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Set Apart - a Study of the Beatitudes

by Jessica Gerald  
6/06/2010 / Book Reviews

"Human beings were created with a compelling drive to be happy. God intentionally created that compulsion, embedding it in our nature, as surely as He created everything else about us."

Mrs. Dean goes on to give examples of all the media and advertisements that promise happiness if we just buy their products. People will give almost anything if they think that happiness will be the result.

But God has created us with a need for happiness because this need will drive us to Him. If we try to find happiness outside of God, it is governed by circumstances. That, in turn, makes us to try to control everything about our lives so we can make sure we have that elusive happiness.

In God's eyes, the pursuit of happiness is fulfilled in the pursuit of holiness. The word "happiness" is translated to "blessed" in the Bible.

The author says, "Blessedness is the true form of happiness you are seeking. Blessedness is a solid, steady, immovable contentment that is rooted inside you rather than being a fleeting emotion that is based on events outside you."

This book is divided into six weeks of study, each week containing five lessons. Each lesson can be completed in one day. It is written in workbook format, enabling you to write the answers to the questions, but there is still a lot of rich content to be read in the lessons. Jennifer says that she loves writing Bible studies, and she actually writes them for herself. Thankfully, she shares them with us so we can glean from her deep wisdom and insights into the Word.

"Set Apart" delves into all of the "blesseds" which Jesus preached about in the Beatitudes. They are explained in depth, and examples are given from people of the Bible, and we are shown how to apply these principles to our lives today. Through it all, we are coming to know God better, and more fully understand His character, love, and provision.

Reading and answering the questions in "Set Apart" is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the Beatitudes, and how they can change our lives. I would highly recommend this as a Bible study you can do alone, with a spouse, or even in a Sunday school or group session. I have read other books and articles by Jennifer Kennedy Dean, and I have always been challenged and uplifted by her deep understanding of God's Word and ability to share it with people.

Jessica Gerald is a Christian wife, mother of two grown sons, retired elementary school teacher, and current Sunday school teacher of fourth and fifth graders. You may visit her website at http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com.

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