Truly Free by Robert Morris

        Everyone at one time or another in their life has struggles in various areas that they need to overcome, and Christians are no exception. However, sometimes people struggle in these areas for long periods of time and freedom seems to elude them, no matter how hard they try. Robert Morris' new book, Truly Free, addresses the challenges that face people daily and offers hope and deliverance from the snares that entangle even the most sincere people.
        Throughout the book, Pastor Robert, the founder and Pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, shares some of his own battles that he has face throughout the years, and tells of the freedom that he found in the pages of scripture and applying the principles that the scriptures declare. The book discusses many topics, including pride, bitterness, greed, lust, past wounds and the battle in our mind. Everyone will identify with at least one, if not several of the subjects that are mentioned in each chapter. These, combined with the personal experiences he shares from himself and others give practical illustrations of how to be free from these problems.
        Deliverance is a valid scriptural subject and Pastor Robert outlines his position quite simply and straightforwardly. However, one area that I feel was weak in the book was the tendency to attribute too many areas to demonic spirits, rather than to works of the flesh. Biblically speaking, while Jesus did address demons often in His ministry, not everything was attributed to the devil. The book perhaps places an over emphasis on demon spirits as opposed to the victory of overcoming the flesh. However, the remedy he offers for these areas is sill good medicine, such as prayer, the word of God and seeking help from others.
        I did receive this book for free through the book review program for bloggers, available at www.booklookbloggers.com and the views expressed are my own. I do recommend this resource if you have not yet found the freedom available through the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus stated that 'you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free'. I trust that this book will be one tool that God uses to bring freedom into your spirit, soul and body.

Finding Your Way Back to God by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson

        

         Dave Ferguson and his brother Jon are the founders and Pastors at Community Christian Church near Chicago. They have many years of ministry experience and have written a new book called "Finding Your Way back to God", which I received for free through the book review program for bloggers that is available at www.bloggingforbooks.com. The views expressed are my own.

        The book uses the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 to elaborate the various points it proclaims in it's pages. It is divided into five sections, each with the subject of 'awakening' at the forefront, including awakening to longing, regret, help, love and life. Through some of the scriptures found in the story of the Prodigal Son, and many tales of lives who were altered by the principles discussed in each chapter, the authors weave a tale of self discovery, ending with a life that most people desire, but don't often see. They also include a study guide at the end, with questions for discussion about the topics that are addressed.

        Finding Your Way Back to God is probably very good for a non-believer or Christian who feels they have stumbled beyond restoration. And many of the stories in it's pages tell of these type of experiences. For that reason it will be a benefit to many people. I, for one, however, am becoming more and more disturbed by the trend in Christian literature that has become more stories and less scripture. While the authors do use the Prodigal Son as the backdrop of their book, it is not a book based on the Bible. It is a book that contains scriptures to support it's points, similar to the way we might use famous quotes which illustrate what we're trying to say.

         I do not desire to criticize anyone, for I think the writing style is very good and they build their points from chapter to chapter well. But, if you're like me and are desiring more Biblical literature, this won't be for you. If you do, however, need to find your way back to God, I hope that you do read this book, that it's simple enough to help you and that you grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God, and in relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son, the Savior of the world who died for your sins and rose again.

Life Is by Juddah Smith

        

          What is life all about? What is living life supposed to be about? Have you ever had any of these questions come into your mind once in awhile? Chances are, you have experienced those wanderings from time to time. And it is questions like those which may attract some readers to Pastor Judah Smith's new book "Life Is" where the author explores some of the intricacies of life from a Biblical worldview and guides his readers to the right direction for their answers to life's probing questions.
          Judah Smith is the Pastor of the City Church in Seattle, Washington. He has written before, including the best-selling "Jesus Is". Following the pattern of the title set in his past work, "Life Is" is divided into 4 sections and 16 chapters. The sections each highlight an aspect of what life is all about, including how life is to love and to be loved, life is to trust God in every moment, life is to be at peace with God and yourself and life is to enjoy God. The chapters elaborate on each concept.
          First, Judah is a gifted communicator, which is one of the reasons he is well known in the United States and around the world. Second, he is very strong on his use of personal illustrations and rather funny in employing them throughout the book. The book is entertaining and simple, which is the desire many people share in choosing a good book. I found the Biblical content to be a little weaker than I expected, considering the rich spiritual background and reputation Judah and his church have in the Christian world. But, nonetheless, it was still a good read and enjoyable.
          Ultimately, life is about Jesus. God made us in His image and desires for us to know Him and enjoy the life He created for us. Only by aligning ourselves with God's thoughts and intentions for life, will we be able to enjoy it to the full. I hope "Life Is" will make this end more achievable for you and will put you on the path to an abundant life. This book was given to me, free of charge, through the Book Look book review program for bloggers, available at www.booklookbloggers.com, and the views expressed are my own.

Jesus Continued by J.D. Greear

      

        Who is the Holy Spirit? What does He do? And is it true, as the subtitle of J.D. Greear's new book "Jesus Continued" suggests that the "Holy Spirit inside you is better than Jesus beside you'? These are questions that the author deals with in "Jesus Continued...why the Holy Spirit inside you is better than Jesus beside you" and he offers a refreshingly unique study of the Holy Spirit's role in the life of a believer.
        J. D. Greear is the Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. He holds a Phd in Systematic Theology and has authored previous works, including "Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart". His newest release is a balanced look at the role that the Holy Spirit plays in a believer's life and how we can learn His ways to better grow in our relationship with the Lord.
        The book has sixteen chapters, divided into three sections, which address overarching issues about the missing Spirit, experiencing the Spirit and seeking the Holy Spirit. This is not a book about wild, charismatic fanaticism. Nor is it a treatise on cessationism. The author believes in the expression of the Holy Spirit today through spiritual gifts and graces, but emphasizes the broader spectrum of His purpose in a Christian's life.
        In style, this book was not easy reading for me, but I do believe it was worth it. He approaches the subject of the Holy Spirit from a balanced view. His personal stories scattered in the book help illustrate his points nicely, and I was particularly impressed with the way he addresses the leadings of the Holy Spirit in several places. You'll have to read to discover why, but if you like your 'guidance' to be very 'cookie cutter orderly', then you might not enjoy his conclusions. I believe the book will help you if you want to grow deeper in your knowledge of the Holy Spirit and will help you to experience Him more in everyday life. This book was given to me, free of charge, through the Book Look book review program for bloggers, available at www.booklookbloggers.com, and the views expressed are my own.

Stealing From God by Frank Turek

   

      Perhaps you've found it difficult to discuss Christianity with atheists. Maybe some of their arguments have even taken you off guard and made you wonder how to respond to their queries and their critiques. Dr. Frank Turek has recently written a unique book entitled "Stealing From God" which discusses some of the most common arguments most atheists propose, while demonstrating through solid reasoning why these same arguments require God in order to support their own positions. It is a thought provoking book that challenges the conventional thinking of skeptics, while equipping the mind of the believer to see the impossibility of some atheistic claims apart from the knowledge of God.

       Dr. Turek is the President of "Cross Examined" and the co-author of "I Don't Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist". He is not afraid to tackle questions that some might consider tough to argue and has debated at numerous campus and other public venues. It is his depth of scholarship, combined with his simplicity of reasoning that make his arguments worth reading and exploring carefully. He even includes small excerpts of public debates where some of the objections he addresses have been raised by others.

       Using the acronym CRIMES, he proceeds in the chapters of the book to examine the areas he considers some of the major places where atheists 'steal from God' to propose their doubts. In areas including, causality, reason, information and intentionality, morality, evil and science, each topic is probed by often quoting the words of the critics themselves to carefully articulate their ideas. But, then, with a surgeon's precision, he cuts to the real root of the trouble and gives the diagnosis that identifies the ailment for each one. It is a very thorough treatise of truth.

       The only area I think would have made the book an easier read would be in summarizing earlier in the book. He concludes by reviewing some of the main points addressed in 1-2 pages, which were simpler in form that the pages of material used to explain them. But, for those familiar with this type of debate, it may not be that unusual. I also like his presentation of CS Lewis "Four Point Case for Mere Christianity" and appreciated his willingness to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My recommendations are for those who want to learn better how to defend their faith, for some who think they have legitimate arguments, and for the individuals who are not afraid to tackle the questions which may baffle some, but are in reality "Stealing From God".

The Divine Progression of Grace by Bob Santos

         Author Bob Santos writes in the first chapter of his new book "The Divine Progression of Grace" the question "Is there is a Biblical topic surrounded by more confusion than grace?" Perhaps one could try and debate his point, but he may be very accurate to a large degree on this issue, since most Christian believers struggle in their journey through life to both understand and appropriate the grace of God in their everyday lives. It is to the end of 'Blazing a Trail to Fruitful Living' as the subtitle indicates that the author has penned his newest work, helping equip others to walk more intimately with God and to bring forth abundant spiritual fruit for his kingdom.

         I have reviewed Bob Santos' previous work "Champions in the Wilderness" on the Refuge blog before. So when the author provided me with a free copy of the book, compliments of 'Search For Me' ministries with no obligation, I was looking forward to reading and sharing my thoughts on the new book. The views entailed reflect my own opinions and I was not required to write a positive review.

         First, if there is one topic I have encountered many people struggle with, grace has to be near the top of the list. One of the reasons for this struggle, as is detailed in the pages of the book, is that most people do not understand the 'multi-faceted nature of grace'. The book walks the reader through the progression, starting with relaying the foundations that we have been taught. To give you a better understanding of the process, page 50 offers a chart with definitions that follow on the ensuing pages to help readers form an understanding of how much more there is to grace than simply being born-again in Christ. He continues through the work, touching on the law, Christ's sufficiency, pride, unity and even includes the subject of sex towards the end. What does sex have to do with grace? Plenty, but you'll need to read to find out more.

         Do I recommend this book? Yes, but with a few things in mind. First, the book is long, and by that I mean it packs a lot of material. It is not something to sit down and read in one setting. Second, connected to my first point, if you want to get the most out of the material, you need to stop and meditate on the concepts proposed and how they apply to your life. Fortunately, each chapter ends with a "Blazing a Trail to Fruitful Living" post that gives suggestions and sometimes summaries to help you achieve the most from that chapter. Search for Me Ministries also provides additional resources on their website www.sfme.org which will help you along this path. Read, grow, be fruitful. As I said when I read Bob's previous book "Champions in the Wilderness", I'm looking forward to reading any works you may have to offer in the future.

        

John MacArthur - Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain Murray

             I am not an avid follower of John MacArthur, although I have read and reviewed a couple of his books and have listened to some of his sermons over the years. However, I do recognize that he is a gifted Bible expositor, a well loved Pastor by many and, undoubtedly, one of the most influential Christian leaders in the United States and other parts of the world. And so, when I discovered that writer Iain Murray had written a biography of the beloved Pastor only a few years ago, I was glad to obtain a copy on my own and to review it. The book, entitled "John MacArthur - Servant of the Word and Flock" was worth my time.

            First, Iain Murray is a gifted writer and crafts the details of John's life into a splendid tale. The book was relatively easy for me to read, and I finished it within a little more than a day of purchase. Next, it was not overly detailed, as by the author's own admission it was not his intention to write a complete chronicle of Dr. MacArthur's life. And by means of this reduced chronicle, it made the book easier to finish.

            Like any good biography, the author recounts the events of the author's childhood and upbringing, including a little detail about his parents, including his father, Jack MacArthur, who had also been a Pastor and probably the most prominent influence on John MacArthur's ministry. The book does describe the events of  his conversion, college years and Pastoral ministry at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where Dr. MacArthur has served as the Pastor for decades.

            Iain Murray also takes the time to discuss not only controversial teachings that arose in the ministry over the years, but also some failed ventures in the church and trials along the journey. I was glad for his honesty. But, since Mr. Murray is a reformed minister himself, I do feel some of his agreements were a little bit quickly too affirming with some points of doctrine, rather than objective, while on others he states the areas he wishes Dr. MacArthur would change or emphasize more of in his teachings. However, this was not a serious enough issue to warrant not enjoying the work.

            Whether one agrees with everything Dr. John MacArthur teaches or not, as even his own friends don't at times, it would be difficult to argue that he has not dramatically impacted the Christian world in one way or another. This biography will serve to give you a good glimpse into his life and may challenge you to delve more deeply into the Word of God, which he so passionately proclaims that you might grow into the image and the knowledge of God.