I've Been Reading …
Experiencing the Power of the Cross
by Gary Kinnaman
Experiencing the Power of the Cross by Gary Kinnaman provides readers with a fresh new look at the cross. Using exampes from pop culture favorites like The Matrix and The Lords of the Ring, Kinnamon reaches across generations with the message of the cross. The author also uses very relatable examples from his own life. The book is broken down into three parts.
(1) Crossing Gate
In the first section, the author tackles the "new" reality Christians encounter as they grow more like Christ. Using the movie The Matrix as a platform, he describes the cross as "being an entry point into another world, another dimension, a reality of ulimate freedom." Readers are provided with an introduction to the cross in a chapter called "The Cross 101". This section is wrapped up with a lesson on the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice versus the Old Testament sacrifices.
(2) Cross Purpose
The author outlines seven practical theological points about the cross. Scripture is included at the end of each chapter for readers to meditate as they observe Lent.
(3) Cross Way
The author uses the word scandalous quite a bit in this last section and rightly so! When you think about the Christian lifesyle, every action or behavior is called to go against the norm. This section probes the reader to examine their current lifestyle in relation to the cross. The last chapter in this section (and the book) profoundly summarizes what the cross experience is all about… FORGIVENESS. This chapter alone gives the readers plenty to think about especially if one has had problems with forgiveness.
But Lord, I Was Happy Shallow
Lessons Learned in the Deep Places
Marita Littauer, Editor
This book was an excellent read! While the author makes the reader think about the principles presented, the ideas are understandable for persons who are not necessarily bible scholars.
The title But Lord, I was Happy Shallow is sure to attract attention and the stories included in this book are well worth the read! How often do we think how happy we were until God changed the situation … seemingly for the worse? When life does not go our way, we normally turn into whiners and complainers just like the children of Israel in the wilderness. Despite our grumbling, God leads us to our promised land, a place of increased depth in our growth process.
The editor Marita Littauer has compiled over 100 real life stories of struggles and the lessons "learned in the deep places." The writers share from their souls often times with a bit of humor and a whole lot of humilty! The personal experiences cover a variety of topics including marriage, parenting, moving, health issues, church, holidays, friendships, road trips and much more.
This is a great book to give someone in need of encouragement. Often times we think we are alone in our troubles, but that is definitely not the case as one will find out when reading this book.
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