Review: Doorposts, Because You Are Strong

We were very blessed to review Doorposts' book Because You Are Strong this month. I requested it for Tyler since it was for ages 10-12 and up. He is 12, so this was right at his comprehension level. You can view a sample of the study work here.

I have been meeting with a sweet woman mentor at our church for some time, and we have talked quite a bit about my role in the spiritual upbringing of our children. I have always struggled with how much influence I should have in that arena, so as not to subvert my husband's authority as spiritual leader of our home. I always want him, as the head of our home, to take the initiative in leading, and in teaching our children to follow God. She encouraged me that this is actually a job that God has given me, to disciple my children in the ways of Christ, as I follow my husband. I hadn't really ever looked at it that way. So, hesitancy aside, I asked my hubby if he minded if Tyler jumped into this study with him or myself to help. Because of my hubby's heavy work load right now, I helped Tyler more often than not. But with a new perspective of my role, I was ok with that.

Because You Are Strong is a wonderful softcover book of 100 pages. It includes 10 studies and a review, as well as an introduction and an extra chapter of alternate questions for young ladies. Through each of the studies there are two things being accomplished:

• And overall study of Biblical strength for Godly manhood.
• Exercises in the various methods and skills of true Bible Study.

In the introduction, the author points out that:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

"The ability to study Scripture will serve you well throughout your life, no matter what callings and responsibilites God gives you. If you know how to study God's Word, you'll be prepared to stand strong."

The 10 studies are broken into daily assignments, which should take from 5 to 20 minutes to complete. They took a little longer than that for Tyler, but mostly because he struggles with writing, and there is room for plenty of that. After watching him struggle with the writing burden for a bit, we decided to do it orally, and I helped with taking notes in the book. It's a discipline he needs to get better with, but I didn't want to push him to hate this study because of all the writing and miss out on the concepts being presented. Tyler really got into the exercises teaching him how to utilize study tools such as:

• Nave's Topical Bible
• Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
• English Dictionary
• Thesaurus

We found that it was really easy to use these tools for free online. The text suggested using the website www.biblestudytools.com, and that worked very well.

All together, there are 74 daily studies and extra questions that could easily stretch this out to be a year long study. It would be a nice choice for a Bible curriculum for a year anywhere during 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, in my opinion. The Bible study skills covered included:

• Topical Study
• Word Study
• Meditating on Scripture
• Character Study
• Book Study
• Verse Study
• Chapter Study 
• Study of Jesus Actions

Bottom Line:
I loved the thorough way this book taught several different skill sets for Bible study in a practical and hands-on way. I loved that Tyler became more comfortable with using study tools to glean even more out of Scripture. The topic of Biblical Strength is very timely for boys of his age (10-12 years). There is a good deal of writing required, but I hope most boys don't struggle with it as we did. Overall I really recommend this book/study for any young man or young lady (wanting to know what a Godly man of strength looks like). Priced at $14, it is very reasonable considering how much material is covered!

Note (expires 8/31/13):

• Because You Are Strong is on sale for $2 off! 
• Also, the other book reviewed by the crew was Beauty of the Heart, and it is also on sale for those who pre-order: "Free bonus! Pre-order today and get an instant-download eBook copy for free ($10 value) Pre-order for $14 (books will ship by Thursday, 8/29)"

Be sure to read all the other reviews of this book, as well as the reviews of Beauty in the Heart:


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