christianity

Book Review: Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe

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Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe by Larry Osborne
Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe: Are Urban Legends & Sunday School Myths Ruining Your Faith? 
by Larry Osborne

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


I loved how this book was organized. The writing style is clear and concise with a dry humor that kept each chapter interesting. I appreciated how the author carefully explained each concept with Biblical precepts and spiritual laws that are direct from Scripture.

I really enjoyed reading it, and now I want to read more from this author!

Book Review: Under the Red Spotlight

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Under the Red Spotlight by Shawn King
Under the Red Spotlight 
by Shawn King

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Tamryn is a slave in a circus, along with her aerialist partners, Torin and Patrick. They are beaten and starved, forced to perform for the cheering crowds, until one day Tamryn’s situation becomes desperate and Torin risks everything to help her escape. Separated from the only family she knows, Tamryn struggles to find a balance between survival and following her true heart. Torin vows to find a way to escape and be reunited with Tamryn, but the circus owner is ruthless and cruel. Escape seems impossible. In the middle of it all, Patrick seeks for comfort in the arms of Jessica, Tamryn’s replacement in their aerial act. Four young people searching for freedom, and they will only find it through knowing Christ.

I loved this book!!! I don’t know if it was the writing, the characters, or the dramatic plot… but this story pulled me in. There is so much action and running around and drama! Usually I don’t even like circus stories, but this one definitely captured my attention.
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Book Review: A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War

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A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18 
by Joseph Loconte

5 out of 5 stars of GoodReads
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the effect that WWI had on two of my favorite authors, how their experiences translated into the stories they wrote, and how their faith in God was strengthened and established despite the horrors of war.

This is heartbreaking to read, because it gives such detailed personal accounts of the war, the suffering and fear they went through, and the terrible losses of friends and family. But it is also wonderfully interesting to learn about the history of that time, and the misguided Utopian philosophies that were shattered by the war.

I was impressed with the scholarly yet accessible writing style, and the way in which the historical and personal information was organized and presented in each chapter. This clearly explained how Tolkien’s and Lewis’ personal experiences were entwined in the larger story of the war, and the popular philosophies and political thinking of the time.

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Book Review: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

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Bonhoeffer Student Edition by Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer Student Edition: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy 
by Eric Metaxas


5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
It’s impossible to read anything about the incredible life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and not be inspired by his faith, saddened by his suffering, and full of questions about your own beliefs and faith. Does my life reflect the kind of fearless faith that Bonhoeffer showed? Is my heart filled with joy in the midst of dark circumstances the way Bonhoeffer’s was?
The answer is no. My faith looks rather puny next to his. My life looks pathetic next to his courage and generosity. One will always feel small when compared to giants, but at least we are looking up, striving for greatness, seeking to know God more intimately as they did. Continue reading →

Book Review: Sex and the Single Girl

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Sex and the Single Girl
Sex and the Single Girl by Juli Dr Slattery

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Christian book is designed to be read in daily or weekly increments over 6 weeks, but I read it all in two days! It has reflective questions at the end of each section that can be answered alone or in a group study.
I loved that this book is saturated with Scripture! Almost every other page quotes Scripture or refers to a Bible example. The writing is thoughtful, and exhorts the reader to think carefully about God’s Word, and to examine our hearts circumspectly. It really puts a spotlight on the truth of spiritual warfare, and how our sexual nature plays a large part in that battle. Continue reading →

Book Review: Eating with the King

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Eating with the King
Eating with the King by Terri Rockwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was so impressed with this little book, especially because every page quotes Scripture! There are so many positive messages of encouragement in this book. Instead of making people feel guilty about their cravings, and their eating habits, or how their body looks, this book offers healing, positive attitudes, triumphant freedom, and constantly points the reader to Christ.

I think this book could apply to any craving or addiction, not just eating food. The messages in this book would help with anything that draws us away from God, forms a bad habit, or entices us to harm our health in some way. Continue reading →

Book Review: Jesus the King

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Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God
Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God by Timothy J. Keller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent writing, inspiring insights, solid Bible doctrine, and a fresh look at the life of Christ through the lens of his death. I was incredibly impressed with this book. It’s accessible and easy to understand, although it deals with some deep cosmic ideas.

The whole book is a beautiful revelation of truth. I was crying in one chapter and then laughing in the next. It’s touching and thought-provoking. Every chapter is so deep and insightful. I was spiritually refreshed on every page!

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Book Review: The Missionary Call

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The Missionary Call: Find Your Place in God's Plan For the World
The Missionary Call: Find Your Place in God’s Plan For the World by M. David Sills

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of practical and spiritual advice about how to know if you are called by God to become a missionary overseas. I really appreciated the way the book was organized, talking about the Biblical basis for missions, God’s heart for missions, and then branching into the history of missions since the Early Church, and exploring different branches of thought and belief that are present about missions and the missionary call today.

My favorite part was the Continue reading →

Book Review: Living as a Christian: Teachings from First Peter

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Living as a Christian: Teachings from First Peter
Living as a Christian: Teachings from First Peter by A.W. Tozer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tozer goes through most of the verses in 1 Peter, giving an overall view of what it means to be a Christian: what the true Christian believes, how the true Christian acts, and how the true Christian lives in a fallen world.

I found some of the writing to be wonderfully deep and insightful, but other parts were almost childish in their simplicity. There’s also a lot of repetition of the same ideas, same words, over again, and that got on my nerves.

The content is excellent with strong doctrine, but the writing is flabby and could use more editing. Continue reading →