The Jesus You Can’t Ignore by John MacArthur

This book refutes the notion that Jesus was meek and mild in the sense that He tolerated everyone and castigated no one. It carefully builds the case that Jesus was not always nice, demonstrated particularly in His dealings with the religious leaders of His day, whom He decried in the strongest terms. While Jesus was never pugnacious, neither was He tame.

This book was enlightening to me only in the sense that, while I knew that the general culture values “tolerance” and “diversity”, I was not aware there exists a great deal of pressure in evangelical circles to be accepting of all religious persuasions. I do not move in such circles nor have I read about such pressure, so this was news to me.

MacArthur’s most recent work would be persuasive to someone who believed Jesus would not disagree with, much less dishonor, anyone who opposed Him. If that is a belief you hold, then this book is for you. If you do not have such a question, MacArthur’s book is hardly interesting, as it speaks convincingly about something you already believe.

I found the book repetitive, with the result it was longer and less effective than it could have been. While it presents biblical truth accurately, I did not find it appealing.

Chronological Guide to the Bible

In a unique approach to the Bible, this book lays out history from Creation to A.D. 100 in nine epochs. Into each epoch is fit each book of the Bible, with an outline of each book and a summary of authorship, date, purpose and audience. So, for example, Epoch One includes sections called “Before the Patriarchs”, “The Beginnings of Human Civilization”, and then “The Book of Genesis”, with subsections, “The Creator God is Not Sun or Moon,” “Where was Eden?”, “Records of the Descendants,” “The Flood Through Other Eyes”, “The First World Empire,” “The First Major City,” and “Babel and Its Tower.”

Much information about world history and world cultures is included in this book. Because of the book’s layout, which, instead of looking like chapters, appears more like patchwork on pages, both in content and in style, the book reads like a research or resource book rather than a textbook. It is not a book easily read from cover to cover but more the kind of book you pick up as you begin to study a book of the Bible so that you gain a little insight into historical context.

The sections on the epistles often include just a couple of subjects in addition to the summary and outline, so the intent of this book is obviously not to provide extensive commentary. For example, the section on Ephesians includes only one topical section, “Wives Submitting to Husbands”.

The Guide is 217 pages for the Bible’s 66 books, so it is does not aim to be exhaustive.

I do not believe this book would be helpful to someone not thoroughly acquainted with the Bible. The brevity of some of the commentary assumes the reader has a broad background of Bible knowledge. For example, one of the sections for Acts is called “The Day of Pentecost,” and it begins, “The Day of Pentecost came 50 days after the offering of the firstfruits (Lev. 23:10, 15, 16) at the Passover observances. It was a celebration of the wheat harvest, with pilgrims gathering from various nations of the Roman world. . . .” I think only someone acquainted with the Old Testament would understand this; a new(ish) believer likely would not be enlightened.

I recommend this guide to those who need a little brushing up on the background of each biblical book.

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh

Sheila Walsh’s latest book looks at 12 Bible characters through the lens of trust. In her usual way, Sheila’s depth of insight into circumstances and characters makes the stories come alive. Sheila is a very practical woman, and she always writes about how the Bible applies to us in our challenging situations.

The author addresses particular aspects of life where trust is needed, such as when we need courage, are broken, hunger to belong, have broken dreams, are in pain, are in darkness, are fearful, need to start again, and when we have a lot to lose. Spending a chapter on each challenge, Sheila Walsh uses the well known, such as Paul, Gideon, and Joseph, and the obscure, such as Tabitha, to show us how their lives demonstrated a trust in God we would do well to emulate.

One of my favorite chapters, “Is It Ever Too Late to Start Again? The Beauty of a Last Chance,” demonstrated how God never rejected disobedient Samson.

This book held my interest, was enlightening by bringing Bible characters to life, and effectively conveyed biblical truth. I recommend this book highly to anyone facing issues of trust.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

This 350-page devotional book aims to show how God’s love infuses every circumstance. The author paraphrases and expounds on Scriptures that address certain situations, emotions, and attitudes, such as trials, the future, brokenness, fear, endurance, and victorious living. She does an admirable job of applying the Word. Each devotional is written as if God is speaking to the reader.

One example of a good application is this, from page 146: “If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. . . . To live at peace with everyone, you need to control not only what you say and do but also what you think. It’s common to assume that your thoughts about others don’t matter much, as long as you keep them to yourself. However, I am fully aware of all your thoughts. When you indulge in negative thinking about someone, your relationship with that person is damaged. Those hurtful thoughts also affect your relationship with me, and they may have a depressive effect on you. . . .” Again and again, the author brings this kind of wisdom, depth, and insight to her subject.

This book could bring comfort, inspiration, and encouragement to any Christian reader. It is thought provoking, concise, and edifying. I highly recommend it.

Derailed by Tim Irwin

This book describes how unaddressed character flaws lead to failure, illustrated by six stories from the corporate world. Irwin discusses how the lack of authenticity, self-awareness and self-management, humility, or courage can easily lead to disaster. He encourages habits of openness, awareness, listening to early warning systems, accountability, and resiliency as safeguards against the flaws. Irwin includes personal and practical steps for self-evaluation.

Irwin's book held my interest, as it is written fairly concisely. Conveying biblical truth did not seem to be a goal of this book, although the Bible was mentioned a few times.

I would recommend this book if one is wondering about the effect of circumstances on character.

The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville

Working from the premise that respect is “the most forgotten element of success”, the author emphasizes the importance of this trait at home, in relationship, at school, in business, in leadership, and, most particularly, in self. Deborah Norville talks about the difference respect makes in each of those areas, giving examples of people who demonstrated respect for others and self or who made changes, particularly in institutions such as schools and workplaces, which fostered desired changes.

The author addresses the topic of respect in a systematic, thorough way which helpful challenges and hints. One of her most powerful chapters is the last one on self-respect, in which she outlines a grid through which to view yourself, analyzing yourself for strengths and for areas needing improvement.

This book kept my interest. While it does not overtly that about the Bible, it does appropriately quote Scripture, alongside other helpful thoughts, to emphasize the importance of respect. If the need for respect is a topic which intrigues you, this book can be a help.

I do think it is a symptom of how far our society has degenerated that there now needs to be a book about a topic which was automatically ingrained in every citizen only a few short decades ago. I find that distressing and sad.

Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein

This is the story of Austin Gutwein, an adolescent who, in 2004 as a nine year old, felt moved by God to do something to help AIDS orphans in Africa. A conversation with a staff member from the relief organization World Vision crystallized Austin’s desire and gave him direction through one simple question: “What do you like to do?” Austin had a passion for basketball, even though he wasn’t very good at it. He decided to have the equivalent of a personal walkathon, a free-throw marathon called Hoops for Hope. His idea caught fire, and thousands of these are now held in a many countries, raising millions of dollars for Africa.

Austin tells his story in a very thoughtful, engaging way, with a fresh approach to some old ideas. His word picture of “expiring milk” to describe the fact that everything but people and the Word of God will perish is brilliant. Skillfully woven into this book are two themes: Austin’s story and how your story, whatever it is, can be used by God in good ways, even if they are small ways. Austin even makes the point that God is big on small, secret ways.

Take Your Best Shot is both interesting and challenging. Each chapter is followed by better-than-usual thought-provoking questions. Biblical truth is well presented.

Take Your Best Shot is aimed toward a younger audience, but it has something beneficial to say to everyone. At the least, it shows what can happen when one young boy gives his all to God, not unlike the young boy with the loaves and fishes in the Gospels.