R Is for Risen by Crystal Bowman

R Is for Risen
by Crystal Bowman;
Teri McKinley

ISBN-13: 9781496487292
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Released: February 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Jesus is the RISEN One,
our Savior and our Friend.
Jesus is the A and Z,
the beginning and the end.

In this charmingly illustrated story, children will learn the alphabet and the biblically accurate reason for the season: Jesus’ resurrection! Unlike other ABC books that attribute a random Easter-themed word to a letter, R Is for Risen thoughtfully tells the chronological Easter story of salvation. It features:

Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem
Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus’ arrest and interrogation
Jesus carrying the cross
Jesus’ death and resurrection
Jesus’ Great Commission



My Review:
R Is for Risen tells the main events of Jesus' death and resurrection in a way young children can understand. Each page is alphabetical, with the letter up top and a cartoon-style picture around the letter illustrating the text. A rhyming verse is below that describing events in chronological order, from Jesus riding into the streets of Jerusalem on a donkey to the Passover dinner to the empty tomb and the disciples seeing Jesus after the Resurrection. It ends with Jesus telling his disciples to tell the whole world the good news. Bible verses are included below each rhyme to show where the events or prophecies can be found in the Bible. Overall, I'd recommend this children's book as a way to teach young kids what 'Easter' is really about.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Who You Say I Am by Kathryn Joy MacDowall

Who You Say I Am
by Kathryn Joy MacDowall

ISBN-13: 9780830790173
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Inspired by the Hillsong Worship song “Who You Say I Am,” this beautiful picture book honors each child’s unique qualities while reminding us that our identity in God is always the most important part of who we are.

“I am who You say I am!” we can shout.
I know who I am without a doubt.

God made each one of us with different personalities, fun preferences, and unique gifts. But the thing that is most important about us is always the same: His love for us! In Who You Say I Am, vibrant illustrations take readers ages 3-8 from school to the zoo, from ballet class to the beach, as hand-lettered rhymes and Bible verses explore the truth that we are chosen, forgiven, and God’s beloved workmanship.


My Review:
Who You Say I Am is a book for children aged 3-8 years old. The first 12 pages talked about how different kids are (tall, short, quiet, loud, etc.). The final 15 pages talked about who God says I am. "We're all created just to God's plan. And His Word tells me exactly who I am." It talked about how I am loved by God, chosen by God before the world began, and forgiven because of what Jesus did ("He died on a cross and rose for me"). I'm found and will never be alone when I follow Him. He's my guide, and I'm His child if I follow Him. The last two pages listed the Bible verses that the book is based off of so you can read the actual Scripture, too.

The text was simple to understand without being dumbed down, and the author didn't assume the child already knew the Bible well. However, the text did talk like the child has decided to follow Jesus. It's easy enough for an adult to explain what that means and how to do it if the child hasn't, yet. The pictures are bright and colorful, showing cartoony children of all sorts of looks. The pictures illustrated the words, so you can say things like, "which one is tall?" and interact with the pictures. They also illustrated what's meant, like a girl reading a book with a cross on it when "His Word" is mentioned. Overall, I'd recommend this well-done children's book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Easter Lamb Jesus by John Greco

The Easter Lamb Jesus
by John Greco

ISBN-13: 9780310152156
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Released: December 17, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In The Easter Lamb, the traditional Easter story takes on new significance as Jesus’s death and resurrection are explored through the events of Passover. Through child-friendly text and engaging illustrations that meaningfully connect these two important events, young readers will see how God has always cared for his children and that he had a plan for our salvation from the start.

On the night he was arrested, Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples during what we now call the Last Supper. Jesus knew he would soon have to die like the lambs who were sacrificed in place of the firstborn Israelites so that all of God’s children might live.

John Greco masterfully tells these two stories—Passover and Easter—in The Easter Lamb, weaving together their biblical symbolism and significance. You may have heard the Easter story before, but this unique take will deepen you and your child’s understanding of the holiday and explain how important the image of Christ as a lamb truly is.


My Review:
The Easter Lamb Jesus is a Christian kid's boardbook explaining the links between the Exodus Passover and Easter, showing why Jesus died (and rose) to save us. The author assumed the readers have some knowledge about the Passover and Easter events, so it's probably less impactful to kids with no biblical background. I liked how he linked the events, and he used words suitable for explaining things to young kids. The pictures were interesting to look at and illustrated the text, so kids will stop to look at them rather than rush through the book. Overall, I'd recommend this book to parents wanting to teach the salvation message to young kids.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Justification by Thomas R. Schreiner

Justification
by Thomas R. Schreiner

ISBN-13: 9781433575730
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When we see the fallenness of the world, it is often challenging to understand how sinners can stand before a holy God, but the gospel gives hope―justification that comes through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is essential to the gospel but has sparked countless academic and theological disagreements throughout church history, even contributing to the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century.

Thomas R. Schreiner examines the biblical and historical background of the doctrine of justification. Schreiner explores it throughout church history and analyzes both the Old and New Testament teachings. By examining the relationship between justification and other doctrines of salvation―such as redemption, reconciliation, adoption, and sanctification―Schreiner shows how it gives peace, assurance, and joy to sinners through Jesus and hope for life today.

Designed to be short and approachable, this text is an ideal resource for college students, pastors, and thoughtful laypeople.


My Review:
Justification searches throughout the whole Bible to explore what is said about justification. This is somewhat more academic in tone, but it's not difficult to follow his points. His basic premise is that we shouldn't limit ourselves to a word study on "justification" but should also look for where the concept is discussed, both in the Old and New Testament. This book isn't intended to show every example but simply shows that the concept is present throughout and what is meant by "justification." He also talked about how various Christians talked about justification during the early church period. I felt that the author clearly made his points and convinced me of his points. Overall, I'd recommend this book to Christians who want a better understanding of what justification means.

The author shows that "justification through faith alone by grace alone is not restricted to Paul, nor did it begin with Paul" (from page 41). He also demonstrated that "...it has to do with the law court, that it means that God as the judge declares sinners to be not guilty. The word 'justify' doesn't mean 'make righteous' but 'declare righteous'" (from page 73).

Also, from page 71, "All [people] sin, and thus no one can put God in their debt. No one faithfully serves God by their labor. Thus, the only hope is for God to justify the ungodly, and he does so for those who put their faith in Christ Jesus, and Jesus's atoning death satisfies God's justice and holiness. Justification is a gift, but it is based on Christ's sacrifice where he takes the wrath of God on himself for our sake and our salvation (Rom. 3:25-26)....If righteousness is obtained through keeping the law, then salvation is no longer based on God's promise and faith is emptied of its significance and distinctiveness....Works call attention to what human beings achieve, but faith looks to what God in Christ has done....Righteousness doesn't come by achieving but believing, not by doing but by resting in God's promises, not by performing but by trusting in Christ."


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Power of the Cross by Tony Evans

The Power of the Cross by Tony Evans ISBN-13: 9780802411181 Hardcover: 208 pages Publisher: Moody Publishers Released: February 2nd 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The cross is an historical event that can bring us to heaven, and a current event bringing heaven to bear on us. In The Power of the Cross, Tony Evans applies Christ’s work to life today. In three parts, he systematically and pastorally explains three aspects of the cross:

Its Person: What makes Christ unique, and how He is the center of salvation history

Its Purpose: What was accomplished on it, and how it is to be the centerpiece of our lives

Its Power: The stability and deliverance it provides in our everyday living

We wear crosses around our necks, but do we apply it to our lives? Jesus’ work holds incredible power for us. It’s time we embrace it, for God’s glory and our joy. Read The Power of the Cross to find out how.


My Review:
The Power of the Cross looked at how properly understanding what Jesus Christ did on the cross brings transformation to your life. The author started by talking about Christ and what makes him unique. He then talked about what Christ accomplished on the cross (and in his resurrection) and how this impacts how we live our life. He then talked about how understanding these things brings powerful transformation to our lives.

The author was easy to understand, and he used good analogies to help the reader to understand his points. I know some people will say that what he is teaching here is basic Christianity, but I agree with the author that many Christians don't seem to fully understand it yet. Therefore, I would highly recommend this book to any Christian. Even if you already understand, it never hurts to be reminded of these powerful, basic principles of Christianity.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Visual Theology by Tim Challies & Josh Byers

Visual Theology by Tim Challies & Josh Byers ISBN-13: 9780310520436 Paperback: 160 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: April 19, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.com.

Book Description, Modified from BookLook:
The rise and stunning popularity of the Internet infographic has given us a new way in which to convey data, concepts and ideas. But the visual portrayal of truth is not a novel idea. Indeed, God himself used visuals to teach truth to his people.

As teachers and lovers of sound theology, Challies and Byers have a deep desire to convey the concepts and principles of systematic theology in a fresh, beautiful and informative way. In this book, they have made the deepest truths of the Bible accessible in a way that can be seen and understood by a visual generation.


My Review:
Visual Theology is a basic theology book with some infographics to reinforce the ideas described in the text. The concepts were described in clear, simple terms, so don't let the word "theology" turn you off. The authors used effective analogies combined with verses from Scripture to explain some basic Christian concepts. While aimed at adults, I think this would also be an awesome book to use with teenagers to give them a firm foundation.

The overall idea of the book is how truly understanding what Christ did for us will impact how we view ourselves, our priorities, and how we act. The authors looked at how we grow in our relationships with other humans and how this is similar to how we grow in our relationship with Christ. They looked at the Bible, the purpose of prayer, and the value of knowing doctrine so you can discern what is truth and what isn't.

They provided one of the best explanations I've read on how to effectively turn from sin and pursue what is right. They got at the root of the problem and focused on God and why sin is worth turning away from. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book, especially to new adult Christians and teenagers.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Know the Heretics by Justin Holcomb

Know the Heretics by Justin Holcomb ISBN-13: 9780310515074 Paperback: 176 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: April 29, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Many believers have little to no familiarity with orthodox doctrine or the historic distortions of it. Know the Heretics provides an accessible “travel guide” to the most significant heresies throughout Christian history and the orthodox arguments against them.

As a part of the KNOW series, this book is designed for personal study or classroom use, but also for small groups and Sunday schools wanting to more deeply understand the foundations of the faith.


My Review:
Know the Heretics is a summary of the historical discussions about what Christians believe. This short book effectively communicates the information. A layman--even a teenager--can understand the issues being discussed and why they were and are important. The author did an excellent job at defining theological words and explaining complex theological issues in an understandable way. I think this would be a great study for high school- or college-age church groups.

The author didn't cover every heresy, but he picked important ones--some of which are still around in slightly different forms. He explained the historical and personal background of the founder of the heresy, what was being taught, the orthodox arguments against those teachings, and why this is relevant to us today. He also included discussion questions.

The heresies where mainly chosen from early church history. This book covered some of the same ground as Know the Creeds and Councils, but this book focused on the theological arguments while that book focused on the creeds developed in response to these heresies.

I'd recommend this book to those interested in knowing more about why Christians have historically believed certain core doctrines, especially those people intimidated by "theology" or "doctrine" books.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Know the Creeds and Councils by Justin Holcomb

Know the Creeds and Councils by Justin Holcomb ISBN-13: 9780310515098 Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: April 29, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.com.

Book Description from Back Cover:
In every generation, the Christian church must interpret and restate its bedrock beliefs, answering the challenges and concerns of the day. This accessible overview walks readers through centuries of creeds, councils, catechisms, and confessions - not with a dry focus on dates and places, but with an emphasis on the living tradition of Christian belief and why it matters for our lives today.

Know the Creeds and Councils is designed for personal study or classroom use, but also for small groups and Sunday schools wanting to more deeply understand the foundations of the faith. Each chapter covers a key statement of faith and includes a discussion of its historical context, a simple explanation of the statement’s content and key points, reflections on contemporary and ongoing relevance, and discussion questions.


My Review:
Know the Creeds and Councils is a summary of the historical discussions around what Christians believe. This wonderful, short book very effectively communicates the information. A layman--even a teenager--can understand the issues being discussed and why they were and are important. The author did an excellent job at defining (and continuing to define) theological words and explaining complex theological issues in an understandable way. I think this would be a great study for high school- or college-age church groups.

The book description very accurately describes the book. The author moved through history, from the first known creed ("I believe...") to recent meetings that issued statements of belief. He doesn't cover every council, but he picked important ones that give an idea of the discussions going on at the time and how they were resolved. He explained the main issues being discussed, why it was an issue, what statements of belief came from the meeting, and why it's relevant to us today. He also included some discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

I'd recommend this resource to those interested in knowing more about the history behind certain doctrinal statements, especially those people intimidated by "theology" or "doctrine" books. (Note: This book doesn't cover the Scriptural basis for the various beliefs, which probably should be studied first so you know why you believe what you believe.)


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur

The Truth About Forgiveness by John MacArthur ISBN-13: 9781400204151 Trade Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: May 1, 2012

Source: Review copy from the publisher received through the BookSneeze program.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Does anyone really want to forgive? Or admit that we need forgiveness? Whether we’re giving or receiving, forgiveness is hard. It seems unfair. It feels unnatural. And as best-selling author and pastor John MacArthur demonstrates, forgiveness apart from Christ is unnatural. It is only as we understand our need, Christ’s power and example, and what it really means to love that we can embrace two of the most liberating acts of love: forgiving and being forgiven.


My Review:
The Truth about Forgiveness is a Christian book primarily about God's grace and forgiveness toward us (though he also made the point that we should pass this forgiveness on to others).

The author started off with 12 pages (out of 112 pages) ranting about modern psychology. His points in relation to forgiveness could have been handled in 2 pages. I was hoping to be able to hand this book to unbelievers, but the rant came across to me as off-putting unless you already agreed with him (and I did), so I doubt that the people who need to know about forgiveness the most would even get past those pages.

What the book actually said about forgiveness was correct, but I was surprised at how often the author made comments--and even built his case for forgiveness--on things not actually mentioned in the Bible. And he could have easily stuck with the plentiful Scriptures that talk specifically about forgiveness.

For example, the author stated with certainty that the Pharisees had come in Luke 5:17-26 to condemn Jesus and thwart his popularity (page 23). This was early in Jesus' ministry, and nowhere in the 3 gospel accounts of this event does it state that this was their intention. And the Bible doesn't hesitate to say when it was someone's intent.

The author also portrayed the Pharisees as the main Bad Guys of the gospel, which books like Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus clearly demonstrate isn't true. Even in the Luke 5:17-26 event, two of the three gospel writers that talked about this event only mention the Scribes showing unbelief. Yet MacArthur focused on the Pharisees instead.

While I recognize that this wasn't meant to be a scholarly work, it would have been nice to know where he got his information about what Pharisee's believed (like his comments on page 61), the cultural information behind the parable of the prodigal son, and so on. He seemed to be making a lot of assumptions and even added to the Bible in an attempt to increase the impact of what was actually given in the Bible. For example, the Bible doesn't even mention a village in Luke 15:11-31, but the author spent several pages making a major point out of how the father saved his prodigal son from the shame of having to walk through the village (pages 72-80).

He also commented several times (for example, pages 18, 86) on how the Pharisees had made all these rules so that they could earn their way into rightness with God. Yet, as I understood it (and, unfortunately, I'm not sure which places I read this), the people came to those who knew the Law really well and asked them to make these boundaries so that they wouldn't sin accidentally.

It'd be like a young woman who wants to be modest asking her mother what, exactly, makes up modest clothing. Yes, it could easily turn into being all about necklines and hem lengths, but that doesn't mean the mother originally made those rules to make her daughter earn her righteousness.

Basically, I think there are books out there on the topic of forgiveness that are more focused on what the Bible actually does say on the topic, and I'd recommend them instead. (For example, Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past by Kay Arthur).


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Book Review: Dug Down Deep

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters by Joshua Harris Hardback: 253 pages Publisher: Multnomah Books First Released: 2010 Author Website Author on Twitter Book on Publisher's Website

Source: Review copy from publisher.

Back Cover Description:
What will you build your life on?

With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This is book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation—it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.

For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong."

Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture. As Harris challenges you to root your faith and feelings about God in the person, work, and words of Jesus, he answers questions such as:

*What is God like and how does he speak to me?
*What difference does it make that Jesus was both human and divine?
*How does Jesus's death on the cross pay for my sins?
*Who is the Holy Spirit and how does he work in my life?

With grace and wisdom, Harris will inspire you to revel in the truth that has captured his own mind and heart. He will ask you to dig deep into a faith so solid you can build your life on it. He will point you to something to believe in again.


Review:
Dug Down Deep was God-focused, Scripture-based, and contained truths that can change your life. It's a book about the character of God and how a correct view of God will change how we live--it will bring that peace we're all longing for, the sense of profound wonder and awe toward God that we know we should have, and more.

So, yes, this is a book on theology, but, to use Joshua Harris' own words,

...Theology matters....because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. What you believe about God's nature—what he is like, what he wants from you, and whether or not you will answer to him—affects every part of your life. Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong.

...We're either building our lives on the reality of what God is truly like and what he's about, or we're basing our lives on our own imagination and misconceptions.

We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.

Joshua Harris made the theological ideas easy to understand. He interspersed his personal experiences--how a correct understanding of a theological concept made a difference in his life--with various theological topics. He didn't exhaustively cover every theological idea, but he did cover the most important points and gave titles of books you can read for further study.

I liked chapters 3-7 best. I had some questions about how he described "remaining sin" and the "not yet" idea in chapter 8; I wasn't sure if it was a case of poor word choice or if he meant to convey something I didn't entirely agree with.

Overall, Dug Down Deep was an excellent, interesting, and easy-to-understand book. I'd highly recommend it, especially to those who wouldn't normally pick up a theology book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt from middle of Chapter One
When we talk about knowledge of God, we're talking about theology. Simply put, theology is the study of the nature of God—who he is and how he thinks and acts. But theology isn't high on many people's list of daily concerns.

My friend Curtis says that most people today think only of themselves. He calls this "me-ology." I guess that's true. I know it was true of me and still can be. It's a lot easier to be an expert on what I think and feel and want than to give myself to knowing an invisible, universe-creating God.

Others view theology as something only scholars or pastors should worry about. I used to think that way. I viewed theology as an excuse for all the intellectual types in the world to add homework to Christianity.

But I've learned that this isn't the case. Theology isn't for a certain group of people. In fact, it's impossible for anyone to escape theology. It's everywhere. All of us are constantly "doing" theology. In other words, all of us have some idea or opinion about what God is like. Oprah does theology. The person who says, "I can't believe in a God who sends people to hell" is doing theology.

We all have some level of knowledge. This knowledge can be much or little, informed or uninformed, true or false, but we all have some concept of God (even if it's that he doesn't exist). And we all base our lives on what we think God is like.

So when I was spinning around like Michael Jackson at youth group, I was a theologian. Even though I wasn't paying attention in church. Even though I wasn't very concerned with Jesus or pleasing him. Even though I was more preoccupied with my girlfriend and with being popular. Granted I was a really bad theologian—my thoughts about God were unclear and often ignorant. But I had a concept of God that directed how I lived.

I've come to learn that theology matters. And it matters not because we want a good grade on a test but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. What you believe about God's nature—what he is like, what he wants from you, and whether or not you will answer to him—affects every part of your life.

Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong.

---
I know the idea of "studying" God often rubs people the wrong way. It sounds cold and theoretical, as if God were a frog carcass to dissect in a lab or a set of ideas that we memorize like math proofs.

But studying God doesn't have to be like that. You can study him the way you study a sunset that leaves you speechless. You can study him the way a man studies the wife he passionately loves. Does anyone fault him for noting her every like and dislike? Is it clinical for him to desire to know the thoughts and longings of her heart? Or to want to hear her speak?

Knowledge doesn't have to be dry and lifeless. And when you think about it, exactly what is our alternative? Ignorance? Falsehood?

We're either building our lives on the reality of what God is truly like and what he's about, or we're basing our lives on our own imagination and misconceptions.

We're all theologians. The question is whether what we know about God is true.


Read chapter one.

Book Review: The Sacred Meal

The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher Hardback: 145 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson First Released: 2009

Source: Review copy from publisher

Book Description:
This book is part of a series exploring traditional spiritual disciplines. The Sacred Meal is about the Holy Communion. However, it's not about the historical or Biblical view of Communion since the author doesn't believe that the Bible is accurate or that the Christian religion is true. So the book is a memoir about what Communion has meant to the author.


Review:
The author wrote a lot of things that sound good or even profound, but her teachings aren't found in the Bible or in the historical understanding of Communion. When she paraphrased the Bible, she didn't do so accurately. She quoted her friends on Communion much, much more than she quoted the Bible. One time, she quoted as insightful a bishop's thought about Communion then told the story of how he, in all seriousness, gave Communion to a flock of geese (p.64). I had to wonder why the editor asked her to write about Communion. Overall, I can't recommend this book.

The following are things in the book that make me not recommend it:

The author isn't a Christian but believes a mix of religious teachings. "I, too, grew to see that the Christian story was not the only story for me" (page 72). She thinks it doesn't matter how you worship or what you believe, it only matters how you live (p. 119).

The author doesn't believe that the Bible is historically accurate or reliable (p. 110) and, at best, thinks we can only glean very generalized, symbolic teachings from it (p. 33, etc.). She thinks that Jesus was not perfect but progressively learned the perfect way to do things as he taught (p. 123) and that he changed his beliefs as he was influenced by various people he encountered (p. 62). He also was primarily focused on social justice (p. 22-24) and "resisting the power of the Roman Empire until he got himself into real trouble" (p. 18)--as in, resisting the Roman empire was why he was crucified.

Oddly, many of her examples of how Jesus "protested social injustice" happened to be areas where the Jews were following the laws given them directly by God rather than the instances where they were following traditions later added on by man. Her other examples ignore the clear reasons given in the Bible for his actions. Example: "By healing a leper, Jesus exposes the fact that lepers are isolated and abandoned. By healing a woman who had been bleeding for years, Jesus reveals she has been unfairly ostracized for something she did not cause and could do nothing about. By feeding the five thousand, Jesus shows everyone that people are hungry. By practicing nonviolence at every turn, Jesus unveils the violence that was the underpinning of the empire" (p. 22).

She also thinks that the "Kingdom of God" that Jesus taught about was merely a goal of earthly social justice and peace--an alternate earthly government or society we can bring about by our own efforts (p. 34). "We are all practicing together to become more and more the makers of the kingdom that is both under our feet and right around the corner" (p.38). And so "The practice of Communion reminds Christians of a meal and many meals shared by followers of a man who wanted them to see a new kingdom" (p. 55) and "...we can add to [the Holy Communion's] meaning and history" by working for social justice (p. 56). And "When we as a people live for that bread and cast our lot with it, we create nothing less than the kingdom for which Jesus gave his life. It is all around us, all the time, this beautiful world, just about to happen" (p. 83).

The author totally misses what event the Holy Communion celebrates/represents. "On the night of his life, Jesus said, 'Do this to remember me' (Luke 22:19 NLT). Many of us think these words...mean we're remembering Jesus when we drink of this cup and eat of this bread....I don't think Jesus was interested in everybody just remembering him. What's the point of that? That puts Jesus in the category with the various celebrities who will do anything to get into the media so we'll remember they're still alive. Instead, I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he wanted them to do could not be done alone. How the things he did could not have been done without them" (pp. 23-24).

The author describes what the Holy Communion is to her as "In the act of eating the wafer..., we open ourselves, our hearts and minds, to the place where there is no time and where everything is being remade and reborn, a mystery of recreation and reconstruction" (p. 85).

According to her, sin is "What holds me back from connecting to and deepening my relationship with timelessness and love" (p. 30).

And, according to her, Jesus was not seen in human form after he was crucified (p. 135). The gospel writers were trying to convey something more metaphysical; that he became nature itself (p. 131). "Christ is everywhere. In the beans in your garden, in the waters of the lakes and rivers and mountains held sacred by the first American nations, in the rocks and the trees, and, yes, even in the fabric of the hoods that were placed over the heads of the prisoners in Abu Gharib prison in Iraq" (p. 136) and "Christ is everywhere, especially in bread and wine....By this we are to understand that God is meant to be breathed in, God is meant to be bathed in, and finally, God is meant to be eaten" (p. 136). And "If Christ is everywhere, he is in us. We are his body now, his hands and his feet. We are all the ongoing incarnation" (p. 137).

More to the topic, who should partake of Holy Communion? "Certainly, it makes sense to have some kind of relationship to the Christian story in order to take Communion" (p. 88), but "Communion is so important to me that I don't think there should be rules about who can take it and who cannot." So if you desire to take Communion, do so (p. 96).

Is the Holy Communion meant as a symbol or do the bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood? According to the author, neither. "Holy Communion is an act of the imagination" (p. 94). Also, it is humans and their participation in the Holy Communion that make it sacred/sanctified (p. 84).

The book might be well-written in the grammatical sense, but her theology is whatever appeals to her. So I don't think she should have been the one to write on a traditional spiritual discipline even though she enjoys taking it.

Book Review: Called to Worship

Called to Worship by Vernon Whaley Hardback: 384 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson First Released: 2009

Source: Review copy from publisher

Back Cover Description:
Just as the narrative of redemption is interwoven through the pages of the Bible, God's plan for us to worship Him is articulated, explained, illustrated, documented, and applied throughout the pages of His Word. Called to Worship is the story of worship from Genesis through Revelation. It begins with the truth that God is the ultimate creator, and it concludes with the hallelujah chorus celebrating the consummation of God's eternal plan. Throughout, principles of worship are drawn from the lives of biblical heroes, ordinary people, events, Old and New Testament practices, biblical poetry, the wisdom books, the life of Christ, the epistles and prophecy.

This exploration of worship in the Scriptures is a resourceful tool for ministry professionals, as well as seminary students, who are interested in digging deeper into the roots of worship.


Review:
My one sentence review: Your time would be better spent in searching the Bible for what it says on worship rather than in reading this book.


Long review: Several years ago, my mother studied the Scripture for what the ultimate purpose of mankind was, and she learned some wonderful things about worship. I did a similar study and thought "everybody ought to do this...but I doubt I can convince many people to try it." So when I saw Called to Worship was a study on what the Bible had to say about worship, I was thrilled that someone had written the results of such study down for others. However, by the time I finished chapter two, I was extremely disappointed and frustrated.

Whaley rarely pointed out Scripture where God tells us how He wants to be worshiped--and there are plenty of them.

Instead, much of Called to Worship was the author's paraphrase of a Bible story (adding in motives that are usually not in the Bible and I often didn't think correct) with a small section at the end drawing lessons that he felt that Adam & Eve, Cain and Abel, Abram, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah, Jehoshaphat, and Job demonstrated about worship.

He asks the reader to trust his often very speculative take on how he thinks God wants to be worshiped instead of looking for what God stated on the subject. (For example, the Garden of Eden supposedly demonstrates that perfect worship is that which is done all alone and totally secluded from all distractions.)

Another thing that distressed me were statements Whaley made in chapters 2 and 3 which directly contradict Scripture. For example, his statements strongly imply he thinks God has no control over Satan and that God couldn't protect Adam and Eve from Satan's influence any more than a father can protect his son from hearing a man cussing in public. He also says that Satan always had dominion over the earth (rather than Adam), that Satan existed "before Creation" (so he isn't created?), that suffering and the curse on the earth came from Satan's actions (instead of Adam's), that all of the resulting suffering was outside God's plan and completely harmful (now here's someone who needs to read If God Is Good!). And, finally, that God lost to Satan--not the war in heaven, but the war on earth.

The author made some statements throughout the book that he later contradicted with a verse he quoted or a statement he made, and I sometimes was unsure just what he believed. I was very concerned about what someone not firm in Bible knowledge would think he was saying. (And, frankly, if you're familiar with the Bible, you won't learn anything new about worship from this book.)

The later sections of Called to Worship looked at books of the Bible (like Psalms, Proverbs, the epistles, etc.) and were better because the author stuck with actual Scripture. The only two chapters of this book that I felt were good were those studying how Jesus worshiped--Jesus is both God and the perfect worshiper so He is a good example.

The book was written in a very conversational style and was like a bunch of mini-sermons loosely focused on worship. While I did agree with some of the points he made, it was because I knew of verses that specifically state the point rather than because of the example.

So, as I said above, your time would be better spent in searching the Bible for what it says on worship rather than in reading this book. Don't bother spending your time or money on this book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt from Chapter One
It seems as if just yesterday my brother, Rodney, and I stood outside the doghouse of our Siberian husky, Chena, as she gave birth to a litter of six puppies. At eleven and thirteen, we had no idea that nature was simply acting out a normal, God-ordained process. But intuition told us we were witnessing a miracle. We had absolutely nothing to do with this phenomenon. We could neither cause nor prevent the births of these canine babies. But we were eyewitnesses of the breathtaking event that is birth.

In her book God's Story, Anne Graham Lotz uses the word eyewitness while explaining how God made the world: "Who was the eyewitness of Creation?" she wrote. "The simple yet astounding answer is God Himself!" God was the one writing, telling, and acting out the drama. He Himself developed the plot, prose, characters, and dramatic tension of a script placed in His heart long before the dawn of creation. And as the ultimate Storyteller, He alone is responsible for the pacing and continuity of the storyline.

Book Review: If God is Good

If God is Good by Randy Alcorn Trade Paperback: 528 pages Publisher: Multnomah First Released: 2009

Source: Review copy from publisher

Back Cover Description:
Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.


Review:
If God is Good is an excellent God-focused, Scripture-based book. It gives a comprehensive and balanced look at what the entire Bible says about evil and suffering. If you have any question about why an all-good, all-powerful, all-knowing God allows evil and suffering, this book thoroughly answers it. Some parts got a bit heavy and a few chapters weren't as convincing as others (like chapter 20), but most of the book was excellent and very easy to understand.

The major drawback to this book is it's sheer size. Five hundred pages is daunting enough for the average reader. When I realized that the small font makes this book equal to about 850 normal pages, I began to wonder just who the target audience was. Most people I know wouldn't have the time or interest in reading such a large book, no matter how good the material. This is too bad since the information is excellent.

However, part of the length problem is that there was a lot of repetition. I wonder if this book was really meant to be a debate reference book rather than a book read from beginning to end. In each section, he answers the question of evil and suffering from a slightly different angle and often repeats previous material in the argument. Yet you can't skip any part without potentially skipping the bits of excellent new material woven into it.

If you get into debates about evil and suffering and need to know all of the possible questions and answers, this is an excellent book to read. If you want to understand the idea of free will better, this is an excellent resource. If you're a pastor or ministry leader, you owe it to those you lead to know the information in this book. However, if you're suffering deep sorrow, I'd suggest reading Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow by Nancy Guthrie. It gives many of the same points in a sympathetic, caring manner and with much fewer words.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt from Chapter 5, page 41
As frequently expressed, the problem of evil assumes that an all-good, all-powerful, and all-knowing God cannot have good reasons for creating a universe in which evil and suffering exist. But shouldn't this assumption require some proof?

We may not understand why a good God would allow terrible suffering. But this merely establishes that if there is a God, we do not know everything he knows. Why should this surprise us?

Suppose we add only one premise to the argument that God is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving, and yet evil exists: God has a morally sufficient reason for permitting evil. You may disagree with this premise, but it does not contradict the others.

We've all seen people say or do things that we considered unjustifiable. When we later learn why they did them, everything may change. The man who passed us on the freeway, honking his horn, was driving his injured daughter to the hospital. Realizing he had compelling reasons, we say, "I get it now; I misjudged him."

To disprove the God of the Bible exists, someone must demonstrate there can be no moral justification of an all-good, all-powerful, and all-knowing God to allow evil. Has this been proven? No. This doesn't mean the question isn't valid, only that a question is not the same as proof.


Read from chapter one.

July/August Book: Because He Loves Me

Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick Hardback: 217 pages Publisher: Crossway Books First Released: 2008

Source: Bought from Books-A-Million

Back Cover Description:
Believing that a heart-felt desire to live a godly life flows from recognizing how you've been loved and transformed through Christ, Fitzpatrick seeks to help you embrace and apply God's love in every area of your everyday life. When you do, she says, the truth found in Because He Loves Me will become not merely your entrance into Christianity but the ambience of your entire Christian life.


Simply speaking, love changes people. Christians, then, by definition, should exhibit the greatest transformation of all because, rightly understood and cherished, God’s love makes them increasingly more like the One who has lavished his love on them.

This truth is meant to tell believers who they are, their purpose and destiny, and how to faithfully persevere in their struggles against all opposition. But sometimes people lose sight of this. Because He Loves Me restores that vision, reminding Christians of their true identity as beloved children of God—adopted by the Father, espoused to the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Christianity is not a self-improvement program but a transferring of identity and growth, accomplished in history through Christ and in our daily lives through his Spirit. This book explores and celebrates these truths in an unforgettable way. Study questions and invitations for deeper discovery conclude each chapter.


Excepts from the Introduction:
What I am saying is that once we’ve been saved, once we’ve understood and accepted the message of the gospel, the person and work of the Redeemer becomes secondary to what we’re focused on—living the Christian life. We love to remember him at Christmas and Easter. We adore him as the baby in the manger; we rejoice over the empty tomb. But aside from these two seasons, our attention is primarily focused on us, on our performance, on our spiritual growth. We know that the incarnation and resurrection are important truths to our initial salvation, but that’s pretty much where their impact ends.

Let me illustrate what I mean. If I asked you, “Where did the ongoing incarnation of Jesus Christ intersect with your life yesterday?” would you have an answer? We all know that the crucifixion is important for our initial salvation, but what did it mean to you this morning? Does Calvary inform and warm your heart when you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or hearing bad news from your doctor? Does his sinless life comfort you when you realize that you’ve just sinned in that same way again? In other words, is he significantly relevant to you in your daily walk with him?

....To put it another way, if I told you that this is a book about the gospel, would you automatically assume that it’s for unbelievers?

What I’ll be asking you to consider throughout this book may be summarized in one simple question: In your pursuit of godliness, have you left Jesus behind? Since this might be a new question for you, let me ask you a few more that will help clarify the answer.

-If I said that we're going to spend page after page considering God's love, would you feel the need to stifle a yawn? What does his transforming love mean to you today?

-Are you more focused on your performance for him or his for you?

-At the end of the day is there a rest in your soul because of him, or is there guilt and a determination that tomorrow you’re going to “do better”?

-Do you still feel the need to prove that you're not "all that bad”? Do you get angry when people criticize or ignore you?

-You know that Jesus is the Door. Do you see how he is your life? Could you tell me exactly how he has transformed your daily life?

As we work through the answers to these questions together, I want you to be encouraged. This is an endeavor that your Savior is passionate about. His great accomplishments, so personally costly to him, are not to be relegated to some introductory course that gets stored in the garage with old yearbooks. No, they’re to be constantly mused on and relentlessly rejoiced in by all who know them.

So let’s ask him to enlighten us now as we embark upon our journey back to Jerusalem, searching for the Beloved Son. ...he is joyfully and patiently waiting to reacquaint you with his love and to make his undiminished presence the most relevant aspect of your life. Let’s spend time thinking about our Savior and how what he has already done is meant to be the most significant characteristic of our faith and life for him.

Here's the first 38 pages of the book.


Why I Chose This Book:
This book focuses on Bible scripture and on Christ, and it can powerfully change your life. If you've been a Christian long, you may see that the first part of the book covers "the basics" which you think you know too well to bother reading again. But the author points out how the transforming power of Christ comes from the truths contained in those basics. The second part of the book discusses how to apply "the basics" to see God's transforming power work in your life.

This book is for anyone who wishes to get rid of some everyday bad habit, hurt, or sinful behavior but hasn't been successful. Basically, it's for any Christian who wants peace and victory in their lives instead of a nagging feeling of guilt and defeat.


For those interested in Because He Loves Me, ChristFocus Book Club is holding a giveaway of the book on June 1-14, 2009. See the giveaway blog entry for information on how to enter to win the book.