Book Review - The Faith of Queen Elizabeth

Book review: The Faith of Queen Elizabeth by Dudley Delffs.

In the 1980s, when I was a student minister at Glasgow University in Scotland, I wrote a letter to the Queen regarding environmental issues. As Head of the Commonwealth, I felt that Her Majesty had a unique role in looking after our planet. After mailing the letter, I assumed that it would be lost in the hundreds of thousands of letters she gets every year. A few weeks later I received a reply from Michael Heseltine, who was Secretary of State for the Environment at that time. The letter stated that he was commanded by the Queen to give an official response to my letter. In it, he stated that Her Majesty was very concerned about the environment and that as a Christian she would do her utmost to protect it. I was deeply impressed that her faith commitment was mentioned in the official reply.

Dudley Delffs’ book, ‘The Faith of Queen Elizabeth,’ is a remarkable read. He has clearly researched an area of the Queen’s great life which has often been set aside. His book is a masterfully written and worthy biography of this much-loved and historical sovereign. He takes the reader through many of the highs and lows of the Queen’s long life and shows how her faith in Christ has enabled her to successfully survive.

Throughout the book, the author quotes from some of Her Majesty’s Christmas broadcasts which are not only used by her as a summary of the current year, but also as a means to gently express her faith in God. At the beginning of each chapter, Delffs uses these quotes to introduce another crucial experience or step in the Queen’s life.

The author also uses excerpts from various television serials or movies that have been made about the Queen, as well as some contemporaneous news reports from moments like the Coronation, her son’s investiture as Prince of Wales, the death of Princess Diana, the impact of 9/11, and the jubilees that have been celebrated around the world during her reign.

One of the best parts of the book are the anecdotes at the end of each chapter where the author describes spontaneous conversations that he has had with ordinary British citizens about their Queen. The telling of these instances is delightful and adds some great insights into why Her Majesty is well-loved by most of her subjects.

This is a very clever book and a wonderful witness of Queen Elizabeth’s absolute faith in God. Her Christianity is well-documented by the author who has obviously completed a lot of worthwhile research in putting together this delightful book.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about the Queen and to everyone to whom their faith is important. It would make a great gift for Christmas!

I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in order to read and review this book.

Christian Book Review: The Thriving Church by Dean H. Taylor

The Thriving Church by Dean H. Taylor.

Practical Church Growth Lessons from the New Testament

With so many books being written each year about church growth, it is refreshing to read one that is more based on scriptural wisdom rather than business systems. Dean Taylor effectively interprets the Apostle Paul’s great words to the church in Ephesus, so that they can be applied in this post-modern age when many congregations are struggling.

The book is based on Ephesians 4:1-16 and the author cleverly uses the words of Paul to encourage other ministers and churches to get back to the basics of New Testament Church growth. Dean’s substantial research and knowledge of this passage are easily read, pondered, and applied. The whole book would make a great study for pastors and elders together, especially if they are trying to find a new vision for a congregation that has plateaued or is declining. Pastors could also use the book for a series of sermons based on the insights and applications that Taylor presents. In fact, the best two chapters of the whole book can be found together – 6: Every Pastor Equipping and 7: Every Member Ministering.

At the end of each chapter, there are a number of questions that can be shared and discussed at church classes, board meetings, or staff groups in order to engender a new and hopeful vision for local congregations.

I was given the opportunity to read and review this book for the publisher via Net Galley. I am now looking forward to sharing some of its contents with the congregation that I presently serve.

Book Review - Grateful American by Gary Sinise

Grateful American by Gary Sinise

Real Gratitude

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to read such an interesting and inspiring autobiography. I knew very little of the actor, Gary Sinise, apart from a few movies which he was in. After reading his remarkable life story, I’ve started to watch some of his films and TV series on Prime and Netflix.

Like most actors, he was encouraged to take part in drama events at High School. In Gary’s case, this saved him from going down the wrong route and helped him to become the success he is today. His early career in Chicago as a founding player in the now-renowned Steppenwolf Theater Company makes great reading. His anecdotes of many fledgling actors like himself – for instance, of John Malkovich – make the book compelling.

Gary writes of his journey in very honest terms with the turning point being his role as Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. This changed his life completely, giving him a calling to help wounded US veterans all over the nation, as well as entertaining and supporting our troops via the USO service. His patriotism to help military personnel and their families is amply and effectively described in the book. His service to our country is wonderful and he enthusiastically seeks to get more folks involved from his acting profession.

It’s a great book that also deals with serious family issues and tragic personal moments. Gary’s candid way of communicating his feelings is very captivating and his faith experiences are both humbling and deeply honest.

This would make a great gift for any US Veteran or for any theater enthusiast. I give it five stars from beginning to end. Gary Sinise is truly a very grateful American and someone from whom we could all learn how to help one another.

Book Review - ReBorn Again by Christopher VanHall

(Re)Born Again – Crucifying Christendom & Resurrecting A Radical

By Christopher VanHall.

This is not my usual kind of Christian book to read. Christopher is a radical progressive Christian whose ideas and experiences of faith are very raw to a traditionalist like me. I was intrigued by the title of this book and also wanted to be better informed of a branch of Christianity that has often made me uncomfortable. I was not disappointed.

Christopher’s deep honesty and coarse language throughout the book are actually quite refreshing. He writes about his experiences from the heart and describes his faith journey in very terse terms. His Christian roots are conservative and he begins the book with several events that eventually led him to question the performance presentations that his large mega-church extravagantly put on. At times, it sounded comical and absurd, but below the surface, Christopher was experiencing a painful spiritual rebirth of who he is and what Christ expects of His followers.

I was captivated by the unapologetic honesty and relentless drive that Christopher conveys through the different stages of his life. His confrontations with church leaders, marriage breakdown, self-questioning, and rock-bottom experiences are all there in the book. How he manages to rediscover himself and climb up out of his spiritual pit is inspiring. His progressive and radical insights taught me a lot about the struggles that others like him have in their own lives. While I may not always agree with his methods or even some of his thoughts on scripture, I do recognize his real passion for what he believes, thinks and does.

I like the way he has set out each chapter, beginning with an episodic situation or circumstance which is quite intriguing, and then breaks off from it to explore and express an important theological point. At the end of the chapter, he very neatly returns to the initial incident and cleverly weaves it into a very effective and teachable lesson. Time and time again, this impressed me deeply.

This book will make a great small group study by all sorts of Christians. I am thankful for the opportunity to both read and review it for the publishers. It is a remarkable journey and I am grateful for the broader insights about progressive Christianity that Christopher has given me.

Christian Book Review: He Calls Me Friend

Dr. Perkins has written a beautiful book on the subject of Friendship which is much needed in our world today. Drawing from his expansive life experiences and wonderful group of friends, Perkins offers hope to all of us who are plagued with loneliness in our lives.

In an attractive conversational style, Dr. Perkins presents the Biblical idea that we were all made to be friends of God, so therefore we should be friends with one another. Each chapter contains a whole host of illustrations, personal anecdotes, and Bible verses which are very readable, understandable, and shareable.

This would be a great book for church fellowship teams, as well as visitor follow up ministries in local congregations because it beautifully describes what makes people seek God's love in the first place.

The study questions at the end of the book are ideal for church boards, Christian families, and small house groups to discuss.

#HeCallsMeFriend

Christian Book Review - The Long Walk Home

The Long Walk Home by Matt Carter

The parable of the Prodigal Son has been a great favorite of many preachers, teachers, and church folks. Matt Carter carefully unpacks this ancient story in order to convince readers that no matter how badly we screw up or how far away we stray from God, we can return home again to be received lovingly and graciously by our Heavenly Father.

The chapters are easy to read and Carter’s style will probably appeal most to millennials who are now experiencing a spiritual and meaningful gap in their lives. The constant message is one of hope and restoration no matter who we are or what we’ve done.

This would be a great study book for a small home group to read, discuss, and share the valuable insights that the author expresses in each chapter. He also courageously tells his own story which will probably connect with many of his readers, especially if they are truly seeking God’s grace.

Christian Book Review - On Leadership by Ray Stedman

Ray Stedman on Leadership

As a pastor, this book has been very useful for my regular meditations. Over the years, Ray Stedman compiled many mini-sermons on various texts and subjects. This new book contains 40 gems of his excellent ministry.

The chapters take about 5-10 minutes to read and at the end of them, there are four questions to consider which all give relevance to the message that Stedman has written. This means that the book can also be used by small study clusters in church or coffee houses, allowing each reader to share their own experiences and reflections.

The chapters cover special moments in the lives of Biblical leaders and deals with both their successes and failures, as well as their struggles and victories. Stedman’s easy style paints a great picture of many characters and he adds some modern-day equivalences to each story.

Overall, it is an excellent book for ministers, church leaders, and group enablers, which is why I give it 5 stars.

Book Review - Reappearing Church by Mark Sayers

Excellent Material for Churches and Pastors

This is undoubtedly the best book that I have ever read on church renewal. Mark Sayers communicates the patterns and processes of renewal that many pastors will need to enable their congregations to survive our post-modern secular age. It has taken me a month to read this new book, not because it is difficult, but because it crammed full of quotes, ideas, and suggestions which make this a valuable and relevant resource for ministry.

As well as outlining the important process for renewal, Mark makes an excellent suggestion on how to study his material with weekly groups. The journal parts at the end of the book for each chapter are very useful and will allow church ministers and lay leaders to share their reflections and applications on a regular basis.

I was asked to review the Kindle edition of this book. I found it so compelling that I purchased a paperback edition in order to use it soon with a pastors’ study group. I look forward to sharing this great resource with my peers and church members.

Book Review: Stan Toler - The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership

Stan Toler: The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership

For decades, Stan Toler’s work in the field of leadership helped many business and church leaders develop effective ways of encouraging employees and members. His plethora of illustrations was something that could be counted on in many of his presentations and books.

This latest book is a great legacy of Toler’s teaching. It contains many uplifting stories, events, and quotes that will continue to inspire a whole new generation of ministers and managers. It is a great gift for anyone starting a new business or a pastor beginning in a new church. Every page contains examples of good and solid leadership positively influencing other people. I have practically highlighted and made notes on many pages. The ten chapters focus on optimistic ways of influencing others, as well as providing models of leadership excellence and encouragement which will enable leaders to effectively manage challenges and conflicts that come their way.

This is a five-star book that will be used frequently by those who want to make a difference in their churches, workplaces, and communities. Stan Toler’s will continue to positively impact and influence those who admire and know his work well.

Book Review: A Crazy, Holy Grace - Frederick Beuchner

Frederick Beuchner: A Crazy, Holy Grace

Memories are made for this…

                I had never read any of Beuchner’s books before this one, but a number of my pastor colleagues have been referring to his works for years. This book intrigued me because of its title – A Crazy, Holy Grace. Throughout my pastoral ministry, I have seen this in action, especially among folks who have had tragic childhoods or heart-rending grief. Beuchner’s book is an ideal resource for people who are struggling with the pain of a great loss, as well as their faith in God.

               Beuchner tackles grief from the basis of his own heartbreaking family experiences. He expresses the reality of his painful burdens and focuses in on the purpose of memory in the healing process. He converses casually with the reader and doesn’t come across as holier-than-thou. The chapter which touched me most was the one called ‘The Magic of Memory,’ where he writes an imaginary conversation with his deceased grandmother. It’s a very touching moment and one that gets to the very heart of dealing with the hurt of loss.

                The book would make a great small group study or to help a grief therapy group find coping mechanisms. Anyone who loves C. S. Lewis books will be delighted with excellent work of Beuchner. And now that I have read this first one, I look forward to reading more of his writing.

Book review: Ordering Your Private World

A Book Review of Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

                I’m usually not keen on books that are updated, especially ones that were written for churches and pastors over thirty years ago. However, the more I read of this book, the more I realized it has more relevance now than when it first appeared.

                Gordon MacDonald has a vast wealth of experience and knowledge which fit perfectly with the frantic pace that congregational ministers and church members are currently undergoing. His casual conversational style of writing imparts that knowledge in words and ways that are easy to understand, embrace, and apply.

                The chapters in the book are not overlong and the study guides at the back are well organized. This makes the book ideal for both personal spiritual development and small group discussions. The sections on organizing time are excellent and would be useful for any church leaders who need to refocus their lives on their responsibilities in church, at home, and even in their businesses.

                As a pastor, I found the fourth chapter on ‘Living as a Called Person,’ to be highly relevant to my current work. In the midst of plateaued or wilderness experiences, it’s good to know that God’s calling can be both renewed and reshaped as He sees fit.

                This is a book that I will turn to time and time again to help me refocus on the ministry that God has given me. Gordon MacDonald’s words, as well as the many illustrations he writes about, contain a lot of common sense, real wisdom, and spiritual discipline that many of his readers like me, will appreciate. This is an excellent book and one that I would heartily commend to any church leader and member.

Book Review - The Master's Mind by Lance Hahn

A Clever Concept

The Master’s Mind – The Art of Reshaping Your Thoughts

By Lance Hahn

            I was drawn to this book by the title – ‘The Master’s Mind,’ which refers to Christ’s thought process as He engaged in ministry throughout His life. From the scriptures, I know that He was confronted by different groups and enemies who sought to steer Him away from completing God’s work of salvation. I hadn’t paid much attention to the idea that most of the battles Jesus faced took place in the mind. This book gave me a greater awareness of those things and helped me to understand the same kind of mind games, inner conflicts, and cerebral skirmishes that exist in my own Christian life.

            Hahn outlines his book as a process of developing skills to overcome the tyranny of random and sinful thoughts that we all experience. The success of our commitment to Christ depends on our focused approach to His life, work, and ministry. Just as Jesus was confronted with Satan, temptation, and lies, so we also face the same problems. How we overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil will only be accomplished by adhering our thoughts to those of Christ. Hahn points out that the outcome of resisting temptation so we may embrace God’s will, can become a positive process of thinking faithfully. As the author wrote,

                        ‘The more we say yes to God, the easier it is to say yes to Him the next time. The more we lean into healthy patterns of obedience, the more our bodies adjust to that response. With each victory, we struggle to earn in our minds, the next decision is smoother. It’s all about habit patterns.’

            As I worked my way through the book, I began to notice that I was practicing what Hahn describes. In recent weeks, I have had to deal with several things that have bothered me in the past. Hahn’s process of reshaping thoughts in Christ’s manner has enabled me to overcome those issues and be better prepared for events that have usually caused me some anxiety.

            Towards the end of the book, the author gives several practical summaries of what this reshaping of thoughts can do for the reader’s confidence and faith. These are great go-to remedies and reminders that could be used by individuals in the midst of conflict situations or even small groups facing a dilemma which requires unified thinking to solve the issue.

            Finally, I would commend the author on his use of scripture to convey this thought-shaping process. Hahn doesn’t twist or contrive the Bible passages that are quoted to fit his thoughts; instead, he plainly shows how the scriptures can be the building blocks of reshaping our thoughts in positive, dynamic and faithful ways. Overall, this is an excellent book that can be read by individuals for deepening their faith, as well as a very good choice for class study or book groups in churches and coffee houses.

Book Review - A Spectacle of Glory - Joni Eareckson Tada

                As a writer of over twenty devotional books, I can appreciate the amount of time, energy, and effort that both Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby have put into producing this gem of a book. It contains a daily devotional for every day of the year, as well as a highlighted Bible verse, and a short prayer. Most of the devotionals only take about two minutes to read, so busy Christians can use them to start their day with God very quickly.

                Throughout the book, Joni talks about both her faith and physical struggles that she experiences every day. Her honesty and transparency give the book authenticity, which many Christians are seeking today. The book can be picked up at any time, on any given day, and I can see it being constantly used over the years by myself and other readers.

                Church leaders can easily read the short devotions to start their meetings, which can also be used for commencing faith-sharing discussions and ministry moments. The book is also in a handy size with a very attractive cover. It would make a great gift as a ‘thank you’ present for any Christian, as well as for any new college students. I heartily recommend it as a positive source of help and inspiration for any Christian.

Christian Book review: Lessons from the East by Bob Roberts

                I was delighted to see such a book being written. For decades, I have believed that the center of Christ’s Church is not to be found in a Western Christian nation, but more than likely in Asia. Recent estimates show that by the year 2030, China will become the largest Christian nation in the world.

                Bob Roberts has worked with pastors and church leaders from all over the planet. He has seen what the Spirit is actually doing across the nations. His book is a welcome refreshment of church growth ideas that are borne out of real experiences of pastors around the globe, rather than the same old hypothetical formulas for growth and success, to which Western churches and pastors seem addicted.

                Bob relates much of his work with global pastors and offers many new insights into how Christianity operates in other regions of the world. Every chapter has many lessons which could radically, yet positively, alter US congregations. The book is divided into three main parts, all of which tell Bob’s personal faith journey. For me, as a Presbyterian pastor, Part II – Kingdom Hearts, contains vital information, challenges, and experiences, which I am hoping to share and apply with our church elders. We’ve been looking for something missional and exceptional. Bob’s ideas, which he has gleaned from overseas pastors, may be essential for the continuing life, work, and ministry of many congregations across the US, including the one that I currently serve.

                The book is easy to read and is also an excellent resource for pastors, church leaders, staff, and congregations. It is a refreshing view of Christianity as a positive worldwide movement. I highly recommend Bob’s book to every pastor who is seeking something substantial, inspiring, and productive for their ministries.

Nine Recommended Christian Books for Christmas Gifts

Here's my annual list of recommended books for Christmas Gifts for Christian relatives, pastors, and friends:

Christian Book Review: The Hole in Our Gospel

This book took me fully two months to read. It is crammed full of information about the realities of the world beyond our Western civilization. Richard Stearns’ zeal is evident on very page. He thoroughly believes that Christianity is meant to change the world, but before that can truly happen, we will have to change ourselves.

Stearns’ story of being a successful Christian businessman to becoming the President of World Vision is a powerful testimony to the way in which God can call anyone of us out of our comfort zones and into the frontline of Christ’s global mission. This is so personal to the author that he challenges any of his readers to consider doing something similar.

Richard backs up his zeal with many personal stories of hardship and tragedy that have been transformed into something beautiful and meaningful through the power of the Gospel. His traveler’s tales of meeting people in all parts of the world are sometimes disturbing to our comfortable Christianity in the West. Stearns passionately attempts to make us listen and look at what’s happening in the real world.

“The Hole in Our Gospel” is a life changing book. That’s why it took me so long to read. You cannot scan over its pages quickly because the author wants his Christian readers to feel challenged. Time and time again he mentions how the Gospel operates powerfully in other lands and that the work of World Vision is an arm of Christ embracing the world. Stories about orphaned children due to AIDS or impoverished grandparents trying to raise their grandchildren in harrowing circumstances are very hard to take in, analyze, and understand.

The evil that people commit throughout the world and the cheapness of a human life in developing countries is no worse than the casual indifference and cultured ignorance of Western Christianity. Richard Stearns boldly and prophetically declares judgment on our jaundiced views concerning poverty, hunger, and human rights abuses that take place each day all over the globe.

I was glad to finish reading the book because I felt that my spirit was being afflicted chapter by chapter and page after page. However, it has changed my attitude to the importance of global mission and mission dollars. I no longer casually give to a mission without truly thinking about the effectiveness of my gift. I want to do and give what I can to those whose needs far outweigh my own. If the Gospel is going to be effective in my life, then I need to commit whatever I can and see that commitment as a powerful message of Christ’s Kingdom in the world.

At the back of the book, Stearns has written some study notes and questions for small groups. The book would be an ideal missional study over several weeks for any church that feels the need to be directly burdened and challenged.

There is also a great website with more illustrations, teaching material, resources, and videos for church groups and individual Christians at www.theholeinourgospel.com.

Book Review: The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton

Years ago, when I followed the sport of ice skating, I was often impressed by Scott Hamilton. His performances were usually well executed and very much appreciated by fans of the sport. His routines were full of flair, but sometimes he was out-skated by his rivals, especially on final day appearances. Scott’s overall excellence, discipline, and determination overcame his competition. He won his medals by being professionally consistent in all sections of the sport, especially when it came to making a painstakingly perfect figure eight in the precision exercises.

It’s no wonder then that Scott Hamilton drew upon the number eight to write a book about happiness. Along with Ken Baker, he has mapped out eight ways of achieving happiness. And before anyone thinks that this is just another step by step motivational book, let me assure you that it’s not. Scott draws from his own personal experiences, setbacks, and achievements to show how adversity can be overcome by focus, determination, and careful planning.

The book is also about major events in Scott’s remarkable life. He writes about his adoption and life-threatening illnesses as a child. He relates how he got hooked on skating at an early age, and how the benefits of exercise strengthened his whole body.

He also tells the stories behind his successes, and how he overcame his setbacks. As he relates his story, he also weaves in several points about the skill of ice skating, using what he has learned as a means of helping others achieve their goals.

Scott is very candid about his disappointments and his dealings with people who sometimes blocked his path to stardom. He also writes about his battles with cancer and how he managed to overcome the worst through his relationships, experiences, and discoveries.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining book which uncovers a lot of the mysteries about the ice skating world. It’s also a very hopeful book for people who are suffering from cancer, loneliness, or depression. Scott’s healthy attitude to facing life’s problems head on is very inspiring. The book is very well written and very easy to read and assimilate.

Daily Devotions: Christless Christianity

I’ve just started reading a new book called “Christless Christianity,” which was written by Michael Horton. The author explores American Christianity and expresses his concern about where it is headed. Both conservative and liberal Christians come under Michael’s scrutiny, and he bewails the fact that both camps are more into spiritual coaching rather than spiritual conversion. The dilemma that Horton raises is this: are we more into preaching and hearing messages that are about humanity improved, or Christ crucified?

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

I think he has hit the nail on the head and pounded it through the Cross. When was the last time we heard a sermon about the blood of Christ? How many modern churches are comfortable with having no cross in their sanctuary? How many American Christians look to Jesus as a life improving spiritual coach, rather than the blood soaked redeemer of the world? We would rather be frequently taught Christian principles to get us out of debt, instead of being weekly reminded of the debt that was paid for our sins.

I don’t think the First Christians would recognize what passes for Christianity today. I am not even sure if they would be willing to die for what we believe in. We cast them aside as if they were unsophisticated simpletons, instead of the courageous martyrs who confronted Roman society as they established their faith.

We want everyone to like us and so we allow the world to shape our faith. It’s gets to the point where we are no different from those with no beliefs and our Christianity is shallow, shameless, and superficial. We have trouble keeping our faith alive and are troubled by our doubts. If we were transplanted back to the First Christian century, our current belief system would never have survived into a second century.

If you take Christ out of Christianity, you are left with I-anity, which is about right. We put ourselves, our culture, and our misconstrued beliefs first and foremost to satisfy our lifestyle. Rather than styling our lives on Jesus and proclaiming what He did way back then, we promote ourselves and the here and now. It’s all about us – it’s not about Jesus.

This book is a wake up call for the whole Church, no matter on which side of the theological divide we stand. The blood of Christ improves our lives, by cleansing our souls and removing our sins. You cannot find that in a self-improvement book. It only comes through grace.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are all guilty of following our own paths and asking You to be right behind us. Remind us that we are meant to be following You. Help us to recommit and rededicate our lives to You today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.