Review of Mess-i-ology by George Verwer

 Mess-i-ology

(The Mystery of How God Words Even When It Doesn't Make Sense to Us)

By George Verwer

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

"Put simply, messiology is the idea that God, in his patience, mercy and passion to bring men and women to himself, often does great things in the midst of a mess." The autho0r explains this term more fully and in more detail as you read on in this wide-ranging and thoughtful book. You, the reader, will recognize immediately that this essay is a personal account of much of this missionary's successes and failures in h is life as a missionary.

The whimsical titles of the chapters of this book are intriguing, and contain surprisingly deep insights. The chapter titles include "Fire Extinguishers, Books, and Proverbs", "The Church, Missions, and Hollywood", "Moaners, Complainers and Negative Thinkers," and "If You Don't Want to Get Hurt, Don't Play Rugby" and other creative headings.

It is felt that the overriding theme of this work is that God is able. "For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:36

It is felt that you will benefit greatly from reading this book.

For more reviews by Pat, go to patbeaty.blogspot.net.

November 2021

Review of The Church in Babylon by Erwin Lutzer

 The Church in Babylon

(Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness)

by Erwin W. Lutzer

Review by Pat Beaty

Readers, as you begin your journey through this excellent book, I want to encourage you to start your trip by reading the endorsements under "Praise for The Church in Babylon". It is my promise that this will help you even more than you think as you read this thought provoking work. 

And please don't put this essay back on the shelf when you read that he is Pastor Emeritus of the Moody Bible Church in Chicago, where he has served for 35 years, and has a number of university degrees. You will be surprised at how much you agree with this noted Christian, and how much you agree with his outlook on today's society. 

Lutzer challenges us to grow in our understanding of social issues and calls us to love and share Christ with everyone. This is not only right but also righteous. Trust me, this book is wonderful and you will thoroughly concur with what he says. 

For more reviews by Pat Beaty, go to patbeaty.blogspot.net

Review of You Are Never Alone by Max Lucado

 You are never alone (Trust in the Miracle of God‘s Presence and Power) 

by Max Lucado

Reviewed by Pat Beaty 

The theme of this book is the title of this book. The authors intent is easily determined as the reader begins this work. You will be intrigued by the way the author expresses himself. Of course, if you are familiar with my previous reviews, you are aware that this essayist is, far and away, one of my favorite Christian writers. The author writes as if he was sitting beside you, as he conversationally explains what he wants to say.

For those of you who are prone to easily become discouraged you will find this work is filled with encouragement - and yes, joy. You will very easily discover why I am so delighted with it. This book is filled with references to the Holy Bible, as well as some personal comments that are fascinating. 

It is felt that you will be blessed if you read this book. 

Happy reading, Pat 

To access the names of other reviewed books by other Christian authors go to patbeaty.blogspot.net

June 2021

Review of Forgotten God - April 2021

 Forgotten God 

(Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit) 

by Francis Chan 

Review by Pat Beaty

Dear brother and sister in Christ, who or what do you picture in your mind when you think of the Holy Spirit? My reason for using the pronoun “what” will become obvious as you read through this remarkable book. The more accurate pronoun is “whom”. The author states that “without him people operate in their own strength and only accomplish human – size results.” 

I was surprised by how many times the Holy Spirit was mentioned in the Bible  - as noted by this writer. He gives the biblical quote and then explains it. A special part of this treatise is his highlighting of several Christian who exemplify lives filled with the spirit.

The final chapter is entitled the supernatural church. It details the fact that churches can make a difference only in the strength of the Holy Spirit. The Christian examples that this writer discusses are Francis Schaeffer, Joni Eareckson Tada, a Dave Phillips, Esther Ahn Kim, and others he knows more personally.

The Holy Spirit is God, as is the Father and the Son, and there is beauty in the authors description of the Spirit and his work in the Word of God. I highly recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading, Pat

For other reviews, go to patbeaty.blogspot.com 

Review of What is the Gospel?

What is the Gospel? 

by Greg Gilbert

Review by Pat Beaty. 

This book is small, almost tiny, in size but it contains more life-giving content than many volumes of much greater tomes. Christian reader, what is your answer to the question in the title of this book? One reviewer of this work has stated that the author “clearly answers the most important question ever asked.“ 

The book itself has numerous references to the Holy Bible, and the writer pronounces that “the local church is far more important to the Christian life than many Christians realize.” 

The reader will find numerous biblical references in the scripture index at the end of this wonderful essay, and you will be impressed by how often the gospel is described or referred to in the Bible’s wonderful books and pages. Finally, as I am certain you have guessed, it is strongly felt that you will benefit from reading this little essay, and its value will grow in your mind the further along it’s pages you go. 

Happy reading, Pat

For other reviews, go to: Patbeaty.blogspot.com

Review of Stages of the Soul

 Review of Stages of the Soul - God's Invitation to Greater Love by Nancy Kane

Reviewed by: Pat Beaty

Dear Christian: How far along are you in your journey to mature in Christ? This book is a beautifully written multi-faceted attempt to illustrate this glorious venture in five stages (steps). The stages represent periods of time in a Christian's lifelong effort to be transformed into who Christ wants them to be. She describes the many hurdles a believer has to cross and the many times we fail in this lengthy journey but emphasizes that the goal is worth all the pain and suffering.

The author is careful to include in this essay multiple references and quotations from the Holy Bible as well as appropriate events from notable other writers and educators to illustrate the points she makes - and you will find that what she says is accurate and believable.  (I feel that I must mention here that Mrs. Kane's writing even caused me to pause during my reading and think back to my own stages of the soul). 

You will most certainly find that reading this book will be a most wonderful and compelling experience; and, believe me, it is crying out for a place on your bookshelf.

Happy Reading!

Pat Beaty

For more reviews, check out patbeaty.blogspot.com.

December 2020

Review of What They Meant for Evil

What They Meant for Evil

By Rebecca Deng with Ginger Kolbaba

Reviewed by Pat Beaty

Have you heard of the lost boys of Sudan? This book was written by a lost girl of Sudan. It is an autobiography by a woman who spent most of her life in fear; but also in prayer. Many people and organizations have praised this author and her book, but my reaction to much of it was a memory of my parents’ and family’s love and kindness to me when I was a small child. The love they, and God, engendered in me is very much like her reaction to her experiences in her own family circle. However, hers became dramatically different as she began to grow up.

This treatise is her story of her own experiences of deep love and heartbreaking sorrow, as well as relentless personal trials that ended in bright hope and personal victory over evil and fear.  Readers will applaud her and wonder at all she endured, but it is evident that the real victor of this tale is God, who was present in every moment of her life.

You, the reader, will find yourself involved in every portion of her journey. You will be transplanted in your imagination to the small village where she grew up and into the frightening happenings in which she was involved. This author acknowledges that she is a Christian and that God has been with her continually throughout her eventful life.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

Pat 

For more reviews, go to patbeaty.blogspot.com