"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. 

"Is the Bible Reliable?" by TrueU and Stephen Myer

Snack of Choice:
Girl Scout cookies… Need I say more? Cause I can. Tagalongs. I think we’ve spent an entire paycheck on those puppies. I mean at $4 a box and 50% less cookies, they go fast! 
Story behind the Story:
Tyndale offered me this resource. I don’t need to write a positive review, but I know they would at least appreciate a review.

Story Line:
This is the second DVD study in the TrueU series by Focus on the Family. The first one “Does God Exist,” defends the truth by defeating erroneous objections to His existence. The second one focuses on His Word, the Bible – “Is the Bible Reliable?”. If you’ve heard of the “Truth Project,” highly recommended study material, you’re covering the same basic material in a different format. It’s repackaging is intended to draw young people and college students who are faced daily with rejecting or defending the faith.

The Real Story:
Set in a college classroom feel, you begin to think you should be paying by the credit hour. This series of lectures is very good and extremely detailed.  Dr. Myer (he really is a Dr. like not-just-playing-one-on-TV-but-also-not-the-one-who-does-CPR) takes his time and doesn’t feel forced to answer ALL the skeptics in one session. The study book was a nice addition, and the features on the DVD to “advertise” to your church or group we’re helpful. If you’re looking for curriculum that will equip believers and answer the skeptic, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sure they will continue to work through many of the same topics as the “Truth Project” and I look forward to seeing more.
Check out:
The Book of Romans: the thesis on God and His doctrine.

www.4Truth.net – Great Apologetic resource from the North American Mission Board of the SBC.

Rating:
5 out of 5 DVD box sets