Book Reviews: The Third Trumpet

The Third Trumpet, Books I-IV by William Meador (Author’s Publishing House)

It was my privilege to be among the first to read William Meador’s book series, The Third Trumpet. It is an imaginative story, developed out of what we know of the life of Cornelius, the Roman centurion who was introduced to Christ by Simon Peter.

As you follow the plot of The Third Trumpet, you trace the footsteps of Cornelius as he goes from pagan soldier loyal to the Roman army, to a respected officer increasingly intrigued by the faith of Israel, to a God-fearer who is convinced the God of the Jews is the true and living God. Ultimately, you see a transformed Cornelius who humbly pledges his heart’s allegiance to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

My interest was captivated, and I was impressed by Meador’s accurate application of the Holy Scripture and familiarity with the first century Roman world.

For those who enjoy adventure—with a wholesome and holy emphasis—the four books of The Third Trumpet will be just the thing.

Gary Dyer, pastor

First Baptist Church

Midland

 

Living the Lord’s Prayer Day by Day by Wilson Wayne Grant (iUniverse)

Wayne Grant understands health—both physical and spiritual. Grant, a San Antonio pediatrician, served many years as health care coordinator for Texas Baptist River Ministry, overseeing the work of volunteer medical professionals along the Rio Grande. Many of the ailments the volunteers encountered in South Texas colonias and Mexican villages stemmed from insufficient nutrition.

Grant recognizes spiritual maladies also stem from a lack of sustenance. He prescribes prayer—the kind of prayer Jesus taught his disciples to practice—as the cure for spiritual anemia.

Grant examines Christ’s model prayer phrase by phrase, linking each phrase to other Scriptures and supporting biblical teachings. He draws insights from other authors who have written about prayer and Christian devotions. But mostly, Grant draws deeply from a life spent in the study of Scripture and the application of its teachings.

At fewer than 100 pages, the slim volume could be read in one sitting, but the format—with brief chapters broken up by subheadings—lends itself well to daily devotional reading and lingering reflection.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Dallas

 

Encountering God:10 Ways to Experience His Presence by David M. Edwards (Baker Books)

David Edwards’ Encountering God: 10 Ways to Experience His Presence is loaded with nuggets of wisdom for believers to use in their daily walk with God. The reader is challenged to read slowly and thoughtfully. The insights require time for meditation and soul-searching, kind of like rich fudge candy that forces one to eat it very slowly. 

Edwards’ observations provide great fodder for sermon ideas and teaching enhancement. Also, questions found at the end of each chapter provoke the reader to spend time in reflection and soul-searching.

However, one drawback is Edwards’ view of the doctrine of omniscience of God. When discussing making ultimate sacrifices, Edwards refers to God’s test of Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. He writes: “God didn’t want Isaac to be killed. God wanted to know that Abraham was his. Even after all this time, after everything they’d been through together, God wanted to know where Abraham’s loyalties lay.” Because he is omniscient, God already knew the answer, just as he already knew what Abraham’s response would be. The test was for Abraham’s benefit.

This is a book worth having for today’s challenges and struggles that Christians face. It is one that after you have read it, some time later you want to read it again.  You can’t go wrong with this book.

Randall Scott, pastor

Immanuel Baptist Church

Paris