Short Answers to Big Questions about God, the Bible & Christianity Book Review

SUMMARY:  Your biggest questions about God and faith - answered.

     This book provides short and to-the-point answers to pressing questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity, including

• What will heaven be like?
• Can a Christian be demon possessed?
• Do science and faith conflict?
• Is hell a real place?
• Is it possible to prove God exists?
• What is God like?
• What is my purpose in life?
• and many more.

If you want a clear introduction to the essential teachings of Christianity, look no further.

REVIEW:  The title says it all.  The questions are big and difficult, at times, but the answers are short and concise.  The authors have nine sections with questions that people have who either don't understand Christianity or who maybe are Christians but don't fully understand God, the Christian faith and their Christian walk.  At the end of each chapter, there are discussion questions and key scripture passages, when necessary.  As the authors state in the preface, this book cannot answer all the questions but it meant to be a tool to help you in your search and walk.  Volumes upon volumes have been written about each area; this book can help you find answers in one place with the tools you need to further your search, if need be. 
     This is a great resource book to have for Christians to have.  It reinforced some ideas I had and helped solidify others.  It's one I plan to keep in my library.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Clinton E. Arnold is dean of Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California.  He is the author of many books, including 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, and is the editor of the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary.

Jeff Arnold is a high school English and logic teacher in Downey, California.  A former youth pastor, he is the creator of Unleashed, an intensive training camp that equips Christian teens to share their faith.  He also trains new believers in the basics of theology.
 

The Heart of the Amish Book Review

Life Lessons on Peacemaking

and the Power of Forgiveness

SUMMARY:  We all have someone we need to forgive.  But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.  For the Amish, forgiving others is woven into the very fabric of their faith.  From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us.

     Through the true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others.  Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive any one from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines.  You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

REVIEW:  Forgiveness is hard.  We, as humans, want to hold onto the hurt and make sure the one who caused us so much pain suffers as much as we do.  As Christians, we are told to forgive and to love our enemies but it is NOT easy.  The Amish have made forgiveness a lifestyle, engraving it deep into their DNA, so to speak.   As Ms. Fisher shows, it's not always easy but it is necessary.  She shows us story after story of when an Amish person has been wronged, hurt, or devastated, how reliance on their faith in God helps them forgive, love their "enemy" and move forward.  It's not always easy but when the wronged reaches out to the one who wounded them in forgiveness and love, powerful healing takes place.  She also shows how we can move towards forgiveness when we are wronged in the Reflections questions at the end of each chapter. 
     This is a short book, less than 200 pages but very meaningful.  It would make a great bible study or Sunday school lesson for all ages.  Check it out!!

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs, as well as many novels about the Amish, including the Lancaster County Secrets series, the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series.  She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp.  Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting.  She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines.  She lives in California.  Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher. 

The Women of Christmas Book Review

Experience the Season Afresh with 

ELIZABETH, MARY, and ANNA

SUMMARY:  God Reached Down from Heaven with the Best Gift of All

      A sacred season is about to unfold for three women whose hearts belong to God. Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains fertile.  Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God's Son.  Anna is a widow full of years, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts.

     Following in their footsteps, you too can prepare for the Savior to enter your heart, your mind, and your life in a vibrant, new way this season.  Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs explores the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary and Anna, unwrapping each verse with tender care and introducing you afresh to The Women of Christmas.

REVIEW:  If you ever read a book by Liz Curtis Higgs (or even if you've never read a book by Liz Curtis Higgs), you definitely need to read this book.  She opens up the Christmas story in a way I've not seen before, focusing on the women God used in bringing the Messiah to His people.  Like the summary says, the author goes verse by verse, going over all the intricate details and presenting old ideas in a new light.  She starts with Elizabeth and the details surrounding the birth of John the Baptist, explaining them in simple but profound ways.  Mrs. Higgs does the same for Mary and Anna but doesn't end there.  She also gives account for the men involved in this important time - Zechariah, Elizabeth's husband; Joseph, Mary's betrothed; and Simeon, a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the birth of the Messiah.  As they are in the gospels, their stories intertwine but Liz lays them out with her trademark humor and way of explaining things.

     This book is for anyone looking for a new way to look at and study the events surrounding Jesus' birth.  It is tops on my list and one I look forward to reading again and again.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah for review without compensation.

Liz Curtis Higgs is a popular conference speaker, who has presented inspirational programs for audiences in all fifty United States and fourteen foreign countries.  She is also the author of more than thirty books, with 4.5 million copies in print, including her non-fiction study of Ruth, The Girl's Still Got It, her best-selling series, Bad Girls of the Bible, Unveiling Mary Magdalene, and Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible; her award-winning Scottish historical novella, A Wreath of Snow; and a series of children's books, including The Pine Tree Parable.

     Liz is happily married to Bill Higgs, who serves as director of operations for her speaking and writing office.  They share their life together in a nineteenth-century farmhouse near Louisville, Kentucky.