Posted: 11/03/06
Book Reviews
Covenant & Commandment: A Study of the Ten Commandments in the Context of Grace by C.W. Christian (Smyth & Helwys) In this “call to freedom,” C.W. Christian insists covenant and law are “inseparable” but not “reciprocal.” He reminds us of the biblical order—covenant, commandment, covenant—and instructs, “The law is the law of the covenant.” Christian provides practical and contemporary applications after each commandment that are refreshing and thought-provoking. He presents grace as the bedrock to approach two of the most important words in Judaism and Christianity. His use and explanation of commandment as it relates to common life today removes the stigma of time restraints placed so often on the Ten Commandments. This book is excellent reading for pastors and small groups in our churches today. Mike Barrera, pastor United Baptist Church Laredo A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in Your Life by Bill Thrasher (Moody) Victorious Praying is refreshing and encouraging for those of us who struggle with our prayer times. We all aspire to be like a “Praying Hyde” and feel guilty when we fail. It is evident Bill Thrasher is a man of prayer as he opens his own struggles and those of others and takes you from disappointments to victories. Thrasher uses short, readable chapters that practically apply Scripture, and he illustrates with the lives of praying pilgrims. This book is informative, stimulating, helpful, encouraging. It transforms fear into faith. If you want to put a freshness into your prayer life, then this book is a must read. Leo Smith, executive director Texas Baptist Men Dallas Finding Authentic Hope & Wholeness: 5 Questions That Will Change Your Life by Kathy Koch (Moody) Kathy Koch, founder and president of Celebrate Kids Inc., is a former teacher and coach who cares about children and their families. Her book speaks to basic human needs. You may have discovered these needs in a college classroom (memorizing Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs”), or you may have found them the hard way—through bitter experiences in your own life. Koch’s contribution is to help us understand how answering five simple questions can cause us to grow in our understanding of self and others, and then to mature as believers in Christ. Her five questions and the corresponding needs are: • Who can I trust? (Security) • Who am I? (Identity) • Who wants me? (Belonging) • Why am I alive? (Purpose) • What do I do well? (Competence) Many (maybe most) people give inappropriate answers to these questions. Their lives reflect their lack of understanding of how God, through Christ, meets these needs and then allows us to see how these needs are met through healthy relationships with other people. The book is a bit tedious in places, with a few redundancies. However, I highly recommend the book for anyone who struggles with understanding human needs at their most basic levels. In addition, pastors and teachers should read Koch’s book to help people meet these basic human needs in healthy, God-honoring ways. Chapter five, “The Change Process” is especially helpful in very practical “how to” ways. Charles Walton, pastor First Baptist Church Conroe
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