I have only read one other John Frame book. I have always wanted to read more. With "Systematic Theology", I received a sample of the first 84 pages. Even with such a small portion, I can tell this book will be a great read.
Frame has a gift of taking Biblical doctrine and making it simple. The section I read gives a good idea of what the rest of the book will be like.
His focus is on the lordship of God. God is the ultimate authority. He created everything. That gives Him the power and authority over everything created.
Using the Lordship of God, Frame moves into a list of other Biblical doctrines.
I enjoyed the portion I read and will be purchasing the whole book in the near future. It will make a good addition to any christian library.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This, simple to read book, is pure gold. I can not wait to read it's companion book titled, "Crony Capitalism"
Here, Lewis shows us that true capitalism is not only the best economic model for any society, it is the only model. In America we have never truly tried pure capitalism. Because of Government intervention our economy always suffers. Inflation, higher taxes, government corruption - that is the norm in today’s America.
The author’s premise is that free prices (without government intervention) are not only an indicator of the health of our economy, it is it's very life blood. Prices show us what jobs are important, what products are no longer needed, what the future holds.
When we have government intervention, whether it is through printing money, raising / lowering interest rates, or capping prices, we have a group of men and women who think they know better that the collective desires of the rest of the country.
How can a few elected and unelected officials have enough knowledge to guide the economy with all of it's intricacies? They can not. All they do is make things worse. But they are too arrogant to admit that they can not even balance their own check books, let alone the government budget. The unintended consistences of their policies cost us billions more in taxes and inflation than if they would have just stayed on permanent vacation and let the free market work.
The reason I personally do not believe it is a government conspiracy is that I do not believe there is enough intelligence in Washington to pull off a conspiracy. Their ignorance, not their intelligence, is the cause of this mess.
Back to the book review. This is one awesome book. I would like to buy a few extra copies just to give out to friends - both Democrats and Republicans.
I highly recommend this book to everyone breathing. I can rap up this review in three words - READ IT NOW!
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from AC2 Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What is Sanctification? Barbara Duguid, not only answers that question, but she also gives us examples from real life.
Many think that sanctification means a person sins less and less until they are almost perfect. Duguid shows us that, as we get closer to God, we see more of our sin. It is a humbling experience.
Who performs sanctification? God or man? She shows in this book it is us who live the life, but God gives us the ability through His grace.
God desires to change us. He shows us our failings to drive us back to him. If it was all about our strength, we can boast. If God's strength is shown in our weakness, God gets the glory.
In this book, Barbara lays her life open. She shares some stories that I am sure were hard to write. From problems with over-eating, to actually hating others, she lays herself bare before us. Reading many of these stories, gives the rest of us hope. Others also struggle with some of the same sins we deal with. It is easy to see others life as easy. It seems others do not face the same temptations we do. Barbara shows us that even the most dedicated Christian still deals with sin daily.
Our desire should be to throw off those sins and run to God. When we do fail we have a God who can not only forgive us, but who can give us the grace to stand.
This book was a great read. It drives us into the arms of a forgiving God.
I recommend it to all who are interested in drawing closer to God and want a good understanding of sanctification.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Busy, Busy Busy!! Boy, I needed a book like this!
I tend to say "yes" to way too many things. At one time, I may be learning songs for worship, working on a book review, reading another book, studying for Men's group, playing a video game with my son, watching a show with my wife, not to mention everything at work, on and on ad infinitum.
Most people in this modern age not only are busy, but we are also distracted by new technologies (Phone, facebook, email, etc.).
Here, DeYoung takes a look at why we are so busy and gives us some suggestions on how to get a handle on our lives. He admits that he still struggles with the problem himself. It's like one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
The suggestions are practical and informative. Some examples are to get enough sleep, stop spending so much time in random web surfing, don't say yes - just to please people. He also balances his message by showing us that some busyness is just part of life.
The book is short and to the point. He realizes that a 600 page book about busyness would be a bad idea! It is easy and quick to read. I will try to use the suggestions and slow down a little.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who feels overwhelmed with busyness.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from Crossway and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been looking for a book like this for a good while. This is no fluffy 60 page book about felt-needs or five steps to reaching your potential. Here we have Biblical meat. For too long the Church has published books with the nutritional value of cotton candy. Barrett gives us a book you can sink your teeth into.
This is the Gospel - Salvation by Grace! Like Spurgeon said, it is "All of Grace" If God is the one who saves, we have nothing to boost about.
Barrett gives us an overview of the debate between Arminians and Calvinists. The difference from many other books on the same subject is the depth of thought. He not only gives us an overview, he takes us deeper into the subjects of depravity, free will, and grace. These are things that should make our hearts melt. To know that salvation is not by something I do (works) is a glorious freedom.
Here we find that we can not perform enough good works to be saved. We need God! We need Him to reach down and save us. We can not save ourselves.
The author shows in detail the difference between synergism and monergism. How much does God accomplish in salvation? How much does man? Where does faith come from? God or Man? Does unregenerate man have a free will? Does a sinner desire salvation? Does God offer salvation to all?
I truly enjoyed this book. It is one that should not only be read, but should be studied with pen in hand.
If you are looking for a fortune cookie devotional, this is not your book. But if you are looking for something to take you deeper into God's word and give you a reason to glorify God, this is you book.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is not your usual Christian book. Here, the author shows us the reason that the world is in the state it is today. Ideas have consequences. Your worldview is demonstrated in how you live you life.
In his intriguing book, Kevin Swanson takes us through the lives of apostate men who have changed our world for the worse. Some of the darkest times in history come from men who have rejected God. When they reject God, they also reject His law. In rejecting His law, they turn everything good into evil and vise versa.
I have said more than one time that in today’s world, everything I was taught as a child to be good is now considered evil. Growing up in Church, I saw people living for God as great men and women who were living a noble life. I saw serving God as an ultimate good. Today you are looked upon as a closed minded hate filled bigot.
Swanson gives us a list of men who pioneered every evil movement in the last 800 years. Whether it is abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, or government control of the family, these men knew exactly what they wanted to accomplish.
You say this is a conspiracy theory? A conspiracy theory is something hidden behind closed doors. These men were open about their hatred of God and his word. They hated God and anything to do with Him.
Whether it is philosophy, literature, or education, Satan has his deceived followers. Swanson gives us an overview of men like John Dewey, Friedrich Nietzsche, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and many others. We see their desires to ride this world of every vestige of Christianity.
This is a must read book. If you can not understand why our government wants to control every detail of our life or why your freedoms are being taken away, this book will show you.
I highly recommend it and give it a 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from Generations with Vision and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
It is hard to describe this book. The closest I can come is to say it is a confession. The authors, Joe and Bob are friends. A summary of the book would be - Joe is a pastor and Bob is a former adulterer. That may sound a little crass, but this book is not roses and puppies. It is real life. Neither author wears a mask. They spill everything both good and bad. That is what makes this book, not only unique, but great. There is no sugar coating. What you see is what you get.
The stories they share are many times tragic, but tragedies are what drive us to the Father. Jesus said the sick, not the well, need a doctor. Here Joe and Bob show us that Jesus is still a healer of the sick.
I will admit that in some ways this book changed me. I can not say that about many books. It caused me to look deep inside and take inventory. Many places almost brought me to tears. I will let you read it to find which!
There are seasons in our lives when God decides to change our course. Sometimes it may be a death, a job change, etc. This book will comfort those who are in that position. Also those whose lives have been shaken by sin or tragedy will find refuge here. there is always a path back to the father.
Packed full of emotion and also a little humor, it is a book to not only be read, but to be savored.
I can not recommend this book too highly. It is well worth a read!
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from Shepherd Press and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
