Great book for those encouraged by Christian Biography

Johann Sebastian Bach by Rick Marschall is one of the books from the Christian Encounters series. It presents a look of Bach that includes both his music and his faith. The book does a good job on offering a complete picture of Bach even though there is little information available. He was a Lutheran, he left a corpus of sacred music to cover the entire liturgical year, including Latin Masses written for the Catholic Court of Dresden, and spent much of his working life as a church music director in Germany.

It was interesting to learn Bach Came from a family full of composers stretching back hundreds or years. I love how this book and also the series intertwines characters from history and shows how they were influenced by their faith. This looks like a series of books that will be well-received by the Christian community--especially those with an inclination to history.

I have a friends who is in love with this series of books. I think I may be as well

5 Stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Little Red Book of Wisom

I love this book. I personally everyone should have a copy if it in their library. It is one of those books you can read and then read again. It is not just a business book, but is actually a book that appeals to Christians from all walks of life. This book was originally recommended to me by James Macdonald. Now I pass that recommendation on to you. Some of the subjects covered are Finding and keeping your focus in life, Getting out of your comfort zone, reclaiming the lost are of letter writing, the wisdoms of firsts, and my personal favorite, Why I don’t ride alone with another woman.

This chapter is a really good lesson for Christian men especially married men. As Christians we should live above reproach, and this book helps this. I give this book 5-stars and would recommend to all my friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

It's hard to believe, but it's been almost ten years since the events on September 11th. In those years, America's resolve to face terrorism has resulted in a world very different that before that tragic event. The subtitle of this book "Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth, and Choosing to Win the War Against the Radical Islam," sums up the message of the book very well. The authors support his claims with quotations from media and provide a vision for Americans. Being Canadian, and having never lining in America, I had a hard time connecting to the book. So although the book was well-written, it didn't interested or excite me.

Two out of five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Taste of Heaven

R.C Sproul, A Taste of Heaven, Reformation Trust Publishing 2006, 173 pages.

If God himself were to design worship, what would it look like? Dr. Sproul starts the book by asking this question. In the church today we have many ideas and opinions as to what worship is and how it should be executed. Dr. Sproul answers this question in his book, A Taste of Heaven. This book really caught my attention because of a quote lingering in my mind from reading John Piper's, Let the Nations be Glad; he said, "Missions exist because worship doesn't."

Dr. Sproul explains that the only worship that is acceptable to God is worship that proceeds from a heart that is trusting in God and in God alone. He uses lots of examples from the Bible to drive the point home. I really appreciate the connections he made from the Old Testament that the church would be "A House of Prayer" Here is an excerpt,

Why did God want incense to be burned constantly in

His sanctuary? Incense has much symbolism in Scripture,

but one major factor is that the rising smoke of the incense

was symbolic of the prayers of God’s people ascending to

His throne (Rev. 5:8; 8:3–4). In commanding the perpetual

burning of incense, God was telling His people they were

not to draw near to Him except in an attitude of prayer.

That was the principle. So prayer was a very significant element

of the ancient Israelite cultus.

I highly recommend this book because it focuses us on the recipient of worship, namely God. We are reminded that when God looks at me, He sees the merit of Christ. My salvation rests not on my performance, but on His. Overall, I am really excited to see a book on worship that actually focuses on God and not on feelings.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Doing Virtuous Business

I requested the book from book sneeze last week, and a friend of mine had just read the book so he lent me his copy. Doing Virtuous Business the Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise is an interesting read and practical read. Theodore Malloch explores the ethical practices of different businesses from a religion and moral lenses. Also, he explores how companies that follow an ethical business model often perform at a higher level than their competitors.

This book would do well for someone in management or an influential position in a company. The ideas presented in the book would help some shape a biblical view on business, but it may be a little too much information for a layperson. At point I felt a little lost, but I could still see the value of the book. I will be recommending the book my friends who are in the business world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Expanding my physical libray

Tomorrow I am going to ikea a buy a second expedit shelf for my living room. I really love books and I am excited to have two shelves in my living room. I have documented about 2000 books.

So because of that I need to find a home for them.

Should be fun!

Some Books that have influenced me

Below I have included links to some books that i have read and love. The links connect you to out Christianbook.com affiliate page. Any purchased made contribute to our work. Enjoy and if you read any of these book let me know what you think.

Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions, Third EditionBy John Piper / Baker AcademicLet the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions is a modern classic in missiology. A trusted guide for thousands of missionaries, pastors, churches leaders, and laity, it provides a biblical basis for missions, the expansion of the Gospel, and for worship. The third edition has been expanded to include new material critiquing the prosperity gospel and its presence in the church and in missions.

Don’t Waste Your LifeBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIn this provocative work Pastor Piper challenges us to set aside the trivial pursuit of self-fulfillment so that we can develop a deeper passion for God. Piper believes that if we passionately submit the sufferings we endure, the risks we take, and the goals we set to the pursuit of God’s glory, then not one moment of our lives will be wasted. Don’t miss this opportunity to rekindle your passion for the cross of Christ and the glory of God.

The Works of Jonathan Edwards, 2 VolumesBy Jonathan Edwards / Hendrickson PublishersDiscover why the fiery sermons of Jonathan Edwards sparked the Great Awakening of 1740! This 2-volume set features Edwards’s most celebrated expositions, including The Freedom of the Will and The Religious Affections, plus Henry Rogers’s Essay on the Genius and Writings of Jonathan Edwards—a work you won’t find in any other Edwards collection. 1958 pages total, hardcovers from Hendrickson.

Footprints Across Quebec: The Autobiography Of Murray HeronBy Murray Heron / Joshua Press Inc.

God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of HimselfBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesWhen you ponder what it means to be loved by God, are your thoughts God-centered or self-centered? Best-selling author and pastor Piper reveals that the most loving thing about God is not his making much of us, but his enabling us to make much of him. Paradigm-challenging reflections on the gospel message! 160 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books.

Seeing and Savoring Jesus ChristBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIf you want to know Jesus you do not need to go to seminary or embark on a tour of the Holy Land. All you need to do is to read the gospels with an open heart. In Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ Pastor Piper will help you explore Jesus’ deity, power and wisdom. Once you have “Seen” Jesus for who he is and have “Savored” his beauty, goodness and truth, you cannot help but be changed.

Below I have included links to some books that i have read and love. The links connect you to out Christianbook.com affiliate page. Any purchased made contribute to our work. Enjoy and if you read any of these book let me know what you think.

Let the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions, Third EditionBy John Piper / Baker AcademicLet the Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions is a modern classic in missiology. A trusted guide for thousands of missionaries, pastors, churches leaders, and laity, it provides a biblical basis for missions, the expansion of the Gospel, and for worship. The third edition has been expanded to include new material critiquing the prosperity gospel and its presence in the church and in missions.

Don’t Waste Your LifeBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIn this provocative work Pastor Piper challenges us to set aside the trivial pursuit of self-fulfillment so that we can develop a deeper passion for God. Piper believes that if we passionately submit the sufferings we endure, the risks we take, and the goals we set to the pursuit of God’s glory, then not one moment of our lives will be wasted. Don’t miss this opportunity to rekindle your passion for the cross of Christ and the glory of God.

The Works of Jonathan Edwards, 2 VolumesBy Jonathan Edwards / Hendrickson PublishersDiscover why the fiery sermons of Jonathan Edwards sparked the Great Awakening of 1740! This 2-volume set features Edwards’s most celebrated expositions, including The Freedom of the Will and The Religious Affections, plus Henry Rogers’s Essay on the Genius and Writings of Jonathan Edwards—a work you won’t find in any other Edwards collection. 1958 pages total, hardcovers from Hendrickson.

Footprints Across Quebec: The Autobiography Of Murray HeronBy Murray Heron / Joshua Press Inc.

God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of HimselfBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesWhen you ponder what it means to be loved by God, are your thoughts God-centered or self-centered? Best-selling author and pastor Piper reveals that the most loving thing about God is not his making much of us, but his enabling us to make much of him. Paradigm-challenging reflections on the gospel message! 160 pages, hardcover from Crossway Books.

Seeing and Savoring Jesus ChristBy John Piper / Crossway Books & BiblesIf you want to know Jesus you do not need to go to seminary or embark on a tour of the Holy Land. All you need to do is to read the gospels with an open heart. In Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ Pastor Piper will help you explore Jesus’ deity, power and wisdom. Once you have “Seen” Jesus for who he is and have “Savored” his beauty, goodness and truth, you cannot help but be changed.

A Sacred Meal - Nora Gallagher

I was first drawn to this book because I was looking for a focused book on the subject of communion. Having read the book I am very disappointed. The author does not reference scripture but backs her arguments on feelings or other writings. When she does quote the bible she usually quotes two or three words and arrives at a conclusion completely unrelated to the verse. I did not agree with most points made with the book and would not recommend this book to anyone. I would rate this book zero stars out of five.

0/5

This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for a book review