A.D. 33 by Ted Dekker

Wow!

First, let me state that I am a HUGE Ted Dekker reader. If Dekker wrote it, I want to read it. This was no exception when given the opportunity to review his latest book A.D. 33.

From the very first page I was captured by the story of Maviah, the Bedouin queen. Her desire to follow the teachings of Yeshua but also not abandon her heritage and people was a powerful struggle throughout. Such drama was riveting and had my attention on every page.

Take a journey with Dekker and Maviah in the ancient Middle East in this thriller of a story. You may just come away changed.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group in exchange for my honest review.

Rooted by Banning Liebscher

Roots are the source of life for all plants. The roots spread through the earth for nutrients on which to survive. The stronger the roots, the stronger the plant. Remove the roots and the plant will die. Such is a great metaphor for those being rooted in God and Jesus Christ.

In his book Rooted, Liebscher gives three soils where God may plant a person for growth. Those three are:

1. Intimacy
2. Serving
3. Community

These three are requirements for the full development of anyone whom God chooses to develop and a man/woman must understand this so as to not fight back where God's plants them.

I found this book to be a great encouragement  in this phase of my life, with special attention to the first soil: intimacy. This section really focused my thoughts on finding God as He calls to me and how to develop intimacy with him.I recommend this book to just about any Christian who may feel uprooted from God and purpose and suggest they take time to allow the words of this book to penetrate deep.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah is exchange for my honest review.

End Times Secrets of the Mahdi by Dr. Michael Youssef

This is a fascinating book on the book of Revelation in the Bible and the Antichrist also known as the beast in the Book of Revelation. What Dr Youssef has done is relate the eschatological understanding of Islam and compare that to what is written about the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation.

It is an amazing read to see the correlations between the two individuals that being the Antichrist and was known as the Mahdi in Islamic eschatological teachings. However, the book didn't really go out much into this as it was displaying Dr. Youssef’s understanding of Revelation and what is called the End Times. There was probably a chapter or two on the correlation between Islam and the Antichrist and I I was hoping for more. Having said that, I must admit it was a great read and is something that will open the eyes of I believe many Christians in the United States today.

I would highly recommend that those getting this book also look at some information by Perry Stone called Unleashing The Beast. It is a book of his that he has updated once and it is a quite fascinating read on the correlation between Islam and the Antichrist. Both of these books and give a reader a very good understanding of how Islam could potentially play a major role at the end of time. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity by Clinton E. Arnold & Jeff Arnold

Questions about the Bible, God, Christianity, and life have been asked for many years. Some answers are simple to answer while others are not so simple. In their book, Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity, Clinton and Jeff Arnold have written answers to many of the questions posed by people throughout time.

I was surprised at the type of questions answered as I was expecting something more practical and less theological. However, this book does well to educated the reader on each question so that the reader can better understand the nature of the question and the answer given.

Those that witness to others would do well to have this book as a resource to give answers to questions that may arise by those wanting answers or those trying to disprove the Bible.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.

Waiting on God by Dr. Wayne Stiles

Waiting on God.

Waiting is not easy. Often it pushes us to points we never thought we would reach.

Waiting for the traffic light to change. Waiting for our food at a "fast" food restaurant. Waiting for the proverbial "ship to come in."

Waiting on God, however, is quite a different experience. God has the power to do whatever He wants. He can desire a certain act and then make that act occur. Since this is the case, why does God make us wait?

In his book, Waiting on God, Dr. Stiles uses the life of Joseph to show how waiting, while difficult, allows God's plan to unfold so that He gets the most glory. While not our preference, waiting on God allows us to grow so that when the time is right, we are prepared.

Waiting can be difficult. God has patience for His timing; do we have such patience?

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker in exchange for my honest review. 

Redeeming Pleasure by Jeremy Jernigan

Preview for redeeming pleasure by Jeremy Jernigan.

In his book redeeming pleasure Jernigan has set out to show how the pursuit of pleasure mirrors are hunger for God. What he does is he takes a lot of the areas in which people seek pleasure and show how when properly understood they point us to a desire to know God more.

For example, the first chapter that he has is the pursuit how human beings pursue pleasure perhaps more than anything else. Pleasure, when properly understood, should bring someone closer to God.

God has given pleasure to humans for a variety of reasons and Jernigan brings about these different reasons in various areas to show how much seeking pleasure does not necessarily mean neglect of God.

One chapter that I found particularly interesting was the chapter on media particularly the area of movies and entertainment.Movies and entertainment are okay when used properly and in fact can be used successfully to not only encourage but also spur people on to take action against injustice is, evil, or to spur them on to do great things.

Another area that I really found interesting in the book had to do with the area of sex how that sex was given by God for pleasure but there's so much more to it and when sex is only used for pleasure it loses all of the wondrous benefit that God has given sex to accomplish.

Overall, I found this book to be an interesting read with some content I am still analyzing into my worldview. If nothing else, this books makes the reader think about pleasure in a different way.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Seven Women And the Secret of Their Greatness By Eric Metaxas

In a follow up book to his book - Men and the Secret of Their Greatness, Eric Metaxas has written Seven Women and the Secret of Their Greatness. In this book Metaxas lists seven women who have inspired many many people because of their hardship they faced, what they believed in, and the resiliency to never quit. Of the seven I really had a good time reading about Rosa Parks, Saint Maria of Paris, and Susanna Wesley.

One thing I noticed of the three women that I've mentioned,  all of them had to face some sort of hardship and as a result had a strong courage to stand up for what they believed in and to maintain their faith no matter what.

Overall book was about how greatness is not something that is given at birth but rather is achieved by continually working hard, staying true to what one believes, and pursuing God with all that they are.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson (Revised and Expanded Edition, 2015)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.

What is Mormonism? Is the Biblical Christianity?

In their book Mormonism 101, McKeever and Johson set out to show the differences in the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon belief and that of orthodox Christianity.

They do so in various aspects of teachings that each belief teaches its members. Starting with God and ending with revelation, each section shows the differences that are taught.

This is done by using lessons, articles, quotes, and more from the Mormon presidents, contrasted with Biblical teaching, and then shown why Mormonism is not Christian but a lie propagated by its founder Joseph Smith and continued to this day.

This is not an exhaustive resources but its a great foundation builder for those who want a better understanding of Mormonism and its errors.

Christ Set Forth by Thomas Goodwin

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Banner of Truth Trust Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

As I read this book I was taken aback by the sheer weight and depth that was presented. Time and time again, Goodwin would keep pointing to Christ. The message was complete dependence on Jesus as the reason for my justification.

Goodwin would point out that I could trust Jesus because He was human. He suffered as a human suffers. Then Goodwin would direct the reader that Jesus was God and thus is the only one to bring justification to me. 

This is such a marvelous work that all who read this blog should check out the website here. It will be well worth your time.

Happiness According to Jesus by Bobby Schuller

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Happiness. It is something that almost all of humanity desires. It is the proverbial carrot that is placed before the donkey that is just out of reach. No matter what we try to do happiness seems to elude us.

Is it because we misunderstand the origin of happiness? In his book, Happiness According to Jesus, Bobby Schuller uses the Sermon on the Mount to show how Jesus defines happiness.

From anger, sex, love, self-righteousness, and others, Schuller uses the Sermon on the Mount to show that Jesus has a different view of happiness.

Rather than finding happiness in things, Jesus tells his followers to find happiness in letting go and letting God provide.

Instead of worrying, Jesus tells us to see how God provides for the animals. Since we are more important than the animals, does not it stand to reason God will provide for us? In the area of pride, instead of defending ourselves when insulted, Jesus says to try and find a way to make that enemy a friend.

Crazy!

Yet that is how Jesus defines happiness. Living for a higher calling; God's calling.

I found this book to be a great challenge and motivator to live for happiness God's way. Letting go of my desire to fight for my share and letting God bless me for being obedient. It is not easy, but then again, the best things in life usually take effort.

How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Reading my Bible. As the son of a pastor, been in church all my life, taught young-men's Sunday School, and presently teach the College & Career Sunday morning class, I know the value of reading my Bible.

I have read books on Bible reading, heard messages on it, and have purchased Bible study software to help me to better understand the Bible.

Yet, I still have the struggle of reading my Bible just like many other Christians I know.

Why?

I know the value of reading. I know that the Bible is my source of wisdom, love, and strength. I know that Jesus died for me and wrote a love letter to me explaining why. However, I keep coming back to this: I do not find reading the Bible enjoyable.

In his new book How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible, Keith Ferrin lays out how he came to enjoy, yes, enjoy reading his Bible. He details his own struggle on Bible reading and what he suggests to do in order to enjoy Bible reading as he does.

There is nothing profound in this book and yet I found it so refreshing to read. By keeping it simple and easy to do, Ferrin has primed the pump for anyone who struggles with Bible reading to begin a life of Bible-reading enjoyment.

GET THIS BOOK!!! Whether you are new to Bible reading or seasoned, go out and buy a copy. I will not give my reasons why; Ferrin has done that very nicely on his own. Read his book and you will see what I mean.

Experiencing the New Birth By Martyn Lloyd-Jones

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for my honest review.

What does it mean to become a Christian? What does it look like? Are the evidences that should be present to validate that one is a Christian?

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, in this study on John 3, answers those questions with such depth, detail, and power that I found myself so very grateful he did so.

With candor and grace, Dr. Lloyd-Jones weaves a wonderful message about all that new birth has and all that should be experienced on this earth.

Sadly, many Christians have been brought under the "thou shall" and "thou shalt nots" that they have misdirected from the life that the new birth offers. Dr. Lloyd-Jones, in this book, helps to remove the misdirection and get the Christian focused on what truly matters. 

Praying Over God's Promises by Thomas R. Yeakley

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

How should I pray? That is a question that many a Christian has asked and most likely will continue to be one.

In his book Praying Over God's Promises, Thomas R. Yeakley teaches that one way to pray is by praying the promises of God. By taking God at His Word, a Christian can have the wonderful experience of seeing God work.

One thing that I enjoyed about this book is that Yeakley discusses the misuse and abuse of promises for personal gain and for selfish reasons. I do not often find this taught and was grateful that it was discussed.

This little book is a nice addition to my library and should be considered for anyone wanting to study a life of prayer and how to pray.

Be the Message Devotional by Kerry & Chris Shook

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Most devotionals that I read are usually composed of a thought, some Scripture, and some sort of action at the end like reflection or prayer.

This devotional is quite different in that it had those elements but also has a place to write the thoughts that the reader has during the devotional; not at the end.

What this does is allow the reader to go back and see what was written so that he/she can remember what he/she was experiencing and learning. By doing this, the reader grows to become the change that this world so desperately needs.

Living for God’s Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism by Joel Beeke

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reformation Trust in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoy theology. I know that theology is not one of the subjects that many flock to study. It can be deep, heady, and at times combative.

Having said that, I have run into Calvinism on more than one occasion while studying. I had to admit to myself that my understanding of John Calvin and his teachings was rather elementary.

Outside of T.U.L.I.P. and the disagreements between Calvinists and of his most popular opponent Jakob Hermanszoon (aka Jacobus Arminius) I knew very little of Calvinism.

Living for God's Glory by Joel R. Beeke has done a marvelous job of educating me on the teachigns of Calvinism. This book has not only cleared up some matters for me by way of explanation but also expounded on the teachings of John Calvin and how they played out in the life of Christian.

The book is divided into four sections: the mind, the heart, the family life, and the church. Understanding that Calvinism is about bring God glory and that doing so is not relegated to the church only was profound and challenging. I found myself appreciating the depth of respect Calvin had for God and His glory.

This is a book I hope to read again and perhaps use as a devotional to really inspire me to live for God's glory as Calvin hoped his teaching would bring to fruition.

The Happy Christian by Dr. David Murray

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Joy. Its a word I heard a lot growing up in church. "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where!? Down in my heart. Where!? Down in my heart." Those are the lyrics to a song I would sing a child in Sunday School.

As I get older I find that I have less joy and, where is it? Not down in my heart it woudl seem. Thus, when I saw this book I was curious.

First, I have heard of Dr. Murray and have a few books of his. Second, I had to ask myself: do I consider myself to be a happy Christian? Some days I can say yes, others would be a no. Why is that? It is because I do not have the complete mind of Christ.

Dr. Murray lays out ten ways to take on the mind of Christ to have joy in life. I will not go into all ten but highlight the one that stood out to me the most: giving.

Most think money when giving is mentioned in church and that does play a part. However, Dr. Murray mentioned an area of giving that I had not considered as giving: leadership.

There are qualified people who attend church who do not give of their leadership talents. Whether that is teaching, mentoring, prayer group, hospitality, singing, or leading in a non-church building related function (I would submit that this is sorely lacking), Dr. Murray pointed out that is a a way of giving.

Giving can lead to joy. It focuses on another and helping others may make one feel good. Leadership is giving to others with the intent of making them better. Who would not want a leader like that? It is a double-joy; joy for the receiver and joy for the giver.

That nugget of wisdom alone causes me to recommend this book. Christians need joy in this gloomy environment. This book can help them get there.

Last Words of Jesus by Stu Epperson Jr.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Have you ever thought about the last words of Jesus? As He was dying on the cross Jesus uttered just a few last words before His death.

Stu Epperson Jr. invites the reader to take a deep look at those words and not simply read them.

Jesus forgives His killers, takes care of His mom, and shows His humanity.

For example, Jesus says, "I thirst" while on the cross. Think about that. The Living Water is saying He is thirsty. Epperson points out that the One who said to come to Him and never thirst again...is thirsty. The magnitude of that statement should not be lost and the casual reader would do well to dwell on the power of that thought: the Living Water is thirsty.

It is nuggets like these that Epperson points out to the reader so that they can fall deeper in love with their Savior.

Are We Together by Dr. R. C. Sproul

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reformation Trust in exchange for my honest review.

When I was told that I would be allowed to review this book I was delighted. I have always wondered the differences between Protestants and Roman Catholics.

I could make out some differences just by watching a mass or two on TV. I also read a little on the subject but struggled with how much different the two beliefs were.

Are We Together? goes to the very heart of what Protestants and Roman Catholics believe. By giving both sides of doctrinal issues Dr. Sproul proves that the two systems are not the same.

This was best shown in the chapter regarding sole fide: justification by faith alone.

The differences in the teaching of sole fide is perhaps the greatest cause that puts Roman Catholicism and Protestants against each other in their beliefs. Dr. Sproul does a masterful work in showing just how different, and the ramifications of this difference, each side is from the other.

Not only that, Dr. Sproul then shows how this theological understanding weaves itself into other teaching of Roman Catholicism and Protestants. Items such as beliefs on Mary, the Church, the Pope, and even how interpretation of Scripture comes into play.

With all this foundation laid Dr. Sproul proves that we are NOT together in our beliefs and that Catholicism places undue powers on places that should be only reserved for Christ, and Christ alone.

That said, this book is a great resources for those that struggle with the differences between the two beliefs and those that are wanting to reach their Roman Catholics friends with the Gospel.

Be the Message by Kerry & Chris Shook

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

"You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" is something that I heard a lot of growing up. It is so easy to say the right words at the right time. However, that is all that it is: words.

In Be the Message, the Shooks challenged the reader to go beyond words, beyond thoughts, beyond comfort zones to a life of action.

No longer should a Christian be satisfied with a life of pew-warming. No longer should a Christian be content with lip service. No longer should a Christian be okay with being okay.

Instead the life of Christianity is in the Message: Jesus Christ. It is the message of His life what we are to proclaim and that comes by doing what He did.

Jesus did not talk to people and then let them be. No, He took action. He healed, He fed; He loved. That is what it means to Be the Message. That is what this book drives home so very well. 

The Heidelberg Catechism

*I received a review copy of this book from Banner of Truth in exchange for my review.

When I received the opportunity to review this book I was elated. As someone who really wants to catechize my children I found this to be a great option. I've already started though my wife informs me that I should wait until my seven-month old son is a bit older. :)

The book itself is small which makes teaching from easy. The print is great making for an easy-on-the-eyes read. Also, the pages are designed to be used often; thick and well-weighted.

The leather-softcover has a great feel and induces a thought of what those in the 1500's may have felt holding their copy of this catechism.

I highly recommend this little book for those wanting a long-lasting copy for both study and teaching The Heidelberg Catechism.