A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

 

A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love by Milton Vincent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Refreshing. Uplifting. Simple. Deep.

Just as it's title suggests, this simple book is meant to teach adults and teens of any age the simple, yet profound truth of the gospel on a daily basis. It is broken into four sections, one of which is Vincent's testimony of what brought him to write this book. The other three are the gospel in various forms that you can read through quite easily in one sitting. While this book is certainly beneficial as a one-time read, it would be even better as a daily or weekly aid in helping you to refocus your thinking on the many glorious truths of the gospel and what they mean to you today - not just "yesterday" as a new believer.

I personally really enjoyed this book and it's simplicity. I could read it quickly yet soak in the rich depth. If you are looking for a book that will help you understand the glorious and daily implications of the gospel in your life then I would highly recommend this book for you to read. It's a simple beginning to an endless topic.

The Reformation Study Bible ESV

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version Hardcover 2nd Ed w/Maps by R.C. Sproul
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

One of the endorsements I read for this Bible said that this is the "Gold standard" in Bibles. I agree.

This Bible is the best study Bible I have yet to use. It is the flowing and easy-reading ESV version which is accurate and eloquent. On top of being a superb version, it contains wonderful study notes, articles, and commentary that make it not only a Bible, but a study tool. My favorite part is that this study Bible highlights the Word of God rather than any man's opinion as the contributors share insight based on a cross centered view point. While I use several other study Bibles in my personal study, I appreciate this one the most for coming back to the heart of the matter - the gospel - from start to finish. The features in this study Bible will help you learn more for your cross centered life.

This study Bible is a wonderful, easy-to-use, and simple tool for teens and adults both. It's a must-read and must-use!


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Widely considered one of the best tools available for Bible study and previously only available in the New King James Version, the Reformation Study Bible (RSB) has been updated to the readable and accurate English Standard Version (ESV).

Respected theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul, founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, served as this study Bible's general editor. "The Reformation Study Bible contains a modern restatement of Reformation truth in its comments and theological notes. Its purpose is to present the light of the Reformation afresh," stated Dr. Sproul.

The thousands of in-depth study notes included in the RSB were compiled from over 50 distinguished biblical scholars, including Drs. J.I. Packer, James Boice, and Wayne Grudem. In addition to the comprehensive study notes, the RSB offers readers extended discussions on the authority of Scripture, the atonement, and other key aspects of biblical theology.

The RSB is intended for use by anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. The reader will appreciate book introductions, an extensive cross-reference system, and illuminated words and terms within the Bible that are crucial to an in-depth understanding. This new edition in the ESV is published by Ligonier Ministries and produced and distributed by P&R Publishing of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Features:

Theological Notes index
In-text maps index
Charts index
Section introductions (Pentateuch, History, etc)
Book Introductions
Passage headings
Double-column format
Center-column references
Black letter edtion
Concordance
8 pages of full-color maps

Chasing Elephants by Brent Crowe

Chasing Elephants by BRENT CROWE
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Challenging. Convicting. Thought-provoking. Freeing. Beneficial. Implemental.

The intriguing title and cover are the first things to draw you into an intense, yet exhilarating probe of our freedom in Christ in the so-called gray areas of life. Brent has done a fabulous job at writing a book that sticks to the point, isn't full of big words and hard to grasp ideas, and stays true to the Word of God. In the first few chapters He presents the ground work of our freedom in Christ and in the last chapters he provides examples and "case studies" of what it all looks like fleshed out. In chapter five He presents sixteen questions as tools to aid you in establishing your freedom in Christ in gray areas.

Overall I really liked and appreciated this book. It's a comprehensive, yet simple and straight-forward book that the average person can both understand and enjoy. I was reading it in review before our teens in youth group begin to read it as part of this year's selected reading and while I think it's a great book, I do think it's possibly a little on the older side for some teens. However, that said, I still encourage them to at least try to read it as it does get easier as you go along. Brent has taken a hard issue and made it manageable - like eating an elephant one bite at a time! - and so I highly recommend teens and adults read this book and that parents work through it with their teenagers for maximum impact. It doesn't hold "all the answers" but it does give you food for thought that will help you think through gray issues using Scripture as your guide.

From the Library of A.W. Tozer by James Stuart Bell

From the Library of A. W. Tozer: Selections From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey by James Stuart Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Over the past two years I have developed an appreciation for the writings of "the dead guys" as a well known speaker affectionately refers to them. The writings of men like D.L. Moody, C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther and others are such an amazing encouragement to me. However, in all honesty, I find myself struggling to read an entire volume by them in my demanding, fast pace life when I have other books waiting to be read that are a easier reads. So imagine my excitement at a book that contains shorter excerpts of their works!

This beautiful book - From the Library of A.W. Tozer - is a compilation of one to three page selections of the writers who influenced the spiritual life of A.W. Tozer. The book is broken into topical chapters with many small portions within each chapter. It's the perfect book to leave on the coffee table and read a page or two a day. It is also a fabulous way for those of us who don't have the self discipline to read an entire work from one of these men of faith to enjoy small bits at a time. Rather than own multiple books you may never finish or use, this is a book you most likely will pick up again and again.

I enjoyed this book for the highly impacting messages in such small portions making it something that was easy to understand and stay with you through out the day. This book is not overwhelming or daunting, but uplifting and addicting!

BOOK OVERVIEW:

A Collection of Writings That Shaped One of the Most Influential Pastors of the Twentieth Century

Pull back the curtain on the life and mind of A. W. Tozer as you read selections from the authors and thinkers who influenced his spiritual journey. Without their words to serve as guides, Tozer never would have become the man of God that he was. Drink deeply from these selections, chosen to emphasize major themes from Tozer's life and ministry--worship, practicing the presence of God, living the Christian life. As you do, you too will grow in your devotion to and understanding of God.

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of Bethany House but the opinion expressed is my own and was in no way compensated.

The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley

The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church by Andrew Farley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW:

Reading this thought-provoking book by Andrew Farley stripped away some of the "religious" thoughts I have attached to the Gospel. He poked and probed around several scripture passages that I personally have never thought through but rather just taken for granted. Much of what he said was intriguing and helpful, but some left me still "chewing" to determine my own beliefs on particular parts. There were multiple chapters and portions I really enjoyed, but one of my favorites was when he dove into the official start of the New Testament and how that impacts our life.

The overall reading of the book is fairly deep, yet his style of writing is easy to read in that it's personal. You are not just reading heavy thoughts, but rather Farley's own testimony to a degree. I personally felt that the theme throughout the book was hard to follow and that each "Part" was like reading a mini book in of it's self. However, I still enjoyed this book despite the weak spots along the way. I would highly recommend this for a seasoned Christian who seems to be in a Christian bubble and would like to challenge the rut of his/her living.

My only caution is that this book needs to be read with great discernment. I am still unsure of how I think about certain thoughts that Farley addressed and I would not read this book with abandon, but with great contemplation and thoughts. Remember that this book is not the Gospel.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Jesus plus nothing. 100% natural. No additives. It’s the truth you may never hear in church. The Naked Gospel is a chapter-by-chapter assault on the churchy jargon and double talk of our day. It puts forth a message that is simple but life-changing. With a fresh take on Scripture and unapologetic style, The Naked Gospel will challenge you to re-examine everything you thought you already knew.