10 Christians Everyone Should Know

Lives of the Faithful & What They Mean To You, by John Perry, editor, is a biography lover's book.

Jane Austen, Sergeant York, Saint Patrick—What did they have in common?  “It would be almost impossible to imagine ten people more different from each other than these,” editor John Perry says. “This [is] the first truth of Christian living: anybody, anywhere can be a champion of the faith, an example and inspiration to all who follow.”

There’s no dry biography here, though. Each story teems with fresh insight. D. L. Moody did some of his most powerful evangelizing by befriending ragged street children in Chicago. William F. Buckley never delivered a sermon, yet a Christian worldview informed his erudite, witty, output in print and broadcasting. To compose her poems, Anne Bradstreet had to understand science, history, the Bible, and literature, not to mention the political scene in both Massachusetts and England. You’ll look with new eyes, also, on the lives of George Washington Carver, Jane Austen, Galileo, Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergeant York, John Bunyan, and Saint Patrick. You might think you know their stories . . . but you don’t. Not yet.

So after reading their stories, these 10 folks had a common thread - their faith in God.  The lessons learned in how they chose to live their lives may help you find the determination, the courage, the energy, to devote your life to living the way God needs you to live.  We need more books to share the simple, condensed stories of people that set the example of never giving up, of helping others before themselves, of making a positive difference wherever we live.
I did like this book and will recommend it to all ages.  I would also recommend this nifty little book for homeschool or study groups, or for anyone seeking encouragement in the Christian walk.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

SMALL is big

This "small" book describes the current unleashing of the big impact of intentionally small churches.  Tony & Felicity Dale and George Barna bring their first-hand experience of how Small Churches can make a huge impact worldwide.  Real ministry cannot be measured by numbers in God's Church as the Dales relate how the small, simple, easily reproducible churches are multiplying and spreading God's Kingdom.  Neighborhoods, communities, and individual lives are being transformed by this simple, small church modeled after the early New Testament church.

I believe anyone with a passion for missions would find this book of great interest.  At first I was skeptical about the book's claim that the simple church is the modern Reformation of the church.  I chose not to give up on the authors' claims and continued with an open mind to review the examples, personal stories, and their belief that the small, simple church is growing so rapidly.  I had the impression that the traditional church would become extinct soon.  However, later in the book, we are told of several large churches that are adopting simple churches as part of their ministry. 

The book gives numerous examples of simple churches, and how they began.  Unless you know about the early New Testament churches and their simple concept, it would be somewhat challenging to start your own simple church without the direction of the leadership training.  The book does offer contact information for anyone interested in learning more about simple churches.

I think the Simple Church described in this book has real merit, especially for many who find large churches too structured.  Simple Church, according to "SMALL is big", provides a much more intimate setting, with the belief that many small churches, meeting the needs of it's individuals, is more accurately following the scriptures.
Book disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.

Johann Sebastian Bach Christian Encounters Series By Rick Marschall

"History's supreme music maker, Johann Sebastian Bach".
There is no question after reading this detailed biography, written by Rick Marschall, that you will develop a deep respect and appreciation for J.S. Bach's many, many contributions to music.

From a survey of Bach's family and its deep Christian roots to a behind-the-scenes look at how he crafted his masterpieces, this book paints a picture of an astonishing figure and his relationship with his God.

I recommend this book for those who seek to know Johann Sebastian Bach through his contributions to music and how his devotion to God allowed him to be, as Marschall wrote, . . .  "Bach was more than a mere devout composer of clever music.  He was an evangelist who used music."

I have always felt the deep emotion of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and after reading this book, I have a clearer understanding why this piece fills me with a sense of purity and the holiness of  Christ.

The book includes many detailed historical facts regarding the church during Bach's lifetime.  The reader is allowed to develop a better understanding of the 18th century Lutheran church.  We learn why Bach has often been referred to as "The Fifth Evangelist."

Bach's first instrument was the organ, which was his monumental achievement, both in his famous works and technical accomplishments.

In addition to church history and Bach's many musical modes and compositions, the book includes the personal life of Bach.  He was an extremely devoted husband; his first wife, Maria died thirteen years after they were married and he then married Anna Magdalena Wiilcken.  He was the father of twenty children, of whom ten survived to adulthood .

Finally, the book concludes with three helpful Appendix, his family, his chronology, and the annotated glossary of musical terms and forms used by Bach.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”