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.

Man, Myth, Messiah by Rice Broocks

For those familiar with God’s Not Dead, a new book by Rice Broocks titled Man, Myth, Messiah goes into the historical foundation for belief in Jesus. In this book, Broocks details how many non-Christians agree that Jesus existed and that he had a following. While not adhering to the teachings of the New Testament, these secular historians agree that to deny the existence of Jesus is academic fallacy.

Using this as his foundation, Broocks then goes into more of the historical Jesus by observing his teachings and miracles. Broocks proves that Jesus is who He says He is. He leaves the reader with the option: accept Him or reject Him.

I found this book to aid me in my personal understanding of Jesus. I enjoyed the section of dispelling the correlations between Jesus and other “gods” of other religions. I often heard that Jesus is just one story of many that use the same narrative to propagate their teachings. Broocks shows that this is false and that Jesus is the only one who is God. 

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

God & Chruchill by Jonathan Sandys & Wallace Henley

Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler.

These two men shall have their lives and destinies entwined. One wishing to stop the advancement of Nazism and the maniacal dreams of a madman; the other wishing to control all of Europe and usher in the dawn of the preferred, Aryan race. 

This book was a fasnicating read on how Sir Winston Churchill's life was seen through the eyes of the Prime Minister and how he sought to use these sense of destiny in the time for which he believed he was called.

I cannot recommend this book high enough and encourage all who read this quick review to get a copy.

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

God Speaks by Dr. Craig Evans

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

God Speaks.

If God were to speak to you in an audible voice, what would He say?

While audible communication is something that God has done, He also speaks to us through His Holy Word: The Bible.

In his book, God Speaks, Dr. Craig Evans gives an overview of the Bible, its major elements, and also gives instruction on how to make sure one is reading The Bible properly.

What I also appreciated were the sections on questions about the Bible. Dr. Evans gives evidences for why we can trust the Bible. He also gives aid on how to make sure that the reader of the Bible knows what he/she is reading. By doing both of these things, Dr. Evans lays the foundation for trusting the Bible and studying it properly.

This is a nice resource to have. It is a little light on theology but has some great helps for deepening a person's theology to know and love the God of whom they read.

Boundless by Bryan Bishop

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

When I think of Jesus I tend to think of worshiping him as an American. I sing to Him with an American style of song, I pray to Him with an American style of prayer, and I read my Bible through the eyes of an American.

Yet, all across the globe people are worshiping and finding Jesus in a non-American way. Some even continue to practice some of the traditions that their heritage has passed down to them.

Is this Biblical?

In his book, Boundless, Bryan Bishop explores how other cultures have found Jesus, worship Him in their own way, and then ponders where or not such an expression of faith is proper.

Muslims fasting for Ramadan, Hindus chanting and burning incense, and Buddhists meditating are a few of the examples that Bishop gives of those who found Jesus but still maintain some of their religious heritage.

A paraphrase of what one person said is that they see the truth in other religions, how it was twisted, and how they found Jesus by straightening out the twists. Some pointed to Paul quoting a poem about Zeus to introduce the true God to the Greeks at Mars Hill. If Paul used the present culture to point to God, why can't we?

I must admit that I was not sure how to handle this book at first but after completing my read I see the value. One takeaway is that I should research other religions so that I may connect with other faiths. By this connection, Jesus may be introduced. That is what truly matters and how sinners become "boundless" to sin.

Welcome to a Reformed Church by Rev. Daniel R. Hyde

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

What is a Reformed Church?

I grew up in church all my life. I am familiar with the beliefs of a few denominations. However, I was ignorant of what a Reformed Church is.

What do they believe? How do they conduct services?

Those questions and more drew me to this book and I was glad that I received a copy. It explained a lot of things that I questioned, laid a great foundation for what a Reformed Church teaches and gives some resources for those that want more information on Reformed Churches.

One thing that stood out was the attention paid to creeds and catechisms of the faith. I really enjoy the creeds of the faith such as the Apostle's Creed and the Nicene Creed. Such documents lay out in simplicity the major tenants of the Bible and what was taught as the Christian faith grew from Israel to the world.

A Reformed Church then looks to these documents as historical and Biblical so that their teaching does not stray away from truth but is confirmed first in Scripture, and then in creeds that are in Christendom's history and heritage. This book is a very nice resource to understand some great points in Christian history and to appreciate what was accomplished as Christianity grew. 

Exploring Christian Theology, Volume Two: Creation, Fall, and Salvation by Holsteen & Svigel (General Editors)

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

Having read the third volume of this series, I was looking forward to reading this volume. I was not disappointed. Once again the Exploring Christian Theology series has proven to be a great source to have on your shelf.

This particular volume discuss creation, the fall of man, and salvation. The editors have taken great care to be Biblical, fair, and to represent the teachings of some of the great teachers of the faith.

I appreciated the depth of this volume even those I have seen multi-volume sets on the subjects discussed. What I also appreciate is that the editors have complied a great selection of teachings on each subject so that the reader can study further.

This volume just shows that theology need not be something reserved only for PhD's but something that can be understood and enjoyed by many.

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.

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.

Only God Can Make a Kitten By Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

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

I do not normally review children's books but my son recently turned a year old and I wanted to read this title to him.

I found this book to be easy to read, solid pages for long life, and illustrated quite well.

There was not vibrant and annoying colors but soft and easy to focus colors for the illustration. The meter of the words was pleasant and easy to follow.

I also appreciate the message of the words and found that they were a great tool to teach my son about God's creation.