Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream

Written By and Review By: Rod Cordsen

The "gospel" of the American Dream has infiltrated ever part of our American lives including the church. We spend more money every year on luxuries; even the building we meet in, the house we live in and the comforts to make life easier. We even say things like, "well that is our culture and we must go where they are to meet them and use their things and ways to draw them into the church."

In Radical, David Platt teaches very clearly the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and it doesn't look anything like the American Dream. When Jesus tells the rich man to sell all he has and give it to the poor and follow Him, we say things like, "that is not what he really means," or "we are not rich." True discipleship is a total surrender of yourself, your things, your ways and your comforts for the sake of the Gospel. We call that radical.

Platt is encouraging each of us to live the "Radical Experiment" for one year; beleive and obey what we have heard. Don't just give our scraps, but give our excess even to the point of pain. Seek out what our real responsibility is in discipling the nations. The challenge is to just preach the Gospel, disciple these who know Him and baptize them. By our transformed lives, Jesus Chirst will make Himself known and be glorfied. he will also draw the lost and save those who hear His Good News.

You are blessed by God for a global purpose. The world needs Radical followers of Christ more thanever! Read Radical and take your faith back from the American Dream.

Take up your cross...Abandon everything for the Gospel.

Download and read chapter one by clicking here and also check out http://www.radicalthebook.com/

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Hear No Evil

Matthew Turner had me laughing from the beginning of Hear No Evil. This was a book that was not going to be put down. What seemed a bit like the movie, Almost Famous, Turner offers a view into how music has affected his life, and how it subconsciously affects us all. His jokes and honesty about being a Baptist made this a page turner, but he was real with everything he wrote. The honesty he pours into this book helps all Christians realize that they aren’t the only ones who have been there. Turner talks about personal struggles and it is something we can all relate to, but something we would never share with other believers for fear of being judged.

This book goes by quickly, but music is always in the background, whether you’re hearing Turner’s or the music of your past. He ends with a perfect sound and what I felt was a peace to how life has gone. There is always a song or artist who can help you find your way back to, or closer to God. I’d recommend this book to a reader of any age. Happy reading!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Reviewed By: Ashley Beggs

Love & War Worth Your Time

By reading the first few pages of Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge, I know I have found a good one.

"With refreshing openness that will grab readers...the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced."

John and Stasi take turns giving their respected point of views and the knowledge they have gained from the situtions shared. They don't seem to hold anything back; confessing in the beginning that early on in their marriage they were already discussing divorce.

As I have been reading through the book, many of the topics and thoughts have been very relevant in my own life. It has made me evaluate how I can strive to be a better husband to my wife. I am sure I will be re-reading several sections of this book in order to soak in all that I can from Love and War. Check it out and get your copy today.

God Bless.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Angels

Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals by Dr. David Jeremiah is a look into angels. Dr. Jeremiah uses scripture to reveal to the reader his points. Its not a quick read, because it makes you want to pick up your bible and read many of the accounts in the bible the author refers to.

It is an interesting and intriguing topic. I would recommend checking out Dr. David Jeremiah Angels.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Batterson's Primal Worth the Read

Mark Batterson's latest book is an encouragement to myself and the church of one of Jesus' teaching, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..." (Luke 10:27). Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity is broken into four sections and Batterson focuses on the ways we can love God: our heart, soul, strength, and our minds. This happens to be one of my "cornerstone verses" that I often read and re-read.

Batterson uses easy to read applicable stories from his own life and others to help the reader understand his points. I would highly recommend anyone reading this book. The author never writes over your head and his books ooze with his own personal relationship with Christ; it is easy to allow God to change your heart after reading a Mark Batterson book.

Check out Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, you won't be disappointed.

God Bless.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Blog Tour: Clutter-Free Christianity

“It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.”

I sat down with Clutter-Free Christianity by Dr. Robert Jeffress and read the first chapter and was very impressed. Dr. Jeffress unique viewpoint and position provide for solid biblically grounded points, illustrations and personal stories. He quickly informs the reader he had a “turning point” in his ministry when he received a phone call from a member “gone astray.” Basically, he is concerned that his pulpit ministry is not encouraging members/people sitting in the pews to actively live for Christ. After reading this I consumed the first couple chapters very quickly.

God has a unique way of reminding us of things and the evening I opened the package and pulled out Clutter-Free Christianity all I could do was laugh. Kari and I are embarking on camp ministry this coming weekend. That afternoon we had just been to look at the “smaller” living quarters we were about to move into. Up until recently I have been somewhat of a pack rat and collected/hoarded too many items, or clutter. To imagine putting all this clutter into our new living space would be out of the question. With the help of my wife, the process of “releasing” or overcoming my pack ratness is coming to an end. Clutter-Free Christianity is not about getting rid of your earthly treasures (sorta), but the title in conjunction with our current circumstance caused much laughter.

It is an easy to read (not a John Piper) and inundated with scripture. This book is very challenging. Also at the end of the book a Bible study guide and group discussion question provide the opportunity for individuals to dig deeper in there study and hammer out the ideas of the book with others.

Dr. Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas and the author of sixteen books. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Jeffress is married and father of two adult daughters.

Check it out @ amazon.com

Blog Tour: Don't Let Me Go

And the winner of the contest to convince me why you should receive the book is…

On the cover it states, “What my daughter taught me about the journey every parent must make." Don’t Let Me Go by David Pierce is a heart warming memoir of a three year period the author and daughter’s relationship grew by climbing 5 mountains and running 2 marathons. Pierce and Chera tackle these adventures after she reads a wilderness adventure in which 8 people die on Mt. Everest. This book inspires her to want to climb a mountain and take her father along for the journey. In Pierce’s mind he hesitates, but doesn’t want to let his daughter down, so he agrees.

This book reminds me of Donald Miller’s Through Painted Deserts. It is about sharing a story and through the story life lesson’s are learned and shared. I literally laughed out loud while reading Don’t Let Me Go. As a father to be, I can only imagine (now) thinking similar thoughts and just his description of being sore, throwing up, and falling down are right on the money.

It is an easy read-down to earth story from a Christian point of view that can be as “deep” or “easy” as you want it to be. This book explores deep aspects of life including your relationship with your children, wife and with God. I had a hard time putting the book down because the adventures on the mountains are very exciting. I was inspired by Through Painted Deserts to go to the Grand Canyon (haven’t convinced Kari we should hike to the bottom yet), but the thought of climbing a mountain has now been planted in my brain as well. Maybe my son will want to take some adventures…we’ll see.

...And the winner of a free copy of Don’t Let Me Go by David Pierce is...Keith, Nicole and Cassie. Keith, I am not sure you will read it, but it is a good read. Nicole, I am sure after you read it, we could ship it to Cassie, so everyone wins!

Thanks for the participation…stay tuned for another upcoming book giveaway in early April.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. God Bless.

Valentines Blog Tour: For Couples Only: Eyeopening Insights about How the Opposite Sex Thinks

Unfortunately I did not actually get the time to read or have someone else read these two books. I did pass one to a friend, but she was to busy to find time to read. I have looked at the introductions of both books and within the first few pages did learn something new about myself and my mate. The introductions give chapter summaries that look to be filled with insightful information and I am looking forward to reading them. So, most of the following is from the publisher:

The For Couples Only is a boxed set of For Men Only and For Women Only. These books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life. Written by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn these two stand alone books are based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews.

Whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.

Check out this set at amazon.com. I think it is worth your time.

This post concludes the Valentines Blog Tour, but if you missed the previous post check out the book reviews for I Do Again and Love As A Way Of Life Devotional. I hope that everyone has a great Friday the 13th and a wonderful weekend. God Bless.

Valentines Blog Tour: Love As A Way Of Life Devotional

Love As A Way Of Life Devotional by best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides readers on a 90 day look at seven characteristics of authentic love. I did not have 90 days to complete this devotional, but did get a chance to review several of the daily reads. Kari has read the introduction and for the purposes of this tour I read several days in one day. The seven characteristics mentioned are kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

This is an easy to read devotional. Each entry opens with a passage of scripture and than tells a short story accurately portraying the characteristic of love indicated in the section of the book. The contagious aspect of this book is how applicable and to the point it is. A reader can sit down and in less than 3 minutes read through the daily devotional. I would encourage spending more than 3 minutes on the scripture, mediation and prayer, but it is good to know you can put the positive aspect of love in your head quick and dwell on it throughout the day.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. The author is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.

Check out this book at amazon.com

Valentines Blog Tour: I Do Again

“It was extremely insightful.”

“The book is very encouraging.”

I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries. After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

My mother in law, Ruth, came over for the weekend and picked up I Do Again from my coffee table. I told her about the plot and she asked, “Can I read it?” I replied, “Sure.” I have taken her thoughts and some words to give you an idea of how amazing this book is.

This book is about change. One of the biggest overlooked problems in a marriage is changing oneself for the betterment of the marriage. I Do Again demonstrates two people “letting God completely change them; otherwise they would not experience their current marriage "made in heaven".” Watching this couple make changes in their own lives is an encouragement to try and make steps to see what changes I can make to improve my marriage.

I Do Again is written like a diary from each of their points of view. This easy to read writing style allowed me to read to book in three nights. It gives insights from both the husband and wife perspective revealing what one another thinks and feels about the situation. Cheryl describes how she felt during the first marriage and yet is unable to express this to her husband. Jeff’s describes that he was just going along thinking everything was fine.

Ultimately this first marriage ends in an affair and divorce, but God shapes Cheryl and Jeff in His own time. This is a huge reminder that God doesn't work on our time. God has His own clock and calendar and have to abide by it. Often times we find ourselves asking God to hurry so we can KNOW and this book shows you to just do what you know He wants you to do now and wait. He will clearly answer in His own time.

This book was extremely insightful and very encouraging.

Check out this book at amazon.com

Stay tuned for more from the Valentines Blog Tour.