As I stated in a couple of my previous reviews of other items, I am going to be in Israel in a very short time for a 10-day tour. So far, I have loved the Deeper Connections Series DVD-based Bible Studies as they have parts that are filmed on location in Israel. To see the site locations that pertain to the miracles and where Jesus walked helped dramatically to put Scripture into perspective. The teaching in the 6 different Bible studies are solid on the last days of Jesus and how we can apply the lessons we learn to our lives is excellent to say the least. From a content perspective, this is put together very well. You won't go wrong with purchasing this excellent Bible study kit.

DVD VIDEO (ISBN: 978-1628624328)

As I mentioned previously in this review, it is based all on the digital content and not the physical content. So, I received electronic video files from Rose Publishing to watch each of the sessions included in the DVD that comes with the kit. The videos range from around 26 to 36 minutes in length.

The videos are very professionally done and each session has separate sections to them. Initially, the lesson starts out with an amazing introduction with Margaret Feinberg that is filmed on location in Israel which helps connect the Scriptures on such a personal level. She really did an excellent job. I honestly love the approach of doing these videos on-site in Israel for two reasons. First because I will be taking a trip with my wife and her mother in a little over a week for a 10-day trip to Israel. I enjoy seeing some of the sites ahead of time. Second, and more importantly, seeing some of the sites where these events took place many years ago really helps us to put Scripture into perspective so we can understand it better and apply it more accurately to our lives. After the introduction, the video teachings start off with an audio reading of the pertinent Scriptures (from the NIV Audio Bible) and then the lesson from the teacher, and finally, a quick video graphic called "Connecting the Bible to Life" where they direct you to the discussion section within the Participant's Guide where we review how to apply what we've learned. Some of the videos are broken up during the teaching portion to have discussions throughout the teaching time.

LEADER GUIDE (digital copy included with the DVD)

The kit comes with a digital copy of the Leader Guide that you can print out. It is 33 pages, so it was not a huge burden on my printer.. My review is based on the digital copy that I received from Rose Publishing. Each of the six sessions has very helpful ideas for group leaders on how to prepare, setup and conduct the Bible study meetings, Tips for preparation for before the meeting, how to open the session, and so much more. Clear instructions are vital in my opinion and Rose did a very nice job accomplishing just that. The leader/facilitator should have no issues running a Bible study using these materials and this leader guide.

I received a copy of this digital material from Rose Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

"The Last Days of Jesus" is a 6-session DVD Bible study for small groups or personal use. Each session is 25-35 minutes long. It starts with 2-3 minutes of video on location in Israel (Ceasarea Philippi, Mount of Olives, Garden Tomb, etc.) with Margaret Feinberg. This is followed by audio of the study text from Matthew using the NIV Audio Bible. Then a New Testament scholar provides 17 minutes of commentary on the passage and 6-10 minutes of application. They walk you through the text while explaining first century context and cultural background information.

For example, Session 1 covers "Who do people say that I am?" and explained why people thought Jesus might be those people and what they expected of the Messiah. Dr. Williams also explained some phrases like "keys of the kingdom of heaven" and underlying word plays. Each session features a different speaker, so Session 1 on Matthew 16:13-28 features Dr. Matt Williams, Session 3 on Matthew 21:1-22 features Dr. Mark Strauss, and Session 6 on Matthew 28:1-10 features Dr. Gary Burge.

The lessons are on Jesus the Messiah, the Transfiguration, the Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, The Trial and Death of Jesus, and Jesus' Resurrection. Overall, I thought that the three sessions I viewed were informative and interesting. I'd recommend this series as a small group Bible study.

My review is based off of a free viewing of 3 video sessions as provided by the publisher.

This is an articulate and in-depth Bible study that brings Scripture to life. The imagery displayed in the videos and the audible reading of Scripture enables the listener to place themselves in the scenario. Also, the presentation of differing interpretations encourages interaction with the application of Truth to the life of the Church. I greatly appreciate the explanation of the cultural and historical context to denote the tension between the Messiah of Jewish expectation and the suffering Messiah; it debunks false understandings of who Jesus is. Whether you've grown up in Church or are new believer, I definitely recommend this study. For those with an intellectual appetite, the use of Greek words creates a greater desire to be immersed in study of the text. For those who love the simplicity of the Gospel, you cannot help but be in awe of the love communicated in the last days of Jesus. For all Christians, a genuine intrigue in the Word of God in both the Old and New Testament.

The last days of Jesus leading up to his death are powerful. Jesus is serving and teaching right up until he becomes the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Recognizing the full meaning and implications of these last days can be difficult on your own, but a study like this one helps these rich narratives come to life in new ways. It is amazing to be able to hear about the meaning of these accounts of Jesus' last days from scholars who have studied these texts closely so that they can be faithful teachers. This DVD series would be so helpful for personal use as you seek to gain a further understanding of what is happening in the last days of Christ or for use with a church small group. The teaching of these scholars coupled with stirring scenes filmed in Israel makes for a great DVD study of the last days of Christ.

My Sunday bible study group is using the Deeper Connections study of the Miracles of Jesus. I am familiar with the series so I was eager to preview the Last Days of Jesus. The host Margaret Feinburg did a good job of setting up the sessions. I enjoy seeing the land of Israel, Caesarea Philippi, and the Kidron Valley and learning facts about the restoration of the Jewish cemetery. Jews buried face up with feet pointed toward Jerusalem. Varying filming sites makes the teaching more interesting.

Dr. Matt Williams teaching from Warrior to Servant is filmed at Vulture gold mine outside Phoenix, Arizona. His teaching of Peters rebuke and later presence on the Mount of Transfiguration offers all of us hope for forgiveness and helps us to realize our earthly wealth can be stolen at any moment. Dr. Mark Strause reporting from a horse ranch focuses on three important events: Triumphal Entrance- shows us fulfillment of prophecy and explanation of why Jesus arrived on a donkey; Cleansing of the temple: act of judgment on the temple and Israel prediction of destruction of the temple; Cursing of the fig tree symbolizes unfruitfulness of Israel. Application lessons are insightful.

Dr. Gary Burge s begins the study of the Resurrection by showing a beautiful mausoleum empty because the bones of this wealthy family was moved from this Chicago cemetery to one outside Wrigley field. The early church did not worship or make a shrine of the place where Jesus was buried because Christ defeated death. Last year I taught a 30 week bible study on the book of Matthew. I can testify that the information was accurate and interesting. Thank you Rose Publishing for this free material to review.