bookcrash

This is my review page for the books that come from BookCrash




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Climbing PRAYER Mountain
by
Tim Spykstra


About the Book
Climbing Prayer Mountain is a forty-day devotional designed to encourage you in your prayer life and help you grow in fellowship with your Heavenly Father. Author Tim Spykstra presents Climbing Prayer Mountain as a metaphor for spiritual growth through prayer. Inspired by the events atop Mount Hermon in Mark 9, Spykstra’s forty devotionals examine pivotal events in the spiritual growth of those who were present that day: Moses, Elijah, Jesus, Peter & John. Climbing Prayer Mountain invites us to apply the spiritual truths we learn from these men to our own lives.


This was an interesting book to read...In the beginning on pages 12 and 13 there is a user guide on using the daily materials and using the study materials....this i found helpful in using this book.
Each day starts with a title and a scripture Then there is a short story about someone in the Bible,about the book or about the author.....after that there comes the pages of a scripture to ponder on...a scripture to meditate on....and to pray about what you just read in the scripture....there is no short cut here but each day is not a very long study and is useful for a great way for you to learn to pray in a better way without telling you "pray this". On the bottom of the ponder,meditate and pray page is a extended study guide. This was an easy to understand and easy follow guide. Each day was new and fresh and encouraging. There will be no day that you feel beaten down or condemned. Always a very thoughtful way to pray deeper,clearer and more effectively. This guide is best used by using all the helps this book has in it. Would I recommend this book to anyone ...no...why ....because this is for those who really take prayer seriously...it is for the young Christian and older Christian but you must be serious about prayer.
  

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A Graceful Uprising
by Jonathan Jones II

About the Book
The gospel of Christ—the good news proclaimed in the New Testament—announces the reign of a new king who rules from his throne in heaven. This kingdom supersedes every political regime; it is a universal kingdom realized within the heart of every believer. King Jesus offers the only cure for man’s deepest need, for the kingdom of Christ is a government of grace.

Every generation of God’s people needs to rediscover the riches of this grace for themselves. Grace can create a radical change within our hearts, transforming the way we live, work, and worship. Grace certainly has much to do with salvation, but grace is not limited to the beginning of the Christian life. Grace is the lifeblood of the church, the unseen fuel for faithfulness.

A Graceful Uprising takes a closer look at the book of Romans, one of the greatest treasure troves of grace in the New Testament. The book of Romans is the Emancipation Proclamation of the church—a document that describes the profound freedom enjoyed by the body of Christ. By tracing the scarlet thread of grace through Paul’s monumental work, Jonathan Jones invites the church to rediscover the riches of grace once more.

In sixteen text-centered chapters, Jonathan paints an enthralling portrait of a God who grants freedom and pardon through the priceless sacrifice of his Son. A Graceful Uprising can restore the heart of every Christian and refresh the spirit of the church herself.

My Review
A Graceful Uprising is about God’s grace, and it focuses on Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. In terms of uniqueness, its main points are not radically different from other evangelical books about God’s grace, even though these points are worth reading, reviewing, and internalizing. What sets this book apart, however, is that it presents a Church of Christ perspective on Romans I agreed with somethings and there were things did not agree with...I always say..”Be aware of what you are reading...and make sure it lines up with the Word of GOD” with this book you need discernment as with all books you read..


About the Author
Jonathan Jones II was raised on a fourth-generation family farm in Middle Tennessee. He holds bachelor and two master’s degrees from Freed-Hardeman University. Jonathan is the preaching minister for the Maryville church of Christ in the foothills of East Tennessee. He is married to Michelle, and they have one son (Ryder) and one daughter (Aralin).

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New Testament: Breakthrough Version

by 
Ray Geide (Author)

About the book
Bibles should not be Misleading

People assume that the Bible tells the same message as it did hundreds of years ago. It doesn’t. It’s words are the same, but they have changed in meaning.

English is constantly changing. Hundreds of years ago when English Bibles were first written, believe used to mean trust. Today it doesn't. Reward used to mean pay. Today it doesn't. There are hundreds more. This is a problem few readers are aware of.

Today's new Bible versions miss most of these. They still use the old words even though they don't mean what readers think they mean. This is misleading. Bibles should not be misleading.

To solve this problem, Ray Geide (a former missionary, pastor, and Bible teacher with an MDiv in New Testament Studies) spent over thirty years developing a new set of words that accurately portray the original meaning. These words and many new breakthroughs are integrated into this handy New Testament.

accurate

• easy to understand

• corrects thousands of problems in the other versions

• brings out special nuances from the original Greek text

• uses common everyday words

• sets a new standard for Bible versions


Bible versions today are a minefield of misunderstood words. In a recent survey, people misunderstood 68% of the Bible's common words. Words like believe, lord, preach, study, grace, and worship, do not mean what the reader thinks they mean because they come from old Bible versions written when these words meant something else.

This book does something unique. It goes back to the Greek text, digs up the original meanings, and replaces the misunderstood words with new words that communicate the proper meaning.

But there are more problems. Few people realize that the KJV and newer versions are not consistent in their translation of the Greek text. They use different English words to translate the same Greek word. They also use transliterations that hide the meaning of some words. They do not convey nuances found in the Greek text. And they propagate many incorrect renderings. The Breakthrough Version fixes these problems and many more.

The New Testament: Breakthrough Version is a complete makeover of the New Testament. It is a contemporary literal translation of the old Greek text that tears down the language barrier of other Bible versions and develops a better understanding of God's Word.


My Review

When I look at a Bible I always look at John 3:16 to see if it makes sense to me and it sounds compares to my King James Version Bible. Call me old fashioned and I do not care if you do....I guess I am so used to its poetically writings that I just accept it as truth. Man can try to redo any book at any time and my belief is that God can use any version to share His message of Love, Truth and of His Son Christ Jesus. I have many version of the Bible but, I always go back to the King James Version for study and devotionals. I found this Bible a bit much like a child's book which is good but I would not use it as my go to Bible. Others might see a different look on this Bible but, I did not.
If you study Gods Word with all your heart, mind and through prayer I see no need to write yet another version.
I might recommend this Bible to those who enjoy different version of Gods Loving and Saving Word.....




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Moment by Moment: A Devotional Journal for Girls 

By
Jennifer Flanders


about the book
This book is designed to get you thinking. There’s no right or wrong way to complete it. You may use these pages to record thoughts, compose poetry, set goals, write prayers, paste photographs, paint pictures, draw sketches, make lists, tape mementos—or a combination of any or all of the above. My goal in creating this little journal is to inspire you to think deeply about some of life’s biggest questions, such as: Who are you? Why are you here? How can you live with meaning and purpose? And as you think through your answers to these questions, I hope you’ll enjoy using the space provided to write down your thoughts.


my review
The beauty of this book is that it is a great option for all ages considering it has writing prompts throughout the entire book. This journal is focused on drawing out different memories and opinions by suggesting ideas and questioning a person's past so that they are able to put into written form the memories which can be passed on to others. It is constructed in a way that is simple and approachable. The ‘anytime’ pages and prompts aren’t dated, allowing the writer to write whenever she is so inspired. She can begin on page four or page six, or page forty-six. It doesn’t matter. Just pick a page that speaks to you in that moment and write away. Another thing I found unique about this journal is its content. It includes a variety of prompts, such as introspective questions, pages to record your birth statistics, favorite ways to spend your mornings, your family tree, and a relevant scripture verse on nearly every page This book is also a memory book. This is one where she would put her memories, her hopes, her prayers, her wish lists, her desires, her goals for her and the Lord, what scriptures mean to her, what her past failures may be, how she can change her future and so on. It has a place for all of it and starts with a writing prompt for the girls to finish so they never have to wonder what to write. It really is an amazing little book. I will be using it for my journal!!!
Would recommend this book to girl,teen or woman!!!!!


about author
Jennifer Flanders graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. She completed two years of graduate work at SMU in the same field before she and her husband, Dr. Doug Flanders, started their family. She took her final final just two weeks before their first son was born. Since that time, the author has put her math background to good use by "staying home to multiply." (It has also come in handy as she's home schooled their twelve children, teaching counting to calculus, and everything in between).
You can read more from Jennifer by visiting her blog (http://lovinglifeathome.com) where she writes about marriage and motherhood, or by visiting the Flanders' family website (http://www.flandersfamily.info) where she shares tips on organization, saving money, home schooling, and family fun. Jennifer often speaks on the same topics to community, church, and school groups. In her "spare" time, Jennifer enjoys reading, singing, playing with her kids and grandkids, visiting with her husband, and doing a wide variety of needle crafts. 

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The No-Homework Women's Bible Study:
 Group Hug
by
Christine Tate

About the Book
Put the fun back in small group Bible study! Ideal for newly formed Women's Bible studies or existing groups, this light, fun, 8 week Bible Study encourages group discussion of biblical perspectives on everyday topics. Each weekly lesson begins with an "Ice Breaker" section to get the conversation flowing, then moves on to a "Promise from God" section to provide group focus. This is then followed by a "Scripture References" section to guide the conversation through God's word. Next, a "Commentary" section provides food-for-thought to stimulate the discussion. The next section, "Discussion Questions", leads the group into deeper analysis and self-examination. Then, the "Opt. Weekly Challenges" section provides suggestions for ways to translate thoughts into action during the upcoming week. Finally, there is a "Closing Prayer" section to wrap up the session. Unique in its approach, this Bible study focuses on forming strong group bonds and providing an opportunity for women to really get to know and support each other as sisters in Christ. Group Hug II, III, IV, Marriage and Holidays are currently available. Be sure to watch for Group Hug V thru VII plus Hot Topics to be released throughout 2015 as part of this ten book series!

Review
The book is a lot smaller than I thought it would be . There really isn't any additional reading required. This study would work well for someone who is a bit intimidated about starting a small group study since the lessons are outlined and structured. It would appeal to someone who doesn't want something that is in-depth or heavy or a too detailed study with daily homework, it is great. There are several available titles and others are coming soon including one on hot topics. Christine Tate has done an excellent job choosing topics and writing the study
I have no one to study with so it really wasn't for me.....
I would recommend this to those who want to teach a lesson with other fellow believers.


Author
Christine Tate is a Navy wife and homeschool mother. Currently stationed with her family in Virginia Beach, VA, she taught Sunday School for many years, loves to garden and has a passion for all things creative.


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When Mountains Won't Move
by
Jacob Hawk

About the Book
Standing in the midst of majesty and might, Jesus said that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can look at the mountains in the distance, tell them to move, and they will (Matthew 17:20). But what happens when our faith is smaller than the smallest of all seeds? What happens when the mountains won't move? The purpose of this book is to equip and exhort Christians to survive the most difficult days of life, so that the mountains which won't move will move before them.

My Review
A short, pretty easy read. This book is a good collection of Biblical advise about what you can do when your faith seems at a standstill, or even declining. The thing I liked the most about this book, was how it encouraged those with struggling faith to remain transparent with their family in Christ, and with their Creator. This book takes the reader on a journey to hopefully strengthen our faith in God as we struggle through life. Each chapter focuses on a specific step to enable us to continually grow in our faith allowing us to have a stronger relationship with our Heavenly Father. I found it to be a very uplifting read.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

About the Author
Jacob Hawk serves as the Pulpit Minister for Riverside Church of Christ in Kerrville, Texas. He holds both bachelor and master’s degrees in Bible from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He speaks at seminars and lectureships around the United States and television programs in the Texas Hill Country. In addition to his writing, Jacob has a burning passion to preach the gospel that he first discovered at the age of nine years old when he delivered his first sermon. Jacob and his wife, Natalie, have two sons, Hayden and Hudson.



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Rebuilding Civilization on the BIBLE:

by
Jay Grimstead


About the Book
An enjoyable source of inspiration and personal study, and for leaders, solid material for teaching and preaching, and will help Christians be an effective part of the coming revival of the Church and a new reformation to bring true Biblical Christianity to the nations. The 24 vital documents in this book which provide the sure foundation for restoring the Church to God s Word and God s favor to the Church are the culmination of 37 years of the work of hundreds of Christian theologians and pastoral and lay leaders from a broad variety of denominations, who met to restore the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3) and hashed out creedal statements of Biblical Truth on 24 controversial topics, beginning with the Eternal and Inerrant Word of God. Authors invite input and debate from readers who think they see a more Biblical interpretation. The goal is to discern from the very Word of God truth versus error and encourage the Body-of-Christ-global to unify in spirit around a Biblical-theological standard of doctrine consistent with the first 20 centuries to spearhead a new reformation and global revival. Said Dr. Jay, There can be no new reformation and revival unless many pastors preach strongly for Christians to obey the Bible from the heart 24/7. This book is not only a call to action, but also provides effective tools and truths with which to advance, Lord willing, the Kingdom of God on earth, as in heaven. May the Church in America and around the world move forward courageously and valiantly to rebuild civilization on the Bible and thus bring blessing to the nations. The author s prayer for the reader is: May our wonderful God bless, guide, and mobilize all who read this book to love Him more passionately and to live more wholeheartedly in obedience to His inerrant written Word, the Bible. Amen!

My Review
Their agreements and ideas on such areas (and not limited to these few I'm mentioning) as Salvation, The Trinity, Hell, Unity of the Body, Church Discipline, Homosexuality, Human life, Marriage, are spot on and totally within the confines of the Holy Scripture. Makes me wonder what we'll be calling the Modern Pharisees.
One of the aspects of the book that bothered me of these ideas was the authors' determination that the International Church Council would be able to solve the modern church's problems if everyone believes and follows these precepts. It seems to me that when Church Law becomes more important than the Believer, the Church will move backward into a works based religion.
My belief is follow the 10 Commandments and Gods will....no more no less..... 

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Living & Longing
For the
LORD

Start2Finish Books

Bible Study
by
Michael Whitworth

About Book
The Christian life can have as many heartbreaks as “Hallelujahs.” Circumstances confuse us. Sin frustrates us. The devil likes to inflict pain on God’s children. Wouldn’t it be great if we could go to heaven as soon as we become Christians and skip the confusion, frustration, and pain? Sadly, it doesn’t work like that; we have to learn to overcome this world while awaiting the Second Coming. In 1-2 Thessalonians, we are equipped to do just that. Living & Longing for the Lord will guide you through Paul’s letters to Thessalonica in hopes of helping you become more like Jesus until he returns.

My Review
This book is a good, straightforward commentary type of read on the epistles of Paul to the Thessalonian church. The author writes clearly and simply so that anyone can understand the theology, yet shares that he has conducted much research about cultural and biblical topics prior to writing. On the other side, the book is a bit scattered with some information that may be draw away for some. An example is the Q&A part following the introduction and various other stories that do not necessarily add to the theological arguments. This is a good book and well-written but you could go deeper theologically.
I would recommend this book to those who are interested in Gods Word!

About Author
Michael Whitworth is the owner of Start2Finish Books and preaches in Bowie, Texas. He is the author of several works, including two award-winning books, "The Epic of God" and "The Derision of Heaven," the first two of an entire series of trusted, engaging Guides to all the books of Bible that seek to deepen the reader's faith in God and celebrate the joy of the Christian life.
He is an avid landscape photographer and blogs regularly at Start2Finish Blog, a reflection of his daily struggle to become more like Jesus. He considers M&Ms his brain food is fond of large Mason jars. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Alabama Crimson Tide.
In his spare time, Michael loves Bible study, reading, drinking coffee, watching sports, and spending time with his family and furry golden retriever.


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Explore the Names of God to Grow in Faith

and Get to Know Him Better

by

John Avery


About the Book

Take an insightful journey into deeper relationship with God through the biblical names of God. The Name Quest mentions all the names of God in the Bible while explaining their significance in ordinary language. The author weaves together fifteen years of Bible study research with plentiful illustrations and humorous anecdotes. These include lessons learned as a pastor on a Caribbean island. A visit to a Welsh hill farm introduces a chapter about the Good Shepherd. The story of a Hungarian political prisoner illustrates the meaning of Immanuel (or is it Emmanuel?) A rescue from the slopes of an active volcano helps explain salvation and the meaning of Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua.



My Review

I am amazed who GOD is!!! HE is Everything…HE is ALL…HIS Names are so intricate and awesome!!! I really enjoyed the ease of reading this book…I am a simple woman, I am always Blessed by God who gives us all the understanding we need..HE gives others more than others by which I am usually overcome by reading more about HIM…How are you to know GOD if you do not read HIS Word and call upon HIS Name…I have truly enjoyed reading this book of “The Name Quest”. I liked the way John had the pages set up with Scriptures with the Names of God broken down and very easy to understand. It is what is called,"user friendly" when learning each Name of God and believe me there are plenty Names of God....I guess it is for us to know HIM better and to realize HE desires to have a personal relationship with HIM. I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for some time now yet I learn something more about HIM and that is what it is ALL about....HIM!!!!!!!!

I would recommend this book to all readers who desire to know GOD and want to know HIM more…

I pray that Yahweh will continue to use you for HIS Glory, Honor and Praise. In Jesus Name Amen. Numbers 6:24~26



About the Author

John Avery is a trained teacher with over thirty years experience as a Bible teaching pastor, small group leader, and missionary. He has lived in England, Israel, Africa, and the Caribbean, ministering with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and local churches. He and his wife, Janet, now make their home in Oregon. John likes to hike, snowshoe, and cross country ski. John writes a regular Bible devotional on www.BibleMaturity.com and maintains a comprehensive resource for all the names of God at www.NamesForGod.net


 

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Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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