God’s Battle Plan for the Mind by David W. Saxton (Book Review)

God’s Battle Plan for the Mind: The Puritan Practice of Biblical Meditation

Written by David W. Saxton

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-60178-371-4, $18.00

The Puritan pastors used to encourage their congregations to meditate upon God’s word.  David W. Saxton would like us to do the same.  He has written a book that shows us exactly how to do this based upon his ideas and those of other Puritans.

This book includes:

• learning what Biblical meditation is
• how to practice meditation
• what subjects to chose
• what benefits there are to meditation
• and more

Book Sample.

About the Author- David W. Saxton and his wife have five daughters.  He is a senior pastor of Hardingville Bible Church.

My thoughts-  God’s Battle Plan for the Mind, by David W. Saxton, has convinced me that I need to dedicate more of my life to Biblical meditation.  Until I read this book I did not realize how I had been neglecting my dedication to God and his word.  I need to make sure I get up early in the morning when my head is clear and spend my time thinking and studying upon the word of God. 

Saxton did a wonderful job in researching and including the most important quotes from Puritan resources.  I really appreciate the list of resources in the back of the book.  The quotes helped me understand how important Biblical meditation was to the Puritans and how it should be to us today.

One of the best parts of this book was how Saxton included the role that technology and day-to-day life has played in the decline of our meditation.  He also talked about how meditation is not a bad practice.  It is important.

I think this is a very important book for everyone to read.  We all need to meditate upon God’s word.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received God’s Battle Plan for the Mind, written by David W. Saxton, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr (Book Review)

Jonathan Edwards

part of Christian Biographies for Young Readers

By Simonetta Carr

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Biography & Autobiography / Religious / Children

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 64

Age Group- Children (ages 7-12)

Description of Book- hardback, ISBN 978-1-60178-354-7, $18.00

Simonetta Carr discusses all of Jonathan Edwards’s life in her book, Jonathan Edwards.  Edwards lived during the early 1700’s in colonial America.  He was a pastor, missionary, writer, college president, and he was even interested in science.

This book contains:

• six chapter discussing Edwards’s life.
• a timeline of his life.
• “Did You Know?” (section which discusses relevant information about his life and the time period).
• a letter from him to his daughter, Mary.

Book Sample.

About the Author- Simonetta Carr was born in Italy and currently lives with her family in San Diego.  She is a former elementary school teacher and has homeschooled her eight children.  She has written for various newspapers and magazines.

About the Illustrator- Matt Abraxas currently lives in Colorado with his wife and children.  He has studied many different approaches to art and exhibits his work at the SmithKlein Gallery.

My thoughts- I thought Jonathan Edwards, by Simonetta Carr, was very well written.  I really enjoyed the layout and learning more information about Edwards.  I had studied a little bit about him with my children last year (we homeschool), but this book was perfect to learn more.  I realize that the target age range is seven to twelve, but I believe this book would work well for adults too.  This book had just the right amount information to satisfy young readers, but encourage older readers to want to learn more.

I learned a lot about Edwards when I read the chapters about him, but my favorite part of the book was the section, “Did you know?”  I enjoyed learning different trivia about the family and America at that time.  I also enjoyed the illustrations and photos.  They helped the book come alive.

I would recommend this book to all young readers, homeschooling families, and anyone else who would be interested in learning about Jonathan Edwards. 

Renee of France

Anselm of Canterbury (part of Christian Biographies for Young Readers)

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Jonathan Edwards, by Simonetta Carr, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Gospel Assurance & Warnings by Paul Washer (Review)

Gospel Assurance & Warnings

Recovering the Gospel (series)

By Paul Washer

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion /Christian Theology / Soteriology

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 252

Age Group- Adults

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-294-6, $20.00)

Gospel Assurance & Warnings, by Paul Washer, is filled with important information about the gospel and what we need to do to have a true conversion to Christianity.   As Christians we need to know what the Bible says about being a Christian, too many of us are depending upon others to tell us what and how to be Christians.

This book has two parts, “Biblical Assurance” and “Gospel Warnings, or Warnings to Empty Confessors.”  Some of the chapter titles are:

• “Examining Yourself”
• “Imitating Christ”
• “Rejecting the World”
• “Believing in Jesus
• “The Narrow Way”

About the Author- Paul currently works with the HeartCry Missionary Society which supports Peruvian church planters.  He is married and has three children. 

My thoughts-  I have not read any of the other books in the Recovering the Gospel series.  I am very glad to have read Gospel Assurance & Warnings, by Paul Washer.

I learned about specific Biblical assurances and the warnings that are given to people who confess to be Christians, but are not.  I really think that this is a book that many people need to read and study.  If we say we are Christians, then we need to make sure we are acting and being the Christians that God wants us to be.

I am not sure who the best readers would be for this book, because it is technical, but I know that everyone needs to read it.  It would have been nice if there had been questions at the end of each chapter or some type of study guide, that would have helped me to summarize and understand all of the information I read.

I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Gospel Assurance and Warnings, by Paul Washer, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Captivated by Thabiti M. Anyabwile (Review)

Captivated:

Beholding the Mystery of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

By Thabiti M. Anyabwile

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Resurrection

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 95

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-300-4, $10.00)

In Captivated, by Thabiti M. Anyabwile, we are asked to delve into the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Each of the chapters is written as a question, such as “Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:45-46)” and Why Do You Look for the Living among the Dead? Luke 24:5.”

It is only by looking carefully at the text will we understand the meaning.

Interview on Confessing Baptist Podcast:  http://confessingbaptist.com/podcast041/ with Thabiti M. Anyabwile.

Sample chapter from Captivated.

The video does an excellent job of describing this book, so please watch it.

About the Author-

Thabiti M. Anyabwile currently lives in the Cayman Islands with his wife and three children where he is a senior pastor of First Baptist Church.

My thoughts-

I was impressed with Captivated, by Thabiti M. Anyabwile.  It was interesting that these chapters were begun as an Easter sermon and developed into a book.  I thought Anyabwile did an excellent job in the transition, between sermons and a book.    

My favorite chapter was the last one called, “Do You Not Know These Things?”  I liked this chapter, because it gave a lot of detail about how we should study the Bible and grow closer to Jesus.  Jesus is the key to our success as a Christian and we need this book to understand Jesus’s death and resurrection.

I would recommend this book to all adults who wish to understand why Jesus’s death and resurrection is so important.  Jesus died for each of us and we need to understand what he did for us and what he can still do for us.

Pick up your copy today!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Captivated: Beholding the Mystery of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, by Thabiti M. Anyabwile, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Spiritual Warfare by Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura (Review)

Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical & Balanced Perspective

By Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Warfare

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 124

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-284-7, $13.00)

Are you prepared to face and fight the battles you will have with the principalities and powers? 

Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura will help you prepare for the battle in Spiritual Warfare.  Their plans are based on Ephesians 6:10-20, which discusses the armor of God and how to use it.  Borgman and Venture use quotes from the Bible, commentaries from well known Christians, and their own views on how and why we should put on the full armor of God.

About the Authors-

Rob Ventura is currently a pastor in Rhode Island.

Brian Borgman is a pastor in Nevada.

My thoughts- I really enjoyed learning about how and why it is so important to wear the armor of God in Spiritual Warfare, by Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura.  I have read Ephesians 6:10-20 to learn about the armor of God.  I have also read other books, such as the fictional book, The Sword, the Garden, and the King, by Michael Phillips, which discussed God’s armor.  I have not however read a book that covered it in enough detail for me to truly understand why I really need to wear it and how to wear it.  This book was exactly what I needed, so I can grow into a strong Christian.

Usually when I read a book I don’t like reading a lot of long quotes from outside sources.  I did like it in this book, because it helped me to understand the importance of each piece of armor from different perspectives.  Part of the quote from Martin Lloyd-Jones about the spiritual world not taking holidays struck me as very important.  I am sure that many times I begin to let down my guard, because I think I have everything under control.  That is when the ever present spiritual world decides to zoom in and catch me off guard.  I know now that I always need to be on guard and I need to focus on God’s armor.

I enjoyed reading the parts about prayer, because I have seen how important it is to pray.  The part that encouraged parishioners to pray for their pastors was extremely important.  As I read it I realized that I often forget to pray for the pastors that I know.  It is something I need to remember to do.

I really enjoyed read and learning from Spiritual Warfare.  I highly recommend that you read it too.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective, by Brian Borgman and Rob Ventura, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Seasons of the Heart compiled by Donna Kelderman (Review)

Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another

compiled by Donna Kelderman

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / Devotional

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 416

Age Group- Adult (women)

Description of book- hardback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-272-4, $20.00)

Women, are you looking for a new devotional for this next year?  Men, is there a special woman in your life who needs a new devotional?  Seasons of the Heart, compiled by Donna Kelderman, might be what you are looking for.  

This book is filled spiritual insights from twelve women from Great Britain and America who lived from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries.  Some of the women were published authors, some were not, they wrote in journals and letters.  These women included Ruth Bryan, Isabella Graham, Susan Huntington, and Anne Steele. 

The back of this book includes biographical sketches and scripture index.

About the author-

Donna Kelderman currently lives with her family in Michigan.  Her husband is dean of students and spiritual formation at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  Kelderman works with the seminary’s Ministry Wives Institute.

My thoughts-

I thought Seasons of the Heart, by Donna Kelderman, had a lot of good spiritual advice that is as important now as it was hundreds of years ago.

Kelderman had a great idea when she decided to compile this information from all of these wonderful women.  It was helpful for me to have this advise in short pieces, because some of their dialogue was difficult for me to understand.  When it is hard for me to understand something I have to spend a lot of time going through each sentence, so shorter pieces don’t take a lot of time in my hectic life and still allow me to learn a lot.

The only thing I would have done different in this book, would be to place the biographies in the front of the book.  I would have liked to learn about the women before I started reading what they wrote.

I’m glad that there were 365 days of devotions.  It can give me time to get to know these women better.  I think that many women can learn a lot about these women and themselves from studying these devotions.  I recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another, by Donna Kelderman, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein (Review)

Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation

by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 160

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-60178-268-7, $12.00)

Do you think of Christ only as a child or do you think of him also as a grown man?  This book focuses on 31 different things that the Lord came to do for us. 

Some of the subjects discussed are:

• “To Serve”
• “To Bring Peace”
• To Bind of Broken Hearts” 
• “To Reign as King”

About the authors-

Joel R. Beeke is currently the pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Michigan.  He is also the president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

William Boekestein is currently a pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Pennsylvania.

My thoughts- Whenever I am feeling down, I know now that I can turn to Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation, by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein.  This book shared 31 meditations on what Christ came to do.  I know that he came for me, but this book can give me the specifics about why He came, like to serve, bring peace, and bring judgment.

The preface of this book discusses how we, as a society think about the Christ of the Christmas story.  There is of course more to Christ and that is what this book is all about.  This book discusses 31 different reasons why Christ was on this earth for us, not just the Christmas story.

This is definitely a book that is for all Christians, but I would certainly recommend it for new Christians.  They can get 31 concrete reasons on what Christ has done for us.  Please find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation, by Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Memoirs of the Way Home by Gerald M. Bilkes (Review)

Memoirs of the Way Home: Ezra and Nehemiah as a Call to Conversion

by Gerald M. Bilkes

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 188

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN 978-1-60178-265-6, $12.00)

Do you know much about Ezra and Nehemiah?

Memoirs of the Way Home, by Gerald M. Bilkes, is a Bible study based on them.  This study shows how important they were and how their teachings and ideas can be applied in our lives today.

There are study questions at the end of each chapter and lots of Bible verses to support his text.

About the author- Gerald M. Bilkes is currently a professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. 

My thoughts- I really enjoyed reading and learning about Ezra and Nehemiah in Memoirs of the Way Home, by Gerald M. Bilkes.

When I read a nonfiction book, I always enjoy having study questions at the end of each chapter.  The questions at the end of each of the chapters in this book were really helpful for me to go over the chapter and figure out how to apply the information to my life. 

I liked the part on Nehemiah the best, because I thought there was a lot more information given so that I would know how to apply it to my own life.  My favorite chapter was, “Submitting to God’s Yoke,” because it discussed how we all need to work together and it has to be everyone.  In the church nobody is too important to do the work and nobody is too insignificant.  We all need to do the work.

I highly recommend this book to all adults.  Please have your Bibles handy, so you can read the chapter in the Bible before you read it in the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Memoirs of the Way Home: Ezra and Nehemiah as a Call to Conversion by Gerald M. Bilkes for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Anselm of Canterbury by Simonetta Carr and illustrated by Matt Abraxas

Anselm of Canterbury (part of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Series)

by Simonetta Carr and illustrated by Matt Abraxas

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian / History

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 64

Age Group- Children (ages 7-12), and anyone

Description of book- hardback (ISBN 978-1-60178-241-0, $18.00)

Anselm of Canterbury, by Simonetta Carr, discusses the life of Anselm of Canterbury and medieval Western Europe.  Anselm preferred to teach, read, and think about God, but he spent a lot of his life with kings and serving as the archbishop of Canterbury. 

About the author and illustrator-

Simonetta Carr currently lives in San Diego with her husband and family.  She was born in Italy and has lived in different cultures.  She has home-schooled her eight children.  Simonetta Carr was born in Italy and has translated the works of Christian authors into Italian.

Matt Abraxas currently lives in Colorado with his wife and two sons.  He teaches art and exhibits his finished works.

My thoughts- Anselm of Canterbury, by Simonetta Carr, was filled with a lot of information about a important man I have never heard of before.  I was glad to have the chance to learn more about him.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the use of illustrations and photographs.  I was intrigued with the photographs, which where he lived and what he saw.  Seeing the portraits made him more real to me.

It was interesting to read about his life and what his opinions were about how the church and kingdom should be more separate from each other.  I especially enjoyed the section at the end that included excerpts from his works.

My children and I really enjoyed this book.  I highly recommend it to all children and adults.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Anselm of Canterbury by Simonetta Carr and illustrated by Matt Abraxas for free from Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Prepared By Grace, For Grace by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

Prepared by Grace, for Grace: The Puritans on God’s Ordinary Way of Leading Sinners to Christ 

by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Theology / History

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 298

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback (ISBN 978-1-60178-234-2, $25.00)

Prepared by Grace, For Grace, by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, is filled with information on how to understand preparatory grace.  They use many different sources, like Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan, William Guthrie, and Jeremiah Burroughs.  Beeke and Smalley show how the Puritans disagreed with each other and show how it has continuity with the Reformed tradition.

About the authors-

Joel R. Beeke is a pastor at the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation and a professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Paul M. Smalley is an assistant for Dr. Beeke.

My thoughts- I had read about the Puritans in my American history classes in elementary and high school and I thought they were stiff and very religious.  After reading, Prepared By Grace, For Grace, I decided that I really like the way that Thomas Hooker, Thomas Goodwin, John Cotton, William Pemble, and the other Puritans thought about how God gives us grace and prepares us for accepting him in our hearts.

I enjoyed reading the quotes of the various Puritans, but it took a lot of concentration, because these people wrote many years ago.  I thought Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley could have written this book in an easy to read format, because it might be difficult for the average person to read.  It would work well for a college text.

I would recommend this book, because we need to know the different ways people think and how God can lead us to Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Prepared By Grace, For Grace: The Puritans on God’s Ordinary Way of Leading Sinners to Christ by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley for free from Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Acts from the 17:18 Series by Rob Wynalda (Review)

Acts from the 17:18 Series by Rob Wynalda

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 328

Age Group- Young Adult and Adult

Description of book- hardback (ISBN 9781601782427, $15.00)

The Acts Journible, by Rob Wynalda, has been designed so you can handwrite the book of Acts and take notes at the same time.  You will write the Bible text on the right page of the book, then take notes on the verses on the left.  There is plenty of space to take your own notes and there are questions that can be answered.  When you are done writing out the book of Acts you will have a book with your thoughts to pass on to your children and following generations.

My thoughts- Initially, I thought this book was great, but I changed my mind.

The first thing I did was read the introduction, so I would know that best way to use this book.  I learned that I was to write out the verses and take notes.  There were also questions that I could answer that pertained to the verses.

I really liked answering the questions, it helped me think about the text.  I had problems when I had to write the verses.  I thought it was enjoyable writing the verses, but I wasn’t able to comprehend what I was reading and writing.  I would personally prefer this book with the verses already in the book, so I wouldn’t be distracted by writing.

One thing I didn’t like was that there was no price located on the book.  I had to look the price up on the Internet.

I think that the Acts Journible would be helpful to many people.  It would be great for homeschooling, as a Bible study for older children, good for family devotion time, or for a present for someone special.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Acts from the 17:18 Series by Rob Wynalda for free from Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory by Jeremiah Burroughs (Review)

Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory by Jeremiah Burroughs

Part of the Puritan Treasures for Today Series

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian / Nonfiction

Published by- Reformation Heritage Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 126

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, list price $10.00, ISBN: 978-1-60178-232-8

 

Jeremiah Burroughs, the author of Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory, lived in the 1600’s.  Even then he knew how prosperity can cause temptations that can pull us away from the Lord.  The text in this book was originally the appendix to The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, and is the conclusion to the sermon series on Philippians 4:11-12.

About the author- Jeremiah Burroughs lived from 1599 to 1646 and was a preacher among the Congregationalists and was a member of the Westminster Assembly.

My thoughts- Sometimes we wonder how important it is to heed the words of the past.  Jeremiah Burroughs, who lived from 1599 to 1646, words in Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory are words that have truly never been so important as they are today.

I learned a lot from Burroughs and the updating done by the editors made it easier for me to read, but in no way did it change the important message he had for us.  The important message being, when we have an abundance it can pull us away from God.  There are more temptations in prosperity than in poverty.

In today's society there is a great gap between those who have an abundance and those who do not.  Those of us who do have an abundance need to share with those who need more or have nothing.  We are God’s stewards and giving will only lead us closer to God.

I liked how each chapter had the points in italics and then a discussion followed.

I really enjoyed this book.  Everyone should find a copy of this book, read it, and then put the principles into action.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory by Jeremiah Burroughs for free from Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.