Identifying the Foundational Truths of Christian Living

“Discovering the Basic Truths of Christianity” presents essential theology in an easy to read and understand format. Well known author and speaker, Larry Kreider, uses modern day stories, personal experiences and Biblical passages to help the reader discover the basics for building a solid spiritual foundation.

Kreider has arranged his work six sections. The first section addresses Jesus Christ as Lord and what it means to be a Christian. In section two he discusses the new life of the believer and includes fundamental principles of the Christian life.

Section three explains New Testament Baptisms. Kreider recognizes that there are different interpretations in this area and that this sometimes causes controversy, particularly when dealing with the subject of water Baptism and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He then proceeds to objectively express his observations. For the most part Kreider adheres to the position of most evangelical theologians. His view on Holy Spirit Baptism is more in line with charismatic teaching, however without being dogmatic in his point of view. His line of reasoning of view is thought provoking and convincing.

Section four, five and six talk about: building for eternity, freedom from the curse of sin, and living in and experiencing personally God’s transforming grace.

I found the reflection questions included with each chapter to be thought provoking, stimulating and often convicting. The short poignant stories that illustrate Christian principles like: Making Jesus Lord in our lives, understanding the terms of discipleship and the cost of commitment, and experiencing victory over sin in our lives were relevant and provide personal application for everyday Christian living. The end-notes are an excellent source of reference for future study.

Kreider’s writing conveys the delight of awakening to God-given truth. His writing is resolute, well thought-out, and pertinent. Rich in spiritual content, the book presents a life changing message, of repentance, and renewal with a warning against apathy and compromise. It is sound in scriptural teaching, with a solid Biblical foundation.

This is a book that will resonate with new believers and is easily adapted to use as a tool for mentoring by more mature Christians.

Destiny Image Publishers, Inc., 978-0768427466,

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review

The Extreme Makeover - The Power of God to Change a Life

Retired artist, corporate executive and volunteer missionary, Roy Davidson, was an unconvinced skeptic, yet easy going kind of guy. Through some remarkable and unusual circumstances Roy discovered that God uses extraordinary and radical experiences to transform a person. God was in the process of bringing Roy into a deeper more intense relationship and understanding of Himself.

“God is Real: Undeniable Proof that will Change Your Life” is filled with Roy’s personal stories and experiences. He tells of his miraculous escapes from death, a forty foot fall from a tree, and a fifty mile per hour collision with a tractor-trailer. He writes about his supernatural healing, of being beaten by demons, and of his experiences in the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of “the cloud of glory.” Roy recounts incidents in which he suddenly with no forewarning was “drenched in the Spirit.”

Roy’s biggest change was an increased concern for the people of third world nations. Roy shares testimonies of supernatural happenings in the lives people encountered. Roy ministered in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Mexico, Brazil, Uganda, and East Africa. He saw miracles of healing, casting out demons, and multiplying finances. All of these parallel Jesus’ ministry, as recorded in the New Testament Gospels.

My appetite whetted, I was disappointed to close the last page of the book. I was ready for more of Roy’s thrilling testimonies and stories of the life changing power of God. I wasn’t ready for the story to be over. Roy’s prayer, in writing the book, is that these stories and testimonies will cause readers to discover the reality of God and respond to His call. I am eagerly looking for a sequel of more of Roy’s ongoing ministry and miracles.

Roy’s writing is compelling and motivating. Incredible. He is an incredible storyteller and communicator.

Creation House, 978-1599793962

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review.

Developing Champions for Divine Deployment

“The Champion in You” is a book of inspiration and challenges. Dr. Kenneth C. Ulmer asks the reader to look within to discover the God given potential He has placed within, giving empowerment to become a champion. Dr. Ulmer provides keys for achieving this dynamic potential.

The book is filled with stories of champions, whose lives influence other people in ways that give confidence to and stimulate others to glorify God. These are often individuals with humble beginnings, who were faced with barriers, yet they went on to prominence, received acclaim, and became champions.

The book is a no-nonsense guide filled with viable Biblical principles which lead to transformation and confidence. Ulmer directs the reader step by step in discovering God’s intention and promise for the lives of the readers.

Dr. Ulmer is a gifted communicator and an articulate writer who models through his life and ministry the same strategic Christian leadership principles he advocates in his writing. He replicates the important attributes that make a champion. There is a deceptive simplicity in his writing style. His understanding of the scripture is profound. He brilliantly communicates these truths.

I found the lessons from the life of Jeremiah the prophet fresh and unforeseen. These were inspiring, noteworthy and surprisingly relevant for today. I thought the chapter end notes helpful as they expanded or gave background information on the ideas being talked about.

This is a book for believers at any stage of their spiritual journey. Kenneth Ulmer’s writing is persuasive, thought provoking and inspiring. I highly endorse and recommend this book.

Destiny Image Publisher, Inc., 978-0768427417

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Finding God’s Grace through Suffering, Distress, and Frustrations

David Arnold offers the reader help in understanding “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People.” His book is filled with a remarkable compilation of intensely stirring stories and inspiring quotes that give evidence of the truth of God’s blessing on the life of his children during times of disillusionment, hardship, and strife.

Arnold illustrates ways that sometimes explain why bad things come into the lives of good people because of godliness, external circumstances, or willful disobedience. He maintains that often there are lessons God wants us to learn. These may deal with feeling compassion, recognizing pride or growing in humility. These difficulties are sometimes used to make our faith stronger and cause us to be more dependent on God by putting out trust in Him.

The pages of this compact book are packed with deep thoughtful quotes from inspirational writers, Christian leaders, well known sports personalities, ministers, evangelists, and Biblical scholars.

Arnold also uses illustrations from Scripture which reinforce the truths he has introduced. This is a book for reading, for study, and for reflection. It is filled with thoughts for contemplation, for meditation, for application, and assimilation into the life of the reader.

“Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” is not a theological dissertation. It is designed to provide expectation, and hope. It is to help the reader find the needed strength from Christ to see them through the hard times. David Arnold has created a beautiful treasure trove of inspiration in his book.

Creation House, 978-1599794853

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Adding the God Factor to Your Circumstances

When overwhelmed by financial matters, feelings of guilt, in times of illness, or in the middle of failing relationships, Phil Pringle’s “But God” will make life easier to deal with as you devise ways to create an atmosphere of the miraculous in your life.

“But God” contains thirty eight short chapters which combine art, photographs, and short inspirational thoughts and stories which bring hope and encouragement to everyday calamity. The design of the book encourages the reader to invite God into individual life challenges so that He is able to turn your testing into victory.

The amazing color photos, paintings, and images attest to the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Pringle’s artistic talent enables him to touch the heart through visual images that add powerfully to the inspiring challenge and encouragement of his writing.

The descriptive chapter titles help the reader use the table of contents as a tool for finding the exact reading to meet a specific need. The topics include ideas for facing choice, meeting temptations, and dealing with crisis head-on, as well as many other fundamental life concerns.

“But God” is an excellent choice for gift giving when a friend needs encouragement. It is also the ideal book for that non Christian friend facing trouble, and needing direction. The book can be used as a coffee table book effectively providing conversation starters for meaningful uplifting discussion and inter action. Each short chapter of “But God” can be beneficially read again and again. This is important addition to anyone’s personal devotional library.

Christian Life Publishers, 978-1599793672

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review