A Secret Star by Krystyne F. Aleksandr (Tag Publishing)

In her autobiography A Secret Star, Krystyne Francis Aleksandr—formerly known as Natalie Winters—paints a tragic picture. The honor-roll cheerleader from Amarillo relates a horror story at the hands of adults and a system that failed a little girl who came under the care of foster parents Faye and Jack.

Many community leaders believed the pair qualified for sainthood for fostering Natalie, as well as a series of medically fragile children. On the surface, the girl’s life seemed perfect. She was pretty, vivacious and intelligent.

Behind closed doors, she was beaten, denied food, locked in dark closets, abused in unspeakable ways and used to help care for sick little ones. The one time she reported the family, retaliation resulted.

Eventually, several friends and a kind officer believed Natalie. She learned the truth as she searched for relatives using her mother’s obituary. After her mother’s death and under threats, her father sold the preschooler to Faye for $200.

All along, her mother’s family tried to connect with her.Her cousin even cheered on the same squad, but Faye kept them away, saying Natalie wanted nothing to do with them, while repeatedly telling Natalie they didn’t want her. Finally, as a high school senior, she plotted a dangerous escape.

After reaching legal age, Natalie changed her name to Krystyne (follower of Christ) Francis (freedom) Aleksandr (denoting a warrior or soldier fighting for the rights and safety of others). A Secret Star makes for difficult reading. However, Krystyne serves as an inspiration and challenge to every Christian. Her story deserves to be heard for herself and others.

Kathy Hillman, first vice president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

The Jesus Answer Book by John MacArthur (Thomas Nelson Publishers)

This unique book describes in detail the life of Jesus Christ from birth to ascension.

The author covers the life of the Savior quite adequately in four major divisions—who he is, his works and words, his Passion and why he matters. However, the subtopics under each of these divisions comprise the real value of this 205-page book.

This treatment of Jesus offers an excellent resource for witnessing to individuals of another faith. Christianity comes to life with the reading of the answers to thought-provoking questions MacArthur provides. They obviously are the result of personal witnessing experiences.

While the book deals with great theological truths, they are presented in concise and readable language. Since these answers are clearly written, The Jesus Answer Book answers many key questions and will aid people in making a decision to follow Jesus Christ.

The size and price of the book make it accessible to those seriously seeking answers to the truth about Jesus Christ.

Ed Spann, retired dean

College of Fine Arts

Dallas Baptist University

Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart by Kenneth C. Haugk (Stephen Ministries)

Ken Haugk takes the title from Proverbs 25:20. He bases the book’s contents on his experiences as a pastor and clinical psychologist, along with lessons learned when his wife, Joan, fought a battle with cancer that claimed her life. He also draws on insights gleaned from Stephen Ministries, the nonprofit caregiving ministry he launched nearly 40 years ago.

Haugk provides a solid biblical foundation for his understanding of suffering. Instead of ignoring suffering, denying pain or seeking to “cheer up” the grieving, Christians are most like Jesus when they help bear the burdens of people who are hurting. When a person who is hurting trusts someone else enough to allow them entrance into a personal space of unguarded emotion, the caregiver should recognize he or she is a “guest in a holy place,” he asserts. Guests should mind their manners.

Haugk provides helpful advice about what to say and what not to say. Don’t tell people in pain how they should or should not feel, and steer clear of clichés and pious platitudes. Haugk emphasizes the importance of listening and the value of presence. Rather than giving pep talks to people in pain, caregivers should acknowledge the reality and depth of the pain. Caregivers should realize they neither can nor should “fix” things. Instead, the caregiver simply should provide the person who is hurting a loving and empathetic Christian companion for the journey toward the healing God alone provides.

Ministers, deacons and Christian caregivers of all kinds would benefit from reading and heeding this book.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

How to Talk to a Skeptic by Donald J. Johnson (Bethany House Publishers)

It’s certainly not breaking news to most Christians that skeptics of Christianity are numerous and vocal in society today. 1 Peter 3:15 teaches the disciple of Jesus to be ready to give hopeful answers to people’s questions. In the disillusioned and derisive climate of the 21st century, how can a follower of Christ confidently engage in conversation with skeptics while having an attitude of gentleness and respect?

Johnson encourages Christians to focus on having fruitful conversations rather than adding to the contentious noise all around us, while leading unbelievers to evaluate their own worldviews. Look at the bigger picture, take the initiative and ask questions about the skeptic’s worldview while not getting bogged down in one or two issues, Johnson suggests. Share data, find agreement and start your explanations from there, making a positive case for Christianity, he advises. A biblically informed perspective is developed through cumulative evidence rather than assembled on a single bullet point.

Christians seeking a helpful, practical apologetics and evangelism resource should add this volume to their reading list. God is opening the doors for opportunities to share hope to skeptical people without Jesus Christ. Are you ready?

Greg Bowman, student pastor

First Baptist Church

Duncanville

Who is This Man? by John Ortberg (Zondervan)

Jesus made all the difference in the world. Christians believe that proposition as a statement of faith, because they personally bear witness to how Jesus changed their lives and how they trust their salvation to him. But John Ortberg approaches his subject from a different angle, examining how the life of Jesus made an indisputable impact on human history.

Ortberg, pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church near San Francisco, transports readers to the first-century Roman Empire to explore how the movement Jesus sparked transformed society. Concepts such as the inherent worth of every person, the virtue of humility, the value of servant leadership and the equality of women had little foothold in Greco-Roman culture until a peasant rabbi from Galilee changed everything.

Jesus turned the world upside-down by entering it humbly, embracing outcasts, confronting religious hypocrites, teaching love for enemies and elevating humanity by allowing himself to be killed in the most degrading manner imaginable. And then, on Sunday morning after his crucifixion and burial, he appeared to his frightened band of followers to tell them: “The cross didn’t stick. Their plan to stop by movement didn’t work. … Now they have you to contend with.”

Ortberg writes in an engaging style that not only draws readers in for an up-close view of the life of Jesus, but also invites them to follow the Leader.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Living in Christ’s Presence: Final Words on Heaven and the Kingdom of God by Dallas Willard (IVP Books)

Dallas Willard possessed a well-earned reputation as a professor and scholar. However, he probably is best known for his writing, lectures and sermons on Christian spiritual formation. Although not a native Texan, Willard earned a degree from Baylor University.

Gary Moon and John Ortberg prepared Living in Christ’s Presence: Final Words on Heaven and the Kingdom of God from a conference held in February 2013, shortly before Willard’s death that May. The book, which includes a discussion guide, begins with a section on “How to Live Well,” with Willard’s encouragement: “Eternal Life Begins Now.” Each chapter offers challenges to the Christian around themes such as discipleship vs. dogma, transformation, the Trinity, the importance of Christian disciplines and blessings.

The philosopher and theologian fills the pages with insights and practical advice for Christians committed to spiritual development, whether ministers or laity. Willard urges the reader to live in Christ’s presence and let him “flow through us.”

The book concludes with Dallas Willard’s final prayer and blessing from the conference: “May you rise above everything in our lives and hold us fast in the grip of adoration of who you are. We will and commit ourselves to what blesses you.”

Kathy Robinson Hillman, first vice president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

Wisdom is a Woman: Exploring the Wisdom of God by Heidi Lee (WestBow)

Heidi Lee bases her thought-provoking Wisdom is a Woman on Ecclesiastes 8:1. The author supports her premise that wisdom is personified as female in Scripture, including Proverbs 8, Matthew 11 and Luke 7.  She points out references to “Lady Wisdom” and “Madam Insight” in Proverbs 3:13-15 (The Message). Lee states clearly true wisdom belongs to God, but wisdom is available to all regardless of gender, and acquiring wisdom requires time and effort.

 She divides the book into three sections—Woman, Wisdom and Foolishness, and Seeking God’s Wisdom. Each of the 16 chapters contains strong biblical content and closes with summarizing Scripture. In “Lessons from Biblical Women,” Lee contrasts wise and foolish women—Deborah and Delilah, Athaliah and Huldah, and Sapphira and Priscilla. Another chapter, “God-Given Wisdom,” profiles Solomon and Job. The conclusion offers a guide to acquiring wisdom.

Any who choose to read Wisdom is a Woman believing it a feminist treatise will be disappointed. The author explains that for women “Lady Wisdom teaches … someone has to go first. Someone has to say, ‘I will not demand my own way, even if you demand yours.’” Instead, those who select Wisdom is a Woman because they desire to explore the wisdom of God will be rewarded.

Kathy Hillman, first vice president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

Grandma Thoughts by Boots Brizendine (Tate Publishing)

Retired postmaster Boots Brizendine calls home a Texas farm where her family raises registered Black Angus cattle. In Grandma Thoughts, the adult Sunday school teacher and frequent mission trip participant combines Bible study with practical life lessons.

The book features 366 daily devotionals. Scripture flows naturally into the entries that Brizendine liberally sprinkles with wisdom born from experience. General themes include faith, family and friends, with an authentic focus on Christ and the church. The Texan makes her standards absolutely clear as she tackles such topics as prejudice, peer pressure and God’s will.

“Grandma Boots” shares her life verse in the entry on Feb. 27, followed by her personal testimony on Feb. 28. In addition to Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, she provides thoughts about other holidays. She details the July 4 she spent on mission in Romania and highlights the veterans among her family on Nov. 11, including her father who fought in World War II and her grandson in Afghanistan. As she approaches the time to make New Year’s resolutions, she hits home with excuses for not serving in the church.

Don’t let the cover picturing an elderly grandmother seated in a room of antiques keep you from buying Grandma Thoughts. Boots Brizendine’s values may be old-fashioned, but her devotionals are up-to-date.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, first vice president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

Jesus is Better than You Imagined by Jonathan Merritt (FaithWords)

Some readers will recognize Jonathan Merritt as the creation stewardship advocate who wrote Green Like God. Some will remember him as the stereotype-defying voice of young evangelicals who wrote A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars. Others may know him as a perceptive analyst of faith and culture for Religion News Service and numerous national media outlets.

In Jesus is Better than You Imagined, Merritt takes a much more personal approach. He honestly describes the emptiness of legalistic religion and how it left him longing for something more. He transparently allows readers access into the hidden places of his life—his childhood sexual abuse by an older boy, the trauma of losing a dear friend to a rare disease, the betrayal of confidence he experienced when his struggle with same-sex attraction became public, the questions that plagued him when he saw Third World suffering up close and the dark nights of the soul when God seemed absent.

But in the process, Merritt experiences Jesus in unexpected places in the company of unlikely people. He finds joy in a vital and vibrant relationship with Jesus—the One who welcomes wandering sinners but confounds and confronts the self-righteous.

Read this book and discover anew why you fell in love with Jesus in the first place.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Plano

Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven Garber (IVP Books)

Vocation means more than occupation to Steven Garber, principal of the Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation and Culture. He views vocation as encompassing the wholeness of life, with its wide range of responsibilities and relationships. Garber repeatedly asks readers: “Can we know the world and still love the world? What will you do with what you know? Knowing what you know, how will you respond?” That response may include a Christian’s career choice, but it never is limited only to it. For love’s sake, we labor to make the world a better place.

Garber views the world as it is, and he honestly acknowledges how difficult it can be to love the world—or even our little corner of it—when we know it well. Even so, the God who knows us best loves us most, and he calls us to practice that same kind of love in our everyday lives. As Garber explains what it means to pursue common grace for the common good, he illustrates his points with real-life illustrations—from a carpenter in Kansas, to a rancher in Wyoming, to a farmer in California, to artists such as Walker Percy, Wendell Berry and Bono.

Garber calls Christians to “learn to live proximately.” While some might see that as settling for less than the best, he presents it as striving—working for justice, mercy and righteousness in sinful world. Romantic illusions that utopian ideals are possible in a fallen world likely result in disillusionment and cynicism. Garber challenges Christians to embrace realism and “make peace with the proximate,” even while working toward elusive goals. We cannot do everything or achieve all we might desire, but we can do something and achieve some measure of success. And in the striving, God’s people find fulfillment.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Plano

Celibate Sex: Musings on Being Loved, Single, Twisted, and Holy by Abbie Smith (NavPress)

When singleness hurts, the options prove slim. I can brave Christian dating sites, dial up Mom or prescribe myself a pint of ice cream and a large dose of romantic movies on the DVD player. Christian subculture suggests other questionable remedies. Churches corral unmarried adults into holding cells dubbed “the singles ministry” until that blessed time when love blossoms.

Advice descends like unintended shrapnel. “You should enjoy your single years.” “Get married.” “Don’t idolize it.” “Put yourself out there.” “Don’t try so hard.” “Prepare for marriage.” “Pray more.” While pat answers can hold truth, they often weigh me down.

In Celibate Sex: Musings on Being Loved, Single, Twisted, and Holy, Abbie Smith digs deeper. She sees a vacancy in Christian doctrine where a theology of singleness should exist. With fresh honesty and a biblical bedrock, she builds a holistic understanding of what singleness means in a world of relationships and the family of God. She invites the wounded, the happy and the disoriented to find a place of belonging.

Celibate Sex is about finding home “in our bodies and in our humanity, in our brokenness and in God’s divinity,” Smith writes, and her book invites the reader in. Her frankness reads like a cup of hot cocoa on a cold night. Her courageous yet gracious dialogue beckons to the confused and broken. For the church, Celibate Sex continues the conversation, exploring a biblical understanding of singleness and the value unmarried individuals bring to the body of Christ.

Shannon Gianotti, student

Dallas Theological Seminary

24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton (Abingdon Press)

It began with a meal Thursday and ended with a burial Friday. But as Christians for 2,000 years have declared, the story continued Sunday morning with victory over the grave. In 24 Hours that Changed the World, Adam Hamilton provides a compelling look at the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion.

Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., invites readers to walk, step by step, alongside Jesus through the hours leading to his death. He approaches the subject seriously, exploring various views about the Atonement and providing the latest findings from archaeology to shed light on the crucifixion. Even so, he writes in an approachable way, accessible to the average layperson.

Hamilton generally follows the sequence of events presented in Gospel of Mark, but he supplements that general outline with insights from the other three Gospels. Wisely, he does not end the book with the death of Jesus. His final chapter, “Christ the Victor,” explores the Resurrection as a vindication of Jesus’ identity, message and ministry and proof of God’s sovereignty over death.

Divided into seven chapters, 24 Hours that Changed the World would provide an appropriate daily devotional guide for Passion Week. Better yet, don’t wait until Palm Sunday. Read it once as Lenten preparation, and then reread it during the days leading to Easter. It will make the season even more significant.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Plano

The Turning by Davis Bunn (River North Fiction)

In The Turning, Christy Award-winning author Davis Bunn traces the paths of five believers who “take the turning, and walk the unlikely road.” As they submit to God’s call, God heals broken relationships and unites unlikely companions.

God calls Alisha Seames, for example, to apologize to her sister, but first, she must overcome her racism toward her brother-in-law. The emotional depth of the characters and their true-to-life stories produce a compelling narrative.

Although the characters shine, the plot fizzles. The protagonists oppose a media conglomerate’s new advertising campaign. The engaging characterization and suspense generate anticipation that the main conflict fails to match. Furthermore, some readers may question how God leads the protagonists to address the conflict. How should Christians relate to culture?

Although the plot falls short, the immersive world, the reminder of God’s work in the world and the call to obedience make The Turning worth reading. Christians who read inspirational fiction likely will enjoy this book.

Nathan Fowler, student

Dallas Theological Seminary

Pastor, Staff and Congregational Relationships Through Servant Leadership and Quality Administration edited by Bernie Spooner (Christian Leadership Publishing)

I wish this book had been available several years ago. It would have enabled me to be a much more effective deacon chair and spared me plenty of on-the-job, trial-and-error training as a personnel committee chair.

Don’t judge this book by its cover—or its “what-a-mouthful” title. It may look like the textbook for a university or seminary church administration class. No doubt, teachers of those courses should consider it. But if you are a pastor, serve on a church staff in any capacity or fill any lay leadership role in a church, think of this book as required reading.

Bernie Spooner, former director of the Sunday School/Discipleship Division of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and first dean of the Cook School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist University, has assembled an all-star lineup of writers. Pastors Howard Batson from First Baptist Church in Amarillo, Randel Everett from First Baptist Church in Midland and Phil Lineberger from Sugar Land Baptist Church near Houston offer wisdom based on personal experience. Other contributors include several professors in varied disciplines, a minister of education and a couple of attorneys.

Think of the book as a good hardware store. Part of it is filled with nuts and bolts—sample job descriptions and personnel policies, for instance. Part of it is packed with power tools—honest appraisals of leadership styles and frank discussions about how pastors relate to staff, how staff members relate to each other, how pastors and staff relate to congregations, and how congregations relate to pastors and staff. Granted, it may not always read like a gripping murder mystery, but it could keep conflict in a church from turning into one.

Read it. Heed it. Refer to it often. You will be glad you did, and so will your church.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Plano

Bound to a Promise by Bonnie Floyd (Creative Enterprises Studio)

Love. Rejection. Fear. Murder. In the autobiographical work, Bound to a Promise, Bonnie Floyd brings the thrilling entertainment of a fictional drama into real life as readers experience the emotional storms and waves that rock the author’s life. Floyd retells the story of her journey with Jesus Christ amidst personal turbulence.

Floyd describes how her parents’ divorce left her scarred and in need of a lifebuoy. Through divine providence, she finds her Savior, who leads her on her path of healing. She quickly discovers life with Jesus does not eliminate her troubles, but it gives her a source to rely on when storms occur. When murder strikes like lightning, Floyd is faced with the choice to act as Christ would in forgiveness or build up hatred for those guilty of the heinous crime.

Each page of this book leaves readers wanting more as Floyd builds suspense. By the end, readers will recognize and respect Jesus Christ’s overwhelming presence in Floyd’s life. Christ not only sought out a relationship with her; he sought to provide for her during her most difficult hour. This theme leaves readers feeling the glorious power and grace given through Christ to all who call on his name.

Justin Kinsley, student

Dallas Theological Seminary

Ministering to Problem People in Your Church: What to Do With Well-Intentioned Dragons by Marshall Shelley (Bethany House)

Marshall Shelley may be a vice president of Christianity Today International, but don’t let that fool you into thinking he serves in an ivy tower. This book meets the feet-on-the-ground demands of understanding, and responding to, the real world of personal conflict in ministry.

The typical approach to this topic is to blame and label the “problem person.” Shelley instead seeks to understand and offer grace wherever possible. “The goal in handling dragons is not to destroy them, not merely to disassociate from them, but to make them disciples.” To do this, each chapter follows a real-life common situation, while transparently revealing missteps of well-intentioned pastors. In addition, he digs for explanations of the origins of the antagonistic behavior. He concludes with wise counsel for responding effectively.

This updated edition includes a new chapter, “Electronic Warfare,” that is worth the price of the book. It addresses modern technology and social networking’s power to make a mess of church relationships.

Specific topics include dealing with honest disagreements, personal attacks, the mentally ill and blatant power plays. Chapters devoted to preventative measures tackle ways to maintain a healthy church, develop a healthy leadership team and recognize one’s own faults. The book concludes with helpful advice on how to confront a disruptive church member and how to recognize when there are no solutions to bring parties together. Every pastor and church leader would do well to read this book and have it at the ready.

Karl Fickling, coordinator

Interim Church Services

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Life Change by Jordan Easley (B&H Publishers)

With simplicity and honesty, Jordan Easley addresses a need humanity longs for—changed lives. Life Change takes readers on a journey from struggle to hope. Everyone needs change in some areas, but the frustrating realities of life leave lasting change outside human reach. This book offers hope, because it reminds readers, “God is in the life change business.”

Easley uses the Gospel of Mark as a blueprint. Each chapter highlights a different character’s encounter with Jesus and the life change that follows. The book emphasizes an encounter with Jesus brings life change where the efforts of human beings have failed.

Easley peppers the book with personal anecdotes and illustrations that, while sometimes overwhelming the content, place his message within the grasp of all readers. A generous use of Scripture, although often casual and generic, serves to convince the evangelical audience of his message.

The conversational style reads easily but lacks strong argumentation some readers may demand. The imprecise topic of “change” may frustrate readers seeking help with specific issues, and the subtle avoidance of sin language steals the profundity from the book. Even so, falling in the category of Christian living, Life Change will find a ready audience.

Sawyer Nyquist, student

Dallas Theological Seminary

Quiet Faith: An Introvert’s Guide to Spiritual Survival by Judson Edwards (Smyth & Helwys)

You won’t hear readers shouting about Judson Edwards’ latest book. People who love Quiet Faith: An Introvert’s Guide to Spiritual Survival aren’t the shouting type. But rest assured, this book will give shy Christians the courage to stand up and do what needs to be done—especially when it comes to living out their faith.

This book is for you if you’re the kind of Christian who’s ever pulled into the church parking lot and tried to figure out how to walk from the car to your pew while encountering as few people as possible. It’s for you if you’ve ever felt embarrassed (for multiple reasons) in the presence of fellow Christians who can buttonhole-for-Jesus cab drivers, waitresses and airplane-seat companions. And, as much as you’d like to deny it, it’s for you if you’re the opposite of all that, too.

Quiet Faith provides helpful insight and guidance on multiple levels, but here are some of my favorites:

• Edwards describes the strengths and gifts introverts bring to the church.

• To counter Christian amnesia and spiritual vertigo, he stakes out four signposts that define the “heart of our life in Christ”—grace, faith, gratitude and humility. Those signposts are beautiful, profound, uplifting.

• He’s bold enough to discuss the sometimes-apparent silence of God, the reasons some people have left the church, the challenge (and opportunity) of doubt, and how to live quietly yet faithfully in a loud world. His candor inspires introverts.

This is Edwards’ 11th book and my favorite. Before I finished, I knew I’d read it again and again—and follow Jesus a bit more faithfully each time.

Marv Knox, editor

Baptist Standard & CommonCall

Plano

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate (Tyndale)

Lisa Wingate sets The Prayer Box in Fairhope on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where 91-year-old Iola Anne Poole lives alone in Benoit House, a stately but aging mansion. When Tandi Reese flees her abusive husband in Texas, she heads to Fairhope, home of her late grandparents and the only place she ever felt loved.

Destitute, Tandi and her two children rent Mrs. Poole’s guest cottage. A few days later, she finds her landlady napping, only to realize she is dead. The reclusive woman leaves her home to the church, and the pastor asks Tandi to clean Benoit House in exchange for rent. The young woman discovers a closet full of boxes. Curious, she opens one and begins reading the letters inside.  Only they aren’t letter,s but 80-plus years of prayers. As Tandi pours over the papers, she learns the secrets of a soul who generously gave her resources and prayers. Seeing herself, she gradually opens to the healing of friendship, grace and love.

Although not a quick read, Wingate has penned a delicate yet powerful story in The Prayer Box. The author’s end-note encourages writing prayers, placing them in a box, closing the lid, and letting them go with trust in the Father, just as Iola Anne did for a lifetime.

Kathy Hillman, first vice president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripken (B&H Publishing Group)

Veteran missionaries Nik and Ruth Ripken once believed God sent them around the world to share Jesus. Decades later, they are convinced God allowed them to learn how to follow Christ from those who suffer for their faith.

Ripken writes under a pseudonym for the sake of persecuted believers he has come to know. His 322-page book gives an account of his journey to understand God’s purposes in their suffering.

The Ripkens spent 25 years in the Middle East and North Africa. His frequent travels from their mission-base in Kenya to Somalia resulted in a faith crisis for him. His work in that country ruined by civil war and deadly drought fill much of the book’s first half.

Ripken felt he “descended into hell” when he landed in Somalia in 1992. The country was more oppressed than anything he ever had seen or imagined. His feelings of failure to prevail against “the hideous face of evil and its crushing impact on the country” caused him to question God’s promises and purposes. A personal blow came when the couple’s second son died suddenly. The family returned home to Kentucky to regroup and heal.

The book shifts with the Ripkens’ leave of absence to pursue a “persecution project” to develop discipleship materials for oppressed Christians by visiting hard places. Instead, they learned from hearing the amazing stories of Christians who thrived amid persecution.

The Ripkens’ project stretched to 15 years, with visits to hundreds of believers in more than 60 countries who have experienced adversity or worse. This book contains their surprising and important lessons for all who desire to follow Christ.

Patti Richter

Heath

Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power by Andy Crouch (Intervarsity Press)

By recognizing power as a gift from God, Andy Crouch, author of Culture Making and executive editor of Christianity Today, insists Christians can redeem power and view it in its proper perspective.

Scripture calls Christians to discipline and to steward the power God has given. The book is divided into four major sections with an illustrative Scripture passage for each. They are “The gift of power: In the beginning it was not so,” Genesis 1-2; “The grip of power: It will not be so among you,” Exodus 20; “Institutions and creative power: From generation to generation,” Philemon; and “The end of power: We had to celebrate,” Luke 15.

Crouch not only insists power is a gift, but also notes, “Gifts also require a giver,” and calls for a restored relationship to the Giver.

Enjoy this exhaustive and fresh approach to the gift of God’s power.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio

Twirl: A Fresh Spin at Life by Patsy Clairmont (W Publishing)

Women of Faith speaker Patsy Clairmont pens an uplifting volume in Twirl: A Fresh Spin at Life. The author chooses the title from the children’s game of twirling in circles until the world whirls in dizziness. She reminds readers most people have opted to live in the “spin cycle” of busyness.

Like the book’s name, Clairmont titles the 26 chapters with a single word, such as “Fragrance,” “Stars” and “Cuddle.” She closes each with reflections. For example, in a chapter about pets, she asks: “What pets have you owned? What was your favorite pet? Why? Has a pet ever saved your life? How?”

Clairmont, an outstanding speaker, liberally sprinkles the pages with Scripture verses, quotes and wisdom. She shares Bible stories, personal stories, family stories, friends’ stories and stories that relate to almost any age or stage in life. While the book will attract females because of the author’s connection to women’s conferences, males also can enjoy Clairmont’s writing.

Twirl could be used as a daily or weekly devotional book. However, the reader may not be able to resist polishing off multiple chapters or the whole volume in a single sitting. I couldn’t.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, first vice president

Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

The 40 Most Influential Christians Who Shaped What We Believe Today by Daryl Aaron (Bethany House)

Daryl Aaron, professor of biblical and theological studies at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minn, gives readers a chronology and synopsis of key people who have shaped Christian doctrine, beginning in the first century with Clement of Rome and ending with 20th century evangelical theologian Carl F.H. Henry.

Each chapter has three sections—context, contribution and conclusion. Aaron writes about influential figures from across the theological spectrum. The 300-page book includes a bibliography divided into primary and secondary resources. Aaron also includes copies of both the Nicene Creed and the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.

The approach is academically sound but easy to read. Most likely, you will find your favorite theologian as the subject of a chapter. This is an extremely interesting book.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio