THE WAY OF THE DRAGON OR THE WAY OF THE LAMB

Monday, March 27, 2017

THE WAY OF THE DRAGON
OR THE WAY OF THE LAMB
Searching For Jesus' Path Of Power
In A Church That Has Abandoned It
By Jamin Goggin and Kyle Strobel

OVERVIEW: In The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb, Goggin and Strobel paint a richly biblical vision of power through weakness. They invite readers to join them on an adventure around the world, seeking out great sages of the faith with uncommon wisdom to offer those traveling the path of Christian life. As readers eavesdrop on the authors’ conversations with people such as J. I. Packer, Dallas Willard, Marva Dawn, John Perkins, Jean Vanier, James Houston, and Eugene Peterson, they begin to piece together the new-old reality of following Jesus today. In the end, The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb offers a compelling vision of the way of Jesus that will challenge both individual believers and the church as a whole.

AUTHORS: JAMIN GOGGIN serves as a pastor at Mission Hills Church in San Marcos, California. He is the coauthor of Beloved Dust: Drawing Close to God by Discovering the Truth About Yourself. Jamin holds a master's degree in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Jamin and his family live in Escondido, California. KYLE STROBEL serves as an assistant professor of spiritual theology and formation at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and on the preaching team at Redeemer Church, LaMirada, California.He holds a BA in Biblical Studies, master's degrees in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics as well as New Testament Studies, and a PhD in Systematic Theology. He is the author of several books. Kyle and his family live in Fullerton, California.

MY REVIEW: Author, Nish Weiseth calls this "One of the most unique, yet profound books I've read in years. What a monumental book. A must-read." Trusting his judgement, I couldn't wait to read it. I was not disappointed.

One of the things I liked most about the book was the interviews. They interviewed seven spiritual giants: Marva Dawn, J.I. Packer, James Houston, John Perkins, Jean Vanier, Eugene Peterson and Dallas Willard. They listened and then they wrote. Their analysis is sobering and challenging. "This book is a necessary call for the church to seek its power in the Spirit, not in the celebrity culture of a lost world."

This splendid book begins with a brief but powerful introduction: Seeking The Way. Part 1: Discovering The Way is divided into five chapters. Part 2: Embracing The Way also has five chapters. The Conclusion: Living The way, is worth the price of the book.

Author Collin Hansen wrote, "You need this book. I need this book. We all need this book." I agree.

(I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review.) 

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GOD

Friday, March 17, 2017

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GOD
(But Were Afraid To Ask)
By Eric Metaxas

OVERVIEW: Who doesn't have questions about God? But where in the world can you go to get answers? Eric Metaxas has been there, so he gets it. That's why he's written this shockingly down-to-earth book on the big questions everyone asks (but not always out loud). Totally conversational and sometimes flat-out-hilarious, book asks questions like, "How can a good God create a world that has evil and suffering? Is God anti-sex? What's the real story on miracles? and many more.

AUTHOR: Eric Metaxas is the best-selling author of several books, including Bonhoeffer, Amazing Grace, Miracles, Seven Men, Seven Women and If you Can Keep It. He is the host of The Eric Metaxas Show, a nationally syndicated daily radio program. Metaxas is also the founder and host of Socrates in the City, the acclaimed series of conversations on "life, God, and other small topics."He is a senior fellow and lecturer at large at the King's College in New York City, where he lives with his wife and daughter.

MY REVIEW: Author and Pastor, Timothy Keller says that it is difficult not to gush over this book. I agree. Starting with the first question, "How Can You Prove God's Existence?' to question number 20, "What Makes Conversion Real?'' Metaxas will hold your interest and satisfy your desire to understand things you always wanted to know about God. You may not have been afraid to ask but maybe you didn't know who to ask. Now you know. New York times best-selling author, Eric Metaxas give his answer to twenty difficult questions about God. I think you will be pleased, if not with all, most of his answers.

Editor of Books and Culture, John Wilson said, "Eric Metaxas has written a book about God based on questions that people are actually asking. His answers are pithy, practical, often funny (who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?), and true. This is a splendidly unconventional introduction to the Christian faith." I agree. I also like actor, Kirk Cameron's idea of giving Eric's excellent book to friends and family. I recommend we all do that.

(I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.)