A Personal Application Guide to Instinct
The Power to Unleash your Inborn Drive By T.D. Jakes Easy to read – Instructional T.D Jakes has a way of taking a complex message and simplifying it. In “Your Instinct in Action”, he has written a practical and personal application to refocus people on the God-given instincts that we all have, but tend to ignore for more worldly techniques. Knowledge over experience. The chapters are short and easy to read. Each chapter focuses on one area to apply your instinct. There is some easy to follow teaching, evaluation exercises, reflective practices, a practical application, and self-assessment to help you apply the new knowledge into practical experience. I found the early part of the book in renewing my thinking about my God-given instinct, then picked individual chapters to read and ponder on, particularly around my purpose and dreams. I recommend this book for those who want to grow, and are sick of being stuck in the same patterns of life.
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By Paul Moes and Donald Tellinghuisen
The Christian faith and Psychology do not usually sit together. Moes and Tellinghuisen have written a textbook at undergraduate level for studying the topic. They address five Biblical themes about man and explain how that fits around modern psychology. The work is comprehensive, presents arguments supporting different viewpoints. An ideal textbook for Christians studying psychology. Reviewed by Heath Henwood.
Discerning your call to Ministry
By Jason K. Allen Reviewed by Heath Henwood Subtitled: How to know for sure and what to do about it. Broken into ten chapters, with bits hanging on either end, this book describes what motivation and characteristics required to be in ministry, about how to called, and engaging in ministry. With many anecdotal comments and reflections from Allen’s life, the book takes into consideration some Scriptures and quotes from Spiritual giants. It does answer any questions, but does take a reader on a winding journey prompting them to make a decision if ministry is for them. I found that the book was a mix of Christian Leadership and Church Ministry. Many of the qualities that Allen talks about as required for Ministry, are required for any leadership role in the church. Although this may be a difference in interpretation in Scriptures that we may have. In his pastoral epistles, the apostle Paul lists some high standards for church leaders: character above reproach, teaching ability, management skills, self-control—the list goes on, and the grading curve is steep. It makes us ask, “Do I really want to be a church leader?” While a tool to help people make the decisions, it will help people consider some aspects. It is not however a tool that a prospective minister should rely on, and not the best book on this subject available. I was given a free copy of this book from Netgalley and Moody Publishers in return for an honest review. http://books-reviewed.weebly.com/
Paul and Gender
Reclaiming the Apostle's Vision for Men and Women in Christ by Cynthia Long Westfall This is a well written and argued text with substantial documented references. The book aims to explore Pauline passages that concern gender. While I agree with some of Westfalls’s arguments, and disagree with other conclusions, this body of work summaries and adds to the body of work on the theology of Pauline concepts and Biblical gender roles, which has polarised scholars in recent decades. Cynthia Westfall is generally regarded as a respected scholar of the New Testament.
Media, Journalism and Communication: A Student Guide
By Read Mercer Schuchardt This student guide, explores the opportunities and hazards of modern communication, including news media from a Christian position. It explores why media matters in a 24/7 news world and the role of social media in the age of global information warfare, before presenting a Christian perspective on identity in a digital world. The facts remain that in the western world, children and adults spend more time being influenced by television and other forms of media, than any other factor. This book educates the reader to consider their use and engagement with media in a digital age. The author highlights the dangers of media directing our thinking through reality television shows, and social media sites. The author claims that we have become desensitised and passive in the direct that media is taking us. While the book provides a base for further study, it is a little confusing as to the purpose. It is a text to convince students, or a read to inform? Thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #Media,journalism,andCommunication #NetGalley Reviewed by Heath Henwood www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
Biblical Theology
How the Church faithfully teaches the Gospel By Nick Roark and Robert Cline. This book explores Biblical Theology, its impact of the churches teaching and mission. Exhorting pastors and other church leaders to prioritise biblical theology in their own congregations, this book explains basic principles for reading the Bible that help pastors teach the big story of the Bible from every text. The book flows and is easy to read, that is, it’s not a heavy text for Bible college students, rather a practical and usable text for pastors to apply in the church. The book contains practical tips for preaching and teaching, that allows the application and sharing of the concepts covered. A refreshing read for pastors to remind them of the purpose of the church, by returning to teaching and preaching Biblical Theology. Thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #BiblicalTheology #NetGalley Reviewed by Heath Henwood www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
God, Money & Me
By Paul De Jong 4 stars. Money – The root or all evil or a blessing? De Jong argues that it depends on your priorities. Written from a combination of Biblical principles and worldwide experiences, this book addresses the issue mentioned most in the Bible – Money. He addresses myths about money and outlines the principles for people to live by. Particularly that we are called to be blessed, however there are some principles to work through to be blessed. Included in this is the need to be loyal, fruitful, to sow and reap. Many of the difficulties that people have with money, including debt, conflict, arguments, and the lack of money are addressed. De Jong addresses why many are not blessed – 80% of Christians don’t regularly tithe. He argues that money is a testing ground for people, to determine if they can handle what they have and more. I found the book to be extremely practical, not just providing the reasons why, but also the how. It outlines God’s pathway to a blessed financial future. The practical 10/10/10/70 principle for financial success is worth the price of the book. This principle will unlock financial freedom for many. The teaching on the four levels of giving (Self Interest, Spiritual Gratitude, Selfless obedience, and Supernatural Revelation) is new, but biblically based. It challenged my thinking on my current giving. Money – Blessing or curse? I found that De Jong teaches that it depends on your attitude. This book will unlock financial freedom, for those who read it and implement the principles Paul De Jong teaches. Reviewed by Heath Henwood www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
Biblical Theology
How the Church faithfully teaches the Gospel By Nick Roark and Robert Cline. This book explores Biblical Theology, its impact of the churches teaching and mission. Exhorting pastors and other church leaders to prioritise biblical theology in their own congregations, this book explains basic principles for reading the Bible that help pastors teach the big story of the Bible from every text. The book flows and is easy to read, that is, it’s not a heavy text for Bible college students, rather a practical and usable text for pastors to apply in the church. The book contains practical tips for preaching and teaching, that allows the application and sharing of the concepts covered. A refreshing read for pastors to remind them of the purpose of the church, by returning to teaching and preaching Biblical Theology. Thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #BiblicalTheology #NetGalley Reviewed by Heath Henwood www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
The Pastor’s Family
by Brian and Cara Croft 4 Stars Brian and Cara Croft write from their painful experience and lessons learnt in their own life, offering an easy to read book, with a straightforward message. The book deals with the issue of pastors own becoming so absorbed in their ministry that they neglect the need to care for their families. It lays out the problem of expectations of pastors in the church, and the demands of the church he serves. It draws the conclusion that the pastor needs to repent and honour his role as husband and father. The book continues dealing with the unique struggle that pastors’ wives face. It provides advice to pastors on how to care his wife. Finally, it repeats this part, applying it to the children of the pastor. Cara perspective on the wife’s view of the pastor’s family is invaluable. Church leadership teams would gain knowledge and understanding from jointly reading this book. The Pastor's Family challenges pastors to care first and best for their wives and children and it carefully draws upon biblical wisdom to allow them to do that very thing. While not the only book on the subject, it is one that every pastor should read, and those considering ministry should read prior to commencing ministry.
Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love
By Marcia Naomi Burger 4 Stars Wanting to establish a firm foundation to build a marriage upon, or need help restoring the passion in your marriage? Marcia Naomi Burger’s book “Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love” may be the answer. The book encourages couples to meet together for 30 Minutes each week to develop the relationship you’ve always wanted. It encourages a depth of intimacy that spouses share. Through meeting regularly, couples are able to share appreciation for each other; discussing chores; setting priorities and guidelines; planning dates, romance, and time spent together; and discussing any problems and challenges and concerns that each spouse may have, so that issues can be resolved with kindness and respect. Common myths are explored in the book, along with techniques to improve communication skills Throughout the book, Berger offers countless practical suggestions and guidelines for marriage meetings. She also debunks some common marriage myths and offers ideas for developing healthy communication and conflict resolution skills. This is a great book for the newly married, and those further down the road, who want to see their love and intimacy grow. It is a very practical and helpful book that can strength even a weak marriage and help make a good marriage great. |
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