Category: books

Have You Seen The Gospel Transformaiton Bible

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Gospel Transformation Bible The ESV Gospel Transformation Bible is an incredible bible that seeks to empower readers to understand the gospel throughout storyline of the entire Bible and help readers draw life changing, heart altering application. I’ve really enjoyed reading my copy and was amazed at the depth and simplicity of each section. The integrity of the scripture is preserved at the top of the page while notes appear in a distinct font at the bottom of the page (much like footnotes or explanatory notes). Each book (Such as Ezra)  or section (such as Psalms 1-50) is covered by an author (and there is a long list of well studied and well known pastors, authors and speakers from varying backgrounds  such as JD Greer, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Kevin DeYoung, Scotty Smith, Jared C. Wilson, Burk Parsons, R. Kent Hughes, and Bruce Ware… Just to name a few).  The entire project then falls under the editorship of Bryan Chapell (General Editor) and Dane Ortlund (Managing Editor).

It’s a fantastic work full of great insight that provokes the heart to worship. For those who are unfamiliar with the discipline of a Biblical Theology (what this ends up being) there is an article at the front from the general editor that explains the intent and conclusions drawn in the notes.

Overall I think it’s a compelling study Bible and well worth your time and investment. It’s a handy tool for pastors, bible study leaders and teachers who are always looking for how to make sure every lesson contains a gospel element. It can be especially helpful for a new believer or someone trying to read through the bible for the first time. Ultimately what you have in the Gospel Transformation Bible is a celebration of the gospel in every text.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this Bible free from Crossway as part of their Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The God Puzzle

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

THe God PuzzleThe God Puzzle: How the Bible fits together to reveal God as Your Greatest Treasure by Valerie Ackermann is a workbook that seeks to engage children with the rich truths of God’s Word. I’ve been working through it with my 7-year-old daughter as part of a morning devotional time. I’ll cook breakfast while she works in the book on the bar behind me. She has a hunger to learn about God, loves any kind of homework and is eager to work on any project we do together so this format is right up her ally.

I don’t know how well the format will work with my son when he is old enough to work through something like this. His personality is different and I don’t see him having enough patience to complete a lesson without diligent supervision. We’ll see when he gets there.

The book leads readers to look up scripture to answer questions and has a host of different exercises like matching, crossword puzzles, etc. It’s great for someone who already has a basic grasp on how to look things up in the bible, but will require help if you child is still learning the books of the bible, etc.

Over all I think this is a great tool but probably used best as a parent-child project. I wouldn’t just hand this to my daughter and ask her to work through it out (though I might if she were at the top end of this age range). I can see it being a great conversation starter, devotional material, and even home school teaching aid. For more information about this book and what others are saying about it check out this link from the Litfuse Group: http://litfusegroup.com/author/vackermann

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse as part of their Blog Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’m Busy Right Now, But Check Out This Book

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Time ManagementLeave a comment

crazy busyCrazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung is a fascinating book about reigning in the business of life and focusing on what is most important. This book is a breath of fresh air for those who are looking for a biblical perspective on a busy life. DeYoung does not share a single time management trick in this book, rather he shares a biblical approach to a busy life. He brings a solid pastoral perspective and thus shepherds the reader to focus on the things that really matter rather than an aimless pursuit of being busy.

If the book were to have a weakness I would say that it is the author’s tedious qualifications. The tone and the tenor of the book comes across as almost apologetic at times. Indeed the whole first chapter, which serves more as an introduction than a chapter, is one giant qualification on why and how he wrote the book. Though it’s a bit belaboring to read through his qualifications, I do appreciate the clarity and brevity with which DeYoung writes (the book is 128 pages).

Overall I thought it was a fantastic and much needed book. The content was great and the authors style is engaging and helpful. It’s a short read which means that even the busiest of people can find time to read it along the way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway as part of their Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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101 Books in a Year

On By pastorjonathanIn blogging, books, spiritual disciplinesLeave a comment

A couple of years ago I set out on an ambitious adventure to read 100 books in one year. I exceeded my page goal but came up about 18 books shy by the dead-line. At the time I was finishing up my master’s degree. This year I am unencumbered by school work (I’m not writing papers) and I wanted to challenge myself to again read 100 books in a year.

101 Books? You may be thinking, “Hey the title says 101 books?” I know. In addition to reading 100 regular books I want to continue my tradition of reading the Bible all the way through at least once this year. (The Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, but for my purposes here I’ll count it as one). At the bottom of my book list I’ll keep a tab of the 66 books of the Bible and how many times I’ve read each book since the start date (some shorter books I’ll have read dozens of times before the end of the year… For example I read the book of James about 46 times this summer). This is the first time I’ve measured my scripture reading against my other reading.

What kind of books? I’ll be reading all sorts of books according to my interests. I’ve decided this year to limit my fiction intake and make an intentional shift to read more science, nature, history, business, and economics books in addition to a heavy lean towards theology.

Why November? Obviously starting in November may seem a bit out of the norm, but in analyzing my reading patterns I came to realize that I read more when the daylight hours are shorter. I hope to pass the 50 book mark in March and provide myself with a comfortable lead going into summer.

Why Blog about it? I wanted to blog about it for two reasons. One, for accountability. I want others to know my goals and feel some pressure to meet them. The second reason is to provide a forum for interaction. I’m hoping you’ll provide me with solid leads on good books, encouragement and a challenge (I know some of you read incredibly more than 100 books a year).

What have you read so far? I’ll be keeping a list of books I’m reading, have read, and the scripture I’ve read on the page marked 101 books (current). I’ll be updating it weekly. Feel free to provide your comments and recommendations. I’m looking forward to the journey.

A Story of Restoration and Hope for the American Family

On By pastorjonathanIn books, ManhoodLeave a comment

978-1-4143-6394-3I read Road Trip to Redemption: A Disconnected Family, a Cross-Country Adventure, and an Amazing Journey of Healing and Grace a while back and was greatly encouraged.  The Author, Brad Matthias, shares a detailed story about his family’s breakdown and reconnection. The book chronicles a road trip that the author and his family took in search of healing.

I grew up in the general area where most of the road trip takes place (the North West US and Southern Canada) and I remember traveling to some of the same sights with my parents and grandparents. So I have to admit that part of me was longing to go on a similar trip just to re-live part of my childhood.

The real gold to the story though wasn’t the tale of the open road (though the Matthias family does encounter a few obstacles and victories along the way), but of how the family reconnected throughout the journey. I appreciated the insights shared by the all the family members in their journals and was blessed to be able to share in their journey in a small way. I don’t think this book was intended to be an instruction manual as much as an encouragement. The author is transparent in his struggle to illustrate that he hasn’t always been there for his family like he should, but even broken families can be restored and brought back together through the power of the gospel.

I really liked this book and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good non-fiction read. It’s especially good for dad’s who are looking at how to reconnect with their teenagers. It’s really not a “how to” manual, but it does provide some solid advice in the form of a story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

As One Devil to Another by Richard Platt (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Uncategorized1 Comment

I read As One Devil to Another last week and was blown away at the insight into human nature the book provided.  The Author, Richard Platt, writes in the same style as C. S. Lewis in his book, The Screwtape Letters. The book chronicles a series of fictional letters exchanged between two demons on the nature of deceiving and tempting the human to which one is assigned.

As One Devil to Another is well written for it’s genre and reads faster than one might suspect for a book full of “letters.” There are a few points where the author seems to press his view a bit more than the writing style intends to hold, but for the most part the insight into the human heart is spot on and even creepy.

I really liked this book and highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of C. S. Lewis’ The Screw Tape Letters. As One Devil to Another is also a great read for pastors, teachers, etc. who are looking for a reminder or need a refresher on just how easily we are deceived. I give it 5 Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, FictionLeave a comment

I picked this book up late one evening to read thinking that I’d read it during the evenings all week this week and ended up reading it before work the next day. I just couldn’t put it down. Crazy Dangerous is one of the most engaging, adventure paced Young Adult novels I have ever read.

The main character Sam lives a believable, yet fast paced adventure. He’s a likable guy who just wants to be liked and be part of a group… any group. He makes some pretty dumb decisions along that end up costing him. Mysteriously in the mix of all the action he picks up the motto, “Do right, fear nothing” off a small statue in his Father’s office and presses on with the motto to get himself and others out of some pretty tight jams.  A little bit of heroism and virtue go a long way in helping him to protect a friend and save his town from destruction.

I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone interested in reading a well written, well told adventure story. It is about the best I have ever read in Christian Fiction. You can score a copy at Amazon.com for a little more than ten bucks. I give it Five Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our Favorite Sins by Todd Hunter (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, discipleship, Ministry, spiritual disciplinesLeave a comment

Have you ever wrestled with a sin issue? You knew that you had to change, but change seemed impossible. Or maybe you’ve been attending a bible study or even church service and while you feel educated at the end of the event you know somehow that transformation doesn’t just come with education. Something more needs to happen.  Then this book is for you.

In his book, Our Favorite Sins, Todd Hunter undertakes the topic of fighting sin and does it in an ancient, yet relevant way. I think he is on to something. Many of us in the mainline protestant churches have been quick to dismiss many of the traditional church seasons and disciplines simply because we’ve considered them to be the “Catholic” thing, without giving much thought to the actual benefits of say fasting or praying the hours.  It’s a great book and well worth a read and I think it will help anyone who is seriously interested in dealing with the sin in their lives.

I really enjoyed reading Our Favorite Sins. I had the pleasure of reading it on my Kindle Touch and found myself unable to put it down.  I highly recommend it to anyone interested in growing in a relationship with Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books8 Comments

The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook by Jeff Kinley is one of the first books I have had the pleasure of reading as an e-book!  That aside, here is the review:

The format of the book is somewhat intriguing.  Kinley weaves an engaging story around zombies for about half of the book. The other half he unravels the zombie allegory. What the reader is left with is a chapter by chapter alternation between zombie allegory and the frame work for a kind of Biblical worldview.

Overall I really appreciated the book. The story is engaging and Kinley does have a gift for writing.  However, I think this is one good idea that didn’t really reach its fully intended purpose. The non-fiction chapters were too lengthy and engaging to be placed between the fiction chapters. They would have served better as an optional discussion and reading guide at the end of the book. There were also some places where I thought that perhaps Kinley was trying to press the metaphor too hard (all metaphors break down somewhere and a good author will make the break at the right place).

One new master of metaphor that I have come to appreciate in this genre is Matt Mikilatos. You can catch his unique monster story in his new book, Night of the Living Dead Christian.  You can read my brief review here.

I enjoyed reading this book. I give it three stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

More Books, Less Space: My Journey from the Library to the Kindle Touch

On By pastorjonathanIn books9 Comments

I have a confession to make… I really enjoy reading books.  So I have a decent  library. Ok, actually it’s kind of big. Not too big, but big enough… Well let’s just say that in one of the offices that has my books, we will never have to worry about wall paper.

I’m sure that if we got into a library measuring contest that some of you would put me to shame, but in my estimation and compared to your average reader… it’s a lot!  In fact I hate to actually say this in a public forum, I counted my assets in how many books I owned (I know used books don’t sell for much, but that didn’t stop me from getting an extra insurance policy on them).

So then the kindle followed by the nook and I-pad came along and started ruining my day. All the sudden it seemed possible for someone to have volumes of books that could be readily accessed at the touch of a button or screen. Or even better someone could mention a book and you could look it up right then. The only draw back was… well … it wasn’t a book. There is just something about that new book smell and the feel of the pages in your hands. Am I the only one that feels this way?

Recently I figured out that this e-book stuff isn’t going away and so I determined that I should try and get on board so I got a Kindle Touch for Christmas. The idea of having the same copy of a book I am reading available on multiple devices and the idea of throwing 3500 books into briefcase and being able to carry it are really what swayed me. Now that I have the device… I love being able to see how many other readers have highlighted a section of a book, doing a word search on a book, and even being able to post a passage to twitter or facebook.

I’m still not a convert, but now that I have a device in my hand it’s becoming easier to envision a day when I have instant access to more books and have to worry less about shelf space.

So what about you? Have you made the transition from books to an e-reader yet? What moved you forward or is holding you back? What are some features you like or don’t like about your e-reader?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”