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Book Review – Bitesize Biographies – John Newton by John Crotts

April 21, 2013 in The Randleman Review 2

One of the best ways I’ve found to learn about Christ is by reading about the lives of others. The biographies of great Christian men and women can sometimes speak more to our lives than any other books. Reading of the faith of men and women who lived before our time, or even our contemporaries, can convey spiritual truths that are hard to gain from almost any other source.

So when I received a copy of the Bitesize Biographies book on John Newton, I was pretty excited to delve into it. Of course, I had heard of Newton, who wrote the hymn Amazing Grace and many others, but I didn’t know much about his life and faith.

What I read was simply incredible. Newton was very rebellious as a young man, leading a life of such sin that he wondered how God’s grace could ever cover his failures. Participating in the slave trade in the mid 1700s, Newton flirted with death several times, only to be saved time after time. God had a plan for his life.

After a major storm convinced him that his life was completely out of step with God, he made a complete turnaround, ending up an ordained minister of one of the most influential churches in England.

His letters and hymns have touch lives for generations, bringing hope and encouragement that God can and will use anyone who opens their lives to his leadership.

This is a very short biography, and is quick and easy to read. But even though it covers many of the important events in Newton’s life, the author, John Crotts, still finds the room to insert chapters dedicated to some of Newton’s most famous hymns, and several key passages from his many letters.

I gained a much greater perspective on both Newton’s life and ministry as well as God’s amazing grace from this bite size biographical sketch. Newton’s life, and what God did though him, brings an inspiring message that many of today need to hear, even more than two hundred and fifty years later.

I’ll be watching for the opportunity to read more Bitesize Biographies.

Do you read biographies? If so, what life or lives have you enjoyed reading about most? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you are interested in reading Bitesize Biographies: John Newton, by John Crotts, you can purchase it at Amazon.com, or directly from EP Books.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Cross Focused Media as part of their Cross Focused Reviews blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“

Memorize Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:11-12

April 21, 2013 in Memorize 0

As Paul continues to speak about women and worship in the public assembly, he gives some instructions that have been the source of much discussion, especially in recent times. Take a look at the text found in 1 Timothy 2:11-12:

1 Timothy 2:11-12

This passage has been the source of much confusion and discussion. What is Paul saying here?

There seem to be two major schools of thought: Some feel that this is a general statement applied to all women everywhere. Others hold that Paul’s instructions here are only for the Ephesian church. I think that the real application is somewhere in the middle.

Let’s take a look at a few specifics about this passage. First, women are instructed to learn, not to teach. Since Paul has been addressing the public worship service, it follows that this instruction is meant to be understood in that context as well.

How should she learn? In full submission and quietness. The key to understanding Paul’s use of the word “submission” here is not inferior value or worth, but to recognize one’s role in the relationship.

Book Review – Big Book Of Earth And Sky

April 20, 2013 in The Randleman Review 0

Master Books does a great job creating resources that help educate our kids. The most recent addition to their lineup is the Big Book Of Earth And Sky.

This book is a fifteen foot fold out chart that shows the earth, from the inner parts of the core to the upper reaches of the atmosphere. With twenty-one full color panels, this book is a treasure trove of information waiting to be mined.

This is an excellent resource for teaching, whether in the home or in the Sunday School classroom.

And it’s designed for kids ages 7 to 12.

Check out the Master Books book trailer:

Big Book Of Earth And Sky is full of tons of information about the earth and its elements. Beginning with the geologic column from a perspective based on Noah’s flood, this chart extends upward and covers such items as fossils and crystals, stones and coal. But alongside the earth portion is the earth’s oceans. Laid out in perspective so you can see how deep the oceans really are, or how high the tallest mountains really are, this chart is simply fascinating.

This chart gives succinct descriptions of more topics as well, such as cave formation, cloud formation. evaporation and rainfall, lightening, atmospheric layers, and greenhouse effects, just to name a few.

We are pretty excited to begin using this resource as we educate our kids. I’m sure it will be very useful as we study the earth and it’s processes.

Now all I need is a fifteen foot wall to hang it on, along with the Big Book Of History.

How would you find such a chart useful? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you are interested in utilizing the Big Book Of Earth And Sky, from Master Books, you can purchase it at Amazon.com, or directly from Master Books.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from New Leaf Press/Master Books as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.“

Movie Review – Break Away from Word Films

April 20, 2013 in The Randleman Review 0

I recently had the opportunity to watch and review the new movie, Break Away, from Word Entertainment. It’s due for release on April 23.

I was pretty excited about watching it, since it deals with cycling. One of my favorite activities is cycling, using both my road bike as well as my mountain bike. While neither of my bikes are top of the line, not by far, they are both decent quality.

But my dream is to own a Pinerello one day. And with this film being sponsored by Pinarello, as well as playing a role in the film itself, it fuels my dreams of riding one someday.

So with dreams of cycling running through my mind, the family settled down to watch Break Away.

Check out the trailer:

While it was an interesting movie, there was a mix of both good and bad things about this particular film.

Our Love For Others

April 20, 2013 in Resources 0

Quote: Francis Schaffer

Coffee Break – 04.15.2013

April 15, 2013 in Coffee Break 0

How Much Caffeine Would It Take To Kill You? – After a family filed a lawsuit against Monster Energy Drinks last year, this question has popped up every now and then. But what does the science say? Just how much caffeine would a person have to consume for it to be lethal? The conclusions are pretty interesting.

8 Official State Dinosaurs – Every state has a state bird and a state flower. Many have a state fossil. But did you know some states have a state dinosaur? Here are seven states that do, and one tongue-in-cheek dino added to the list. Proud to be a Missourian right now…

How To Use Milestones To Kick-Start A New Thing – Jon Stolpe discusses in this article how a mile stone can be a great motivator. This principle is one of the main reasons I journal.

Life Is Too Short To be In A Hurry – Productivity is the currency of our time it seems. Everyone is in a hurry, striving to be as efficient and effective as possible. But is that the right thing to do and be? This article reminds us of some important priorities.

The Antidote To Materialism – As Americans, we tend to be caught by our stuff. Materialism is rampant. But what’s the answer? Generosity. Here are eleven brief principles on how to develop this quality.

3801 Lancaster – It doesn’t take us long to sink to depths unimaginable because of our sinfulness. This is a very disturbing documentary of what is happening in our nation under the guise of choice. It’s time we put this to a stop. Be warned: you will be disturbed by this film.

Consumerism is not based on the amount of money we have to spend; it’s rooted in the way we think about the amount of money we have to spend. – Randy Frazee

Memorize Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:9-10

April 14, 2013 in Memorize 0

Paul is finished with his call to prayer, but isn’t yet finished instructing Timothy about worship. In this week’s passage, he moves on to other matters. Take a peek at the two verses we’ll be looking at in 1 Timothy 2:9-10:

1 Timothy 2:9-10

Paul begins here a section of his letter that has stirred many discussions over the years. He instructs Timothy on the role of women in the church.

And yet, before he talks about how women should serve, he addresses how women should dress.

He draws a very clear distinction between two realities: the inner versus the outer, much like Peter discusses in 1 Peter 3:3-4.

He calls women to dress decently. This probably isn’t referring to revealing or suggestive clothing, although that application certainly fits to our culture today. He is more likely referring to the “dressing up in order to show off” attitude that is also common in many places in our society today. When he refers to the braided hair, gold and pearls, and expensive clothes, he is suggesting that such extravagance completely fails to recognize that the inner person is much more important than the outer. Such an external display would prove to be a distraction in worship.