Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

“So where the law condemns, grace forgives through the Lord Jesus Christ. Where the Law commands but gives no power, grace commands but does give power through the Holy Spirit who lives and works within us.”

In his book, The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges examines the process of sanctification within the Christian faith. Bridges illustrates how salvation by grace and salvation by works are not dichotomies, but rather intertwined concepts. Salvation is purely by grace. He argues that works are then performed as a result of being saved, instead of being performed to gain salvation. Grace continues to influence us by giving us the power to exercise discipline and perform works. Therefore, the two concepts cannot be separated.

The Discipline of Grace is the perfect book for helping Christians become more like Jesus. It provides a concise but informative overview of the Gospels. Bridges also shows how to incorporate these teachings into daily life. The book urges readers to stop and list their own vices. Bridges then goes onto explain how to overcome personal vices through scripture mediation. Everyone serious about pursuing holiness must read The Discipline of Grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, December 24, 2010

Angry: a Novel by Laura L. Smith

Thrust into the center of her parents’ bitter divorce, Emma Monaghan is surrounded by pure anger and confusion, in Laura L. Smith’s Angry: a Novel. Being the oldest of six children, she has the weighty responsibility of caring for her siblings. Things only get more intense as her father seems to spontaneously have an affair and leave their family. Emma feels as if everyone is blaming her for the divorce. Her only escape comes from the theatre as she assumes the role of Eponine for Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. The play serves as metaphor for Emma’s own life.

Many teenagers will be able to easily relate to Emma’s experiences. In addition to divorce, the short novel addresses many other serious issues such as adultery, alcoholism, eating disorders and teenage pregnancy. Mixed into these issues are the average teenage concerns of fashion, cars, friends and gossip. Although religion does eventually play a large role in the novel, it does not dominate the text. Emma finds herself turning to God during hard times, but does not seem to devoutly believe in Him. Her conversations with God gradually move from casual comments to heartfelt exchanges. Angry is a great novel that accurately describes what it is like to be a teenage girl. I highly recommend this book to teenagers looking for a novel to identify with. Adults wanting insight into the teenage girl mind will also benefit from this great novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Animal lovers will not deny the remarkable connection that forms between pets and their owners. Kim Meeder portrays this bond in her book, Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & the Woman She Rescued (2010). While operating Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, Meeder is united with a woman named Laurie Sacher. For much of her life, Laurie attempts to mask her true self by taking on various masquerades. Trying to persuade herself of her own kindness, she decides to adopt a needy dog that she imagines to still be grand and beautiful. As she first sets eyes on the dog her original visions are replaced with an underweight, blind, diabetic dog. Reluctantly, Laurie adopts the dog. Through much struggle, an amazing relationship develops between Laurie and her dog, named Mia, which eventually brings her to accept Christ as the Savior.

Laurie’s story, told through the perspective of Kim Meeder, is touching and heartbreaking at times. The relationship between Laurie and Mia is so well-depicted that it can honestly be felt by the reader. Although I had expected the book to focus more on Mia instead of her owner’s conversion, I was not disappointed. The book shows how God uses different methods to bring people to faith. While overall an amazing book, Blind Hope did have one small shortcoming with respect to dialogue. Laurie’s dialogue is conversational and realistic. However, some of Kim’s responses are too rote and unbelievable. At many times, it seems as if Kim’s responses are performed and impersonally. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to others interested in conversion stories.

Note of Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."