I remember when I first stumbled upon Matt Mikalato’s new book, Night of the Living Dead Christian. I immediately thought to myself “this book sounds absolutely ridiculous, but very intriguing.” I had my doubts though. Could a spiritual allegory really work with werewolves, vampires, robots and more? Even if it could work, would it really entertain me? With my resolve to try and read more fiction (and people saying he writes with the force of C.S. Lewis mixed with Monty Python, or Bonhoeffer with a little Lewis and Spurgeon), I picked up this book, and I am so glad I did.

Night of the Living Dead Christian is absolutely hilarious and at the same time slaps you in the face with theological truths and challenging insights. I don’t know if I can say that about any other book that I have read. There were moments where I would literally laugh out loud. Then four pages later, I am absorbing the truth presented in the text.

The story begins when Matt’s (yes he put himself as the main character, Brilliant!) neighborhood is turned upside down by monsters. As a neighborhood watchman, Matt suddenly finds his street flooded with a mad scientist, a robot, a werewolf, a church full of zombies and a monster hunter. Through a series of events, Matt finds himself partnered with Luther Martin, the werewolf, in a quest to cure his lycanthropy. Luther longs to shed the nature that has him at the brink of losing everything. However, it isn’t just a story about a werewolf wanting to be transformed, it is a story about how we as humans experience transformation! It is about the monsters we are and how Jesus transforms us.

Few things I loved about the book in no particular order:

1. Transformation – My favorite part of the book had to be the transformation moment. The transformation of Luther wasn’t a pretty, feel good, happy moment. Luther didn’t dance around in a field of bunnies. No, it was a moment that hurt but a definite moment that left Luther changed forever. That moment still resonates in my head. It reminds me of Eustace, the dragon, and Aslan from C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series.

2. Truth – I was delighted to find that Biblical truths and themes, both basic and deep, are present throughout the story. I remember when I first read Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. I delighted in Bunyan’s ability to craft a story packed with truth. I think Mikalatos has achieved a very similar outcome, although I am not ready to put his book on par with John Bunyan. Nevertheless, there are ample amounts of truth packed into the book.

3. Diagnosis – Another thing I loved about the book was Mikalatos’s use of monsters to diagnosis people in our church and world today. Not only was it hilarious, but also the comparison was spot on. These connections often left me laughing while at the same time convicting me of my monstrous behaviors.

4. Relevant – Monsters thrill us. We are in love with Twilight and the Walking Dead. We enjoy vampires, werewolves, and zombies. Mikalatos has taken these monsters and used them for the glory of God.

5. Pure Entertainment – This book brought me ample amounts of laughter and joy. I thoroughly enjoyed every page it.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a funny, yet insightful, book.

My Rating 5/5 Stars 

Tyndale has graciously given me one copy of Night of the Living Dead Christian to giveaway on my blog! Below you will find an entry form.  The giveaway will close December 18, 2011. I will notify the winner by email.

Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers by Chap Clark is the updated version of his first edition Hurt. In this updated edition, Clark has added a new chapter, updated material and research, and provided more documentation throughout his book. Clark continues to look into the lives of our youth today. Not only that, Clark is passionate about our youth today. Thus, I respect the research and time Clark has put into this project. With that said, here are some of my thoughts concerning Hurt 2.0.

Hurt 2.0 is compiled into three parts. In the first part, The Changing Adolescent World, Clark lays the foundation for his book. He examines two foundational issues (abandonment and the world beneath) that our youth are struggling with today. The second part, The Landscape of the World Beneath, seeks to examine aspects of the youth’s life with the understanding from part one. In this section, the bulk of Clark’s research appears. He looks into aspects of culture such as peers, school, family, sports, sex, and more. The last part, Where Do We Go From Here, searches for solutions and strategies to turn the tide of abandonment.

So to whom is Clark writing all of this? When I first received this book I would have said it was written to anyone seeking to understand youth. While I still hold to this position I do so only half heartedly. After reading the book, I would suggest that Clark seems to be writing to more scholarly minded people. I do think parents, youth pastors and other youth workers can benefit a great deal from this book. However, I do not see them as the primary audience of it. (Chap, if you read this, feel free to correct me if I am wrong).

With that said, here are a few things I really liked about the book and two things I struggled with.

A Few Likes

• Part 1 – I really Clark’s work on abandonment and the world beneath. One of the most eye opening moments in the book were these two chapters. I truly believe that the book is worth the purchase just for these two chapters. It gave me a lot to think about that I previously never considered.
• Passion – I really enjoyed Clark’s passion for youth. It would be easy to write a book and not deeply care about your subject. I imagine some would say that your research is skewed if you care too deeply about the subject. However, I think Clark’s passion fuels his research and this is a plus.

Does theology really matter? Can’t I just follow Jesus? Do the words justification, sanctification, and glorification really need to be in my vocabulary? Maybe these are some questions you ask from time to time. You love Jesus but you just don’t see the need to study theology. Maybe you see theology as a subject that only scholars and pastors are supposed to study. The language is too difficult and the concepts run too deep for you to understand. No matter your opinion of theology, the truth is that we are all theologians. We are either good theologians or bad theologians. Theology matters and Joshua Harris has presented the church with a gift.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters is a fantastic book. Harris has presented the basics of the Christian faith, the ones that seem too hard to grasp, in a humble, easy to understand way that stirs us to worship. One of the best ways to describe Dug Down Deep is that it’s theology made simple, yet uncompromising.

Harris takes the reader through eleven chapters in which he explores God, Scripture, Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, the Holy Spirit, the Church and more. He prefaces all of this with our need to be theologians. As a worker in youth ministry, I can think of many ways to use this book. Whether it is using it in discipleship, giving it as a gift, or building small group messages from it, Dug Down Deep is of tremendous value.

A few things I really enjoyed. (I could write so much more)

1. Truth – Joshua Harris presents essential truths of the gospel in a easy to understand format. Theology can be scary. It can be tough when words appear that don’t appear to be in any ones vocabulary except those who lived in the 13th century. Yet Harris has done a great job of making theology understandable. Not only that, but he has made it very applicable as well. This is rare.

2. Humble Orthodoxy – Humility is often separated from Theology. This is a sad reality. Harris longs to see otherwise. Humility is present with each word. The book comes to a close with the chapter Humble Orthodoxy. I am thankful for this chapter. May we all be people whose theology humbles us.

3. Doctrine of the Church – I am thankful that Harris wrote this chapter with clarity. Outside of church leaders and scholars, this doctrine can get left out. Not in this book. Harris reminds us that God has chosen to reveal himself to the world through his church, through us. What a beautiful reminder.

As stated above, Harris really has given the church a gift. Theology really does matter. Maybe you are looking to understand your faith more. Maybe you are searching for truth, truth that matters. Get this book. Let your heart, mind, and soul rejoice as you learn.

My Rating 5/5 Stars 

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Recently, I have found myself reading more and more biographies. To my delight, I came across an autobiography, A Heart For Freedom by Chai Ling.

 In a compelling and unveiling manner, Ling takes the reader deep into her past. This fast paced narrative not only opens eyes to the events surrounding Tiananmen Square and the political atmosphere in China during the late 80′s to today; it also captures Ling’s greater pursuit, the pursuit of freedom.

One of my favorite things about the book is the theme of freedom. Early on in Ling’s life you see her pursuit for freedom. Whether it was in her parents’ house, at school, in defending Tiananmen Square, escaping China, Buddhism or living in America, Ling is set out on a pursuit of freedom. In each pursuit, freedom seemed so far away, and time after time, purpose and peace seemed equally distant. The beauty of this theme is Ling finally found true everlasting freedom, peace, and purpose. She didn’t find it in politics, a husband, children or revolution. She discovered true freedom in the face of Jesus Christ. Now Ling is hoping that others will come to find the same freedom she has found.

Ling’s voice still rings of freedom. She is the founder of All Girls Allowed, which is an organization for girls who have experienced the injustice of the one-child policy in China. I love Ling’s description of her organization and the work God is doing in China. She writes, “The All Girls Allowed movement seeks to restore life, value, and dignity to the most vulnerable members of society–girls and mothers–so that the weak, the orphans, and the widows will truly know and experience the grace of God and the goodness brought by his love. Even though the one-child policy is intended for evil, God is using it for good by mobilizing his church to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the rest of the nation” (pg. 302). She sees the overarching purpose of her ministry and God’s plan for China.

The heart of Chai Ling is wrapped up in one of her final chapters in which she states, “In God’s timing and in God’s way, we will finish the unfinished work we started at Tiananmen, to bring freedom and salvation to China. This time, a new chapter of China’s history will be written. Greater things are yet to come.” (pg. 327)

If you enjoy biographies, I would encourage you to pick up a copy and walk alongside Ling as you read her story. God’s sovereignty and providence is seen clearly throughout her life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and am confident that God will continue to use Ling for the Glory of His Name in the nations.

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Romans 8 has to be my favorite chapter in the Bible. I find myself frequently returning to the chapter and soaking in the truths that are present. Yet, if I am honest, Paul’s logic can often be hard to follow. Paul quickly moves topics while building on the framework in he laid in previous verses and chapters. When I got the chance to walk through the text with a pastor and scholar who has studied the text over his lifetime, I could not wait to dive in.

In his book, How The Gospel Brings Us All The Way Home, Derek Thomas engages the reader’s heart and mind as he not only exposits the chapter but guides the reader through Paul’s logical flow. The book itself, follows Paul’s thought process as it captures the key themes in Romans 8. Broken up into 11 chapters, Thomas presents a devotional commentary that is rich in truth and application. What started as a series of sermons is now a book and a tremendous one at that. Every believer should pick this up and learn from Thomas.

Here is what I enjoyed.

Thomas frequently pointed me back to Jesus. Chapter after chapter, Thomas brought me back to Jesus. Whether it was his commentary or illustrations, he stirred my affections for Christ.

Thomas used excellent illustrations to help illustrate the application of the text. Whether it was quotes, stories, or poems, the reader can quickly see the application presented. When reflecting on spiritual mindedness, Thomas gives us this story:

In 1631, the Covenanter Robert Bruce (1554–1631) was sentenced to death for preaching the gospel. On the morning of his execution, his daughter cooked him an egg for breakfast. It was his request. (Who cares about his cholesterol level when he is about to die?) It was so nice, he said, that he almost asked his daughter to cook him another one. Then he paused and said to her, “I breakfasted with you this morning; I’ll have supper with Jesus tonight.” (38-39)

Thomas also reflects on Jesus as our intercessor. He reflects on what Jesus might be saying to the father.

What does Jesus say to the Father? Perhaps something like this: “This one whom Satan is accusing is Mine. You gave him to Me before the foundation of the world. He’s Mine. I died for him. I shed My blood for this one. I bore the wrath for him. I did it all—everything. Now, Father, help him in his struggles. Send the Holy Spirit to encourage him. Give him victory over his sins. Remind him of what I have done and give him peace.” (127)

Lastly, Thomas brings the reader to a deeper understanding to the text. Thomas not only engaged my heart and affections, he engaged my mind as well. I think it is rare to find a writer that can do both. This is why I haven’t chosen to call it a devotional commentary. He digs into the text and uncovers the truth in it. He presents truths for every person. You don’t need to know Greek or Hebrew. It is not a technical treatment of the text. Rather, in a simple way, Thomas presents not-so-simple truth.

I believe that any Christian would benefit greatly from reading this book. The Gospel really does bring us all the way home. Our Triune God not only saves us, He sanctifies and glorifies us as well. Maybe you have been looking for a book that engages your heart and mind. Pick this one up and learn from Thomas as he takes you through Romans 8.

My Rating 5/5 Stars

I received this book free from Reformation Trust Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I was never a reader growing up. I didn’t want to sit down and read a book. I wanted to be outside playing some form of sport or doing some kind of activity. During my time in college a switch flipped. I suddenly enjoyed reading. It became a passion and I found delight in books. Since that time, I have devoted myself to becoming a better reader.

I’m not sure what I expected when I decided to read Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke. I thought it would just be a practical book to help me read better. However, it was so much more than that. Reinke not only helps you become a better reader, he also helps you develop a biblical worldview for reading.

The book itself is divided up into two sections. The first section is “A Theology of Books and Reading.” The second section is “Some Practical Advice on Book Reading.” Let me break down the two sections.

In section one, Reinke introduces the reader with crucial information for any Christian who wants to become a good reader. I say Christian because that is Reinke’s primary audience. Reinke isn’t concerned with just seeing people read faster and retain more information. He wants the reader to see and savor Christ as he or she reads the Bible as well as Christian and non-Christian books. After all, he states “And beholding the glory of Christ will transform how you read books-every book” (pg. 33). Thus, the first section of his book helps lay a foundation for Christians. He encourages the readers to develop a biblical worldview. He invites the reader to see the benefit of both Christian and non-Christian books. He shows the benefit of an imagination developed by books. At the heart of all of this, Reinke points the reader back to Christ. He points the reader back to Scripture. “Scripture is the ultimate grid by which we read every book” (pg. 26). The benefit of all this helps us to treasure Christ. I was encouraged by Reinke’s ability to communicate the gospel without leaving his topic. I believe that this section alone is enough to encourage any reader to read this book. The end of book reading isn’t to become more intelligent. No, the end of book reading is to worship Jesus through the discipline of reading.

In section two, Reinke begins to focus more on the practical side of reading. This is where the application comes into play. Maybe you have asked questions such as: “What books should I read? How should I read nonfiction vs fiction? How do I make time to read? What priorities or techniques should I apply to my reading life?”. Reinke answers questions such as these from his own reading experience. I deeply enjoyed chapter eight which contained twenty tips and tricks to reading nonfiction. I also really enjoyed his chapter on distraction and the internet. If I am honest, the internet, my smartphone, and my mac consume way to much of my interest and free time. I have never actually considered how it crippled my reading habits. I found rich information that stirred my heart and encouraged me to become a better reader. Reinke ends the book and this section with five marks of a healthy reader.These five marks include: prizing wisdom, cherishing old books, keeping literature in its place, avoiding making books into idols, and clinging to the Savior. I thought this chapter was a great way to end the book and remind the reader of what it looks like to become and be a better reader.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed reading Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke. I have never thoughtfully considered some of my habits when I read. However, while reading this book I stopped to review my habits and change them for the better. I appreciated his ability to maintain a theological and practical approach to books. I am thankful for both sections of the book which meshed together really well.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to become a better reader!

My Rating 5/5 Stars

I received this book free from Crossway Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

There are times when I sit down with a book and can’t wait to start reading it. Everything about the book makes me want to like it. I want to like what the author has to say. The cover, the author, and the concept all jump out at me. So I begin to read it and sure enough I come to a point where I just can’t agree with much of what the author is saying. As much as I want to like everything that is being said, I just can’t. That is how I felt with More Lost Than Found: Finding a Way Back to Faith by Jared Herd. (Sidenote: I would love to sit down and talk with Jared over coffee for explanation concerning parts in his book)

Jared Herd’s writing approach is a creative one. He writes clever chapter titles such as “Tylenol and Duct Tape, Who Stole Jesus, and Body Language.” The cover design is catchy and artistic. The back cover grabs your attention. Herd’s writing style and packaging clearly communicates to a younger generation. After all, Jared Herd has spent the last ten years speaking to high school and college students. More Lost Than Found is written for “anyone who is wrestling or looking for language and a foothold to engage with God in a genuine way, a way that is not divorced from everyday life” (pg. xvi).

As mentioned above, I had a hard time with some of Herd’s material. To Herd’s credit, there were also parts of the book that I enjoyed and appreciated. So let me attempt to communicate what I liked and disliked.

If I could wrap up what I liked, it would be this: I really appreciated his raw honesty with relevant topics and cultural treatments. I think the church needs voice’s like Herd’s who stop and reflect on the current trends and course of the church. Jared is obviously in tune with culture in America and seeks to examine culture and our relationship to it. He interacts with topics such as worldviews, relationships, Christianity vs. Spirituality, guilt and doubt, technology, and a lot more. I appreciate people who take honest looks at these things whether or not I agree with their full examination. I enjoyed the insights and cultural observations by Herd. As Christians we should always be examining culture around us and finding ways to communicate Christ in a contextualizing way without compromising truth.

Here is the hard part of this review. It is a lot easier for me to be critical of this book because of my disagreement with certain parts. So here is an attempt to review the book respectfully explaining parts I found difficult.

First, I had a hard time with the flow and organization of the book. It seemed fragmented with no particular outcome in mind. It was hard to see where Herd was going and wanted to end up with the book. His writing style was unique and interesting. He wrote with humor. However the direction seemed lacking.

Secondly, Herd seemed to ask more questions than he gave answers. He used the words “perhaps, if, and maybe” a little too much. At the end of each chapter I had more questions for Jared than I did at the beginning of the chapter. I was left wondering what exactly Herd was trying to communicate through his book.

Thirdly, I had a hard time with the lack of biblical exposition. I don’t remember very many times where Scripture was quoted or used. There were times where Herd began to use a biblical story. However it seemed more filled with eisegesis than exegesis. I was often left wondering what was true from the biblical passage and what was just added to make a point. I also struggled with his treatment of the kingdom in chapter ten. Herd states “Jesus then began to teach that his kingdom was ultimately going to win. No one in Caesar’s kingdom liked this, and this is why Jesus was hunted down and murdered” (pg. 153). I don’t see this anywhere in the gospels. Jesus was tried for blasphemy. Rome hardly saw Jesus as a threat. They laughed as they crucified him. They played games for his clothing. Herd seemed to misunderstand what was really happening at the cross.

Lastly, the book seemed like just another rebellion against the church as an “institution” and a rejection of legalism. This seems to be a common trend with these books. Many have been burned by an institution and the rules they should follow. As a result they are looking for a new way or trying to discover their way back to faith. However, it seems like a misunderstanding of the church to me. The church isn’t an institution. It’s the Bride of Christ. It’s an organized movement with Jesus at the head. We would do well to communicate this thoughtfully and honestly rather than labeling the church an institution so we can take shots at the church…err I mean institution. We certainly aren’t doing everything right as the church. Churches are flawed and will be until the return of Christ. I do however believe that we need to stray from legalism. It is dangerous and unbiblical. On the other hand, I think promoting a correct view of the gospel keeps us from legalism. I don’t think the alternative is finding a new way to faith.

Overall, I was torn with this book. I wanted to like it. I enjoyed the topics Herd decided to engage. I thought Herd was engaging. However, I disagreed too often with him. I found myself lost and unsure of the direction he wanted to go. I thought he could have left the reader with more answers than questions especially since his purpose to was to write to people who were looking to engage with God in a genuine way.

Unfortunately, I would have a hard time recommending this book to people who are searching for faith.

My Rating 2.5/5 Stars

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

By: Greg Lucas Publisher: Cruciform Press

Rarely do you find a book that combines deep theology, life application, and rich emotions. Though short in nature, Wrestling With An Angel is packed with power and grace.

The author, Greg Lucas, reflects on manifestations of God’s grace through his disabled son, Jake. Written in an engaging style, each chapter includes a theme and a personal story. The book begins with the theme Break and Equip. Lucas interweaves a personal story and God’s grace which leads the reader to easily see application for his or her own life. At the beginning of each chapter, Lucas clearly communicates his theme in clear fashion. At the beginning of chapter one he writes, “Grace breaks us with affliction in order to equip us with comfort and compassion.”

As I read through the book, I found myself deeply engaged. It was hard to put it down. It stirred up emotions and thoughts, desires and affections, and a deep longing to see God’s grace made visible in my own life. I can remember sitting there after each chapter reflecting on the way God uses people and circumstances in my life to mold and shape me as well as change me.

There are a couple things I really enjoyed in this book.

The first was the theology mixed with heart-engaging stories. Very rarely do we take the time to pause and see what God is doing constantly around and in us. Lucas has clearly done this. Story after story mixed with sound theology engaged my heart and mind and left me praising God. God didn’t just use Jake in Greg’s life but he used and is using him in my life as well.

The second thing I enjoyed about the book was its readability and brevity. I find it extremely difficult to find a book today that is written concisely without compromising the book. At about a 100 pages in length, this book is short and packs a punch. I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end. 

The last thing I deeply enjoyed was Lucas’ vulnerability and heart. Lucas’ heart is on display for all to see. Page after page reveals a man who is being transformed by the grace of God. He is far from perfect, but God is using his son Jake to change him and his family. I respect Greg Lucas’ ability to write with vulnerability and passion in a way that magnifies grace and truth.

I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! It is one of the few books that I can say that about. This book did so much in my own life. If you are interested check out Cruciform Press and order it. It truly is an impactful book.

My Rating 5/5 Stars


I received this book free from Cruciform Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah

In his recent book, Enemies of the Heart, Andy Stanley examines key problems that are at war in our heart as Christians. It would be safe to say this book is aimed to Christians in community. Stanley addresses four main enemies, guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. These enemies truly do seek to damage and destroy us. After examining each enemy, Stanley presents the reader with an alternative. This alternative is the solution to your enemy.

I was excited to pick up this book and read it. But from the beginning (Part 1) I was disappointed. The first four chapters address why the reader should examine the heart. Don’t get me wrong I believe that heart examination is extremely important and vital. However, to make his point, Stanley seemed to drag on with story after story. He could have easily introduced this topic in two chapters.

In the second part of the book, Stanley defined and examined the four enemies. Using the word “owe”, Stanley creatively showed how each enemy tells us that someone or something is owed. He was to the point and did a good job addressing his topic in this section. I enjoyed this section of the book.

In the third part of the book, Stanley offers the alternatives. This is the part that really disappointed me. I expected so much more than a one step process to eliminate my guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. I would have loved to see Stanley present the gospel more.

 Few of my disappointments with the book. 

Where was the Holy Spirit? The Gospel? Few mentions of Jesus? Anytime you begin looking at the process of sanctification the Spirit is crucial. Romans 8:13 states “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” When understanding sanctification, one cannot be changed unless the Holy Spirit is the main active agent. We are certainly called to be proactive in sanctification. However, we must have the Holy Spirit. I was shocked to see no mention of the Holy Spirit when dealing with the enemies of the heart. I was also disheartened by the lack of gospel message. The gospel changes us. Jesus changes us.

Creating a brand of moralism? Don’t get me wrong. I have read and listened to Andy Stanley enough to believe that this was not his intention. I also enjoy Andy Stanley’s simplicity at times. However, I think his simplistic approach is dangerous here. He presents a step-by-step method (although he didn’t want to call it that) to overcome the enemies. If you are greedy just give more. You need to be generous. If you are jealous then celebrate. If you are guilty then confess. If you are angry then forgive. These things are great! By no means do I say not to do these things. But is it really this easy? So I accomplish the steps, now what? By doing these things is my heart really changed?

Overall, I struggled with this book. I thought it had the potential but fell short. I thought Stanley did a good job of raising issues and helping you detect the enemies in your life. However, the solutions were lacking. I think it could be used in a small group setting to discuss the enemies of the heart. I expected more. The issue of leaving out the Holy Spirit left me with a lot of caution.

My Rating 2/5 Stars


I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.