Christian Book Notes

Carr, Simonetta.  Renee of France.  England: Evangelical Press Books, 2013. 128 pp.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Simonetta Carr has become one of my personal favorite authors.  She has done more for children’s literature in terms of biographies than any author I have read.  You can read my reviews as well as my interview of Simonetta here.  You can also become a “fan” of her Christian Biographies for Young Readers series on Facebook.

Summary

Renee lived in the 1600′s and wound up right in the middle of the Reformation (she was seven when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg church door).  Carr traces Renee’s thoughts as she struggles with what to believe and, more importantly, why she should believe it.  She was a tender-hearted woman who wanted to please God.

Review

Carr does an excellent job staying objective in her treatment of this controversial woman of the Reformation.  For the Roman Catholic Church believes she was deceived by John Calvin and the other Reformers while the Protestants believe her to be a champion of the Reformation.

I liked that Carr let Renee do the talking for herself so to speak in order that the reader could get a better feel for the inner turmoil taking place in her life as the war of Reformation took place all over Europe.  More importantly, Carr masterfully shows what it means to be a Berean and to search the Scriptures along with seeking the insight of great thinkers all the while looking to the Bible for confirmation.

Recommendation

Simonetta Carr has done it again in this superbly written biography!  Renee of France will provide much insight into the horrendous pressure to choose a side in what we call the Reformation.  This work is recommended highly to all Christians, young and old, who want to know more about their heritage from which they come.

Benge, Janet & Geoff.  Christian Heroes: Then & Now – Paul Brand: Helping Hands.  Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2011.  208 pp.  $8.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction/ Summary

I have reviewed a number of the Christian Heroes books by YWAM publishing.  You can find those reviews here.

From the back of the book:

The son of missionary parents, Paul Brand did not plan on becoming a doctor. After training as a builder, he was called by God into medicine and spent a lifetime treating leprosy and restoring hope to thousands of sufferers.

Dr. Paul Brand became the first surgeon in the world to use reconstructive surgery to correct the deformities of leprosy in the hands and feet. He strove to eliminate the stigma of the disease and rebuild the lives of those destroyed by it. A humble, brilliant servant, he influenced faith and medical communities around the world, reminding us that all men are created in the image of God.

Review

Once again, the Benge’s offer a well-written biography of a man that few have heard of.  There style of story telling is both engaging and informative.  The chapters are long enough to engage the child (and adult!) but short enough not to overwhelm the young reader.  The bibliography in the back helps point the reader to a more in depth reading of the life of this man.

What is nice about this particular biography is that Paul Brand (live1914-2003) lived during our lifetime.  Many of our children who will read this today were born before he died.  This is exciting because it shows that the “heroes” of the faith are not just heroes of old.  Rather, they are all around us.  In this day of hero worship in sports and movies and etc., it is nice to be able to point to men and women who are making a difference for the kingdom even if they are lesser known.

Recommendation

I love these YWAM biographies.  I appreciate their ability to teach and instruct children in the history of the church and that that history is not just relegated to the Bible.  Rather, through these biographies, children today will be challenged to make a difference for Christ or, in many instances, be challenged in their living and their need of Christ for salvation.  I recommend this resource to all parents and children.

Fraser, J. Cameron and Sonya M. Taekema.  God is Always Good: Cassidy’s Story.  Ontario: Guardian Books, 2011.  128 pp.  $7.99.  Available on Kindle.

Introduction

I have written a review on another of Fraser’s works entitled, “Thandabantu.“  J. Cameron currently serves as pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. He is married with two sons.  Sonya is the mother of Cassidy while Cameron serves as their pastor.  Hence, this is a very personal narrative and should be read as such. You can find out more about the authors at their website SOS-Books.com.

Summary

From the webstite,

Cassidy Taekema is a grade 11 student at Immanuel Christian High School in Lethbridge, Alberta. She was born with a rare blood disorder, which by the time she was 14 required a stem-cell transplant to prevent the development of leukemia. A “perfect” donor was found and all seemed to be going according to plan. After several months in the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Cassidy returned home on schedule, only to be rushed back to hospital with a severe case of graft-versus-host disease. Several more months were spent battling for her life. What made the difference was an experimental treatment from Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Columbia, MD, USA. The treatment had not been approved by Health Canada and special permission had to be sought and received, with doctors working around the clock to do so.

Review

Again, it is important to note that this is an extremely personal story to both authors and therefore ought to be judged accordingly.  The story of young Cassidy is both heart-wrenching to read as a parent and comforting to read as a child of God.  The perspective is that of Cassidy’s mother, Sonya, with a chapter that includes an interview with Cassidy herself.

Perhaps the most important critique that can be stated regarding this work is the faith of the author’s and of Cassidy is not in a doctor or a treatment that is not “approved” by a government.  Rather, their faith is in the God who has overseen all of this and, in His sovereignty, led the family and, by extension, the church family at large, on this journey.  Ultimately, God does show himself to be faithful and good.

Recommendation

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cassidy’s Story in which I cried and I laughed.  As a parent, you never want to see anything like this happen.  As a child of God, you know He is doing it for their good and His glory.  What a promise we have in the Lord and what a thrill it is to watch it unfold before our very eyes!  Read this book and enjoy.

Kohein, Dr. Simon Hezekiah.  The Battle for One Elect.  Mustang: Tate Publishing, 2010.  212 pp.  $13.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction/Summary

Dr. Kohein has published what amounts to a journal of sorts that he wrote after his wife died at an early age.  He was left to raise a very young family by himself.  This journal is more than just a memoir.  It is rather a compilation of letters that he wrote to his wife after she passed away.  He pours his heart and soul into each letter as will be noted in the book.

Divided into twelve chapters, each chapter is one letter.  There is no chronological flow necessarily to the letters.  Instead, we read the reflections on what amounts to a difficult life lived by one Dr. Kohein to the glory of God.  In these letters, the reader will see how the past has influenced the present and will eventually influence the future in the life of one family.  Moreover, we see how the Lord uses it all for the good of His saints.

Review

This is a difficult work to review simply because it is very much autobiographical in nature.  It is not as if one can say I disagree with X when in reality X is something that happened in the life of the author or was the way he responded to a situation right or wrong.  I will say that Dr. Kohein pulls no punches with his letters.  We are treated to raw emotion and reaction to various circumstances.  For that, this work rings of genuine truth telling.

You will find yourself crying with him on one page and laughing the next.  There will be times where you will disagree with his approach to parenting and applauding him in another instance.  Ultimately, what you will learn is that life is a roller coaster…for all people.

There is, however, one are I do take issue with theologically and feel I should address it here.  Dr. Kohein talks quite often of “having faith in God’s Word.”  While not inherently a bad thing, this can also lead to idolatry.  Our faith is not to be in the Bible as if it has salvific qualities.  Rather, our faith is in Christ alone though we are to turn to the Bible to learn about Him.  It is also in the Word of God where we find how one is saved as well as how one who has believed in Christ is to live.  Sadly, many have placed their faith in the Bible and not the Christ of the Bible to their eternal detriment.

Recommendation

For those who are struggling with the difficult hand dealt to you in this life, I would recommend reading The Battle for One Elect.  You will find reassurance that you are not in this battle alone.  Furthermore, you may find that your situation is not so bad.

Profiles in Reformed Spirituality - Venture all for God: Piety in the Writings of John Bunyan.  Edited by Roger D. Duke and Phil A. Newton.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011.  196 pp.  $10.00.  Purchase at Westminster Books for less.

Introduction

I have interviewed and reviewed books by Dr. Roger Duke in the past as well as having had the pleasure of meeting him in person at a recent conference.  You can read the reviews, the interview and even a couple papers he presented here.  Phil Newton is heavily involved in the Founder’s Conference as well as the serving as the Pastor of South Woods Baptist Church.  He has written a number of helpful books of which a couple can be found here.

The Profiles in Reformed Spirituality series is personally one of my favorite series of books and Bunyan is one of those authors that has resonated with me through the years.

Summary

Divided into a life introduction followed by seven sections of sermon snippets, one could spend weeks digesting the thoughts of Bunyan from subjects such as Christ our Advocate and Him as the merciful Savior.  The third section offers much hope for the sinners while sections four through seven contain more practical (not that the gospel is not practical!!!) to living the Christian life.  In section four, the reader is exposed to what true humility looks like while section five is about Christian ethics.  The seventh section offers warnings.

I saved sections six for last because I believe it to best sum up the entire book and thus the life of John Bunyan.  Section six is aptly entitled the Gospel Applied.  Here we have the shortest of all sections in terms of only two selections, but much to chew on and guide one’s reading of the works of the great Dreamer.

Review

I enjoyed reading snippets from some of Bunyan’s lesser known works though I found the number of selections from The Jerusalem Sinner Saved to be just as appropriate.  The biographical sketch at the beginning of the book is an extremely helpful, albeit short, introduction to the life of John Bunyan.  Many know the highlights due in large part to his Pilgrim’s Progress.  Sadly, many do not know much, if anything at all, about the rest of his life, writings, and ministry.  Venture all for God will go a long way to rectify that problem.

Another helpful section in this small work is found at the end.  The two editors offer a guide to various books in print that can be purchased in order to read more of John Bunyan.

Recommendation

If you have ever read or even heard of Pilgrim’s Progress then I highly recommend that you pick up this introduction to John Bunyan and his life.  For less than $10 you can add a book to your library that you are sure to read time and again.  What is more, you will find that this book will somehow multiply the books on your shelf as you will want to begin reading more and more of John Bunyan.  You will not be sorry once you read this book.  In fact, I dare you say, the Lord would use this work to help your walk with Christ.

Carr, Simonetta.  Chosen Daughters, 16th-Century Europe. Weight of a Flame: The Passion of Olympia Morata.  Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2011.  224 pp.  $11.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $8.51.

Introduction

Simonetta Carr is most known to readers here at Christian Book Notes for her Christian Biographies for Young Readers series published through Reformation Heritage Books.  You can read reviews of that series, as well as check out our interview, here.  While the other series is an introduction to the men and women in the history of the church from various time periods, this particular book, part of the Chosen Daughters series, shows her ability to write in the historical fiction genre.

Summary

From the back of the book:

Olympia Morata (1526-1555) is a girl far ahead of her time. A quick tongue and a ready pen are her mind’s tools to record her vivid thoughts, poetry, songs, and opinions. Appointed tutor to Duchess Rene’s children, her future is bright when suddenly, evil rumors turn her world upside-down. In the midst of it all a young doctor comes courting. Will their love survive the danger waiting on the other side of the Alps?

For those like myself who did not know who Olympia Morata was, here is some more information.

Review

While the book did start a bit slow, there were a lot of people to become acquainted with, it quickly picked up speed.  To read about all that happened to this young woman during such a short life span was sobering.  Furthermore, being able to know and trust the author, Simonetta, helped lend credence to the story that she was telling.

The story was certainly gripping and the historical research was evident.  This was an enjoyable read and one that continually led me to question the strength of my own faith.  Any work, be it historical fiction or theological, that gets the reader to think on the most important matters of life is definitely worth your time.

Recommendation

This series of books, and therefore, this particular title, is meant for a teen girl audience.  That being said, I see no reason why anyone could read this and not profit from the story.  Younger boys will realize that the heroes of the church are not always men and parents, like myself, will be challenged to consider what they are accomplishing in the raising of their children.  I recommend this work to all Christians, especially those who are teenagers.

Benge, Janet & Geoff.  Christian Heroes: Then & Now – Mary Slessor: Forward into Calabar.  Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 1999.  208 pp.  $8.99.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

I have reviewed a number of the Christian Heroes series by YWAM Publishing.  You can read those here.

Mary Slessor is known for her trust in the Lord as she worked for thirty-nine years amongst the tribes of Africa’s Calabar region.  In this introduction to this great missionary of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, your child will be introduced to what obedience to the calling of Christ can mean.

Summary

Divided into seventeen chapters, the young reader will be introduced to the Scottish woman with blue eyes and red hair submitted to the missionary call to serve in Africa.  The fiery personality of Mary is seen (and rightly so) as a major help in her work for the Lord though it did sometimes get her in trouble.  Her work with the children and the constant fear of lions and tigers become as much a part of the story as her work for the gospel.  Her fight for human life–which was in direct opposition to the customs of the peoples she served–rounds out the story of Mary Slessor.  Ultimately, the reader will see that her life was spent for the cause of the gospel.

Review

I greatly appreciated the candor with which Mary Slessor was presented.  She struck me as a “fire-brand” who was so committed to the Lord that she through caution into the wind so to speak.  It is that fire that seems to have been lost in many churches today and it is that fire that ought to be rekindled.  While Mary Slessor – Forward into Calabar is a children’s biography, many adults would do well to become acquainted with her life.

As with all YWAM books in the Christian Heroes series, this one also comes with a poetic work for younger children as well as a unit study designed to teach all about the region where Mary Slessor served.  The artistry of the younger children’s work will engage the imagination of your child and even help you as an adult to better describe the surroundings.  The unit study can be used for many different purposes and will also prove invaluable (if you use it) in the education of your child for the glory of the Lord.

Recommendation

If you use Tapestry of Grace (we do) you will be using this particular book.  You will not be disappointed and may, as I did, learn something new about a great saint form the past.  For those who wonder how women have served the Lord in the church through the centuries, Mary Slessor will be of great interest.  I recommend this resource to all if only as an introduction to missions work. 

Noll, Mark A. and Carolyn Nystrom.  Clouds of Witnesses: Christian Voices from Africa and Asia.  Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2011.  288 pp.  $25.00.  Purchase at Westminster Books for 35% off.

Introduction

Chances are if you are reading this, you live in what is considered the Western world.  Your view of Christianity is distinctly Western and you are more likely to think that your understanding of Christianity is most important to the whole of Christianity.  Thanks to Mark A. Noll, Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame and Carolyn Nystrom, a freelance writer from the Chicago-area, we are now confronted with a global understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit within the bride of Christ.

Summary

Divided into six regions of the world, the reader is introduced to seventeen saints of the Christian faith from the past 150 years or so who have fought the fight of faith and paid the price in this world but gained a rich crown in the life to come.  You will visit Southern Africa, West Africa, East Africa, India, Korea, and China.

Along the way, you will be confronted with the truth that the freedom of religious worship is not as pervasive as we think here in the Western world.

Review

You cannot read this work and not be moved to tears.  To see what these men and women withstood for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ will lead you to ask how strong is your faith.  Noll and Nystrom have done their homework in retelling these various histories.  For that, we are indebted to them. The list of sources at the end of each chapter keep the authors accountable and provide a launching point for which to do further study and investigation into the lives of these men and women.

Sadly, the stories may be too controversial for some but they will most assuredly quicken the heart, soul and mind for a deeper faith. While reading this historical overview, you will begin to gain a greater appreciation for the cost of following Christ.  In the end, the gauntlet is laid down and the challenge is given — Are you living your life for Christ or are you infatuated with the cares of the world?

Recommendation

Thanks to ministries like the Voice of the Martyrs much has been done to bring about awareness of persecution in the church.  Sadly, our Western mind wants to fight (rightly) for the rights of those being persecuted.  Clouds of Witnesses offers a different perspective and shows the joy one has in dying, peacefully, as a martyr for the gospel.  To all who believe on the name of Christ, read this book and be blessed.  Read this book and be challenged.

White, Michael, L.  A Time for Everything: The Kevin Zimmerman Story.  Mobile: Parson Place Press.  112 pp.  $12.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Michael L. White has been a pastor for over 25 years and has served in the U.S. Army and the Alabama National Guard for 27 years as a chaplain assistant and a chaplain.  he has written another work entitled Digital Evangelism: You Can Do It.  A Time for Everything is a biographical work regarding the life of Kevin Zimmerman.

Summary

Divided into seven chapters, A Time for Everything is a fast-paced, action-packed biography in the life of an everyday American.  Based off Ecclesiastes 3, the reader is introduced to the Kevin Zimmerman during various times in his life that all come together to tell the story of how the Lord has worked in his life.  What drives the story is two different, though similar, miracles in Zimmerman’s life.  Along the way, you will be privy to the decisions a young Kevin Zimmerman made that led to the miraculous events in his life.

Review

The book can be read in one sitting or in an evening.  The story, however, will remain with you for a long time.  Kevin’s story could very well be your own story.  It is a story of poor decisions as a young man and God’s ability to take our mistakes and turn them into a blessing that glorifies His name and works for our good (see Romans 8:28). I was impressed with White’s ability to tell Kevin’s story as he moved from one miracle, back in time to the reasons that miracle was able to take place and then to the next miracle.  All of which points the reader to something more miraculous and magnificent — salvation in Christ.

There is one word of caution, however.  Kevin attributes much of his spiritual growth to T.D. Jakes.  A word needs to be said regarding some of Jakes’ doctrine.  His denial of the Triune God (the Trinity) is what should give us most pause.  He falls more into a Oneness Pentecostal framework than a simple Pentecostal denomination because of this.  There still remains, however, much good about what Jakes does.  I merely mention this as  means to exhort all readers to be Bereans and never take anyone’s word (especially mine!) at face value.  Always search the Scriptures.

Regardless, the message is sound and the story credible.  A Time for Everything will get you to think about what the Lord is doing in your own life and to give Him all the glory.

Recommendation

Because there is nothing said of doctrines outside of the pure gospel message that Christ died for our sins and we must repent and trust in Him to be saved, I can recommend this book to everyone.  I found the message to be genuine and the heart behind the writing of the work to be one of concern about the spiritual well-being of others.  Read this book and be blessed.  What is perhaps the selling point is that Kevin Zimmerman is not a household name.  Chances are, neither are you and that makes this biography worth reading.  It also needs to be mentioned that a portion of all proceeds from the sale of this book go to help various charitable organizations working with our military veterans.  As a veteran myself, this is a very noble cause and one I can fully support.

Life of John Newton.  Edited by the committee of publication for the American Sunday School Union.  Green Forest: New Leaf Publishing Group, 2011. 144 pp. $14.99. Purchase from Amazon for less.

Introduction

This biography was originally published in 1831 by the American Sunday School Union, now American Missionary Fellowship.  That is only 24 years after his death.  New Leaf Press has put together a wonderful video introducing this book.  Actually, New Leaf Press has produced a number of videos that are worth checking out.

Summary

This biography of John Newton can easily be split in two halves.  The first half of the book is the life of John Newton before Christ.  In this half of the book, the reader will learn just how reprobate young John Newton was.  He literally sought ways to blaspheme God and to get into trouble.  He did not care about anyone else unless they could do something to make his own situation better.  He nearly died numerous times though that did not do much to sober his thinking about the path he was choosing for himself in life.

The second half of his life, however, is a stark contrast to the first.  Upon being saved, Newton’s world was radically changed though he did not end his dealings with slavery.  That, too, would change as he later struggled to rectify his theology with his practice.  In the end, we see a John Newton deaf, blind and unable to really move striving to share the gospel with anyone who would give him the opportunity.

Review

Instead of reviewing the content of this book (seriously, how can you “review” the life of John Newton?), I would like to share something from the “Advertisement” from the original publishing of the book in 1831. They write,

The object of this compilation is, to give the principal events of the life of Newton, in a more regular series than they have yet been presented to the public; and to put it in such a form as will render it easy to be obtained, and acceptable to youthful readers.  If this be attained, its object will be accomplished. (emphasis mine)

I share this in order to humble you as was I when reading this work.  All of the “Life of” Attic Book reprints from the ASSU are of this sort.  All of the “Life of” Attic Book reprints from the ASSU are difficult to read.  This is not because of anything with ASSU or Attic Books.  Rather, this is because we are nowhere near as educated as those who graduated grade school in the early 1800′s!

I honestly have not been able to put my finger on it other than the writing style then is so different than now.  Still, it is not like they are writing using Elizabethan English though I have found reading that to be a bit easier than these “Life of” books.

Recommendation

What I appreciated most about Life of John Newton was that it was compiled from primary source material and was done so only 24 years after Newton’s death.  In other words, there were still eyewitnesses to John Newton that would be able to refute anything that was written.  While I did struggle with the style of writing (I honestly think anyone would), I found it to be more than worth my while to persevere through to the end.  Reading Life of John Newton will offer much insight into the depth of John Newton’s most famous song, Amazing Grace.  If you are a Christian, you ought to read this biography.  You will not regret it.