Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations by Jimmy Scroggins, Steve Wright

Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations by Jimmy Scroggins, Steve Wright, Bennett Leslee ISBN-13: 9781462747849 Paperback: 144 pages Publisher: B&H Books Released: Nov. 1, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
We live in a broken world. And the gospel is how God puts broken people back together again. Once we repent and believe in Jesus, God’s Spirit helps us recover and pursue His design. God is the one who created the world and every human being in it.

Authors Jimmy Scroggins and Steve Wright outline a reproducible method of sharing the gospel that has been tested in the real world. Turning Everyday Conversations Into Gospel Conversations equips believers to use the innovative "3 Circles," a user-friendly evangelistic tool for a new generation. The 3 Circles work, and this book will train you and your church members to use it. It doesn’t matter if you have been a Christian for decades or days, you can learn to do what God asks us to do—to make His appeal to others through us (2 Cor. 5:20). This short training manual will empower and inspire you to turn everyday conversations into gospel conversations.


My Review:
Turning Everyday Conversations into Gospel Conversations is a book about how to transition everyday conversations into a simple discussion about the gospel and about the 3 circles method of explaining the gospel. This method requires some practice if you want to become comfortable with it, but it's simple to use. It can be used by children to seniors and by new to long-time Christians. All you need is something to write with and write on.

The authors explained why they chose this method, how to transition conversations into the gospel, and how the 3 circles method works. You can use your own wording, but they gave examples of what you might say and do. One strength of this method is that it can be used by new believers to talk with their non-believing friends to explain the gospel. Overall, I'd recommend 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: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Mind of Terror by Tass Saada

The Mind of Terror by Tass Saada with Dean Merrill ISBN-13: 9781496411877 Trade Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Released: July 1, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
What motivates Islamic terrorists? What is in the mind of terror? Our news reports from the Middle East cover events--bombings, massacres, and suicide attacks. Our newscasters take time to explain who the players are--from Hezbollah to the Iranian Quds, from ISIS to the Palestinian National Authority. But there is something underneath these events and players that fuels atrocity after atrocity in the Middle East. What is it?

Tass Saada provides the answer to that question as he delves into the mind of terror, explaining what motivates extremist groups throughout the Middle East. A former Muslim and a onetime sniper with Yasser Arafat's Fatah organization, Tass has lived it himself. At age 42, he steered his life in a radical new direction, committing it to Jesus. Tass not only describes the motivations and aspirations of those who live in the Middle East, he also outlines a peaceful solution. We can plant seeds of hope that will transform not only the Middle East, but also our increasingly diverse neighborhoods at home.


My Review:
The Mind of Terror describes possible motives for terrorist activity, how people may respond, and how Christians can respond. The author (Tass Saada) was once a sniper for a terrorist group, so he knows firsthand what motivates terrorism. He provided a balanced, realistic view of people's motives and was sympathetic to certain reactions as being understandable even though they aren't desirable since they don't lead to a solution.

The author described the leading terrorist groups (which are not all Muslim) and the diversity of beliefs among Muslims. He explained how honor/shame cultures work and a variety of reasons why someone might become a terrorist. He looked at a number of ways that people respond to terrorism and explained why these reactions don't lead to peace.

He looked at verses in the Bible that Christians may not be aware of regarding Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac. Then he described a better way to respond and gave examples of people living out this better way. He looked at what motivates people to peace, how to earn the right to be heard, and what you can do (even if terrorists seem outside of your influence). I'd highly recommend 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: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World by Brian C. Stiller

An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World by Brian C. Stiller ISBN-13: 9780764217272 Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Released: Jan. 19, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Cutting ourselves off from Christians around the world is not an option. In many countries, the rise of persecution fuels concern over the safety and rights of believers, while other nations that used to be closed to the Gospel are seeing unprecedented numbers of conversions to Christianity. As global ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance, what Dr. Brian Stiller experiences on the ground in these nations is often counter to our impressions.

An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World includes country-specific insights calling us to a deeper understanding of the Christian church and witness. Each chapter also provides prayer challenges that come from believers in the country as well as maps and sample prayers. Nations from every continent are included. Take part in God's work by praying for the real needs of your brothers and sisters around the world.


My Review:
An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World described 41 countries and 11 ministries and suggested specific prayer needs for each. The selected countries are places the author has been during his work with the World Evangelical Alliance. Each section started with some information about the country's history and such. The author then described what he encountered when he visited (which wasn't always recent), specific groups at work or God's work in general in the country, or further details about a defining moment in that country's history. He ended each section with a Bible verse, items for prayer, and a suggested prayer.

This book can be used alone or with a small group. If you're not familiar with the challenges that Christians face in other countries, this book provides a good overview without overwhelming a person with too many countries.

The countries covered are: Somalia, South Africa, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Albania, Romania, China, Syria, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Japan, Egypt, Rwanda, South Korea, Honduras, Colombia, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Laos, Lebanon, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Malaysia, Kenya, South Sudan, Greece, Burma/Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, Czech Republic, Philippines, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia.

The ministries or topics that get their own section are: World Vision, Prison Ministry, Bishop John, Evangelist Nick, World Prayer Movement, Persecution and Martyrdom, The Pope, Muslims, Community of Sant'Egidio, International Prison Fellowship, Mexican Prisons.


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.

When Helping Hurts by Corbett & Fikkert

When Helping Hurts, Expanded Edition by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert ISBN-13: 9780802457066 Trade Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Moody Publishers Released: 2009; April 20, 2012

Source: Borrowed a friend's copy.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do considerable harm to poor people and themselves. This book is a must read to help create an effective and holistic ministry to the poor.

The book covers essential steps like assessing a situation to see if relief, rehabilitation, or development is the best response to a situation. The authors explain the advantages of an "asset based" approach rather than a "needs based" approach. Short term mission efforts are addressed and economic development strategies appropriate for North American and international contexts are presented, including microenterprise development.

Questions at the beginning and end of each chapter assist in applying the material. This expanded version includes a new chapter to further explain how to apply the book's principles to your situation.


My Review:
When Helping Hurts explores how current methods of helping the poor might do more harm than good to everyone involved. They also explore methods that can be more helpful long-term.

The authors believe the Bible's explanation of what's wrong with this world. They recognize and explain how a person's worldview can be a part of what is keeping them in poverty, so it's essential to teach a correct worldview based on the Bible for lasting change. (For example, if you worship rats and therefore won't stop them from eating your stored grain, then teaching you ways to grow more grain won't really help.)

I came to some of their same conclusions long ago. They explain how poverty is not solely a lack of possessions or money, though that is a result of the problem. You need to take the time to understand the culture and the situation rather than assuming you know what they need. It's about listening--about relationships and mindsets. It's not something you can fix with a handful of money and a few hours of your time.

They talk about the problems with current methods of poverty alleviation and how other approaches work better. They explain how to apply these principles in various situations, though they give the most detail in their American poor outreach examples. They talk about what we've done wrong--the authors, too--but how not getting things perfect shouldn't stop us from trying. They do talk about the problems with short-term mission trips and similar methods, but they also explain how these methods might be modified to create more positive, long-term impact for everyone involved.

Overall, I'd recommend that everyone read this book just so that they can get be exposed to other ways of thinking. I'd especially recommend it to those involved with missions and outreaches who are open to trying new approaches or to considering that there might be better ways to help the poor.


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.

Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire

Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire ISBN-13: 9781616386979 Trade Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: Charisma Media Released: September 4, 2012

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Though Kristine McGuire was raised in a Christian home, at an early age she became fascinated by the occult. At sleepovers she and her friends told fortunes and held séances. As a teenager she was convicted and put all games of mysticism aside. She went to a Christian college and married a Christian man. But despite her decision to follow God, a longing for the occult persisted, leading her to leave her church and husband and to embrace witchcraft.

Escaping the Cauldron takes you deep inside Kristine’s eight-year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. Part Bible study, part memoir, it exposes the subtle occult influences that affect us as it reveals how God mercifully delivered her out of the occult altogether and restored her faith and life in Christ


My Review:
Escaping the Cauldron is a memoir with a focus on the times when the author was involved in the occult. We learn why she was interested in the occult, how she got into it, what types of things she did (as a witch, medium, and ghost-hunter), and what caused her to stop these activities.

We're told some details about the occult practices she did, but it's to compare them to Christian practices. For example, she saw someone describe magick as "prayer with props," so she described for us the attitude and intent (and ritual) behind magick versus that for prayer. The author showed a very good Scriptural understanding of the purpose of Christian practices, etc., and why these are different from the occult at their foundation. The author discussed the truth behind the paranormal according to the Bible. Throughout the book, she quoted what Scripture has to say about these things.

I'd recommend this book to those who wish to reach out to those in the occult (and so wish to better understand it and what the Bible says about it). I'd also recommend it to Christians who dabble with the occult (horoscopes, yoga, angel oracle, etc.) because they don't see the harm in it. I wouldn't give this book to a Christian Witch or someone who doesn't hold the Bible as their sole authority, though.


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.

Dancing with the Devil by Jeff Harshbarger

Dancing with the Devil: An honest look into the occult from former followers by Jeff Harshbarger ISBN-13: 9781616386955 Trade Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Charisma House Released: September 4, 2012

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Jeff Harshbarger and his friends know about occult practices. After two unsuccessful suicide attempts and an offer to become a human sacrifice, Jeff left his life of Satanism to pursue a life with God. Dancing With the Devil tells his story along with the stories of nine others who have walked similar paths, including:

• Satanism
• Witchcraft
• Demon possession
• Spiritualism
• Psychic vampirism 

Each author’s account reveals the spiritual truths that enabled him or her to break free. Their stories weave a tapestry that shows the true face of the occult and the path we can take to break Satan’s hold on those caught in its crosshairs.


My Review:
Dancing with the Devil is a collection of testimonies from ten people who were once involved in occult practices (or, in one case, it was the son who was) and who are now Christians. They talked about why they were drawn to the occult, what it did to their lives and how they felt emotionally while involved in the occult, what finally freed them from what had become a life of torment, some information about what people believe in Wicca, witchcraft, Satanism, etc., and how Christians can effectively reach out to those involved in the occult.

I was interested in this book because a teen girl I care about has gotten engaged to a boy who says he's both a Christian and a Wiccan. This book did a good job at explaining the mindset of those who get involved with the occult--including those who think they can be both Christian and involved in the occult. Overall, I felt the people writing these testimonies had a solid understanding of what the Scriptures teach about demons and the occult, so I felt they were giving solid advice. I'd recommend this book to Christians interested in the occult (so you know why it's dangerous) and to those looking for advice on reaching out to those involved in the occult.


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.

Dreams and Visions by Tom Doyle

Dreams and Visions by Tom Doyle with Greg Webster ISBN-13: 9780849947209 Trade Paperback: 286 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: September 4, 2012

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.

Book Description from Booksneeze:
Jesus appears to be revealing Himself to Muslims through powerful dreams and visions throughout the Islamic world today, and the results are dramatic.

Eleven years ago, Pastor Tom Doyle felt God calling him to leave the pastorate and become a full-time missionary in the Middle East and Central Asia. Through his extensive work in the region, which includes over 80 trips to places like Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey, Tom has met and recorded the stories of former Muslims who were first introduced to Jesus through either a dream or a vision that powerfully opened their hearts to become followers of Christ. Though they live in the most dangerous places in the world for people who leave Islam and embrace Christ, their passion for the Savior is contagious and inspirational.

These are never-before-told stories from the front lines of the world of Islam. Through these unexplained supernatural occurrences, more Muslims have become believers in the last ten years than in the last 15 centuries of Islam.

• Why would God use dreams to reach the Muslim world?
• Can dreams and visions be trusted?
• What happens after these people experience a dream or vision?

In Dreams and Visions, Tom Doyle takes the reader deep into the heart of the Middle East to meet believers who have been directly touched by the very hand of God.


My Review:
Dreams and Visions contains confirmed, first-hand accounts of Muslims who have dreamed about or had visions of Jesus. These dreams motivated them to seek out Christians and ask questions about Jesus and for a Bible to read. Christians have been able to use these visions as a way to lead Muslims to Christ. It was exciting to read about how God is powerfully working in the Middle East!

Do I believe God can send dreams and visions? Of course. There are examples of this in the Old and New Testaments, so I see no reason why God would stop doing so. I've read countless first-hand accounts from missionaries from all over the world throughout history where a vision of Christ prepared the people to accept the missionary's message.

For those who might find this a new idea, though, rest assured: No one in the book claimed that the dreams themselves caused a conversion, only that it opened the way for Muslims to start asking questions that they otherwise wouldn't have. The Christians were also careful to tell the dreamers to test what the Jesus in the dreams said against the Bible to make sure the dreams were truly from God.

The book also contained a lot of information about what it's like to be a Christian or to convert to Christianity in the various countries mentioned. The last section was about what Americans can do to reach out to their Muslim neighbors.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in how God is at work and how to reach out to Muslims.


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.

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan

Ascent from Darkness: How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior by Michael Leehan ISBN-13: 9780849947032 Trade Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: Oct. 4, 2011

Source: Review copy from the publisher that was requested through Booksneeze.

Book Description from Booksneeze:
A life of difficulty and disappointment set 33-year old Michael Leehan up for the worst decision of his life—to make a deal with the Devil to follow and serve him. Practicing the dark arts that include ritualistic cuttings and blood sacrifices, while fine tuning his manipulation and control skills, Michael launched into a twenty year downward spiral that included job loss and detachment from loved ones, and even jail time.

But God had another plan that included a group of Christian men to love him and pray for him—even when it became evident his assignment from Satan was to kill their pastor, Craig Groeschel.

The life Michael Leehan lives today is an incredible testimony of the transforming power of God's mercy and grace, but is also a wakeup call to the church to be fully aware of the spiritual war that is going on all around them, and to the ultimate battle for their souls.

"I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18


My Review:
Ascent from Darkness is a memoir of a man who made a pact with Satan to serve him and who found that pact destroying his life. Still, Michael was afraid of giving up the power he thought his pact gave him, and he wasn't initially interested in surrendering to a God he'd been angry at since childhood. And Satan wasn't about to let Michael go serve his enemy.

It's a compelling story. Michael managed to describe the emotional and life-changing impact of his actions without getting into gory details about Satanic practices. In fact, he's very vague about many of the rituals he did (which I think was very wise for multiple reasons--for example, you can't learn how to do a satanist ritual by reading this book. And the book would have been much darker).

If you have a hard time believing in real, evil spiritual forces, you'll probably have a hard time believing this book. If you think everything bad has a demon behind it that needs to be cast out, you'll probably be disappointed. While Michael makes it clear that spiritual forces are all around us, what he describes is very in line with what the Bible teaches about angels, fallen angels, and how Christ can free those who surrender to Him.

I think this book is important for Christians to read because most don't really think about the spiritual battles being fought around them. Also, Michael talked about how, as a satanist, he'd go into churches and quote Scripture in ways to mislead Christians or try to disrupt Bible Studies by bringing up controversial subjects or by seducing the women. He pointed out something that has long concerned me: how churches tend to get people to say "the sinners prayer" and baptized but then don't make a point of mentoring them in the faith. This leaves new believers vulnerable to lies about God.

This is an excellent book, and I'd highly recommend it.


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 from chapter one.