Review of The Rest of Grace

The Rest of Grace

Entering into the Wonder of the Christian Life

By Wayne Barber

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

What a captivating title! It caught my interest immediately and I bet it has caught yours, even if you don’t normally read a lot.  The author of this work is a pastor/teacher at Woodland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga and this book is well worth your reading and study.

I can promise you that the message will not be difficult to grasp.  The author points to Matthew 11:28-30.  He says, “Here I had been trying to do the work myself, and Jesus was telling me to ‘rest’ in him.” And it seems to this reader that an additional meaning might be attributed to these words.  He goes on to chart the Christian life throughout this significant work.

One of Rev. Barber’s emphases in this writing is our need for Christ to fill us and direct our lives from within us.  He points out that, because our flesh is addicted to sin, we cannot break this addiction in our own power – only Christ in us can do this. One gets the clear feeling that he author is telling us that, once saved, we have a long road ahead – learning to be a child of God and a servant to our Lord.

In a very enlightening section of the chapter entitled, “Christ is my Life” the author explains “the Christ connection.” He tells about Philippians and concludes: “Where Paul was physically had nothing to do with is life because Christ was his life.” And this is what you and I must be able to say as we are transformed during our growth in our Savior. Believe me, you will receive both growth in Christ and joy as you read this offering.

In your reviewer’s opinion, Rev. Barber is telling us, as Christians, that we must allow Jesus to do the work within us and from within us.  This book is an excellent source for the new Christian, as well as us oldsters.  He sums up his effort at the very end of this treatise: “It is Christ living his life through you.  That is the Christ life.”

For previous reviews, you can view Pat’s blog at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com. 

Review of Gods at War

Gods at War

Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart

By

Kyle Idleman

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

In this convicting book, and it is most assuredly that, the publisher didn’t forget to place an apostrophe between the “d” and the “s” in the title of this work.  It isn’t “God’s at War” and it is you and I, fellow Believer, who must step up to the battle line.  You will only have to read the introduction before loudly exclaiming, “whatchoo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis???  I’m a Christian – there is only one God in my life!”

I know we’re not complacent, but we do feel secure in our faith (at least I was until I considered this author’s unsettling conclusions.  You will not just be surprised – you will be startled at the things he brings to our attention.  “Idolatry is the number one issue in the Bible,” and this writer says, “that should raise caution signals for us.”  “Anything that becomes a substitute for God in our lives can become an idol.”

The author further states, “God loves you too much to share you.” You will be surprised at the number of things the author considers to be “gods” and at the detailed accounts of their pervasiveness in this writing. 

He lists many things that can be idols such as success, entertainment, and money.  He states that any activity that takes your time and that you concentrate time on, could be your god. Oh, by the way, the most aggressive and determined god, as you may have guessed depending on your level of humility, is the god named, very appropriately, ME.

Idleman does an excellent job in his explanations in this writing, just as he did in a previously reviewed work, “Not a Fan.” I strongly urge you to read this one. 

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3

Previous reviews located at http://patbeaty.blogspot.com

January 21, 2014

Review of Max on Life

Max on Life

Answers and Insights to Our Most Important Questions

By: Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

When you first read the title of this book, I’m sure your reaction will be similar to that of many other believers – “What a vain, egotistical effort this work must be!!” However, trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised as you peruse the multifaceted questions and biblically based answers in this truly worthwhile resource.  It is written in the inimitable easy to comprehend style of this author, who is familiar to us all, and it is a GEM!  It caused me to stop and thoughtfully consider each question and answer.  I’m sure that you, too, will enjoy reading slowly through this wonderful writing.  You will be drawn into this reading experience if you merely read the table of contents. This I can promise you.

You will be introduced to some of the most beautiful happenings and thoughts in the Word of God:  “God loves the tapestry of the nations.  He has a white hot passion to harvest his children from every jungle, neighborhood, village, and slum.” “All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Numbers 14:21 ESV).

One of my favorite sections is under “Help: Prayer, Scripture, and Why Church?”  The author says “prayer pushes us through life’s slumps, propels us over the humps, and pulls us out of the dumps.”

Your reviewer hopes it does this for you too!

Previous reviews can be found at: http://patbeaty.blogspot.com  

Review of Jumping Hurdles - Hitting Glitches - Overcoming Setbacks

Jumping Hurdles- Hitting Glitches - Overcoming Setbacks

By Steve Brown

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

 

When you begin to read something by this author I'm sure you react as I did: "this irreverent pastor!! How does God put up with him?!!!" Then you duck the expected bolt of lightining and resume your perusal of (what turns out to be) worthwille and encouraging information. This man is a devout Christian; and his humorous style of writing serves to enhance his thoughtful offerings, rather than to detract from them.

 

"If you listen or read between the lines of lifes fine print, you can hear God whispering, talking, and sometimes shouting: I am here! All is well!"

 

In this particular effort by Rev. Brown , you will find a varying "hodge-podge" of anecdotes, thoughtful, sometimes moving true events, borrowings from other authors and other inclusions.

Are they helpful? By all means! Are they thought-provoking? You can bet your life on it. Do they inter-relate and pertain to your life as a believer? You can bet your life on it!!! and you should!!!...This work, as you delve into it, takes you beyond everyday Christian thought. It gives rise to meditation in a way you would never imagine; in other words it grabs you and, please forgive the poor grammar, you will not want to be let-go-of.

 

It is unbelievable the number of subjects this writer touches on. And he refers to the Holy Bible continuously. Oh, and one more thought: Don't overlook the section entitled, "The most important thing in the world".

 

Merry Christmas!

The Life You've Always Wanted Book Review

                                           The Life You’ve Always Wanted

(Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People)

by John Ortberg

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

My fellow travelers – in a way, this is a how-to book - but not in any way the kind of how-to book that you have ever read.  The author says, “the goal of this book is to help us grow spiritually,” and he makes it clear that this is an urgent matter.  Do you wonder why?! The writer further describes this work, announcing: “This book is about spiritual growth, it is that holy and mysterious process described by the apostle Paul when he said he was ‘in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.’”

One section, which is both stark and amusing at the same time, is about his childhood hero – Popeye.  Ortberg explains his own personal dilemma and relates it to the “sailor man” with the unhappy comment, “I yam what I yam.” Further on in this very readable indictment of himself, the author, in “We Shall Morph Indeed,” describes Jesus “morphing” into a man and man “morphing” into a redeemed creature. 

The author reminds his reader of what C.S. Lewis said, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.”  You will be charmed by “Dee Dah Day (The Practice of Celebration)” and his frequent use of the term throughout his delightful treatise.  Ortberg refers often to quotes from other works as well as to the Holy Word. And, as you probably know from his previous efforts, his manner of making his point is a joy to read!

In the chapter, “Appropriate Smallness,” he proclaims the truth that, “Jesus did not come as a servant in spite of the fact that He is God; He came precisely because of the fact that He is God.” “The Guided Life” discusses our relationship with our maker and, trust me, the chapters “An Undivided Life” and “Life with a Well-ordered Heart” will not only guide you in prayer and Bible reading but it will give you enjoyment in both of these “duties.”

If you have read this author before, you know what lies in store for you.  This book is a jewel!  Finally, let me urge you to consider these two statements from this book: “God is the infinite servant” and “God is the most humble being in the universe.”

For previous reviews, go to: http://patbeaty.blogspot.com

October 22, 2013

Review of Edge of Apocalypse

Edge of Apocalypse

By Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy; and heeds the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”   Revelation 1:3

Yes, I know….I’m doing it again. But, as many of you know, I love to read Christian fiction and many of these novels have so much Biblical basis that they don’t even seem like made up stories. 

In Webster’s Dictionary, one of several definitions of apocalypse is: any universal or widespread destruction or disaster. As you may have guessed, this tale is about some happenings just prior to a terrible time in our world’s future.  It is a very exciting, somewhat gripping story of people who begin to realize that they are losing their freedoms.  It is so excitingly realistic that the reader cannot help but compare it to the same events written about in the Holy Word.  The reader will not even have to examine it too closely to understand their meanings.

The plot of this book is well written and the hero and his family will cause you to be very sympathetic with them in the many and varied plights in which they find themselves.

Although the theme of this work is a familiar one, this book will cause not only enjoyment but will certainly give you pause to contemplate our future.  After all, Christian fiction is usually more Christian than fiction.

Previous reviews are located at: http://patbeaty.blogspot.com

Review of The New Temple and the Second Coming

The New Temple and the Second Coming

(The Prophecy that Points to Christ’s Return in Your Generation)

by Grant R. Jeffrey

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

“The scriptures make it clear that just before Christ returns, the third temple of God must stand again on the original location at the temple mount.” Christian, do you know how many temples in all there will be? Do you know how significant they will be to your future? “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

This book gives a brief look at the history of the first two temples.  The seeks to explain the prophecies concerning the temple and points out how precise God was in his instructions for building and using this magnificent edifice.  It details the story of Israel becoming a nation again and says, without hesitation, that “the generation alive today will see once again the temple of God standing in Jerusalem, and the Kind of Israel – the returning Messiah – ruling from the throne of David.”

The author, who has been researching these subjects for many years, details an exciting effort in the chapter, “Recovering Lost Temple Treasures”; and he excites our imaginations even more in the chapter, “Exploring the Ancient City Underneath Jerusalem.”  “David prophesied: When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in His Glory” (Psalm 102:16). This was regarding the rebirth of Israel. In the chapter, “Practical Preparations for Rebuilding the Temple”, you will discover facts you thought you knew; but this explanation will further enlighten you.

The author uses the prophecies of Ezekiel 40-48, Daniel 9:24-29 and Zechariah 14 to predict how long Israel will carry out temple worship.  He explains that this, “my brother, does” concern you.

Do you know what the abomination of desolation refers to? The reader will gain much understanding from the author’s explanation of this and, later, from an explanation of “the ark’s prophetic role.”

Finally, let me say that this is an easy and educational book, and I urge you to read it. Trust me, you will not only enjoy it, you will grow from it.