If God is Good by Randy Alcorn (Chapter 4)

Desiring God (10-part DVD series)

These 10 talks describe the foundation of John Piper’s theology and ministry, which he describes as “Christian hedonism.”  Piper is a man who knows the Bible well and that has given him some important insights into the nature and character of God and God’s desire and intent for humanity.  Piper’s passion for God and God’s word shines through as he uses passage after passage to show how “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”  He also uses examples from his own life and describes how this belief applies to our lives in today’s world.  I have heard Piper speak many times and have read some of his books and I greatly admire his dedication to God and his ability to instill a desire for God in others.  This series will inspire and challenge you to seek your greatest joy in God, because you will not be satisfied with anything less that this world has to offer.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Radical Together

“Radical Together” by David Platt is a well-written plea for the people of God to rise up and live out the purpose for which God has created us.  This book was written as a follow-up to Platt’s popular book, “Radical,” which I have not read, but this book clearly stands on its own, with just a few references to the previous work.  In a clear and simple manner, he cuts through the confusion that today’s churches have become and focuses our attention on the “one thing” that is most needed.  This is a book that should be read by people in every church and the study guide in the back is a great way for small groups to study it together, so they can apply the principles to their lives and their church.  The book itself is only 129 pages and it can be read rather quickly.  If only the way of living suggested in those pages could be applied quickly as well, the Church would dramatically increase its impact in the world.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to live as a follower of Jesus.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Unleashed by Erwin McManus describes what the author refers to as “the Barbarian Way” of living out our faith in Jesus.  Like many books being written today, it is an attempt to declare that Christianity has become too civilized.  He reminds us that risk and sacrifice are an essential part of faith in Jesus and that comfort and security should not be our primary purpose or focus.  In his words, “We created a religion using the name of Jesus Christ and convinced ourselves that God’s optimal desire for our lives was to insulate us in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, lose nothing, worry about nothing.”  Using examples from the early church and his own experiences, McManus demonstrates that this is not what Jesus intended for his followers.  His answer to what is missing in the lives of believers is to embrace the “barbarian way”, which begins in the hearts of individual believers and inspires others to reach out and risk connecting with a lost and unbelieving world.  “Our goal must not be to populate the Christian religion but to bring people into a genuine relationship with God.”  I would recommend this book as a helpful reminder of the cost of discipleship and a call to join the adventure that Jesus has in store for those who are daring enough to follow Him.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Voices of the Faithful

Voices of the Faithful  is a book filled with 365 inspirational stories shared by Christians from all over the world that will motivate and challenge you to make your life count by following the example of those who are involved in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.  The book emphasizes a different category each month of the year.  The stories compiled in this book give us a better understanding of how God is working in different places among different people groups.    It will help readers to gain a better understanding of God’s heart for the world.  Beth Moore introduces each chapter with some words from her own experience.  Reading about the strong faith of believers who risk much for proclaiming the name of Jesus is a helpful reminder of the many blessings I take for granted every day.  It makes me want to pray more for persecuted believers around the world and pray that I might have a faith as deep as theirs.  I would recommend this book as a good daily devotional, especially because of its emphasis on the importance of global missions. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan is a book filled with 365 inspirational stories from Christian history that will motivate and challenge you to make your life count by following the example of those who have gone before us in following Jesus. It is one of many books of its type, but I think it is a great way to learn more about our past so we can be strengthened and encouraged about our future. The stories compiled in this book are about well-known Christians as well as some more obscure or lesser known individuals. I love reading about the struggles and joys of those who have committed their lives to Christ. This book is also a great resource for group devotional readings and would be very helpful in sermon preparation as well. There is a brief topical index in the back to search for a specific category of story. This book would make a fine gift, even for those who don’t read much, because each reading is only one page in length. I have other books like this one, but I am glad to add it to my collection. I recommend this book to all.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Outlive Your Life

Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado is a book filled with inspirational stories that will motivate and challenge you to make your life count by following the example of Jesus in loving the poor and reaching out to those who live on the fringes of society in our world.  It is a quick and easy book to read.  The stories and illustrations he uses come from the scriptures as well as from  historical and contemporary examples of people living like Jesus.  The discussion and action guide at the back of the book makes it a useful tool for personal or small group study.  If everyone who reads this book would apply even one of the chapters to their life, God would be pleased and this world would be a better place.  Lucado reminds us that we are all in this together and our life matters most when it matters to those in need.  His stories make the point that everyone can make a big impact for the Kingdom of God, because even the smallest acts of kindness done in the name of Jesus will cause a ripple effect that affects eternity.  I would recommend this book to all fans of Lucado’s writing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.