Review: Essential Worship by Greg Scheer

In the first third of "Essential Worship," Greg Scheer makes some excellent points in defining worship and its part in God's plan. However, as the "handbook" progresses, Scheer gets caught up in obvious, minute details such as how to consider incorporating dance and the arts into a service and the best setup of chairs and stage space - topics which could be interesting in a philosophical and ideological realm, but not so much in technical descriptions (easy, but boring to read). The author's own reformed theology, while not bothersome to me, was also an obvious influence throughout. The book is certainly written with a worship pastor or worship student in mind, but the first half of the book is worth reading if you are trying to get a stronger perspective on biblical worship, and Scheer is very good about providing both recommendations for additional resources and about including diagrams and illustrations.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free. All opinions are my own.

Devotional Review: Remember and Return

In "Remember and Return," John MacArthur lays out who Christ is, what He does for us, and how we should respond. The devotional is basically a plan of salvation for those who are not Christians and a "rekindling" of love for God for believers. It's nothing you haven't read before, but it's written with eloquence, and the topics are foundational to the Christian faith. This is the kind of devotional I can get behind. It's more than a page. It includes references to multiple Bible verses, their context, and their original Greek meanings. It is deep and thoughtful. And for those who actually like traditional devotionals, it still includes a daily verse and challenge.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free. All opinions are my own.

Review: NKJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print

The NKJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print features lines in the margins for journaling. Do not be fooled by the sample image, though. The image features an example of "coloring-book" journaling, but any illustrations will have to be made by yourself. The large print could also be a a bit larger. But the hard cover is beautiful (and looks just like the picture) and good quality (it will last). I'm also grateful to have this in the NKJV. I have a similar journal Bible that is NIV, which is not my favorite version since the latest update to the translation.

*Disclaimer: All opinions are my own. I received this book for free.

Review: Restoring Christmas

Novellas usually have little character development due to lack of space, but I love them anyway - especially Christmas novellas. But "Restoring Christmas" is a nice surprise. Author Cynthia Ruchti gives readers that home-grown warmth and detailed character backgrounds. The romantic leads, Alexis and Gabe, both have dark pasts that enable them to connect as he films and she designs for a home restoration project. The landowner, Elsie, also grows on readers as we learn small bits of her family history. There were a few small details that bothered me about the book, however. At the start, Gabe is the one more sensitive to Elsie's feelings, but about half way through he trades places with Alexis in that regard. There were also a few moments when I had trouble connecting the dots or following what was happening. Still, "Restoring Christmas" is a lovely story about putting others first and moving past material desires during the holidays. Ruchti also includes subtle, but strong Christian themes.

*I received this book for free. All opinions are my own.

Review: First Words of Jesus

"First Words of Jesus" is a refreshing overview of the nativity story and its connection to Jesus' final days on earth. Author Stu Epperson, Jr. does tend to be a bit repetitive, and some of his points are a stretch, but perhaps that is the radio host in him coming out. I did appreciate Epperson's use of Scripture, old hymns, and lesser known facts, but all the extras seemed like a bit much. Each chapter begins with a few quotes and ends with a few pages of relevant verses and dull discussion questions. Epperson organizes the book based on Jesus' questions to his parents when they find him at the temple. Basically, Epperson connects Joseph, Mary and the rest to the need to seek Christ and then focuses the end of his book on Jesus' mission. Epperson offers several subtle opportunities for the unbelieving reader to accept Christ. To be honest, I did not get much out of this book, but I believe it to be a good Christmas read and perhaps a good choice as a gift for someone interested in learning about the Christian perspective on Christmas.

*All opinions are my own. I received this book for free.

Review: NIV Faith and Work Bible

As a fairly conservative Christian working in a very liberal theatre environment, a Bible with insights on faith in work has great appeal. There is great potential for discussion of cultural issues and spiritual warfare here. However, the NIV Faith and Work Bible seems more interested in giving theological points on how our day to day work is a part of God's greater plan.

David Kim's introduction states the editors' goal was to incorporate the redemption of our motivations, relationships and world. Essays in the back of the Bible give a bit more insight on why editors focused on the Gospel story and doctrinal standards, but honestly I expected more general principles and perhaps Biblical character examples. Reading through the notes, I found more than I expected from an initial scan, but I still wanted more.

Here are a few additional pros and cons of this edition:

- The layout and larger print work very well for easy reading and a pleasant feel
- The "storyline" sections (basically bullet points of the Bible's events) spread throughout seem more written for beginners in the faith an felt unnecessary
- Examples from specific professions will appeal to visual and emotional learners, but felt irrelevant and uninformative to me
- Book introductions could have been organized into sections and had little to say about faith and work
- The inserts on doctrine are sparse and include only a paragraph or two that specifically apply the topic to faith and work

*Disclaimer: I received this Bible from BookLookBloggers. All opinions are my own.

Review: Culture by A.W. Tozer

"Culture" is a compilation of various A.W. Tozer works, but the selections are poorly organized and occasionally disconnected from the subject matter. I do, however, enjoy Tozer's philosophical style. He has an eloquent way with words, and although he rarely uses Scripture, he has a firm grasp of orthodox Christianity. "Culture" discusses the following:

- Worship in everyday life as Jesus chooses to involve us in his plans
- Changing the Bible to fit modern sensibilities and why that does not work
- What the church should look like
- What the church does look like when shallow and modified for culture's sake
- Patient courage of the Christian
- The world as a spiritual battleground
- False security and wealth and position
- The modern church's wrong desire to do good without submitting to Christ's lordship
- Son of earth versus son of heaven
- The difficulties of the Christian life
- And more.

So this is a good book, but readers may learn more from reading these selections in their full context.

*Disclaimer: I received this book from Moody Publishers. All opinions are my own.