New Book Review: The Wonder of the Word

The Wonder of the Word is the second book in the Kingdom Pastor's Library authored by Dr. Tony Evans (father of authors Priscilla Shirer and Chrystal Hurst Evans as well as singer Johnathan Evans).

So the purpose of the Kingdom Pastor's Library is to put carefully written resources in place for pastor's who cannot quite afford to go to a seminary school for formal biblical training. The goal is to give sound resources and information and knowledge to those of us who cannot afford seminary. 

And that is why I could not wait to review this book because as a stay-at-home mom, my family lives on one income so going to seminary is not in the cards for me in the foreseeable future. But being able to read the vast knowledge available from sound theologians and pastors is much more affordable and allows me to learn on my time as my schedule permits.

So, my first reaction: Dr. Tony did NOT disappoint.

As you can see from the above table of contents, Dr. Tony Evans starts with the authority of Scripture helping the reader to understand that the Scripture has great authority as divinely inspired by God. Not only that but it is inerrant, meaning without error. Then the second chapter is on the sufficiency of Scripture, meaning that Scripture is sufficient for us in all seasons. No part of Scripture is insufficient or lacking. It is good in every season of life and therefore all of it is worth preaching and teaching. The third chapter is on canonicity which is how the books of the bible were chosen and set as the Bible as we know it. This is one of the best chapters because as many believers know there are many who seek to undermine the Bible by stating that there was ungodly bias in choosing which books made it into the Bible. But Dr. Tony Evans helps the reader to understand and be assured of the canon of the Bible. Some books lacked doctrinal consistency, in which all books of the bible are consistent and all support each other rather than contradict each other. 

The New Testament books were chosen based on the fact they were written by eyewitness apostles or those within the circle of the apostles (like Luke and James & Jude, brothers of Jesus), they also had to retain the consistency of the rest of the books written. All of the epistles regardless of the writer has a certain level of consistency where they can be referred to each other for greater understanding. For example, you can look to Peter's letters to understand something Paul wrote, and you can look to the Old Testament to further understand what is written in Hebrews Now mind you this was not even chosen during their lifetimes, as Scripture during their lifetimes would have been the Old Testament, the books of law, the books of the prophets, the books of poetry, and the books of history, which had already been gathered as Scripture. 

Then we come to the fourth chapter Transmission which is transmitting the message, preaching and teaching. Dr Evans covers four concepts involved in studying and preparing to teach Scripture: Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination, and Reception. Revelation is that part of the bible study where the Holy Spirit literally reveals God's heart in what you are studying.  Inspiration in this sense is the same in which books of the bible were written. Inspired by God, meaning that we allow God to guide our writing. Illumination is to be enlightened, as pg 90 puts it: "it is the work of the Holy Spirit that allows us to understand, experience, and apply the truth of God to our lives." Now Reception got its own chapter based on the fact that when we've studied God's word and we've gained an understanding of its truth, we're now in a position to receive Scripture and apply it to our own lives BEFORE we even preach or teach it. We can't preach or teach anything until we have come into submission to it. The Word of God sanctifies you and promotes intimacy with Christ, a personal relationship with Jesus. Then, the last chapter is Application which helps the reader to understand how personal application then needs to relate to the congregation and encourages them to not only study for themselves but to actually apply what they learn in their own lives. 

When the Bible says to study to show thyself approved (2Timothy 2:15) its more than just studying God's Word but to show thyself approved is to apply that studying to your life and when you consistently apply, then you've shown yourself approved because you're living what you're preaching. 

And so my rating: TWO thumbs up for this book. It's not too long a read but it packs a great punch and it definitely worth reading for anyone wanting greater confidence of Scripture and the due diligence in not only gaining confidence in Scripture but what's necessary ethically to teach Scripture.

{FYI: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

Praying God's Will for Your Life

Stormie Omartian is highly regarded in Christian circles for her writing and so I was quite interested to finally review a book by her. 

One thing to note from even the beginning chapters of this book is that it is quite personal. It's as if Stormie walks her audience through her life and how she became a Christian. Guiding the reader through becoming a Christian as well. She guides the reader through praying for salvation and if the reader is already a Christian, she guides them through recommiting themselves to Jesus. She recounts how she became a Christian so that others who may be on the fence about becoming a Christian can have that encouragement. 

 The book is organized into three sections: The Intimate Relationship, The Solid Foundation, and the Obedient Walk. Each section focuses on a specific part of the believer's life. The first section is helping the believer come into relationship with Jesus. The second section is to help pour the firm foundation of faith. The third section is living out that faith; obediently walking out the faith.

The chapters are bite sized and have a prayer section at the end of each.  The first four chapters have two prayers: one prayer for the new believer & one prayer for the seasoned believer. The bonus journaling space is at the end of the book. It would have been perfect to have it at the end of each chapter where its easier to journal in response to each chapter. There's also a tools of truth section at the end of each chapter which contain Scripture verses that relate to each chapter. 

At first I was a bit skeptical, but I see why her books are so beloved. This one is good for both the new and the seasoned believer. It requires you to put in work on your end to see results. And it prompts us to open up to the work of the Holy Spirit.

{FYI: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.}

The Better Mom

The Better Mom is the long-awaited book by Ruth Schwenk from the blog, The Better Mom.

So the first thing to note is that The Better Mom does not mean the comparison of one mom to another but that we are striving to be better moms...together.

Ruth does an amazing job in reminding us moms that we aren’t called to perfection but to grace and to Jesus. We are called to steward the hearts of our babes. And it’s ok that the season of parenting that you are in is hard. Parenting was not made to be easy but give yourself grace and turn to Jesus to allow Him to refresh you, to be your refuge, to give you wisdom as you parent your children.

As you see above in the table of contents Ruth covers the real topics and seasons of life. There are days when I feel like I need alone time. I’ve got 5 kids and stay home with 3 of them. There are days when I question if I make a difference. There are days when I question my identity because I feel all consumed with my husband and children. And that’s where I NEED God’s Word to refresh me and remind me of why I do what I do and who I am. And Ruth helps us that struggle with this. But in everything, she points back to the cross instead of to herself. And THAT is what I love most about this book & is my biggest takeaway from this book.

2 thumbs up! 👍🏽 👍🏽

(FYI: I received my book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST OPINION.)

Lies Women Believe

I remember the first time I heard about this book, it was a number of years ago and I was quite curious as to what it contained. Then the expanded edition was set to launch and I applied for the launch team, didn't make it. But then the book showed up in the book reviewer program as an option and I JUMPED AT IT. Thankfully, one of the admins even allowed me to received the study guide as well to review at the same time. AWESOME. Usually its only one book at a time.

I have literally taken my time reading through this book to review it. Studying through it with the companion study guide and it has been eye-opening. 

So there are three sections in the book: Foundations, Lies Women Believe and Walking in Truth.

Chapters 2-10 cover the lies women believe in specific areas: 

1. Lies we believe about God
2. Lies we believe about ourselves
3. Lies we believe about sin
4. Lies we believe about priorities
5. Lies we believe about sexuality (note this section is not in the original)
6. Lies we believe about marriage
7. Lies we believe about children
8. Lies we believe about emotions
9. Lies we believe about circumstances.

     The companion study guide further expounds on the book. Each chapter in the study guide starts with what section of the book it covers, recaps that section of the book, then has three question sections: Realize, Reflect, and Respond. 

     It asks you personal questions that help you to identify if you believe this root lie and how the belief and action upon that lie affect your life. Sometimes we say we believe one thing but the way we act and live our lives shows that we really don't believe what we said. For example, we can say we trust God but does every action we make show doubt? We can say we believe that the Bible is incorruptible and the absolute truth but do our actions show that? Because if we did, we love more and forgive more. We'd love people, treat them well, and still rebuke the sin in their lives, without fear of their reaction or anyone else's reaction. 

     I can tell you off the bat, the chapters on sexuality and children will immediately ruffle many feathers as these go heavily against the culture we live in. We live in a culture where it is fairly acceptable to be gay and if you refuse or do not accept it, you're labelled as judgmental and hateful. We live in a culture that says it is fairly acceptable to have abortions. We live in a culture where premarital sex is not a bad thing and adultery is ok if you're not happy and even glorified on TV and in movies.

     Now depending on where you are on the spectrum of beliefs will tell you just how offended you might be by this book. If you're pro-choice and accepting of LGBT then you will be offended. And you NEED to be. Maybe then you may read God's Word and realize that culture does not dictate TRUTH. Just because it has been regarded as acceptable by people, does NOT make it acceptable to the Lord. The ancient Israelites learned that with pagan worship and lost their hedge of protection for a number of years because of it.

     I HIGHLY recommend this book and the companion study guide to EVERY generation of women. We are in a place to influence those around us and we need to be a godly influence. We aren't called to sound like or look like this world so why do we attempt to do so?

{FYI: I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

Little Critter Little Blessings Collection

Ok, as a mom I absolutely LOVE when we can receive these collections to review. It is an awesome deal to be able to get four full stories in one hardback book. Even better is when the books are completely God-centered. And these books are!

So the four books included in this collection are:

• You Go First, 
• Being Thankful, 
• It's True!, and 
• We All Need Forgiveness. 

Each one has a clear moral and lesson for readers to learn. In We All Need Forgiveness, Little Critter learns that he needs to be forgiving, however, he learns this the hard way after he has been unforgiving and unkind to his friends when they needed forgiveness THEN he becomes the friend who needs forgiveness and they all do no immediately give it. It is then that he realizes (with his Mom's help pointing to the Bible) that in order to receive forgiveness, he must also give forgiveness. And they mention God by name, eek! Even better!

And that is an awesome message for a book to provide to children. Because children can be irrational and selfish and even mean at times. But they have to learn early that just as they want to be forgiven when they make mistakes, they have to forgive when others make mistakes. 

{FYI: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

I am found

So I am so excited about this bible study it is in a series of bible studies by Moody Publishers just for women. The first one, An Unexplainable Life, I also reviewed here. 

This bible study is about me, about you. Women are trying to be seen and known by God but when we sin and are ashamed we tend to hide. For me when I am ashamed I literally hide out in my bedroom. 

I love this study for that very reason it is challenging me to stop hiding from God, from my husband. It is also teaching me to stop "not being bothered" with other people. It is nothing personal against them, I just often prefer my own company to that of others. 

The blurb is: 

I Am Found summons us from the shadows and into the light. This 6-week Bible study on shame and freedom explores: why we hide from God and others, why God’s love frees us to come out of hiding, what it looks like to live like we’ve been found, and how to cultivate relationships that encourage vulnerability

And that is exactly what this study does. It has encouraged me to turn to GOD when I feel ashamed, when I have sinned. It is encouraging me to stop hiding from my husband when we have disagreements. It is encouraging me to not hide from people outside of my home when they may offend or insult me.

Here are some fun things I found on the Moody Publisher's Women page to go with this study. Also if you go on the page, you will find a study tool (Download Excerpts) from Moody Commentary which allows you to read the commentary to go with the the Scripture found in the study. (AWESOME.)

Moody Publishers also allow ministry leaders the ability to receive a FREE copy of this study to use with their study groups, which I think is pretty awesome. 

Discipling As Jesus Discipled

The goal of every Christian is to be a disciple and to be fruitful, that is to make other disciples.

And that is the whole point of this book. It is a clear bible study and is very thought provoking.

The author Dann Spader encourages the reader/studier to look at the life of Jesus and His earthly ministry to understand how we are to BE disciples and MAKE disciples who can MAKE disciples.
He also explains the difference between discipleship and disciple-making.

Prior to reading this book I'd always thought the two were the same. However Dann Spader, helped me to see the difference between the two. Discipleship is to help some along the path of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.

A disciple of Jesus is a follower of Jesus. And we all know Jesus said "Follow Me."
So to be a disciple-maker is to be a person who produces disciples.

We actively produce disciples when we actively point people to Jesus and aid them in learning the Word of God, in applying the Word of God to their lives, and LIVING it ourselves so that our teaching is seen in action.
As Jesus taught the Word of God, spoke the Word of God, and gave right application of the Word of God, He LIVED the Word of God. So the disciples were not only taught but had a living example.

And THAT is the root message of this bible study. I am a few weeks into it and I am learning SO much. This is more in-depth than anything I've ever learned or be taught on disciple-making.

I recommend this to the seasoned follower of Jesus, the mature follower. Our jobs is to be a disciple, live as a disciple, THEN grow the Kingdom by producing disciples who will produce more disciples.



{FYI, I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

The Case for Grace

Through out the years we've learned that grace and mercy is the saving grace of the Christian.

It is the traits of God that grants us forgiveness. 

Yet in recent years it seems grace has been almost over used and under valued. 

I mean that to say everyone preaches the message of grace and mercy to the sinner, that it renews each day. Yet they forget to include the disclaimer that grace and mercy is not an OK to sin thinking "Well God will have grace and mercy and forgive me." 

It is important to remember this because God judges the heart. He sees all of what we think we're doing and judges our motives. So if we do not grasp grace and mercy in its fullness. Then we could very easily lose its covering. God is not a man that He would be made a fool of.

Grace and mercy is all in Jesus bearing the sins of all mankind on the cross.

Grace and mercy is all in Jesus' resurrection.

Grace and mercy is what kept Jesus on the path to crucifixion.

What is is NOT is: 

a license to sin.

What it DOES DO:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

The above passage in Titus, shows us that the grace of God brings salvation. It teaches us to deny ungodliness & worldly lusts. It exhorts us to live soberly, righteously, and godly. Notice it says in the present age, meaning it is ever applicable. Grace enables us to seek out Jesus Christ to be redeemed and purified by Him.

So today, look for the grace of God in your life and be thankful for it. Know that as God graces you each day, that we must confess our sins. We are born sinners and will remain that way until we leave this earth and as such must ask for forgiveness of the sins we commit and in that we are repenting which is not only asking for forgiveness but also turning AWAY from the sin. That is making the conscious effort to repeat.

~Kris