Review: Five Who Changed the World

On November 22, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn books, MissionsLeave a comment

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet a few gentlemen from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I was looking down the road a few years and trying to figure out what doctoral work would look like. In the process of conversation the representatives of Southeastern were able to share with me in great detail about the seminary and their president, Daniel Akin, and offered me a copy of his book, “Five Who Changed the World.”

Finally last week I had the opportunity to read through the book. While I am greatly familiar with Christian biographies (I’ve been reading them since I was 16 and helped found and sponsored the Christian Heritage Conference that we held in Mobile for several years), I was blessed to read Akin’s book. Originally each chapter was a missions message delivered in the chapel at Southeastern.

These five messages now written down and combined in book form are challenging and motivating. Though these messages do not contain a great amount of biographical detail they are very motivational and challenging. I was blessed to be drawn to the heart of worshiping God through mission. Each chapter details the life of a missionary (William Carey, Adoniram and Ann Judson, Bill Wallace, Lottie Moon, and Jim Elliot) combined with a passage of Scripture that each missionary illustrated throughout their life.

You can find the book in hard cover on Amazon.com for $15. You can find our more about Daniel Akin and resources he has written and produced here. The original sermons that have been recorded in print in this book can also be found free of charge here on his site.

I highly recommend this brief book to anyone interested in understanding Christian mission. It is a quick read and highly motivational (I was drawn to tears over and over again). I give it 5 stars.

Review: Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain

On November 12, 2009January 18, 2011 By pastorjonathanIn books, Ministry1 Comment

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Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain: Uncovering the Hidden Potential in Life’s Most Common Struggles by Dr. Paul Meier and Dr. David L. Henderson is a great book for readers who are looking to see a greater purpose in the painful moments of life. Through out this book the authors challenge the reader to not seek a pain free existence, but rather to learn and grow through pain to see God’s greater purpose. Both authors share keen insights from both personal and clinical experience.

The book is divided into seven sections with four chapters each. The sections include Injustice, Rejection, Loneliness, Loss, Discipline, Failure, and Death. Each section is stand alone and the reader can jump ahead to a section without fear of having missed vital information in a section prior.

I appreciated authors’ writing styles. The use of real life stories and examples helped to insure that this book was an easy read and never boring. I enjoyed reading the keen insights from two brilliant men who have years of Biblical counseling experience in walking with people through pain. The credibility of the authors, the easy to reference sectioning, and the readable style has guaranteed this book a spot on my shelf for years to come.

You may also want to check out If God is Good by Randy Alcorn

This is a very practical and readable book on pain and adversity. Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain is an excellent resource. The retail price is $22.99 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $16.55. I gave it four stars.

Disclaimer: As a blogger I received a free review copy from the Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/ ). There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for the reviewer to call it like they see it.

Book Review: Obstacles Welcome

On October 10, 2009October 10, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn books, leadershipLeave a comment

Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life by Ralph de la Vega (President & CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets) is a great book for leaders who are looking to hear from an experienced leader on overcoming adversity. De la Vega has seen many adverse situations in his career and turned them to his advantage. He recounts of the obstacles faced during hurricanes in South Florida, political unrest and diverse markets in South America, and the enormous task of overseeing the integration of Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless on a short deadline.. De la Vega takes the reader on a tour of his life and the obstacles he faced all along the way. Yet at each point he is sure to illustrate the practical nature of the character and leadership principles that guided him along the way.

I appreciated Ralph de la Vega’s writing style. When reading Obstacles Welcome I couldn’t help but come away feeling as thought I had been personally mentored by the man who wrote the book. I got a glimpse into the challenges he faced early on in childhood that ultimately prepared him for the business world. Though he shared deeply insightful and personal stories, he was careful to cultivate a leadership lesson out of each one. The brief summary entitled “take away messages” at the end of each chapter were of a great benefit to me personally. While the principles taught by de la Vega were not new leadership principles, they were taught in the very practical setting of real life.

This is one of the most practical books on leadership and adversity that I have ever read. Obstacles Welcome is an excellent resource. The retail price is $24.99 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $16.49. I gave it five stars.

Review: The Well-Behaved Child

On October 3, 2009April 22, 2010 By pastorjonathanIn books, Family2 Comments

The Well-Behaved Child: Discipline that Really Works! by John Rosemond is a great resource for parents who are looking for practical advice, tips, and proven strategies for disciplining their children with in the ages of three to thirteen. The premise of the book, and consequently Rosemond’s disciplining strategies, is simple: children are bad. That is, their default nature is to misbehave. He proposes that obedient children are happy children. According to Rosemond, it is essential that parents recognize this and address the errant behavior in children rather than trying to rationalize it or understand it. His no nonsense parenting as leadership approach is a breath of fresh air in a world where parents are scared to effectually discipline their kids for fear of scaring them mentally.

Throughout the book Rosemond dispels many popular myths that are based more on misapplication of popular psychology rather than on factual studies with real children. One such myth he exposes is that the reward system often employed by parents is good dog training, but poor child training. In place of popular myth, he offers tried and true techniques and practices that will help your child be a better behaved, happy, and ready to meet the real world one day outside your home (where the boss isn’t likely to jump to the reward system for poor behavior).

The one thing this book really misses though is the spiritual teaching side of discipline. From a Christian parent’s perspective, I find it crucial to discuss matters of the heart, grace, forgiveness, and restoration as part of the disciplining process. Though the book does contain a few scripture quotations, it is largely missing the heart component, which in my estimation, makes all the difference in the world.

For parenting there are better tools available, but this book serves its purpose well in providing effective strategies for discipline. The Well Behaved Child is an excellent resource. The retail price is $24.99 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon for $16.49. I gave it four stars.

Review: The Ishbane Conspiracy

On September 27, 2009November 5, 2015 By pastorjonathanIn books4 Comments

I generally don’t read a lot of fiction, but this book was handed to me by one of my student’s parents and I found that I couldn’t put it down. Randy Alcorn, noted author and speaker, co-wrote this book with his two daughters, Angela and Karina. Though I have heard of Randy Alcorn before, this is actually my first book of his to read. Needless to say it won’t be my last.

The story that Randy Alcorn and his daughters weave in The Ishbane Conspiracy centers around the lives of four teenagers Jillian, Brittany, Rob and Ian and takes place over the course of a year. Three of the teenagers are making the transition from high school to college. Rob, the oldest in the group starts the book as a college freshman.

The authors do a great job of leading the reader through the high school world and touch on real life subjects. As a student pastor and having been on high school campus’ quite a bit over the last twelve years it is surprising how accurately the issues are represented in this book. Yet, the Christian students in this book struggle through these issues (or walk with their friends through these issues) and though the road is difficult at places, they find guidance and deliverance in Christ.

Each chapter is followed by a letter from one demon to another in a similar style to C.S. Lewis’ The Screw Tape Letters. The letter’s contain hell’s strategy for leading students to death, or at least a wasted life. The letters increase in length throughout the course of the book. Each one providing more commentary on the temptations that teenagers face.

Due to the mature themes that run through the book I would recommend it to parents and students in high school. The issues are real and aren’t really over-exagerated, but may appear shocking to parents who don’t have kids in high school. If you are a high school student looking for a practical guide on how to live for Christ in your school, a parent looking for more insight into the issues that surround teenagers today, or just a good fan of great fiction, I highly recommend this book to you. I give it four out of five stars.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: 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.”

Review: Lost and Found

On September 23, 2009September 23, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and The Churches That Reach Them, is a book by Ed Stetzer, Richie Stanley, and Jason Hayes. In it, the authors provide a great analysis of who eighteen-to-twenty-somethings are and what churches are doing to reach them. It’s no secret that many young adults leave or never enter the fellowship of a local church. This book seeks to find the answer not only to why congregations are not reaching them, but how they can effectively reach out to them. It is full of surprises and challenges. I highly recommend it to pastors, church leaders, and anyone with an interest in reaching the young adult population.

The book is divided into three main categories.

Polling. Which covers the raw data and the reasoning for the survey. The author’s do a great job of breaking the data down into charts and statistics that can easily be interpreted and understood.

Listening. In addition to polls, the research team also invested in over 5oo personal interviews with young adults across the polling spectrum in order to gain more valuable information. The findings of the interviews are shared in chapter format covering the generalities in regular text and setting out key images that often rose to the top.

Reaching. In this section of the book the authors’ turn their attention to the churches that are reaching this segment of the population in seemingly unprecedented numbers. In doing so they breakdown what seem to be the similarities among how they appeal to young adults and the practical steps they are taking to be even more diligent in reaching this generation.

Lost and Found is a great read and the authors include several good features. The authors strive to present the material in such a way as to engage the reader not only with where young adults are, but how to reach them. They infuse the book with enough stories and quotes to ensure that the reader has not only heard the statistics, but has also heard the voice of this generation. I give it five star rating.

Review: The [expanded] Bible

On September 1, 2009September 1, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The [E xpanded] Bible (a modified version of the NCV) by Thomas Nelson Publishers is a great resource for readers who are looking for a clearer understanding of the biblical text. The expanded Bible presents the base text of the Bible translation in a bold print and then additional information for each phrase or verse in a lighter text. The idea behind the expanded Bible is that when the Bible is translated from the original languages to another (like English) that bits and pieces can get lost in the translation. It would be a bit like watching the Wizard of Oz in black and white (translation) versus color (original language). The ideas come across, but nuances are missing. The expanded Bible attempts to help bridge the gap and fill in the details that are lost in translation (making the yellow brick road shine and the ruby red slippers glisten).

The Expanded Bible is very easy to use. The notes are easy to locate and understand. The headings are placed to the side and a one inch margin provides a great place for reader notes. Unlike a traditional Bible it is difficult to read in a continuous fashion, due to the notes being included in the text. However I have found it to be a great aid as a study Bible for the very same reason.

For Bible study there are better tools available, but this book serves its purpose well in providing a quick reference and helping to grasp a particular passage. As supplemental study material, or for those looking for an easy to use bible study tool The Expanded Bible is an excellent resource. The retail price is $29.99 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon for $13.59.

3 books that have profoundly influenced my life

On August 6, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn About Jonathan, books3 Comments

I have to be honest about two things. First, I should state that I was influenced by the authors, not just the books themselves. I have since read many books by many of these men and enjoy the conversation I have with each one. Second, with the exception of John Piper, the authors on this list are dead. God has used them in a mighty way past the years he has given them on this earth. I am thankful that though they are dead, they still speak.

1. Desiring God – John Piper

I first read this book while still in school at the University of Mobile and it opened up a world for me to begin to understand God in a way that I had never understood him before. I was amazed to discover that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” I don’t think any other single person (short of my parents) has had the level of impact on my thinking. I was blessed to hear a sermon by Dr. Piper a little later that year entitled “Doing Missions When Dying is Gain.” (you can listen to the same sermon for free here.) I have never been the same.

2. Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan

I read pilgrims progress when I was a child at a small Christian School in Montana. I have since read and reread it in several different modern English versions. It was through John Bunyan that I was introduced to the rich application of the scriptures. I have never read another book that so completely described the Christian journey. I think this is the book I have shared most often with others. It was once a theme for a Disciple Now and a Christian Heritage Conference Its an easy read, but spiritually challenging.

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

I picked up the 1936 edition of this book and read it when I was 16 years old. A speech teacher had told me about it and I set out to read it. It profoundly shaped the way I communicate and made me a different person. Dale Carnegie taught me to take a genuine interest and really care about people.

What about you? What books or people have greatly influenced your life?

5 Reasons to Read (Non-fiction)

On August 5, 2009August 5, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn Uncategorized6 Comments

I like to read. I really like to read. I really like to read non-fiction. Granted there are many people in this world who are more excellent readers and read quite a lot more than I do on a regular basis (I try to average 1 book every other week). So when I was asked why I read so much I was kind of shocked (I’ve heard of people who will read a book a day). First that someone would not know of good reasons to read and second that they thought I read a lot of books (truthfully I consider myself a slow reader). So I decided I would post a few reasons to read non-fiction. These are just a few of the many benefits of reading.

1. Reading engages the mind of a person in thought in ways that other types of media do not. Reading is a long conversation with the author of the book. Thoughts, ideas, illustrations, and stories are all presented in such a way as to provoke the reader to profound thought on a variety of subjects from the simplicity of beauty to the depth of our understanding of physics.

2. Reading provides clarity. Writing is the most referenced form of communication. What is written can easily be referenced and referred back to. Readers can highlight and underline passages. Words can be looked up and examined. Troubling thoughts find themselves explained in the context of the larger work.

3. Reading is reader paced. Not everyone reads at the same pace. Those who read and comprehend faster can enjoy gaining information at their own personal pace. Likewise slower readers are not hurried through material.

4. Reading is an act of humility. When one submits to read a non-fiction book for the sake of gaining information on a project or concept the reader is admitting that he/she can gain from the insight of others. This is an act of humility.

5. Reading is prudent. You can read anywhere. Reading is a good use of time when waiting in line or for a lunch appointment to show up. Before the great inventions of Tivo and DVR much of my reading was done while the compercials were showing.

Are you a reader?

Why do you read or not read?

What books have had the most profound influence on your life? (I’ll share my top 5 in the next post)

Resources on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

On January 5, 2009January 5, 2009 By pastorjonathanIn books, Family, Manhood, WomanhoodLeave a comment

Since hearing about the upcoming Disciple Now at Calvary, many of you have been asking, “What is Biblical Manhood and Womanhood?” and “Where do I find resources on this stuff?” Here are just a few things that have come across my radar in the last ten years.

A great place to start is John Piper’s book “What’s the Difference?“ it was written as an introduction to a much larger volume entitled, “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.” You can download a free copy (PDF) of the book here.

There is also an official website for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood that is full of free information. Make sure you check out the resources page.

Boundless a webzine published by focus on the family has compiled a little book out of various articles they have posted over the years entitled, “Guys Guide to Marrying Well.”

Of course there is also Men’s Fraternity that was started by Robert Lewis. Lewis has also written a book for women entitled, “The New Eve.”

Specifically for the teenager’s, the Rebellution has a great compilation of resources on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. While you are there check out there blog and their incredible book “Do Hard Things.”

As you will note, each one of these resources is in and of itself a treasure trove of information concerning biblical Manhood and Womanhood. There are several other great resources out there, but this should be more than enough to get the conversation and thought process started.

Your Partner in the Gospel,

The Hill House

Tag: book

Review: Five Who Changed the World

Review: Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain

Book Review: Obstacles Welcome

Review: The Well-Behaved Child

Review: The Ishbane Conspiracy

Review: Lost and Found

Review: The [expanded] Bible

3 books that have profoundly influenced my life

5 Reasons to Read (Non-fiction)

Resources on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

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