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Book Review: A Commentary on the Psalms- Volume 1 (1-41)

May 3, 2012 by admin

Psalms is a loved book of the scriptures, but it frequently causes confusion when it comes to the interpretation of the Hebrew figures of speech and the many textual difficulties that the Psalms present. Allen P. Ross’ A Commentary on the Psalms: Volume 1 (1-41) is a very helpful resource for any student of the Bible seeking to dive deeper within the worship hymnal of the Old Testament.

Ross’ approach to the text is very thoughtful. He is seeking to clearly allow the truth of the text to speak to today’s reader. Unlike many commentaries, Ross’ work is written on a level that those without formal theological training can interact with the text. However, he does not avoid the detailed exegesis of the text. The footnotes delve deep into the Hebrew of the psalms.

The most helpful portions of this commentary are the outlines of the psalms and the single sentence summaries of the central message of the psalm. In a church culture where the psalms are frequently neglected in the pulpit, Ross provides pastors with a helpful resource to begin approaching the beautiful passages that comprise the psalms. This is a very helpful and readable commentary that would be suitable for both the lay student of the Bible and the biblical scholar alike.

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Book Review: The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible

March 8, 2012 by admin
In The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible, Andy Blanks presents a concise, clear, and compelling book that encourages teachers and youth leaders to practically and intentionally seek to become better teacher’s of God’s Word. Blanks begins the book by encouraging his readers that they are part of the minority – they are Bible study teachers that care enough to seek to more effectively communicate truth. The fact that many Bible teachers would be content with embracing mediocrity is upsetting, yet true.

Blanks then goes on to practically challenge teachers and youth leaders to become better at teaching God’s Word by embracing The 7 Best Practices:
- Best Practice 1: Engaging with God
- Best Practice 2: Prepare Well, Teach Well
- Best Practice 3: Context Is Key
- Best Practice 4: Embrace Unpredictability
- Best Practice 5: Plan for Interaction
- Best Practice 6: Teach for Application
- Best Practice 7: Know Your Role
These practices are presented usually through a story or illustration setting the stage for the importance of the practice, the practice is then explained, and the practice is applied in a very real life way.

The most helpful chapter is the “Best Practice 2: Prepare Well, Teach Well” because Blanks effectively explains how to take a passage from the Bible and to make it into a compelling Bible study lesson. This is a skill that will allow teachers to be able to feel equipped to communicate the truth of God’s Word without being forced to rely on curriculum.

Like all other YouthMinistry360 resources, Blanks writes from the heart of a servant, who truly wants to serve and minister to youth workers. This tone makes this a very encouraging book as you feel Blanks cheering you on every step of the journey to become a better Bible teacher.

I highly recommend The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible. It effectively presents practical ideas on Bible study teaching in a way that highly esteems the role of the Bible in teaching. It is written on a level where every Bible study teacher can understand it, but it also contains ideas and thoughts that will engage even the most experienced youth worker.

To order a copy of The 7 Best Practices for Teaching Teenagers the Bible, click here.
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Book Review: Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together

January 3, 2012 by admin
In Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together, Pastor Mark and Grace Driscoll seek to present a real and honest book about marriage. In typical Driscoll fashion, this is a book that does not shy away from the difficult topics with regard to marriage and sexuality. Real Marriage has clearly been influenced by Driscoll’s popular sermons on the topic and includes a depth of resources from the almost 50 books and many articles that he and Grace have read in preparation for this book. This makes Real Marriage a good book for additional resources on the topic from both Christian and secular sources.

The underlying theme of the first segment of the Driscolls’ book is the importance of friendship in marriage. If a couple is going to last in marriage, they must be friends who are seeking to love each other and serve each other through the biblical description of marriage in Ephesians 5 . With chapters specifically to men and specifically to women from Ephesians 5 , the book wrestles with what it means to be a godly spouse in a practical manner.

The second segment of Real Marriage seeks to deal with the topic of sex. This is the section that will cause many readers to struggle with the Driscolls’ views. This segment contains a detailed exegesis of Song of Solomon from his Pleasant Princess series. It also contains answers to many controversial questions about sex and sexuality, a chapter on sexual abuse, and a chapter on pornography. Though I do not agree with everything the Driscolls say in this section, I think their approach is helpful. All questions regarding sex and sexuality are addressed through the following three questions:
- Is it lawful?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it enslaving?
I think that these are helpful questions that form a good framework for addressing questions that are not specifically addressed in scripture.

In the final section, the Driscolls challenge couples to have a strategic plan for their life and marriage. This is done by encouraging communication, setting priorities, and seeking to live a balanced life. This section contains many helpful questions and suggestions to put these principles into practice in your own life and marriage.

Real Marriage is an in-your-face look at marriage and relationships that challenges couples to have a biblically thriving marriage. It has the typical shock and awe effect that many of Driscoll’s books are known for, but it is also very helpful and practical. It is a challenge that seeks to be grounded in the Word and to encourage couples to make their last day of marriage better than their first.
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Book Review: Why God Won’t Go Away: Is The New Atheism Running on Empty

December 6, 2011 by admin

In Why God Won’t Go Away: Is The New Atheism Running on Empty, Dr. Alister E. McGrath presents a provocative book about the fall of the New Atheism empire. McGrath does an effective job of presenting the differences between the New Atheism and classical Atheism, the foundations of the New Atheism, and the conflicts within the New Atheism. This is a thoughtful book that serves as a good introduction to a person who does not have much experience reading in the field of apologetics with regard to the New Atheism.

McGrath cites the differences between the New Atheism and classical Atheism as the evangelical nature of the tenants of the New Atheism, the anti-theism of the New Atheism, the cultural and political power being sought by the New Atheism, and the militant nature of the New Atheism. These differences are what make the New Atheist movement such a strong topic of conversation within the world of philosophy and the culture at large. McGrath also presents a helpful introduction to the development of the New Atheism by explaining the biographies and contributions of the major voices – Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens.

McGrath then turns to the core foundations of the New Atheism and seeks to respond to these foundations from the perspective of a Biblical worldview. The foundations that the book addresses are the role of violence in religion, rationality and faith, and science and faith. These are all helpful sections that are well argued and would be helpful for a Christian to use when preparing to dialogue with a person who prescribes to the ideals of the New Atheism.

McGrath closes the book by describing the current state of the New Atheist movement and the fact that religion still has a strong hold in society. This section reminds readers of the fact that deep within every human being there is a deep longing for God. McGrath uses this as the final blow argument against the New Atheism. He also seeks to underscore the importance of people coming to realize this innate desire for God by ending the book with a compelling story of a man who came to faith while seeking to understand the opposing views to Dawkins’ The God Delusion.

Why God Won’t Go Away is a short and easy to read book that serves as a good introduction to the New Atheism. McGrath is a clear writer who can make philosophy engaging to the reader. He also gives a helpful list of additional resources for readers to study this subject on a deeper level. This is a great book that should be used as an introductory resource to the topic.

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Book Review: Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces by Jud Wilhite

August 16, 2011 by admin

In Torn: Trusting God When Life Leaves You in Pieces, Jud Wilhite presents an encouraging and biblical call to trust God in the midst of suffering and difficulty. This is clearly a book that was written by a pastor, who has suffered himself and alongside people in his congregation. Therefore, this is a book that is not divorced from the reality and pain of suffering. Jud faces real questions and seeks to answer them clearly with biblical truth.

This is a very encouraging book because it is framed through the lenses of others who have suffered. Each chapter contains several personal narratives from friends of Judd and people throughout history who have learned to suffer well.

Torn is a call to reframe your expectations about God. Judd sees God as a God who is good and sovereign, who works out things for His ultimate glory. God is not a genie God who guards us from any pain but is an incarnational God who is with us in the midst of our pain. Practically, this means that suffering should drive us deeper into to the “who” of God rather than causing us to constantly ask “why.”

Torn contains practical and biblical advice for dealing with depression, learning to suffer in the context of community, and fighting for joy in the midst of suffering. Judd presents a great book that is biblically grounded and easy to read. I would highly recommend this book to people who find themselves Torn or seek to walk with those who are broken.

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Book Review: Churched: One Kid’s Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess by Matthew Paul Turner

July 15, 2011 by admin

In Churched: One Kid’s Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess, Matthew Paul Turner presents a tragic memoir of what happens when churches fail to practice the gospel. The book is the story of his childhood in church, which he described as fundamentalist.

In these fundamentalist churches, every thing took a fundamental place except for the gospel. There was a deep desire to see people converted to faith in Christ, but these conversions were brought on by fear instead of love. In one story, Turner recounts the time a Sunday school teacher burned a Barbie doll in front of the class in order to represent the horrors of hell for those who fail to become Christians. This is a very problematic approach to evangelism, which may get children to pray a prayer but will also scar them for life.

The memoir presents many similar stories from Turner’s time in church. He recounts the stories in a very humorous manner, but the disturbing nature of the stories remains. The book ends with a story of Turner’s hesitation to meet with a pastor for coffee as an adult due to his childhood experiences in church.

Churched is a challenging reminder for churches and pastors to keep the main thing – the gospel – as the focus of ministry. Christians must be aware that it is God who sets the priorities in the church and that His goals and gospel should remain central.

Category Book Reviews, Christian Living, Church, Culture, Evangelism, Faith, Gospel | Tags: | No Comments
Book Review: Billy Graham in Quotes

June 14, 2011 by admin

When it comes to influential Christians, Billy Graham tops the list. Graham’s seventy year ministry has impacted millions and has served as a clear example of gospel-driven ministry. Even as Graham ages, his heart for the lost and passion for ministry still stand strong. In his humble introduction to Billy Graham in Quotes, Graham remarks:

“My hope is that those who do not know Him (Jesus) as their personal Savior will be moved by the message found in these pages and be drawn by the Holy Spirit to the foot of the cross, where forgiveness is found and salvation through grace is granted.”

From Franklin Graham’s forward and Billy Graham’s introduction, it is clear that their goal in this book is to encourage people through thoughts from Billy Graham’s life and ministry. However, they are also very clear that the only true source of truth is the Word of God and that all of the thoughts in this book are intended to drive readers back into the Word. This idea is highlighted by the fact that each topic that Graham’s quotes are categorized begins with a Biblical passage relating to the topic to be addressed. The scriptural and biblical approach to this volume makes it an excellent resource.

When it comes to influential voices who shaped modern evangelicalism, Billy Graham stands as a great man of God seeking to humbly declare the truth of God. This book is a great resource for preachers and ministers who are looking for quotes and inspiring statements of truth from the man that was known for so long and by so many people as America’s pastor.

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Book Review: The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life

May 9, 2011 by admin

In The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life, Joan Chittister makes the church calendar and the importance of liturgy come alive. This is the seventh book in Thomas Nelson’s Ancient Practices Series, which focuses on different spiritual disciplines. This series is strongly influenced by primary voices in the Emergent Church Movement such as Phyllis Tickle and Brian McLaren. In my opinion, the return to spiritual disciplines of the monastics and the early church is a helpful part of the Emergent Movement.

As a Southern Baptist, the church calendar and liturgy were two areas which were very unfamiliar to me. Chittister has a very strong Catholic influence. This came through in some aspects of the book. The focus on church festivals centered around Mary were concerning to me personally. However, I was very encouraged with how Chittister approached the role of the saints as serving as examples of how to live the Christian life. Chittister’s descriptions of the different elements of the church calendar were short yet helpful to the reader.

Why would someone, who is not a theologian, want to read a book on liturgy? This is the unspoken question in the minds of readers throughout the book. Chittister does an excellent job of addressing this issue. She clearly connects the role of the church calendar and liturgy to phases in a Christian’s growth in their personal walk with Christ. This made me want to more intentionally incorporate the church calendar and liturgy in my own personal devotional life.

I would recommend this book for thoughtful reading. The theological persuasion of the author clearly influences the book. Like with any other book, readers should be careful to read with biblical discernment in order to filter truth from error. After reading this book, I think that it would be helpful for more non-liturgical Christians to adopt the rhythm of life that is experienced through the church calendar and liturgy.

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Book Review: SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny

May 2, 2011 by admin

Our world is in an identity crisis. We are constantly looking to celebrities, children, relationships, looks, and many other things to base our identity on. In SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny, Mark Batterson effectively presents the biblical antidote to this identity crisis. As believers, our true identities are grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Through SoulPrint, Batterson encourages his readers to personally evaluate the past, present, and future decisions that have been essential in identity construction. He discusses the process of sanctification, in which a believer becomes the person who God created them to be. This exploration is done primarily through a study of the life and decisions of David. Through the chapters, Batterson makes David come alive to the readers. Through the life journey of David, readers are taught the importance of having a holy confidence in God, making spiritual markers of God’s faithfulness, reflecting in times of preparation and discouragement, being authentic, and avoiding times of temptation. Batterson ends the book by painting a picture of God giving believers a completely new identity in heaven.

This is a very encouraging and challenging read. Batterson encourages readers to become real about the things that have formed their identity and a passionate call to surrender their identity completely to Christ. Batterson’s writing style and constant examples make SoulPrint a very compelling read.

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Book Review: Throw It Down: Leaving Behind Behaviors and Dependencies that Hold You Back

April 27, 2011 by admin

In Throw It Down: Leaving Behind Behaviors and Dependencies that Hold You Back, Jud Wilhite challenges believers to evaluate the struggles in their lives biblically and seek to surrender themselves fully to the work of the God who saves. This is a very personal book for Wilhite in which he shares his own struggles in this area.

Throw It Down is a challenging book, which consists of testimonies of struggle and victory interlaced with a biblical argument for freedom. Wilhite relies primarily on the people of Israel’s journey out of Egypt in the Exodus as a parallel to a believer’s journey from dependency to freedom. The New Testament applications of the Exodus narrative, such as Jesus being the Passover Lamb, help to ground this story in the message of the gospel.

Wilhite continually drives his readers back to an utter dependence on the power of God through the work of the Holy Spirit to lead them to victory from the places of struggle in their lives. This is an excellent book that effectively leads readers to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit, who sets prisoners free due to the death of Christ on the cross to purchase their freedom. This is a call to walk in freedom from addiction and struggle that is very practical in nature yet grounded in biblical truth.

Category Book Reviews, Christian Living, Cross, Gospel, Grace, Life | Tags: | No Comments

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