The Assemblies of God (A/G) Women's Ministries Department has announced the release of the first Pentecostal Bible study series for women. The new book series is entitled "Unlimited! . . . Bible Studies for Today's Pentecostal Woman."
The writers are Arlene Allen, Peggy Musgrove, Candy Tolbert and Lori O'Dea. The book is written in a distinctively Pentecostal perspective. Besides interpreting the bible in the traditional ways, the book discusses a variety of everyday life issues based on biblical perspectives.
Book One of the series is entitled "A Woman's Unlimited Potential," and illustrates the lessons learned from several biblical characters, including Moses, Jeremiah, Timothy, Esther and others. Each lesson contains a section called "Embracing the Pentecostal Perspective -- What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?"
For example, in lesson 1, the "Embracing the Pentecostal Perspective" section describes: “You have simple choices to make after encountering Solomon and Esther. You could despise King Solomon because he did not use the wisdom given him. Or you could learn with Solomon that when God is in control, life has purpose. You could admire Esther or identify with her. If you simply admire her, you may be tempted to put her on a pedestal as more beautiful or more privileged than yourself. On the other hand, if you choose to identify with Esther—a woman desiring to do God’s will with talent, opportunities and Spirit-empowerment—you could discover world-changing purpose.”
Candy Tolbert, writer and also leadership development coordinator for the national Women’s Ministries Department, enthusiastically explains how the Pentecostal Bible Study can positively affect the lives of women. "We are thrilled with this new Bible study, and the feedback from other women's leaders has been overwhelmingly positive."
"Now is the time for a Bible study of this caliber. We've had many requests from pastors and Women's Ministries leaders asking for a Pentecostal Bible study. This book is the fulfillment of those requests. These studies help a woman understand who the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit can do in her and in the world." Tolbert added.
One distinction that the Pentecostal Bible has is the inclusion of both the New International Version and New Living Bible, which is more direct and easier to understand.
For example, Verse 14 in chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes, the New International Version reads: “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” The New Living translation describes: “God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”
In sum, the Pentecostal Bible study series will help women see that God helped men and women despite their weaknesses, and He will equip them to reach their unlimited potentials, as well.
As indicated on women ministries website, each lesson of the Bible study includes these unique features:
* Side-by-side Bible verses from the New International Version and New Living Bible
* Illustrated truths using eight women of the Bible
* Discussion questions from a Pentecostal perspective
* Pages for journaling and wide margins for note-taking
* Tips for being a Bible study leader
'Unlimited! . . . Bible Studies for Today's Pentecostal Woman' is available through Gospel Publishing House at a special introductory rate of $8.49. The discount rate is available until December 31, 2004, after which the regular price will be $9.99. Order by contacting GPH at 1-800-641-4310; http://www.gospelpublishing.com; or 1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802-1894 and requesting item #020275.
A free sample may be downloaded from the Women's Ministries Web site, http://www.womensministries.ag.org/
