I am impressed with this study. Brestin's premise is that Jesus is alive and acting today but we often don't recognize Him. Our problem may be that we are not looking for Him in unusual places. Brestin has written this study to help us see Jesus in the most unexpected of places, namely the Old Testament.

I think Brestin has done an excellent job of exploring an Old Testament section and then relating it to Jesus and gospel truth in really powerful ways. I've been studying the Bible for over five decades yet found new insights in this book. A good example is her encouragement to speak to our soul rather than listening to it. (P. 133) I like the stories Brestin tells to illustrate her lessons. She tells many of her own, some very touching.

I like the Bible study Brestin has included at the end of each chapter. There are questions to answer and videos one can watch. The work after each chapter is divided into five days so this study would be a great one for those who like material to work on between group meetings. I like that it is all in one book, the teaching and the questions. It means this study could be done individually too.

I highly recommend this study.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Sometimes I can be a tough sale. I'm sure many of my friends and family would be surprised with this confession, but when it comes to bible study books I am a cautious consumer. That being said I was simply thrilled with the new bible study by Dee Brestin titled, The Jesus Who Surprises. Now, I was a little concerned when I requested this book, because I received an advanced reader's copy of The Jesus Who Surprises by Dee Brestin from Waterbrook & Multnomah as a member of the Launch Team for an honest review. I was afraid that it might be a light, charismatic offering. Boy, was I happily "surprised"! Brestin's bible study has meat, and depth. It asks tough questions in the written answer section and causes the reader to do some soul searching along with scripture delving to uncover the answers. Brestin encourages the reader to look for surprises throughout the bible and life in seeing the life of Jesus as foretold through the old testament prophesies, the new testament and in evidence of our everyday lives.

As a bible study student, I am particularly concerned that passages used in various bible study books reflect the context of the passage and are not pulled out of context to simply support an author's whim. Brestin stays true to the bible and supports her teaching with well thought out personal stories, historical accounts, and intact biblical excerpts. I simply adore this bible study and feel excited to suggest it to my friends.

#waterbrook&multnomah

#DeeBrestin

#TheJesusWhoSurpises

Even a cursory reading of the Bible reveals some often-surprising ideas about Jesus - that He was present in the Old Testament, that He got mad, how much He included women in His ministry. There are even more surprising ways that Jesus appears in the Bible, and in our lives today.

The book is suitable for either group or individual Bible study. It starts with an optional introductory group study, and then goes through poetic, prophetic, and historic books to show who Jesus is. The book makes appropriate use of stories and anecdotes, and ample use of Bible-focused questions, to help create a full picture of Jesus.

Disclosure: I did receive a copy of this book as a thank you for the review.

Dee Brestin's "The Jesus Who Surprises" invites the student of the Word to walk on the Road to Emmaus with two of Jesus' disciples. Not recognizing Jesus, they told Him that their hopes had been dashed when the One they thought was Israel's Messiah had been crucified on the cross, buried, and now His body was missing.

As they walked, Jesus opened up the Scriptures to them. Brestin imagines the Scriptures that Jesus may have used.

A skilled storyteller, Brestin takes the reader on a 13-week walk through the Old Testament examining Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, and other Old Testament Scriptures that point to Jesus.

Oh, how the disciples' hearts burned as Jesus revealed Himself in the Scriptures, and how my heart glowed with delight as I looked at familiar passages of Scripture with new eyes.

The book is divided into three sections:

1. "How the Story Began," walking through the Books of Moses.

2. "How to Live in the Story," understanding key Psalms.

3. "How the Story Will End," reading the prophets and Revelation.

Each week has an enlightening discussion about the Scriptures. Brestin applies them to our walk with Jesus and includes stories that grip the readers' hearts. After the discussion, she provides an idea for additional resources, like a YouTube video. She also asks the reader to go on a "God Hunt," recording how the reader "spied God when " each day. She gives the reader five days of statements and questions that cause the student to meditate with increasing depth into the Old Testament Scriptures in relationship to the New Testament.

This Bible Study is perfect as an individual study as well as a small group study. Brestin even includes helps for the facilitator of a small group.

I received an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest review.