He Said What?! by Brenda Poinsett (New Hope, 2015)
Speaker, Bible study teacher and retreat leader Brenda Poinsett distills and dissects Jesus’ dialogues with women in her latest title, subtitled Jesus’ Amazing Words to Women. Poinsett, the author of more than a dozen books, selects Scripture passages that carry maximum surprise and, therefore, maximum impact.
The self-described “coffee cup friend” groups the book into six sections arranged around specific themes: How’s that again?; He talked with who?! But she’s…; He’s what?; He consoled how?; Was what He spoke really possible?; and The fulfilling word. Poinsett successfully weaves Jesus’ words with historical setting and contemporary examples. Her unique perspective takes the reader inside the Bible woman’s mind and heart to feel what the woman felt. Then the author applies what Jesus said to those in similar circumstances. Each chapter closes with thoughtful questions, taking the message “From Mind to Heart.”
Poinsett combines Scripture with extensive research and practical application to create a volume filled with thoughtful insights. Although perfect for individual study or daily devotionals, the 18 chapters exploring Christ’s words would also be ideal for a Bible study for women or teen-aged girls. However, the Master’s statements and questions apply to every person and would make an excellent study for men or couples, as well.
Kathy Robinson Hillman, president
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Waco
Hopecasting by Mark Oestreicher (InterVarsity Press)
In Hopecasting, Mark Oestreicher gives readers a new perspective on biblical hope. First, he lays great groundwork for hope as so much more than wishful thinking. Then he carefully guides readers through the steps we need to follow to position ourselves for true biblical hope. His diagram of how hope enters our lives particularly is helpful. We move from exile to dissatisfaction, to honest cries before a holy God, then confront a semi-permeable wall of fear. When we push through the wall of fear, we find hope in our transformed longings. Through lively storytelling, Oestreicher makes it real and applicable to our daily lives.
Sign up for our weekly edition and get all our headlines in your inbox on Thursdays
Having personally wrestled with the notion of hope, several of the author’s conclusions provide clarification and deeper understanding. Oestreicher writes: “Hope isn’t something we can drum up within ourselves. Hope is a gift, given to us when Jesus draws near to us in the time of our honesty and fear. But hope immediately takes us to action … an invitation to partner with God.”
Best of all is Oestreicher’s premise that the hope God promises is for our lives now. If you desire to partner with God, Hopecasting provides a roadmap.
Mary Pat Johns
Victoria
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.