The Life of Sarah Jean Cobb

Loving the Church by John Crotts

Title: Loving the Church

Author: John Crotts

Book Information:

Publisher: Shepherd Press (2010)
ISBN: 9780982438749
Page Count: 140

How did I get this book: A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review: First of all, I like that John Crotts dedicated this work to his fellow elders who he has served Jesus next to for several years. It is evident that he has a tremendous amount of love, admiration and respect for these men. Not only this, but he also took the time to follow this page with a personalized expression of his thanks to the entire team at Shepherd Press as well as conveying what each person did to help him.

Already, Loving the Church has left a good taste in my mouth, increased my mood, and then I see it- a wonderfully organized table of contents that is as follows:

Section I: What Is God's Family?
Chapter 1 Common Grounds
Chapter 2 The Church/ Family Disconnect
Chapter 3 The Value of the Church
Chapter 4 Defining the Church
Chapter 5 Describing the Church
Chapter 6 Filling Out the Body

Section II: How You Fit Into God's Family
Chapter 7 You and King Jesus
Chapter 8 You and the Elders
Chapter 9 You and the Deacons
Chapter 10 Building the Body
Chapter 11 No Body Part Left Behind
Chapter 12 Digging Deeper

After all of this wonderful content is a Notes section that cites every material used to research and contribute to Loving the Church.

The introduction, prior to the first chapter, summarizes the theme of the book in a way that comes across as very true, authentic, and interesting:

"As long as believers are battling sin, even more work will be required to strengthen families so they can be what God intends for them to be."-pg. 11
"Amidst all the calls for husbands, wives, and children to fulfill their biblical roles, sadly, very few people emphasize God's family as a vital element, and that is a terrible loss both the particular families and the particular churches of which they could have been a part...the contribution of every believer to the church's fulfillment of its God-given mission is valued and essential...regardless of one's marital state."-pg. 12

One of the things that I like the most about the way that John Crotts chose to write this book and convey his important message, is his brilliant use of fiction. Instead of the content coming across as a lecture, Crotts uses the story of people meeting in a coffee shop as well as their interactions with one another and their conversations to transfer information he intends to share with the reader. This accomplishes a softening of 'the blow' by making sure that the way he shares the importance of church will be conveyed in a loving way as opposed to a harsh confrontational one that might turn others off. In addition to this beautiful balance, the author also manages to pull it off in a way that is both intriguing and captivating:

"As the barista created Kevin's White Chocolate masterpiece, he eyed the muffins. He wondered if it would be worth the damage. Kevin settled into his chair and offered John another oversized smile along with a couple of oversized banana nut muffins. These were soon reduced to crumbs as the men started talking."-pg. 14
"Of all the reasons John had heard for a family missing Sunday school, he had never heard of a guy staying home to teach his own children the Bible...John responded by sharing some of his own victories and failures as a spiritual leader in his home. He was thrilled to see Kevin stepping up. But even as he praised the moves Kevin had made, he wondered if there was more to the story."-pg. 15

Regardless of what place you are in with your spiritual walk, worship, and church practices, I really believe that Loving the Church by John Crotts has something beneficial to offer everyone. After all, as page 22 simply states, "We all love the Lord, and are trying to figure out what His church is supposed to be."

I may not have agreed 100% with every single principle expounded upon in Section II, but I do understand why the author felt the need to write this book, and I identify with that. I also feel that he did the absolute best job that he could (you can't ask for more than that), and that it is impossible to experience all that this work has to offer from cover to cover without seeing the evident fact that he has a heart both for Jesus, as well as all of the people that Christ died to save.

John Crotts did an incredible job of tackling this very touchy subject, as well as presenting it in a way to make it palatable and well-received. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him for recognizing the need, developing what he thought was the best solution, and then marketing that answer to the target audience in a way that they could both understand and handle. Loving the Church is an obvious labor of love (in more ways than one).

About the Author: John Crotts has been the pastor and teacher of Faith Bible Church in Sharpsburg, Georgia since 1995. He graduated from Liberty University and received his M. Div. from The Master’s Seminary. He serves as a board member of the Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals. He co-authored the book Tying the Knot Tighter: Because Marriage Lasts a Lifetime with Martha Peace, and is the author of Mighty Men: The Starter’s Guide to Leading Your Family and Craftsmen: Christ-Centered Proverbs for Men.

This review has also been posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Will You Be My Facebook Friend? Social Media and the Gospel by Tim Chester

Title: Will You Be My Facebook Friend?: Social Media & the Gospel

Author: Tim Chester

Book Information:

Publisher:10Publishing
ISBN: 9781906173852
Page Count: 48

Review: We can all benefit from technology in multiple ways- from texting, to checking sports scores, to listening to the Bible while commuting, to keeping up with friend on Facebook, to checking in on Foursquare, to discovering new books to read on Goodreads, or even reading an uplifting Tweet.

Technology can be great, but the danger in it is that it can easily become perverted by our selfishness and sinfulness. Also, when we change the way that we communicate, it can alter the message that we convey as well as how it is received by others. Likewise, that same technology used to express what we think changes those thoughts, and ultimately changes what becomes important to us in our lives.

Sometimes, technology, specifically social networking, absorbs an exorbitant amount of our time. According to page 12, author Tim Chester states that over 700 billion minutes are spent each and every month on Facebook.

In addition to the above, technology can also become a constant interruption, which over time has lead to poor grammar, affecting the way we express ideas, and as page 13 cites, even losing our ability to construct an argument.

Now that we are able to attain information whenever we like about whatever we wish through smart phones, etc., we lose the importance of learning to hold information in our minds, and as a result, we are prevented from making connections between ideas. This may seem harmless when it comes to learning historical dates and facts, but what happens when the complacency expands to looking up Bible verses instead of memorizing and hiding them in our hearts?

At this point, we start to pay the price for what once appeared so innocent and convenient. Chuck Swindoll is quoted by Tim Chester as writting, "I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing scripture... No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified."

I don't know about you, but when I read that, it causes me to think of us like sponges. What we absorb is what will come out of us when we are squeezed and under pressure or in tough times. Since the power of life and death is in the tongue, I want to hide the LORD's word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him. Also, when things are happening in your life in real time, it helps to have some verses readily available to speak in faith as well as to praise God in advance while still in the middle of the storm.

Will You Be My Facebook Friend? Social Media and the Gospel by Tim Chester covers the problems with social media (some of which I itemized above), and talks about how we try to recreate our world, space, face, or image through projecting words in hopes of gaining approval. He also discusses how our bodies limit us to a particular place and time, how we can only be in one place at a time, and concludes that another reason we find Facebook so addictive is that it allows us to escape the limitations of our body. It offers intimacy without responsibility, and allows you to say things to a person that you would never say if you were alone in a room with them.

Facebook also offers us the ability to redefine ourselves and construct our own world without being restrained by others. While Facebook encourages you to live elsewhere, the gospel encourages you to live here and now. So upon further examination of our hearts, are we using it to enhance our real-world relationships, or to simply replace them?

As Tim Chester says on page 41, "Facebook is the place where I show my face or image. For some of you it is the place where you recreate your image and your world through your words. The gospel is the place where God turns 'his face towards us' (see Num. 6:26). It is the place where He recreates us in His image and recreates His world through His words."

This book is powerful, informative, helpful, and yet sobering. This work is very relevant to our generation as well as the times in which we live. I strongly recommend it, as the insight provided therein will cause you to come up higher as well as to make decisions to form positive habits that will impact your life and ultimately eternity.

Personally, I have switched from relying on the digital Bible app on my smartphone, and have bought a physical Amplified Bible. I will also be spending less time on Facebook, and more time developing real relationships with people by serving and showing them the love of Jesus Christ. I have also started to journal and read various devotional books.

I am confident that the reader's eyes will be opened upon finishing this to-the-point book, and that they will experience more fulfillment and joy as they shift their priorities as well as their focus.

Thank you, Tim Chester, for writing this amazing book and sharing it with the world. We sincerely appreciate it.

A Few Quotes:

"Social networking has rapidly become a significant aspect of the lives of many people today"-pg.7
"New technologies reflect humanity's God-given, Godlike creativity. God gave us a mandate to take His world and invent, create, produce... New technologies are enabling people to keep in touch over long distances."-pg.9
"Now texts, emails, blogs, Twitter and Skype enable missionaries to keep in constant touch with sending churches. These may not replace face-to-face contact, but they are a big improvement on occasional letters. New technologies are also enabling the message of Jesus to go into countries where missionaries could not readily go, or to reinforce the work of missionaries on the ground. Once it was radio. Now websites and online TV channels bring the gospel to people while Skype and emails allow follow-up discipleship."-pg.10

About the Author:

Dr Tim Chester is a director of the Porterbrook Seminary which provides affordable, Bible-college level training for church leadership and missional church in the context of your ministry (www.PorterBrookInstitute.org). He is a leader of The Crowded House, a church planting network (www.TheCrowdedHouse.org). He blogs at www.TimChester.co.uk. He has previously been Research and Policy Director for Tearfund UK and a part-time lecturer in missiology. He is the author of a number of books and series editor of The Good Book Guides (The Good Book Company). He is married with two daughters.

This review has also been posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Ruth: From Bitter to Sweet by John Currid

Title: Ruth: From Bitter to Sweet

Author: John Currid

Review: This wonderful work from the Welwyn Commentary Series is rich, insightful, and beautifully composed. It is obvious that a lot of time, work and research went into this book, but it is still written in a way that is organized, concise, and easy to understand. Ruth: From Bitter to Sweet by John Currid reads well, and is not overwhelming or written above the reader's head, as some commentaries sometimes seem to be.

The structure of this commentary follows the Book of Ruth from the Bible, and contains comprehensive insight on the following elements (taken from the Contents):

Part 1: Setting the scene (Ruth 1:1-5)

The setting of suffering (Ruth 1:-5)

Part 2: Naomi and her Moabite daughters-in-law (Ruth 1:6-22)

Graciousness in the midst of suffering (Ruth 1:6-9)
Orpah and Ruth respond (Ruth 1:10-14)
Ruth's confession (Ruth 1:15-18)
Homecoming (Ruth 1:19-22)

Part 3: In the fields of Bethlehem (Ruth 2:1-23)

Ruth gleans in the fields (Ruth 2:1-7)
Conversations between Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 2:8-17)
Ruth reports to Naomi (Ruth 2:18-23)

Part 4: The scene at the threshing floor (Ruth 3:1-18)

Naomi's plan (Ruth 3:1-6)
At the threshing floor (Ruth 3:7-13)
Back to Bethlehem (Ruth 3:14-18)

Part 5: Redemption (Ruth 4:1-22)

The courtroom scene (Ruth 4:1-12)
The descendant (Ruth 4:13-22)

In addition to adding enhancing detail to this beautiful story, the format of this novel is also really well done. Virtually every page of this 137 page commentary consists of a few small bite-sized Bible verses followed by a few sentences to expound upon the material.

I highly recommend Ruth: From Bitter to Sweet by John Currid. I expect that after reading it, the book of Ruth will come alive even more so each time you go through the Bible during your devotional time.

EXTRAS:

This review has also been posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

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1 Kings: An EP Study Commentary by John A. Davies

Title: 1 Kings: An EP Study Commentary

Author: John A. Davies

Review: First of all, I wanted to say that I really like the fact that the sales of this book help promote missionary work. It's great when you can feed your passion for discovering the LORD on a deeper level, enjoy a great book that not only increases your knowledge and understanding, but also helps you to grow more spiritually, and to have the satisfaction of knowing that in doing so, you are simultaneously sowing into the edification of others.

While there are an abundance of positives to this book and elements that I enjoyed tremendously, there is one phrase in the material that I felt I could not overlook or exclude from my review, and I want to get it out of the way before going further into the rest of what this incredible commentary has to offer.

In 1 Kings: An EP Study Commentary, John A. Davies does say that Jesus is David's son. While this is not entirely inaccurate as far as scripture goes, and I do understand that the author was referring to Jesus coming from the lineage of David, I am concerned that this statement could be misunderstood by some readers.

Obviously, if you are serious enough about the Bible to read a commentary on the books within, you probably know the book well enough to have discernment as well as a clear vision of where you stand theologically. Anyone reading this would probably already know that Jesus is God's Son, and that He came from the lineage of David, and also understand what John A. Davies means when he says that Jesus is David's Son. I just wanted to put that out there.

In addition to taking the inquiries of the reader and stimulating them, this amazing book takes a wonderful story told in a unique way, and expounds upon its contents with concise and insightful detail. All of the chapters in this book correspond to the chapters in 1 Kings, making it easy to navigate.

As far as a commentary goes, this book is absolutely extraordinary. It is very evident that it took years to perfect this masterpiece on 1 Kings, and as a reader, this work makes you feel privileged to enjoy something so beautiful and precious.

If you have any interest at all in 1 Kings, or commentaries, this is the book for you. It is truly the best one I have read to date by far. Better hurry, Amazon only has 2 left in stock!

This review has also been posted on Amazon.

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Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life by Jeff Goins

Title: Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life

Author: Jeff Goins

How did I get this book: A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Review: Wrecked is a great audio book for our generation. Yes, you read that correctly, I did just say, 'audio book.' It is easier sometimes to fit an audio book into life. In this digital age, when I have to put down my book and drive somewhere, I no longer have to settle for music. I can stream or play a book over my car stereo or even from an app on my smart phone.

Wrecked is read by its author, Jeff Goins, and speaks to the audience about more. Have you ever thought there was more to life, or wondered what your purpose might be? This book is for you.

It addresses selfless service, speaking to the life we think about living but for whatever reason, have settled for less. You can be fulfilled, you can find purpose in the middle of pain, and the answer to the thing that you think is lacking, might surprise you.

What if you could live in the "tension between the next adventure and the daily mundane?" This challenge spoke to me. I know I only get one time around on this planet before I get the privilege to show Jesus what I did with what He gave me.

So when I think about what He gave me, and what He did with His life, giving it away, it is that itself that sets the true example.

If you are unhappy or not satisfied, try getting yourself off of your mind, reach out, and help someone. Live life to give it away, love intentionally, and you will find something you didn't have before.

I would summarize this work as the guidebook to rising above, chasing the adventure, living the dream, and loving hard through service. It is one of those special books that after you listen to it, you are never the same.

Get your copy now at ChristianAudio.com, where a copy of this review has also been posted.

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Organic Outreach For Families by Kevin G. Harney & Sherry Harney

Title: Organic Outreach For Families

Authors: Kevin G. Harney & Sherry Harney

Review: This book changed my life! Once I started thinking of my home like a lighthouse, I started seeing my family and my neighbors as my mission field. It makes sense that the home is the ideal setting to show love to and reach people for Jesus.

This book was so incredibly wonderful in many ways. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it gave me vision.

When my husband and I bought our first home, we didn't exactly feel welcomed by our new neighborhood. Instead of trying to figure out why they kept to themselves and didn't bother getting to know us, and being bothered by it, like I had for most of the year, this book gave me more perspective.

It caused me to desire to be more proactive in loving them intentionally. When I was done with this book, instead of wishing someone would reach out to us and wondering why they hadn't, I went on a mission. It was the week of Thanksgiving, so I wrote letters telling each neighbor how thankful I was for them, what an answer they were to prayer, how we enjoyed this new quiet neighborhood, etc. I then baked cookies, and delivered both to my surrounding neighbors to the left, the right, and even a few houses across the street.

Now when outside, there is waving, mutual greetings, and they have initiated conversations with us, etc. I am fully convinced that after reading this, you will love harder, have a rekindled passion, and your life will be enriched.

Get Organic Outreach For Families by Kevin G. Harney & Sherry Harney as soon as you possibly can! (You'll be glad you did.)

Endorsements:

“Thank you Kevin and Sherry for crafting a blueprint that will make homes shine brightly on the inside as well as the outside. This book serves as a practical guide for parents to reach people they love and care for on their streets and under their own roofs.”
-David Staal, President of KIDS HOPE USA and author of Lessons Kids Need to Learn

“The home, connected to the local church, is the ideal setting for reaching out to friends and neighbors with the love of Christ. The Harneys offer a solid recipe for Organic Outreach that will help every member of the family—parents and kids alike—participate in the awesome work of advancing Christ’s Kingdom on earth.”
-Jim Daly, President – Focus on the Family

Links:

This review has also been posted on Amazon.

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Christmas Uncut by Carl Laferton

Title: Christmas Uncut

Author: Carl Laferton

Review: I have heard many points of view on Christmas, from "Jesus is the reason for the season," to "Christmas is from Paganism," and everything in between. Although I don't usually get excited about reading another book about Christmas, this new book by Carl Laferton, 'Christmas Uncut' sparked my interest with the second word in the title. By saying, 'Uncut,' I felt like it was implied that I would get a little something extra.

My expectations to receive something extra were exceeded. This book took a pleasantly unexpected turn by telling the birth of Jesus along with all of the exciting events, without leaving out the details that have been cut for the traditional nativity play. It is packed with humor, and was very enjoyable.

It is with a smile that I recommend it, fully expecting that it will continue to pass on entertainment, inspiration, and humor.

Endorsements:
"An accessible, faithful guide to the actual Christmas story. Let this book help you get to grips with the reality and purpose of Christmas, and introduce you to the person who is at the center of it all.
-Trevin Wax, author of Counterfeit Gospels and Holy Subversion, Gospel Coalition blogger and Managing Editor of The Gospel Project.

This is a great book for people who think they know the Christmas story, and for those who know that they don’t. It’s both creative and historical, simple and insightful, fresh and faithful. It’s a great book, and I hope it is widely read and used.
-Kevin DeYoung, Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing MI

“A humorous, piercing and above all truthful book that challenges our preconceptions of Christmas. Carl writes with wit and a real grasp of modern minds to show us that Jesus can’t stay in the manger.
-Rico Tice, Assistant Minister, All Souls Langham Place, founder of Christianity Explored Ministries

Book Trailer: Here.

Christmas Uncut: A Conversation with Carl Laferton about Evangelism

Christmas Uncut is available at the following places:

The Good Book Company (Paperback | E-book)
Amazon (Paperback | Kindle)
WTS Books (Paperback)
ChristianBook (Paperback)
10ofThose (Paperback)

This review has also been posted on www.Amazon.com.

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Christ and the Desert Tabernacle by J.V. Fesko

Title: Christ and the Desert Tabernacle

Author: J.V. Fesko

Why did I read this book: Just the concept of this book, the significance of the temple and tabernacle for Christians, seemed both beautiful and intriguing for me. If there was something valuable to be found here, that I didn't already have or know about, I didn't want to be left out.

Review: Honestly, the sentence on the front cover, 'A volume that is sure to promote greater understanding, admiration, and service,' sums up this book pretty accurately. Fesko did an absolutely phenomenal job of communicating the clear principals of the Bible in a way that also transfers his excitement and enthusiasm as well as expands the knowledge and understanding of the reader.

Before reading this wonderful book, I had no idea how many references, allusions, similarities, and foreshadowings there really were between Jesus Christ and the church, and how they both relate to the tabernacle of the Old Testament, and also the temple that came later in the day of King Solomon.

Christ and the Desert Tabernacle may only have 132 pages, but I assure you that every one of them is rich and full of meaning. I will definitely read it more than once, and expect to get more out of it each time around.

There are parts of the Bible that although I do not skip them when reading through it each year, I do find boring. I sincerely appreciate Christ and the Desert Tabernacle because after going through it, some of the areas that had seemed 'dry' to me in the past, have now been watered with a passionate rain of greater understanding, allowing the seeds of significance that were already planted there to bloom, producing a bountiful harvest. I now know that when I revisit them, instead of being bored, I will be able to remember the ways that they tie in to Jesus, and admire His marvelous sacrifice and beautiful love.

I recommend this work by J.V. Fesko, and expect it to bless your life even more than it has my own.

Notable Quotes/Parts:"I hope to be able to show readers, young and old alike, that far from being boring or uninteresting, the Old Testament tabernacle, and later the temple in Solomon's day, is a shadowy picture of Christ and the church. True, people are perhaps easily able to draw the connections between Jesus and the sacrificial animals, as Jesus is identified as the one and only true sacrifice who takes away our sins (e.g., Heb. 8-10; 1 John 2:2); but beyond these obvious connections, the Old Testament tabernacle is literally an entire world of references, allusions and foreshadows of Christ and the church. One need not go very far to uncover the connections between Jesus and the Old Testament tabernacle -- the New Testament reveals them to us. If you read about the Old Testament tabernacle in the light of the New Testament, you will never think the descriptions of the tabernacle and its furnishings are boring. Instead, you will be filled with hope and assurance, knowing that Jesus Christ, the true tabernacle, has come to redeem his people, living stones, and unite us to him, the one true foundation, so that we would become the eternal temple of the living God." (p. 12)

Reading Next: Organic Outreach For Families by Kevin & Sherry Harney

About the Author: “Dr. Fesko is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. He was ordained as a church planter in 1998 and was installed as a pastor in 2003, thus serving in pastoral ministry for over ten years. He has also taught systematic theology for Reformed Theological Seminary for over ten years as a part-time professor. He has served on two committees appointed by the General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. His present research interests include the integration of biblical and systematic theology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Reformed theology." - Westminster Seminary California Website

This review has also been posted on the following sites:
www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.GoodReads.com.

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