Have You Heard from God Lately

It is seldom that we at The Christian Book Review Blog present books from outside the realm of academic publishing. However, when requested to review Keon Lindsey’s latest, Have You Heard from God Lately: 30 Messages from Heaven to You, we readily accepted.

Lindsey is not a biblical scholar in the purest sense. Yet, he has well-respected academic credentials. He is simply a man who loves the Lord, studies the Scriptures with great determination and purpose, and likes to write about what God has taught him. One can easily tell that this book follows that pattern.

First a word of reassurance. Don’t be put off by the title. This volume is not about a new revelation that Lindsey has received from God. All of Lindsey’s comments are heavily supported by Scripture and Scripture alone. Furthermore, they are theologically conservative.

Have You Heard from God Lately falls into several classifications. First, and foremost, it is evangelistic. Whether you are a born-again Christian or not, one cannot read this volume without making a self-examination of one’s relationship with God. As alluded to the book has a heavy dependence on Scripture with Lindsay’s thoughts pertaining to that Scripture, all of which are theologically conservative.

Second, with thirty short chapters (most are 4-6 pages), this book is an ideal devotional. It does not take a great period of time or involve extensive mental gymnastics to read and digest Lindsey’s thoughts. It would serve well as a family devotional or perhaps even a volume for a Sunday School class.

Third, it is theology light. The theology focuses mainly on the doctrine of God and His characteristics and attributes. But don’t be frightened by the word “theology.” There is no heavy-duty theological impetus. Lindsey simply explains who God is and why He loves us, supporting all of his beliefs with Scripture.

I would highly recommend this book for all Christians. I found it ideal for new believers who desire to engage with the Bible without getting overloaded with theology.

Check this out on Amazon.

Disclaimer: This volume was provided to me by Keon Lindsey for a fair and honest review.

Who Created Christianity?

Who Created Christianity? Fresh Approaches to the Relationship between Paul & Jesus. No doubt this is an intriguing title. Do Paul and Jesus agree on the constitution of Christianity? Well, before you sit down in anticipation of a knock-down, drag-out theological slug-fest, be aware: This volume is a festschrift “written in honor of Professor David Wenham.” Within its pages, you will find twenty-three essays with a vast approach to the relationship between Paul and Jesus. The authors of these essays are men and women in Christian academia who spend their days contemplating such questions as posed by the title. The editors are Craig A. Evans and Aaron W. White.

The book is separated into six sections covering a myriad of subjects, all investigating the relationship between Paul and Jesus in one manner or another. For example, in light of the current debate over complementarianism and egalitarianism, there is one section that is quite intriguing – “IV. Women according to Jesus and Paul.” The two essays are written by female scholars, Sarah Harris and Erin M. Heim.

Harris writes on “Gospel Women Remembered” and after six pages of preparatory information, she eventually gets to the heart of the essay. Once there, Harris deftly examines Paul’s changing view of women with an emphasis from the women from Romans 16. Then, she turns to the Gospels and Jesus’s involvement with women in his ministry. It’s an enlightening read and will certainly stimulate contemplation.

Likewise, Heim investigates the women in Romans 16 pointing out that ten of the twenty-nine people mentioned are women. Then, with great precision, she focuses with a particular emphasis on Junia or Junias. Is this individual male or female? Her conclusion is convincing. The implications of her determination carry over into her discussion of “outstanding among the apostles.” Heim then concludes with a discussion of Phoebe and her role in the early church. This is definitely an essay to be considered.

If you are someone who enjoys dabbling in the depths of theology, you will find this book most informative, educational, entertaining and certainly challenging. It is heavy-duty theology. These are scholarly essays written primarily for scholars. However, it must be considered that these essays were written in honor of a man who has spent considerable time researching and contemplating Paul and Jesus. Yet, the essays are heartfelt. One can appreciate the research and thought that has gone into each one.

Disclaimer: This book was provided to me by Hendrickson Publishers for a fair and honest review.