The Touchpoint by Bob Santos

       

       We live in the most technologically advanced age in history. And, for the person who desires to learn about the Bible, resources abound everywhere that can help in this endeavor. But, sometimes finding a starting point can be overwhelming, especially for the person who is new to the Bible and wants to know where to begin. And, Bob Santos' new book "The Touchpoint" helps to ease the complications for those who are desiring to learn about the Bible, with one major difference from  other Bible study books...the author desires to teach you how the Bible is our touchpoint for connecting with God, who inspired the writers who penned the scriptures.

       One of the things I liked about this book is the emphasis in the first few chapters, on connecting with God. Though that  is the focus of chapter one, it is elaborated throughout the book in a way that is unique to most Bible study. Most Bible study centers around the tools and methods of actual Bible study. "The Touchpoint" does cover some of the common ways the study of scripture is approached, but it also emphasizes our heart's preparation in knowing God through the Bible, the authority of the scriptures and some basics you will need to know before you delve into the Bible in depth.

      The book is not meant to be a "one stop shop" for every subject. The point is to help you know God, who He is, what He said and what He desires. "The Touchpoint" does talk about Bible translations, context of scripture and other basic topics for Bible studies. But, it is only to give some basic overview so that you have a point of reference to study further. And, the author does talk about issues with subjects like science, but tries to avoid some of the debate which inevitably ensues when bringing up the "creation" word. 

    In spite of being basic, there is a lot of information in the pages of "The Touchpoint". I think it would work great for someone if the book is studied within a group setting, one chapter at a time, to maximize the material it discusses. This also could facilitate discussion for those just beginning to learn about the Bible, and Pastors or small group leaders should consider this as a book for study in their groups.
    This is the third work Bob Santos has written and he has so far chosen to address relevant and Biblical material. I hope that he will continue to write more in the future, to better equip future generations with knowledge of Bible truths. You can order "The Touchpoint" and other books and resources by Bob Santos at Search for Me Ministries (www.sfme.org) and for today only (April 17, 2016) "The Touchpoint" is available for free at www.amazon.com.

After the Boxes are Unpacked by Susan Miller

      After the Boxes are Unpacked by Susan Miller is a 20 year old book on the challenges of moving, that was recently revised by the author, Susan is an experienced mover and the founder of Just Moved Ministry (www.justmoved.org). She revised the book after the experience of the death of her husband, to whom she had been married for forty-five years. I received this book for free through the book review program for bloggers, available at www.tyndalebloggingnetwork.com. The reviews expressed are my own.
       This book was DEFINITELY written for women, and the author makes that abundantly clear. I chose to read it because: A. Our family has moved several times in 25 years, including a year ago to a new state B. My wife thought she would like to read it. So, I will give my synopsis review first and I will add my wife's comments later. With that being said, if you're a man, you may not identify quite as much, but it will help you to better understand your wife, your family and other families who have had to uproot and move.
    The book was VERY thorough, taking into account moving caused by every kind of conceivable circumstance, including job changes, upgrading, down grading, eviction, pastorates and military moves. The author has ministered to thousands of families over the last 20 years and has heard most of the situations which precipitate a move, and the upheaval that comes afterward. She offers a world of insight into the emotional turmoil that often accompanies the loss of family, friendships, security and familiarity. She also offers tips in the "Unpack Your Survival Box" section at the end of each chapter. It is a great resource for those who have moved or are getting ready to.
    My wife finished this book in three days, and she does not like to read a lot. My wife is a military child, who had several moves in the first 15 years of her life, then married an aspiring minister, who traversed the US with her to another state, two weeks after our wedding. In her words, this book summed up and healed 48 years of moving in one book. She shed many tears through reading it. She heartily recommends it and said she felt like the author was talking to her personally, face to face and was identifying with all of the feelings that she has experienced over the years. If you need someone who understands what it's like to move, especially a lot of moves, then this is a good choice for you.

Unqualified by Steven Furtick

     I have done reviews on a couple of Steven Furtick's other books. So I was not surprised by his style of writing when I was given a free copy of his latest book "Unqualified" thought the book review program for bloggers available at http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/. And, as with his other works, his illustrations paint pictures that show his points very well. He is a gifted communicator who is transparent about his personal struggles, while offering Biblical hope for those seeking to be encouraged.
     Unqualified is a look at all of us and how we, in one way or another, are unqualified by the world's standards to be saved by God, loved by God, used by God and blessed by God. Though the thoughts in the book had been swirling in his mind for some time, it was only after hearing an interview with a theologian who, when asked to describe what he thought about Steven Furtick, responded disapprovingly with the word "unqualified". The author explains his response throughout the book, without attacking the theologian who made the comment.
     I like Steven Furtivk's ability to communicate and appreciate his way of using simple and even personal illustrations to draw out his points. This book does that very well. However, one of the areas that disappointed me was the lack of stronger scriptural usage to support his thoughts, particularly earlier in the book. He does use scriptural stories, like Jacob, and uses them well. But, I felt that he spent a lot of time discussing what he was trying to say, more than scripturally stating what the Bible declares.
    The book, however, is a vital subject for believers who struggle in any way with insecurity, identity, acceptance, belonging or the love of God. The Biblical texts he does utilize do help point believers in the right direction. Because, the fact is, we are all unqualified. But, as someone said years ago, and the author reiterates in the book. "God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called."