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Church Library Book Reviews
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Title: The Theology of the Cross
Author: Daniel M. Deutschlander
Publisher: Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee; 2008
Length: 283 pages
How do we as Christians, make sense out of struggle? Where do we get the strength to carry our crosses, and those of others? How can we rejoice in suffering?
In this outstanding book, Pastor Deutschlander really defines what Jesus means when He says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). He emphasizes that the greatest struggle we have is with “self”. How do we overcome that innate desire to put self first? How do we deny self, when it hates suffering?
Deutschlander explains with some of the following thoughts: The theology of the cross shows us that connection between Christ’s cross of suffering, and ours (p.32). “No cross, no Christian” (p.3). Our suffering is a gift of God under which we finally enter heaven (p.32). The Christian’s life of self-denial, repentance, and struggle is where the Gospel reveals its true glory (Fredrich, back cover).
Deutschlander stresses how vital God’s Word is in finding the strength to carry our crosses… “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Also, he shares how struggles and growth in God’s Word teach us to bear fruit in each other’s lives; learning how to “serve one an-other in love” (Galatians 5:13) and “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). While good works have no value for salvation, they are a necessary component of faith, done out of love for our Savior (Korthals, back cover).
There is also an excellent section that accurately describes the crosses we have at various stages in life – teens, mid-life, and el-derly.
We emphatically encourage you to read this book. It is heavy doc-trinal reading that, at times, can be challenging, but it will be worth the extra effort. The book is full of scripture. Very enlightening! Deutschlander doesn’t miss a beat. He takes you down to the depths, and then lifts you up with the sweet Gospel message. It is truly one of the best books we’ve ever read.
This book was reviewed by Dan & Heather Schulz
(There is a copy of this book in our church library. It is also avail-able at Northwestern Publishing House in Milwaukee.)
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Title: Pressed Down but Not Forgotten
Authors: H. Curtis Lyon and John Juern
Publisher: Northwestern Publishing House Milwaukee; 1996
Length: 106 pages
This book by a pastor and Christian psychologist gives a comprehensive treatment of the subject of depression. It covers types and reasons for depression. It contains practical advice for others to help those who are depressed. Most importantly, this book reminds Christians that there is no shame attached to this mental illness. In addition to this, the entire book is presented with the realization that a Christian has an added aid in Christ. The entire book talks of our Lord, and His role in the life of one who may be depresed. If you are looking for reasons and solutions for depression this would be a good place to begin. If you are just interested in finding more information on the subjedt that touches many people's lives at some time, this book would be worthy of your attention also.
This book was reviewed by Paula Nass, WLS 7th grade teacher.
(There is a copy of this book in our church library. It is also available at Northwestern Publishing House in Milwaukee)
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Title: Through the Looking Glass and Back - Your Passport to Identity
Authors: Susan G. Bondow and Paul Kelm
Pubisher: Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee; 1993
Length: 96 pages
Who am I? Why am I the way I am? What does God think about me?...I don't like who I am or what I've done, so I must cover up my own sense of self worth so I look good to others, or to even try to hide from God...Now what can I do to change this distorted image of myself?
This might be enough to catch a potential reader's attention, for everyone has asked these same questions at some point in their lives. This book presents answers and hope from a very real Christian perspective. Common personallity issues which are encountered by people in everyday life are creatively addressed. Using an entertaining courtroom analogy, the authors present both Law and Gospel to aid the reader in understanding issues pertaining to self image, inter-personal relationships, and their relationship with God.
The reader will meet personalities which he can identify in himself or to help him understand someone else. For example: I'm a failure ...or...the group is counting on you, you've got to be an example of perfection...or...I have done my best and expect the recognition and reward I deserve...or...so much for last night's drinking binge...The reader will keep reading to find out what comes next for these personalities. The reader will want to know how they are "judged."
Each chapter exemplifies specific feelings, personality traits, situations, experienced by people, and the correlating counsel coming from a Christian family social worker/therapist and a pastor. More importantly, each chapter sets forth Biblical truths, firm in the Law, yet providing hope and comfort in the Gospel message. There are "reflection" questions at the end of each chapter, which the reader could use for self-help, journaling, or discussion.
This book can be a self-help tool for someone dealing with personal stuggles, but as the authors point out, not a substitute for professional help.
Suggested readers: young adult to adult.
This book was reviewed by Kathy Hintz, WLS 4th grade teacher.
There is a copy of this book in our church library. It is also available at Northwestern Publishin House in Milwaukee.
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