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.
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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. Passing the Baton
By Gardy Hauser. 3 Stars Subtitled principles and skills every father needs to teach his children, this is a very practical book that provides fathers with ideas and strategies to develop the relationship with his children. It is an easy to read book, and each strategy or principal is simple to implement. There are strategies for every age group. The principles are character building for both father and child, and will create memories that will last a life time. The book is divided into Spiritual Principles, General Principles, General Skills and knowledge, and Financial Principles and Skills, as well as being separated in age categories: Age 5 to 11; Early Teens – 12 to 15; and old Teens 16+. From advice on working smarter, to relationship development, friends and marriage; from doing the laundry to first aid. There is an extensive list of advice in short pieces. Valuable for every father to read and implement. 10 Conversations Kids Need to Have with Their Dad
By Jay Payleitner Publisher: Harvest House Publishers Being a Dad means having the opportunity to shape and nurture children, in a way that is different (not necessarily better, just different), than mothers. This book helps to provide conversation starters for dads so that they may influence children for a lifetime. The book includes strategies and ideas to enter children’s world that is not threatening to either child or dad. In addition it provides ideas of things to do together to bond, and create family. The book is not overly theological, or contain new concepts. It does however pull together many ideas and concepts, and present them in an easy to read format, and written in a language that most men will understand. The ten conversation revolve around: Family, Competition, Creativity, Big Picture Thinking, Work, Money, Laughter, Relationships, Decision Making and Eternity. The book will encourage fathers to build relationships with his children and have life changing conversations with them. Raising Boys
Why Boys are Different and How to Help them become happy and well balanced men By Steve Biddulph Published by:Ten Speed Press I have always been a fan of Steve Biddulph’s very practical books for parents. This one is no different. This vastly popular book has been updated into a third edition. Raising Boys considers how boys differ from girls, their three stages of boyhood, from birth to preparing for adulthood. It goes on to discuss how to navigate through risk areas for boys. It examines the relationship between mothers and sons, and fathers and sons. How they are different, and how they develop. Challenging issues of dealing with testosterone, schooling, sexuality, and sport are dealt with in practical measures. This book will give you the strategies to raise a happy, healthy, well-adjusted son. Highly recommended for every parent. |