Category: books

A Review of “Possession” by Rene Gutteridge

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Possession by Rene Gutteridge is a fast paced action thriller with a subtle bent towards Christianity.  The D.C. sniper case becomes an excellent background as the lead character Vance Graegan, a former detective sells everything to move his family across the nation to California to start over.  However, in the process of the movers decide to hold the Graegan’s possessions for ransom.  enraged, Vance puts his background as a detective to work to reclaim his family’s belongings.  However, everything soon gets complicated as secrets about Vance’s past come to light.

I was very drawn into reading this book.  The author has an excellent knack for timing and setting the hook of a story.  I found myself very engrossed in the drama and dialogue.  The first two-thirds of the book were very well-developed.  However, the last third of the book, though still a good read, seemed somewhat pressed.  I felt as though more could have been done to flesh out the character of the villan and some of Vance’s past secrets.  I sense that if the author were to add 100 pages of refined plot development along these lines that the book would read much better all the way through.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to read clean action oriented fiction with a Christian sub-text. The retail price of Possession is $12.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $9.87. I gave it three 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.”

If God is Good By Randy Alcorn (a Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, UncategorizedLeave a comment

If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil is by far one of the best books I have ever read on the subject of evil and suffering.  Randy Alcorn is a very skilled writer and takes on this difficult subject in a way that answers questions, provides hope, and points the way forward for those who find themselves in the midst of suffering.  Randy writes to a broad audience balancing the full counsel of scripture with scholarly philosophical arguments, while noting the suffering of individuals and sharing their stories of faith (or lack their of) in the midst of suffering.

I highly recommend this book to everyone.  For those who are suffering, you will find a challenge to think through the pain, see past the false accusations and gain insight on how to grasp hold of God in the midst of your darkest hour.  For those who are not currently suffering, you will encounter suffering in your life. Why not have a good resource already on the shelf and walk through the issues before you get there?

This book has already been a great use to me in gaining perspective on suffering.  I give it my highest recommendation.  To my knowledge it is the best written, easy to reference, and most concise book on the subject of suffering.  The retail price of If God is Good is $24.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $16.49. I gave it five stars.

If you pick up a copy somewhere or know of a similar book on the subject, let me know.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy ofthis book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books 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.”

Renewing Your Mind by R. C. Sproul

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Renewing Your Mind: Basic Christian Beliefs You Need to Know by R. C. Sproul is a great book covering the basic Christian beliefs.  Sproul uses the Apostles Creed (quoted below) as a guideline for what beliefs are basic to Christianity.  Each chapter is written to take up a different core belief and expound on essential Christian doctrine.  Sproul does a great job in providing a little history behind the creed and helping the reader to understand the use of some of the words and phrases that may sound a little different to those who are not familiar with church history.

Over all it was a great book and I’m glad I pulled it off the shelf and finally read it.  Sproul writes with an engaging yet informational style.  I would recommend this book for anyone interested in growing deeper in their faith and understanding some of the core doctrines of Christianity.  Over all I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars.

 

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.

Amen.

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.”

A Must Read for Christian Parents

On By pastorjonathanIn books, discipleship, Family, parentingLeave a comment

Rock-Solid KIDS by Larry Fowler is a must read for Christian parents, Children ministry directors, Pastors and even youth pastors.  The book outlines a Biblical premise for ministry to children starting in the home and supplemented by the church.  The book is full of biblical wisdom and key insights.

The author didn’t share anything new or unfamiliar to me as a father, but did reaffirm several things my wife and I have sought to do as parents. That being said, I do highly recommend this book for three reasons:  It is brief, It is well written, and It contains the best chapter on sharing the gospel with children that I have ever read.

The book is only 142 pages, yet it packs punch.  You won’t find any wasted words or long diatribes.  Author Larry Fowler has done an outstanding job of  keeping the message simple and straightforward. The 8th chapter on sharing the gospel with children is one of the clearest and most straightforward I have ever read.  The 8th chapter alone is worth the market price of the book.  As a parent I’m grateful to our Minister to children for putting it in my hands.

I  highly recommend Rock-Solid KIDS to anyone who has influence in the lives of kids.  I can see it being especially helpful and encouraging for parents and ministers to children. The retail price is $17.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $14.03.  I gave it five stars.

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.”

Review: Then Sings My Soul (special edition)

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Then Sings My Soul Special Edition by Robert J. Morgan is a great book with background on 150 most loved hymns.  The collection of hymns centers on the holidays with the first sections being devoted to Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.  The assortment then moves on to patriotic hymns as well as classical favorites such as “Amazing Grace” and “Just as I am.”

The book is paperback and has a picture of a beautiful green meadow on the front cover.  The pages are roughly cut giving it an old world feel in a modern jacket.  The format is simple and clear.  Each song takes up two pages, one page contains the hymn (complete with musical score just like you would find in a hymnal), the other page contains the background information to the hymn.

I  highly recommend Then Sings my Soul to anyone interested in the stories behind the hymns.  I can see it being especially helpful and encouraging music ministers. The retail price is $19.99 (paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $13.59.  I gave 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.”

Bible Recommendations (the Bibles that I read, like or use.)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, discipleship1 Comment

I’m often asked, “what Bible do you recommend?”  While on the surface this seems like a simple and straightforward question, it really requires some thought and reflection on who the Bible is for… so with that in mind, here are some of the best Bible’s that I have come across and who I would recommend them for.

For the ultra Bible nerd like myself…English Standard Version (Black Calfskin, Journaling Bible). The picture above is what mine looked like before all the yellow visitor passes got stuck to it.  It retails for about $75, but Amazon has it for less than $50.

The Jesus Story Book Bible is by far the best Children’s Storybook Bible that I have ever seen!  Sally Lloyd-Jones does an excellent job of staying faithful to the narrative while pointing children to the central message of the Bible.  You can read my review and see some videos of the Bible here.  It retails for around $25, but you can get it on Amazon for less than $17.

Baby’s Hug-a-Bible is by far one of the better resources I have seen on the market for younger children. It has a soft wool-like cover and firm, sturdy pages that are ready for the rugged wear that a toddler can put on book.  This is the Bible that we picked out for our 1-year-old this year.  It normally retails for around $15, but Amazon has been running it on sale for just over $10.

Girls Life Application Study Bible NLT is by far one the best Bibles I have seen for pre-teen to early teen girls.  You can read my whole review here. It normally retails for around $30, but Amazon has been running it on sale for less than $20.

 

Word of Promise Next Generation – New Testament: Dramatized Audio Bible on USB Bracelet is one of my favorite audio Bibles to listen to.  It is geared for teenagers.  I like the adaptability of a USB Bracelet for carrying your Bible around. (amazing the things we can do with technology.)  I’ve also uploaded mine to my Iphone and have the scriptures intermingled with songs on my playlist.  It retails for around $40, but Amazon has it for just over $30.

Of course I also like the free “Bible.is App”  from faithcomesbyhearing.com.  It’s a free ESV audio Bible for your Iphone.

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.”

A Review of David Platt’s book “Radical”

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To be honest I really have mixed reviews about David Platt’s book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Maybe with all the hype, I was expecting more.  If you want my honest and straight forward opinion I think its weak, premature and largely borrows from the work of others without giving them fair credit: While at the same time, I sense that Dr. Platt is pointing us in the right direction.

First, I think Dr. Platt’s arguments are weak.  He is like a doctor who can find the pulse, but has no cure.  Yes, America is consumed with consumerism.  Yes, we are materialistic.  Yes, we are wealthy compared to three-quarters of the world. Yes,  a large portion of the world in need of the gospel and basic humanitarian aid.  Yes, we should change that.  If this book were just about that, it would be prophetic:  Find the issue, declare what God has said about it.  The weakness arises when Platt tries to usher a new way forward based on his limited experiences as the pastor of a mega-church.

That is why it may be a bit premature.  We are in no shortage of books touting short-term and even untried solutions.  Everyone sharing the gospel should have success stories to share.  The fact is that the Holy Spirit moves both in us and sometimes in spite of us as pastors, teachers, and leaders.  The real question is, will the “Radical Experiment” produce long-term results or will we have forgotten about it by next year?

I’m troubled that much of what Platt says appears to be patterned off of messages, books, and articles I’ve read by Dr. John Piper.  I guess I wouldn’t be as troubled if I saw that Platt recognized that he has been heavily influenced by Dr. Piper.  To me this just appears to be complete ignorance of the loudest voice and call to the “radical” lifestyle or intellectual dishonesty on Platt’s part.

That being said, I sense that Platt is on to something.  He is pointing in the right direction.  I heard enough of his voice in his writing to sense that he caries a genuine passion to revolutionize the world with the gospel.  I hope he does.  I pray that God uses him and his book to stir many more into awareness and action.   I really liked his 5 fold challenge to take up the ‘radical experiment’ at the end of the book.  I hope he writes another book or even revises “radical” in 10 years with more of what God has taught him.  He has a voice at the table of American evangelicalism, I pray he uses it well.

If you are looking for an emotional stirring to challenge you to take up the mantle of global missions to the poor,  this book is for you and I would recommend you to read it.  The retail price of Radical is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $5.50. I gave it three stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books 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 Lost Letters of Pergamum (Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, HistoryLeave a comment

Lost Letters of Pergamum, The: A Story from the New Testament World by Bruce W. Longenecker is a great read for anyone fascinated by the cultural settings of early Christianity.  Written as a fictitious exchange of letters, primarily between a nobleman named Antipas and Dr. Luke, the writer of Luke’s gospel.  The book is written in a way that is engages the imagination, yet maintains a level of historical accuracy that is seldom demonstrated in historical novels.

If you want to know more about the world in which the New Testament was written, but have a hard time getting excited about a text-book, this book is for you.  However, if you are a fan of fiction (and not a fan of history) you may quickly become bored.  The book is written to be a collection of letters and therefore reads as the voice of two or three narrators, thus leaving out the action, metaphors, etc. that normally accompany great fictional works.

If you are looking to get a broader picture of the customs and manners of the New Testament world in a way that is more engaging than a regular text-book, then  this book is for you.  The retail price of The Lost Letters of Pergamum is $17.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $12.23. I gave it four stars.

 

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.”

Amazing Book that Clarifies the real issues at Stake in Palestine

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Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices is the autobiography of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the primary founders of Hamas.  The book is face paced, action packed, and full of real life drama.  I am not greatly familiar with the Israeli – Palestinian conflict, but became familiar through this book. I am deeply greatful to Mosab Hassan Yousef for his courage in writing such a book.  His heart bleeds for peace and unity in a place where their is violence and chaos.  He truly has a unique perspective to be able to see multiple sides of the conflict.

I don’t want to give the contents of the book away, so I’ll keep this review short. Son of Hamas reads like a spy novel only the accounts are real, first hand accounts of a young man who has already lived a unique and adventure filled life.  Through the book Mosab shares his journey as a good Palestinian Muslim, to understanding the Israeli side of the issue, to becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.  In the post script of his book, Mosab reminds readers that while he may be an expert in understanding the Middle-Eastern conflict, he is still young in his faith (a very mature statement).

 

Mossab hassan Yousef has a blog, you can check it out at http://www.sonofhamas.com

If you are looking to understand the Palestinian side of the Israeli – Palestinian conflict,  This book is for you.  The retail price of Son of Hamas is $26.99 (Hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $17.04. I gave it five stars (its one of the best biographies I’ve read in a while).

You may also be interested in checking out these books.

 

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.”

Check out “Real-life Discipleship” by Jim Putman (this guy gets it)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, discipleship2 Comments

Real-Life Discipleship: Building Churches That Make Disciples by Jim Putman is a must read for anyone serious about discipleship!  It is packed with Biblical, simple, and time-tested  strategy on how to help people grow in Christ. I really appreciated Jim’s pastoral style of writing that bleeds through on every page.  While handling the truth of God’s word, Jim is sure to pull readers into the story of redemption and call them to take up the mantle of discipleship. After reading hundreds of books I have come to learn that not all books are equal.  If you had to read only one book on discipleship (besides the Bible), this is the book. I was blessed, encouraged and even rebuked in areas of my own life while reading this book.

I was first turned on to this resource after reading Avery Willis and Mark Snowden’s book Truth that Sticks (another book well worth a read).  After reading that book I commented that more books would be needed, this is one of those books!  I am excited an encouraged all at once about the series of books that are coming out of NavPress on the topics of discipleship.

Real-life Discipleship is a clarion call back to a biblical model of discipleship.  I highly recommend it to anyone interested in developing a biblical model of discipleship in their church.  The retail price is $17.99 (Hardcover), and is available at a discount at  Amazon.com for $12.23. I gave it FIVE stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress as part of their Blogger Review 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.”