Reading through the eyes Jesus gave you, the Jesus Lens

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture by Michael James Williams, Zondervan, 2012, 288 pages. Interest Group: Christianity/Bible/Reference

An Amazon search for "how to read the bible" yields an easy 5,529 results! Add some other search parameters and you are bound to expand that number exponentially. No question about it, there are plenty of books on reading the bible.

Methodological, pedagogical, philological, or just plain introductory methods can all explain how to get into and read the bible. What many believers would benefit from the most is reading the bible effectively. Scholars of all sorts can explain to you the content and intent of religious literature, regardless of their creed or allegiance, but the true effectiveness of reading the bible is found in doing it, internalizing it, and obeying it.

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture is Michael Williams' attempt to remove the hype and the proverbial fluff and get to the nuts and bolts of understanding scripture. If you are disciple of Jesus Christ, it should be a no-brainer. However, this is not always the case. Fundamentally, Jesus is the one who has enabled us to see the truth of his words, it is through him we should read the truth of scripture.

I elected to review the book and the author's insights as he views the letters of John through the Jesus Lens. The author of John's gospel makes his agenda clear from the onset, the deity of Christ. The Jesus Lens tells us that we must see through the events of this gospel and discover the Father in the Son. Likewise the Son in the Father is a revelation that is important to the life of the disciple. Because of this union with each other, Jesus is divine and human. Without the perfection of deity, the imperfection of humanity could not be redeemed.

The epistles also attributed to John reveal the importance of truth and obedience to that truth. It is the Jesus Lens that again demonstrates the physical manifestation of God's love through the human presence of the divine son. Jesus Christ sets forth the standard and the instructions that enable us to follow in his footsteps. In other words, practicing the life he enables us to do through the life that he lived here on earth. This same revelation of truth and similitude to Jesus Christ is found in the refutation of error and the behavior we provide toward others, hospitality.

Williams' has done many old and new believers alike a great favor. He has pared down the truths of each book of the bible and allowed us to view them through the Jesus Lens. With a summary, contemporary application, and reference to how to read each book with Jesus as our interpreting lens, William's has developed an excellent tool. Whether you use it as a desk reference or a review tool after finishing a book in the bible, this book is very helpful for reminding us to see Jesus in all things, including our bible reading plans.

I received this book from Zondervan for the purpose of review. No books were harmed in the reviewing of this book.

What did Jesus teach? Commandments or Suggestions?

The Commands of Christ: What it Really Means to Follow Jesus, by Tom Blackaby, B & H Books , 2012, 176 pages. Interest Group: Religion/Personal Study/New Testament

The name of Tom Blackaby may not ring familiar in too many popular circles. If you knew of his father, Henry Blackaby and appreciated his work, you will appreciate Tom's also. They both establish themselves in their writing with a penchant for dedication to the instruction of God, and the fellowship that brings with it.

In his work, The Commands of Christ: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus, Blackaby sets out to establish parameters of Christian living, as spoken through the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. With some introduction and very little pomp, Blackaby outlines the direction of the Christian's life by establishing a system. The system in this book introduces the command, quotes the scriptures from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, and then explains them in a practical manner. After reading each command and it's explanation, Blackaby ensures the reader of a modern explanation to apply personally in our own context.

Other reviewers have commented on the simplistic nature of the outline method Blackaby utilizes. I think this apparent weakness actually serves as a strength to be replicated by other authors treating similar topics. Although it is near impossible to avoid authorial bias in any work, Blackaby serves the text well by remaining without dogmatic denominational interpretation. At the end of the day, Blackaby aims to teach his readers the importance and simplicity of adhering to the commands of the Lord. He is also careful to ensure we remember the importance and distinguishing characteristics of those who claim to follow Jesus, that "if we love him, we will keep his commandments."

I received this book from B & H Books for the purpose of review. No books were harmed in the reviewing of this book.

Book Review: Desiring God, Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (Revised Edition) by John Piper

Following on the heels of a successful publishing the past 25 years, John Piper has again revisited one of his most popular works, Desiring God, Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Originally published in 1986, this book has been the go-to manual of what John Piper defines as Christian Hedonism.

Having never completed reading an entire John Piper book, I was not surprised to see it read like he speaks. John's book touches on many critical issues effecting the Christian in today's context. John has appropriately revised this entry to accommodate the advent of modern technology, the new ails of our age, and added an additional chapter to include, "Suffering: The Sacrifice of Christian Hedonism." Concisely, academically, and scholastically, John defends his thesis, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" throughout the entire text. John Piper also sufficiently demonstrates the story behind his passion for Christian Hedonism, and propagating it amongst brothers and sisters everywhere.

I had a difficult time engaging the book and being motivated to read it. It was not so much that the material or topic nature was not engaging itself, it is that I just found it a bit dry. I suppose John Piper may be able to level the accusation of anti-hedonist toward me at this point. Even though the premise of the book, and "Christian Hedonism" is to find joy in God, and thus draw God's satisfaction in you, it challenges some of the paradigms of the modern Christians faith.

John Piper demonstrates that the Christian life is easily seen as sacrificial in  many regards. He also challenges the adage that finding joy in the "less-than" lifestyle Christ calls his disciples to lead is not itself as controversial as one might find. After all, having true joy in Christ is dying for him, storing up for yourself treasure in heaven. Knowing that there is reward for your temporal loss is at the center of John Piper's Christian Hedonism.

I enjoyed the book, but I am not sure I have been converted to Christian Hedonism just yet! Nor am I ready to call myself a Christian Hedonist. There is plenty of sound advice and good strong scriptural support for John Piper's Christian Hedonism. I also have now been afforded a glimpse into the "Desiring God" battle cry John is so well known for. With the addition of another chapter, and a group study guide, this book is worth the purchase for those who have never experienced it, and for those who have previous versions. A refreshing updated Desiring God will not disappoint!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review!

Free Book Giveaway: Except for Fornication, The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage

**Due to a limited response and apparent commenting errors, this giveaway has been extended. If you have problems commenting, please email me thegospelisgood(AT)hot(mail)(Dot)com and please see the details below.

That's right. You read it. Free book.

I love free books. Matter of fact, I love free books so much, I would like to give one away to someone else!

To enter, submit a comment with your answer to the question,

"Should all Christians know where they stand on the matter of divorce and remarriage, or is it only something that elders should deal with?"

Purchase this book on Amazon!

All comments must be submitted by Tuesday, October 18th 2011 Saturday, October 22nd, 2011. I will draw a winner and post the results on October 19th Sunday, October 23rd here at the blog.

BONUS: If you have a blog or personal website, create a post and share a link back to this blog entry. Once you have, leave an additional comment below with a link back to your blog or website and I will enter your name an additional time.

No extra entries for Facebook, Twitter, or Google + link backs, but they would be appreciated nonetheless!

In September, I reviewed this entry of the Energion Aeropagus Series, "Except for Fornication." This book has proved very useful to me in personal study concerning the issue of divorce and remarriage, and I believe it to be something of worthy consideration to any serious bible student.

Whether you already have a settled opinion regarding this matter or not, a free book, less than 80 pages, and some serious exegesis to wrap your noggin around is very worth it.

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Book Review: Except for Fornication: The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage by Van Parunak

Approximately two years ago, a brother and I were discussing the topic of marriage and divorce over lunch. During our discussion, this brother shared with me that one of our own brethren had completed a work on the very subject we were elaborating upon.

At that time, there was a PDF known amongst our brethren in the assembly as the "divorce book" and was appropriately entitled "Let Not Man Put Asunder: A Biblical Study of Divorce." By H. Van Dyke Parunak. (This version is freely available at the above link to those interested in reviewing the version that surveys the entire bible on this issue). The brother in whom I was in discussion with, charged me with the exhortation to read this brother's treatment of the topic.

With a conclusion that divorce was at times permissible amongst believers under exceptional circumstances, I could not reason with a free conscience that it was acceptable for divorced persons to 'remarry.'

Yes, that puts quite a number of folks into a tight position does it not? It is a personal issue for many people, and a difficult and trying topic to wrestle with effectively. In the end, it creates a dilemma for those who would provide counsel or advise individuals facing marriage, divorce, or remarriage. It effects us at home and abroad. Mothers, Fathers, Step-Family, Cousins, Uncles, and Aunts.

Taking the advice of that brother who suggested I read the longer, more in-depth study of brother Parunak's book, I read it from cover to cover. I was so intrigued by the careful attention to detail and the purposeful and structured approach this brother had taken with the texts concerning marriage and divorce in the Old and New Testaments.

H. Van Dyke Parunak, or as many of us in the assembly call him, Van, has taken his larger study and condensed it for the latest entry in the Energion Areopagus series "Except for Fornication: The Teaching of the Lord Jesus on Divorce and Remarriage." From the preface of the new book:

"This volume focuses on our Lord's teaching about divorce and remarriage in the gospels. It is drawn from a much longer study that covers the entire Bible. In this volume, I will sometimes refer to that study as "the longer book." That work also offers more technical detail on the passages considered in this volume. It is available as a free e-book at http://www.cyberchapel.org/DivorceAndRemarriage."

Without missing a beat, Van brings his teaching into the spotlight of Jesus' statements in the Gospels concerning the 'fornication' clause. He also makes a case for the truth and understanding Jesus would have had and taught by examining the evidence from Old Testament scriptures. What proves most helpful is that Van does not leave us alone with Paul's comments on the topic, he examines them in light of what our Lord taught as well. Convincingly, Van demonstrates their agreement, and that Paul does not make exceptions to the rule. A position that I found hard to reconcile until reading Van's work.

Van goes on to make the statement,

"The Lord Jesus uttered only eleven verses on the subject of divorce and remarriage, mostly restating the same two principles: divorce is wrong, and remarriage after divorce is adultery."

With this in mind, Van establishes his determination in seeking the truth of what the scripture itself says regarding this matter. With so much at stake concerning the impact that divorce and remarriage can have on families, it is essential to be diligent in understanding what the rest of the scriptures teach on this topic.

Dave Black, Professor at Southeastern Theological Seminary, Missionary, and Blogger, who is one of the editors of the Areopagus project, has stated on his blog at The Jesus Paradigm, that he feels this book to be one of the most important and helpful books written on the difficult subject of Christian marriage and divorce. He goes on to note,

"This book strikes me as a model of exegesis and interpretation. Not all will agree with its conclusions, but few I believe, will be able to ignore its biblical arguments."

I agree with brother Dave Black, and hope you will soon find out for yourself that you do also. The careful exegesis and attention to the original languages are helpful. This entry in the Areopagus series also proves helpful and lends itself to the accessibility of those who have little or no training in biblical languages or classical seminary training.

Van has chosen this undertaking for his own personal benefit and knowledge of the problem as God sees it, and the end result is the benefit of any reader who chooses to pick up this incredible work and read it. It had a profound impact on how I viewed the dilemma of divorce and remarriage, as well as how I viewed my own approach to the woman I was preparing to marry.

(This book is not yet released. Amazon has it listed for pre-orders, and the projected release date is 9/19/2011)

Book Review: What's With Paul And Women? by Jon Zens

Have you ever truly experienced a faithful assembly, committed to biblical literalism and committed to obedience to what the scriptures say? Have you ever longed to be a member of one of those types of meetings where people are consistent in their application of the doctrines of the Apostles?

I hope your answer is yes. But I also wonder if you really know what the end result of that could be in some cases. This book authored by Jon Zens presents the perspective of women's silence and subjection inside the meeting of the church. What's with Paul and Women?: Unlocking the Cultural Background to 1 Timothy 2 is an intriguing look at the fallacies the author believes put restrictions on women in ministry.

Since personally embarking on my own journey to discover the teachings of the scripture regarding the roles of women in the church, specifically their speaking roles, this book has become useful in examining the cultural context of 1 Timothy 2.

Jon Zens posits,

"Neither the Gospel narratives nor the recorded words of Jesus ever put restrictions on the ministry of women."

 With 144 easy to read pages, Jon asserts freeing the sisters from the yoke of patriarchal bondage and suppression by educating his readers about the Artemis cult in Ephesian culture, a review of John Piper's "What's the Difference article defining Manhood and Womanhood, and well argued positions from scriptural evidence.

In my personal observation of literature concerning the Male and Female gender role debate, I am finding far more material that entrenches itself deep in its own camp. Whether it is the complementarians or egalitarians, there appears to be little out there towing the line down the middle of the debate and weighing uncertain information carefully before asserting a stance. This entry does just that in the egalitarian camp and goes on to assert the freedom of a woman to assume leadership positions in the church as well.

A good summation of the credibility Zens couches his argument in could be found in this quote,

"Paul entrusted his letter to the Romans to Phoebe who delivered it for him. She was a deacon in the assembly at Cenchrea and Paul held her in the highest regard (cf. Rom 16:1-2). Paul recognized her as a prostatis, a Greek word which carries with it the idea of leadership (cf. 1 Thes 5:12)."

A very good, informative, and enlightening read. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking answers concerning the gender role debate. This books examination of the cultural implications serve it well and make up for the portions that would be better promoted through more exegesis of the proof texts.

Book Review: Read the Bible for Life by George Guthrie

Reading the Bible. Seems to be a challenge for many people. In large part, there appears to be a segment of the 'Christian' population that falls short in this facet of their 'faith.' The deficit is apparently so great that a book was written to address the problem directly.

But, this book does more than just address the problem of 'lazy' reading practices. This book engages the reader in conversation. At least, it allows you to sit at the table and read in onto conversations taking place between the author George H. Guthrie and those he has selected to comment on various topics regarding Bible reading. Essentially, the author has created what is deemed 'Your Guide to Understanding & Living God's Word.'

Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's WordHonestly, I found this book helpful. It was not only resourceful and informative, it provided practical insight from many respected men and women. Actually, it was only one woman, Mr. Guthrie's wife sits down for a dialog about reading the Bible with the family. While touching on virtually every facet of reading and understanding the Bible topics related to foundational hermeneutics, ie., context, translation, application, the author also takes us on a journey through discussions concerning the Old Testament, New Testament, and crossing the culture bridge and reading it for our modern context.

Some of those conversed with include David S. Dockery, Andreas Kostenberger, George Guthrie (yes, he speaks with himself), Bruce Waltke, David Platt, Douglas Moo, and Michael Card. Indeed a solid lineup of many whom I would enjoy gleaning insight and wisdom from regarding their walk with Christ and the sustenance they have derived from living and breathing his word.

Essentially, the purpose of the book is to teach us how to not only read the Bible, but to read it well, to read it for Life. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. It is a worthy read, and is something worth picking back up off the shelf to get reacquainted with from time to time. It would also make an excellent gift for a student or new believer struggling to get a grip on the scriptures.

You can purchase Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's Word by clicking the link or the image above. You can also pick up the workbook here, Read the Bible for Life (Workbook).

If you are interested in receiving my reader's copy, dog ears, worn edges and all, you can enter into a drawing to receive this book at no charge to you. All you need to do is subscribe to this blog, leave me a message in the comment section, and I will enter you into the drawing. You may receive two entries into the drawing if you leave a comment telling me what you think the cause behind the deficiency in Bible reading is in today's 'church'? I will close this drawing and choose the winner on September 15th, 2011. Hope you win!



I received this copy of Read the Bible for Life from B&H publishing for an unbiased review.

Book Review: Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna

Have you ever taken a step back from something that you have always known and endeared so much that it would hurt to let it go? What if the very thing you are so certain of and cherish so much is exposed for what it really is, and you find that you have been essentially living a lie your entire life?

Frank Viola and George Barna collaborate together in this production from 2008 called Pagan Christianity. The book sets out to uncover deeply held beliefs and practices that many view as orthodox Christianity. Frank and George pull out all the stops in this treatise against the 'institutionalized' system of the Christian church and set out to trumpet a return to the church's biblical foundations. Frank and George instigate the presuppositions of the church of our day by contrasting it with historical and researched data while all the while campaigning for a more 'organic' approach.

We are also making an outrageous proposal: that the church in its contemporary, institutional form has neither a biblical nor a historical right to function as it does. This proposal, of course, is our conviction based on the historical evidence that we shall present in the book. You must decide if that proposal is valid or not. (page xx)

This book is a solid left-hook to the presuppositions and deeply held church traditions of our day. A few years ago, this would have been an extremely difficult book for me to read. But after reviewing the evidence contained in the scriptures, the attestation of scholarship, and willing to be challenged, I have been more swayed now than ever. What I once thought was 'church' never resembled anything close to what is revealed in the New Testament. Frank Viola and George Barna have assembled an excellent survey of the current church characteristics in modern Christendom, commented on them, and backed up their argumentation with a solid list of references, all jam packed into each chapter. You can read the fist chapter of this book online for free, or purchase it from your favorite book retailer.

Some of the fundamental flaws of this book are its purpose and lack of depth in the exegesis of some of the entries. Granted, the book presents a survey of the problems the authors see in the institutional church, sometimes it would do well to elaborate further on certain proof-texts that are often cited in defense of institutional practices. Furthermore, the refutation of the latter would be better received with more detailed presentation of the points. To the defense of the authors, they consistently claim that those explanations will come with greater detail in the follow up book, Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity, Frank Viola's positive follow up to the 'instigation' of Pagan Christianity.

All in all, if you are up for a challenging read, and you currently scratch your head every Sunday asking yourself, "Why do we do what we do?" You will probably find this book an intriguing, fast-paced, and invigorating read. I highly recommend it. Without agreeing to all of Frank and George's propounded views in this entry, I would state that they have done their homework. Where there is disagreement, further investigation quickly becomes warranted, and that is just based on their references alone.

Book Review: Radical Together by David Platt

Radical Together, by David Platt is the follow up to Radical. The successor to this book spent a fair amount of time on the New York Times Bestseller list. It was also known for presenting a contrasted point of view of the state of American Christianity and calling believers to obey the scriptures in service and mission. You can read my review of that book here.

To be quite frank, I am not sure there is much new material here in this sequel to Platt's previous book. The content is a little more directive but it rehashes the need for change in the traditional church system. The problem that I observed while reading is not that the motive is wrong, it is that I feel the catalyst suggested for change will continue to be stifled by remaining within the traditional institution known as 'the church'.

David Platt does attempt to cover some ground that is seldom tread upon in evangelical literature. He makes his charge by defining six points the book is based upon,

1. One of the worst enemies of Christians can be good things in the church.
2. The gospel that saves us from work saves us to work.
3. The Word does the work.
4. Building the right church depends on using all the wrong people.
5. We are living--and longing--for the end of the world.
6. We are selfless followers of a self-centered God.

Platt goes on to target the tendency of Christians to get lazy or comfortable because they are consumed with programs and church activity. He also highlights the propensity of the other extreme, to do so much of this and that, it equates to works based salvation. With reliance upon the word, the fulfillment of the great commission, and looking forward to Christs return, David Platt poignantly emphasizes scriptural mandates for the life of a disciple.

I did like that David brings attention to forgotten aspects of what seems to be biblically obvious characteristics of the Christian life. While I was not enthralled with this particular attempt at clarifying why Christians need to behave differently than the status American Evangelical quo, I am glad that someone is at least attempting to address it in some facet.

You can read the first chapter of Radical Together online for free.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: The Essential Bible Companion To The Psalms, by Brian L. Webster and David R. Beach

There are two types of books a student of the Bible can benefit from. Commentaries, which can be very involved and theologically deep and companions, which can serve as quick references or summaries. While both resources can vary in skill and ability required to utilize them fully, the latter tends to be more accessible for the every day reader.

The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms is an excellent example of accessibility. Sitting down with the Psalms and giving them a cursory read will often leave the reader with questions or confusion. But, this new resource from Zondervan helps illuminate several key areas of each Psalm for the reader,

• Theme - an overarching and common thread that runs through each Psalm
• Type - categorized by various genres of Psalms that appear in the Scriptures
• Background - a contextual synopsis of the historical and literal events that influence the understanding of the Psalm itself
• Structure - a brief exposition of the Psalm verse by verse
• Special notes - a breakdown of unfamiliar terms or ancient references that may be culturally unfamiliar

Last but not least, each Psalm has a brief reflection to summarize the message of the passage. Although each entry for each Psalm appears short and lacking on the page, the information is concise and accurate, providing ease of reading and appropriate information for studying one of the greatest treasure troves of Scripture, the Psalms.

I highly recommend you picking this book up, it is well worth having as a desk reference, coffee table book, or sitting on the reference section of your bookshelf.

I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an unbiased book review.

Book Review: Following Jesus, the Servant King: A Biblical Theology of Covenantal Discipleship by Jonathan Lunde

Following Jesus, the Servant King: A Biblical Theology of Covenantal Discipleship by Jonathan Lunde came to me at an interesting time. Just as my interest in honoring the call of our Lord Jesus to radical discipleship has piqued, this book provided a much needed survey of the progression of the covenants in God's Holy Writ. The author takes on the task of demonstrating something the mainstream church has shown to be lacking for quite some time, a historical and practical demonstration of true obedience. The exemplary servitude of Jesus Christ comes as a focal point and example in which the author demonstrates is the filter in which all obedience to God's word must be understood. Jonathan Lunde takes a practical approach to this by cleverly and systematically approaching three questions,

• Why: Why should I be concerned to obey all of Jesus' commands if I have been saved by grace?
• What: What is it that Jesus demands of his disciples?
• How: How can the disciple obey Jesus' high demand, while experiencing his "yoke" as "light" and "easy"?

What I have enjoyed about this book is its repetitious nature. Many books cover key points and move on. Jonathan Lunde has done due diligence in emphasizing the recurrence of key points in each chapter, how it relates to the last, and how he will approach it in the next. All this comes in light of the application drawn by answering the Why, What, and How questions originally set forth in the beginning of this book. Because this book is a bit higher on the level of difficulty, the reminders are Lunde's points and purposes are extremely helpful. The benefits of this method along with the content of the book culminates the central focus on Christ's servant/King status and the call to discipleship. Whilst making no attempt to ultimately correlate the teaching of the law according to Christ and its relationship to the same course of doctrine in Paul, Lunde brings the two together well and spends just enough emphasis on the topic to show their ultimate reconciliation with each other in light of the covenants of God.

According to quite a few reviews previously written concerning this book, the author neglects much of the epistles and their teaching concerning discipleship if you will. Those who have pointed this out state that Paul and the other letters have appropriate content related to the premise of Covenantal Discipleship. I could not agree with their findings and have complete satisfaction in the supreme demonstration of discipleship according to thee supreme example, Jesus Christ. Everything else really is ancillary, Christ and his teaching should always come first, and the rest must follow in agreement, or be cast out. This does not say the epistles are not relevant, but it does demonstrate something I believe this book does well, revitalize a call to covenant discipleship through the Lord Jesus Christ and a call to obedience in him and his word. I did not have any expectations of this book, therefore there was not disappointment on this end.

Although an enjoyable read thus far, I have not been able to finish the final section. This review is only based on the progress I have made thus far and I hope at a later date to make an addendum to this review. I received this book from Zondervan in exchange for an unbiased view. I would highly recommend purchasing this book and giving it  a read!

Book Review: Radical by David Platt

What is your dream? If you are a Christian, is your dream different that the one your unbelieving friend, spouse, or neighbor dreams each night? Do you both have a common dream? Maybe the American dream?

Being Christian in America can become easy living. Most American Christians enjoy the pleasures of their own vehicles, theatrically lit sanctuaries, and charismatic speakers that deliver relevant and punch messages, week in and week out.

Author David Platt attempts to weigh in with a new perspective on American Christianity in Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Platt evaluates the radical discipleship of New Testament Christianity and compares it to contemporary examples of Christendom. An unlikely critic, shepherding a 4,000 member church in Birmingham, Alabama, listening to a "mega-church" minister speak on radical separation from the American Dream creates an interesting dichotomy. If what Platt evaluates as a stark contrast between today's example of "discipleship" and the same "discipleship" laid out in scripture is true, we have a major disconnect.

Platt diligently demonstrates the difference in devotion through several means. When you can compare parking lots populated with millions of dollars in vehicles, bright lit meeting places, and freedom to worship when and where you please with secret meeting places, dimly lit gathering rooms, and bicycling from one meeting to another risking your life and not see a need for re-assessment of value, then something might be terribly wrong. Platt cleverly shows his readers how singular devotion to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ concerning devotion, giving, and fulfillment of the great commission in all that we do can revolutionize your life. The stupor and haze of the American Dream no longer has to confound your judgment concerning putting your own hands to the plow.

This book will encourage you to take a good hard look at your current situation, place it in perspective with the lives of the disciples, and other radical believers the world around, and allow you to make a fair assessment of the necessity for change in today's believers. I encourage you to pick it up today if you have not already purchased it. You may read the first chapter for free here.

David Platt has recently released a book called Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review: Keep Your Greek, Strategies For Busy People by Constantine R. Campbell

Are you a Greek Student? Are you an accomplished Greek Scholar? Are you a diligent minister of the word who has let the knowledge of the languages creep into the recesses of your mind? Are you discouraged by the reclaiming of once prominent recall of the Greek from your overbearing and busy schedule?

These are all great questions with great answers in this new book from Constantine R. Campbell. This new release from Zondervan brings together a series of blog posts that were previously posted at the author's blog Read Better, Preach Better, and offers them in an easy, engaging, and encouraging format. The blog posts now converted to chapters in the book are complete with responses from the blog on each post, and now subsequent chapter. Campbell gives cause, justification, and technical advice that is both practical and wise. With the inclusion of quotes from respected scholars and teachers of Greek, this book reinforces the student or graduate of Greek studies with motivation to serve God through diligent study and understanding. In just under 90 pages, Keep Your Greek converses and equips you with tools, tips, tricks, and categorizes useful resources, web pages, and other materials to get you into the game...or for those who have forgotten their Greek, back into it!

I loved this! As a blogger, and active blog reader, I found it exciting to see a dialog transpiring between the author and his audience. The chapters were helpful, and the practical responses offered by the commentators made the whole discussion real. For me, a mere student of the Koine Greek, I found the tips from those much more experienced than I helpful and even preventative in my own labors to acquire a "dead" language. This book not only helps you internalize language acquisition as a task of love, but also reinforces that the Koine is in no way dead, but perfectly alive, so long as you engage it!

I received this book at no charge in exchange for an unbiased review. You can see other entries concerning this book during its blog tour March 14th through the 18th at the Koinonia Blog.

Book Review: Fasting, The Sacred Practices Series by Scot McKnight

Admittedly, I am intrigued by the topic of fasting. As sparse the evidence in the New Testament may be for pragmatism, I honestly believe the symphony of scripture provides plenty examples for our own personal implementation. What is addressed in this particular book treating the topic, is obviously anecdotal. What exactly is fasting, its past manifestations and origins, its contemporary examples, and just how do some of humans conduct ourselves while doing it? Jews, Christians, Muslims, and many other world religions, practice fasting. The question this book seeks to answer is, what in the world is your point? If you are fasting, is it to convince God to create a result in your favor? Or do you fast in response to something requiring the practice of body submission?

This is the first time reading any works by the author Scot McKnight. This particular offering was well balanced and demonstrated scholarly aptitude worthy of examination. At times, the book does begin to smell of ecumenism, but only to the extent of acceptance of ancient Catholic scholars and authorities on the practice of fasting. The author also systematically treats the various pros and cons related to the abundant forms of fasting we see occurring today. One of the examples treated in the book are a comparison of abstinence to fasting. This reminded me of my employment with McDonald's Restaurant and the purposeful marketing of the Double Filet O'Fish during Lent. It was amazing how many fasting Christians would demonstrate their piety with their manners and super-sized fish meals. I mostly enjoyed this book and found it interesting to see a fair treatment of the variety of fasting one could observe in practice in most every given circumstance fasting occurs.

In Fasting, The Sacred Practices Series by Scot McKnight, you will find that he is consistent with his thesis, critically treats the text, and concludes the book with a fair view of the 'medical' impact fasting has on the human body. The most interesting nugget of them all came in knowing that physiologically, the human body can hold out during a fast for 40 days before all things go haywire. Pick this book up today if you are at all interested in learning about fasting and what it really is about biblically. Hint, it is not about what you will get, it is about why you do it. Sorry Jentezen Franklin, I'm going to have to go with the Anabaptist Scholar on this one.

I received Fasting: The Ancient Practices Series as part of the Book Sneeze program in return for posting an unbiased review.

Book Review: Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper, by Ben Witherington III

Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper by Ben Witherington III addresses the topic of Communion in the history of the Church. Beginning with a survey of the cultural factors contributing to historic 1st century practices, Ben illustrates a profound progression and description of 'secular' traditions that are eerily similar to that of which Paul was addressing in 1 Corinthians.

Ben also goes on to discuss the trajectory of the Lord's Table from the final night of our Lord's earthly ministry with the Disciples, to the stratification and elitism of the 1st and 2nd centuries, on to the eventual liturgical and sacramental mystery that became the sacrifice of the mass.

Making a Meal of It serves as a running commentary that sheds light on the mystery that seems to surround the practice as we see it today. Regardless of the view a Christian has on the actual rite itself, this book covers the nuances between them, and then demonstrates why not even those were a matter of debate in the 1st Century Church practice. As it would seem, and according to the author, the meal of breaking bread in the scripture would be so much more inclusive than even the most liberal celebrants amongst us could imagine.

I personally enjoyed the conversing tone of this book. The author presents interesting information that gives a clearer portrait of what we traditionally see as the Lord's Table in our minds. With limited technical and scholarly jargon, the historical narrative provided by Ben made the read enjoyable. Consequently, I read this book via Kindle, and mostly on my Blackberry. Now, I typically do not enjoy reading on electronic devices, and the level of engagement I enjoyed with this title, led me to disregard that inhibition. Ben offers closing comments on practical implications and gives personal anecdotal evidence that supports what one would find in the scriptural support that does exist in the New Testament, that are helpful and encouraging.

If you find yourself questioning or curious about the modern practice in comparison to the scriptural practice of the Lord's Table in meetings across the globe, this book is a good primer for you. Enjoy!

Book Review: Come to the Table by John Mark Hicks

Come to the Table: Revisioning the Lord's Supper is an interesting treatise concerning the manner in which the Eucharist is observed in modern Christianity. This book takes the reader through a journey from the Scriptural attestation, a brief early Christian witness, and a modern application in 205 short pages. John Mark Hicks' treatment of this debated, diversely observed, and often divisive issue is fair-minded and communicated in a conversing manner. Come to the Table invites the reader to do just that, come and dine with the master, who is host of the table.

The Table discussion has long been a controversial subject amongst believers. The debate of trans-substantiation vs. con-substantiation has raged for ages. Zwingli and Luther debated the manner in which the table was conducted and sparked a reformation dialog the carried on for centuries. Is it really that simple? Or is it actually much simpler? Some questions that lack answers normally, receive an admirable treatment in Come to the Table. Some of them include,

• What is discerning the body?
• What is eating and drinking unworthily?
• What is the table of demons and the table of the Lord?

I really enjoyed this book for it scriptural substance. Hicks is very purposeful in painting the picture of what the Lord's Table was according to Luke, Acts, and 1 Corinthians. You begin to find yourself seated at table with not only the Lord and his disciples, but also with those whom Paul is addressing in Corinth. Giving data from the Old Covenant, showing more clearly the data of the New, and modernizing our approach for today all come together quite well. I also  really enjoyed the audacity that Hicks demonstrates by taking the road less traveled and taking the debate out the picture by stating pretty plainly what scripture is saying.

If I could have my druthers with this book, I would opt for a more systematic approach to the topic. I am not sure that it could do the subject justice, but that tends to be my reading preference anyway. Of all the systematic deductions I have read, this book has gone an extra mile by delivering a simple, logical, and plain view without mucking it all up with presuppositions to support.

This book was much worth the read and if you are interesting in learning more about the Lord's table, maybe even 'revisioning' it, then this book will get you started. Hicks also provides a bit of a practical application guide for believers or congregations who are currently exploring the topic and looking for an example to kick things off with.

Hope you enjoy it, I did!