A Light in Darkness Vol. 1: Seven Messages To The Seven Churches

I had heard Rick Renner speak on this book and it moved me greatly. I wanted to know about these biblical times, to understand the world the early church lived in and get more on individuals mentioned in the Bible. Wow. Photos, stories, and hope. I learned so much just being about 3/4 of the way through the book. I had had no idea the world they lived in and the tribulations they faced made so much sense with the controlling powers being so evil. Even as I learned about that era, I become aware of what I do not want in my own society! The faith of those people is made so real, it shows me how any of us in seeking God could see their results. The Greek is simply explained and adds a depth to the content that I greatly, greatly valued. I wrestled with the numerous martyrdoms of the early church but in reading this, what they dealt with was clearly explained and why. It is a phenomenol explanation of how they reclaimed one person at a time much of an empire back from paganism and other dead cultures. If you want to understand what seems to be an impossible venture that yet succeeded, if you want to see the strategy God used to make the impossible possible, you will love this. Not enough can be said about the beautiful detailed photos that bring it to life.I homeschooled two sons and this book teaches the Roman empire in the most effective way I have ever seen. It would be a powerful tool to use for budding curious minds, with sections dealing with the cities, the leadership of each city, of the Caesars, the structure of each place and the empire as a whole. For the inquiring mind that wants to know, this is satisfying. I am also a credentialed teacher and taught the Roman empire but this gave me a real understanding. Even teaching it, I never understood how slavery factored in that complex society. This is the first resource that explained their society effectively. It is the next best thing to walking in that era, in that time to see God do a phenomenol work.If you live in an erea that is completely dark and evil, it is inspiring to see how they succeeded. They did it with God's guidance; it is possible to do again. I will not forget the Lord who John saw and the powerful descriptors used in explaining that . Wow. Rick Renner's inspired undertaking makes simply a very tough subject accessible and informational. It pushed me to ponder the areas God wants to change, as He changed the Roman empire. It may be light in darkness (well named) but it also is light for the ages, for such a time as this.

Very different from all of his books. It was a delightful mix of strong biblical scholarship (Greek language) animatedly wrapped in its historical context. It made the biblical characters more human and their world come alive and relevant to the challenges of our day. Nice illustrations and beautiful photography makes you want to visit those places. But even if you don't, you are all the better for having read this encyclopedia. A true blessing and a unique labor of love. Thank you!!

Beautifully made

This book is absolutely amazing. The amount of work that went into it is evident on every page. You won't see these pictures anywhere else. The teaching in it's pages is for such a time as this. If you're going to splurge on something, buy it. I bought it for myself last year for Christmas and I still love it. I would never be able to say enough good things about this book and the ministries of Rick Renner. Everything his ministry puts out is done so with excellence and this book is no exception. I consider myself very blessed to have this book and other resources from him. I don't know of any other ministry that is able to teach so effectively and with such depth. Buy this book and you definitely won't regret it.

I have 1000s of great books in my minister's library - "A Light In The Darkness", by Rick Renner, is one of the greatest and most anointed books I've ever read. When you first start reading it - there is so much information, and the book is so rich - I was overwhelmed at first. I finally started reading just the commentary. I was blown away. As I read, I consulted the other material. With so many pictures and graphics, and rich text and descriptions - it's as close to being there as you will ever get. Rick brings out the Greek word meanings constantly, but doesn't overdo it. Sell something if you have to - and GET THIS BOOK NOW! I promise you - if you are hungry for God - this book will change your life.

Just received my copy of this yesterday. First impressions? This book is HUGE...it's the size of an encyclopedia. I wasn't expecting that at all and I am pleasantly surprised. RIck Renner has done a fabulous job of providing a reference for the time, history and life of the Apostle John and his vision of the exalted Christ. I'm at the beginning where it talks about John's exile to the isalnd of Patmos. I like that Rick Renner hasn't just written a story, but he goes in detail about the time period, the state of the church and the various leasders and their persecution of the early church. It gives a greater appreciation for what Christ did for us.

This is the very best written book of Biblical history that I've read. It is volume one that covers Ephesus and Symra and also The Isle of Patmos. Covers kings/rulers of the day. Beautiful pictures. It is a huge book (hard bound) and I could not stop reading this. I can't wait until the next volume comes out on the next group of churches. It is suppose to be a 3-volume set eventually. Rick Renner is an excellent teacher. He shows the layout of how the cities were in the day. Lots of wonderful pictures. I have many of his other books and can't say enough about them.

Every once in awhile a book graces your hands that falls into a category of 'Eureka!' This is such a book - I have studied the Bible and New Testament Era history for years - this is a definitive work on the history of the early churches in Asia Minor thatis a must have for any serious lover of history or Biblical exposition. In opening to the middle of the book, I let my eyes read what was on the pages there, and immediately found both historical facts that were fascinating and useful insights I am applying in my personal life. Nice job, Rick Renner. I can't wait for Vol 2!

Yes, this is a large book, larger and heavier than I initially imagined, but the content is priceless. There are details I felt I would not need to begin with, but soon realised their relevance. It may appear like a reference book, but the writing style is charming and simple. It has strengthened me greatly and inspired a stronger walk with the Lord. This book is obviously the result of a great deal of research and many precious hours of study in His presence. I look forward, with great anticipation, to both volumes 2 & 3.

Good book to reader I love this book

Awesome and want volume 2 No more Compromise

the book is werll written too heavy to read in bed or take on holiday, should have bought it on tablet.

This is a big book and extremely well illustrated but not what I expected so my rating is for me.