24 Hours That Changed the World

These, DVD and study guide, along with the 40-day devotion book, and the other book, are the most interesting, enlightening, educational piece of work I've seen about the Easter story. Pastor Hamilton didn't try to tell the Bible story in a new way, but took us to the places where the events could have happened and made you feel like you could have been there and experienced it in a deeper way. What a gift he gave us explaining the gift God gave us, and still gives us. I was so impressed I ordered one for each of our 8 children and their families.24 Hours That Changed the World - DVD with Leader's Guide

Adam Hamilton has written a book that clearly explains the events of Holy Week. He is especially good at explaining the atmosphere surrounding the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He takes a balanced approach in his discussion providing an unbiased explanation of the arrest and crucifixion. As a pastor, I found this book so excellent that I plan on using this as the basis for next year's mid-week Lenten services. This book is well worth the time it takes to read it slowly and thoughtfully.

In using 24 Hours That Changed the World as a churchwide study, and sermon series, it brought Easter into a deeper perspective. Conversation in the small group atmosphere became very emotional at times.

Introduced to this work through a Bible study,our participants found that they were profoundly moved. There are actually two items that I had ordered. The first is the book by Hamilton and the second was the 40 day devotional that supplements the book. Either or both can be used for a study or for individual use. The church also purchased the DVD and that is really a plus. A definite purchase for Bible studies. Hamilton uses all four Gospels to tell the story and through the study clarifies discrepancies among them. Hamilton's style is at once smooth,easy reading and yet has a way of sneaking up on you with the issues raised. I found myself rereading parts so that I really had the idea because it made me think well beyond the box. He brings a wealth of understanding of that period of history and places the last day in proper perspective to the times. He also does not mince words about conditions during the rule of the Romans and he includes details of the customs of the time as well. Hamilton guides us through the last day of Christ's life on earth in human form and encourages us to put ourselves in the position of every major character who had a major impact on the proceedings. We are Judas, Peter, John, Pilate, the Council, and others. We are asked to seriously consider our humanly weaknesses, our prejudices, and our plan to become even closer to God and move ourselves further along our faith walk. This work is especially significant during the Lenten season, but I would not limit my reading to just that period. We need to be constantly reminded of the many lessons and thoughts that Hamilton raises through this small reading. Highly recommended for older teens through adults.