Book Review: Sherlock Holmes and The Needle's Eye by Len Bailey

I was partially through the first story before I was recommending this book to my friends.  From the beginning it sounded like it was going to be an interesting, fun, informative book and it did not disappoint.  The premise of going back in time to unravel Bible mysteries had me instantly hooked.  Doing that in a Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson concept made it that much more fun. Some of the mysteries include what did Christ write on the ground during the encounter with the Pharisees and the adulterous woman?, why did David choose five stones to fight Goliath instead of just one?, what did Luke mean by “more opportune time” when speaking of the devil leaving Jesus in Luke 4:13?

These stories take you into the Bible and make you think about things that you may have never considered before.  I found myself pulling out the Bible to check on ideas being introduced or events being discussed.  There are studies in the back of the book that take you through the passages yourself and bring you deeper into the thought process. 

This was a wonderfully entertaining book that looked at the Bible from a “big picture” perspective to answer some riddles and I would definitely recommend it.  I would love to see another book with different stories analyzed the same way.

*I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for writing a fair review.*

Book Review: Crucifying Morality: The Gospel of the Beatitudes

I was very excited to read this book.  I have read the Beatitudes in the Bible (Matthew 5:3-12), but I had never really focused on them.  I thought about them much as the author describes in the beginning of the book – as something to achieve, missing the point of the teaching.  Each verse is studied in detail in Crucifying Morality and I was amazed at how much I learned about the true meaning of each verse as well as what that means to my life.  This book challenged me to take a closer look at myself, my motivations and my faith.  It pointed out, in a different perspective, all that Jesus has done for all of us – whether you believe in him or not.  At times it also touched on what Christianity should look like and what it sometimes looks like instead.  Each chapter has questions at the end to make you think deeper about what you have read.  It would make a great resource for a Bible study small group as well as just an individual read.  Also, the notes will lead you to further reading if you are interested in delving deeper.  My book is well highlighted, not just with notes that I took to heart within the chapters, but also with which books I would like to read stemming from the research that went into this book.

One of the sections of the book I have highlighted really spoke to my heart.  It reads “Jesus came to live the life I should have lived and die the death I should have died.”  It goes on to say that “the Beatitudes simply express what a life profoundly changed by Jesus looks like.”  I would love for my life to look like that.  And I’ve learned that the only way that will happen is to turn to Jesus.  I cannot do anything on my own.  I knew that, but sometimes we just need to be reminded.

*I received a free copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for writing a fair review.*

Book Review: Twelve Unlikely Heroes by John MacArthur

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I know when I saw the title, I immediately thought of the twelve disciples, until I remembered one wasn’t much of a hero.  Then I assumed that the apostle Paul would be included.  I was surprised and happy to see the diversity of people that the author chose to celebrate as heroes.  In each section of the book, I was able to see an in depth look at the men and women who God used to do great things - even the individuals that tried their hardest not to be heroes when called to.

Some of the chapters are dedicated to people you would assume are heroes, like John the Baptist.  Then you come across Onesimus and Mark and realize that there were more heroes than you actually had thought about.  The book was extremely well written, very engaging and I definitely learned much of the detail of the lives discussed that I did not know.  I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone who likes to delve into the details past what you may be able to pick up reading the Bible on your own.

Having read this book, I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Book Review: Will You Be My Facebook Friend? by Tim Chester

This was an interesting book.  At less than fifty pages, it was definitely a quick read.  I found how I was reacting to it surprising given there isn’t much time to react.  Half way through this book I found myself seeing things that I know I need to work on.  Do I let Facebook interrupt other activities?  Yes, because sometimes I read in front of the computer. That needs to stop unless I’m looking something up as I read.  Do I spend too much time checking Facebook?  According to the author, yes I do.  The reality is I probably do, but do I spend the day on Facebook when I could be doing something else? No.

Good points were made.  People do not seem to realize that there are real people reading their comments and getting hurt by their words.  I’ve always said that.  People will say things to or about people on the computer that they would not say face to face.  I’ve never understood that, but it is the truth.  I am a huge proponent for making sure our children are safe on the internet, do not spent so much time on it that they are distracted from the real world and put online relationships before real ones.  I did like the twelve guidelines for social media in the back of the book, although I didn’t agree with all of them.

I found the author to lean a little heavily on the anti-Facebook side of the argument though. Benefits of Facebook received a passing mention but dangers and problems were the primary target.  The author wants the reader to remember that God’s Word is where are focus should be and not reading mundane posts (or tweets) about dinner, etc.  That memorizing verses from the Bible is essential.  And I agree with all of that.  But if you go on my facebook news feed, you will see Bible verses.  You will see prayer requests.  You will see announcements of what is happening in church, upcoming events, pictures of past events, people encouraging each other, articles regarding Christianity and how to talk with non-Christians about faith.  Yes, there are other things on my wall – some politics, funny stories about my daughter or my pets.  Sharing. But also trying to shine God’s light? Absolutely. 

The way the author described concentrating on real life relationships almost made it sound like you should forget about old relationships if there can’t be face to face contact.  I’m sure that’s not what was meant, but that’s how it sounded.  I have a host of family members that live in Alabama that I would not have as much contact with if it wasn’t for Facebook.  Facebook can bring people together as well.

There are definite problems with social media.  But it can also be used for the greater good, to spread and teach God’s Word.  And if just one person finds Jesus through something that is said on Facebook, I think it is worth it.   With Facebook, as with everything else, you just need to learn moderation.

** I need to add that I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for writing a fair review.**
 

Book Review: Bold as Love by Bob Roberts, Jr.

Bold as Love 

By Bob Roberts, Jr.

This book really blew me away.  If you don’t like to be challenged, this book is not for you.  It reminds us, or teaches us depending on where you are in life, what loving like Jesus is all about.   It will show you how love can be hard and scary but possible with God.  I’m going to quote from the book in this review because there were so many nuggets of wisdom within its pages that I just have to share some of my favorites. 

“It’s time for us to learn to live our faith in public.  To do that, we must overcome our fears.”  I am blessed to know quite a few people who live their faith in public.  But sometimes I wonder if I am and I know the fears that I need to overcome are the fears of rejection and confrontation.  But as you read Bold as Love you’ll find that sharing your faith doesn’t need to be confrontational – and if you start with serving, sharing can come easier after the trust is there.  The author also reminds us that sharing our faith can be done “in a polite way”.  “I believe that Jesus really is the only way to God.  But that doesn’t mean I’m better than anyone else or that this gives me a right to be arrogant.  Truth is wrapped in boldness, but with humility, not arrogance or hate.”  I love that. 

Bold as Love does stress the relationship between Christians and Muslims.  And the author and his church strive for a relationship with their Muslim neighbors to make friendships and understand each other, even though they do not have the same beliefs.  While reading about this I learned about “multifaith” - different faiths coming together to achieve goals.  I have to say that multifaith is much more palatable than interfaith, which to me sounds like we’re all going to try to blend together.  That doesn’t work for me.  I can’t agree that Jesus is God and also that he’s just a good teacher or a prophet.  And I’m not going to give up my belief to be agreeable.  The author writes, “Multifaith not only respects but encourages religious people to say exactly what they believe, no matter how stark the differences.  But it encourages them to do so in the spirit of peace.”   I know this can sound scary, but if you read all the stories that the author brings from his life, you’ll see that it can work.  And you’ll be challenged to try it yourself.

I would strongly recommend this book.  It will make you think about things differently than you have before.  It will bring up ideas that are new to you.  At least it did for me.  I could discuss this book further, but I don’t want to write a book about the book – just get Bold as Love and read it.  You won’t regret it.