Thursday, December 29, 2016

Review: Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders

Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders Essential Worship: A Handbook for Leaders by Greg Scheer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As an avid book reviewer, I classify books into three categories: (i) so-so books that I'd sell away, (ii) 5 star books that I'd keep on my shelf for future reference and (iii) 6 star books that I'd purchase additional copies to give away.

To this gem of a book, its an easy choice to be considered for the 6 stars. Scheer grounds his book with Scripture (no noticeable opinions or assertions I found), providing thorough research (both historical and present day), illustrates theological principles with modern day analogies/illustrations, and somehow packing it all into a highly practical and reflective package. There were also plenty of diagrams, charts and pictures to visually complement ideas put forward, extremely apt quotes from historical Christians, an extensive recommended book list scattered all over the chapters and an impressive footnoted bibliography.

At 283 pages, Scheer targets a very specific audience - it is directed primarily at worship directors (and secondarily pastoral staff/lay leaders/worship band members) who care enough about their church's worship condition/climate to digest a book of this length.

I'd imagine that any further brevity would sacrifice the quality and clarity of the content. One of the most profound takeaways was food for thought found right at the preface - how would we plan our funeral service to be executed and what meaning do we hope those attending would take with them?

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, December 18, 2016

Review: America at the Crossroads: Explosive Trends Shaping America's Future and What You Can Do about It

America at the Crossroads: Explosive Trends Shaping America's Future and What You Can Do about It America at the Crossroads: Explosive Trends Shaping America's Future and What You Can Do about It by George Barna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Barna has given us an easy to read title, which the popular level audience can easily digest. This is quite a feat, given the heaviness of heart of the content of which he compiled, edited and written with. The presentation of the brilliant charts and tables were brilliant - data would be easily read and compared (especially for the readers who do not enjoy a wall of text). Yet interestingly, this book is also potentially very useful to the scholar or academic's. Whether you agree or disagree with his research and conclusion, the wealth of statistics is laid out categorically - all ready to be churned and transformed to the footnotes of one's research paper.

Layman, pastor or scholar, you would observe trends in your church, city, country and perhaps even worldwide. This book would provide plenty of food for thought; the demographics and findings could possibly be useful reference points for other first world christian communities. I think the book would nevertheless be useful for deliberation of one's community and therefore ministry.

Published just before the 2016 US Presidential Elections, Barna provides his analysis of his countrymen and their worldviews. It thus provides a snapshot of history prior to the watershed election result.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Friday, December 16, 2016

Review: It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook: 100 Bible Stories

It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook: 100 Bible Stories It's All About Jesus Bible Storybook: 100 Bible Stories by B&H Editorial Staff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The differentiation into different themes (see page 4 and 5) is brilliant. I wish I had been taught this from young! The pointing forward to Christ segments is a very nice touch, as I'd imagine that children's story books are scant of these. The illustrations are beautiful and attractive. Its rather extensive (and lengthy) content would require a skilful storyteller to sustain the attention of younger children.

The main selling point of the book is probably the companion downloadable app (which most people would probably miss out). Basically what it does is that the book's illustrations will "pop out" on the phone screen when hovered over. It also provides a narration that is simpler than the printed text, which is a boon for younger audiences. It is a pity that unlike the animation I had expected to see upon hovering over the illustration, the popping out does not provide much added value. Another issue is that when the phone moves away from the page, and then back over the page, the narration starts from the beginning - it would be great if the app could recognise where it had been interrupted. Also, the app is rather slow.

The app is a brilliant idea and I hope that it will be fine-tuned in the subsequent revisions. It can only get better!

I received this book from the BH/Lifeway Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, December 4, 2016

Review: Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church

Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church Who Moved My Pulpit?: Leading Change in the Church by Thom S. Rainer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I felt that it was a pity the book was so short! I often found myself craving for elaboration in the succinct paragraphs and chapters. I was almost going to give it a 3 star rating, but thankfully the most wonderful appendix (Change Readiness Inventory for Churches) convinced me to bump it up to 4 stars. I would imagine this would be a godsend for pastors seeking to journey with their church through change.

Thom Rainer's vast experience as a church consultant shines through the pages, with engaging real-life accounts after another to season the content. I do hope that for future revised editions, this book would be expanded to become a "meatier" title - I feel that it has so much potential to dwell more the different principles discussed.

I received this book from the BH/Lifeway Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Thursday, December 1, 2016

Review: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression

Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Michelle Bengtson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a powerful testimony seasoned with a generous dose of love for the author. My initial fear that it would be (i) a pitiable self-absorbed account and (ii) lame five point self-help quick fix were unfounded. As a serial book reviewer, I'd often pass them on to make space on my shelf for new titles; but this is a very special book and I'm wrestling to part with it. Most likely, it would end up on my shelf with what I regard to be the 6 star collection of books.

Bengtson authentically tells of her painful encounters with depression in her family members, her childhood and finally in her adult years. The amount of detail is tasteful and not once did I feel that she wanted attention to herself as a mighty victor; rather I sense her heart's desire to point the reader to God and cling upon him.

Do take time to read the tail end of each chapter, it is filled with the brilliant Rx ("doctor's prescription"), the ever sincere and empathetic prayer, and most interestingly, a recommended playlist of Christian music. What could make it better? Perhaps providing a spotify playlist link for us readers to not have to search each song individually?

As one well acquainted with depression's vice grip and perpetual hopelessness, I was thoroughly blessed by this labour of love. I heartily recommend this book - if you struggle with depression or would like to understand it better to reach out to someone you know who does.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Revell Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, November 28, 2016

Review: The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life: What Will Change, What Won't, and Why It Matters

The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life: What Will Change, What Won't, and Why It Matters The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life: What Will Change, What Won't, and Why It Matters by Alex Early
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a serial book reviewer, I have felt a deep sense of despair. After having read so so many books where I had no idea why on earth the authors had to put so much effort to justify their man-made ideas that could find no proper Scriptural backing, Early's tiny little book has brought me so so much joy! I'd give it 6 stars if I could!

Thoroughly researched with wonderful gospel truths, no theological axe to grind, and written in such accessible and engaging language. What more can we ask for? The title would suggest that it is meant for new Christians, but I as a 28 year old final year seminary student who had been born into the church, enjoyed the read thoroughly. I found myself agreeing every so often as I devoured the book in a single sitting. I recognise the masterful ability to convey complicated theological truths in simple terminology (something that I still am learning to do), and Early does it flawlessly.

One area for improvement though, I found the narrow margins (I do not like opening the book to the extreme "flatness" to protect the spine) and the narrower-than-A5 size to be an unhelpful distraction. Hopefully in the subsequent revisions, it would either be released as a proper pocket sized book, or as a normal paperback sized title.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Review: The Essential Guide to Deliverance: Finding True Freedom in Christ

The Essential Guide to Deliverance: Finding True Freedom in Christ The Essential Guide to Deliverance: Finding True Freedom in Christ by Larry Richards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As I read Richards introduce himself, I was very pleased to find out he came from a non-charismatic background, studied in and lecturered in more reformed seminaries and then was confronted with the reality of demons (I am roughly the opposite, raised in a charismatic church, schooling in a charismatic seminary but yet holding a more reformed theological position).

The book is highly practical, delivering a systematic and yet concise introduction to the topic. I did appreciate the easy-to-read language the book was penned in and mostly found part 2 of the book useful (a glossary of definitions on the topic of deliverance). I find it hard to accept Richard's proposition that demonised persons do not exhibit larger-than-life, extraordinarily dramatised behaviour. I was quite put off by the constant referencing to his own books repeatedly.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, November 14, 2016

Review: The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God's Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation

The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God's Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God's Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation by J. Daniel Hays
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The numerous full-colour photographs would probably be worth the price of the book to a student writing a paper, or a Christian education teacher. The paperstock is a rather usual glossy thick white type, those that we often see in university textbooks. I however found the pages to reflect too much light and made for a distracting read. The thorough research and resulting insightful discoveries (to the reader) would be typical Hays quality - excellent.

Being a naturally un-arty person, I struggled to find interest in the archaeological or design aspects of the buildings discussed. I did however enjoy the theological segments, especially the chapter on Solomon's temple. Hays even put in an application chapter at the end, which was a nice touch to a very informative book that would build up one's "head knowledge."

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, November 6, 2016

Review: What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics

What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics by R.C. Sproul
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although the subtitles state "understanding the basics," I perceive that the target audience would lean more toward the scholarly types (rather than the popular level readers). Weighing in at 250 pages, it definitely would fall short of the 500 or 1000 pages required to be a seminary level textbook, but the content was immense and very rich. It would probably hold the interest of a christian who affirms a reformed position (more so than an arminian-leading believer).

I tried reading this book on three occasions, and as I had to write a review, each time I started from the beginning. I would like to believe that I wrestle close to the middle of the Reformed-Arminian spectrum, but somehow I struggled to plough through the pages. While the beginning of the pages were extremely engaging and interesting, I felt that the meatier content toward the middle was a great challenge to read and digest.

To the Sproul fans out there, I'm very sorry but I find that his ability to explain complex theological terminology and concepts (with elaboration through logic or illustrations) in a manner that the layperson can understand is not on the same level as John Stott, Edmund Clowney or Gordon Fee. Writing an accessible book on such a large topic is truly a daunting task, and Sproul did put up a tremendous contribution with this piece of work. It could have been so much better if there were more pictures, diagrams, highlighted excerpts, quotes etc that would have provided mental breaks to the monotony of page after page of dense knowledge.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Review: One Of the Few: A Marine Fighter Pilot's Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview

One Of the Few One Of the Few by Jason B. Ladd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Before I went to bible school, my book shelves consisted mainly of military history and military biographies. Fast forward 5 years or so, they are now dwarfed with theological titles. I still relish reading about the exciting accounts of men at war, and looked forward to reviewing this title.

As a seminary student, I recognise Ladd's mammoth effort to read, digest and cite from a large variety of sources to substantiate his thesis - from the military experience of himself and others, from pop culture, from Christian theologians, from secular thinkers. Ladd's retelling of military accounts/situations were intense, it rekindled my love of reading about men at war and gave me quite an adrenaline rush.

I initially wanted to flag out the rarity of Scripture in the book, but as I reflected, I think that is not a big issue as Ladd's purpose was probably apologetics and therefore his primary audience (which would not be the bible scholar types) probably would prefer extra-biblical accounts to substantiate the logical arguments put forth. And as the most helpful review on amazon points out, as the beginning of each chapter, Ladd's juxtaposition of quotations of a non-Christian against Scripture is a masterpiece.

I was however rather irritated at being left hanging about the outcome of Arnold the helicopter pilot in the prologue. This was an unwelcome distraction - I found that I was more interested in finding out what happened to Arnold - and the pages in between were standing in my way. When I finally got to the epilogue, I was disappointed at the short conclusion; I guess I was hoping to enjoy digesting what had happened after having waited 250 pages to find out the outcome!

Here are some suggestions for improvement.

Stylistically, I felt that the numerous short chapters were a challenge as a reader. Perhaps similar chapters could be consolidated into larger ones to eventually end up with about 10-15 chapters. Readers take a mental break with the end of a chapter and the beginning of another; I found it exhausting to do so about 30 times and struggled to maintain interest after about 20 chapters.

Formatting wise, the margins are far too wide; adjusting them to the usual one inch could save quite a bit of paper and perhaps even make the book a more compact size. Because the book had no illustrations, it felt like a wall of text. Fiverr.com would be a great source to include an inexpensive illustration for example at the beginning of each chapter.

I received this book from the author for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Friday, October 28, 2016

Review: A Different Kind of Happiness: Discovering the Joy That Comes from Sacrificial Love

A Different Kind of Happiness: Discovering the Joy That Comes from Sacrificial Love A Different Kind of Happiness: Discovering the Joy That Comes from Sacrificial Love by Larry Crabb
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I struggled to remain interested in the words I was reading and felt sharply disconnected from Crabb's style of writing. I was extremely uncomfortable by his strawman approach to rebutting a comment by John Frame, which he did not elaborate much about what it was and simply passed a few paragraphs of comments that I could not really see the logical flow to. The Scripture passages quoted, if any, followed neither biblical nor systematic theological frameworks. Most of the time though, I found the assertions made were not backed with clear support from Scripture or the field of psychology. Having recently read a book by another Christian psychologist, Dr. Everett Worthington, perhaps set the mental bar of expectation too high; I had hoped and expected to see psychology being governed by the authority of Scripture being explained in layman terminology... But it was not to be.

As I flipped to the back page to check the list of endorsements, I see that the majority are pastors (not theologians, as I'd imagine bible scholars would often be scratching their heads at the multiple verse citing approach to Scripture). It is not often that I read a book that I dislike so much, so I did a quick search on what other reviewers commented, and most had 4 or 5 star ratings for it. So my guess is that this book was written for a very different kind of audience. It would appeal to readers who are looking for a Scripture-light, massively conversational and highly instructional book.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Review: Spiritual Warfare for Your Family: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Children

Spiritual Warfare for Your Family: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Children Spiritual Warfare for Your Family: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Children by Leighann McCoy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

From what I understand, McCoy's principal thesis seems to be that we have to fight back against the devil through spiritual warfare. She writes from the personal pain of praying for her "perfect" daughter to break up with cohabiting with a man only to see her bearing a child out of wedlock. She writes in a mostly conversational style with short comments on bible passages that she would draw analogies from to support her statements. Interestingly, she quotes from reformed theologians such as John Piper and David Platt, but still retains an eisegetical approach to Scripture. This book would therefore appeal to readers who are looking for bible verses and instructions to deal with what they perceive to the spiritual warfare in their families.

A few areas for improvement though: I wished that she had cut short the storytelling of her personal life, because unless she is a famous theologian or preacher, I'm guessing the average reader would not appreciate so much detail. I felt that the book would have been much better if it stood at 200 pages (towards the end I was honestly struggled to hold my interest and would not have finished it if I did not have to write a review). I also did not feel the same sense of assuredness and confidence in the Lord and one's resulting delegated authority, as compared to for example, when I had read a Randy Clark book on healing breakthroughs.

For the application of spiritual warfare about specific issues (in Part 6 of the book) - many of which were spot-on relevant, I however wished that she had elaborated more on each point by going more in depth instead of just skimming the surface. The prayers at the end of these sections were immensely helpful though - relating as one struggling in a specific area, the template prayer helps convey what we would want to but yet perhaps be unable to utter.

A few pet peeves though, some more serious than others. As a perfectionist, the blurry low-resolution black and white photographs made me feel so very dissatisfied (I'd rather they had not included them). For her to quote Dr. Worthington's account of his mother's murder and brother's suicide, spending multiple pages talking about his REACH model of forgiveness, I felt that it was almost criminal for her not to provide a proper reference. Having recently concluded a 20 page academic paper on healthy church growth, which included a lengthy segment on church discipline, I cringed at the use of Matt 18:18 in the final pages (the context was church discipline, not spiritual warfare).

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Bethany House Blogger Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, October 9, 2016

Review: Dreams and Visions: Understanding and Interpreting God's Messages to You

Dreams and Visions: Understanding and Interpreting God's Messages to You Dreams and Visions: Understanding and Interpreting God's Messages to You by Jane Hamon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did find it quite puzzling that the book started out with an invitation to non-Christians to say the sinner's prayer at the end of the introduction. The second thing I found strange was the opening vision in Chapter 1 - which ended with a series of questions of what its purpose could be - but oddly Hamon never went back to discuss the matter further. The first couple of chapters were disappointing, with multiple bible narratives in quick succession being cited to in support of the author's substantives (reminiscent of the typical eisegetical charismatic book that I'd get rid of as quickly as I can).

Thankfully, the book got better! In the subsequent chapters, the bible narratives were retold at greater length (exegeted quite well in fact). I especially appreciate the segments on what were NOT dreams/visions in chapters 4 and 5 (Natural dreams and visions; False dreams and visions). Chapter 6 (Knowing the Source of your dreams) was my favourite chapter, especially the segment of "determining factors of spiritual dreams," (p65-66) which is also repeated in kind at the closing chapter. Basically, the content is about the few steps one can take to determine if a dream/vision is from the Lord or not. It is not that Hamon provided a scheme of things that made dream/vision interpretation super easy, but I appreciated how she approached them with a holy expectation and reverent posture toward understanding them.

The book almost fits into the category of a what a work of art a spirit-led Christian can write, without having to engage into proof-texting or making theologically shaky assertions. I honestly did not expect myself to like this book (because I found the front matter a little strange), but I thoroughly enjoyed the effort to be exegetically responsible and how so very practical the rest of the content was. As an avid reviewer, I can only keep books that I feel are really excellent - 6 stars out of 5 (otherwise I'd run out of space on my bookshelf); and this title is one of those I'd want to keep for the ages.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Chosen Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, October 2, 2016

Review: Jesus Talked to Me Today: True Stories of Children's Encounters with Angels, Miracles, and God

Jesus Talked to Me Today: True Stories of Children's Encounters with Angels, Miracles, and God Jesus Talked to Me Today: True Stories of Children's Encounters with Angels, Miracles, and God by James Stuart Bell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Growing up in a charismatic church and having turned away from the faith entirely (which I attribute to dogmatic leaders, pastors who did violence to Scripture on a regular basis, and of course most of all, my own wretched sinfulness), I have found reformed theology and non-charismatic churches to be a breath of fresh air. However, the reverent interpretation, teaching and preaching of God's Word somehow comes with a lower emphasis on the supernatural.

This book's wonderful stories have compelled me to think back - does God communicate to his children directly and is the supernatural realm real? So much memories of my own personal encounters came flooding back, and whenever a book compels me re-examine my theology, I have to take a step back and reflect. I appreciate and cherish such experiences so very much.

Bell did a commendable job in compiling and editing so many stories; unfortunately I cannot give this book 5 stars because I am unsure of the authenticity of some of the accounts. The yardstick for me still is the bible, and some of the details did not match up with what Scripture tell us the supernatural and/or heavenly realm is like.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Review: Your Marriage Masterpiece: Transform Your Relationship Through God's Amazing Design

Your Marriage Masterpiece: Transform Your Relationship Through God's Amazing Design Your Marriage Masterpiece: Transform Your Relationship Through God's Amazing Design by Al Janssen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I realise that I had subconsciously come to expect poor theology to line the pages of the any popular level book about marriage. I am so very pleased to admit that I could not be more wrong - Janssen has gifted us (both bible scholars and "lay" Christians) a most wonderful gift in this amazing piece of literature! The content was so finely edited that the 250 pages felt like only a hundred as I devoured page after page; the flow of the book's thesis was extremely easy to follow along and I found that Janssen held my interest and attention throughout. I enjoyed the encouraging and the painful accounts of marriages alike that served as vivid illustrations. But what I savoured the most was his remarkable ability to retell bible narratives! Often when we read Scripture, we do not really understand the narrative well because our modern day context is so far removed from the ancient times.

As a seminary student, I recall spending hours if not days trying to retell the parable of the good Samaritan in an updated, modern day context. Even if I did not want to keep the book for its solid theology and marriage applications (I do of course and will discuss that in a while), this book will be a required reading if I were to ever teach a course on hermeneutics (how to interpret Scripture). For this reason, I felt that Chapter 8 titled "The greatest love story of all time" was worth the price of the book; I was so so very delighted when I found that chapter 18 titled "The great adventure" also was an outstanding paraphrase of a biblical narrative. I did not complete buy a couple of Janssen's interpretations, for example that Adam watched passively when Eve was conversing with the serpent or that the Shunammite woman husband was a king... But theologians can have disagreements and yet hold another in high regard...

As I closed the pages of the book, I felt a sense of awe at the magnitude and the impossibility of the task set ahead of me as a husband to be. Yet at the same time I was encouraged and inspired by the worldview changing presentation of Christ's love for his bride (the church), and our ensuing responsibility to live it out through its metaphor - our marriage.

I heartily recommend this book! This is one of the few titles that I regard to be 6 stars, because it is in a class of its own.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Bethany House Blogger Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Review: The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation

The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation by Russell D. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most of us would not consider ourselves as racists. So no harm in picking up the book so that we can gain some knowledge as it may be useful for ministry. Or so I thought...

This tiny book was outstanding. I appreciate how the application and reflection was built upon a sturdy theological foundation. When a "controversial" or "hush-hush" issue is presented in such a manner, us readers would have no choice but to confront the reality of sin in our own lives. Nobody likes to talk much about such topics, and the book's brevity ensures that we do not feel preached at. The book's format was great - consisting of an excellent compilation of chapters from 5 authors. This fine piece of work makes me curious as to how the other titles in this series are like; if they are of the same style and quality, they could form an invaluable set of resources.

I received this book from the BH/Lifeway Publishing Group's Blogger Team Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Saturday, September 17, 2016

Review: Unlocking the Bible: What It Is, How We Got It, and Why We Can Trust It

Unlocking the Bible: What It Is, How We Got It, and Why We Can Trust It Unlocking the Bible: What It Is, How We Got It, and Why We Can Trust It by Jeff Lasseigne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lasseigne is a master storyteller - I found myself looking forward to the anecdote that would come with every new chapter (only 1 out of the so many was average and uninteresting; the rest were brilliant in reeling the reader's attention to the topic at hand!). From what I can infer, the primary audience for this book would be lay readers, and therefore most of the material did not have scholarly citations. The downside of this would be that readers who are interested in studying further into any topic covered in the book would have to consult other similar titles for advice/direction. The scholarship however was excellent - a lifetime of research was probably involved in the compiling of material for this title, with few controversial assertions observed by this reviewer (to be discussed in a while).

One section that perhaps best illustrates Lasseigne's amazing ability to digest a ton of material and present it in an easy-to-understand summary, would be the section about the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenees and Sanhedrin (p81-83). First year Bible school students and small group leaders would find sections like these very useful, but as mentioned previously, the lack of citations leaves one with not much guidance for further reading. And when a statement like "there are at least a thousand prophecies in the bible, half of which have already been fulfilled," (p65) it is almost a crime not to provide references and more information about such a claim.

While Lasseigne toed the line of safety when declaring that he was unsure of who the author of the book of Hebrews was, he strangely affirmed that Solomon was the author of the book of Ecclesiastes (p64). His short points (and scholarly citations) in support of this substantive I felt were insufficient for such a bold claim.

Nevertheless, I felt that the concept of the book was actually quite brilliant - establishing all the whys before the whats. But it is a pity the second half - the survey/summary of each book of the bible - was too short to be of much use. Perhaps a better idea would have been to publish the two sections as separate books, and to elaborate further on the surveys/summaries. Weighing in at 300 pages, the book could also deter potential occasional-readers (people who not usually read) from picking it up.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, September 5, 2016

Review: When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany

When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany by Erwin W. Lutzer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I guess that the first impression most people will have seeing such a title, would be skeptical about whether the author wrote it just because he is trying to come across as some prophecy expert with some sensational theory that would probably interest the prophecy fanatics. Thankfully, this book is far from that. The content is carefully and reflectively thought through, compels the reader to consider how we can use the historical example of Nazi Germany to contemplate how similar modern day America is.

While I'm no American (I'm Singaporean), I keenly follow world politics and enjoyed this masterpiece of a book. Before I started my interest in reading theological titles, I devoured WWII military history books. This title interestingly meshed my two favourite topics together. Lutzer's brevity ensures that there is never a dull moment for your attention to wane. I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but that would be inappropriate vocabulary to describe my somber mood after having completed the book. Preachers are to exegete both Scripture and the audience; Lutzer here did a fine job in exegeting history and today's political climate in the USA. In my opinion, this is a 6 star (out of 5) book.

I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Saturday, August 27, 2016

Review: Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me

Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What's Right in Front of Me by Alexandra Kuykendall
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book has a unique format, somewhat like a daily journal for one month "experiments" in every chapter. So because she has actually tried to put these ideas into real life practice, the book doesnt come across as the work of a wannabe psychologist-cum-life-coach-author giving her two cents worth. While I do appreciate the practical suggestions and see how they could actually be quite useful when implement in my own life, I do wonder what the references or sources are.

To be honest, after the few few chapters, I found it extremely difficult to read through every single day of the journal entries. I guess if I were Kuykendall's close friend, I'd be sincerely interested. Or perhaps if Ravi Zacharias or D A Carson (or whoever your favourite authors/theologians would be) were to share their day-to-day lives with readers, then it would be a great delight. But for me, I felt that it was a bit too much detail that did not catch my interest.

A caveat though... Although I get the impression that the book seems to be a Christian title, I was hard pressed to find citations of Scripture or perhaps even quotes from other authors from the field of Spiritual Formation/Christian Living. So I guess this book would be an ideal gift to pre-believing or post-Christian friends you think may need find useful a regime to cope with their busy lives a little bit better?

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, August 21, 2016

Review: Mommy Needs a Raise

Mommy Needs a Raise Mommy Needs a Raise by Sarah Parshall Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First things first, while the title does not specify this, the author's primary target audience is not the mother balancing work and motherhood, but the Stay at Home Mum (SAHM as Sarah terms it). That is not to say that husbands and working mothers would not enjoy the book, because I, a recently married husband without any kids on the way, sure did thoroughly savoured the read. More so than I had expected - for it helped me glimpse into and made me fear and appreciate the awesome task that lies ahead for my beloved bride when the little ones would come along. As soon as I closed the final pages, I was thinking that it would be a waste to simply leave the book on my bookshelf, I had to give it away to a friend who is the midst of wrestling in the ring of SAHM. (Sadly my wife is more of a numbers person and would read hear a verbal summary than plough through the leaves of a book, no matter how good I tell it is!)

Usually when I discover that a book is a sneaky biography (unlike what the title had misled me to believe), the feeling would be discovering that your favourite chocolate milk in your fridge had turned sour - I at least do not appreciate paying $10-20 to read about a person's self-praise and self-glorification etc. BUT not only does Sarah write well, I really enjoy reading about her larger-than-life arty-farty personality and probably connected with her earnest humility of the heights from which she has fallen to be a SAHM. I appreciated she was honest and forthright in declaring this was a book about her journey and her family's right at the get-go.

The reason I did not award a 5 star rating is that many of the references were Amercian (I am a Singaporean and could guess what Patient First and Mr Coffee meant, but other non-Amercians may not). Therefore the book is not really catered to an international audience, as Sarah did not footnote to explain what localised references meant (perhaps in the next revision that could be done)? While the first half of the book was amazingly exciting to read, the second was in comparison not as engaging. Perhaps it is none of Sarah's fault that the working woman's lifestyle seemed so much more exciting than the SAHM.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group's Revel Reads Blog Tour Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, August 8, 2016

Review: The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives

The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship that Actually Changes Lives by Peter Scazzero
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I first attempted to read this book in 2015 and now (in 2016) I read it again for the purposes of a school assignment.

While the content is not overly complex, I am quite puzzled as to where Scazzero plants the foundation of his thesis from. My polytechnic diploma in psychology better prepared me to read the book critically and yet I came away quite disappointed. I do understand where he is coming from, basically to embrace the brokenness in you (and your family) and not to work yourself until you have nothing left. I do hope to see some proper citations from the experts in field of psychology to add some credibility to the "emotionally healthy" schema.

The Scripture references were often proof-texts of a point he was trying to make, and after a while I had to force myself to finish the book. Basically if you are looking for a (as the subheading goes) strategy, a work-based step-by-step formula, this is the book for you. But if you are interested in meaty ecclesiology, look up Timothy Keller's Center Church or Edmund Clowney's The Church. See also Carlson and Lueken's Renovation of the Church for an account of how two co-pastors moved away from formulaic style approach to running a church.

To top off my discomfort with this book, Chapter 12 was basically advertisements to Scazzero's other books and programs. I cannot recommend this book because of its questionable psychology, allegorical use of Scripture and outrageous self-publicity.

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Sunday, August 7, 2016

Review: Beloved Mess: God's Perfect Love for Your Imperfect Life

Beloved Mess: God's Perfect Love for Your Imperfect Life Beloved Mess: God's Perfect Love for Your Imperfect Life by Kimm Crandall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some authors dispense advice from a third person perspective, they have neither lived through similar situations or perhaps even journeyed extensively with multiple people in such trying times. Crandall writes from the pain of her depression and struggles to cope with life. The authenticity is alarming for an asian like me to come to terms with, and yet I appreciate how the book is not just a sob story about how terrible her life is - she makes a continual effort to point us back to the gospel.

The book's brevity makes it an apt choice for the non-bookwormish Christian you may want to gift it to. Depression and hard times in life is no respecter of a person's theological grasp and this would cater to the average sister in Christ going through a rough patch. Crandall's citations of quotation and choice of real-life stories from the people she knows to complement each chapter are spot on in engaging my mind, heart and spirit.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Putman on how the devil changes God's definitions

As I reflect upon this profound thought, I'm compelled to consider how very tragic it is for us to have deviated so very far from God's ways. Have imposed our own man-made ideals and made what is actually opinion/feelings into "law"? Is the focus on the surrender of our wills to God, or is it just another strategy to get God to answer our prayers and meet our desires?

Perhaps it is easy to blame the dogmatic church leaders that have nurtured a hatred in me for institutionalized religiosity, but that would be ignore the sinful condition of my wretched heart. Oh Lord, help me to see the folly of my seared conscience and deliver me from the temptations that I feel that I cannot bear. Remind me evermore of the finished work of the cross and the resurrected Christ, that bought my freedom to live for You and to die to self. Amen.

From 69-70 of Power of Together

Worship has become about music that creates feelings rather than about surrender and praise to God. Leadership has become about dictatorship or politics or giving people what they want rather than what God says they need. The church has become a building rather than a body of believers. And love has become a feeling.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Review: Power of Together

Power of Together Power of Together by Jim Putman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Growing up as a Christian, I had never considered the church to be a place whereby it was a family. Leaders who were once upon a time, the most wonderful of spiritual parents or elder siblings, would disappear from life once they were reassigned to other locations or who left for other churches. Yes we were all taught (what I regarded to be spiritual gibberish) about weekly commitment to youth service, morning and evening sunday service and cell group. Because the church lacked a formal membership structure, and yet exercised discipline over extra-biblical matters (issues which do not have a Scriptural basis), I did not see a good reason to want to belong to such a dysfunctional family. Even when I had moved onto another church, I often debated fiercely with the pastoral team about how unconvinced I was of the value of church community. I thus had read this book with relatively sceptical lenses.

I was pleasantly surprised that I had enjoyed the read. I found myself cheering multiple times when Putman would candidly point out what was wrong with the church, but was happily disappointed that he did not share the same hatred and suspicion for the church and its leaders that I used to have. As I read through the book, I was relived to not have read allegorical assertions based on hermeneutically violent twisting of Scripture. Putman masterfully explains Scripture and sprinkles real-life stories from his church community in between the chapters. The accounts were gripping and authentic - not only providing just the heartwarming fairy tale endings, but also the pain and brokenness of the failed attempts to journey with certain individuals in Christian community and in his own family.

I regard myself to be a highly intelligent young thinker, and it is not too often that I would be brought to a position to consider that my theology is faulty. In reflecting about what I had read, I was compelled to reevaluate my attitude of "if I find that something about this church sucks, I'll just leave and go to another, or not to go to any at all." I think that I caught a bit of Putman's deep passion and love for the church. I hated (probably still vehemently dislike) legalism and dogmatic leadership, but I saw how his church community was based on sacrificial love and rock-solid commitment. Because it was not something imposed upon, but an invitation to enter into, it weirdly makes me want to be part of such a family! The follow up action I would take probably would be to read up on other books that talk about church membership to better understand the reason for such a practice.

I heartily recommend this book to all Christians, even those who (like me) are deeply suspicious of and/or have been hurt by Christian institutions and leaders.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Keller on the effect of quick programs on new converts

I am compelled to reflect on my own christian walk as to whether it is a desire to submit to the Lordship of Christ, or if it stems from a desire of seeking my own will be done and demanding that my prayers be answered. Without a weekly exposition of Scripture, and a platform to faithfully apply the principles of the text as a community, we are but a sorry lot - bending the meaning of the original biblical author to try and bring about temporary moralistic behaviour change. Church membership, while it is a new concept to me, seems to be something that I think would be good for me to embark on a journey toward a formation of my heart condition to be more like my Creator's.

From Page 57 of Center Church  

Our truth-allergic, experience-addicted populace wants transformation but doesn't want the loss of freedom and control associated with submitting to authority within a committed community. Many "converts" seem to make decisions for Christ but soon lose their enthusiasm because they are offered quick programs for follow-up and small group fellowship rather than a lifelong, embodied experience of community. Many churches do not even have a process for becoming a member. As a result, converts' lives are often not visibly different from those in the culture around them. The older, more communal processes of traditional churches are better at bringing about a more thorough transformation of life.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Review: The Seven Laws of Love: Essential Principles for Building Stronger Relationships

The Seven Laws of Love: Essential Principles for Building Stronger Relationships The Seven Laws of Love: Essential Principles for Building Stronger Relationships by Dave Willis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Usually when I hear or read often repeated bible stories, usually a sense of excitement would not be the natural response. But Willis is exceptionally good in reintroducing the context in a modern day vernacular that I found myself looking forward to when he would highlight a bible character. Many pastors use the bible passages to illustrate a point in their sermon (I call it violence to Scripture) but what Willis does is exceptional - he utilises popular culture to illustrate the message of the bible in a manner that the modern audience can understand; he ably communicates the original message of the biblical author in the language of today.

Willis is a master story teller - his sharing of anecdotes of friends and family are precise in that they aptly illustrate a substantive he is trying to make (in some other books I read, I scratch my head in bewilderment when I try in vain to figure out why personal accounts were unnecessarily penned into the pages). While I sense that Willis' primary area of ministry is actually marriage counselling, I felt that the book was still highly relevant to both the unmarried and married readers. I especially appreciated the carefully curated list of date-night questions and marriage advice on pages 124-128, which were full of gems of wisdom.

The one section I was apprehensive about, and which led me to rate 4 instead of 5 stars, would be where Willis shared about how they had struggled to listen to his voice to give away their beat-up van to a ministry that needed it badly, and how eventually they received a brand new one as a gift. The account is fine, though I think it is imperative to stress that obedience may not always follow with a "reward" of sorts. Finally, postmodernity has influenced me much more than I would like to admit. And while I am conscious about my decision to take on a more gospel-lensed worldview, a book with the title that screams "LAW" possibly would not appeal to most millennials. Which is a pity, because this is a wonderful little book that I had thoroughly enjoyed. Perhaps "CREED" or "DIRECTIVE" would be potential synonymns to be used in place of "LAW" in subsequent revisions?

I received this book from the Harpercollins’ Booklook Bloggers Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, July 11, 2016

Review: Delivered from the Elements of the World: Atonement, Justification, Mission

Delivered from the Elements of the World: Atonement, Justification, Mission Delivered from the Elements of the World: Atonement, Justification, Mission by Peter J. Leithart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read an average of about a book each week, and this masterpiece from Leithart has got to be one of the highlights! The last time a book made such a profound impact on me, calling me to reflect critically and deeply, was probably when I read Edmund Clowney's The unfolding mystery (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...). This is first time I've read a book by Leithart, and my curiosity has been quipped to find out how his other more popular works are like!

Delivered from the Elements of the World is an exhaustive work dripping with biblical theology. If the popular books are a one course meal, bible scholars would find that this is a delicious buffet spread. Leithart skillfully communicates complex theological concepts in a manner that most lay people would still find highly accessible. For me, this is a wonderful example of vigourous Christian scholarship written with spirit-led conviction and wrapped with Christ-like gentleness.

I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. In time to come, even if I have to pare down my theological library, it has a very secure spot. I heartily recommend it primarily to bible scholars, and also to well-read laypeople.

I received this book from InterVarsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, July 3, 2016

Review: Healing Breakthrough

Healing Breakthrough Healing Breakthrough by Randy Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was horrified when Clark described his allegorical handling of a bible passage as "typological" (p29). In fact, I was so incensed that I put the book down and only managed to force myself, a week later, to finish reading it so I could write the review and get rid of it. ‎‎

I was amused to find that Clark too was not in favour of hype (Chapters 4 & 5). I had assumed that "these hyper-Charismatic types" would be cozying up with the over dramatisation of hype as readily as with the violence to Scripture.‎

When I picked the book up the second time, ‎I was extremely cautious of what I would read and had expected to give the book a 1 or 2 star rating. Clark's sincere sharing of his journey with healing did not "weird me out‎." Rather, I found that I was often reflecting upon and reconsidering my own Theological position on healing (that prayer would be for a desire more for God than the healing; that a heavenly grace be granted in the pain and suffering rather the removal of the latter). I was surprised and rather pleased by the substantial discussion about unanswered prayer (Chapter 21), which I presumed would often be a taboo topic in healing circles.‎

This skeptic‎ found that he was thoroughly blessed by and was sincerely surprised to have enjoyed the read.‎ If Clark or the publishers correct the wrong use of "typological," I'd be happy to revise my rating to 5 stars. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to all Christians, to the reformed and the charismatic, to the liberal and the conservative. Ministers and Pastors should find the book especially helpful.

I received this book from ‎Baker Publishing Group's Chosen Divison Blogger Review Program‎ for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Review: Dispensationalism and the History of Redemption: A Developing and Diverse Tradition

Dispensationalism and the History of Redemption: A Developing and Diverse Tradition Dispensationalism and the History of Redemption: A Developing and Diverse Tradition by D. Jeffrey Bingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I compare this book to my immense Theology Journal Bundle on logos bible software, I appreciated so much more the immense effort put in to consolidate the essays of the various theologians (and the subsequent editing and arranging into an easy-to-follow sequence). Having completed a position paper for a Systematic Theology 3 module on a millennial view, I did not eventually subscribe to the dispensational view. And yet I thoroughly appreciate the systematic and comprehensible flow of the content in this book. I had a terrible time trying to search and then organise the various essays sifting through decades of journal articles. But the editors have done all the hard work for me here!

Often I felt that the essay writers were on the defensive, (perhaps very much aware of the various criticisms on the dispensational view in modern theological scholarship) but eventually it seemed that the positive matter (substantives) were provided as much as the negative matter (rebuttals). Sections of the book I enjoyed were the introductory essay (Chapter 1), the history of dispensationalism (Chapter 3). Students and lecturers of the Eschatological topics in Systematic Theology would find "Dispensationalism and views of redemption history" (Chapter 9) especially useful; although the findings slant toward one millennial view, the broad overview of the others provide a quick and handy introduction.

Finally, no matter which millennial view you hold, Eugene Merrill's "God's Plan for History Prior to Christ" (Chapter 5) and Darrel Bock's "God's plan for history: the first coming of Christ" (Chapter 6) are excellent essays that teachers and preachers would find extremely useful in equipping their flocks in various topics - Biblical Theology, Covenant Theology and perhaps even Old Testament Introduction. Scholars too should enjoy the refreshingly light read of these two chapters, especially after having attempted to read through scholarly works with overly technical and complex treatises of such-and-such millenial views.

I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, June 27, 2016

Review: They Were Christians: The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women Who Changed the World

They Were Christians: The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women Who Changed the World They Were Christians: The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women Who Changed the World by Crist Krusen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After having read the book, I was compelled to rethink how I have been and want to live this short fleeting life of mine. Not merely for others to remember me after my death, but rather do I desire as much as the 8 Christians in the book, to live a life as meaningful and fulfilling as them. I've never heard of most of their names before, and was highly encouraged by the love put into these short biographies. Krusen does a fine job of providing an interesting introduction of each character from how they influenced his own life or how he had known of them. And after the biographical entry, he pens his reflection, which were often helpful in my own consolidation of thoughts. The editing work is top notch and I found the content thoroughly engaging and inspiring. Krusen writes intelligibly and yet with fine brevity. I heartily recommend this book to both laymen and scholars alike.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Friday, June 17, 2016

Review: Liberating King: Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Sin

Liberating King: Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Sin Liberating King: Breaking Free from the Tyranny of Sin by Stephen Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miller mixes up stories from movies, the bible, the lives of his friends, accounts of famous missionaries/christians and his own struggles in this little book. Miller is often straight to the point, and utilises accessible (jargon free) language. I enjoyed the journey Miller took me on the book and was heartened by the reminder in the last chapter to look beyond the immensely difficult times of this life and instead to the worship in time eternal. I had read, studied and heard the book of Revelation intensely and yet somehow my heart had forgotten how to worship.

While I look forward to a more thorough and theologically beefier revised version, I recognise that the target audience is one that the average Christian theologian could reach. Weighing in at a slim 121 pages, it is ideal for people who do not usually go to their local church library or christian bookstore to pick up books to read. Its brevity thus makes it an ideal gift to other believers.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, June 12, 2016

Review: Finding God in the Hard Times: Choosing to Trust and Hope When You Can't See the Way

Finding God in the Hard Times: Choosing to Trust and Hope When You Can't See the Way Finding God in the Hard Times: Choosing to Trust and Hope When You Can't See the Way by Matt Redman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matt and Beth Redman's mix in personal struggles, stories of close friends and historical Christian figures with Scripture as they walk through the various stanzas of the song they composed titled "Blessed be your name." It was only when I was through two thirds of the book that I recognised that the content was very similar - I had actually read the previous edition (titled Blessed be your name by Regal Books). The Redmans write simply and authentically; you can be rest assured there are no mighty theological terms that would require you to look up a dictionary. As suffering and difficult times is no discriminator of persons, this tiny little book therefore is an ideal gift for people who do not usually pick up books to read.

I received this book from the Baker Publishing Group's Bethany House Division Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Sunday, June 5, 2016

Review: Renovate: Changing Who You Are by Loving Where You Are

Renovate: Changing Who You Are by Loving Where You Are Renovate: Changing Who You Are by Loving Where You Are by Léonce B. Crump Jr.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just last night I was discussing about the increasingly expensive price of homes in Singapore and how I desired to buy 2 room flats (the second smallest type of public housing available) but they were only reserved for those about aged 55. My friend was cautioning me about whether my wife would feel safe coming home (given the demographics of the neighbours) and if I would be at ease letting her return alone.

Using the case study of his own city of Atlanta, he proposes that we should find out the history of our cities. Like Greenfield (in Subversive Jesus), Crump Jr. intentionally uprooted his family to live in an area that was unsafe for his family, and how they persevered in spite of seemingly bleak situations. He candidly shares about his mother's accounts of racial discrimination, and his struggles with encountering such treatment today.

Growing up as the majority race in Singapore, where the entire city-state underwent concurrent third-to-first world development, Crump Jr. helped me gentrification in a whole new light, not just as a theory from my human geography syllabus, but the real-life impact to the people undergoing it. While I especially appreciate the efforts to ground the book in Scripture, I was not persuaded that the author is truly zealous about the cause he is writing about. At least it did seem to be conveyed through the pages of the book; I did not sense that the primary was one of his consuming passions. Hence I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from the Crown Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Saturday, May 28, 2016

Review: The Incomparable Christ

The Incomparable Christ The Incomparable Christ by John R.W. Stott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Of the hundreds, if not thousands of books I have read, this has got to be one of the finest. I first chanced upon a daily devotional (written by a certain John Stott) that was donated to my school library. As the part-time librarian, I skimmed through a few pages to size up if the book should be put into circulation or sold. The result? I was so mightily impressed by the overall biblical theological format and the theological richness in the individual pages, that I ordered one copy for my personal use. The book? Through the Bible, Through the Year: Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelation (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...)

Stott (and his editorial team) have married brevity with brilliant scholarship. The Incomparable Christ is made up of 4 sections, all of which pack so much substance into so very little (number of) pages. Stott somehow managed to keep me intellectually engaged and emotionally excited to continue reading when three quarters of the book contain topics that I naturally do not find much interest in. In sections 2 (church history) and 3 ("fathers of the faith"), I was continually reflecting about and even inspired by the content.

While not one of my favourite books of the bible, I have had to study parts of the book of Revelation extensively for the purposes of completing course requirements (and have also twice listened to D A Carson's 26 lectures on Revelation). I have found that most of the top scholars who have written commentaries on Revelation to be extremely difficult to understand; I often found myself wondering why did they have to make the commentary so complicated and cryptic. In section 4, Stott on the other hand, has taken a lifetime of research and study, conveying just the the cream of (probably after years of painful deliberation on the many conflicting views) his positions in a concise, highly accessible format.

While easily comprehensible, such a wide-breadth-ed book on the incomparable Christ calls us to read it many times over. It would be a pity to just leave it on our shelves. Thank you Pastor John, for leaving this most wonderful labour of love for generations to be challenged with and blessed by. I'd imagine that laypeople, scholars, and pastors all should find something from the book that they would be able to take away. For me, it was the majesty of the matchless Christ who lovingly calls me to come and die and follow him.

I received this book from InterVarsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Friday, May 27, 2016

Review: Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World

Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World by Zondervan Publishing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This books ranks among a very select few in my bookshelf - those which I regard to be 6 stars. If Scripture is meant not only for knowledge but application, Greenfield candidly shares his struggles in obeying and applying God's word. Many books would focus on the theological necessity of justice and mercy ministries, and attempt to persuade the average educated, well-to-do (and relatively wealthy) Christian to action. But taking his wife and two young children in on the act as well, living in the neighbourhood of the poor in the slums of Cambodia and the inner-city of Canada, there is nothing to debate or argue in defense. Rather, I felt invited by the Holy Spirit to consider whether I have been faithful and obedient to God's call for me in my lifetime. At no point in the book did I feel preached at or guilt-tripped. Greenfield comes across as authentic, honest and loving, as he sought to communicate God's heart for the marginalized. While I thoroughly enjoyed the read, more importantly, I was compelled to reflect on my own life and my future goals. I heartily recommend this book to all Christians.

I received this book from the Harpercollins’ Booklook Bloggers Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Greenfield on bandaid charity

I was compelled to reflect on this heart-wrenching paragraph on two levels. First was how I am so very thankful about Lee Kuan Yew's vision to provide public housing, education and healthcare for every Singaporean. In Singapore, while there are those who fall through the cracks of the social/welfare nets, I am heartened that at least slums, drugs and gang violence are not as serious as in some other countries.

Secondly, I was grieved by the sorry state of justice and mercy ministries by the local church. While Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC) is one of the few that stand out for the boots on the ground, I am aggrieved by the one-off "charity" events during festive seasons. How is it that I could have grown up in church and not caught God's heart for the poor? Surely it should take the form of a long term or even permanent ministry? It is indeed easy to criticise the efforts of others, but rather than discussing the theological necessity of justice ministries, Greenfield was compelled by Scripture to uproot his family to live among and be a blessing in the slums of Cambodia and Canada. There is nothing to argue when somebody lives life like that; rather, we are posed with the question of whether we have been faithful and obedient to God's call for us in our lifetime.

I recognise my anger and discontent that a HDB flat (in the areas I'm looking at) has gone by about 40% since 2006. I cannot believe that I'm going to spend so many years slogging my guts out just to own a home. While I had hoped to purchase a 5 room or Executive apartment so as to have extra rooms to host friends and missionaries from overseas, the exorbitant price of HDB flats make 3 and 4 room flats as a more realistic choice. And that would mean that we probably wont be able to host as many as we had hoped to. I pray that the pressures of my own financial needs do not drown out the just-as-important need to use God's money on a group of people that is very close to his heart - the poor.


From Page 110 of Subversive Jesus

"By shuffling the hungry into soup kitchens, charity placates the downtrodden and assures that the rest of us won't need to be bothered by protests or unruly behavior. Meanwhile, temporary homeless shelters have become substitutes for a housing sector that includes affordable housing for the poor. Food banks and soup kitchens have become substitutes for affordable, nutritious food and livable wages. Tutoring has become a substitute for an education system meant to serve everyone. Free clinics and emergency rooms have become substitutes for affordable healthcare for the poor and unemployed."

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Review: (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things

(Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things by Steven Furtick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a breath of fresh air to see a charismatic/pentecostal preacher discuss about the brokenness in his life, the struggles of ministry, weight of expectation from other people, and in an authentic and vulnerable manner at that! Furtick's title of the book was actually an adjective by which a theologian had labelled him with (during an interview). I was also pleasantly surprised to read that Furtick regards salvation to be a process (p127-134), which is a view more commonly held by reformed theologians/pastors.

The preacher often needs a quotable quote that the congregation would be able to take away, and Furtick does not disappoint with "God can't bless who you pretend to be." I recognise the importance of this one liner in the charismatic/pentecostal church (which I grew up in), and weakeness and struggles are often kept secret so as to portray a perfect facade for others to see. On this topic, I appreciate his frank discussion by using the illustrations of the Frustrating Furtick, Future Furtick and Fake Furtick. He also authentically recounts stories about his two boys, which casts them in a light that they would probably be embarrassed about when they grow older; I applaud him for his courage to show that pastor's kids are human and carnal, but more importantly reveal his secure identity in Christ and the resulting heart condition of not needing to put up a "perfect" front of his family to the world.

Furtick's strength is his understanding of and utility of pop-culture references to illustrate its dangers (UFC fights, Pintrest Fails, #goals). He is also gifted in his ability to take "famous" bible stories, of Moses and the burning bush, Gideon, Joseph, Solomon, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah, Laban and Rachel, etc., and retell them in an engaging manner that is highly accessible to the often biblically illiterate average Christian. I was however uncomfortable with the allegorical approach of citing Jesus' parable about the talents in Matt 25 to symbolize "all our God-given resources-time, money, energy, abilities, and yes, talents" (p50). With Jesus' original context being money, I hope that in subsequent revisions Furtick would explain how did he apply the parable to so many other different contexts.

That was the one blip in an otherwise wonderful book which I found thoroughly enjoyable. I heartily recommend this book! I received this book from the Crown Publishing Group's Blogging for Books program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

Review: Heavenly Help: Experiencing the Holy Spirit in Everyday Life

Heavenly Help: Experiencing the Holy Spirit in Everyday Life Heavenly Help: Experiencing the Holy Spirit in Everyday Life by Sarah Bowling
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Would really have appreciated an introduction to the book whereby Bowling would, at the start of the book, clearly highlight the allegorical nature of the fictional storyline of Ruth and Naomi. Somehow I had missed that part and had a rude shock when I found out in the last chapter. What I had thought to be an amazing and authentic recounting of a real life friendship turned out to be just a fairy tale. While I did feel cheated (although due to my own fault of not reading more conscientiously), I really did enjoy the story though!

The book's primary thesis would probably be the importance and joy of living a life that is sensitive and obedient to to Holy Spirit. As Bowling does not attempt to engage in complicated theological discussion, the book is suitable for readers with sparse bible knowledge, i.e. new believers or even Christians who have yet to receive formal theological/seminary training.

While easy to read and not too lengthy, I was bothered by the many attempts at lexical theology, i.e. trying to explain the Greek meaning of a word to illustrate a point. As my hermeneutics professor pointed out, the non-Greek and non-Hebrew students/scholars often give themselves away by doing that; those well versed with the bible languages are able to explain and persuade using english words. For an important caution, see D A Carson's Exegetical Fallacies (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59...).

I am concerned why Bowling had to use fictional stories when personal testimonies would have added so much more credibility and encouragement to those who struggle with listening to and obeying to the voice of the Holy Spirit. This and coupled with the problematic lexical theologies, make me hesitant to recommend this book. Hopefully in subsequent revisions, Bowling would be able to share more of her real-life testimonies and experiences.

p.s. If I could think of a person who walks and talks and lives a life in tune with the Spirit's voice, Sis Margaret Seaward comes to mind. While you probably would not be able to find books written by her, she ministers and lectures in churches and bible schools in Singapore and Malaysia. Hopefully she would be able to pen down her testimonies and real-life encounters with the Holy Spirit so that generations across the world would be blessed and encouraged.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group's Chosen Books Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Saturday, May 7, 2016

Review: Too Busy Not to Pray

Too Busy Not to Pray Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pastor Hybels shares authentically about his personal journey in prayer, with most anecdotes being real-life events that occurred in interaction with people he knows. The book has plenty of advice for Christians to consider implementing. As with any other books authored by Hybels, the style is engaging and lively, the content is highly accessible to the lay Christian. For example, Bible stories quoted are often paraphrased with dialogue that modern believers can immediately understand. Hybels also does not shy away from the difficult discussion of when God does not answer prayer. In fact, I felt that he did so in a sensitive and pastoral manner.

While I thoroughly enjoyed his books on leadership (most of which I regard to be 6 out 5 stars), this book did not venture into deep exegetical or theological discussion. Well, that is probably due to Hybels being a pastor rather than a bible scholar. For the purposes of a small group study, perhaps this book could be used as introductory material to James Bryan Smith's Apprentice Series (https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Ja...) or one of Kenneth Boa's books on spiritual formation. But it would be inaccurate for me to conclude that the book suffers from the serious deficiency of a watering down of the gospel. I came away with a renewed commitment to pray and found many practical suggestions extremely useful. To highlight a couple, it would be reflect on the previous day in the prayer journal so as to examine our lives, and that we could pray whenever we are commuting or going about our daily lives.

I received this book from InterVarsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Friday, April 29, 2016

Review: Distinctly You: Trading Comparison and Competition for Freedom and Fulfillment

Distinctly You: Trading Comparison and Competition for Freedom and Fulfillment Distinctly You: Trading Comparison and Competition for Freedom and Fulfillment by Cheryl Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Martin delivered a far better book than I had anticipated, because as I guy, I was skeptical about the cursive font on the front and back page. As a bible school student, theological errors would be sniffed out by almost subconsciously. I'm extremely pleased to find that even the reformed scholar in me did not sound any alarm bells even as Martin cited from many many bible texts and covered a wide base of topics.

I throughly enjoyed the book and somehow wished that book would be less girly so that guys would also get the chance to be blessed by Martin's rich sharing. Her background as a journalist and news anchor shone through the text - at no point did I feel that she used more words that she needed or struggling to keep me interested. Perhaps the book is a the product of countless rewrites and faultless editing? This is definitely a book that I would keep in mind as a possible gift to my gal friends. There is after all, not too many books that I would give a 5 star rating to!

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group's Bethany House Division for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Review: The Cross before Constantine: The Early Life of a Christian Symbol

The Cross before Constantine: The Early Life of a Christian Symbol The Cross before Constantine: The Early Life of a Christian Symbol by Bruce W. Longenecker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An extremely technical book that bible scholars would find useful for research purposes. The generous amount of pictures complements the thorough research and referencing of modern bible commentators, ancient bible historians and non-canonical books. The amount of background study and seamless arrangement into an extremely easy-to-read format is astounding and commendable. The book most definitely was a labour of love.

Longenecker puts forth a simple proposition, that the cross was recognised and used as a Christian symbol even before used it for his political ends. I'll stop here in case I spoil your enjoyment of being taken through the journey in the unfolding chapters. if you have read the book, it would go a long way into prompting you to reconsider the plausibility of a widely retold Christian myth.

A side observation is that the book is printed on very good quality paper with excellent crisp and solid ink.

I received this book from Augsburg Fortress Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Monday, April 25, 2016

Review: 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves

20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves by Kelli Worrall
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Maybe the book would appeal to their students, or to those people who are under their ministry, but I as a person who have not heard of who the authors were, found their illustrations and anecdotes from their lives not too captivating or engaging. After the 10th or so "thing," it took great amounts of determination to continue reading. Most books I rate at 5 stars would either be breathtakingly theological or passionately practical. This book suffers from not focusing on either.

This book was a challenge to read. I felt that the two authors could put in more effort into co-writing, rather than trying to mesh two separate scripts together. Because the book is based on the superstructure or foundation of their personal lives, many stories were repeated and after a while I was irritated as to how did the authors and the editors kept harping on those same illustrations. Well, I guess perhaps issues like these are bound to occur in a book's first edition, and could be weeded out in subsequent revisions. For an example of a book that had content woven seamlessly by two authors, check out Longman III and Allender's Breaking the Idols of Your Heart (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...)

One good idea that I took away from the book was the extra reading suggestion feature at the end of every chapter, where the authors suggest other books or bible passages for further reading.

I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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