Category: Book Reviews

Book Review By Dr. David P. Craig: Robert Murray McCheyne: Life Is An Adventure by Irene Howat

The Grace of the Gospel Fleshed Out in the Life of Robert Murray McCheyne

In Acts 20:22-24 the apostle Paul exclaimed that he was going into affliction and yet he would testify to the gospel of God’s grace in his life, “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace.”

In this account of R.M. McCheyne’s brief life (he didn’t even live to see his 30th birthday): Howat does a good job showing the times in which McCheyne ministered in Dundee, Scotland – the early 1800’s. They were hard times. There was a lot of suffering, poverty, and death. They were also times where God was faithful to McCheyne’s ministry of visitation and preaching the gospel. While away in Israel – then Palestine – researching the potential missions and ministry with the Jews – revival broke out in Dundee and beyond.

McCheyne’s life is a great inspiration to those who would do ministry especially among the poor, the sick, the dying. Howat briefly writes about some of the things he is famous for: his holiness, the love for his people he shepherded, and his faithfulness in preaching God’s Word despite much personal suffering that led to his own young death. One legacy that still remains for almost 200 years now – are McCheyne’s Daily Bible readings (still used today by the likes of John Piper and D.A. Carson) that he wrote for his own people to read through the Bible in a year.

McCheyne’s life in this book is much like those of biblical characters portrayed in the Bible: Joseph, Daniel, Paul, and our Lord Jesus. It was a life of great difficulty, sacrifice, and suffering – and used mightily for the purposes of God. I think the book is a good reminder of the fact that someone that is very heavenly minded can be of earthly good. MCCheyne brought tastes of heaven to his people through his life lived out in the gospel with words and actions that spoke clearly and loudly. McCheyne was a model of compassion and grace – mercy and action in total dependence on God.

*Note – this book is designed for children to read, but is still a wonderful book for adults!

**This book was given to me by the publisher and I was not required to write a favorable review.

Book Review on Tim Chaffey’s God and Cancer: Finding Hope in the Midst of Life’s Trials

Biblical Reminders of Hope While Battling Cancer

 Book Review by Dr. David P. Craig

As a newbie to cancer – just diagnosed with throat cancer a week ago – I’m reading everything I can get my hands on with reference to cancer. I’m in the process of trying to understand it, develop a positive attitude with it, and seek to overcome it.

In this short book Chaffey addresses head on his own battle with cancer (Leukemia). He goes into graphic detail with his discovery of it, his emotions in dealing with it, and God’s promises and hope in the midst of it.

Some of the helpful features of this book: its brevity, its Biblical promises; its doctrinal hope with reference to God’s sovereignty over evil and suffering.

Chaffey writes an authentically helpful book for those who have discovered they have cancer, family and friends of those with cancer, and gives a positive testimony of God’s working in the midst of it, and using prayers, doctors, treatments, and the like in overcoming it. The book is a testimony to God’s healing mercy in Tim Chaffey’s life and gives good advice and hope for those currently in the battle with cancer.

 About Tim Chaffey:

Tim lives near the Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio borders with his wife and two children. He enjoys spending time with his family, walking, basketball, swimming, and good theological discussions. In 2001, he was the starting center for a national championship basketball team, and in August 2012 he swam the relay leg of a half-Ironman triathlon.

He currently works as a writer and editor with Answers in Genesis. He has spent five years as a pastor and associate pastor, in which he taught youth ministry, adult Sunday School, and a weekly theology class in addition to regular preaching duties. He has also taught high school Bible and science classes for six years.

Tim earned a Th.M. in Church History and Theology from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in May 2011 after successfully defending his thesis on “The Sons of God and the Nephilim” (available on Kindle). In 2008, he earned a Master of Divinity degree (summa cum laude) specializing in Apologetics and Theology. Tim also holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Biblical and Theological Studies.

He is the founder and director of Midwest Apologetics, a ministry dedicated to defending the word of God from the beginning to the end.

Tim specializes in the historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus and the creation v. evolution controversy (and the corresponding age of the earth battle). He is especially interested in the theological nature of these debates. This interest led to the publishing of his first book, Old-Earth Creationism on Trial: The Verdict Is In (co-authored with Jason Lisle, Ph.D. in Astrophysics).

In 2008, Tim published a booklet entitled God Means What He Says: A Biblical Critique of the Framework Hypothesis. This booklet critiques those views which claim that Genesis 1 should be interpreted in a poetic or allegorical manner. This work was originally an academic paper for his Master of Divinity program and is available from the Midwest Apologetics website and the Kindle edition is available from Amazon.

Tim is also a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in July 2006. He has been in full remission since September 2006. His second full-length book, God and Cancer, traces his battle with the disease, but focuses on providing insight and advice to others who are going through difficult times. The book concludes with an apologetic for the existence of God. This section demonstrates that suffering and evil do not provide evidence against the God of the Bible, but rather the Bible provides the only solution to this issue.

Tim has co-authored The Truth Chronicles youth fiction series. Book 1 (The Time Machine) was published in April 2010, book 2 (The Contest) in May 2010, book 3 (The Rescue) in June 2010, book 4 (The Thief) in April 2012, and book 5 (The Chase) in Fall 2012. These exciting books are designed to teach young people how to defend the faith, and learn more about the biblical worldview. Book 6 is currently being written.

Tim has contributed to several other books as either an editor or writer. Notably, he has written multiple chapters in the following books: How Do We Know the Bible Is True? Volumes I & II, and Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions, Volume II.

Tim is a popular speaker and often teaches on topics related to apologetics, theology, and worldviews in churches, camps, and schools. He has been a guest on numerous radio programs and speaks regularly at the Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky. He also maintains a well-trafficked blog at http://www.midwestapologetics.org/blog.

Book Review by David P. Craig on Dr. Michael Reeves “Delighting in the Trinity”

How To Relate To God Concretely

In teaching Theology Proper (the doctrine of God) in churches for over twenty years I constantly find that people struggle with connecting the dots of a God that is one in essence and three in person. The concepts of the Godhead seem distant and aloof and deemed abstract and incomprehensible.

Enter Michael Reeves into the equation: the abstract explained + the biblical doctrine of the Trinity + the concrete realities of a relational Being + everything beautiful in relationship to the triune members of the Godhead = an amazing appreciation for our communal relationship with an intimate God.

In reading this book you will laugh, see God more relationally, understand the unique roles of the Triune Persons of the Godhead in creation, our salvation, and in relationship to one another and to us corporately and individually.

Reeves has truly done a remarkable job of putting the “cookies on the bottom shelf.” Yet there is solid food here for the trained theologian as well as the new believer who is trying to put all the pieces of the theological puzzle together. He makes an excellent case for all foundational biblical truths relating to our understanding of the Triune nature and essence of the Godhead in an exciting and practical way. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Book Data:

Title: Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith

Publisher: IVP, 2012

Pages: 135

 About the Author:

Dr. Michael Reeves earned his Ph.D. from King’s College and is currently theological adviser for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) in the United Kingdom. He overseas Theology Network, a theological resource website, and was formerly an associate minister at All Souls Church in London (where John Stott was the Rector for many years).

Book Review: Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball by Wayne Coffey and R.A. Dickey

Absolutely Inspiring: Review by Dr. David P. Craig

Words totally escape me to describe how good this book is. However, as a fellow baseball enthusiast, struggler of life’s ups and downs, and a person who is trying to figure out how to go beyond survival to making the most of life – this book was a total God send – it is real, authentic, intense, gut wrenching, and absolutely inspiring.

If you need hope to press on; need encouragement; need a shot in the arm; need inspiration; need a smile; need someone to root for; if you need to get out of the miry pit that you may find yourself in – this book will spur you on; encourage you; and give you hope to press on.

R.A. Dickey – thanks for pressing on when all the odds were against you; thanks for your example of endurance, perseverance, integrity, and hard work. I’ve never seen a professional athlete that is so worthy of every thing you are achieving and receiving as a result of your efforts.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I can almost guarantee that you will have a new favorite baseball player after reading this book – and a genuine hero that you can look up to in a society that needs more men and women like R.A. Dickey in all walks of life.

R.A. Dickey is a great example of someone who is not perfect – but has been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit through a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ.

Book Review on John Stott: The Humble Leader by Julia Cameron

[The Humble Leader: John Stott was written by Julia Cameron. Published by Christian Focus Publications Ltd., Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland & Great Britan. I was furnished with an I-Book copy for review free of charge for an honest review – I was not required to provide a positive review]

 

A Nostalgic Review – By Dr. David P. Craig

I first met John Stott somewhere between 1986-1987 after he had given a message at a Chapel service at what was then called Multnomah School of the Bible (now Multnomah University) in Portland, Oregon. After he spoke he stayed for lunch and ate in the cafeteria. I was privileged to sit with him and hear his wisdom for over an hour. I was impressed with his humility, knowledge of the Scriptures, and genuine concern for us students. Two years later I was returning from spending two months in Spain on a missions trip and met up with my parents in London for a few days. While there we worshiped at All Souls Church in London and worshiped and listened intently as John Stott delivered a wonderful Christo-centric sermon from Isaiah. Afterwards while waiting in a very long line to greet “Uncle John” he said to me without hesitation, “Hello David, how is your ministry at Multnomah going?” I couldn’t believe that he remembered my name, my ministry (with junior highers at the time), and where I was going to school! Needless to say, I was dumbfounded. I have always held Stott’s commentaries, books, and ministry in high regard – but what I loved most about Stott – was his genuine love for, and ability to shepherd like the Chief Shepherd – not just his local sheep, but around the world. I have taken random samples of tribute from Stott in this short article – many are from memorial services held for him around the globe, and some are from tributes in various venues. May John Stott’s tribe increase! We miss you Uncle John!

As I write this review it’s been one year since John Stott went to be with the Lord – July 27, 2011. A tremendous loss for the Church in the world – Heaven’s gain! I can’t recommend this book highly enough for would-be pastors; pastors; Bible scholars; missionaries; church leaders of all stripes; and world Christians across the globe. John Stott was absolutely brilliant; wholeheartedly dedicated to his flock as an under shepherd of Christ; a first rate Bible scholar; an expositor of the first order that was able to bridge the Biblical world with our own with total authority, sufficiency, and relevancy; and an unheralded disciple maker of leaders of all ethnic groups around the globe. He was a tireless worker with students, scholars, pastors, missionaries, and leaders for the furtherance of the gospel and the strengthening of the church around the globe. In my opinion – he was the model modern pastor – missional (he multiplied disciples, leaders, and multiplied movements for gospel multiplication) pastoral, loving, humble, scholarly, fully committed to the work and message of Christ.

I only hope that there will be more pastors like him until the return of Christ – pastors that don’t play politics; pastors that love and shepherd the flock whether they are rich or poor (he had a tremendous heart for the poor as recounted in this book); pastors who study hard to feed their flock the milk and meat of the Word; pastors who love and train young leaders; pastors who are humbled and submitted to the Lordship of Christ – and preaching nothing but the cross of Christ! I hope that many will read this book and be humbled and dedicated to the Chief Shepherd – as Stott was! I miss him terribly, and long for those of his ilk.

Book Review: Change Your Life Not Your Wife – Marriage Saving Advice for Success Driven People by Tony Ferretti and Peter J. Weiss

Good Solutions to Common Marriage Problems By Dr. David P. Craig

Tony Ferretti and Peter J. Weiss have combined their efforts to write a very readable and practically helpful handbook on marriage for success driven people. Early into the book the author’s write their thesis: “The power failure syndrome happens because the same traits that propel people to the top in business cause turmoil in their personal lives.”

I’ve witnessed this reality time and time again as a pastor and life coach. It’s mind boggling to me how many men and women are successful in their careers and woefully unsuccessful in their relationships at home with their spouse and children. The bulk of this book is designed to counteract this trend by honing in on four key areas in a marriage: 1) Working toward the marriage you want to have – it does take work; 2) Achieving balance between your career and your relationships; 3) Establishing an ease in your relationships; and 4) All you need to do is change yourself!

The main aspects of deteriorization in a marriage result from trying to bring two personalities together; having differing expectations; and being unable to talk through conflict resolution. This results in conflicts growing, frustration being built; chronic anger being developed; resentments being formed and intensified; and ultimately detachment and crisis.

The author’s give many real life examples of how marriages deteriorate, as well as steps that can be taken in order to avert a crisis, and even develop a successful and happy marriage. They talk about relational killers, and give wonderful advice in the areas of communication and nurturing your marriage. I recommend this book as a good guidebook for couples to detect their emotional and character blind spots. They have provided many practical questions, assessments, and strategies throughout the book.

The one weakness of the book relates to not addressing the worldview of the couple. For example – My wife and I are Christians and thus share the same Biblical values, goals, purposes, objectives, etc. So in our roles as a husband and wife, as well as in our parenting, and balancing all aspects of life we have the same worldview foundation. I think the danger of this book is that it focuses too much on behavioral changes (symptoms – fruit) without getting at the cause or the foundations of behavior (cause/sin/idolatry/selfishness/root of all problems).

Therefore, my recommendation would be to read this book along with a marriage book that has a good basis and foundation for marriage like R.C. Sproul’s “The Intimate Marriage,” or Tim Keller’s “The Meaning of Marriage.” Overall, it’s well written, full of practical help, and recommended for pre and post married couples of all ages.

About the Author’s of Change Your Life, Not Your Wife:

Dr. Tony Ferretti is a licensed psychologist who has helped clients recognize the addictive nature of power, control, and “success” for over twenty years. A Ph.D. graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he’s appeared on Dr. Phil and hosted his own popular radio talk show, “Talk to Tony.”

Dr. Peter Weiss is a physician and healthcare executive with a passion for helping others to health and wellness. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Weiss currently serves as an executive for the Adventist Health System in Orlando, Florida.

Book Review: The Wisdom of God by Nancy Guthrie

Jesus Only Wise – Jesus in the Wisdom Literature

One of the most exciting things about living in the times in which we are living is the anticipation of the return of Christ and the ushering in of His kingdom. Along with this prophetic reality is the intensification of our study of God’s Word to look for Christ from Genesis to Revelation. According to the author this study is “uniquely designed to help you look into the wonder of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament (covering 10 weeks of studies in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon) and see how it prepares us for and points us toward Christ.

This book will help you:

(1) Learn how to study the Bible inductively (each chapter contains questions for personal Bible study);

(2) Understand the Bible and how the different books of the Bible fit together as a whole (each lesson contains a teaching chapter on the core truths of the Biblical Book being studied);

(3) Interact with the central truths of each Wisdom Literature Book and how they relate to the whole Bible (each chapter has a discussion starter and a dozen or so questions of exposition based on the passage of study;

(4) Apply the relevant applications from each passage in your life (each chapter has one or more questions to put the passage into action in one’s life);

(5) Love and worship Jesus Christ (each lesson is loaded with cross references, charts, discussion, and a “Looking Forward” section highlighting Jesus as the central figure, hero, and theme of each passage of study and of the entire Scriptures).

I don’t know of a small group study out there today that has more depth, more of Jesus, is more fun to study and discuss than this new series by Nancy Guthrie. It is simply outstanding in its depth of Biblical exposition, helpful in its applications, and highlights the fact that Jesus is what the Bible and life is all about. It’s about time that someone has put together a series of books designed for serious lay people about, by, and for Christ at the center of all of the Scriptures. If you are looking for a phenomenal Bible study that is theologically deep, practically relevant, and will help you to worship and love Jesus more than ever then this is the Bible study for you!

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book from the publisher for review and was not required to write a positive review.

About the Author: Life can knock the wind out of you, taking with it your confidence in God. Or at least who you thought he was. Perhaps this explains why those who survive heart-breaking tragedy with their hope intact, and their faith expanded, have the power to inspire us. We want to hear from those people, we want to learn what they’ve learned. This may be why so many people love hearing from Nancy Guthrie. In burying two of her three children, Nancy has endured the kind of loss most of us hope we never have to face. Yet her hope has not dimmed, and her easy laugh has not disappeared.

Those who have watched Nancy and David Guthrie walk through the loss of two infant children, and the millions who have read their story worldwide inTIME Magazine and USA Today, have wondered at their ability to emerge from such sorrow with joy for life and passion for God. In reality, this deep place of pain caused Nancy to dig into the scriptures like she never had before, looking for answers to her questions and a deeper relationship to God. She offered many of the lessons she learned from this sorrowful experience in her 2002 book, Holding On to Hope: A Pathway of Suffering to the Heart of God (Tyndale House Publishers) which has helped thousands of people pursue God in the midst of their suffering. She regularly hears from readers book from all around the world who have been touched by the as the book as it has been translated into numerous languages including German, Danish, Norwegian, Korean and Chinese.

Her second book, The One Year Book of Hope (also Tyndale), a daily devotional for people who are hurting or grieving, released in 2005. The Guthries have seen God continue to use their loss to minister to other people going through loss in a variety of ways, including serving as co-hosts for a new production of the GriefShare video series. GriefShare is a 13-week video curriculum series that is used to facilitate weekly grief groups in more than 4,000 churches nationwide.

Today, Nancy’s energies and passions are focused on her growing Bible teaching ministry, Her newest book comes out of the study of Hebrews she taught for the women at her church in the fall of 2005. Hoping for Something Better: Refusing to Settle for Life as Usual (July 2007, Tyndale House Publishers), provides readers and small groups with a 10-week journey through the book of Hebrews and includes study questions for a weekly discussion.

Nancy’s previous books have received significant media coverage includingUSA Today, Christianity Today, Beliefnet, and stories syndicated nationally by Religion News Service and Associated Press. Nancy has been a guest on radio and television programs such as “FamilyLife Today,” “The Bible Answerman,” “Back to the Bible,” Moody Radio, “Life Today with James Robison,” “The 700 Club,” and many more. Her books have been promoted by international ministries including Focus on the Family, New Life Ministries, Insight for Living, the Christian Research Institute, and Rick Warren’s Ministry Toolbox.

In addition to teaching a weekly Bible class at her church, Nancy speaks regularly at women’s retreats and evangelistic events nationally and internationally including recent events at The Brooklyn Tabernacle, Second Baptist Church of Houston, a Ravi Zacharias International Ministries Conference, and a women’s conference in Scotland. Nancy has worked in the Christian publishing industry for over twenty years as a publicist and special project editor. She currently handles media relations for CBA: The Association for Christian Retail, and the ministry of Anne Graham Lotz.

Nancy and her husband, David, and son, Matt, make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, where they attend Christ Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church in America).

Book Review: The Mormon Faith – A Theological Assessment by Dr. William W. Wells

A Concise and Cogent Comparison of Mormon and Christian Theology 

In this short book Dr. William W. Wells has done a superb job of honing in on the essential theological differences of Mormonism and the Historic Christian faith. John Maxwell has made the statement, “Everything rises or falls on leadership.” Dr. Wells wastes precious little time in demonstrating in his book that in religion everything rises or falls on its theological underpinnings.

After a brief introduction, and history of the Mormon faith – Wells defines Christianity by focusing on its essence or ontology. He brilliantly illustrates historically and theologically what indeed suffices for the reality of Christianity. He clearly and concisely illustrates the theological foundations of Christianity centering on three core affirmations: (1) The character and nature of God as Triune; (2) The person and work of Jesus Christ; and (3) The creation and nature of humanity.

Wells compares and contrasts the theology of the Mormon faith with that of the Christian faith by using their own statements of doctrine from their founders using their own words from the primary sources of theological belief consisting of the King James translation of The Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants – what Mormon theologians refer to as “The Standard Works of the Church.”

In comparing and contrasting the foundations of Historical Orthodox Christianity from the Bible and Church history with the Mormon teachings on their understanding of the nature of God, man, Christ, creation, and salvation the only similarities are the terms or language used by each. The definitions, doctrines, and practices of Mormonism and Christianity could not be further apart. Wells does very little by way of interpretation or application – he allows the authoritative documents of Mormonism and Orthodox Christianity to speak for themselves.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand what makes Mormonism tick, and how it is absolutely unrecognizable from anything that resembles what C.S. Lewis called “Mere Christianity.” Mormonism as articulated by its own authoritative documents is actually a total departure from the core foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. It is not mere Christianity – it is mere heresy. The Mormon faith is not Christian based on its theology in any way shape or form.

This isn’t to say that Mormons and Christians share many of the same values and even beliefs. However, when it comes to all of the key elements that make one a “Christian” – the facts in this book speak for themselves – Christian theology and Mormon theology are about as close as Hawaiian weather and Antarctic weather are alike.

Wells with the uttermost graciousness has simply provided the cardinal theological beliefs of Mormonism and Christianity side by side and in a very compelling way has shown that they are distinct, different, and not remotely close. I highly recommend this book as a resource to find out the truth about what Mormons really believe (from their own authoritative documents) and what Christians really believe (from the Bible and Church History) and why this is of eternal significance.

Dr. Wells has shown that theology – what people believe about God, creation, mankind, salvation, and eternity is of massive importance. I hope that this book receives a wide reading by Christians, Mormons, and anyone concerned about their own soul, and the souls of others.

About the Author of The Mormon Faith: Dr. William Wells completed an undergraduate degree in Anthropology at Wheaton College and graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He also earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religion from Syracuse University in NY. Upon completing his doctorate in 1970, he taught at the University of Hawaii, Hilo College and later at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. & the Graduate School of Theology at Wheaton College. In his forties, Dr. Wells left academia and a few years later joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. Now retired after twenty years of service with Wycliffe, he lives in Southern California where he continues to teach and write. He has also written A Brief Introduction to the Bible; and Faith of Our Fathers: An Introduction to the Evangelicals.


Book Review: The 7% Solution by John H. Graves

How To Develop A Strategic Plan for Income in Your Later Years

I’d never heard of John H. Graves before reading this book, but I will be highly recommending this book to my clients from now on as a Life Coach. One of the seven key areas of life that all people need advice in is how to handle personal finances. As a matter of fact, I was doing a conference overseas and had to counsel an accountant for a major corporation who knew how to keep the books for a multi-million dollar company but her own personal debt was mounting out of control. I truly wish I could have handed her this book two years ago – it has everything you need to develop more confidence and have less stress in the financial arena of your life.

The proper handling and investing of money is a huge issue that makes or breaks many marriages, the quality of life, and high stress factors, which can lead to dangerous addictions, and various diseases of all shapes and forms. Enter in this book.

At the outset Graves’ assures the reader that no matter what the economy looks life, and no matter how bleak the future looks among various prognosticators, it is up to us to take control of our finances. The reality is that no one will care for your financial needs, and know what you will need in your latter years more than you do.

The big idea of this book to show you a myriad of ways – with a plethora of helpful examples, illustrations, and various strategies – to develop an investment portfolio in your retirement years that will net you a 7% distribution of income. In reading this book you will learn:

(1) How to determine the amount of income needed during retirement.

(2) How to identify different sources of income in retirement (the pros and cons of each)

(3) How to evaluate, select, monitor, and manage a variety of investments, from the most simple, to the more complex.

In layman’s terms Graves shows you how to get a clear picture of what you will need in your retirement years by explaining clearly, concisely, cogently, and coherently the following:

Helping you to develop a worksheet that will lay out the reality of your current financial situation and where that will take you. This will help you practical realize whether or not you are heading in the right direction towards the “7% solution” in your retirement years. You will be able to discern and determine where the strengths and weaknesses in your portfolio lie and what adjustments can be made to get the desired results.

(1) How to gather your expense and income data for retirement.

(2) Responsibilities of a financial advisor (what they actually do); versus your own responsibilities.

(3) How to pick stocks for the long term – with a focus on the importance of getting value.

(4) How bonds work – how to determine bonds with good value.

(5) An overview of low maintenance investments.

(6) An examination of annuities and how they fit into an income-producing retirement portfolio.

(7) Looking beyond cookie-cutter portfolios – how limited partnertships and business development companies can fit into your portfolio.

(8) How REIT’s, real estate, proceeds from sale of a business, and structured settlements can add sources of income to your portfolio.

(9) Proven strategies for designing your 7% portfolio.

(10) How to manage your portfolio during the accumulation and distribution stages.

(11) How to reduce your tax burden.

(12) Getting the most from your retirement years. How to develop a trust, and various ways you can give back to your church, synagogue, or community.

This is truly a great book for understanding strategic portfolio depth, sources of income, decreasing debt, and alleviating the stress of retirement, by being responsible, strategic, and intentionally proactive in developing a plan that works for you and providing for your family in your latter years. No matter what age you are, income level you have achieved, or your goals for the future are – the 7% solution will work for you.

About the Author: John Graves, ChFC, CLU has spent 26 years advising people how to become
better stewards of their resources. As an indepedent financial advisor, he focuses on designing and maintaing clients’ portfolios consistent with their needs, rather than some market paradigm. John is a Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant through The American College in Bryn, Mawr Pennsylvania.
He has traveled extensively, with more than 80 countries’ stamps in his passport. His avocation is adventure. He has sailed to Hawaii several times as well as across the Atlantic and throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. He has trekked the Andes, the Sahara, the Taklamakan, the Serengeti, and the Namib.
In his previous career, John was a chef. He does enjoy a fine meal with a nice Bordeaux or Montalcino.
John agrees with Benjamin Graham that the search for value is far more interesting than a brief joy ride in the markets. His passion is sharing knowledge with others so that they, too, might embrace all that life has to offer.

Book Review: God’s Names By Sally Michael

The Real Hero of the Story

The influence of John Piper in the late 20th and early 21st century has been incalculable for the good of the resurgence of the centrality of Christ and the glory of God – in a culture and church that has been centered on humanity.

Finally, the co-founder of Children Desiring God – Sally Michael – is making her curriculum available in book-form for parents and young people. Sally is the Minister for Program Development and Resources in the Family Discipleship Department at Bethlehem Baptist Church (Where John Piper has pastored for the past 30 years), in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Traditionally (in the past 100 years) curriculum and books for children have focused on mankind being the hero’s of the biblical stories – “Dare to be a Daniel,” or “Be a Ruth in your generation.” What Children Desiring God resources have done is make theology – the Triune God – in the Person of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit the rightful heroes of each story in the Bible. The Bible is a book about God, not us. It’s about our need for Him, not His need for us. It’s a book that shows that History is His-story, not ours.

This book honing in on God’s character and nature revealed through His names is relational, interactive, understandable, theological, applicational, and encourages prayer, Bible study and worship in each lesson. There are 26 short lessons that are packed with God at the center of it all.

If you want your children to be God-focused, and others oriented, then look no further than this book. I hope that more books from Children Desiring God are coming soon. In a man-centered culture and church, it is absolutely essential that we get back to the core teaching of the Bible – the centrality of Christ, the Gospel, and God at the center of all things.