Live A Revolution... Every Day

Book Review: Christianity in Crisis

I rarely regret the books I choose to read. In fact, I could probably count them on one hand... and this book would be the thumb - for a thumbs down. I will never understand why followers of Jesus would feel the need to prove why other followers of Jesus wrong in a public forum. But, from chapter 3 through chapter 24, Mr. Hanegraaff chooses to do just that. He goes through and calls out specific individuals and lists why they are causing a Christianity in Crisis. He calls out E.W. Kenyon, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, John Hagee, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Rod Parsley, Frederick K.C. Price, John Avanzini, Robert Tilton, Marilyn Hickey, Charles Capps, Jerry Savelle, Morris Cerullo, Paul Crouch, Juanita Bynum, Paula White, and Todd Bentley.

Now, I don’t claim to follow or like a lot of what these guys teach. Some of what they say and do is just crazy. But to center a whole book around negativity is just as crazy. I will never understand why people spend so much energy on what they are against as opposed to what they are for.

There are 29 chapters in this book. 319 pages written. And only 5 chapters and 34 pages that is quality, teachable content, content that would describe what any Christian is for. I wish Hanegraaff would have spent more time on the last five chapters. Then this book would not have been a waste of time.

While this book is clearly well researched, it’s not a book that I would recommend to read. The title alone should have given me a clue: Christianity in Crisis. Seriously, can Christianity ever be in crisis… is Jesus ever in crisis mode. From calming the sea, to feeding the 5,000, to dying on a cross, do we ever see Jesus in crisis mode? Uh, ummmm, no.

Bad title. Bad content. Bad attitude.

Bad book.

Don’t read it.

I’m sorry I did.

Jesus Loves You Book Review

 

A couple of months ago I received an email asking if I would review Jesus Loves You this I know. I love xxxchurch.com and Craig Gross. But, if I'm honest, when I saw the title of the book, I thought... corny! But as I began to read it, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Craig Gross and Jason Harper have hit a home run with this book. Their ability to communicate the message of Jesus' love in their personal stories encouraged, inspired and challenged me to look at how I love those around me.

Whether you've been a follower of Jesus for ten minutes or ten years, you'll walk away with a renewed call to love people as Jesus loved people when he walked in our neighborhood.

If you're looking for a fresh approach to the timeless message of Jesus, Craig and Jason certainly deliver.

Buy this book now. You won't be disappointed.

Are You Fearless?

 

Fear. It's powerful. It has the potential to grip and control each of our lives. It can be as simple as being scared of spiders (that's me). Or it can be as complicated as being so filled with fear that it prevents you from leaving your home. No matter what level you deal with fear, Max Lucado in his latest book, Fearless, let's each one of us know that God doesn't want us to live fear-filled lives.

Lucado does a great job at taking our worst posstible fears and weaving personal and biblical stories to point us in a direction to overcome the fear being addressed in that chapter. Even if you can't relate to a fear in a particular chapter, this book is a great tool to help out others who might. While I'm not a big fan of Lucado's writing style, I'm glad I picked up this book and plan on reading it a second time.

I would definitely buy this book for myself, and someone who may be stuck in a cycle of fear.

Be sure to check out these links:

www.TheFearlesBook.com

www.MaxLucado.com/TownHall

www.ThomasNelson.com/Fearless

And these Fearless videos:

Q&A

General Greeting

60 sec. commercial

Reading Go Dog Go

This is one of my all-time favorite books. Morgan is being captivated by it right now.

The Noticer - Book Review

The Noticer, by Andy Andrews, should most definitely be picked up by everyone. It had my attention from page one to 156.

At first glance, I was a little skeptical due to the title. Sounded a little corny. But the book is anything but corny. In fact, the book has great learning moments sprinkled throughout.

"A true friend holds you to a higher standard. A true friend brings out the best in you." - page 30

"I think it's amazing," Jones answered, "that a person could lose everything, chasing nothing." - page 49

"It's time to stop letting your history control your destiny." - 51

"I'd like us to pray for more smiling faces in church. I think more people would want to go to heaven, if they weren't afraid it'd be like church when they got there!" - page 96

"There is absolutely no power in intention." - page 111

The stories of individuals that fill these pages captured my attention and taught me things I had never thought of... you could say, "It gave me a little perspective."

The writing style is very easy to read. It made me feel like I was walking right along side the characters. And to top it off, it's got a reader's guide in the back to discuss the book in a small group and/or help your life should you choose.

Bottom line, get the book.

Eyes Wide Open Book Is In My Possession

I received my copy of Jud Wilhite's new book, Eyes Wide Open. I've already begun reading it and am highlighting, marking and loving it so far. I'll review it completely next week. I can't wait!

Thomas Nelson Book Reviewer

I follow Michael Hyatt on Twitter. Michael is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Nelson Publishers. The other day, he posted a tweet stating if you're a blogger, they will send you free books to review on your site. So I signed up yesterday. Got approved. And the book above is the first I will be reading a reviewing. I already can't wait for the next one.

Your Dog's Dead, Kid

So Jami took the kids to the library to pick up some books to read. Great idea. After they had been home for a while, she began reading this book, "Goodbye, Max" by Holly Keller, A story about a little kid's dog. Sounds like a good story. So she read to Carter out loud until she came to this little phrase, "But Max died while Been was at school." What!? Are you kidding!? Great story idea - about a kid and his dog. No wait. A story about a kid and his dead dog. Ya. Great story... hey kid, your dog's dead. Happy reading.

ADD

Here's what I've learned about myself. I can't just have one or two books to read through. I need like four or five so I can keep switching it up. I've got reading ADD. So here's my current reading list:

                           

It's Heeerrrrre... "Going All the Way"

Can't wait to crack this one open. After reading the back cover, i'm confident it will add value to my life, and the lives of the families I come in contact with every day. Here's what I'm most exicted about: This book contains "...practical, candid discussions about sex, first dates, integrity, forgiveness, and communication..." Looking forward to sharing.