Look Honestly at Evangelism: From an Atheist's Perspective

While some people experience dramatic conversion experiences after a single presentation of the gospel, many do not.  All people are on a journey, and we Christians need evangelism strategies that meet people at various points along their journeys.  More than strategies, however, we need relationships.  Jim (currently a pastor) and Matt (currently an atheist) give us a picture of what such a relationship can look like in Saving Casper.

I cringed as Matt Casper related some of his experiences with those seeking to reach him with the gospel.  Many of them seemed all too eager to tell him he was going to hell, while few bothered to see Matt as a human being much like themselves.  Respect seems to be the missing ingredient in many evangelism efforts. 

When I consider how Jesus approached people, as recorded in the Bible, I don’t see Him hitting people and telling them all about the hell for which they were bound.  Yes, He taught about hell; but when we see Him with individuals, we see how He saw them as unique people.  He cared about their families, their sorrows, their illnesses--and their eternal souls.  We should follow his example.  Matt Casper points out how confusing it is for someone on the outside to look at Christians and not see them doing what even he, an atheist, knows Jesus told them to do.

Please read and share Saving Casper.  Then build some relationships with people of all beliefs.  Respect them, learn about them, and let them see Jesus in you.

I received a free review copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers.

The Ultimate in Independent Learning

Ministry in Dangerous Places

Dangerous by Caleb Bislow: A Book Review

Based on the premise that God has not called us to be safe, but to be faithful, Caleb tells exciting stories from his life as an "unusual soldier" for Jesus Christ.  He has gone on missions to some very dangerous and dark places.  He also trains others to do the same.

From page 46: "…we often equate God's "blessing" with personal safety." Yet Caleb found himself wanting a life more like William Wallace and less like Mr. Rogers.  Read the stories of people who went to minister in dark places, in dangerous places, or among despised people.  Learn that God reaches out to all those people and places.

This would be an excellent book for a group of young men or women to study together with an older, seasoned missionary or minister.  In a nation obsessed with keeping kids perfectly safe from every "danger," including non-organic food, refined sugar, and ordinary bumps and bruises, this book is a breath of fresh air.  Some risks are worth taking, especially for those of us who already have eternal life.

I received a free review copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Dragonwitch: A Book Review

I am not much of a fiction reader, but since this was supposed to appeal to those who like fantasy, I gave it a go.  The plot was interesting enough, with classic good v. evil.  I might have liked it more if there had been more suspense and ambiguity about who was good and who was evil.  Instead, I could guess the ending several chapters before I got to the end.

Regular fiction readers will probably enjoy this book,  part of the Tales of Goldstone Wood series.  

I received a free review copy of this book from Bethany House.

A History of God and His Friends

Finding God in the Bible by Darren Wilson: A Book Review

Darren Wilson introduces us to God's friends.  What a motley crew!  Adulterers, murderers, cowards, and weird people of all stripes--these are people God considers his friends.  Darren challenges us to have a friendship with God rather than an acquaintance.

God, of course, is more than a mere buddy.  As God, his friendship causes Him to test us, refine us, shape us, and change us radically.  Abraham was a great example of this process.  God's great love longs for friendship with those He created.

Look at Bible characters like David, Gideon, and Elisha in a new way.  Then get to know God in a deeper way.

I received a free review copy of Finding God in the Bible from Chosen Books.  I also received a copy of the DVD Father of Lights, in which Darren continues his mission of filming God at work in the lives of people everywhere.  See my review of Father of Lights here.

Appointments with Heaven by Dr. Reggie Anderson: A Book Review

This book had such compelling stories that I had a hard time putting it down.  Dr. Anderson is both a medical doctor and a great storyteller.  More importantly, his stories are about God and the Heaven that awaits those who place their hope in Him.

The author shares his personal story: from amazing childlike faith to unbearable family tragedy to unbelief to faith again.  Anyone who has wondered about or wandered from his/her faith can relate to this story.  He goes on to tell the stories of others who have faced death and heard from God.

Those who are acquainted with grief will find solace in Dr. Anderson's description of the peace that goes with the passing of a believer--a peace he has been privileged to witness often in his country medical practice.  Add to your understanding of God's eternal provision for His children both now and forever by reading this book.

I received a free review copy of Appointments with Heaven from Tyndale Publishers.

Godonomics by Chad Hovind: a Book Review

Many voices today claim to have God's word about economics.  Chad Hovind actually looks at the text of God's Word to answer the important questions about how to wisely handle wealth. How do God's laws in Scripture handle private property, greed, and charity?  What would God say to Karl Marx?  What do we learn from the practices of the early Christian believers?  Chad Hovind tackles these questions and many others.

In a world where many Christians have been deceived into using the secular government to create "social justice," Chad calls us back to God's mandate for real justice--meaning laws are applied equally to all persons, rich or poor, male or female, whatever their creed or ethnicity.  Only real justice can lift the poor and restrain the greedy.

The discussion of first-, second- and third-party purchases should be required reading for all Americans.  I have never read such a simple, elegant explanation of what happens when people buy for the consumption of others or buy using other people's money.

This book is suitable for an adult Bible study, an economics class in a Christian high school, or individual enrichment reading.  I received a free e-book from Multnomah Books for my review.  I also purchased a hard copy for my church library and will recommend it to our pastoral staff.  Read more reviews here.

Book Review: God Distorted by John Bishop

This book explains how the image of our earthly father often interferes with our understanding of the heavenly Father.  The misunderstandings hamper our ability to truly enjoy an intimate relationship with our God and Father.  John begins with chapters about different "Daddy Types" and the problems they can cause.  He weaves his personal story into the text as well.

Fortunately, the book then goes on to show the real Father as he reveals Himself in Scripture.  This Father is in perfect control, is always there, and needs nothing from us.  He simply loves us, even before we understand or feel "worthy." 

A study guide is included for individuals or groups to use in their pursuit of truth that sets us free from the distortions in our minds.

I received a free review copy of God Distorted from Multnomah Publishers.