his message. It made it very meaningful to me. I look forward to his next book and wish he lived closer!

I have read a few books by famous christian authors. At the end I was disappointed because they went on and on and never seemed to get to the point. The only disappointment I had with this book was that it was over. I hope the author is working on another!

I have made it a habit this year to get through many of the classics on audio book during my daily commute. I picked Pilgrim's Progress since it was one of the most influential English books ever published, and I wanted to see what it was all about.

The audio book was published by Blackstone Audio and the reader was Robert Whitfield. The reader did an excellent job and was very easy to listen to. He did some characterization with his voice that made it easy to know which character was speaking. I was a little worried about the older style English, but it gave me no problem. It probably helps that I am familiar with the King James Version of the Bible. Overall, listening to this book worked out very well.

This is the first book length allegory that I have been through and I thought it was an excellent way to teach. There is no doubt which principal each character is supposed to represent by their name, and their actions represented that well also. I can understand why so many families had this book in their libraries. As far as Christian doctrine goes, there are a few things that some would disagree with, but most of the principals taught are still generally accepted today. The path to God's presence is filled with opposition, but there is help available and the reward is worth it.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand an important part of our heritage, and to see what an effective tool allegory is.

I love this book. It was written from a jail cell in the 1600s. This version is the original so the text is difficult to read at first but I would not want a watered down modernized version (which can be purchased). I find if I read in chunks it starts to flow nicely. The characters have names like, "Evangelist", "Piety", "Talkative", "Faith", etc. So you know just where someone is coming from. I have marked up this book with pencil just like I do my scriptures! It is like reading one long parable in story form! Cool book. I'm glad to have found it.

We've read this book to our son and he has really enjoyed it. He doesn't yet fully understand everything and we had to stop and explain a lot to him, but it is something that we plan on reading over and over again as our kids continue to grow.
I read a review that stated that a main flaw in this book was the lack of one on one relationship with Christ. I can understand what they are saying, but I think what you have to keep in mind is that while we are here on earth and in our day and age we do not physically see Christ. He was once here walking and living on this earth, but He is now in heaven. He uses other means now to maintain a personal relationship with us. For example, we can know Christ through His word and through prayer. Just as in the book, He often also sends other Christians along in our life to help us and encourage us. This book is a good example of a walk of faith. We can't see and physically touch Christ right now, but when we are in heaven we WILL see Him just as Bunyan talks about in the book. Christian persevered in his walk without physically seeing Christ and he was rewarded in the end for his faith. For now, how much greater our reward is for those who have not seen Him and yet believed!

Enthralling. This book will help every Christian deal with the battles of being a Christian in this life and all the struggles that go with it. It teaches you never to give up even when you feel like you can't go on. Life's struggles are not a new occurrence, but as timeless as human existence itself. It teaches you not to be too concentrated on your struggles, but to look at the great prize which is Heaven and not be distracted or enticed by the struggles of life nor the easy way out. Excellent. It is a must read for every Christian.

The first time that I encountered Christian and his pilgrimage was as a preface and a family favorite in the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Unfortunately, it was not until twenty-something years later that I actually got around to reading the book itself. If I were you, I would not wait that long.

The first part of the current combined book appeared in 1678. Bunyan, a nonconformist Protestant minister who was imprisoned for preaching without a license, wrote at least the first part of the book in jail. The second part was first published in 1684. It is likely the most popular allegory ever written, and is still one of the best selling books of all time.

What makes it so popular? The obvious key to its popularity is its simple, crisp style. Even accounting for the language changes between the seventeenth century and now, it is not a struggle to read Progress and it flows well for the modern reader. Although the book is allegory, the characters are full of little realistic details that make them feel quite human. Incidentally, I was reading this book as I was walking some of the old pilgrimage trails of Europe and it was interesting to me how vivid and applicable his version of the pilgrimage experience is. The Slow of Despair rang remarkably true, as did characters such as Talkative and Mr. Worldly Wisdom.

The Oxford University Press edition is bound with a scholarly introduction which is, for a change, worth reading. It also came with explanatory notes and a glossary which were helpful for the modern reader who is not familiar with the everyday language of the period.

it was easy to read but i hate books that are writen in first peson but this one was okay. intresting twist but read it and find it.

This book is fantastic. I could not put it down, could not keep myself from smiling and laughing at Freddie's quips about "big" life, and could not have wanted anything more than what Laura Jensen Walker delievered. The story is unique, true, and as delicious as the treats written about so temptingly throughout the novel. This is a must read.

Once I picked up this book I could not sit it down. A Must Read.

first off, I usually don't enjoy or even attempt to read most Christian based fiction after reading or trying to read so many that are just 'preachy' and boring. Lately I've found several titles that have changed my attitude and this was one of them! I Jewish friend recommended this to me and I ordered without reading the description til later and realized I'd ordered something 'religious'. the 'religion' fits perfectly in this story (after all most of us turn to religion in trying to 'find ourselves' and make life changes, right?) and the characters all have personality that is their own and I'm a sucker for nice happy tidy happy endings where the 'future' is given and all is okey dokey! Others have posted what the book is about so I'll just say it's a keeper for me-laughed and almost cried a few times. great book!

Having just read Laura Jensen Walker's 'Deconstructing Natalie' and loving it and having previously enjoyed her Phoebe Grant duo I admit I came to this book with high expectations.

Freddie is an overweight, single, cake decorator from somewhere in California with an overbearing father, a heinous boss and some solid friends.

There were parts in this book that were laugh out loud funny and parts that seemed a bit 'done' e.g. the whole heroine venting her angst in a blog that takes off plotline has already been seen in numerous other Christian chick lits novels such as Considering Lily and The Cublice Next Door and is just getting a bit old.

Freddie is likeable and quirky and human. There is a strong supporting cast though at some points there seemed to be a few subplots that could have used a bit more fleshing out to make them really interesting.

Miss Invisible is a good read that, though it didn't leave me desperate for more, made me feel that my money was well spent.

I can usually devour a good book in a day or two(if there is enough time in my schedule). It took over two weeks for me to read, and it felt like a chore. I found myself skimming pages, simply to get through the book. I read the reviews and was excited to read my first Madeline Baker. The book felt preachy toward the end, and I could see almost every plot twist coming. Neither of the characters were intriguing to me.

The first third of the story is about Kathy meeting the ghost of Latoka half- breed, Dalton Crowkiller. This is easily one of the most heart- churning and innocent stories of building romance I've ever read. They can see one another, they can talk to one another, he can even hold her and kiss her for a moment. But his spiritual energy becomes weak, causing him to fade away if he spends the energy expressing his feelings. They are becoming so close in heart, but are so far from the ability to show it. Here is the story:

Kathy has inherited a ranch from her late husband's family. No one has lived on the ranch for decades, because the place has a reputation for being haunted. Kathy moves in and begins rebuilding the more- than- century- year- old ranch house. She has a feeling that she is not alone. She thinks she has even seen a man outside her window. Who is he and why is he watching her?

Dalton was the "fastest gun in the west", back in the 1870's. He worked as a hired gun. When a white woman seeks to seduce him, he turns her down because she is married. Angry, the woman accuses him of rape. Being a half- breed, he is not given a trial. He is whipped and hanged. With the rope placed around his neck, he vows to haunt the home and never give his killers peace.

For 125 years, Dalton's spirit has hovered over the ranch where he was hanged. Bored and lonely, he finds fun in scaring the people who occasionally rent the house for vacations. He does so by taking people's keys, and by moving things around in the home. He does all he can to make his presence known, because no one can see him or hear him. This all changes when a woman moves into the home. He is amazed to learn that she can see him. She can even hear him and talk to him. Even more amazing: they can actually touch one another.

Once her fear of this ghost fades, Kathy quickly becomes grateful for his presence. She has been lonely and grieving for her husband for over a year. This Lakota ghost quickly becomes her closest friend. He helps her rebuild her home and teaches her to ride a horse. Before long, their relationship builds just like the home they are restoring together. They are falling in love, but can not express it completely. Dalton pleads with God to give him another chance at life with Kathy. Kathy makes the same plea, realizing that Dalton has given her back what she has been missing for the past year: Hope.

While out riding, the couple stops at "the hanging tree." This time, they make their heartfelt pleas together. As an answer to their pleas, they are sent back in time to a few weeks before Dalton's death. He is now whole and human again. They are given a chance to change the past together.

Again, this is only the first third of the story! There is so much more ahead:
They live in the town where Dalton was killed, travel together to Dalton's Lakota village, then travel to Boston to seek out his mother and get married. They both have a horrible feeling that their time together is limited. Feeling that everyday might be their last together, they spend what time they have showing their love for one another. When time runs out, will they be separated? Will he be allowed to return with her? He would even willingly become a ghost again if it meant being with Kathy. What will fate hand them?

This couple is so beautiful together, I found myself nearly holding my breath while waiting to see if they would win their quest for a lifetime together. I felt every one of their highs and lows throughout the book. This is some excellent writting.

Nearly 400 pages long, I read this book in one day. There was no point where I could put it down.

Loved this dook. I thought it was wonderful that Dalton was a ghost and fell in love with Kathy Before traveling back in time. I found their romance exciting and fun. I simply couldn't put down this book. I own many Madeline Baker books and love them all(except one), this one is no exception.

A lovely story of a ghost who was hanged for something he didn't do, given a second chance to change history. One of the best stories I have read. I shall be looking for more of Madeline's books in future.

This, like "First Love, Wild Love" is one of Madeline's books that will stay with me for a life time! Dalton Crowkiller is a man that will live in my memory forever. Like one of the other reviews said, "Eddie Little Sky" must have really made a lasting impression on Madeline when she modeled these characters after him. All I can say is that I am sorry that I never met him, but felt like I have after reading this book! Thank you Madeline for such a romantic, on the edge of your seat best book I have ever read. I will read it again and again

Very heart touching! My husband and I couldn't put this book down until we finished it!

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR THE FAST SHIPPING..THE BOOK LOOKS GREAT!! WILL DO BUSINES WITH AGAIN!! GOD BLESS

I read this book while on a mission trip in Swaziland (borders Mozambique). The plight of African orphans was before my eyes daily during this time, while the great HOPE of what God has done in the midst of similar children's pain was evident by the reading of this book. The accounts of God's work in the lives of these children are supernatural and awesome. The Baker's ministry make it evident that love changes people. My prayer is that this powerful account will motivate those who have been called to orphan ministry to move with boldness into the field. It certainly has called me to be more involved in bringing the hope of the gospel to orphans. For anyone who is interested in orphan ministry, I also recommend Fields of the Fatherless by C Thomas Davis.

I could not put this short book down & neither will you. If you've ever wondered what Jesus really meant when He spoke of becoming like a little child, then this is for you because it reveals the result of two brilliant minds literally "laying it all down" to become childlike lovers & trusters of Jesus. This is THE most inspiring book I have ever read & they are the two happiest, most fulfilled people I know. Buy it, read it, pass it along.

An extremely well written book, that is hard to stop reading.
All serious Christians need to read a book about surrender, humility, and love for
God. As a result of the author's utter dependence upon God and their willingness to
live with and help the "poorest of the poor", they saw miracle after miracle.
Even people laden with disease and hunger and loneliness ran to God when Heidi
visited them and spoke of a God who loved them and would take care of them.
An important book which needs to be read. The average church today hopes to see
miracles, but won't until it does what the author's did through the help of God
who's just waiting for people to give up all for Him.

very detail description to learn correctly who the God of the Bible is.This book is for some body really interested in seeing more of God.

Pink gives an in depth look at who the Bible says God is. It is extremely Biblically based, with every page having numerous scripture references. It is important to know who the God of the Bible is. Most who profess belief in the God of the Bible think they know who that God is. Yet, if the god we have in our thoughts does not match the God as recorded in the Bible we are in error.

I went through this as a study with a group of women and it greatly influenced my knowledge of God and my prayer life as well. Every new & growing Christian should read this. There are way too many people with an inaccurate or low view of God, and this book biblically provides a very well-rounded description of His character and awesome attributes. There was so much I learned and although it is not a long book, there is a lot to chew on! Knowing God well is a crucial foundation for every Christian.

What a power-packed li'l book--concise, biblical, God-glorifying, no Ph.D. required, yet covering the most important topic in the universe: who God is, and what he is like. I've read tomes that don't present as much as Pink does in 5 pages, which is the average length of each chapter.

I love this short volume. So much has been packed in this 108 pages volume, yet it trumpets volumes. This work by Pink points directly to the Most High God and no other.

I highly recommend this power-pack volume. Five stars and counting!

Robin Jarvis's Dark portal is an exiting, action filled thriller.Some might say it is a weird and an odd topic,but the characters being mice and rats gives the story an extra push, rather than cats and dogs.Everybody reads about cats and dogs.I like this book mainly for 2 reasons:1.there is lots of violence and action. & 2.when you read certain parts where she refers to other events it kind of makes you reread the event she is talking about so you can completly get understand what is going on.
Children 10 and younger probably shouldn't read this book because of the major violence and gore(fighting and blood).

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it nearly immposible to put it down and I would think about it during the time I wasn't reading it. I don't generally enjoy books about animals, but this one was fantastic. The society of mice and bats and rats were fantasticily conciveed by Jarvis, who clearly delivered all aspects of the story. I plan to purchase the second one as soon as possible!

it is the first book in the trilogy and is a great book. the end leaves you thinking that there isn't anymore, but just wait till you read the Crystal Prison. anyway, this is one of the best book having talking mice and other animals. way better than what i have read of the Red Wall series.

The Dark Portal by Robin Jarvis is 5 stars for excitement and survival.
Albert's life is on the line and his daughter Audrey would risk her life to save him. Albert is very kind hearted and is near death in the scariest place that any mouse would want to go! Will Audrey be able to save her father or will they be eaten by those horrific rats?
I life this book because it shows us that mice have a life that is just like ours.
This book is recommended for all kids that love excitement and really dark places.

I just don't like rats. They are vile and digusting creatures. I don't like planet Jupiter either. It is a dumb name.

I am not a person with an aptitude for baking-to put it mildly. But when the cooking guru in my family bought this book, I was so impressed with the variety of recipes that I decided to try baking one of the easy ones. My first project was Adele's low-fat bran muffins- and they were perfect on the first try. Then I went on to bake many other items successfully, gradually building the skills to do yeast breads and fancy items. I mention this because if I can do it, anyone can! The recipes cover many well-known and popular bakery items, and some that are lesser known but equally delicious. The instructions are clearly written, and there is plenty of good information on using the right types of flour, as well as baking tips that only a professional would normally know. Another bonus is that the author often gives several variations of some of the recipes, depending on the quantity you need, and the method you will be using i.e. hand-mixing or using machinery. Although the title sounds like this is only about Jewish-style baking, other traditions are honored too. My favorite recipe from this book is the Irish Soda Bread - three variations, all of them great;).

I am a native New Yorker - who moved from Manhattan in 1999. I was back to NYC recently for a visit - and enjoyed some great NY rye bread. When I returned home - I did a internet search for a local bakery in my hood that could make such yummy rye. The search did not turn up any local bakers within walking distance - but did turn up this book! So I figured "What the heck - I will make it myself!".

I made the sourdough rye bread - and it is spot on. The book is excellent for a novice baker and provides such minutia as the proper way to 'fold' a standing pan loaf.

Great reading and great bread. Much thanks to the author for sharing his expertise with the world.

I bought this book over 10 years ago. I've been making bread at home for over 25 years, and have dozens of bread books. This volume is the one that I return to again and again. Every recipe comes out great, and the tips are invaluable. The New York-style specialty breads are the jewels of the collection in this book. My Brooklyn-native husband was floored when he tasted the rye bread made from the recipe in this book - he said that it tasted just like the rye from the local bakery on Brighton Beach. The challah recipe is terrific, as are the bagel and bialy recipes. After all, who can find real bialys outside of New York? The ones made from the book's recipe taste truly authentic. If I could only keep one bread book, this would be the one.

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Secrets? Vat Secrets?

It is really quite simple to make a loaf of bread. The greatest challenge for professional and striving artisan home bakers is to be able attain consistency; to factor in and accommodate specific needs of that day's dough, be they changes in ambient temperature, humidity, ripeness of poolish or biga or sourdough, and the tolerance of dough during fermentation.

I purchased this book with the expectation of finding baker's percentages, generous use of specialized pre-ferments, in addition to a heavy reliance on naturally leavened indirect methods. I also rightly expected professional "secrets" as the title implies.

Jeffrey Hamelman, author of BREAD remarked that he used to marvel at his ability to make acceptable loaves one day, and then wish he could hide his loaves the next. Secrets of a Jewish Baker is a book of practical, empirical, and intuitive information that uses packaged yeast (as many as three packages per recipe), volume measurements (cups and teaspoons), and will not contribute much to bakers aiming to expand their knowledge beyond today's flooded bread book market.

I should have known better than to fall for come-on titles like, "Secrets of a ......." yet I was still annoyed when his "secrets" such as the one for producing a rich mahogany-colored rye, is the addition of coffee, cocoa, or molasses. All of which impart their own alien flavors along with the color benefits they provide. In the case of selecting molasses for bread color, that ingredient also contributes considerable sweetness that is uncharacteristic of traditional sour rye.

Unlike Nancy Silverman's bread recipes using baked potatoes to great result, Greenstein's potato breads rely on boiled potatoes. Aside from the tendency of boiled potatoes to become gooey, they also contribute inconsistent quantities of hydration to the already vague formula: "a small or medium potato".

This 1993 title would have been far more conducive to my needs today if the author remained true to his original bakery formulas, provided actual "secrets" to his readers, and did not re-write his methodology to over simplify his recipes and production techniques for non-bakers.

The added sugar content in food (vegetables, breads, entrees) is often a regional and ethnic preference. I was born in Los Angeles and as such, I disfavor added sugar in my foods, particularly breads and vegetables. This book uses far more sugar and commercial leavening than is acceptable to my preference.

Overall, this book's content which also includes many quick loafs is very disappointing.

My family has been in the baking business for at least 150 years, and I grew up in the sort of bakery that Greenstein describes. Our bakery produced all rye and pumpernickel breads, kaiser rolls, onion rolls, and other items, including the fabulous wonder cake much as Greenstein describes them in this book. If you are into more artisanal baking or have no interest in replicating authentic and age-old bread formulas, then this book is not for you. If, however, you yearn for the rye than you gnawed in your mother's arms, smelling the fermenting dough, and listening to the clank and craw of machines as they mixed and molding hundreds of thousands of loaves of rye, then this is book for you.

Greenstein offers home versions of many types of baked products, all formulated to be kneaded either by hand, cusinart, or stand-up mixer. I've tried many of the formulas and have made good rye and pumpernickel. I have a few issues, however. I use a wetter, 1:1 ratio of rye flour to water for my sour, as we did in our bakery. This makes for a wetter dough, one much easier to work by hand.

Also, my wife loves the Black and Whites from this book. What better endorsement can I offer?

To get the best results, I would order the proper white rye and clear flours from King Arthur. Also, if you bake the rye in a preheated covered pan like pryex, or a cast iron frying pan, you will get that professional crust. This allows you to skip the often infective tossing in of ice cubes.

I'm Kenneth Scott. Indeed you are correct concerning what you have written on the perfect passive tense of the Greek verb. You also brought up MATT. 16:19 as an example. Truly, just as the Greek verb emphasizes "kind of action" (called "aspect") more than time of action, you are correct in saying that the perfect passive verb indicates a completed action with results that continue into the present. Also, the passive voice in Greek (as well as in English)indicates action done to or upon the subject of a verb, not by or from the subject.

However, in Matt. 16:19 it is the Greek participles that must be analyzed; not the main verbs (bind or loose). Therefore, since the Greek participle is more involved than the verb it must be further elaborated. The participle "participates" in the modification of another part of speech: The participle is a modifier with verbal qualities. Hence it can be a verbal adjective, substantive or adverb while maintaining an active verbal quality. This means that as an adjective it will modify a noun with an attribute that is contemporaneous, simultaneous or habitual depending upon the nature of the noun; and the scope of it's modifying extends along with the scope of the noun (ex.: "the shepherds, SEEING the star, rejoiced."). Also a particple can stand alone as a substantive (ex."THE ONES SAYING these things are the disciples."). Finally, the participle can modify the main verb (ex."But you beloved,BUILDING UP yourselves on your most holy faith, PRAYING in the HOLY Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, AWAITING the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ unto eternal life." JUDE 1:20- [here, "keep" is the main verb and the participles modify it adverbally by denoting the circumstances, means, manner or the "how,when" etc.. depending on context]). Here also, it's modifying extends in step with the scope of the main verb.

To determine the participle's function (adj. subst. adv.)involves three main things: 1) of course, context. 2)whether or not it is precede by a Greek article. 3) it's position in reference to the word, phrase or clause in which it modifies. POSITION: If attributive, it will conjoin with a noun that has a definite article(the), Greek doesn't have an indefinite article(a,an), and the participle may also have the article (if not, it must immediately follow the noun). If substantive, it will not immediately follow a noun with an article, although it will have the article. If adverbial, the participle must be in the predicate and it will not have the article.

Therefore, since in MATT.16:19 each participle is in the predicate position of it's respective sentences, each modifies it's respective main verb (bind or loose); thus,it is adverbial. Futhermore, since the PARTICIPLES here are in the perfect passive and there is a contrast between WHERE this binding and loosing occurs- earth in contrast to Heaven: the beginning of the participle occurance will be in the past with it's results effecting the full scope of the main verb's occurance; and since it's in the passive voice, it CANNOT be caused by the subject of the verb (Christ's disciples-apostles to whom He was speaking). for when the subject of the verb is the cause of an occurance or action then it is represented by the ACTIVE voice (not the passive). Finally, since the authority of Heaven is irrefutably sovereign over, and thus preceeds, earthly authority (ROM.13:1) and church authority (EPH.1:22-23;5:22-23) and since the participle is passive; the participle's modification of the main verbs (bind and loose) must represent the occurance of these verbs as NOT being caused by those on earth who bind and loose (the subjects of these verbs) but must be caused from Heaven beforehand with it's results influencing the binding and loosing actions (verbs) by those on earth. For this can be the only true interpretation of a participle with the passive voice and a perfect tense. So, i affirm that the translation of MATT. 16:19 in the LITV by MR. Green is accurate.

Each page has the source language word, and over each source word is the Strong's number. Below each source word is a literal English equivalent. Because the Hebrew reads from right to left, English readers can observe the syntax and flow of the original words as well as a severely literal translation into English below each original language word. This literal translation is so literal that it frequently does not make sense to the English ear and mind, but absorbing the differences and style is very informative and educational. A second literal English translation is placed in normal English left-to-right style in the far left margin of each page, written in beautiful, lean, precise, words. This left-margin translation is as arguably close as English can get to the source language and still make English sense, and reading it together with the severely literal translation below the Hebrew words gives the reader an appreciation for the interpretation that is necessary for even the most literal translations.

I am not a King James Only-ite, but I have come to appreciate the King James Bible as a highly accurate and beautiful translation written in the blood of martyrs. This interlinear uses the same manuscript family and thus has no troubling deletions.

The print quality is dark and even and the thick, opaque pages have no sheen under incandescent light.

The translation in the left margin alone is worth the price.

The publisher/translator of this version thinks he has a better solution to Mt 16:19 namely:
And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven. And whatever you bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven. And whatever you may loose on the earth shall be, having been loosed in Heaven.

The explanation they gave:

For centuries this verse has been misunderstood as giving power to the clergy over the laity with eternal consequences. The misunderstanding is fostered by the disregard for translating the exact tense of the verbs dedemenon and lelumenon. These are perfect passive participles and should be translated "having been bound" and "having been loosed", respectively. Both the NIV and the KJV translate these words as if they were in the future tense. The consequences of this common mistranslation have been disastrous throughout Church history.

However this is a misunderstanding of the Greek perfect passive meaning the same as the english perfect passive expression -- it doesn't!!! [note: following references can be found at www.textkit.com] The Gree perfect means an action finished in the present time, or expressing a present meaning [for a past action] [Goodwin,1900]; or an action completed in the past the results of which still remain or a present existing state [Nunn 1913]; denotes a completed action the effects of which still continue in the present or marks an enduring result often translated by the present [Smyth, 1920], or a past action of which the consequences remain [Green, 1911]. Thus the correct translations, respectively, for the verbs dedemenon and lelumenon, are "remain bound" (or "still be bound" or "(still) have been bound") and "remain loosened" (or "(still) be loosened" or "still have been loosened.") Thus the correct translation is :

doso soi tas kleidas tes basileias ton ouranon,
I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens,
kai ho ean deses epi tes ges estai dedemenon en tois ouranois,
and whom if thou shouldst bind on the earth will remain bound in the heavens
kai ho ean luses epi tes ges estai lelumenon en tois ouranois.
and whom if thou shouldst loose on the earth will remain loosened in the heavens

I will give to thee, the Heavenly Kingdom's keys. And whom if thou shouldst bind on Earth, will remain bound in Heaven. And whom if thou shouldst loosen on Earth, will remain loosened in Heaven.

Compare:
Douay Rheims (Catholic):

And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

Even the Lithuanian with its more than sufficient participles gives just about the same translation:
Lithuanian (Protestant):
Tau duosiu dangaus karalystės raktus;
to thee I will give heaven's kingdom's keys;
ką tu surisi zemėje, bus surista ir danguje,
whom thou wilt bind on earth, will be bound also in heaven,
ir ką tu atrisi zemėje, bus atrista ir danguje".
And whom thou wilt untie on earth, will be untied also in heaven

I will give to thee heaven's kingdom's keys; who thou wilt bind on earth, will be bound also in heaven, And who thou wilt untie on earth, will be untied also in heaven.

The translator needs to go to school on his Greek. The emphasis in the Greek perfect isn't on what happened in the past, it is on the current result.

I own many different bible versions: the NIV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, NWT, WEB, YLT, the LITV Interlinear, and the ISR and JPS versions, along with many more digital versions on computer. The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible by J.P. Green Sr. is without a doubt my absolute favorite. I read it online and in the margins of my gigantic LITV Interlinear. It is rendered from the Masoretic Hebrew and the Textus Receptus Greek, two of the most reliable compilations of manuscripts and also the foundations of the beloved King James Version.

Another reviewer was correct in stating that word-for-word renderings are not hard to understand. They may be a little awkward when speaking aloud, but that is a small trade off for accuracy. After all, the holy bible was given to mankind for intense study, not for poetic repetition. That said, the words have been rearranged so as to provide proper english sentence structure and flow of thought, so the awkwardness is practically nonexistent. See for yourself at www.litvonline.com

There is bad news, though. I have not received my copy from Amazon, yet. And it has been about a year since I first tried. The book is out of stock, and I let my order expire after a few months of waiting. I ordered used copies twice, both to the same end. All the book dealers are waiting on the same printer, Sovereign Grace Publishing (owned and operated by Mr Green and his family), to spit out some copies.

It appears the family has run into dire circumstances for a few years now. Green Sr. is 87 years old, and his health and that of his wife is declining. He continues to proofread the "KJ3" (new name for LITV) and his son, Green Jr., and his two granddaughters do the printing work.

Green Jr.'s wife tends to their four grandkids (16/19/19/29 months) and works full-time. Two of their grandkids are twins, Jayda and Nidra. Both twins suffer from cerebral palsy. One twin though, Nidra, also suffers arm and spine deformities, disjointed hip, and a head disease of some sort. The kids also require up to four doctor visits per week. Read the announcements at this link:

http://chrlitworld.com/KJ3Update_020204.htm

Please pray the Father for this family. They are still trying desperately to publish this most accurate version of His word. After many vendor complications, and production costs, and attempting to outsource over seas to both India and China, they found a more affordable American printer/binder. But, the upfront cost to start printing the first run is $15,000. They are waiting on pre-orders, donations, and layman's income to reach this amount before any copies can be printed.

If you are hoping to acheive a copy of this version, you will have to preorder through Sovereign Grace Publishers (www.sovgracepub.com) or Christian Literature World (www.chrlitworld.com) and then sit and wait for others to do the same. That is what I finally did, and I wish I could afford to donate some extra cash. Maybe soon, who know?

Peace and love.

I have been following this work since 1976 when I purchase the book of Job in paperback for $1. Brother Green's work through the Holy Spirit has been nothing short of magnificent. This work is the actual translated words from the Hebrew-Greek texts all in one volume. With this translation, who can dispute the true and living God's word? This work is the answer to many prayers!

Very dissapointed. The goatskin eddition for less money is sooooo much nicer. No comparison! Now I must return this item.

I have had this KJV Concord Wide Margin Reference Edition for 4 years. It has held up beautifully--indeed it still looks virtually brand new (and I have used and written extensive notes in this Bible). Here's what I like about this Bible:
1. The Calfskin leather covering. This leather has held up unbelievably--as if it is still brand new.
2. The clarity of the font. Even though the font is somewhat small, it's bold font is crystal clear (and my eyes are not very good).
3. I love the fact that there is so much space in the margins for writing notes. And not just on each side, but the top and bottom of each page has plenty of room as well.
4. I also love the fact that bleed-through is not a problem. I use bold pens and multi-colored high-lighters, and yet none of them bleed through. Awesome.

The main plus is the fact that I've had this Bible for 4 years. And it still is in prime condition (and I have used this Bible very heavily).

If you are looking for a quality King James Bible, one that has plenty of room for your own notes, one that holds up even after heavy useage...well, this is the Bible for you. I love it and feel confident that this Bible will be in great shape 20 years down the road.

This was just the bible I Have been searching for. FJV, wide margin, marginal references, and extra pages for my own notes. This was the only KJV that offered everything I needed, along with superior quality.

This is a beautiful, very high quality Bible. I have nothing to add to the other reviews that praise this Bible beyond saying that while I very much prefer the King James Version, I do wish that those who claim it is the only valid English translation would get a copy of this Bible and read the Translators' Letter to the Reader -- it is a very fine, nearly 400-year-old refutation of the KJV-only crowd's arguments. Also, I am over 40 and wish that Cambridge would make a text or a Concord version with a font somewhere between the 10 pt they call "large print" and the 22/24 pt "giant print" -- somewhere between 12.5 and 18 pt would be nice. Still, this is a very readable Bible, and the center column references are very good. Spend the money -- it's worth it.

Excellent, beautiful, quality bible and workmanship. A treasure. Sturdy and well made, type is easy to read. The paper is sturdy and you can write notes in the wide margins without worrying about the ink passing through or indentations being made in the pages. The binding is also sturdy. This bible has a wonderful leather smell. With care it will last many years. Amazon has it at an excellent price.

I have to agree with the previous poster who said the Letter from the Translators to the Readers is good to have. It is definitely a solid refutation to the KJV only crowd. I myself prefer the KJV and NKJV because they are taken from the accurate manuscripts. However, I am saddened by KJV only defenders who either deny or just don't know the history of their own English Bible. While the KJV is the only pure preserved English bible today (Hebrew and Greek meanings and pure manuscripts), we would probably not have it were it not for the Geneva and Tyndale bibles that preceded it, as well as several other English bibles. Men literally gave (lost) their lives for daring to translate God's word into the English common man's language, as Tyndale put it: so that the plowman would have his own bible in his very own language. The Geneva was the preferred bible for 100 years before the KJV was commissioned by King James to be chained to Anglican pulpits and become the only version used. The Geneva was one of over four bibles used by the 50 KJV translators (Textually the KJV is 95% Geneva bible text). The KJV-only stance that began under the King caused a stir among the Puritans who loved their protestant Geneva bible (they knew the KJV was not considered a protestant bible), and this prompted them to sail to America in search of religious freedom. They brought with them their Geneva bibles and that was the first main bible used in early America, until early Congress declared the KJV to be widely utilized in government and by our founding fathers. The KJV at the time it was translated and published was another update of the previous English bibles as English had changed and adapted between the time of the Anglo-Saxons to Wycliff to Tyndale to King James. Updating English words as English changes, such as in the New King James, is not a sin as long as meaning has not been changed or taken from. Most don't know that the original KJV 1611 had 80 books in it (the 14 extra were the Apocrypha) until 1881 when the 14 extra books of the Apocrypha were removed. KJV-only often say that the bible they hold in their hands today is the 1611 Authorzed version, but what they don't know is that the KJV underwent at least 7 revisions between 1611 and 1881. And they don't realize that if they did really have a 1611 AV their bibles would have the original English spellings of 1611, such as "f" used in place of "s" in certain words, "l" instead of "j" in certain words, as well as totally different spellings of certain words that changed between Tyndale's time and the 1800s. The original 1611 AV spelled Jesus as "Iefus." Pretty hard to read that way, eh? That's why the KJV was updated spelling-wise over the next 2 centuries after 1611, because such spelling of words changed and began to resemble closer to how we spell today. The NKJV is the same KJV bible with certain archaic words replaced with words of the same meaning that we use today. Such as the word "commodius" in the KJV in Acts has been updated to "suitable" in the NKJV. If one looks up the word commodius in most dictionaries and reads the archaic usage of the word they will find that the definition given is the same meaning that the NKJV has updated the text with. God transcends language with his holy word and God did not speak King James English any more than He spoke Chinese, but His spirit is able to adapt His word and meaning into many languages as long as the translators are being faithful to the true, exact meaning. To change His meaning is to add to or take away from His word. The updated NKJV has not changed meaning, but instead has updated certain English words just as the KJV translators updated certain out of date words and spellings from the previous English bibles. So, when a KJV-only person yells at you for reading your NKJV direct him to some English bible history and welcome him to make himself more well-rounded on information.

For those who love the poetic beauty of the KJV and want it in a bible that will last and that has great quality, this Cambridge bible will not disappoint you. Plenty of room to write notes on the outter and bottom margins.

It helps to learn the history behind something you believe in.