Reviews: Books We Recommend (2015 CLC World Issue 2)
Article Date: 06/05/2015 16:44:17
Here are some great books our CLC World reviewers have read and are now highly recommending!
Books We Recommend...
Choose Life: 365 Readings for Radical Disciples by Simon Guillebaud ISBN: 9780857215222 Price: £12.99, 384pp
We all make choices daily. Some choices may be negative, others positive and life enhancing. Choose Life is a book of daily readings which invites you to a year of good choices. The author states that if the reader embraces the challenge `it will be the most memorable year of your life!`.
The short readings include quotations, stories, illustrations and anecdotes based on Scripture. This book is an invaluable resource to inspire, encourage and challenge the reader to make time for God and to shape the day to be filled with Jesus. - Review by Wilma Brock
The Pursuit of Wisdom by R.T. Kendall ISBN: 9781444749724 Price: £13.99, 256pp
Kendall’s books are so richly infused with Scriptural teaching and how life is to be lived in the light of these insights—the essence of wisdom—that it is no surprise his book about wisdom bears the same hallmarks and is therefore utterly compelling.
He makes the point that a Christian may be highly intelligent or clever, but not wise. Conversely he writes ‘My book is written to encourage the most ordinary person on earth to realise that wisdom is on offer to all who choose the fear of the Lord. To know the Lord is to have access to what He has written. His word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our paths (Ps.119:105). The unfolding of His words give light (Ps.119:130).
When the Bible is carefully handled, correctly interpreted, fearfully explained—and sincerely followed—wisdom sets in.’ (p42).
Other related themes include the Sovereignty of God and that ‘godly wisdom is a secret—an absolute secret that God withholds from everybody—until, that is, He gives it. He alone knows the next step forward for each one of us. He alone knows the end from the beginning (Isa.46:10, p235). We are wise as we obey the clear teaching of Scripture, and wise if we accept that as we do the Lord will work out the wider circumstances of our lives according to His secret wisdom. Thought provoking and vintage Kendall. - Review by David Barnes
The Cactus Stabbers by Jeff Lucas ISBN: 9781782593270 Price: £7.99, 140pp
This book is a collection of 22 humorous reflective anecdotes drawn from the author’s wide experience of life and ministry all over the world. Each short chapter is not only amusing and quick and easy-to-read, but always contains perceptive truths about the Christian life and faith, which are often challenging to our traditional Christian attitudes. The author often gets the reader’s attention by making a radical, sometimes even shocking statement (for Christians), but then goes on to expose the truth which is hidden within. This is an ideal book for picking up and dipping into, and might even expose Christians to issues which they had never before considered! - Review by Jean Mintoft
Go A Little Further: W. Ian Thomas and the Torchbearers Story by Joan Thomas ISBN: 9781619581760 Price: £8.50, 196pp
Joan Thomas writes the story of how Torchbearers came into being. The book is part biographical, and part historical. It is full of stories about individuals and countries impacted by Ian Thomas and the Torchbearers ministry. The stories are heartwarming and inspiring, demonstrating how God transforms lives and situations. The book reveals how Ian Thomas`s Christ-centric way of living was the basis for his powerful ministry.
An interesting, inspiring and challenging book. - Review by Wilma Brock
And Some Evangelists by Roger Carswell ISBN: 9781781915196 Price: £7.99, 192pp
Roger Carswell exhorts his readers to seek out and encourage those gifted as evangelists in their local churches. In addition, he reminds us that all Christians are called to be Christ’s witnesses to those we meet. Bible-based, and enriched with examples of effective evangelism both historical and contemporary, this book is challenging, informative and encouraging. Roger Carswell honestly describes the sacrificial lifestyle required for the ministry of evangelism, but compares this with the blessing and joy of leading people to Christ.
Because of his own experience as an evangelist, the author is able to pass on sound, practical advice, and I believe that this book contains something to challenge and inspire everyone who reads it. - Review by Bonnie Brooks
Miracles (HB) by Eric Metaxas ISBN: 9781473604766 Price: £16.99, 322pp
Christianity stands or falls by miracles. It rests upon the greatest miracle of all—the Resurrection of Jesus. In this fascinating book Eric Metaxas looks at miracles as the foundation of faith. It is in two parts—the first looks at the questions which miracles raise—what they are, their relation to science, a broadly theoretical view.
The second (which I read first), are accounts of present-day miracles: a fascinating collection which (as miracles should do) stretch belief but in the end convince.
Metaxas writes beautifully, and though one may quarrel with things here and there, one finishes up with gratitude that someone has ventured to write such a book for the sceptical twenty-first century. - Review by Rev. Brian Butler
Not Just a Soup Kitchen by Dr. David S. Apple ISBN: 9781619581746 Price: £8.50, 255pp
This is an excellent guide on how the local church can be involved in Mercy Ministry. It begins with the testimony of how God transformed the life of the author from a near-death skull fracture, childhood sexual abuse and thoughts of suicide to becoming a minister of mercy at a large church in Philadelphia.
There is clarity in Apple’s explanation as he provides the biblical basis for mercy mission and historical analysis that includes Calvin’s understanding of the role of Deacon in keeping with mercy ministry thinking. The unique strength of this volume lies in Apple’s experience gathered over twenty years which comes through in a lot of practical wisdom on matters such as the importance of planning/organisation, setting limits in ministry, how to deal with con artists, mobilising volunteers, hospital visitation and other specific circumstances where people are in need.
The ‘frequently asked questions’ section is also invaluable. Apple provides a number of helpful Appendices including a sample talent survey. Any church wishing to start or develop mercy ministry should obtain a copy. - Review by David Barnes
Keywords: Christian-books, Christian-reviews, book-reviews, CLC-Bookshops, CLC-International, CLC-UK, CLC-World, CLC-World-Magazine, Choose-Life, Pursuit-of-Wisdom, Cactus-Stabbers, Go-A-Little-Further, And-Some-Evangelists, Miracles, Not-Just-A-Soup-Kitchen, Stand-Strong, Wholehearted, Topz-Gospels
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