Taking your faith beyond words to a life of action. This book is a call to action. In it, the authors challenge all Christians to put into practice and action all the things we say we believe. It is one thing to say we love others, but how are we showing it?
There is a foreward by Rick Warren that is sure to attract attention just by his name being involved in this book.
The author is pastor of Woodlands Church in Houston, Texas since 1993 and has one of the largest fair trade/direct trade stores in the country and is recognized for it's work for the poor and powerless. In other words, they practice what they preach.
In the chapter on pain titled "God's megaphone" from a C.S. Lewis quote, he says, "Our understanding of someone else's hurt is now more vivid and intense so much so that we get up and do something about it." That is faith in action.
In the chapter titled "The great disconnect" he talks about a troubling disconnect between the words you speak and the life you live not always being the same.
The book is divided into four parts, Transforming, Discovering, Understanding and Taking.
Chapter titles include, The great disconnect, From mess to message, more than nothing, more than nothing, and love the one in front of you. At the end of every chapter are two call to action catagories, The divine whisperer, and love the one in front of you. They point the reader toward how God can speak to you, and how you can put the principles into practice, wherever you are, and be used by God to help others. Several life stories are mentioned of people that were used by God as examples, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, C.S. Lewis, Truet Cathy and Nick Vujicic.
The whole point of this book is helping others in a practical way, to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and to break free out of your comfort zone. At one point he says "Church is not about good people, it's about broken people."
He also mentions having a "holy disturbance," which is something that bothers you so much that you have to take action on, a subject that God puts on your heart. And that is how the fair trade store got started in his church.
As with a lot of book written by two authors, it may be hard to tell which one is actually writing the chapter, unless the reader is told. Often both authors are so much on the same page that it is difficult to tell them apart, and that's not a bad thing.
This author and his church are making a difference in this world. By their practical applications of Jesus' teachings in the Bible. They have made a profound discovery. "You are the Gospel" and "Be the Message."
Published by Waterbrook Press.
I have been provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Killing Lions - John Eldredge & Sam Eldredge
A guide through the trials young men face. And not just young men, just about every man faces at one time or another in his life. On page 62 the author defines killing lions as "all about finding validation through genuine victories fought out of our true hearts, from which we emerge with a genuine strength and sense of self." And on page 99, "You were born into a savage war. Evil is real, Satan is real." in trying to understand why there is evil in this world. The younger author, Sam, has begun an online magazine at www.andsonsmagazine.com, and the elder is founder of ransomed heart ministries at www.randomedheart.com and author of the wildly famous Wild at Heart a few years back. Other websites are www.killinglions.com and there is an accompaning journal to match the book. The entire book is a conversation between father and son, elder to the younger, full of advice and spiritual guidance that started out as weekly phone calls.They refer to this book as "a confession and invitation and a manifesto for a generation."
One of the best pieces of advice is on page 105, where the elder Eldredge says "A man faces many forks in the road as he journeys through his life - each choice determining what kind of life he is going to live." This is true when the outcome is a blessed peaceful life or a life full of heartbreak and regret.
Divided into 10 chapters, each one going back and forth in conversation, separated by different typeface. At times it is hard to tell who was writing, until something is mentioned that makes it obvious. Titles of chapters include, College and then what?, Bouncing checks, The book of love, Decisions, Fighting for your life, and racing toward the unknown. There is a daily prayer, a prayer for sexual healing, and a prayer for guidance. The instructions on how to hear from God may make some uncomfortable, it seems we are limiting God to speak in one specific way, when in fact He can speack in many ways.
This is Sam Eldredge's first book, and he adds an honesty and openness that you don't usually find in "Christian books." Most books in this genre tend to stay on the safe topics, but this one gets into all kinds of issues many men face. Quotes from such diverse people as G.K. Chesterson, Dr. Suess, Victor Frankl, Augustine, C.S. Lewis and Dallas Willard round things out. In all, this book is more than just fatherly advice.
The author is one that supports rituals of boys turning into men, campfires, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, rock climbing and camping as important milestones. I believe these things can be used, but aren't necessarily the only ones.
Of course, advice about women is offered, with statements such as "God created Eve as a mystery." and "Love is going to go a lot better if you will learn about the feminine heart."
I did enjoy this book. It seems like very little was edited out, or considered off limits. Honest conversations can be good to have between father and son, elder and younger, both can find something to learn from and pass on to the next generation.
Published by Nelson books, www.thomasnelson.com.
One of the best pieces of advice is on page 105, where the elder Eldredge says "A man faces many forks in the road as he journeys through his life - each choice determining what kind of life he is going to live." This is true when the outcome is a blessed peaceful life or a life full of heartbreak and regret.
Divided into 10 chapters, each one going back and forth in conversation, separated by different typeface. At times it is hard to tell who was writing, until something is mentioned that makes it obvious. Titles of chapters include, College and then what?, Bouncing checks, The book of love, Decisions, Fighting for your life, and racing toward the unknown. There is a daily prayer, a prayer for sexual healing, and a prayer for guidance. The instructions on how to hear from God may make some uncomfortable, it seems we are limiting God to speak in one specific way, when in fact He can speack in many ways.
This is Sam Eldredge's first book, and he adds an honesty and openness that you don't usually find in "Christian books." Most books in this genre tend to stay on the safe topics, but this one gets into all kinds of issues many men face. Quotes from such diverse people as G.K. Chesterson, Dr. Suess, Victor Frankl, Augustine, C.S. Lewis and Dallas Willard round things out. In all, this book is more than just fatherly advice.
The author is one that supports rituals of boys turning into men, campfires, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, rock climbing and camping as important milestones. I believe these things can be used, but aren't necessarily the only ones.
Of course, advice about women is offered, with statements such as "God created Eve as a mystery." and "Love is going to go a lot better if you will learn about the feminine heart."
I did enjoy this book. It seems like very little was edited out, or considered off limits. Honest conversations can be good to have between father and son, elder and younger, both can find something to learn from and pass on to the next generation.
Published by Nelson books, www.thomasnelson.com.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
If God Is Good - Randy Alcorn
Faith in the midst of suffering and evil. Suffering is, in the end, God's invitation to trust Him. This book answers the question, How can there be an all-good and all-powerful God if evil and suffering exist?
Randy is one of my favorite non-fiction authors, and is founder and Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. I was glad to see him write an extensive work on this subject.
One of the chapters takes on Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and his cohorts titled the Unbeliever's Problem of Goodness. In which he says "People speak of gratuitous evil, but what about gratuitous good?" How do these atheists explain the presence of good? Where does goodness come from? The author give the reader intelligent, well thought out answers to these questions and more. He also references an excellent book titled Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed by Phillip Hallie, in which a French town under Nazi occupation provided Jews with food, shelter, and escape simply because it was the right thing to do.
At over 500 pages, this is a massive testimony to the author's research and knowledge of the subject. A topical index can help find references to subject and names, and notes at the end of every chapter. The book is divided into 11 sections with 45 chapters , most paragraphs beginning with a statement or question, and then goes on to make the systematic argument using scripture, personal insight, or quotes to reinforce the point. Throughout this book the author states, "God is sovereign and is not the author of evil, but He is the author of a story that includes evil." Elsewhere in the book he states," What we call the problem of evil is often the problem of our finite and and fallen understanding." We are not going to understand why things happen , and even if we did, our limited, human minds could not handle or comprehend it. Quotes from C S Lewis, Spurgeon, Thomas Aquinas, Victor Frankl, John Newton, Elizabeth Elliott and others abound.
In chapter 36 titled :How the health and wealth Gospel perverts our view of evil and suffering, he takes on the prosperity Gospel with statements such as "In some cases, pleasing God results in suffering," and "Christians should expect to suffer more, not less, since they suffer under the fall, and as followers of Christ." He states,"This is so obviously opposed to countless Biblical passages, it's difficult to imagine, apart from the deceptive powers of satan, how so many Christians could actually believe them."
There is so much material in this book that needs to be read, thought about, and then read again, it will take some time to process. The author is extremely pro-life, having suffered law suits, arrest and job loss that he describes in this book.
In other parts of the book he tackles the inadequacy of the atheistic view by stating,"Why be angry with someone the doesn't exist?" Indeed that is true. He also takes on "open theism" with logic and intelligence.
This is not a book to read once through and then put aside. You can pick up from any chapter or section and find a complete and compelling argument for the existence of evil. Much like one of his other books, Money Possessions, and Eternity, this one reads like an encyclopedia with so many references and notes.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the answer to the question, If God is God, why is there evil? This book offers one of the best answers I have read.
Published by multnomah publishing, and www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.
Randy is one of my favorite non-fiction authors, and is founder and Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. I was glad to see him write an extensive work on this subject.
One of the chapters takes on Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and his cohorts titled the Unbeliever's Problem of Goodness. In which he says "People speak of gratuitous evil, but what about gratuitous good?" How do these atheists explain the presence of good? Where does goodness come from? The author give the reader intelligent, well thought out answers to these questions and more. He also references an excellent book titled Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed by Phillip Hallie, in which a French town under Nazi occupation provided Jews with food, shelter, and escape simply because it was the right thing to do.
At over 500 pages, this is a massive testimony to the author's research and knowledge of the subject. A topical index can help find references to subject and names, and notes at the end of every chapter. The book is divided into 11 sections with 45 chapters , most paragraphs beginning with a statement or question, and then goes on to make the systematic argument using scripture, personal insight, or quotes to reinforce the point. Throughout this book the author states, "God is sovereign and is not the author of evil, but He is the author of a story that includes evil." Elsewhere in the book he states," What we call the problem of evil is often the problem of our finite and and fallen understanding." We are not going to understand why things happen , and even if we did, our limited, human minds could not handle or comprehend it. Quotes from C S Lewis, Spurgeon, Thomas Aquinas, Victor Frankl, John Newton, Elizabeth Elliott and others abound.
In chapter 36 titled :How the health and wealth Gospel perverts our view of evil and suffering, he takes on the prosperity Gospel with statements such as "In some cases, pleasing God results in suffering," and "Christians should expect to suffer more, not less, since they suffer under the fall, and as followers of Christ." He states,"This is so obviously opposed to countless Biblical passages, it's difficult to imagine, apart from the deceptive powers of satan, how so many Christians could actually believe them."
There is so much material in this book that needs to be read, thought about, and then read again, it will take some time to process. The author is extremely pro-life, having suffered law suits, arrest and job loss that he describes in this book.
In other parts of the book he tackles the inadequacy of the atheistic view by stating,"Why be angry with someone the doesn't exist?" Indeed that is true. He also takes on "open theism" with logic and intelligence.
This is not a book to read once through and then put aside. You can pick up from any chapter or section and find a complete and compelling argument for the existence of evil. Much like one of his other books, Money Possessions, and Eternity, this one reads like an encyclopedia with so many references and notes.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the answer to the question, If God is God, why is there evil? This book offers one of the best answers I have read.
Published by multnomah publishing, and www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Pursuing Justice - Ken Wytsma and Dr. Jacobson
The call to live and die for bigger things. The only way to find abundant life is to give your life away. What does it mean to have a robust, Biblical understanding of justice? This book attempts to answer that question. It may be a matter of opinion what justice really is and what it means. Bruce Cockburn says in one of his songs, "Everybody loves to see justice done. On somebody else."
There is an interesting analogy early in the book between static art and dynamic art.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up the book. But what I did find was a Biblical explanation, in the author's opinion,of justice as it relates to modern history. It does depend on how you classify the word justice. In this world, justice may not always be proper or just. He does mention people from history such as Bonhoeffer and Elie Wiesel.
In Chapter 7 that is titled Remember What You Saw, the author mentions the empathy and WWII Holocost. The chapter on Playstations and Poverty reminds us that "The story we are part of is far larger than we think." and "The way we consume directly affects the lived realities of many people." Just thinking about how we live and how it affects other people in other parts of the world makes me uncomfortable. Is is guilt? In the chapter on the Anatomy of Apathy, the author challenges us to care about our fellow human beings. and "Love your neighbor as yourself." as Jesus sad in Matthew 22:39.
Many parts of this book may make you uncomfortable, or even upset. But the author is communicating what he feels justice would look like. I believe he is sincere in his pursuit of justice, and has in fact devoted his life to it. At over 300 pages this book covers a lot of ground,
There is a website www.kenwytsma.com/pursuingjustice for more resources. There is also an extensive notes section. A unique feature called interludes is a series of diagrams, poems and short stories to add variety. One of the interludes includes an interview with Tom Roley, Executive Director of ROCHA USA a "Christian Conservative Organization" I found interesting.
I can understand the need to take care of the earth and pursue justice, but we can do that while "subduing the earth" and use it's resources in a responsible way. And s long as we worship the Creator and not worship the creation.
I did get the feeling that this book could lead some into the fringe of environmentalism, and that our idea of consumerism and economics is somehow flawed and bad. But, I do understand the author's thoughts on priorities of loving your fellow man and providing for others. Honestly, I am lukewarm on this book, and can not highly recommend it. I was not aware of the environmental tone of this book. I believe giving your life away can involve many other things besides being aware of consumerism. Published by Thomas Nelson. More info can be found at www.thomasnelson.com.
I have received a complimentary copy in exchange for this honest review.
There is an interesting analogy early in the book between static art and dynamic art.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up the book. But what I did find was a Biblical explanation, in the author's opinion,of justice as it relates to modern history. It does depend on how you classify the word justice. In this world, justice may not always be proper or just. He does mention people from history such as Bonhoeffer and Elie Wiesel.
In Chapter 7 that is titled Remember What You Saw, the author mentions the empathy and WWII Holocost. The chapter on Playstations and Poverty reminds us that "The story we are part of is far larger than we think." and "The way we consume directly affects the lived realities of many people." Just thinking about how we live and how it affects other people in other parts of the world makes me uncomfortable. Is is guilt? In the chapter on the Anatomy of Apathy, the author challenges us to care about our fellow human beings. and "Love your neighbor as yourself." as Jesus sad in Matthew 22:39.
Many parts of this book may make you uncomfortable, or even upset. But the author is communicating what he feels justice would look like. I believe he is sincere in his pursuit of justice, and has in fact devoted his life to it. At over 300 pages this book covers a lot of ground,
There is a website www.kenwytsma.com/pursuingjustice for more resources. There is also an extensive notes section. A unique feature called interludes is a series of diagrams, poems and short stories to add variety. One of the interludes includes an interview with Tom Roley, Executive Director of ROCHA USA a "Christian Conservative Organization" I found interesting.
I can understand the need to take care of the earth and pursue justice, but we can do that while "subduing the earth" and use it's resources in a responsible way. And s long as we worship the Creator and not worship the creation.
I did get the feeling that this book could lead some into the fringe of environmentalism, and that our idea of consumerism and economics is somehow flawed and bad. But, I do understand the author's thoughts on priorities of loving your fellow man and providing for others. Honestly, I am lukewarm on this book, and can not highly recommend it. I was not aware of the environmental tone of this book. I believe giving your life away can involve many other things besides being aware of consumerism. Published by Thomas Nelson. More info can be found at www.thomasnelson.com.
I have received a complimentary copy in exchange for this honest review.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
The Conditioned Mind - Michael J. Mannia
Overcoming the crippling effects of sin and guilt. Why do you do what you do? This is the kind of book that I enjoy, psychology written by a Christian, from a Christian perspective. God made the human mind very complex, and trying to understand it is very compelling. At 300 pages, this book may be too much for some casual readers, but psychology buffs will enjoy it.
The author knows the trials of life first hand, growing up without a father and his mother was an alcoholic. Today, serves as co-founder and president of Kingdom Community Ministries, on the internet at www.kcmcounseling.com, and helps others through the trials of life.
The Introduction is his personal story and describes how his father died, and his personal reflections on his mom's dysfunction. Through 10 Chapters the author starts literally at the beginning with God's intent for humanity, and the complexity of sin. Then, he reviews Breakng Through Denial and Matters of Repression. Then finally Resisting the Devil, Ministry of the Holy Spirit, and Repentance. He describes the psychological ideas in layman's terms that anyone can understand. There are a few self-assessments to help understand and deal with repression and denial. At several points he encourages someone who needs to, to find a Christian Counselor through the Association of Christian Counselors at www.aacc.net.
Bible passages throughout that begin the chapter and the subject matter are included and referenced. He explains how all this can relate to sin and guilt, and the only way to deal with this is trust in God and help from others.
The author stresses the effects of sin in our lives and how it is "always polluting and corrosive." It effects every action and thought and is pervasive. Thus he describes accurately the total depravity of man. He likens the system of self-deception to a three legged table of denial, repression, and rationalization. The author has a sincere desire to help others find the freedom in Christ that he has found. Through case studies and stories of real people, the author makes the case of those that have worked through the pain and found freedom in Christ.
There is an extensive notes a reference section that is 20 pages long. Main focus of this book is repentance, forgiveness, and freedom that only trusting in God can give. He can give you hope and heal you of your past.
Published by Crosslink Publishing. I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
The author knows the trials of life first hand, growing up without a father and his mother was an alcoholic. Today, serves as co-founder and president of Kingdom Community Ministries, on the internet at www.kcmcounseling.com, and helps others through the trials of life.
The Introduction is his personal story and describes how his father died, and his personal reflections on his mom's dysfunction. Through 10 Chapters the author starts literally at the beginning with God's intent for humanity, and the complexity of sin. Then, he reviews Breakng Through Denial and Matters of Repression. Then finally Resisting the Devil, Ministry of the Holy Spirit, and Repentance. He describes the psychological ideas in layman's terms that anyone can understand. There are a few self-assessments to help understand and deal with repression and denial. At several points he encourages someone who needs to, to find a Christian Counselor through the Association of Christian Counselors at www.aacc.net.
Bible passages throughout that begin the chapter and the subject matter are included and referenced. He explains how all this can relate to sin and guilt, and the only way to deal with this is trust in God and help from others.
The author stresses the effects of sin in our lives and how it is "always polluting and corrosive." It effects every action and thought and is pervasive. Thus he describes accurately the total depravity of man. He likens the system of self-deception to a three legged table of denial, repression, and rationalization. The author has a sincere desire to help others find the freedom in Christ that he has found. Through case studies and stories of real people, the author makes the case of those that have worked through the pain and found freedom in Christ.
There is an extensive notes a reference section that is 20 pages long. Main focus of this book is repentance, forgiveness, and freedom that only trusting in God can give. He can give you hope and heal you of your past.
Published by Crosslink Publishing. I have received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.
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