"The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant" by Terry Felber

Snack of Choice:

It’s not the authentic NY style, but for $5 you can’t really complain. Thank you, Caesar (but your better watch out for Brutus).  

Story behind the Story:
I’ve been craving the smell of a real book. You know what I mean, the ones that just smell like a library. I’m missing it this go round because of new technology. First book I officially read on the i-Pad. Check out the last time I tried to read an e-book: [Church in the Making]. Book Sneeze by Thomas Nelson provided a digital copy of this book.

Story Line:
Financial and Business Guru, Dave Ramsey highly recommends and passes this book around to everyone who comes on board his company.  The main tenet of the book is “The Merchant is a minister too.”  I love that. As a pastor, I love having fellow ministers in the market place partnering together to accomplish the purposes of the Lord.

This short story, set in the boom of Venice, shared how generations pass on 12 principles of business for the believer. The second half is a small group study guide that delves into some real life application of the story.  

The Real Story:
While I love the premise, I’m confounded by the seeming contradiction of messages.  Instead of being on the same team, the “monks” (ministers) are portrayed as misusing Scripture (104, digital) and discouraging the merchants who are supporting the Lord’s work with their money. One quote that seems to mark the authors belief of these roles is as follows: “God has designed a special relationship between businessmen and leaders in the church. We, as businessmen, can provide the provision for the vision of the priests” (135 – also see 136, 138).  But in truth, the “Great Commission” isn’t exclusively for ministers.  It does not say to the merchant, “Give you’re money, and let the monks do the witnessing, the teaching, the discipling.” It says, “All of us have are to get our hands dirty.”

Fortunately, the small group study got it right. “Under the new covenant, because all Christians now have the Holy Spirit, all believers are priests and can personally worship God and minister to God and his people” (148). “But whether in vocational ministry (monks) or ministry in the marketplace (merchants), we are call called to ‘go’”(149). “Everyone in [our] building knows that they’re operating under a higher calling, because our work is holy” (150).

There were some other contradictions between the story and the guide (ie. 77 & 162) to the point that it seemed to be written by two different authors. (See acknowledgements, looks like it was). Oh, and I wasn't a fan of the story telling either.

Check out:
Dave Ramsey stuff – great biblical principles for businesses and life.

The Book of Acts – all kinds of regular people serving God in extraordinary ways.

Rating:
3 out of 5 Venetian Trade Beads (and that's out of respect for the small group material).

"What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy" by Max Anders

Snack of Choice:

Those mini powdered doughnuts. Not doughnut holes, just mini’s. While I don’t mind the white powdered ones, I prefer the cinnamon ones.  But beggars can’t be choosers considering I have none of them in the house right now.  But I can almost taste it – that count’s right?

Story behind the Story:
I first encountered Max, may I call him Max? Ok. Sorry. Mr. Anders. I first encountered Mr. Anders... oh, DR. Anders... [sigh]. My wife bought me a set of commentaries with this distinguished theologian as it’s editor (Holman), so when I saw his name, I figured I could go with it. Also, it was a nice complement to “Dug Down Deep” which totally avoided the “Bible Prophecy” and eschatological discussion (end times).  Thomas Nelson provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Story Line:
Sometimes when we talk about Bible prophecy, we jump to those end time debates; but Dr. Max takes his time to introduce the idea of prophecy and it’s part in the story of the Bible. It’s one book in a series of “What you need to know[s]” that deal with many key doctrines of the Bible. It is intended to be a study that is broken up into 12 lessons with application times at the end of each.  He is methodical in defining terms and ideas that are important to understanding the whole. He gives each perspective a “chance” to speak without ridicule and shame.

The Real Story:
There is a tendency when dealing with difficult subjects to give credence to every viewpoint without pointing out potential weaknesses.  I appreciate the focus on what we do agree on; but as a book written by a Biblical scholar, I’d expect to hear an opinion.  The following seems to sum up the Doctor's philosophy:  

Equally bright, well-educated, spiritually mature people hold to different views of the Millennuim.  Therefore, we must conclude that we are now not able to discern the true interpretation of Scripture and that, in God’s grace, there will often be more than one interpretation that is responsible, even if none gains the full agreement of all our brothers and sister in Christ.  As a result, while each of us holds a deep conviction concerning our own view, we should do so with grace and with respect for others who hold one of the other two positions (99).

Let me be clear, I agree with the above statement; but I’m disappointed that Dr. Anders didn’t share his deep conviction with us.

Some of the standout aspects of this books format is “Speed Bumps” with discussion questions, fill in the blanks, deeper study, and additional resources. Great, great stuff!  Helps the reader to slow down and make sure they know what they are learning. I love the way the main headings in question form are answered in a definition sort of way before details are delved into. For example, [Heading] “What is the Rapture?” [Sub heading in italics] “The Rapture is the sudden departure of all Christians to meet Christ in the air.”

All in all, I still think this is a great resource for a believer who is trying to understand Bible prophecy.  I’d recommend it in conjunction with some godly counsel and, of course, God’s Word.

Check out:
Books of Daniel and Revelation – or “Dan/Rev” as Dr. Bowman always called it.

“Plowshares & Pruning Hook” by D. Brent Sandy – it’s a good conversation about how literal is literal. Subtitled: “Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic”

Rating:
4 out of 5 fulfilled prophecies, and looking forward to the Lord taking care of the rest. 

"Beyond Talent" by John Maxwell

Snack of Choice:

The place were a burger means two patties and a jr only means one. That’s right, Five Guys and pile on the fries. Am I the only one who is a fan of the malt vinegar on ‘em? And no, they did not require a positive review in order for me to eat there, but I wouldn’t mind if they gave me a gift card ;) Oh... and did you know you can order online or with their iphone app? Life is GOOD!

Story behind the Story:
The last of my latent reviews. Whew. Thomas Nelson provided me with a copy of this book and, similar to Five Guys, does not require a positive review.

Story Line:
Repackaged for a new generation...well, actually, the same generation.  This is a republishing of the 2007 book under the original title “Talent is Never Enough,” but apparently heeded my homiletics professor’s warning about using negatives in your messaging. From leadership guru, John Maxwell, we learn that, yes, talent, is important, but you can’t depend on it alone for extraordinary results and success. The chapter titles reveal the necessity of passion, initiative, focus, teachability, and teamwork among others to truly be successful.  

The Real Story:
Many pastors and Christian leaders love books by John Maxwell. I do too, but let’s be real -- much of Mr. Maxwell’s material is focused on the leaders in the business world.  I’m not saying that what he writes does not apply the church and its leaders, but it makes it all the more difficult to sift through. I think maybe my problem with all of this is the focus on “success”.  I could see a Type-A personality going overboard with messages of “Successful people go the extra mile and are willing to spend as much time as it takes” to the detriment of life, health, and family. I can also see “tenacity” and “bull-headed determination” to adversity as the opposite reaction to how the Lord would have us to deal with difficulty. Be sure, however, I’m not talking about laziness or compromising or character-less-ness. (Yes, that is a word... maybe).

Leadership is not limited to the strong and courageous and the “type A” personality. Although it would have a different presentation, leadership can be true of a quiet and reserved individual who is willing to follow the Lord anywhere. So, if you aren’t “type A leadership material,” don’t be discouraged.  God uses the weak things of this world to “confound” the wise.

Ok, with that being said, it is a “leadership” book with many valuable insights.

Check out:
Nehemiah – now THAT’S a book on leadership!

“Church in the Making” by Ben Arment – Leadership for church-planters or those who want to understand it.

“Radical Together” by David Platt – great direction and humility for church leaders.

Rating:
3 out of 5 embroiled CEOs.

Velveteen Bible - NKJV

Snack of Choice:
Breakfast is better if it's waffles. Not those crazy Belgian waffles, but the old fashioned machines past on from generation to generation.  A traditional 4 panel waffle with a classic 7x7 hole ratio. This, matched with a fluffy topping of "Peanut Butter Stuff" (1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 syrup -- whipped) makes the morning worth getting up for. Grab your Kuerig coffee and you're ready to go.... or just grab an Eggo.


Story behind the story:
I'm building my library for the next generation (just like my waffles). Thomas Nelson helped me out with this one. They provided me with a free copy with the agreement that I will write a review (but it doesn't have to be a positive one). I hope to use these resources to encourage the faith of my future children. 

"Defiant Joy" by Kevin Belmonte

Snack of Choice:

Wave Potato Chips with French onion dip from that company my mom doesn't let me say. I personally pronounce it He-LU-va Good. This along with sweet tea and Old School Christian Music (PFR and Geoff Moore) brought me through victoriously!

Story behind the story:
Although in Glens Falls we just had our semi-annual book sale (favorite time of the year), this is NOT where I got this book.  The fact is that my friends at Thomas Nelson provided this book for me at no cost and does not and cannot require a favorable review in exchange. Does calling them "my friends" sound bias? Sorry... Can we strike that from the record? I still like ya though...

Story Line:

G. K. Chesterton's influence spans generations. C. S. Lewis was greatly affected by his work and attributes his breakthrough in faith to Chesterton's The Everlasting Man. Philip Yancey acknowledges the power of Chesterton's testimony concerning his "dark days" and how he came to the light. He is not, however, just a "Christian" writer. Many of his works are considered valuable literature as well as respected literary reviews of Chaucer, Dickens, and others.

This book is less of a biography as a life story and more a chronological survey of Chesterton's literary career. From his young days to his final breath, Chesterton was always busy writing something. Novels, detective stories, apologetics, poetry, and more.

The Real Story:

First, this is the coolest cover I have ever seen for a biography. I HATE biographies, but this made me pick it up with great anticipation. It sets a tone for the feel for the entire book.

Second, the author's written hope is that "this book might encourage young scholars to enter the rich,largely untilled field of Chesterton" (xiii). With this work he has done just that. I found myself thinking, I'd like to read that work or this work. 

I also appreciate Belmonte's tone. Chesterton and others use some very high language and Belmonte seems to leave the writing to an accessible level. I just finished my graduate degree and I'm incredibly thankful for this!

One last thing that I found helpful was the Timeline in the back of the book. It helps me keep track of all those insane dates that biographies are famous for. 

Check out:

"The Man Who Was Thursday" G.K. Chesterton (see the bottom of this page); Biographies of David Livingstone or George Mueller; The Gospel's (the greatest biography ever written) 

Rating:

Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, G. K. Chesterton and one more crazy haired dude. (4 out of 5 crazy haired dudes)