Author Archives: Seth

Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney

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Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing
by C.J. Mahaney
Product Details
Hardcover: 158 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Date Published: 2006
Point: The truth of the Gospel must permeate every aspect of my life. Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures, and that is the foundation of my existence.
Path: This book is basically divided into two key parts. First, Mahaney walks through the story of the cross. Taking individual chapters to explain the physical, emotional, and spiritual elements of Christ’s sacrifice. The second part (placed in several chapters before and after the story of the cross) revolves around the daily aspects of living in light of the Gospel.
Sources: The author cites many current evangelicals such as John Piper, D.A. Carson, Jerry Bridges, and others.
Agreement: The message presented by Mahaney needs to be repeated. Taking time to walk through the story of the cross and its ramifications for my life was a great challenge. The author provides personal illustrations and practical suggestions which make this an extremely helpful book. Keeping the chapters short makes it good devotional reading.
Disagreement: There may be a few verses which I would not have used, a generalization or oversimplification here or there, but no major contentions. Footnotes, instead of endnotes, would have been much more helpful.
Personal App: The message of this book is both challenging and encouraging. As I read through this book I was challenged to daily repeat the Gospel to myself and others. If I step away from the cross, looking for something more, I will always be disappointed.
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it. We used it as a book study with our youth group and found it to be helpful.

Decorating Recipe Boxes

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Some of the youth group girls came over to decorate recipe boxes as an outreach opportunity. They were also supposed to write out a few verses and give the boxes to a friend, a neighbor, or someone that needed encouragement in an attempt to build a relationship with them. Opportunities for sharing Christ with others can often come through intentional living (building relationships with people who you see consistently: someone in the grocery store, gas station, work, etc.). My neighbors really enjoyed their boxes (especially since they were filled with Apple Pie Chex Mix!

Decorating Recipe Boxes

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Some of the youth group girls came over to decorate recipe boxes as an outreach program. They were to also write out a few verses and give the boxes to a friend, a neighbor, or someone that needed encouragement in an attempt to build a relationship with them. Opportunities for sharing Christ with others can often come through intentional living (building relationships with people who you see consistently: someone in the grocery store, gas station, work, etc.).

Simple and Direct by Barzun and Graff

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Simple and Direct: A Rhetoric for Writers. 4th ed. Harper, 2001.
by Barzun, Jacques, and Henry G. Graff.
Product Details
  1. Publisher: Harper
  1. Date Published: 2001
    Point: Write clearly. Read what you have written. Rewrite. Simple and Direct provides a critique of the lazy writer and a challenge to those who seek to rise above the average. Barzun and Graff demonstrate the importance of writing clearly. 
    Path: By providing numerous examples and exercises, the authors demonstrate the pervasiveness of sloppy speech. In an effort to correct this problem, this work addresses key topics through six chapters. Interspersed throughout are twenty principles highlighting the key ideas of writing clearly.
    The goal of the authors is not to provide ten easy steps to be understood. Rather, they seek to show the painstaking effort involved in effective communication contrasted with the devastating results of those who do not take the time. Their message is not easy, but it is necessary.
    Agreement: One of the strengths of this book are the exercises given. If one would take the time to read thoughtfully and thoroughly, doing the exercises given, he would benefit greatly.
    Another strength of Simple and Direct are the twenty principles found throughout the chapters. These short ideas can easily be compiled and reviewed, allowing the reader to remember the advice given.
    The message of this book could not be timely enough. Whether through blogs, websites, or self published ebooks, people are speaking. Everyone has a voice, but few speak clearly. 
    Stars: 4 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    Elisha’s Bones by Don Hoesel

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    Elisha’s Bones
    by Don Hoesel
    Product Details
    Kindle: 336 pages
    Publisher: Bethany House
    Date Published: 2009

    Point: Jack Hawthorne, a normal professor teaching normal archeological classes, steps into an adventure which will challenge his past, present, and very uncertain future.
    Path: The reader is led along a mysterious path of a tragic event in Jack’s past, an uncertain relationship with someone he once loved, and a forsaken interest in the Divine.
    Agreement: Though starting out somewhat slow, the reader is caught up with the story. Toward the end it is very hard to put down. The author develops the story and keeps suspense. Paced much like the “Da Vinci Code”.
    Disagreement: Skeptical attitudes toward Scripture are ever present in the background. The premise of the book seems to be “if facts and experience can prove it, I will believe it”. Jack’s “reconciliation” with God was poor. One comes away with the feeling that Jack and God are friends again. 
    Stars: 3 out of 5
    It would be worth another read as a interesting suspense novel.