Review: The Flinch
The Flinch by Julien Smith
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Not great. Not terrible. The overall message of this book is a pretty good one and somewhat helpful. It just felt like that the book could have been condensed to a blog post or article of a thousand words or less and would been more powerful. Smith has one main thing to say and the rest was cheerleading with random crudity to make the point louder.
It just didn’t work for me. You will be better served by reading “Linchpin” by Seth Godin and “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. I don’t recommend “The Flinch.”
Review: To Be Continued: Are the Miraculous Gifts For Today?
To Be Continued: Are the Miraculous Gifts For Today? by Samuel E. Waldron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good book. Waldron’s reasoning and argument are tight and compelling. He does not write in an over-your-head style. He doesn’t waste a lot of words, but gets right to the point. Consequently, this is a brief book but covers a lot of material. He deals graciously with what can certainly be a contentious subject. He deals seriously with objections and arguments the opposing viewpoint raises.
While all those are commendable qualities, I don’t think they are the main reason you should read this book. You should read this book because it deals with biblical truth in an area of much confusion, ignorance, and misunderstanding. Waldron goes back to foundational principles and considers the reason or purpose for the revelatory and confirming sign gifts. This aspect is seldom discussed when considering the continuance of miraculous gifts. Many start with asking what are the spiritual gifts, or how are they used? It’s better to start with why are the spiritual gifts? What is the scriptural purpose? Has that purpose been fulfilled? If so, would the miraculous gifts be necessary any longer?
Read it carefully and look to the Word of God.
Review: Outliers: The Story of Success
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fascinating read. Gladwell challenges the conventional thinking on success, but not in a contrarian-only way. He brings data and research to bear on the illusory tales of success we have all heard and thought. I don’t want to give anything away. I do recommend reading it.
Review: Power Through Prayer
Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent book in the pietistic puritan tradition. Bounds is challenging and convicting throughout this book. He does not set out to develop the theology of prayer. His aim much more practical. Much application is made to the preaching ministry, though it is not only beneficial to preachers. I recommend it.
Review: Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ
Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ by Russell D. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the best treatments of the temptation of Christ that I have read. Moore deals carefully and in-depth with the wilderness temptation, explaining what was at stake and the triumph of Jesus over it. Moore explains what temptation is and how it works.
This book is also extremely practical. The Bible teaches that Christ was tempted in all points like we are and Moore makes that connection for us in the wilderness temptation. Not only do we see how we are tempted like Jesus was tempted, but also how to overcome that temptation through Him. He writes in a style that is readable and understandable. He brings high concepts down to earth and makes them applicable to daily life.
This is a book that every Christian should read.
