Modern Day Book of Martyrs??

The Global War on Christians by John L. Allen, Jr. could be described as a modern-day Foxe's Book of Martyrs.  He makes a valiant attempt at documenting the war on Christians (that term is used loosely to capture many evangelical groups across multiple denominational lines) and provides world-wide evidence. The first part of the book provides a short overview of the anti-Christian efforts around the globe and then he digs in to the major areas:  Africa, Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. 

Rather than simply telling story after story in gory detail, he provides enough evidence to convince the reader of the actual existence of such persecution.  Then, he shifts into the mode of dispelling myths while talking about results and specific responses.  For instance, many blame the victims - Christians - for the "war" because it's really their fault for trying to tell and convert others.  If they would only stop talking about their faith and getting into the lives of others, things would be just fine.  True Christians cannot live out their faith in private; so despite the persecution, positive results can be seen from Christians that view their struggles as joyful service to Christ. 

The greatest impact of the book is found on the back cover as it contains these simple words -- "it's time to wake up."  He correctly and perpetually hammers home the point that Christians ignore this occurrence.  He posits several reasons and practically all of them focus on apathy due to comfort in the Western world.  It is a clarion call that these types of experiences will soon be knocking on our own doors and that we best be prepared to live out our lives according to God's Holy Word.

While there is much information of value here, I struggled with the introductory parts of the book; and I completely understand that this is not MY book.  The whole discussion regarding the use of the term "war," in my opinion, opened the book slowly for most, modern readers.  Absent an immediate dive into the content, many readers will simply stop reading or lose the entire premise.  I also struggled with the persistent use of contractions throughout -- can't, don't, won't, etc.  His introductory components and overall structure grounded his work as a more scholarly bent; however, the lack of formal writing detracted from that very aspect. 

This book deserves a read and is interesting; however, I just have to put it as an "average" rating. 


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A New NKJV Study Bible

Thomas Nelson has come out with a new study Bible that they are calling "the complete resource for studying God's Word."  Anytime I see claims of being the complete or entire package, I am immediately skeptical.  I can say, however, that they have come about as close as you can to fulfilling that statement.  This Bible includes Nelson's complete cross-reference system, which is something I thoroughly enjoy.  It also includes detailed -- not scant -- information on Biblical cultural and timelines.  Further, the book includes many word studies based upon Strong's numbering system.  All of those factors are in addition to an index, concordance, statements about key doctrines, and charts related to Biblical units of measurement (which are extremely helpful).  a harmony of the Gospels

Not only does this study Bible (mine was a hardback) come packed with study helps, but the formatting is visually appealing.  There are new maps, full color charts, appealing book introductions, and prophetic timelines as well.  The back flap of the cover indicates that this is the "full color edition," and it meets that without issue.  The Bible also comes with a free download and the impressive Thomas Nelson lifetime guarantee.

While I do really like what I see as a valuable tool for drawing closer to God, I do have two complaints.  First, if you are going to call this the "full color edition," why are the words of Christ not red lettered?  I understand that my personal preference for a red letter edition is just that -- a preference -- but it only makes sense to go "all out" for a full color.  Second, the back flap claims to have a "Harmony of the Gospels."  Unless I have totally missed it, I do not see this Harmony at all.  When I think of a Gospel Harmony, my mind immediately goes to John MacArthur's One Perfect Life.  I do not see anything remotely resembling that version of a Gospel Harmony, so I do not fully understand their intent.  

Regardless, I rate this study Bible the highest that I possibly can.  It is a valuable resource for you, but remember, the resources cannot be a substitute for reading God's Word alone.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review 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.”

A New Look at King Saul

Whenever you think of the Biblical King Saul, it is often a fleeting thought.  Most people view him as simply the prefix to the Davidic monarchy.  Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul by Ralph Hawkins and Richard Parrott offers a different view.  They perform an extensive review of the King and show very clearly that he was a logical choice to become the first king of Israel.  This book has forced me to go back and reevaluate my views of this first Hebrew monarch.

The authors extrapolate principles of leadership and success from the examination of his failures.  They indicate that this "negative study" is done for a very specific reason -- wise people learn most from their mistakes, errors, and shortcomings.  Both men afford the reader a deep understanding of the Biblical and historical context of Saul and provide a clear explanation of where Saul went wrong.  Then, the authors turn to the application of the lessons to the modern day.

My gripe with the book is that the majority of it focused on modern scholarship and psychological theory rather than continuing a Biblical exegesis.  The historical books of Scripture contain a wealth of information that could have further developed their ideas without so quickly turning away from the textual details. 

Nevertheless, I like the books for its unique perspective and depth of understanding with the first Hebrew king.  He started out well and finished horribly.  That very same pattern could occur in all of our lives; however, we must learn from these past mistakes so that we may glorify God in all that we do -- wherever He has placed us. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review 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.”