Book Reviews

This page will recommend some of the many books I’ve read concerning Christianity, church, marriage, and travel.  Enjoy!

 

The Bible (God):

Simply put, this is the best book ever written in the history of the world and one that you should take time reading every day.  “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16).  While man has written extensive commentaries on the Bible or on Christianity in general, reading the Bible is essential for someone who seeks to know God and his will for our lives.   Although it may be difficult to read at times, the Holy Spirit gives us an understanding of God’s interpretation of his word and ways that we can uniquely apply it to our lives. All we have to do is come to his word with a desire to learn and he will use it to guide us.  This is the one book you take with you if you were to be stranded on a deserted island.

 

Crazy Love (Francis Chan)

I was turned on to the book “Crazy Love” about a year after it was first published and I’m sorry it took me so long to hear about it.  Chan does an excellent job reminding Christians of the immeasurable love God has for us and what our reaction to that love should be…our own gift of “crazy love” to him.  My favorite chapters were chapter 4 “Profile of the Lukewarm” and chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed.”  Chan describes in chapter 4 what we all really know to be true about Christianity in America.  Our watered down version of following God would be unrecognizable to the 1st century church and it was eye-opening to see how many of the categories I fit into myself.  In chapter 8, Chan uses many verses from the Bible to challenge us to love God with a crazy love.  Not all of them would apply to every individual, but many of these challenges need to be met by today’s Christians if the church will remain effective in the coming years.  I have read the book three times and expect to do so again.

 

Not A Fan (Kyle Idleman)

Idleman’s book “Not a Fan” challenges the reader to look at why they are a Christian.  Are you just a fan of Christ and his message or are you a committed follower of Him, willing to carry your cross.  The book is split into three main parts.  Part one details diagnosing whether we are really a follower of Christ.  Part two details what it means to be a follower and how that invitation is open to anyone willing to accept it.  Part three concludes with the fact that Jesus calls us “wherever”, “whenever”, “whatever” and we must be ready and willing to answer the call.  “Not a Fan” is a powerful book that causes Christians to reexamine their motives behind their faith and return to a real love and dedication to Jesus.

 

Gods at War (Kyle Idleman)

Kyle’s 2013 book “Gods at War” is a very interesting look at modern-day idolatry and how it affects Christians and the church in the 21st century.  Most striking was the reference to many idols that we would consider good things such as family or success.  Idleman reminds us in this book that anything can become an idol if we put more focus on it rather than God.  He teaches from God’s word that God is a jealous God and would have us seek him first rather than seek the trappings of this world.  Satan can take all of the good things God created for us and use them as temptations to draw us away from our Father.  Excellent book and highly recommended.