Theme song at www.raeganandrjinspace.com. Reading in the form of a graphic novel and written for ages 9-12, this is the story of a group of Christians that are sent to colonize the galaxy. Leaving their home in New Hope, Tennessee their mission is to set up a new colony called New Hope on a planet called New Bethlehem. Some readers may be surprised to see a female as President of the United States. One 10 year old that read this asked me if this was part of a series, because it seems there were some assumptions made of the reader. The author did a good job of mapping out the history of the crew and descriptive terms and crew assignments.
All in all, this is a great science fiction graphic novel for the young reader interested in Christian fiction. Great illustrations and content make for an exciting story. And at 48 pages long it is just long enough to engage the reader and keep their interest. Update - There are other books available in this series that continue the story. This book was a Reader's Favorite Book Award Winner.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Hand in hand - Randy Alcorn
The beauty of God's sovereignty and meaningful human choice. The argument between man's free will and God's sovereignty has been going on for a long time. The two main camps are Arminian and Calvinism. This book may not change your mind no matter what side you fall on, but it is an interesting read on the subject. The capital H and small h are intentional in the title. They represent God and man and the specific roles each play in salvation.
Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite authors, so I was anxious to read this book and what he had to say on the subject. I found it to be a well thought out, well written treatise, something I would expect from Randy. The author has stated that he intends the reader to take this book as a whole, rather than individual chapters that my make the case either way. The author's own stand is of a "4 point Calvinist," which he states is only popular among other 4 point Calvinists.
Questions such as Does the Arminian belief in free will mean God is not sovereign? a question that does not have an easy answer. To even attempt to write a book on these subjects is a brave task indeed. No matter what he writes, the author is sure to have some cry heresy. He includes the humorous skit by the comedian Emo concerning denominational differences, which if you haven't seen you need to. Just about every church goer will be able to relate. Randy also states that "Throughout history Calvinists and Arminians have weighed in, often disagreeing, but sometimes agreeing more than we suppose." He gets into some church history with quotes ti prove his point by Spurgeon, A W Pink, and Charles Simeon.
The use of charts and graphs help the reader compare and contrast the ideas, and helps in understanding. With chapter titles such as The Sovereignty of God, Free Will and meaningful choice, and Does Open Theism resolve the Sovereignty/Choice Paradox? the author tackles a tough subject at lot of authors avoid.
Randy is founder and Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. The book is published by Multnomah Publishing and available from his web site.
All in all I would highly recommend this book.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book for review.
Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite authors, so I was anxious to read this book and what he had to say on the subject. I found it to be a well thought out, well written treatise, something I would expect from Randy. The author has stated that he intends the reader to take this book as a whole, rather than individual chapters that my make the case either way. The author's own stand is of a "4 point Calvinist," which he states is only popular among other 4 point Calvinists.
Questions such as Does the Arminian belief in free will mean God is not sovereign? a question that does not have an easy answer. To even attempt to write a book on these subjects is a brave task indeed. No matter what he writes, the author is sure to have some cry heresy. He includes the humorous skit by the comedian Emo concerning denominational differences, which if you haven't seen you need to. Just about every church goer will be able to relate. Randy also states that "Throughout history Calvinists and Arminians have weighed in, often disagreeing, but sometimes agreeing more than we suppose." He gets into some church history with quotes ti prove his point by Spurgeon, A W Pink, and Charles Simeon.
The use of charts and graphs help the reader compare and contrast the ideas, and helps in understanding. With chapter titles such as The Sovereignty of God, Free Will and meaningful choice, and Does Open Theism resolve the Sovereignty/Choice Paradox? the author tackles a tough subject at lot of authors avoid.
Randy is founder and Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. The book is published by Multnomah Publishing and available from his web site.
All in all I would highly recommend this book.
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book for review.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
The Reluctant Journey - Richard Parrott
Finding God's Purpose for your Life. The 14 chapters in this book are divided into 3 sections titled Homeless with God, Troubled by God, and Hidden from God. In this book, the author uses the lives of Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph to illustrate these points.
In the introduction, Richard states he has a double yoke in his office to remind us of "our partnership with Jesus." Some of my reformed friends may have a problem with this idea of "partnership" and the idea of an "invitation."
Each chapter has a summary of Bible passage, a summary of the chapter, and a Think section with questions for reflection and conversation. I can see these being used in a group Bible study or simply for personal use. In the chapter titled The Gift of Deep Healing, there is a section on forgiveness. He describes a personal illustration of an incident that happened with his son concerning forgiveness. The author sums it up by saying "Forgiveness is not just a moment but a process."
In the chapter titled the Promise of God, the author says he heard God speaking to him on a Thanksgiving morning while drinking coffee in a restaurant.
Other features include truths from the Lord's Prayer and stories from the founders of our faith.
The author is a professor at Trevecca Nazarene University and a n elder in the Church of the Nazarene. This book is published by Thomas Nelson under the Refraction collection that features
"succint and candid writing for a contemporary minded reader." More information at refractionbooks.com. This book weighs in at 280 pages, which is quite an undertaking for the reader.
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
In the introduction, Richard states he has a double yoke in his office to remind us of "our partnership with Jesus." Some of my reformed friends may have a problem with this idea of "partnership" and the idea of an "invitation."
Each chapter has a summary of Bible passage, a summary of the chapter, and a Think section with questions for reflection and conversation. I can see these being used in a group Bible study or simply for personal use. In the chapter titled The Gift of Deep Healing, there is a section on forgiveness. He describes a personal illustration of an incident that happened with his son concerning forgiveness. The author sums it up by saying "Forgiveness is not just a moment but a process."
In the chapter titled the Promise of God, the author says he heard God speaking to him on a Thanksgiving morning while drinking coffee in a restaurant.
Other features include truths from the Lord's Prayer and stories from the founders of our faith.
The author is a professor at Trevecca Nazarene University and a n elder in the Church of the Nazarene. This book is published by Thomas Nelson under the Refraction collection that features
"succint and candid writing for a contemporary minded reader." More information at refractionbooks.com. This book weighs in at 280 pages, which is quite an undertaking for the reader.
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Abraham - Charles R. Swindoll
One nomad's amazing journey of faith. I have been reading Chuck Swindoll books for a long time and many of you have listened to his radio program Insight For Living. " I have always found his writing to be clear and down to earth and easily understood.
This is the story of Abraham, "pimples, warts, and everything." The author wants to point out that he was not perfect, but God still blessed him and fulfilled His covenant with him.
All of the Reformed readers will be glad the author included this,
"Because we are born with sinful, selfish natures, we cannot look within ourselves to discern the difference between right and wrong."
Many of the incidents in Abraham's life will be well known to many readers, but Mr.Swindoll uses his writing skills to make them fresh and relevant to today. Abraham was not just a character in the Old Testament, but a flawed, sinful human, not unlike you or me in many ways. We may look back and say we wouldn't do or say some of these things, however we all have the possibility within us to do so.
Some of the chapter titles are, When the faithful fail, Running ahead of God, Disobedience Deja Vu, and Forgiven sin, lingering consequences. He is quick to point out that "The Bible doesn't try to paint its heroes as anything but real people with real flaws." and that I think is one of the goals of this book. To let all of us know that we can relate to the heroes in the Bible. People that didn't always make the best choices, but were forgiven and used by God regardless of their choices. Abraham's life is an amazing one of forgiveness and being used by God.
There is an Appendix with a guide to begin a relationship with God.
I would recommend this book, along with any of Chuck Swindoll's books without hesitation.
Published by Tyndale publishing. www.tyndale.com.
.
I have been provided a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for this review.
This is the story of Abraham, "pimples, warts, and everything." The author wants to point out that he was not perfect, but God still blessed him and fulfilled His covenant with him.
All of the Reformed readers will be glad the author included this,
"Because we are born with sinful, selfish natures, we cannot look within ourselves to discern the difference between right and wrong."
Many of the incidents in Abraham's life will be well known to many readers, but Mr.Swindoll uses his writing skills to make them fresh and relevant to today. Abraham was not just a character in the Old Testament, but a flawed, sinful human, not unlike you or me in many ways. We may look back and say we wouldn't do or say some of these things, however we all have the possibility within us to do so.
Some of the chapter titles are, When the faithful fail, Running ahead of God, Disobedience Deja Vu, and Forgiven sin, lingering consequences. He is quick to point out that "The Bible doesn't try to paint its heroes as anything but real people with real flaws." and that I think is one of the goals of this book. To let all of us know that we can relate to the heroes in the Bible. People that didn't always make the best choices, but were forgiven and used by God regardless of their choices. Abraham's life is an amazing one of forgiveness and being used by God.
There is an Appendix with a guide to begin a relationship with God.
I would recommend this book, along with any of Chuck Swindoll's books without hesitation.
Published by Tyndale publishing. www.tyndale.com.
.
I have been provided a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Awakening to God - Gerard Long
Discovering His power and your purpose. Foreward by Bill Hybels. The author is Executive Director of Alpha USA, which is a "course of interactive sessions exploring the basics of Christian faith. This book asks the question, Do you ever wonder if God has a bigger purpose for your life? Chapter titles include Awakening to God's Love and purpose, Awakening to Brokenness, Awakening to Eternity, and Awakening to our calling. In the chapter titled Awakening to God's provision, he writes, "It doesn't depend on you."
A lot of this book encourages evangelism through reminders such as love one another, be patient, and demonstrate kindness. God truly does have a plan for your life made out of perfect love.
On page 73, in the section titled What's in Your Hand? he states, "God has been-ans is-working in you to prepare you for such a time as this. He has placed in your hands various gifts, abilities, and experiences-including, perhaps, some brokenness-that you can now use to accomplish the purpose He has set before you."
The author writes about losing two of his children, one to a suicide, the other to an accident, and how it effected himself and his marriage. His honesty and openness is heartbreaking and hard to read, but it can inspire others that Bod brought him through this tragedy. It is good that he includes this persona account, "A journey filled with incredible joy and devestating brokenness."
He describes his personal faith journey, background and upbringing, and while working in the banking industry had a "Godly discontent." As you can tell by the notes section, there are many references to scripture and is Bible based.
After you read this book you will realize that "God is on the move and He is calling your name."
Published by Tyndale House publishers.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
A lot of this book encourages evangelism through reminders such as love one another, be patient, and demonstrate kindness. God truly does have a plan for your life made out of perfect love.
On page 73, in the section titled What's in Your Hand? he states, "God has been-ans is-working in you to prepare you for such a time as this. He has placed in your hands various gifts, abilities, and experiences-including, perhaps, some brokenness-that you can now use to accomplish the purpose He has set before you."
The author writes about losing two of his children, one to a suicide, the other to an accident, and how it effected himself and his marriage. His honesty and openness is heartbreaking and hard to read, but it can inspire others that Bod brought him through this tragedy. It is good that he includes this persona account, "A journey filled with incredible joy and devestating brokenness."
He describes his personal faith journey, background and upbringing, and while working in the banking industry had a "Godly discontent." As you can tell by the notes section, there are many references to scripture and is Bible based.
After you read this book you will realize that "God is on the move and He is calling your name."
Published by Tyndale House publishers.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
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