Book Review: Slave

John MacArthur's Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity In Christ is packed with historical, cultural, and theological gems regarding the role of slaves; and the use of this imagery in the Bible. What starts out reading like a theology book—dealing first with Biblical texts, and then ancient Rome, and it's influence on the writers of the New Testament—ends with a challenge to accept the role of Jesus Christ not just as Savior, but also Lord. With every other line either followed by a parenthetical reference or footnote, this powerful study is worthy of both your living-room and the classroom.

Not what I was expecting (in a good way)! Honestly, I was expecting this book to just scream, "Die! Die! Die!" But, instead, I was challenged to take a look at my own understanding of what the role of a slave was historically and culturally, and then allow the Holy Spirit to show me my own role as a "slave of Christ". Throughout the book, the paradox of slavery to sin and slavery to Christ is revisited. What was beautiful, though, was that MacArthur then takes us on the journey through the process of being first slaves of sin, to slaves of Christ, then sons of God, to finally being citizens of Heaven. The idea of slavery being supported by the Bible may go against moral standards in your body; but, understanding your role in Christ as a slave will help you understand that the world's view of freedom is really the worst kind of slavery there is... "if the Son sets you free, you are truly free" (John 8:36).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sun Stand Still

"Audacious faith" - that is the key phrase in Steven Furtick's Sun Stand Still. The subtitle says it all - What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible. The story of Joshua asking God to cause the sun to stand still in the sky, that the Lord's words may come to pass, is that backdrop to this challenging, inspiring book. In the same way that Joshua possessed an audacious faith to ask God for what seemed impossible, we are to live a life of this same type of faith. What are you expecting God to do in your life? Are your expectations vague? Or are they too simple? Maybe you are expecting God for something that really doesn't impact anyone around you? God desires to do more than we can imagine! Furtick pushes you to dream way beyond the ordinary, and to consider believing God for the impossible - which, to God, is anything but!

This book challenged me in areas of my life that are currently in question. As I closed the book, there was a stirring in my soul - down in my gut (and no, it was not dinner). I want to believe God for things that I have previously only dreamed of! Do I have enough faith to truly believe they will happen?! Let's find out!

Your Money God's Way: Overcoming the 7 Money Myths That Keep Christians Broke - by Amie Streater

Your Money God’s Way, by Amie Streater, is an incredible book that causes you to take an honest look at your finances; and then really gets to the heart of the matter – your heart. That’s right! For most people that are in debt, suffering financially, and living month-to-month, there is a greater issue than just not having enough money (because most people do have enough money). The issue is this: what is the condition of your heart that would lead you to the place where you are careless, selfish, and lazy with the money God has given you? God does not desire for us to live this way.

This book knocked my socks off, and sense into my head! I was extremely challenged by the different areas that Streater zeroes in on; and I found myself sincerely praying the closing prayers (at the end of each chapter), and then practicing what I read! Each chapter presents “counterfeit convictions” that keep us making poor financial decisions, and then presents “timeless truths”, from the Bible, that should be the foundation to obtaining victory and freedom in our finances; and all these principles are presented from the lives and circumstances of individuals created by the author. This is a simple, yet powerful book that I would recommend to anyone that desires to grow and mature in their finances!

steve

Pass it on!


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.”