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."

Renovate by Leonce Crump Jr

      I honestly had never heard of Leonce Crump or Renovation Church, which he Pastors in Atlanta, GA, until reading his recent book "Renovate-Changing Who You Are By Loving Where You Are". However, I had heard of Matt Chandler, Pastor of the Village Church in Dallas, Texas, where I currently live. So, when I noticed that Pastor Matt had endorsed this book, I was interested to read it. I received this book for free through the book review program for bloggers, available at www.bloggingforbooks.com and the views expressed are my own.
     The book is a look at changing our cities through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But, it differs from other books in this regard by proposing not just having 'pity on' or 'helping' those that we consider less fortunate, but by becoming a part of their lives. As an example to help elaborate my point, Pastor Crump and his wife, along with many members of their congregation, moved their families into the urban inner city, only minutes from two of the worst crime areas in America. Some of you may be familiar with the Christian musician Lecrae, who is also a member of their church. They attract people from all walks of life, irrespective of social standing.
     It is hard to express in a short blog the ideas from scripture that Pastor Crump proposes. But, in sharing his ideas, he writes about learning to love where you are and how to become a part of the culture, rather than leaving it for a safer place. He exhorts his readers to recognize the hand of God in sending you where you are. The book pointedly addresses issues of transience, prejudice, poverty and racism, confronting the hearts of his readers to examine themselves in the light of scripture as to whether they are helping to change the problems, or may be inadvertently contributing to the factors that create division and perpetuate these areas (You'll have to read to see what I mean).
    All in all, the book is excellent. However, I did find some places where I felt the author was espousing his ideas without scripturally supporting them as well as I would have hoped. But, the book challenges the reader to become involved in making a difference. It is a call to renovate the places where we are, and in turn become more of who God made us to be. I pray that you (and I) will take to heart what is written and act on it to be ambassadors of the Gospel in the world in which we live.

Answering Jihad by Nabeel Qureshi

       National political tensions in Western society could perhaps be speculated as being some of the highest that they have ever been. And, one of the key contributors to this struggle can be considered as the misunderstandings connected to the subject of radical Islam. With militant groups, such as Hamas, Al Queda and ISIS gaining national prominence, the media does not always clearly paint the pictures of each group and tends to throw them together, as though they believe the same. But, in his latest book, "Answering Jihad", best-selling author and speaker Dr. Nabeel Qureshi stresses that there are many differences among Muslim believers. And, he also believes that only by understanding what Islam is, what radical Islam is and the beliefs of the groups that compromise each element can we truly begin to bring love and truth to such groups, seeking a 'better way forward' as the sub-title says to address these issues.
       For those who are not familiar with Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, I would suggest reading his previous book "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus", which serves as an auto-biography of his life. As a result of reading the first book, I was looking forward to delving into his latest work, "Answering Jihad", which I received for free through the book review program for bloggers, which is available at http://www.booklookbloggers.com . The views expressed are my own.
      First, Nabeel is very intelligent and his works are well researched. His personal background of having been raised as a Muslim gives him a great perspective about Islam. It is also his studious work that helps "Answering Jihad" to deliver a wealth of information for the reader. The book seeks to answer the majority of questions that people ask about Islam, radical Islam and the confusion that surrounds there subjects. Each chapter addresses one individual question and the response are not very long. They are filled with historical data to support the answers that the author provides.
     Again, it was very well researched. My only disappointment came because his first book was so well done that I expected much of the same impact. However, the author's first book told his story and this book seeks to give information by answering questions. Hence, it is not the same easy read as the other work. And, I found him being almost too careful in his approach to some of the questions, so as not to offend anyone. But, overall, it is still a good work and you are likely to learn much about what has been called the "religion of peace" as well as how to understand it's adherents so that you may love them and provide a better way than radical extremism, which is the way of love and grace.
   

Be Light by Samuel Rodriguez

     

      Though he has been in full time ministry for quite some time, one of the new emerging faces in the Christian media scene is Pastor Samuel Rodriguez. Samuel is the Pastor of New Seasons Christian Center in Sacramento and has just written a new book that is scheduled to be released in May on the subject, Be Light. I received a free copy of this book to review from the book review program for bloggers, available at http://www.bloggingforbooks.com. The views expressed are my own.

       The book is divided into 30 chapters, in somewhat of a devotional format, with the chapters being about 6-8 pages each. Each chapter focuses in on a physical aspect of the subject of light and then uses that aspect as a springboard for the scriptural application of the topic. There is a reflection part of 1-2 pages that helps you to focus on the main thought, though I sometimes found the thoughts not related to the main point.

       First, let me say that I am not a very scientific person, and when discussing the physical attributes of light, I can get no further than the "on" button on a light switch. I also am a very simplistic person, and prefer when discussing scientific matters that you just skip the detail and give me the main point you're attempting to get across. Perhaps you're different and therefore this may be just what you need.

       I will say that the author definitely did his research well for the book and did great job of finding material for each of the 30 chapters that focuses on separate aspects of light. I will also say that his purpose is to inspire, as much as it is to inform and he does convey that well. The goal of the book is not simply to read about light but to actually be light in our world. I hope that if you read this book that you will take the time to meditate the material and apply to your life. May you shine brightly so all of the world can see Jesus in you.

21 Seconds to Change Your World by Dr Mark Rutland

 

       What do you think of when you think of th word 'prayer'? Do you think, that's boring or religious? Or are you one of those individuals who has a difficult time even trying to pray? What if somebody offered you a Biblical, time proven, simple prayer that takes about 21 seconds any time you pray it? Would you at least be interested to find out more about it? That is what Dr. Mark Rutland has done in his new book on prayer, titled "21 Seconds to Change your World". I was given this book for fee through the book review program for bloggers, available through www.bethanyhouse.com and the views expressed are my own.

        Dr. Mark Rutland is the President of both the National Institute of Christian Leadership and Global Servants. He has served in the past as a Pastor, University President and best selling author. His latest work, focused on the subject of prayer, is a compilation of actually two prayers found in the Bible, both the Lord's Prayer as taught by Jesus, and Psalm 23, as recited centuries earlier by King David. It is the Lord's prayer that takes about 21 seconds to pray, but Dr. Rutland endeavors to help 'fuel your fire' t get started by telling of not only his own personal journey in learning these Biblical prayers, but of how others have been impacted also. The book is interspersed with stories of he and others who have shared the blessing of these vital prayers.

       The book centers around the two primary prayers, by taking a line or phrase from each one in separate chapters, and examining what their words actually mean. It's one thing to recite words in a dead, religious way, but it's another thing to understand what you're praying and, therefore, what to expect from you prayers. The chapters are very short and not too theologically complicated. It is very simple to follow the author's ideas and even simpler to implement them. It's a very practical tool for prayer, and Dr. Rutland does not say you only have to pray only 21 seconds a day, as he actually recommends using these prayers multiple times daily.

       At first, I was not very impressed by the book, by what I perceived to be it's lack of depth. I did not find the concepts terribly new, as Larry Lea and others have presented similar ideas in years gone by. But, as I pressed on and meditated on some of the concepts that the author presented, I found them easy enough to understand and implement, in about 21 seconds to be exact. So, as you read, don't discount age old, time proven truths. .Remember to put it into practice what you've heard. I believe it will aid you in growing in your prayer, even if it's only less than a minute more every day.

 

 

Parables by John MacArthur

    

   
           I have reviewed some of Dr. John MacArthur's books in the past. The Pastor of Grace Community Church has a rich legacy of Biblical exposition and uncompromising integrity. So, when I was given his newest book "Parables" for free through the book review program for bloggers, available at http://www.booklookbloggers.com/ I was looking forward to reading this work. The book is, as it's title describes, straight forward teaching on the parables of the Bible, those which the Lord Jesus Christ expounded in His teachings while on earth.
          First, true to form, Dr. MacArthur covers all of the material very thoroughly and with detailed explanations. His knowledge of history, culture, theology and languages gives a great depth to the stories and helps explain the context for many concepts which could be easily misunderstood. He is great at stressing the practical implications and applications of the parables, and challenges his readers to not just hear the word, but to do it.
          However, the draw backs I have with this book are not as much over the author as over the way the material is arranged in the volume. First, none of the chapter titles tell the name of the specific parable, not even as a sub-title to the chapter title. Second, none of the chapter titles lists the scripture reference for the particular parable, which would have helped a reader find a specific parable he was desiring to study. And last, on at least one occasion, (ie - where the author expounds on the rich man in hell in Luke 16), I did not agree with him referring to this story as a parable (as the author, himself, even admits that many others do not agree either) and therefore I believe it affects his explanation of the the story.
          Still, the book has value for the student of scripture and those wanting to understand the truths contained within the parables of the Lord Jesus Christ. I do actually recommend it for study, if the reader is aware of the areas I mentioned in this review that make it less easy to use as a study tool. Dr MacArthur still is a gifted writer and teacher and I look forward to delving into his works again in the future. And I trust that you will benefit from his rich knowledge of the scripture in the future.

AD The Bible Continues, The Book Of Acts by David Jeremiah

          In 2015, a Bible mini-series aired called "AD - The Bible Continues" aired on network television, which gained quite a bit of popularity among both Christian and non-Christian crowds. Like all good television sagas that gather interest, marketing campaigns to promote the show began to rapidly multiply amidst the ensuing chatter about it's release. And one of the areas that inevitably evolved from the continuing propaganda was a couple of books that had been written, connected to the subject. One of those books by Dr. David Jeremiah, similarly titled "A.D. The Bible Continues, The Book Of Acts" was given to me for free to review, through the book review program for bloggers, which is available at www.tyndaleblognetwork.com.

          Dr. David Jeremiah, the Pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, has authored numerous best-selling books in the past. This book, however, is somewhat unique, in that it is not specifically a teaching book. Instead, contained within it's pages is the entire text of the twenty-eight chapters of the Book of Acts, as found in the Holy Bible, along with some color photographs from the show and periodic character sketches of the main characters found in this dramatic Bible book. And, for those not familiar with the Bible or it's contents, Acts tells the historical tale of the first few decades of the Christian church, birthed after Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

          First, the presentation of the book is outstanding. It is compact, fairly short by book standards and very classy in appearance. The translation for the text is the New Living Translation, which is very simple to read and understand. There is also a brief introduction, a prologue and an epilogue found in the book, written by Dr. Jeremiah specifically which highlight key elements of the Christian faith and challenge us on how to respond to the message presented by this historical story.

         All in all, it was excellent. But, please don't be expecting detailed teaching in this volume. I think it would make a great gift for someone, and the packaging for the product is so well done that I actually think the publishers should consider if another volume might be marketable for a different book of the Bible, with or without a TV show to promote it. I do have to caution the reader, however, that two books with similar titles were written about this TV series. The book I reviewed is not to be confused with "AD - The Bible Continues, The Revolution That Changed The World", also authored by Dr. David Jeremiah. The Book of Acts is part of our Christian heritage, and it would do all of us good to study it, learn it and live it's principles as the early disciples did in their generation.