christianity

Book Review: The Bronze Bow

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The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

The Bronze Bow
by Elizabeth George Speare

4 out of 5 stars

After his father is crucified by the Romans, Daniel swears to get revenge and joins a band of Jewish zealots in the mountains. They claim to be fighting against Rome for the freedom of Israel, but they are really just bandits, even stealing from their own people. Disillusioned, Daniel seeks for answers with Jesus, but Jesus is not a leader who will lead them into battle against the Romans. Jesus teaches that they should love their enemies. Daniel holds onto his hate and urges his fellow villagers to fight. However, he is forced to reexamine his principles when those under his leadership are hurt.

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Book Review: The Weight of Glory

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The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses by C.S. Lewis

The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses
by  C.S. Lewis

This collection of essays from C.S. Lewis includes “The Weight of Glory”, which explores humanity’s innate desire for God. The essay says that the ultimate reward for a Christian is, not just to know God, but to be known by God. To be acknowledged and to receive approval from the Creator is the very essence of “glory”. Lewis talks from his own experience about how one of the most awful human experiences is to be ignored as if you did not matter, but to be noticed and invited in and welcomed as one who belongs is the highest happiness. We are not only to delight in our own glorious fellowship with God, but to also delight in the glory of our fellow human souls. Appreciating God and enjoying His Presence is the ultimate goal and design for every soul.

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Devotional Review: Hymns Vol. 1

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Hymns Volume 1 by The Daily Grace Co.

Hymns Volume 1
by The Daily Grace Co.

5 out of 5 stars

This daily devotional book gives you a traditional Christian hymn to read/sing each day, and tells about the composer/author who wrote it. There are Bible passages to read and a place to write in some of your thoughts as you answer the Bible study prompts.

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Book Review: Thomas Wingfold, Curate

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Thomas Wingfold, Curate by George MacDonald

Thomas Wingfold, Curate
by George MacDonald

4.5 out of 5 stars
Thomas Wingfold started a career in the church as a curate, but when he is asked whether or not he really believes there is a God, it starts him on a spiritual journey to discover what he truly believes and whether or not Christ is real. In the meantime, he continues preaching, sharing with his congregation the difficulties of his spiritual doubt and how he is searching for truth in the Bible.

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Book Review: The Man Born to be King

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The Man Born to Be King by Dorothy L. Sayers

The Man Born to Be King: A Play-Cycle on the Life of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
by Dorothy L. Sayers

5 out of 5 stars

This collection of radio plays follows the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It tells the history of Christ from the perspective of the ordinary people around Him. The Three Wise Kings visit Bethlehem, John the Baptist preaches in the wilderness, and the twelve disciples are called to follow Jesus. Christ begins his ministry, performing miracles and healing people. Gradually Judas Iscariot is tempted into betraying Jesus. Caiaphas and Pilate and King Herod all try to manipulate the political situation at Jesus’ trial, ending with His crucifixion. The women find His tomb empty on the third day and Jesus visits his disciples after His resurrection.

These plays really capture the completely extraordinary experience of meeting God Himself in human form and shows how ordinary people were drawn to Christ. It’s really interesting to imagine more details around the actual history in the Bible. Some of the dialogue is straight from Scripture, and some of it is imagined or paraphrased.

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Non Fiction Review: The Leadership of C. S. Lewis

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The Leadership of C.S. Lewis by Crystal Hurd

The Leadership of C.S. Lewis: Ten Traits to Encourage Change and Growth
by Crystal Hurd

5 out of 5 stars

What are the character traits that make a good leader? This book explores ten important attributes that are essential for any leadership role, and demonstrates how C. S. Lewis displayed those traits through his life and his writing. Here we analyze the details of why Lewis’s influence still continues to inspire countless Christians through his fiction and apologetic books.

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Book Review: Knowing God

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Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Knowing God
by J.I. Packer

5 out of 5 stars

This book examines the attributes of God and how we can truly know God in a personal way. It begins by outlining the type of attitudes we should have in approaching God with humility and a desire to know the truth. The second part of the book focuses on the attributes of God in His unchanging Triune nature- His majesty, wisdom, love, grace, wrath, truth, judgement, goodness, and jealousy. The last part of the book applies all these things to the Christian life, and gives us a practical look at what knowing God actually looks like in living out your life.

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Non Fiction Book Review: The Pursuit of God

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The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine
by A.W. Tozer

4.5 out of 5 stars

This book dives deep into spiritual truths and how we can strip away foolish lies we tell ourselves and truly pursue God with our whole heart. There are chapters about what real spiritual treasure is worth compared to earthly riches, how Christ has removed the barrier of our sin so that we can approach God, and the “universal Presence” of God and how we can be more aware of His Presence in our lives. I especially loved the chapter about “The Gaze of the Soul” and how faith is simply looking to God and turning our spiritual eyes to Him. There is also a lovely chapter about the meekness of Christ and how we can rest in Him.

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Book Review: The Girl from Montana

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The Girl from Montana by Grace Livingston Hill

The Girl from Montana
by Grace Livingston Hill

3.5 stars
After her parents and her brother die, Elizabeth is all alone in their remote cabin. A group of rowdy men threaten her, and Elizabeth flees in the night. She rides her horse across country, worried that the men might pursue her. She encounters a fellow traveler, a man who is lost, and they ride together for a few days. They form a tentative friendship, but are separated once they reach civilization again. Elizabeth travels on her own, searching for her relatives back East, and hoping to find her friend once again.

This is such a sweet and wholesome story! I actually cried a couple of times because Elizabeth is so incredibly brave and good. She suffers terribly, but manages to keep her heart pure. It was really inspirational to read about how she doesn’t let the everyday ugliness of life tear her down or make her bitter.

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Book Review: FootNail: Genesis Awakens

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Footnail by Howard Haugom

Footnail: Genesis Awakens
by  Howard Haugom, Akorede Adekoya, Ken Steacy (Illustrator)

2 out of 5 stars

Genesis returns home from college when her grandfather dies, and discovers that he left behind an ancient relic of great mystical power: one of the nails from the cross of Christ. Genesis must protect the relic from the powers of darkness and discover the strength of her own faith.

I really liked that this book uses a lot of quotes from the Bible, and has a clear message of faith in Christ. I always think it’s a very interesting premise that the nails from the cross could be imbued with power. It’s a cool mixture of fantasy and history!

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