A DOUBTERS GUIDE TO THE TEN COMMANDMENTS by John Dickson

The book is A DOUBTERS GUIDE TO THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and I think that is the shortest title that the author could have come up with. The subtitle, “How, for better or worse, our ideas about the good life come from Moses and Jesus,” explains this book by John Dickson a bit more. My impression: this book is a reason why we need the Old Covenant.

A DOUBTERS GUIDE TO THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a perspective of the importance of the ten commandments in 2016 and how the message of grace that is so prevalent today does not negate the message of submission to God’s word.

“One God and the Good; Idols of the Heart; Taking Religion Seriously; Work, Play, and Worship; Family Matters; Cherish Your Neighbor; Honoring Your Spouse; Giving What is Due; Saying What is True; and Failing and Finding the Good are the commandments that are examined in this 183 page book. Each chapter is thought provoking which makes it easy to read if you like to be challenged.

For those who prefer to point out the mistakes of others and not examine themselves this book may not be as enjoyable. By writing the commandments of God in a format that anyone can understand some may become uncomfortable.
“There comes a point when honoring parents no longer means obedience, but support.” - page 110

Some parents believe that a child is to obey them no matter what. The idea that the relationship transitions, particularly after marriage, is not an easy one to accept. I know many women who raised children in a single parent household who have yet to let go and have caused friction in a marriage. Conversely, a child may think it is perfectly OK to leave his/her parents in the care of someone else without making sure their needs are being taken care of properly.

I recommend A DOUBTERS GUIDE TO THE TEN COMMANDMENTS by John Dickson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

SEARCHING FOR SUNDAY by Rachel Held Evans

“Millennials aren’t looking for a hipper Chrisitianity. I said. We’re looking for a truer Christianity, a more authentic Christianity.” These words found on page xiv of SEARCHING FOR SUNDAY by Rachel Held Evans not only grabbed my attention but sold me on the validity of the book. What I discovered through the 261 pages was a map towards a truer authentic faith.

What I like about SEARCHING FOR SUNDAY by Rachel Held Evans is the honesty of her words. The sub-title “loving, leaving and finding the church” appropriately describes the journey of many Believers particularly baby boomers and millennials. The authors words take away some of the traditional mindset as it relates to church doctrine including baptism and communion.
I cannot emphasize enough how refreshingly honest this book is. The reader, if you have ever been in church for a prolonged period of time, will be nodding his or her head when the chapter called “Dirty Laundry” is read. Fear not this book is not a list of problems within the church, quite the opposite.
SEARCHING FOR SUNDAY -loving, leaving and finding the church is a beacon calling all to the church. This book is a reason for church.
I would suggest church leaders read this book as a way of balancing God’s Word with today’s technology. I recommend this book to Believers who are becoming frustrated with church as usual in order to develop a new perspective on why he or she fellowships.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

WISDOM OF THE SADHU

I chose to review WISDOM OF THE SADHU Teachings of Sundar Singh, compiled and edited by Kim Comer because the synposis made me think of Watchman Nee. Upon receiving the book and reading the first few pages my impression was: it reads like The Greatest Salesman of the World by Og Mandingo.
Sundar Singh was destined to be a sadhu; a sadhu (pronounced sa- doo’)is a term for holy man associated with the Hinduism.  Like many Christians he had an intense desire within himself that was not satisfied by the rituals of prayer to a god who had no answers. The path from praying to Budha to serving God is the basis of this compilation of: teachings, parables that allude to Mr. Singh’s conversion and biographical stories.
I hesitate to compare this book to Pilgrim’s Progress, particularly since I found this book an easier read and full of greater truths, yet I was reminded of the book as I read. As the fictional character Christian journeyed to get rid of his burden so did the very real Sundar Singh journey to find peace and then purpose.
I had never heard of Sundar Singh until I was asked to review WISDOM OF THE SADHU now I am curious to learn more. Like many of the great men and women who have contributed so much to Christianity Sundar Singh has become someone very few people have heard of today.
I am glad I agreed to review this book and  defiantly recommend you purchase a copy for yourself. I would caution, not every believer can handle the true wisdom within the 196 pages.   xxx Marsha L Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

FIGHTING FOR PEACE by Carol Howard Merritt & Tyler Wigg-Stevenson

FRAMES- Barna Group a series of books that provide an in-depth study of Christian philosophy, I chose “Fighting for Peace: Your Role in a Culture Too Comfortable with Violence (Frames) ” as a book to review, currently there are a bout 10 topics to choose from.

I don’t know what I expected when I looked at the title Fighting for Peace: Your Role in a Culture Too Comfortable with Violence (Frames) and quite frankly after reading the book I am not sure how I would classify it.

FIGHTING FOR PEACE is a mini-reference book on the concept of peace in the world today and the responses of believers. Such statistical data as American opinions regarding guns broken down by faith contrasted with a discussion on “Would Jesus Really Turn the Other Cheek?” (pages 26-28) add relevance to Upon completion of this book the reader will have developed a better understanding of what he or she believes as well as why he or she believes it.

Though Christian based do not expect to see Bible verses. When introducing the concept behind the series FRAMES the introduction uses the analogy of a eyeglasses, each book assist the believer in seeing the teachings of the Bible clearer. Fighting for Peace: Your Role in a Culture Too Comfortable with Violence (Frames) gives understanding to the various ways violence has infiltrated the lives of believers and how to be proactive in restoring peace one person at a time.

I recommend this book because it is a necessary read. I would suggest it be used not only for personal growth and development but Small Group Bible studies as well.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an honest and fair review. 

THE DANIEL PLAN by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen M.D., Mark Hyman M.D.

    The best way to explain The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life is a lifestyle makeover how to. I am not by any stretch of the imagination a “diet professional” thus it was the title that attracted my attention.  That said if I wanted to lose a few pounds this is the book I would choose to read.

    The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life reads more like a motivational book than a health and nutrition guideline. The first few chapters are dedicated to establishing the proper mindset for wanting to lose weight. Yet, these foundational words are more than preparation for weight loss it is the basis of changing the way the reader does life.

    Understanding the five “F’s”: faith, food, fitness, focus and friends help the reader realize the ultimate goal which is a lifestyle adjustment which will lead to a healthier person. 

    Admittedly I cannot tell you if the precepts were successfully for me since it takes more than  a day of reading to make the necessary adjustments. What I can tell you is that the basis of The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life  is solid and well worth investigating.  It is my intention to incorporate the principles introduced and the suggestions presented into my own life which means the book is well worth the read.

    I recommend The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life. For purposes of the review I was presented with an eBook which means that I will have to invest in a print copy for personal use.  My one hesitancy is personal,  I read numerous motivational material thus the first few chapters were a bit wordy HOWEVER  please do not let this discourage you.  xxx Marsha L Randolph

FOOT NOTE: There is a corresponding Study Guide

       

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.