In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible, because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences.

"The Layman's Commentary: Volume 2-Books of the History" presents a passage by-passage explanation of the twelve books of the Bible, known as History. In this second volume, author John Devine covers biblical passages from the Entry into Canaan to the end of the Monarchy and the Return of the Remnant. He explains God's continued self-revelation and plan for a relationship with humankind in his dealings with the nation of Israel. He considers the conflict and consequences of the desire of the individual to be independent from God. Further understanding of God's moral standard, which has been the backbone of Western society, is given. Devine also lays out the basis for a full and rewarding relationship with God.

The second book in "The Layman's Commentary series, Volume 2-Books of History" provides many proven principles for life and leadership. Devine presents examples from life based on characters and situations. They confirm science and faith are complementary in giving purpose and meaning to life.

In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible, because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences.

"The Layman's Commentary: Volume 7 - Epistles of Paul" presents a passage bypassage explanation of the thirteen letters of Paul to the early churches. In this seventh volume, author John Devine considers the writings of the academic, theologian, specialist in the Old Testament Scriptures and apostle to the 'rest of the world' as they relate to effective everyday living.

Paul's deep understanding of the work and teaching of Jesus are addressed explaining God's plan for a relationship with the individual and the means by which this was made possible by the death and resurrection of his Son. The expectation of eternal life and other important doctrines of the Christian worldview which have impacted people of all subsequent generations are highlighted and confirm that science and faith are complementary in giving purpose and meaning to life.

In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible, because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences. "The Layman's Commentary: Volume 1-Book of the Law" presents a passageby- passage explanation of the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch. In this first volume, author John Devine covers biblical passages from the Beginning to the end of the Exodus from Egypt. He explains God's self-revelation and plan for a relationship with humankind. He considers the relevance of creation and science, as well as God's moral standard, which has been the backbone of Western society. Devine also lays out the basis for a full and rewarding relationship with God. The first book in "The Layman's Commentary: Volume 1-Book of the Law" provides many proven principles for life and leadership. Devine provides examples from life based on characters and situations. They confirm science and faith are complementary in giving purpose and meaning to life.

In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible, because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences.

"The Layman's Commentary: Volume 6-Book of the Acts of the Apostles" presents a passage-by-passage explanation of the Book of the Bible known as Acts. In this sixth volume, author John Devine covers the activities of the disciples from the final days of the ministry of Jesus on earth to the birth of the Church.

With the realization that salvation that comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone was not just for the Jewish people but for people of all nations, the message spread into Asia Minor and Europe, to Rome, centre of the then known world within the space of thirty years.

From the sermons of Peter, Stephen and Paul the basic doctrine of the early Church is revealed as in the major creeds presenting the Christian Worldview. Evidence for the Historicity of Jesus is given.

In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences.

"The Layman's Commentary: Volume 3-Books of Wisdom" presents a passage by passage explanation of the five Books of the Bible, known as Wisdom. In this third volume, author John Devine shows how these books address most of the issues of life from the existence of evil and suffering to the frustrations and futility of worldly philosophies. They give an understanding of existence and provide the path to a meaningful life. He explains God's continued selfrevelation and plan for a relationship with humankind and considers the conflict and consequences of the desire of the individual to be independent from God.

"The third book in The Layman's Commentary series, Volume 3-Books of Wisdom"shows that knowledge and experience from this period is still valid today, both the promises and the warnings, because God's character has not changed - nor has the frailty of human nature. Devine draws out the practical application of these timeless truths as they relate to everyday experience and shows how they confirm that science and faith are complementary in an informed worldview. They include guidelines that enrich our personal relationship with God.

In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences.

"The Layman's Commentary: Volume 4-Books of the Major and Minor Prophets "presents a passage by passage explanation of the seventeen books of the Bible, known as the Prophets. In this fourth volume, author John Devine covers the period from the division of the United Kingdom of Israel to the end of the Monarchy and the Return of the Remnant from exile in Babylon. He explains God's continued self-revelation and plan for a relationship with humankind in his dealings with the nation of Israel. He considers the conflict and consequences of the desire of the individual to be independent from God. Further understanding of God's moral standard, which has been the backbone of Western society, is given. Devine also lays out the basis for a full and rewarding relationship with God.

"The fourth book in The Layman's Commentary series, Volume 4-Books of the Major and Minor" Prophets shows that the prophetic messages are still valid today because God's character has not changed - nor has the frailty of human nature. People look for an anointed One who will come and put all things right. Predicted by most of the prophets he is seen as the 'Hope of Israel', a prophet, priest and king who will include all nations of the earth in his eternal kingdom.

In today's world, it can be difficult to maintain your faith. Those seeking a greater understanding of the Bible have numerous excellent theological commentaries available to them, but due to volume and depth, many of these are out of reach of laypeople. Others lose contact with the Bible, because it no longer seems relevant to life. They use a superficial knowledge of science and evolution to exclude God and faith from their experiences. The Layman's Commentary: Volume 5-Books of the Gospels presents a passage-by-passage explanation of the four books of the Bible, known as the Gospels. In this fifth volume, author John Devine covers the biblical records of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. In a coordinated approach to the four accounts he emphasises the significance of the claims that confirm Jesus as the Son of God and means of securing eternal life for those who recognise him as Savior and Lord. The evidence shows that Jesus is the most relevant person in history and why it is vital for each individual to make an informed decision about him. From personal experience Devine lays out the basis for a full and rewarding relationship with God. Study aids on prophecies, parables, miracles, healings and harmony of the Gospels are also provided.

Escalations in student violence continue throughout the nation, but inner-city schools are the hardest hit, with classrooms and corridors infected by the anger, aggression, and criminality endemic to street life. Technological surveillance, security personnel, and paramilitary control tactics to maintain order and safety are the common administrative response. Essential educational programs are routinely slashed from school budgets, even as the number of guards, cameras, and metal detectors continues to multiply.
Based on years of frontline experience in New York's inner-city schools, "Maximum Security" demonstrates that such policing strategies are not only ineffectual, they divorce students and teachers from their ethical and behavioral responsibilities. Exploring the culture of violence from within, John Devine argues that the security system, with its uniformed officers and invasive high-tech surveillance, has assumed presumptive authority over students' bodies and behavior, negating the traditional roles of teachers as guardians and agents of moral instruction. The teacher is reduced to an information bureaucrat, a purveyor of technical knowledge, while the student's physical well-being and ethical actions are left to the suspect scrutiny of electronic devices and security specialists with no pedagogical mission, training, or interest. The result is not a security system at all, but an insidious institutional disengagement from the caring supervision of the student body.
With uncompromising honesty, Devine provides a powerful portrayal of an educational system in crisis and bold new insight into the malignant culture of school violence.