5 Reviews to Start Your Week

Here are the five latest books I have finished reading in a word-for-word fashion. I hope you find these helpful and informative.

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The Rocket that Fell to Earth

Jeff Pearlman

Harper Collins, 2009 (348 pages)

Pearlman’s biography is Roger Clemens was an interesting read. Clemens, no matter how you measure it, was one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. His reputation was tarnished by being tied to the steroid and human growth hormone story in the early 2000s, though.

This book walks the reader through the fiery biography of this man. It is a very gritty read, but, as a sport’s fan, one I enjoyed reading. I lost quite a bit of respect for Clemens, but it was still interesting to learn more of what made this amazing competitor “tick.” Baseball fans will find this an interesting read. I really think those who do not like baseball would find it an especially boring read, because you have to know quite a bit about the game to understand much of what is said.

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Letters to the Seven Churches

William Barclay

Abingdon Press, 1962 (111 pages)

I am currently teaching a Wednesday night class in an in-depth way on the book of Revalation. Barclay’s little volume has been a tremendous help in preparing for the background of chapters 2 and 3 of this book, where Jesus gives a letter to each of the seven churches in Asia.

I have several commentaries on Revelation that I am using to prepare, but this little volume was an invaluable resource in helping with background information. There is one chapter that deals just with that material, followed by another chapter with some sermon material from the letter. In my opinion, the background chapters were far more helpful.

The information in this book can be found elsewhere (for the most part), but Barclay has done a tremendous work in gathering it in one place for the reader. If you wish to study Revelation, I highly recommend you finding a copy of this little book. It has been a great resource for me.

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The Seed Principle

Aubrey Johnson

Gospel Advocate, 2011 (176 pages)

Brother Johnson’s latest book from the Gospel Advocate is a home run! Utilizing the parable of the sower, Johnson helps the reader see scores of helpful lessons from this extremely important parable.

Containing 13 lessons, this book would make a great class study, helping the students be more in tune with the simple (but often overlooked) principle of “sowing and reaping.” That concept is the basis for the entire book, and Johnson is great at coming back to it on a regular basis.

The Seed Principle was also the first book Dale Jenkins and I reviewed for The Pages Podcast. We were blessed to have brother Aubrey as our guest. If you would like to hear that interview, it will be available on iTunes (under “The Pages Podcast”) within a few days.

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A Common Bond

Paula Harrington, 2011 (218 pages)

I reviewed this book a couple of weeks ago. Here is a link to that review.

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Wisdom’s Call

Drew Kizer

Riddle Creek, 2005 (129 pages)

This book was used by my Sunday morning class as a way to study the major themes of the book of Proverbs. While the book is designed for young people, my class (35-50 year olds) still found it helpful. We used the basic themes mentioned and I developed my own way to teaching through the book.

Kizer’s book is very well done, and brings out the practical nature of the book of Proverbs in a way that nearly anyone can understand. Drew is also a gifted writer, and the book is a shining example of that. His message is clear in each part of the book, and readers will find no trouble learning the basic nature of what Solomon was trying to get across to his son.

I highly recommend this book. Proverbs is a difficult book to teach, because it jumps from subject to subject, and often in an irregular way. Drew does a very good job of bringing out the major themes without overwhelming the reader with scores of Scripture references. If you need an basic outline to teach this book with (especially to teens or young adults), I think you’ll find Kizer’s book to be helpful.