Tag: reformed

The Donkey Who Carried a King (Children’s Book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, FamilyLeave a comment

the donkeyThe Donkey Who Carried a King written by R. C. Sproul and Illustrated by Chuck Groenink is a fantastic story for children and parents alike.  I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading it again and again to my son and daughter.  Dr. Sproul does a great job of taking something that kids are familiar with (like being picked last for a game) and pairing it up with a theme from Scripture (offering your best work no matter the circumstances… and of course the gospel).  Thus taking the readers along a journey from the common to the sacred.

The only draw back to this book verses the other R.C. Sproul Children’s books like The Prince’s Poison Cup, The Lightlings, and The Priest with Dirty Clothes is that the grace of the gospel comes abruptly at the end. The book seems to focus on the servanthood aspect of Christ’s ministry  The questions at the end help bear out more gospel grace reflections along with the many elements of service.

The Illustrations are amazing! The images are child friendly, compelling and illustrate the story beautifully. The use of passive light colors contrasted with darker hues of purple, and deep crimson really set the mood for what’s being described. There is enough in each section to keep my younger four year old looking at the pages while I’m reading, but not so much that he’s distracted from the story.

The Donkey Who Carried a King was a great read.  Perhaps the strongest aspect of the book was the parents section in the back.  Parents are given great questions to ask their kids and help draw the connections between the story they have just read and the scriptures.  We read lots of books at our house, but this element really seems to make this book especially useful.  I’ve noticed most all the children books published by Reformation Trust tend to have this element and its worth noticing the lengths the authors and publishers are going through to produce quality kids literature that goes beyond entertainment and into training and guidance.

Over all this was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it for parents with young children.The Donkey Who Carried a King is an excellent resource. The retail price is $16.00 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $13.60. I gave it four stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Trust Publishers as part of their Blog for a Free Book 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.”

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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Renewing Your Mind by R. C. Sproul

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

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.”

Hear No Evil by Matthew Paul Turner (Book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books2 Comments

Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost by Matthew Paul Turner comes out Tomorrow (February 16, 2010).  Turner grew up in a fundamentalist Independent  Baptist church and fled to the edge of the music scene in Nashville.  He describes in vivid detail how his fundamentalist upbringing and his earnest desire to be part of the Christian music industry collided.

To be fair, Turner is a very gifted writer.  His writing style is engaging, comical, and pointed all at the same time.  He has a way of pulling the reader into his story and challenging them to see things through his eyes.  This book was very well written.

However, though the book was engaging, in the end it really lacked substance.  All it ended up being was a tirade against various forms of Christianity.  Turner exposed the flaws of fundamentalism, the extreme edge of Calvinism, held a sad reflection on Pentecostalism, and exposed the underbelly of Christian Music Industry.  But to what end?  Why?  What was the point?… That is it.  There was no strong way forward.  There was no call to abandon Christianity.  There was no call to move to the center.  There was no call to say, “Hey, we are all messed up.”  There was no challenge to find the real Jesus.  In the end it was just a well written book on what is wrong with the world of fundamentalism and a few other branches of Christianity.

In the opinion of this blogger, it is a little late for that.  It’s tired.  There are enough former fundamentalist writing out their angst against their parents religion.  Why are they still being published?  Lets push forward and provide some answers, clarity, and direction.  There are two ways to embrace a theology.  One is to be so repulsed by a theology that you back into one, the other is to open both eyes and examine the evidence for yourself.  Hear No Evil is a great example of backing into a theology.  If you are looking for a way forward check out Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris.  It is written in a similar style, but provides a clearer way forward.

I would really only recommend this book to former fundamentalist who are still full of pent-up angst against their parents and are looking for someone to agree with them.   The retail price of Hear No Evil: My Story of Innocence, Music, and the Holy Ghost is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $10.11 I gave it three stars.

You can also get more information about this book from the publisher or purchase it here.

Disclaimer:  This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  There was no requirement to give the book a good review.  Just to review it and tell you what I really think.

The Prince’s Poison Cup (Children’s Book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn Uncategorized1 Comment

The Prince’s Poison Cup written by R. C. Sproul and Illustrated by Justin Gerard is a great allegory for children and parents alike.  I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading it again and again to my daughter.  Dr. Sproul does a great job of taking something that kids are familiar with (like having to take medicine) and pairing it up with a theme from Scripture.  Thus taking the readers along a journey from the common to the sacred.

The Illustrations are also fantastic.  The images are child friendly, yet compelling as the story unravels.  I was amazed at the range of illustrations that took place in this book.  Every thing from a mysterious villan in a dark robe, to the King of Life, to a grandfather and his grand-daughter.

The book was a great read.  Perhaps the strongest aspect of the book was the parents section in the back.  Parents are given great questions to ask their kids and help draw the connections between the story they have just read and the scriptures.  We read lots of books at our house, but this element really seems to make this book especially useful.  I’ve noticed most all the childrens books published by Reformation Trust tend to have this element and its worth noticing the lengths the authors and publishers are going through to produce quality childrens literature that goes beyond entertainment and into training and guidance.

Over all this was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it for parents with young children.The Prince’s Poison Cup is an excellent resource. The retail price is $18.00 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $12.24. I gave it four stars.

Disclaimer: A PDF of this book was provided for review by Reformation Trust Publishing. They will send me a complimentary copy after they see my revies.  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for me to call it like I see it.

“Sammy and His Shepherd” (A Children’s Book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Fiction1 Comment

Sammy and His Shepherd written by Susan Hunt and Illustrated by Corey Godbey is one of the best children’s books I have read in a long time (though its great for adults too) .  It is an illustrated look at Psalm 23 through the eyes of a little lamb named Sammy.  Sammy gets to know another nameless sheep on the other side of the fence and share about his Good Shepherd.

The book is divided into several short and teachable sections.  Ending with a reference to the “Talk about it” section in the back of the book where parents can ask engaging questions about the story.  The “Talk about it” reverences and section are the best integration of story and spiritual application I have seen in a children’s book.  Especially relevant is the “something to do” portion of each “talk about it” section where children are challenged think about their own actions and ask God to work in their lives to help them better reflect His Character.

This was a great book and I would highly recommend it for parents and children alike.  The book can easily be read over several nights.  Though I imagine the book is geared for kids a little older, I read it to my 4-year-old daughter in one sitting (we will of course go back through it time and again at a slower pace).Sammy and His Shepherd is an excellent resource. The retail price is $17.00 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $11.56. I gave it five stars.

Disclaimer: A PDF of this book was provided for review by Reformation Trust Publishing. They will send me a complimentary copy after they see my reviews.  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for me to call it like I see it.

“The Lightlings” (A Children’s book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Fiction, parentingLeave a comment

The Lightlings by R.C. Sproul and Illustrated by Justin Gerard is a great book for parents to read to their children.  The story is a deep and rich allegory that plays on the theme of being scared of the dark.  The grandfather in this story shares about how some people are scared of the light and begins to tell his grandson about a race of people known as the Lightlings.

The book gets really interesting at this point as the story shifts from the comfort of a grandfather telling a story in a home to the magical world of the Lightlings.  However the world of enchantment is short lived as the Lightlings disobey their king and run to the darkness to cover their shame.  The story of grace and redemption in coming to the light then unfolds.

I really liked this book and where it was headed.  The book has a lot of strengths and can open the door for deeper discussion with your children.  Perhaps the greatest strength to this book is the list of 13 questions to ask your kids and scripture references that come at the end of this book.  This helps ensure that its not only a bed time story, but a teaching moment.

That being said, there are a few things that jumped out at me.  I was puzzled why the Lightling creatures needed to be created as fairy like creatures.  My daughter already gets fairies and angels a little confused. I think its the wings that do it for her.  All allegory breaks down at some point.  And while illustrating the run to the darkness, Sproul leaves much unsaid about how or why the Lightlings disobey the Light King.  In my opinion, as an allegory this is where the story is the weakest. That being said, all allegory breaks down at some point.

Over all it was a great book and I would recommend it for parents with young children.   The Lightlings is an excellent resource. The retail price is $18.00 (Hardcover), and is available at places like Amazon.com for $12.24. I gave it four stars.

Disclaimer: A PDF of this book was provided for review by Reformation Trust Publishing. They will send me a complimentary copy after they see my revies.  There was no requirement to give it a positive review, just for me to call it like I see it.