Book Review: The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski

I wish I had The Gospel Story Bible when my children were younger. This book is helpful for those parents who want to give their children (and themselves!) a rich reading experience of the stories of God's holy plan of redemption found in the pages of Scripture.

When you read through this book, you will find the accounts of all the major characters of the Bible, including Daniel, Job, Samuel, etc. Each story is only one to two pages long, ideal for young (i.e., short!) attention spans. This book would be great to use for family devotions as well as individual reading pleasure.

The illustrations are vivid and the page backgrounds are comprised of different colors, making it visually appealing to children.

I think the only thing I do not like about this book is that they used the word "Bible" in the title, making it confusing for consumers to understand what this book actually is. It is not a Bible, but a book of Bible stories. The entire text of the Bible is not contained in this book. But that is a minor thing, and can be overlooked.

Over all, I really like this book of biblical stories. They follow the text of the Bible without commentary (which I think is important for young children to learn the truth of God's Word). And best of all, the gospel is mentioned in every one! What a way for the author to tie it all together.

I give The Gospel Story Bible 5 out of 5 stars!

Book Review: What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? by Ed Welch

I first heard of Ed Welch when I took a counseling course in my church almost two years ago. I picked up a few of his books and when I read them I knew that I had found a wise counselor who knew the Bible well and could communicate its truths in an understandable and enjoyable way. Although much of what he writes is convicting, it is done in a manner that expresses his concern for those in pain and struggling with hard life issues. I have learned a lot from this man.

This book was written primarily for people between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four, but it's theme speaks to all. It mostly sounds like a simplified version of the author's book entitled When People Are Big and God is Small, which I enjoyed much more than this one. But, for those who prefer shorter books that can be read in just a few hours, this one fits.

Mainly a book about gaining freedom from the opinion of others and instead focusing on what God desires, What Do You Think of Me/ Why Do I Care? helps the reader in the "path of change":

1. You start by looking at who God is and what He has done for you.
2. Then, in response, treat others the way you have been treated. Love more than you need love from other people.
3. Then get your eyes right back on to Jesus.

This is the content of the book in a nutshell. Mr. Welch brings God glory by pointing us toward Christ and what He has done and by encouraging us to imitate Him by loving others in the same way we are loved by God.

What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? is a great resource, especially for young people. And to dig even deeper, I recommend When People are Big and God is Small. These books will challenge you to change!

I give What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? by Ed Welch 4 stars.

(I received this book from B & B Media Group for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D.

Ed is a counselor and faculty member at CCEF. He earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah and has a Master of Divinity degree from Biblical Theological Seminary. Ed has been counseling for over thirty years and has written extensively on the topics of depression, fear and addictions. His books include: When People Are Big and God is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame it on the Brain; Depression—A Stubborn Darkness; Running Scared; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; and When I am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety.

Book Review: Passion to Action by Jay and Beth Loecken

From the book's website:

Something kept pulling at Jay and Beth Loecken, telling them there's more to life than the pursuit of a large home, nice cars, and all the trinkets and trappings for a suburban family of six. They felt something stirring, a feeling that God had a different purpose for them, and they knew they had to do something -something big- to get started.

My thoughts on the book:

I do believe that the Loeckens are a nice family who are wanting to do what God calls them to do. I also think it is a good thing that they are serving people wherever they go. But I have to admit I didn't like the book very much.

Most of the book was about what the Loeckens did and what they continue to do. I did not see much about what God is doing in people's lives. It was mostly a "travelogue".

I was especially disappointed at parts of the book such as the following:

" ...this was the first time someone had called our work to the attention of others who would understand our vision for service. We didn't know what to expect. We certainly didn't anticipate the response we got.

'I've got a box of extra Bibles. Would you like to have those to give away on your trip?' one fellow asked.

It wasn't in our nature to hand out Bibles, but we graciously accepted them knowing that all things happen for a reason, and if someone was searching or in need, we'd be ready."

Hmmm... I only hope that they gave those Bibles away. Why wouldn't it be "in our nature" as Christians to want to give the Word of Life to those who are hungry and thirsty, to those who are dying without Christ?

I just felt somewhat cheated as I read about helping the poor without also hearing that they were sharing the Gospel, too. Maybe they were, but you couldn't tell it by what is in the book. There was only one reference to someone possibly becoming a Christian (he prayed a prayer).

Maybe it sounds like I am being too harsh in what I am saying about Passion to Action. Maybe so, but I simply wasn't stirred by it.

If you want to read a book that will give you warm fuzzies and make you feel good about what some are doing for the poor, then you may really like this book. But as for me, I say, don't bother.

I give Passion to Action 2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from B &B Media for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

 

Visit http://passiontoaction.org/ for more information about the Loeckens and to watch videos from the road.