The title seems almost an oxymoron as suffering “well” strikes most of us as an unreal concept. On the other hand, if our Lord made it such a key component of our lives, it simply must be a good thing. So to read something along the lines of this book by Mr. Grimmond and published by Matthias Media should be on our agenda on occasion. We simply must get some sort of handle on something that is going to define our lives on some level.  This volume sheds light, light we really need.

This book comes from a different angle than many I’ve seen. One clue is in the sub-title: “The predictable surprise of Christian suffering.” It is part of Christian experience. While he discusses personal or general suffering, the focus of the book is clearly on suffering as a Christian. There are many fine books on general suffering (for example, the writings of Joni Erickson Tada),but far fewer on suffering because you are a Christian.

Mr. Grimmond does well in tying suffering to the larger picture in the chapter on “But why?” I appreciated this comment on the Lord: “God is not an evil young boy pulling the wings off flies. He did not make the world so he could revel in sadistic pleasure. But in some profound way (and here there are many mysteries), suffering is at the very heart of God’s plan to create a perfect world and to glorify himself through his Son.”  Well said, don’t you think?

As the book proceeds he draws out clearly from Scripture that “all Christians, without exception, must suffer.” He explains how the New Testament so changes the emphasis and that we should note it. Job and others discuss the suffering in life while Jesus and Paul focused on suffering as a Christian. I believe that both are needed for a balanced Christian perspective.

He explains that persecution is more than dying at the stake. In our culture it’s the many compromises that come in family or work that risk real persecution. An awareness is key here that this too is what the Bible is talking about. Take note of his explaining the value of Hebrews 12 on this subject.

He further explains that our goal is to be godly in the suffering the Lord allows into out lives. Then there is the value of God being so real at these times. Yes, these book has real value.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

How’s this for a timely subject? Not only is the world writing off church, but more and more professing Christians are. This book by Mr. Crotts and published by Shepherd Press enters the fray to stop the bleeding. Christians ought to face his arguments head on. There is simply no doubt that the Lord meant for the local church to be part of every Christian’s life.

Mr. Crotts writes with a pastor’s sensitivity and persuasion. Having pastored since 1995, he likely has had plenty of time to consider these things. He wisely divides his manuscript into two halves: 1) What is God’s family?, and 2) How you fit into God’s family.

He uses a story of a group of people with varying attitudes about the church gathering at a coffee shop to discuss the topic. That’s a somewhat novel approach that some will like and some will not. Even if you don’t like it, it really doesn’t distract from the more theological discussion.

He hits upon the idea that deep down we all know we should go to church. I couldn’t agree more! He admits that many churches have given people a “bad church” experience and churches have such a variety of ways to fail. Whether it be theologically or either extreme of entertainment centered to reach people or extremely harsh on the other hand, there are many options. In some churches the people are off while in others the pastor might be. In a few, they might both be. In other words, church bashing is an easy sport to play.

From there Mr. Crotts lays out the Scriptural case for church. I agreed with his analysis on most every point. He even touches hot-button issues like church discipline, but writes with restraint and care.

He concludes with a plea for us to make church a priority in our lives and families. All in all, a worthy contribution.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

How do miracles fit into Christianity? Despite abuses on the subject, the story of God’s work in this world cannot be told without admitting the reality of miracles. What we have in this fine book published by Thomas Nelson is a tracing of the miraculous by the hand of God throughout history. As the sub-title says, we have “a fascinating history of signs, wonders, and miracles.”

In a brief preface we are told what he means by the term “miraculous”. Before he launches into miracles in Bible history, he tells us: ” Miracles in Scripture are like the stars. They help us glimpse the eternal. And they, like the heavens, declare the glory of God.”

In 11 chapters, he traces miracles from creation on through to the Resurrection and then Paul’s conversion. If you are well versed in the Bible these chapters will be a review, though a well-worded review. For a newer Christian, these chapters would be a real boon to understanding.

In Part 2 (chapters 12-29) Mr. Belmonte traces miracles in the lives of Christians in the post-biblical era. These make great reading–think challenging biography–that prove his thesis. Miracles aren’t for show, they aren’t to be manipulated, but they are real, and they are of God.

The first one was new to me. I was not aware of Perpetua, but was so moved by her story. The miracles he writes of were profound and surrounding the events of her martyrdom. Don’t think her death nullified the miracles. They did not.

Many other’s stories are told. Even George Washington gets a chapter, a really good one. You will enjoy these stories.

Perhaps you will wonder why some favorite character of yours didn’t get a chapter, or you might disagree with one he chose. He never, though, promised us a comprehensive volume. Also, the fact that so many chapters could have been substituted only proves his premise–miracles are a big part of God’s dealings with us. He tells the story well and without wild excesses. I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Men, are you discouraged or broken? Have you even made foolish decisions? Do you need the courage and hope to go on? Then this book by Vance Brown with John Blasé and published by Bethany House is the book you have been waiting on.

We have here the call for “imperfect, broken, foolish men” to step up in the battle and fight “no matter the cost.” Do not suppose, however, that this book is just a pep talk, or an inspirational challenge. This is a realistic view of us coupled with a realistic view of Christ.

Because of a mix up at my home, I didn’t realize I had this book to review till I just discovered it recently. By that twist of fate I had an entire night in a waiting room to devour this book carefully. It moved me.

He weaves the story of George Bailey from “It’s A Wonderful Life” and shows that is the story of far more of us than we’d care to admit. He says this defines many of us men: “all alone, exhausted, weary, bone-tired, questioning our worth, feeling much more dead than alive, courage struggling for oxygen.” We have our dreams, or at least we had them. Years and events mingled with some stupidity and we lose hope.

Amazingly, he also uses the Lord’s Prayer to teach us. While it might not be the most exegetically precise thing you have ever read, it really works. It takes you somewhere. Somewhere you need to go. You will notice that he focuses on our relationship with the Lord on the one hand and our Christian brothers on the other. It makes sense!

He writes well. The illustrations are exceptional. The transparency is amazing. He shares real failure and proves that the Lord was not done with him. What could encourage us more?

You may be aware that Mr. Brown heads Band of Brothers. Don’t be concerned that this book is just a selling job for that organization. While the principles of this book underlie that organization, that is rarely the focus of the book. No, he writes at your heart and life. At least he spoke to mine and I highly recommend this book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

“15 tectonic shifts that transform churches, communities, and the world” reads the subtitle of this book that gives insight into modern-day church planting and missions. The authors both serve at the Granger Community Church in Granger, Indiana and write about what they are part of in this volume published by Zondervan.

Missional Moves are the changes people, churches, and community make to work together. Many of the things described in this book are how these three can work together with the church being the center of it all. The book gets really heavy in later chapters  on details of one church’s methods of carrying this out, but it is good to know. As a pastor of a more traditional church, I enjoyed getting insight into a large ministry. Not that I could feel comfortable with everything they did, I could weigh things item by item. Some ideas are worthwhile to any of us.

Part 1 (Paradigm Shift) is by far the best part of the book in that it gives us the big picture issues involved.  I felt I saw the best what they were saying in chapter one on “from saved souls to saved wholes.”  Their description of our taking a minimalist approach to the Gospel by often reducing our presentation to accepting Jesus so we can avoid Hell. We so little talk about all the Lord can do in lives. That was an eye-opening discussion.

My only criticism of the book is that at times it seemed to criticize traditional missions and missionaries. While our just sending money might not make us as personally attached to missions as we should be, we cannot discount the tremendous sacrifice and work many missionaries have done. I think it doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. Still, their methods have potential worthy of consideration.

The authors have the task of balancing this new missional approach with the attractional method used for so long. As a traditional pastor, I don’t have that problem, but I am glad to better understand what is going on today and learn what I can from it. So, I recommend this book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 . 

Here’s a book to help us explore the famous “I AM” sayings in the Gospel of John. It’s “I AM…” by Iain Campbell and published by EP (Evangelical Press). He studies the seven key I AM statements. This is a worthwhile study as these statements hold at least part of the key to understanding John’s Gospel.

Mr. Campbell is sensitive to the uniqueness of John among the Gospels. Bible students are aware that John covers often such different events than the Synoptic Gospels. Part of that uniqueness are these “I AM” statements. They are rich and worthy of study.

Mr. Campbell shows us what applied preaching within the context should look like. He gives us many helpful pointers than suggest thought in our own study, teaching, or preaching. He makes much of Jesus on every page.

For example, when discussing Jesus as the Shepherd he says: “If we are in his flock we have every assurance that nothing will harm us, either in this world or in the world to come. Nothing out of hell will harm us–nothing at all, because his eye is on his flock.” That is good stuff!

Or how about on the “I am the resurrection” statement his confronting us with having a Bethany kind of home. That’s one good, legitimate application I had never thought of. There are many more of these kinds of pointers.

EP Books are known for these kinds of books and I recommend them. Whether for personal devotions, an example of good preaching, or help with your own study of the “I AM” statements, this book by Mr. Campbell offers real help!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 . 

The subtitle of this book by Carl Laferton and published by The Good Book Company nicely explains what we are getting: “What really happened and why it matters….” It’s a book for our families and might be used as well for those not familiar with Christianity.

The focusing on what really happened is helpful. He relates how our knowledge of the Christmas story comes more from Nativity Pageants than the Bible. I’ve always been amazed at the facts that are commonly wrong. Here the details are given, the misunderstandings addressed, and all given in a way anyone can comprehend.

He writes to hold attention with timely and helpful illustrations, again with younger folks in mind. For example, he brings the shepherds to life. He takes the highly romanticized view of them back to reality. He shows they are as looked down on as one of the lowest professions. You might think differently the next time you sing about shepherds watching their flocks by night!

The better part is why it is important. It’s more than a good story. It’s about a Savior. The manager is only important as it relates to a cross. The book ends answering questions younger folks, or even non-Christians, might ask. I pray this helps turn folks to Christ. It may because of the warm feelings Christmas stirs in many. This book is worth having and passing along.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .