#crossfocusedreviews

[gypsygotsoul]

Book Review: Reformation Women: Sixteenth Century Figures who shaped Christianity’s Rebirth by Rebecca VanDoodewaard

With my previous history of reviewing Christian books, there are a few books that cross my doorstep that are rare and unique in topic. This is one of those books, and I say that in a good way. Having grown up in a Christian home, I did grow up reading biographies of women and men of the Christian faith. However, these books tend to focus primarily of heroic type storytelling and popular figures that most people have heard about. This book, “Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figure who shaped Christianity’s Rebirth by Rebecca VanDoodewaard is different in more than one way - it focuses on a time period wherein religious liberty was a huge deal with a lot of conflicting viewpoints. It lists women like Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne d’Albert, and Katherine Willoughby, to list a few, to refect how women in the christian church were active participants in church history as well. Much like some of the women in the Bible, these ladies reflect  their contributions to the Christian church. 

This book could not have come out at a better time. At a time where gender issues and roles are being significantly discussed in the public sphere, whether in a biblical or nonbiblical way, this book can be a helpful source to inform women of godly womanhood and how biblical womanhood can look like in a fallen world. I really appreciated how the examples she used were women who are not necessarily household names, but were influential women nonetheless, and she frames the book narrative in a way that is encouraging to women and other readers as well. It is easily a book that I am confident to hand to one of my younger readers, and at the same time, something a late 20-year old like myself can enjoy and still learn new things.

At the end of the day, the book informed me of women I have never heard of before, especially with regards to their spiritual contributions to the church. As a woman pursuing the Christian race, it reminds me of God’s continuing work and unceasing love for the church. Also, it greatly encourages me, knowing that as a believer, our work is not in vain when done for God’s glory, and that the church is a body that has many parts working for the same goal - to worship the Lord in love and truth and glorify His name forever.

Thank you Rebecca, for taking the time to write this gem. It is something that will stay in my bookshelf for the years to come. 

I received a complimentary copy from Cross Focused Reviews and Reformation Heritage Books, in exchange for a review. I was not asked to write a positive review in exchange for a copy, but choose to write a review that is constructive, honest and helpful to other consumers.

[gypsygotsoul]

Book Review: Christ All Sufficient - An Exposition of Colossians by Brian G. Hedges

Before heading off into the review of this great book, I wanted to write a little bit on the “why” aspect. I first heard of Brian G. Hedges through my mentor at church and one the books on the discipleship curriculum was Christ Formed in You, written by Brian G. Hedges. Even if I grew up in church, there are times when one becomes a little hesitant, fearing that something might be too heady to comprehend. The older book that he authored was not that, yes it contained a lot of deep concepts, but what I appreciated about it was that it was written in a way that can be understood by someone who wanted to grow in theology, but someone who didn’t necessarily go to seminary. So when I was offered a chance to review this newer gem, I signed right up!

Paul’s letter to the Colossians is a great encouragement to believers as it contains both truth on who Christ is and how that truth should shape our lives as believers. The author is able to channel Paul’s goal of exhorting this ancient church and he does this by providing great exposition on the sufficiency of Christ. While it was written in an era of the early church, the truths expounded on by the author were very relevant and useful for Christians today. One of the things that easily caught me was the richness of the imagery provided by the author’s examples. He uses the pictures, metaphors and imagery used in a lot of Paulinian text (example: ships and anchors) but delves deeper and makes it rich for modern readers by describing it even more. It definitely kept me going on through the rest of the book.

Also, the book is very organized and that is another plus for me! It has a lot of rich theological content, but you never really get lost, because even the headings are useful. The author also provides context prior to interpreting the text and he includes other quotations or interpretations that has informed his understanding of the text he is explaining. Also, I appreciated the use and referral to a lot of biblical Greek words. It is one of the things that has helped me understand a lot of biblical texts even deeper. And speaking of text - one of the best things Brian Hedges has done is to highlight Christ and the gospel in the whole of his study of Colossians - and that does it for me. It is enough for me to excitedly share this book to my friends!

In about 156 pages, it is rich piece of literature - one that reminds us to rejoice in our gift of salvation, and challenges us to be fruitful, growing and serving as light-bearers of Christ in this world.

“ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6

I received a complimentary copy from Crossfocusedreviews and Shepherd’s Press, in exchange for a review. I was not asked to write a positive review in exchange for a copy, but choose to write a review that is constructive, honest and helpful to other consumers.

[gypsygotsoul]

Book Review: Counseling One Another by Paul Tautges

Weeks ago, I received another book for review and I wasn’t disappointed but have been encouraged more into growing deeper in God’s word in order to ready in and out of soon. It is a blessing to have access to books such as these and come across authors who write with a reverence for God’s word, love for the church and a deep understanding of grace and the gospel.

With that, saying that “Counseling One Another: A Theology of Interpersonal Discipleship” by Paul Tautges is a well-written would not be entirely descriptive even though it is true. It provides a great introduction into the heart of counseling and the different problems Christian face -  from the re-definition of the roles of individuals in the church, the authority of Scripture and the role of psychology as a disciplinary study that have exceedingly become more important to the lives of believers instead of God’s word. As a spiritual mentor, I find that this is an important and timely resource for me, but I would not limit it to that. Others in the church will benefit from this book as it speaks truthfully about the ministries of biblical counseling, discipleship, fellowship and encouragement - all by which, we as believers, will encounter opportunities to engage in as we grow in the Lord.

Tautges does not go around in circles, he applies relevant authors and quotes as well as uses scripture as a backbone for a plan for discipleship. He does not put down the formal discipline for mentorship, but does encourage each believers/readers towards Christ-likeness. I am very much reminded of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 where he says - “follow me as I follow Christ”. I definitely recommend this book!

I received a free copy from Cross Focused Reviews and Shepherd’s Press , in exchange for a review. I was not asked to write a positive review in exchange for a copy, but choose to write a review that is constructive, honest and helpful to other consumers.

[gypsygotsoul]

Book Reviews: Ready to Return by Ken Ham and Jeff Kinley

Ready to Return: Bringing back the Church’s Lost Generation is a timely book written by Ken Ham and Jeff Kinley, with supporting research by Britt Beemer. During a time when more people are leaving churches that they have grown up in and post-modernism is increasing in popularity, this book couldn’t have been released as a better time.

As a reviewer, there were two reasons why I jumped at the opportunity to review this book. First, I am a part of that generation and population - growing up in a Christian home and having a Sunday at church tradition but I remember moving up to high school and college and just being presented with all these varying perspectives on knowledge and thought. This book definitely piqued my interest and passion for finding ways to minister to friends belonging to the same age group as well as youth and children. Secondly, I am aware and have been following the Answers in Genesis ministry for years now - having reviewed some of their books in the past and have also used their curriculum materials in bible study with young adults and in classroom discussions with younger children. 

The book provides a good discussion on the context of the problem and how we can encourage and equip ourselves and other individuals we encounter biblically. Research is provided and for those that love the numbers and the survey analysis, the data is contained in the appendix of the book. The book is very careful to discuss all the observable trends today either in perspectives or in cultural group (I.e. church, education, home, etc.) and is consistent in returning to the heart of it all - the gospel of Jesus Christ as evident in scripture. The writers also stress the importance of the authority of the Bible as God’s word - written by human authors following God’s words. 

What I like about this book is that it has a balance between passion and encouragement - There are sections where the truth really hits you and it should propel us towards Christ. At the same time, as a fellow believer, being presented with the gospel encourages me all the more that the Source of all things is God and we are recipients of that grace through Christ, which encourages me to pursue the disciplines of godly and biblical knowledge and diligence. 

I definitely would recommend this book. My only regret is that I have not read Already Compromised and Already Gone - both referred to frequently in this book.

I received a free copy from Cross Focused Reviews , in exchange for a review. I was not asked to write a positive review in exchange for a copy, but choose to write a review that is constructive, honest and helpful to other consumers.