Sing of the Hope of Heaven

Ace Collins' "Stories Behind the Songs and Hymns About Heaven" offers great hope to the Christian seeker as they await the eternal promise. In the midst of offering hope, the stories that Collins shares also educate, provide comfort, and provide devotional insight. This mix of both hymns and Americana songs about the promise of heaven has the potential to lead a reader toward greater understanding of the faith claimed by those who know Jesus Christ. I received this book as a part of the Blogging program from Baker Books.

Exploring Doubt, Finding Faith

Himself a skeptic in regards to faith in Jesus Christ, John S. Dickerson seeks to discover why so many people believe in and follow Jesus Christ. In his exploration, Dickerson takes a unique perspective on apologetics by exploring how the person of Jesus Christ has influenced his followers and how those followers have then transformed the world through their obedience to Christ. In “Skeptic Jesus” Dickerson looks at how Christians have been influential in overcoming slavery, improving education, discovering scientific truths, and a myriad of other improvements upon society. As Dickerson explored his doubt he himself becomes a believer and seeks to convince other skeptics that following Jesus is necessary for an improved world. Anyone who questions why intelligent and gifted people follow after Jesus should read “Jesus Skeptic.” A life may be transformed in the process.
I received this book as part of Baker Publishing Group’s blogging program.Himself a skeptic in regards to faith in Jesus Christ, John S. Dickerson seeks to discover why so many people believe in and follow Jesus Christ. In his exploration, Dickerson takes a unique perspective on apologetics by exploring how the person of Jesus Christ has influenced his followers and how those followers have then transformed the world through their obedience to Christ. In “Skeptic Jesus” Dickerson looks at how Christians have been influential in overcoming slavery, improving education, discovering scientific truths, and a myriad of other improvements upon society. As Dickerson explored his doubt he himself becomes a believer and seeks to convince other skeptics that following Jesus is necessary for an improved world. Anyone who questions why intelligent and gifted people follow after Jesus should read “Jesus Skeptic.” A life may be transformed in the process.
I received this book as part of Baker Publishing Group’s blogging program.Himself a skeptic in regards to faith in Jesus Christ, John S. Dickerson seeks to discover why so many people believe in and follow Jesus Christ. In his exploration, Dickerson takes a unique perspective on apologetics by exploring how the person of Jesus Christ has influenced his followers and how those followers have then transformed the world through their obedience to Christ. In “Skeptic Jesus” Dickerson looks at how Christians have been influential in overcoming slavery, improving education, discovering scientific truths, and a myriad of other improvements upon society. As Dickerson explored his doubt he himself becomes a believer and seeks to convince other skeptics that following Jesus is necessary for an improved world. Anyone who questions why intelligent and gifted people follow after Jesus should read “Jesus Skeptic.” A life may be transformed in the process.
I received this book as part of Baker Publishing Group’s blogging program.Himself a skeptic in regards to faith in Jesus Christ, John S. Dickerson seeks to discover why so many people believe in and follow Jesus Christ. In his exploration, Dickerson takes a unique perspective on apologetics by exploring how the person of Jesus Christ has influenced his followers and how those followers have then transformed the world through their obedience to Christ. In “Skeptic Jesus” Dickerson looks at how Christians have been influential in overcoming slavery, improving education, discovering scientific truths, and a myriad of other improvements upon society. As Dickerson explored his doubt he himself becomes a believer and seeks to convince other skeptics that following Jesus is necessary for an improved world. Anyone who questions why intelligent and gifted people follow after Jesus should read “Jesus Skeptic.” A life may be transformed in the process.
I received this book as part of Baker Publishing Group’s blogging program.

God-Given Wisdom for Parents

In "God-Confident Kids," Cyndie Claypool de Neve combines Scripture, psychology, and personal narrative in order to offer beneficial instruction to parents who seek to raise their children in Christ. Claypool explores personality theory, Erik Erikson's developmental theory and other psychological ideologies and deftly combines them with Christian principles. Throughout the text, Claypool offers parents Scriptures they can specifically apply to their children along with prayers in which parents can add their children's names. These prayers will assist parents in seeking wisdom from God as they raise their children, helping them navigate anxiety, screen addiction, education, future career choices and other marks of journeying toward adulthood in our society. As a parent who desires to raise up my children in God's grace so that they might live in Christ, I found this resource encouraging and helpful. Unfortunately, I often come across one struggle when reading parenting books that use Scripture. Too often the author does not explore the context of the passage when applying that passage to the Christian life and family. I desire more depth and a deeper understanding of these Scriptures. I feel this will add to the wisdom of any such texts. This book was given to me by Baker Books blogging program.

Learning From Faithful Millennials

Using the sound research typically produced through The Barna Group, David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock explore how millennials understand and live out their faith. Their previous book, "You Lost Me" considered those millennials who have left the faith and how the church should approach this reality. In "Faith For Exiles," Kinnaman and Matlock explore the opposite reality. While many millennials have left their faith in Christ, many still remain and they are living out their faith in positive and healthy ways. The church needs to consider the five areas of faith expressed throughout this book, learn from faithful millennials, and discover how faith is relevant for this generation. This young generation has much to teach the increasing aged church in the USA. The five areas of vitality in the faith of millennials are intimacy with Jesus, having muscles of cultural discernment, forging meaningful, intergenerational relationships, training for vocational discipleship (living out the Christian faith in the workplace), and engaging in countercultural mission. All of these principles are Biblical sound. The church should sit up and notice faithful millennials and truly consider how they challenge the church to live faithfully for Christ. I received this book as part of Baker Book Group's Blogging Program.

Wrestling with Truth

In "Confronting Old Testament Controversies" Tremper Longman III uses his usual sound scholarship and insightful meditations as he wrestles alongside the reader, discussing and discovering the truth behind the Old Testament's presentation of Evolution, Sexuality, History, and Violence. As Longman approaches each of these topics, he does so with sensitivity, considering perspectives that are divergent from his own, but always arriving at a place that is consistent with the witness of Scripture. The section on Evolution/Creation allows the reader to discover the Ancient Near Eastern context in which the creation narratives were written. Presenting the theological narrative in light of the world in which it was written allows for deeper discovery of the purpose behind the creation narratives - that of glorifying God, declaring God as Creator. The section on history looks at archeological discoveries that seem to contradict Biblical testimony and intelligently provides argument for the historical reliability of Scripture. Longman again offers the reader insight into the point of the historical narratives - to declare God's grand plan and love for all peoples. As Longman explores violence (God as the warrior and God as wrathful) we discover that God truly presents as a warrior and this is consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments. This helps the reader to discover God's sovereignty, holiness, and desire to bring deliverance. Finally, in the most controversial section of the book, Longman discusses the current debate raging around homosexuality. He affirms a traditional interpretation of the passages, but then challenges the church to consider how we use (abuse) such passages, harming people whom Christ loves and desires to draw into His grace. Anyone wrestling with these important controversies would do right to read this text and wrestle along with Longman, discovering truth along the way.
This book was given to me as part of the Blogging Program with Baker Books.

A Weaker Approach to Apologetics

In "Faith is For Weak People," Ray Comfort explores various objections that people have toward the Gospel. He introduces each objection with an applicable anecdote, then explores each breifly, and then offers an apologetic regarding the objection. In this manner, Comfort explores ideas like evil, hell, pain, other religions, etc. In this regard, the book serves as a basic introduction for the Christian who wishes to have the beinnings of answers to these objections. Unfortunately, it feels as if the author does not always go far enough in discussing the various objections to the Gospel. Sometimes the answers seem to simplistic, not truly seeking to identify with searching persons questions. Though more might be desired for answering the skeptics questions, Ray does offer a basic defense and process through which he approaches witnessing - this may be the true value of the book. This basic approach is to ask the skeptic or the new acquaintance about their moral life and if they have broken any of the ten commandments. Most likely the person would answer yes, unless they are not even interested in the conversation. Then we are to proceed from there, offering the truth of the Gospel so that they can understand their need for a Savior and that none of us can restore relatoinship with a loving God without the gift of Jesus Christ. This approach assumes a few things such as proof that God exists and an acceptance or at least openness do the historical reality of Jesus Christ. That said, Ray Comfort gives the Christian witness some good starting points for sharing the Gospel with skeptics. The book just does not go far enough or offer complete answers for those who struggle with accepting Christ amidst the questions of life.
I recieved this book as part of Baker Books blogging program.

Confidence for the Questioner

Are you questioning the gift of salvation that is yours through Jesus Christ? Are you worried that you can act in such a way as to lose God's favor? Have you experienced ongoing doubts regarding God's commitment to His promise of grace? If this describes you, then it would be of great benefit for you to read "Assured" by Greg Gillbert. In this concise look at God, His character and how His character connects to the gift of salvation through grace, Gilbert offers encouragement and a full understanding of assurance. Of great value in this text is the reminder that God consistently keeps His promises-particularly the promise of grace for the broken, yet repentant sinner. In addition, Gilbert explores the role of The Holy Spirit in the faith of the believer who is unsure, the lies that cause us to believe that God's promises do not remain, and the evidence of our salvation as found in the works we do for the Kingdom of God. This book encourages the person who believes in Christ Jesus as Lord to depend on that belief completely and pursue the righteousness offered through God's promise. I received this book as part of Baker Books Blogging program.

Grow As a Christian Parent

Parenting teenagers and emerging adults proves difficult for many. Kara Powell and Steven Argue present a fantastic model for doing so in "Growing With." They begin by developing a model of adolescence that enables the parent to understand how they can guide their children through each stage of growing. This model begins with children being learners (ages 13-18 - traditional adolescence). This age group is characterized by physical, spiritual, mental and emotional growth and change. Parents can come alongside their learners as teachers, guiding them as they learn about themselves. After this children emerge into the stage called Explores (ages 19-23). In this stage children move away from home, pursuing goals and relationships. Young people are often unsure of themselves during this stage. Parents walk alongside them during this stage as guides, helping their offspring explore their goals and desires. Finally, young people reach the stage of Focusers (ages 23-29). Focusers have hopefully developed into young adults who have assurance in their talents and an understanding of what they wish to do with their lives. At this point parents are resourcers, providing helpful guidance when asked and helping their offspring to claim life and live it.
Following the development of this family theory and how emerging adults and parents should interact with one another, Powell and Argue apply their theory to various areas of life. They do a beautiful job exploring relationships, faith, career, and other necessary aspects of growing into adults. Central to all of their conversation is helping students continue to grasp unto Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as the reach adulthood.
All parents concerned for the healthy emergence of their children into adult life should consider the wisdom shared in "Growing With." In addition to the book, the authors provide many on-line resources which can be reached through the Fuller Youth Institute.
I received this book as a review copy for Baker Publishers Blogging program.

Sound Parenting Advice

Mike Berry does not provide any particularly new insights into the task of parenting, but he does offer fantastic reminders regarding how we should parent and how our Christian task should influence this amazing responsibility. Berry explores issues like blending love and discipline, dealing with life transition such as that from childhood to teenager, encouraging the positive influence of other adults in the lives of your child, making your family a priority in how you use your time, being involved with your kids by being aware of their interests, have consistent follow up when rules are put in place, making love the guiding principle in all your interactions with your family, be aware of the fears that you have when approaching parenting, and how to leave a lasting legacy. All of these were presented in a readable manner and challenge the parent to shift priorities. This book was given to me as a part of Baker Publishing's blogging program.

A Biblical Guide for the Aspiring Elder

The New Elder's Handbook delivers in its stated purpose. It serves as guide, inspired by Scripture, for the person aspiring to be an Elder in the church. The book opens with some basic descriptive of the book's purpose and then launches into the qualities of being an Elder. Part 2 is where this book has its greatest value though. Scharf and Kok offer a comprehensive study for those thinking about becoming an Elder in the church. This study explores basic doctrine, church discipline, and the role of the Elder. It would benefit many people to study through section 2 with another believer in Christ. Section 3 rounds out the text by providing some further tools for discipleship. The role of any Elder is that of a person who disciples others. This book provides a means to do this. Other than some minor polity differences, I find this book very usable for the contemporary church. I received this book as part of Baker Books Blogging program.

Insights worth Imitating

D. A. Carson offers a very clear exposition of Philippians in "Basics for Believers." Philippians has often been a great book of encouragement and insight for me as I wander through this life. I have spent much time considering what it means to imitate Christ's humility. I have also contemplated how I might imitate the lives of Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Paul. On the flip side, I have spent time wondering if my life is one worthy of imitating. Should others look upon me and see my striving, is it worthy of the grace of God? In approaching Philippians, D. A. Carson has given me guidance in continuing these contemplations. Of particular value are the insights regarding the characters of Timothy and Epaphroditus. This will be a book I turn to often for my own spiritual edification and for insights on how to teach others the basics of living out the Christian life. I received this book from Baker Books as part of their blogging program.