Book Review of The NIV Fast Facts Bible

NIV Fast Facts Bible
ISBN 978-0-310-4316-6
Zondervan Publishing

Every year, publishers try to come out with a few new Bibles for study and purchase. Each of these Bibles has a different set of "extras" in it. Many of them are very well done. For instance, I got an "Outdoorsman" Bible that was perfect for a friend of mine that loves the outdoors. I have several different kinds of study Bibles, and each offer help in different ways. So, I was excited for this fast facts Bible.

I have to say, after looking through the Fast Facts Bible from Zondervan, I am really quite disappointed. Really they added a very brief book introduction, and a quiz at the end of every book of the Bible, and that is about it. I mean, I expected sidebars highlighting interesting facts, or perhaps the roots of some idioms that we use today, or something.

To add to it, this particular Bible is grossly overpriced. It is a paperback with average print, no study notes, and very little even in the way of a concordance or maps, yet it is being sold for well over twenty dollars. Look elsewhere for a translation to help you grow in your faith, or even just to have a Bible if you are seeking your first. There is a lot better out there.

Thinking about where I am, and where I am going...

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, but I am afraid I have not been doing much thinking of consequence for this blog.

Much of my energy the last few years has been directed toward family concerns. Dealing with my wife's illness. Adjusting and readjusting to life with children. Adapting to perhaps the most demanding church I have ever served. Pondering how to get our church to grow, how to find friendships and live life here in Hot Springs. Trying to lose weight and develop healthy habits after bariatric surgery. That has left me with lots to ponder, but not much time to sit and write.

Well, that is not completely correct. What has happened is that I have not been able to structure and discipline myself well-enough to do some of the things that I want to do, and might even need to do. This is partly due to crazy circumstances, and partly due to not setting priorities. I need to set better priorities. I am not sure I have the strength to do that, because it will upset people who want me to do other things urgently. But if I don't set better priorities, I won't be able to do the important things well.

This idea of giving my life a backbone of structure is hard for me. I am not a "S" or a "J" on a Myers-Briggs Test or Kiersey Inventory. It works against my instincts. Yet, more and more I can see it is what I need. I need to use my day planner, of which I have several. I need to be more structured with my sleep time, instead of staying up late at night just attempting to de-stress from everything. I need to plan my exercise, my study and prayer, my writing, and even my work more rigidly. I don't know if I can do this and still be flexible, loving, and such. I tend to be less people-centered when I am task oriented. And I need to be more relationship-oriented than task-oriented in facets of my life. 

I suppose writing about this is the first step toward doing this...more to come.....

Book Review of the Eternal Generation of the Son by Kevin Giles

The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian Orthodoxy
by Kevin Giles
ISBN 978-0-8308-3965-0
IVP Academic
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Kevin Giles, though relatively unknown in this part of the world, is a top-notch English-speaking theologian. This is perhaps one of his most important books to date, both for its explanation and defense of historic Christian teaching, and for its contemporary relevance in debates over gender issues.

Giles' argument, rather simply, is for the Trinity as an equal partnership of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each part of the Trinity is fully God and fully human. Understanding the Trinity as the three-in-one is essential for orthodox mainstream Christian theology.

One of the early heresies that the church tried to address is that there was some sort of hierarchy in the Godhead, with God the Father being at the top of the pyramid, and the Son and Spirit somehow being lesser part of the Godhead.

This heresy, called subordinationism, has made a comeback lately, especially among Calvinist evangelicals that espouse a "complementarian theology". In other words, using a few proof texts from the epistles of Paul, the folks that espouse women's subordination to men and denying them leadership in the church say that women should take on a subordinate role to men just like Jesus takes on a lesser role in relationship to the Father. Giles argues against people like Wayne Grudem and Bruce Ware, citing both biblical and historical evidence.

Whether one agrees with Giles or not, this is a landmark book in the debate between complimentarians and egalatarians regarding the Biblical witness on women's equality. And one that should certainly be read and critiqued by both sides.

Book Review of Why Church History Matters

Why Church History Matters: An Invitation to Love and Learn From Our Past
by Robert F. Rea
ISBN 978-0-8308-2819-7
IVP Academic
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I love history and I love theology. In my college education and seminary education, I took four classes that taught church history. Sadly, as I attended each of these classes, my interest in the subject matter taught slowly waned, and I occupied myself with other matters during my classes. It was not because my professors were not creative in how they communicated historical matters. Quite the opposite.

Where I think the professors fell short in capturing my interest is that they failed to communicate with passion why what happened in the past matters to the world and the church that I am living in today. In Why Church History Matters Robert F. Rea follows one very important issue throughout church history: the church's understanding of Scripture. The result is a fascinating read that should be adopted in college level church history classes everywhere.

The result of the book also brings up another challenging question, especially for evangelicals today. What is the role of tradition in our understanding how we interpret and understand Scripture? When should we look to tradition to guide our understanding today? When should we dismiss tradition because of its lack of biblical support? When is tradition healthy for Christian? When is tradition a hindrance to faith?

The issue of the role of interpretation of Scripture and tradition has several touch points in our life together as Christian evangelicals. How do we understand classical spiritual disciplines as evangelicals when several of them are more grounded in Christian tradition, and non-Protestant traditions at that? What version of Scripture do we choose to use and why? What happens when we have worship that is not rooted in the "cloud of witnesses" that have come before?

Rea has written a book that is both a history book and a compelling read. Much like the history of ideas that we find in secular literature, this book tracks a few ideas throughout church history and draws students and interested readers together on a journey of discovery.

Book Review of The Closer by Mariano Rivera

The Closer: My Story
by Mariano Rivera with Wayne Coffey
ISBN 978-0-316-40073-2
Little, Brown and Company
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I have to admit. I am generally not a Yankees fan. I am a West Coast guy first of all. I root for the West Coast team in any sport when I get any opportunity. Also, being a Yankees fan in baseball is like being a Cowboys fan in football. It is entirely too cliche for me. Having said that, I have long been a fan of Mariano Rivera, even when I rooted against him. His faith is inspirational. His story is compelling. His class is undeniable.

His story, his faith, and his class are all evident in this recently released autobiography penned by Mariano. Many of us might know Mariano was a believer in Jesus. Not all of us would know that his wife is the senior pastor of a Spanish-speaking evangelical church in New York. From his struggles in school as a child, to his up and down battle to make it in professional baseball, to his hall-of-fame career, readers will get an inside look in the professional and personal life of Mariano Rivera.

The Closer is clearly written in Mariano's voice. His perspective on the world around him is unique, as are his takes on many issues and people. Mariano is a reflective person, and that shows up in every page. Another thing that is clear is that Mariano has a deep faith in Jesus. He does not get awfully preachy, but his faith just pours out of him as he reflects on God's help in his life, God's blessings he has received, and how his faith guides his decisions and behavior.

As a Christian pastor, I was inspired by Mariano's testimony. As a sports fan, I am intrigued by his story. As his brother in Christ, I am excited to see what the next phase of his life and ministry brings, and expect to see God do even greater things in his "second half".

Book Review of Crazy Stories, Sane God by John Alan Turner

Crazy Stories, Sane God: Lessons from the Most Unexpected Places in the Bible
by John Alan Turner
ISBN 978-1-4336-8128-8
B&H Publishing
Reviewed by Clint Walker

When I was a youth pastor, there was several times when I tried to put together a study called "Strange But True Bible Stories". The study was designed to take on issues that one might not otherwise thought about and discussed, as well as to teach people that the Bible is not nearly as boring as they think it is. As a matter of fact, many of the characters in the Bible story sound like they are in a soap opera and not a Sunday School class.

Crazy Stories, Sane God takes on much of the same ground as I did, only much more artfully than I could have done it. The book grabs a hold of several stories and really challenges people to wrestle with the craziness and messiness of human behavior. Also, it shows how God's character is consistent throughout all of our personal drama.

Thoughtful and creative, this would be a great resource for a small group.

Book Review of Overwhelmed by Perry Noble

Overwhelmed: Winning the War Against Worry
by Perry Noble
ISBN 978-1-4143-6886-3
Tyndale
Reviewed by Clint Walker

We all worry. For some of us, worry motivates us to do the right thing, or gets us off the couch. But for others, their is an unhealthy stress, worry, anxiety or whatever you want to call it that seems to have a negative effect on our happiness and the course of our lives. Perry Noble knows that paralyzing worry, and he has found ways to both deal with it, and at times with God's help overcome this overwhelming anxiety.

Each of the chapters in the book is relatively short. Noble talks about how anxiety has an influence on our decisions, including sinful ones. He also offers practical advice to get unstuck in one's worry battle. There are several friends I might hand this book to, and there are times when I might need to pick it up myself.

Book Review of Chasing God by Angie Smith

Chasing God
by Angie Smith
ISBN 978-1-4336-7661-1
B&H Publishing Group
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Angie Smith is a relatively new and compelling writer. This book is really, like many of her other books, all about discovering that God's grace and love is bigger and more amazing than we ever can anticipate, and that she expects.

This book is really about how she spends a lot of time chasing after God, aspiring to greater spiritual heights, and pushing to draw close to God, and then coming to realize that God is already close her. Instead of chasing after God, she needs to slow down and savor God's presence and receive his grace that was readily available to her all alone.

Smith is thoughtful, deep and vulnerable. Her journey will touch many.

Book Review of If I Had Lunch with C.S. Lewis

If I Had Lunch with C.S. Lewis: Exploring the Ideas of C.S. Lewis on the Meaning of Life
by Alister McGrath
ISBN 978-1-4143-8378-1
Tyndale
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Alister McGrath is a top notch Christian thinker. He is a thinker, and also engages contemporary issues. Perhaps it is not unnatural then that he would choose the venerable C.S. Lewis as a literary and theological mentor.

Since Lewis died before McGrath got interested in his thinking, there is no way that McGrath could have a personal interaction with him. So he imagines a lunch/seminar with Lewis, exploring Lewis' thinking and his own thinking in relationship to him.

Each chapter McGrath explores a different subject. Some are more theological. Some have more to do the with spirituality and the struggles of everyday life.

The writing is intelligent and thought-provoking. Yet, it is personable at the same time. I think it is a great, creative introduction to Lewis' thinking as well.

Book Review of Dog Whistle Politics by Ian Haney Lopez

Dog Whistle Politics: How Coded Racial Appeals Have Reinvented Racism & Wrecked the Middle Class
by Ian Haney Lopez
ISBN 9780199964277
Oxford University Press
Reviewed by Clint Walker

For years on my blog, as well as among other people I know, I have often made the case that racism is on the rise in America. This is especially evident in conservative politics, and even more evident in groups like the Tea Party.

Author Ian Haney Lopez goes back a lot further than the two election cycles with this encoded language that subversively excites often latent and unrecognized racial bias among people. Dog Whistle Politics goes back to the politics of Reagan and before and shows the implicit racial bias in the politics of conservative movement. In many ways Dog Whistle Politics can expose, in my opinion, a more difficult and dangerous racial bias, because it lies under the surface, and cannot be as easily exposed and spoken to as the blatant racism of the pre-Civil Rights South.

If I don't give this book away, I will be returning to it over and over again to read and re-read sections that better articulate what I have been noticing and feeling for a long time.

Book Review on Insourcing by Randy Pope

Insourcing: Bringing Discipleship Back to the Local Church
by Randy Pope w/ Kitti Murray
ISBN 978-0-310-49087-8
Zondervan
Reviewed by Clint Walker

There are a lot of books on the shelves for pastors and church leaders that focus on clear, measurable statistical models of success. They promise, if you follow their advice, that you will get more money from people in your church, more people in the pews for worship, and be the envy of your community. This book is different, because instead of noses and nickles, it focuses on mobilizing the church for discipleship.

Insourcing is written by Randy Pope. He is the pastor of Perimeter Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Pope has a passion for making disciples, and for mobilizing churches to create sold-out followers of Jesus Christ. In the beginning of the book he makes the case for the importance of developing depth in individual believers. As he goes on in the book, he also gives helpful advice in working with individuals and churches in order to help them become healthy,deep churches grounded in Jesus Christ.

This book has received several awards, and has been well received in the evangelical world. It deserves a look by lay people and pastors alike, both because of its pragmatic tools and its unique and helpful vision for what the church can be.

Book Review of Feasting on the Gospels: Matthew Vol. 2 (Chapters 14-28)--A Feasting on the Word Commentary

Feasting on the Gospels: Matthew Vol. 2 (Chapters 14-28)
ed. by Cynthia Jarvis & E. Elizabeth Johnson
IBSN 978-0-664-23394-5
WJK Press
Reviewed by Clint Walker

It is year A on the liturgical calendar. We are now in Eastertide. Easter Sunday is gone, and Pentecost in rapidly approaching. And after Trinity Sunday the lectionary will lead liturgical teachers and worship leaders through much of the latter part of the gospel of Matthew. There is no better time, then, to both post a review for and recommend that you go out and get Feasting on the Gospels: Matthew Vol. 2 (Chapters 14-28) --A Feasting on the Word Commentary. NOW!

The folks on Feasting on the Word originally drafted a lectionary commentary that overviewed the lectionary texts for each text in the three year cycle. With this follow up set of commentaries they have taken on the task of doing a thorough commentary through the Gospels as a whole, allowing the preacher and teacher of the gospel texts a commentary that is both friendly to lectionary concerns, but one that also puts the gospel texts in canonical and literary context.

Each pericope of Scripture is interpreted through four lenses--theological, pastoral, exegetical, and homiletical. This means that the reader is prepared to use the text in preaching and teaching from the text or in the context of the broader picture of Scripture and what God is doing in this world. The variety of methods of interpretation and interpreters is really quite impressive. You may not always agree with how a particular passage is being handled by a specific person, but you will be challenged to interact with the passage in a number of different ways and encouraged to think more deeply.

Book Review of The Twelve Disciples by Douglas Connelly (A Lifeguide Bible Study)

The Twelve Disciples: 10 Studies for Individuals or Groups
by Douglas Connelly
ISBN 978-0-8308-3147-0
IVP Connect
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I have a shelf full of small group bible studies. Some of them I have used with small groups. Many of them I have used to guide my bible study time. Still others have provided guidance and seeds for thought in developing a sermon series. Of all of the different studies, the largest collection of Bible studies comes from IVP, and of those studies that IVP puts out, the Lifeguide series takes up the most room. I like them because they are simple and straightforward for both personal and group study. I often supplement what is in the book with personal research, but the Lifeguide studies do a good job at guiding people through the topic at hand to be studied.

The Twelve Disciples discusses, if you have not guessed, Jesus' inner circle of followers that are often referred to as the apostles or the disciples. The author does 9 individual studies, and then groups three of the more obscure disciples in one lesson at the end of the series. What I like about the way the study unfolds is that it really focuses in on one Scripture or one event that is central to understanding that particular disciple, their unique gifts and abilities, as well as the struggles that they may have had to deal with. By the time you are done with the study, you will feel like you really know at least 9 of the disciples in a deeper way. In the process, you will also learn baby steps that you might need to take to be stronger in your discipleship journey by learning from the first apostles.

A worthwhile personal or group study resource.

Book Review of Partnering with the King by John Hiigel

Partnering with the King: Study the Gospel of Matthew and Become a Disciple of Jesus
by John Hiigel
ISBN 978-1-55725-997-4
Paraclete Press
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I received this book a little while back, and I have been working my way through it ever since. I made special use of it during the Advent season and now through Holy Week. This has been especially valuable since this is "Year A" in the liturgical year, and thus the Christian year features the gospel of Matthew.

The thesis of this Partnering with the King, and it is not an original one, is that the gospel of Matthew is a guide to helping followers of Jesus understand the journey of discipleship is a disciplined, organized, and somewhat systematic way. Hiigel makes his point by sharing Scripture, and then writing a kind of devotional commentary about the text. The entries are easy to understand, and yet at the same time insightful both in understanding the text and what it means for us today.

Partnering with the King has a dual use. It could be used as a personal devotional or a study aide in working through the gospel of Matthew. In this case, the study guide in the back could be used to guide journal work and personal reflections. Since it only has 31 days it could be used through one month on a daily basis.

The text could also be used as a guide for study for a group. With 31 entries, it would be perfect to guide a group's study through a school-year schedule. The study guide would then become a discussion guide and lead people on a discipleship journey through the gospel of Matthew as a community.

Either way, with endorsements from luminaries such as Richard Foster, as well as friends that are former students, I will be visiting and revisiting this book often.

Book Review of Aha! by Kyle Idleman

Aha!: The God Moment that Changes Everything
by Kyle Idleman
ISBN 978-0-7814-1049-6
David C. Cook Publishing
Reviewed by Clint Walker

This is, at best, a book about yielding oneself to God. Which is an essential part, and a true beginning to authentic Christian spirituality. I have read several books about seeking or having a divine appointment with God, and how it can change one's life. This book takes things a step further. It describes how people are transformed through an encounter with the living God.

Idleman says that these encounters  begin with an awakening to our need to be changed by God, followed by a brutally honest inventory of one's life. This honestly often leads one to the conclusion that without God's continuing intervention we will be stuck where we are at, and then finally taking action to make that transformation a reality by partnering with God to allow him to transform our very souls.

This is how many of us come to faith. But the truth is, in the life of believers that are sensitive to the life transforming power of Jesus Christ, this is a continuing cycle of discovery, rediscovery, and growth.

Although, there are times when Idleman comes across a little too simplistic and formulaic, I do like a lot of what he is saying, and would recommend this book to friends.

Book Review of the Briarpatch Gospel

The Briarpatch Gospel: Fearlessly Following Jesus into the Thorny Places
by Shayne Wheeler
ISBN 978-1-4143-7230-3
Tyndale Momentum
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Too often we treat God's grace like an entitlement instead of a gift. Often, when we have this attitude, we think we are entitled to have an easy, stress-free, and pain-free life. The problem with this line of thinking is that is both unrealistic, and it does not form us into the grace-grounded and Christ-dependent people that God is calling us to be.

Shayne Wheeler invites us to trust God in the difficult moments and periods of our life, and to trust him as we enter into the thicket of pain, heartache, and struggle. Furthermore, he encourages believers to take their own faith into those not-so-ideal places and friendships within which they work and live and play.

I enjoyed this book because it is about living our faith authentically in the places in our own lives and in our world where there might be the most darkness. It is in those places where Christ's light shines most clearly, and Christian faith becomes most practical and real.

Book Review on the Pleasures of God

The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God
by John Piper
ISBN 978-1-57673-665-4
Multnomah
Reviewed by Clint Walker

John Piper has written extensively on many topics. Most notable, however, is his book Desiring God, which lays out the case for what he calls "Christian Hedonism". The book was a brilliant text, if for no other reason, than because it lays out a case for a joyful, loving Calvinist worldview. Basically, Piper makes the argument that the holy life and the God-obedient life is also the most pleasurable way to live. I read it in college and LOVED it.

Later, Piper released The Pleasures of God. In this book he makes the argument that God has a great delight in being himself and enjoys and takes pleasure in the world he has created. Well-written and well-researched, the text makes the case for God being the most joyful being in the universe. Furthermore, The Pleasures of God argues that God lives and creates FOR his own delight.

The book is organized. Each chapter takes this same thesis from a different angle. The end of the book has an extensive study guide as well as a thorough Scriptural index. Agree with Piper or disagree with him, this book will make you think.

I still have to do more thinking about the book. I agree that God is ultimately joyful, but also believe that part of God's joy is not being self-centered or self-seeking. And, although the text occasionally makes effort to make these clarifications, in order to make it's point well, the point is often overstated. Having said that, I am not sure I would be smart enough to win an argument with Piper regarding what I am saying, nor would I want to try.

Book Review of Making Spiritual Progress by Allen Ratta

Making Spiritual Progress: Building Your Life with Faith, Hope and Love
by Allen Ratta
ISBN  978-0-8308-4405-0
IVP Books
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Making Spiritual Progress is an interesting book, and not quite what I expected. A lot of what I read about spiritual growth has what I would call more of an "organic" twist to it. In other words, it talks about how to grow people in their faith honestly and naturally and led by the mysterious hand of the Holy Spirit. This book is much more of a system and method of spiritual growth. I am still trying to wrap my mind around it, and decide if I buy this neat little system for spiritual growth, and for understanding human motivation.

Ratta believes that what motivates a person's heart and life is what rules their life. That makes sense. He says, basically, that the key to helping people grow is teaching them to be motivated by the right things, and then right living with flow out of the character motivated by the Spirit. He describes the key motivators of the Christ-centered life as faith, hope, and love. And Ratta believes that world revolves around the "isms" stunt Christlike formation by motivating us with the wrong things: namely hedonism, materialism, and egoism. In Scripture this is worked out through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:16). As he says, "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not your ordinary garden-variety evils....they are spiritual conditions of the heart. They each motivate a world of behaviors" (p. 51).

Making Spiritual Progress is nothing if not hands-on. The next part of the book describes a regimen of spiritual disciplines and exercises for spiritual growth that help to address the heart through training it to be motivated by better, more godly things. The final section of Making Spiritual  discusses how the vital virtues that Ratta advocates can be perverted and/or misunderstood.

The thing I struggle with in this book is whether the whole description of the spiritual life is to clean and neat for describing the way soul work really happens. In my life, growth is often messy and ugly, and not nearly as simple and straight-forward as Ratta describes.

What this does describe, in its own way, is what Dallas Willard describes as a VIM approach to growing souls. It gives people a vision, intent, and means to be transformed. And that is a very good thing.

Book Review of the Jesus Prayer by John Michael Talbot

The Jesus Prayer: A Cry for Mercy, A Path of Renewal
by John Michael Talbot
ISBN 978-0-8308-3577-5
IVP Formatio
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I first became aware of John Michael Talbot through his music. When I was growing up, his albums often graced the shelves of Christian bookstores alongside the works of Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Somewhere along the road of his evangelical singing career, he discovered some of the spiritual masters and ancient spiritual disciplines, and this discovery in turn led him to embrace the Catholic stream of Christian practice.

Now, Talbot ministers through music as well as with more traditional means. Based out of a hermitage in Arkansas, he travels around the world calling people to a deep, authentic, commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior.

This book guides us into the tradition of praying the Jesus Prayer. The Jesus Prayer is from Scripture, and the most developed tradition of practicing the contemplative method of praying "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner" as a way of deepening one's spiritual life comes from the Orthodox Tradition. I, like John Michael Talbot, have been intrigued by the book "The Way of the Pilgrim" from the Orthodox tradition.

Praying the Jesus Prayer is not easy. But it is a powerful way to learning the nature of unceasing prayer. Talbot takes the reader through the prayer word by word, deepening our understanding of what we are praying by meditating on every word in the prayer. This will help the reader be more grounded in what they are praying.

The book is short, testimonial, and powerful. I will keep in my library of spiritual formation resources for quite some time.

Book Review of the Breast Cancer Support Partner Handbook by Judy C. Kneece

Breast Cancer Support Partner Handbook: Tips for Becoming An Effective Support Partner
by Judy C. Kneece
ISBN 978-1-886665-3
Published by EDUCARE INC.
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Now on its eighth printing, this book has become the standard in resources for those who offer care to those suffering with breast cancer. First published 18 years ago, it has guided many in the journey of supporting their friends and loved ones through the breast cancer journey. The Breast Cancer Support Partner Handbook is full of helpful, insightful, and well-researched information.

As I have read through parts of this book, and skimmed others, I am impressed with its layout, it attention to details, its graphics and tables to communicate content, and its wisdom. Not only are readers given health information for dealing with the diagnosis and addressing treatments, issues regarding coping, mental health, and sexuality are discussed.

The one thing, however, that is off-putting about this book is that it looks like it is designed for women. And, while I do believe there are a number of breast cancer patients that do have female support partners, I would be willing to bet there are a large number of husbands and children of people with breast cancer are male. And, most men are not going to want to carry around some book with a bunch of flowers that has a cover that looks like an advertisement for Summer's Eve.

Having said that, this would be a great book for support partners, friends, and even breast cancer survivors. If for no other reason than to look up odd and difficult relationship and behavioral issues with those with breast cancer and ask, "Is this normal?," and find out that it is.

10 month gastric sleeve update

Book Review of Bringing Sex Into Focus by Caroline J. Simon

Bringing Sex Into Focus: The Quest for Sexual Integrity
by Caroline J. Simon
ISBN 978-0-8308-3637-6
IVP Academic
Reviewed by Clint Walker

This short and readable little book attempts to deal with the intersection of Christian ethics and human sexuality in a wise, succinct, and highly intelligent way. For the most part, Caroline Simon succeeds in her effort that she put forward in Bringing Sex Into Focus, challenging readers to think and process issues in human sexuality in a thoughtful and winsome manner.

Simon begins her book by proposing six "lenses" that people view sexual behavior through. Two of these views are explicitly Christian: understanding sexuality as expressive of covenant and as a procreative act. Other ways of viewing sexuality are often held by Christians, but are less explicitly Christian, and at times work against a world view that lifts up the Word of God for the authority of what is ethical. Such "lenses" include: a romantic lens, the plain-sex view, the power view (which is many ways is an argument against the plain sex view), and and expressive lens (my sexuality is a way of expressing my individualism and identity).

The rest of the book addresses how people live out their sexuality, both in relation to Christian ethics, and in relation to these other lenses as well, and how those behaviors demonstrate healthy and/or unhealthy and holy and/or  unholy ways of living out one's sexuality.

Simon begins with tackling what most Bible-believing Christians believe are the channels that healthy sexuality should flow through. Namely, virginity and chastity outside of marriage, and fidelity and the becoming of "one flesh" from within the boundaries of marriage. After this, she tackles some more controversial expressions of human sexuality such as flirtation and homosxuality. Then she tackles what she calls, "deficient" views of human sexuality.

Simon writes well, and gets her readers to think. She has clear convictions, and expresses her conclusions as times, but always with a class and grace that will be appreciated by the reader.

This is a book I will keep on my bookshelf and refer to from time to time for several years.

Book Review of Story of God Bible Commentary: Sermon on the Mount

The Story of God Bible Commentary
by Scot McKnight
ISBN 978-0-310-32713-4
Zondervan Press
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Scot McKnight is, perhaps, one of the fastest rising and prolific scholars to write on New Testament studies today. This latest series of commentaries, which he both edits and writes for, promises to be another excellent contribution from Dr. McKnight. Taking a narrative approach to the Scripture, McKnight works hard to bring the historical and religious context of Ancient Israel into our understanding of the Scripture in the 21st century. Before comments are made, the Scripture being discussed is translated and shared. Then, other pertinent passages throughout Scripture are shared so students can read this text in its canonical context. After this, in each section, comments are made about the passage's original meaning. Then, ideas are shared for pastors, teachers, and students so that they can find ways to understand the old, old story in their everyday life. I have been using this for months, and I love it! McKnight has deep insights, and yet communicates in an accessible manner. I am sure this will be on pastor's bookshelves for years to come.

Book Review of Take Charge of Your Emotions

Take Charge of Your Emotions: Seven Steps to Overcoming Depression, Anxiety, and Anger
By Dr. Linda J. Solie
ISBN 978-0-7542-1113-3
Bethany House
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Take Charge of Your Emotions is a technique to achieving mental health presented by a mental health practitioner named Linda Solie. Dr. Solie presents a biblically-infused 7-step program with dealing with some basic, common mental health issues.

This book, although oriented toward people who are struggling especially with anxiety, depression, and anger, it really is an even better guide for non-professionals looking for tools to help counsel people in these kinds of situations. This is a thick book full of tables and diagrams that give examples of people working through issues or problems, and how they can discover the tools they need to function effectively.

It is thorough and well-written. Solie focuses on cognition to begin with, and then hope to change attitude and behavior through healthy thinking and through resourcing oneself with spiritual help from Scripture and other Christian influences.

A nice text, but not quite what I expected.

Book Review of Pray the Scriptures by Kevin Johnson

Pray the Scriptures: A 40-Day Prayer Experience
by Kevin Johnson
ISBN 978-0-7642-1103-4
Bethany House
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Really, this is more of a prayer journal than a formal book. Each day in the 40 day journal provides on Scripture for meditation, a few thoughts, and ample room to write in one's personal response to the material provided. For this reason, I would purchase this is a bound copy, but would not purchase it via Kindle.

Each day has several intelligent, probing question on a topic that the Scripture provided presents. These helpful guiding thoughts help the reader meditate on Scripture in a more intentional way. And, after each day the reader will be provided with practical ways they can grow in their faith. Whether it is a task of a disciple, or a character quality or attitude, readers are invited to allow Scripture to change their thinking so that they can be changed as a human being.

This would be a great study for Lent. If only I had noticed it soon enough...

Book Review of Real: Becoming a 24/7 Follower of Jesus by Jamie Snyder

Real: Becoming a 24/7 Follower of Jesus
by Jamie Snyder
ISBN 978-0-7642-1099-0
Bethany House
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Real is a book about living our faith from the inside out, every day of the week. The premise of this book is a question the author was inspired to ask himself. That question was, "Would people know I was a Christian if they did not see me at church?"

From this initial question Jamie Snyder begins by making the case that the Christian faith is not about Sunday, but rather about what we do the rest of the week. After making this case, Snyder espouses certain values, attitudes and behaviors that are hallmarks of authentic Christians that live their faith visibly and attractively in the world around them.

The book is pretty simple and straightforward. Having said that, the book has questions and answers at the end of every chapter, and would make a fascinating discussion for many church groups. And, it is well-organized enough that it could be easily adapted for a teaching/preaching series.

This book is both instructional and informational, and will be very encouraging to many believers in Jesus.

Book Review of Bad Dad's of the Bible by Roland C. Warren

Bad Dad's of the Bible: 8 Mistakes Every Good Dad Can Avoid

By Roland C. Warren
ISBN 978-0-310-33716-4
Zondervan
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Many of our Bible heroes were wonderful leaders, and not so good parents. Roland Martin takes us through a journey of learning from the mistakes of Old Testament fathers so that we can be better fathers ourselves.

Most of the advice contained in this book is helpful and intelligently communicated, but also common sense. Topics covered include being a good role model for your children, and not abandoning your child. However, there are also some guidelines that should be common sense, but are rarely communicated. These include not making your children compete for your affection, or not addressing sibling rivalry before it gets out of control.

This would be a fun book for a group of young fathers to read through and discuss.

Book Review of Fresh Air by Jack Levison

Fresh Air: The Holy Spirit for an Inspired Life
by Jack Levison
ISBN 978-1-61261-068-9
Paraclete Press
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Very few books come more highly recommended than this fine book from Jack Levison. With glowing reviews from people such as Eugene Peterson, Nicole Nordeman, N.T. Wright, and Will Willimon, I wondered if the publicity might overstate the value of this book. They did not. This book is as good as advertised.

This brilliant book does a wonderful job of weaving together the narrative of the Spirit, the author's personal narrative, and the story of God as revealed in Scripture.

The text has a narrative flow that makes it easy to read, and yet there are times when you must stop to think. It moves through Scripture in a sequential and logical ways, in many ways communicating a biography of the Holy Spirit and his relationship to humanity. Levison shares enough insightful stories and pithy, well-written lines that at the same time readers will pause to ponder. Each chapter has companion Scriptures to study and consider.

The book, while accessible, has theological depth. Especially, as one might consider, the theological depth relates to the person and the work of the Holy Spirit. And while some theological books on the Holy Spirit simply cause one to think, it becomes very clear that Levison's goal is to form spirits.

As I read and continue to read, I sense this book touching and forming my own spirit. For that I am grateful.

Book Review of God's Great Blessings Devotional by Patricia Raybon

God's Great Blessings Devotional
by Patricia Raybon
ISBN 978-1-4143-3871-2
Tyndale Publishing
Reviewed by Clint Walker

While Jennifer was in cancer treatment and sleeping last week I went out to run around town a little bit. And when I say run around town, I mean look at office supplies and books. So, after leaving Office Max I headed to BAM to look over what might be on sale.

Last time I was at BAM was a little after Christmas, and I had noticed this devotional on the shelf that looked good, but it was much too expensive. When I returned last week it was still on the shelf, and it was  was half-off! So I purchased the book right away, and I have not regretted it.

Currently, I am trying to work through a week a day until I get caught up on where I am supposed to be for the year with this devotional. Both the appearance of the book (a light green color with greenery), and the fact that the author is female could fool you into thinking the devotional is targeted at women, but I have found this to be far from the truth. This is a very well-written, human devotional full of thoughtful insights on Christian living.

A little research will demonstrate that Patricia Raybon is a very accomplished writer, and crafting a devotional such as this could be considered a little below her pay grade. A professor, journalist, and author of several books, Raybon is respected for her writing skill throughout the country.She has partnered with nationally respected ministries in the past, as well as wrote for publications such as The New York Times, Newsweek, and USA Today.

Each week in this devotional has a theme. As the week goes on, Raybon shares six different thoughts about the theme for the week, and then at the end of the week there is a day that is open for the reader to respond and think about what they have learned over the 7 days. After the reflection questions, the whole process starts again. Again it is very well done.

If you are looking for a devotional that challenges you to think and feel the gospel, this is the study for you. Purchase one at your nearest bookstore before they are all snapped up.

Book Review of Draw the Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson

Draw the Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge
by Mark Batterson
ISBN 978-0-310-32712-7
Zondervan (Harper Collins)
Reviewed by Clint Walker

I grabbed this book off the shelf at Sam's Club the other day. The DS of the United Methodists gave us a copy of The Circle Maker for Christmas, and had recommended the book to me earlier in the year. Since I am doing some study on prayer for both worship and Sunday school, I decided to add this in as a Lenten Devotional. And I have to say, it has been simply fantastic.

I love this book for several reasons. First, each chapter seems to have at least one memorable or pithy quote. Also, Batterson litters his book with helpful stories and illustrations that bring home his point. Each day's devotion is short, but more in depth than simply a daily devotional. Draw the Circle strikes a balance between being encouraging and inspirational, while at the same time being convicting. Finally, at times the text offers practical insights at times of action steps to improve one's prayer life, which will really aid folks who feel the need to be "hands-on" while growing deep in their prayer journey.

Grab this book now. Your life will be changed.