Now the entire New Testament is ready for the Wired Generation.
Todays youth ingest media at a faster rate than any previous generation. And they cant get enough! The Word of Promise: Next Generation - New Testament is the perfect way for young multi-taskers to absorb Scripture. This ambitious recording makes the Word accessible to more kids than ever before.
Starring a Hollywood-level cast of young talent including Cody Linley (Hanna Montana, Dancing with the Stars) as Jesus, AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Mary Magdalene, Jordin Sparks (American Idol Winner) as Elizabeth, Cobin Bleu (High School Musical) as Peter, Alyson Stoner (Cheaper by the Dozen) as Martha, and narrated by Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings). The project includes informative book introductions by author Max Lucado and his daughter, Jenna Lucado, who is a speaker on the Revolve® Tour.
The Word of Promise: Next Generation is much more than just a word-for-word reading: its an all-star cast performing audio drama with a rich original score and Hollywood special effects. When Jesus walks on the water, kids will feel like theyre in the boat. When Peter waits in the courtyard during the Lords trial, the fire will crackle. The ambient sounds of the Holy land, the breath-taking musical score, the world-class young actors and the timeless Word of Promise all combine to deliver an unparalleled achievement.
Set includes 24 hours of audio drama on 3 mp3 CDs and a bonus 75 minute Behind-the-Scenes DVD featuring interviews with the actors.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 30 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Merbie (Wisconsin), August 10, 2009
I looked for a Bible on CD for while we drive because I’ve wanted my children to have more exposure to the Scripture. I liked the addition of acting and sound effects to this reading of an actual Bible instead of just a dramatization of Bible stories. This recording has enough drama to help hold the attention of young people while sticking with the translation. The greatest weakness is the translation itself. I wish a stronger and more common translation had been used. There are a few words translated very weakly in the ICB. For example, where some translations use the word “righteous,” the ICB uses the word “good.” “Righteous” has a deeper meaning than just “good.” Also, if a more popular translation had been used, people would possibly own the translation and could follow along with the reading. But this Bible is still a good introduction to the Word for any age or a good tool for our purposes--to engross our children in God‘s Word.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michelle Smith (Birmingham, AL), June 06, 2009
Word of Promise, recent winner of the 2009 Audie® Award in Inspirational/Faith-Based Non-Fiction, will keep your older children and young teens listening. My older three children (aged 13, 11, 8) found the dramatic presentation engaging and enjoyable. 3 MP3 CDs provide over 23 hours of audio performances, and the music background and enhanced sound effects were not distracting from the Scripture but enhanced it. My children were also excited to see that Word of Promise was performed by young actors, some of which they recognized. My 13 year old especially enjoyed viewing the bonus DVD including interviews and a look into the behind-the-scenes production.
My only concerns are that it was odd for me, as an adult, to hear such youthful voices portraying adult figures. I would have preferred to hear a few more mature voices for certain characters, yet it was not a distraction for my children in the least. Secondly, the chosen children's translation does limit the targeted audience somewhat. Perhaps this audio Bible is most appropriate for the "tween" crowd--or as an outreach tool for unchurched young teenagers.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Katie Goodale (Klawock, Alaska), June 02, 2009
This is my first review as a Book Review Blogger for Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was pleased to review the Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament on MP3. The all-star cast of this project is what originally drew me. Stars like Corbin Bleu, Emily Osment, Sean Astin and other favorites of my tweenagers read the International Children's Bible with full dramatization.
The dramatization, as well as, the enhanced sound effects really help bring the New Testament to life. Having listened to the dramatized version of the NIV with a more mature cast, I must say that for my personal enjoyment, I prefer the older cast. My tweens however, love to hear the voices they know and love from TV and movies.
The 23 hours of listening is a bit daunting for a one time sit through, but in short bursts is quite enjoyable. The enclosed 40 day listening program breaks it up into nice size portions. I don't think audio bibles will soon replace the paper and ink bible I turn to so frequently, but the next generation seems to be much more "audio" motivated. My tweens have been anxiously waiting my completion of this review, so they can have the MP3 CDs for themselves.
The bonus "Behind the Scenes" DVD was a hit with this mom. Seeing the stars from HSM, Hannah Montana and Lord of the Rings boldly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ was a real encouragement to our kids. Over 100 actors were involved in this project and their faith and love for Jesus shows in the work they have done.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Shannon (Rigaud, QC), May 26, 2009
This dramatic presentation of the International Children Bible performed by an all-star cast (Cody Linley of Hannah Montana fame is the voice of Jesus!) is a tween/teen version of the Word of Promise New Testament production of the New King James Version of the Bible. The files are in mp3 format (over 23 hours of scripture!), so it's easily transferable to your child's portable mp3 player. Also included is a behind the scenes DVD packed with testimonies of these inspiring young people - exciting and empowering to watch as they see their favourite "stars" sharing their faith walk. This soothing reading of the Word of God has been such a blessing for my teens as we shuttle off to this event and that place... a perfect "bored" time for the kids turned into an opportunity for my children to get to know their Heavenly Father on a very "cool" level. My Bigs were not at all embarrassed to have it playing while their teen friends were in the car; in fact, I can't say I ever remember a van full of teens being so quiet in my life! *grin* Narrated by Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee of the movie production, The Lord of the Rings) and with book introductions by Max and Jenna Lucado, this audio Bible includes a pull out Planner for listening to the entire New Testament in just 40 days. That sounds like an excellent "summer vacation idea" to me! I know we'll be listening to it again and again as we trek around on OUR summer camping and day trips! Even thought it is intended for the tween-teen gang, my Littles (aged 4 and 6) loved listening to the production as well... but they are children who are used to listening to audio books, so I'm not sure if that's a universal thing for the younger set - however, it is taken from the International Children's Bible... so who knows?
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Caitlin M (Portland, Oregon), May 25, 2009
This is an amazing resource for today's youth. I listened to the New Testament over a two month period but it could easily be listened to over a shorter period. The books of the New Testament are dramatized, making them come alive to the listener.
There were times when it was hard to get over the fact that the voices were young -- Elisabeth and Mary sounded like they were the same age instead of an aged aunt and her special niece. There were also times when Jesus sounded stoned or at least, very, very tired. Getting beyond that is easy. The MP3s take you to a point where you can just sit back and enjoy listening to the word of God. The Bible says that there is a special blessing for those that listen to His Words and I can honestly say that I feel blessed having listened to the entire New Testament.
I would (and have!) heartily recommend this series to anyone with teenagers or young children. Pop it on in the car or during "nap time." It will plant good seeds in their hearts!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by momtotheincredibles (SC), May 11, 2009
Hugely popular The Word of Promise New Testament audio Bible has gotten better! Now, The Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament audio Bible has been produced especially for young people. Using the International Children's Bible, narrator Sean Astin expressively begins reading Matthew 1. Youth will hear the familiar voices of Cody Linley, Jordin Sparks, Andrew Lawrence, Emily Osment and other young actors bringing the Bible to life. This audio Bible comes in CD or Mp3 CD format.
My children, ages 7, 12, and 13, enjoyed listening to this dramatized reading of the Bible. The younger voices encouraged the listeners to pay attention. The voice expression was done well and no one said the Bible was boring after listening to this version. Reading through the New Testament by listening to The Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament was easy. Max Lucado and his daughter, Jenna, introduced each book. My youngest son immediately recognized Pastor Lucado as the narrator of the Hermie DVD series.
These would be an excellent homeschool or church resource. Our church youth group had a Bible reading requirement this past year. For those "not having time to read", listening to The Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament on the way to school or church would have been an easy way for them to complete the assignment.
This product is a must have for any Christian family with children.
I am a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Isabelle Lussier aka Canadianladybug (Canada), April 23, 2009
Today’s youth is wired like there is no tomorrow. The media is part of their culture. They live, eat, sleep with the internet being part of their life. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, texting, you name it, they know about it. When I look at teenagers or young adults almost all of them have a MP3 player. At age 40, I still have to say I don’t own one myself. We do have one in our truck but I don’t carry it around. Anyhow, this new version of the New Testament is perfect for this generation of multi-tasking and very entertaining. The producers taught of using artists they would know from various hip shows that they watch. How genius is that? To complete the production of this new version of the New Testament, you will have many Hollywood special effects like water splashing on a boat, fire crackling in the night, and many more.
I must admit I was very impressed with what I heard so far. It is well done and it brings you directly in the stories in the New Testament. My kids are not quite at the age of listening for an extended time but they were listening during our 2 hours trip over the week-end. We are planning to use these wonderful resources during our trips to go to the trailer or during our yearly trip with the trailer. This version of the New Testament brings a breath of fresh air while you listen to it. It is very dynamic and easy to understand even for our own children. And it presents the gospels and the letters of Paul in simple words. It actually uses the International Children’s Bible (ICB) as a base. We own the comic book version of the ICB and my oldest really enjoys it.
We haven’t had the time to listen to the whole Next Generation New Testament because we don’t own a MP3 player in the house. However, both our vehicles have a MP3 player so we can listen to it while driving. I think it is a wonderful way to spend time with God don’t you think?
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Tinkerbella (Florida), April 21, 2009
I am so thankful to have the Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament MP3 Set. My favorite new way to read the bible is to listen to it on my mp3 player. Now I can carry the bible with me in the car, in bed, or anywhere else for that matter. This 3 CD set is contains 23 hours of mp3 recordings with teen stars such as Alyson Stoner, Corbin Bleu, Emily Osment, Cody Linley, and Jordin Sparks.
In the enclosed leaflet, there is a plan they give you to listen to the entire New Testament in 40 days. I've listened to the first half a few times already and have learned so much because this is not nearly as complicated as reading the New Testament.
If you don't have an mp3 player, this will also play on your computer as well as many home DVD and CD players (if it supports mp3 format).
My brother and I are always short on time, and now that we have the New Testament on mp3 we can listen while we eat breakfast, do chores, or even ride in the car.
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