Reviews by Michael Lee
When Jesus Wept
On 3/31 Michael Lee wrote: I've never read a book by the Thoene's before. Quite honestly, I've never even known how to pronounce their last name. (It's pronounced "TAY-nee" by the way.) I've always thought the Thoene's wrote Amish, sappy, girly novels (according to the cover designs), so I never even picked one ... "When Jesus Wept", by Bodie & Brock Thoene
God's Not Dead
On 3/1 Michael Lee wrote: As the title suggests, "God's Not Dead" was written to provide evidence for the existence of God. Of the several books I've read on the subject matter -- specifically, combating the "New Atheists" -- it is honestly one of the best. It is well-researched and carefully documented. ... "God's Not Dead", by Rice Broocks
Who Do You Think You Are?
On 1/3 Michael Lee wrote: Who we think we are is often clouded by our ugly past. We're too fat, we're not muscular enough; we're used up, we're lacking credibility. We're too ugly, too rich, too hurt. All of these images have a bearing on how we live out our lives.But we Christians must have a different view ... "Who Do You Think You Are?", by Mark Driscoll
Fire of the Raging Dragon
On 12/6 Michael Lee wrote: You know what they always say about a good-book-turned-into-a-movie: "Don't watch the movie until you've read the book, because the book is way better." Well, that's exactly the case with this book...except this one hasn't been made into a motion picture yet. Key word: "Yet". I hope ... "Fire of the Raging Dragon", by Don Brown
Jesus
On 11/11 Michael Lee wrote: John Piper once said, "Entire books don't change lives; paragraphs change lives." If that is the case, then this book had a lot of those paragraphs that could be considered life-changing. At 310 reading pages of heady reading and 82 pages of notes (or "works cited"), I would consider this ... "Jesus: A Theography", by Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola
The Reason
On 9/21 Michael Lee wrote: I wanted to read "The Reason" for two simple reasons. First, one of the main characters was blind. My son is blind in one eye, so it struck my interest. Second, the story is set in Michigan. I live in Michigan and used to work in Downriver area from which Sirls hails.But it wasn't ... "The Reason", by William Sirls
Twelve Unlikely Heroes
On 8/23 Michael Lee wrote: Usually, whenever I see a John MacArthur book up for grabs, I jump at the chance to read-review it. After reading his last 4 books, however, I’m beginning to change my mind. It’s not that Dr. MacArthur isn’t a gifted teacher, speaker, and theologian. It’s simply the case that his books are taking ... "Twelve Unlikely Heroes", by Dr. John MacArthur
By Faith, Not By Sight
On 7/24 Michael Lee wrote: I have to admit, I wasn't even remotely interested in reading this book, not until my wife and I discovered our 7-year old son suffered a detached retina. After two unsuccessful surgeries, he will likely be legally blind in one eye, barring a miracle anyway. When I received the news, ... "By Faith, Not By Sight", by Scott MacIntyre, with Jennifer Schuchmann
Redemption
On 7/3 Michael Lee wrote: "Redemption" is the auto-biography of US decathlon olympian Brian Clay. The timing for release of the book is good, with the rapid approach of the 2012 Olympics in London, England. I had never heard of Bryan Clay prior to reading this book, but now I'm excited to cheer him on this year.But ... "Redemption", by Brian Clay, with Joel Kilpatrick
What You Need to Know About Bible Prophecy
On 6/15 Michael Lee wrote: "What You Need to Know about Bible Prophecy" is one of those books I grew to appreciate. When I agreed to read and review it, I expected I'd be reading yet another book with the traditional "left behind" approach to eschatology. I expected to read everything that is so mainstream today, just ... "What You Need to Know about Bible Prophecy", by Dr. Max Anders
The Truth About Forgiveness
On 5/24 Michael Lee wrote: John MacArthur is batting 3 for 3 in this "Truth About..." series. While his approach is simply basic, it is extremely necessary. He, once again, doesn't shie away from what needs to be addressed. He hits hard and he hits where it hurts. In this little book, he clearly articulates ... "The Truth About Forgiveness", by Dr. John MacArthur
The Truth About Grace
On 5/16 Michael Lee wrote: It has been said that John MacArthur is much nicer in person than he is in his books. I've met him in person, and I must agree. MacArthur is hard-hitting, and he doesn't shie away from truth. It's precisely the reason I enjoy his writing and his sermons.Why would God so love a world ... "The Truth about Grace", by John MacArthur
The Truth About the Lordship of Christ
On 4/14 Michael Lee wrote: "The Truth about the Lordship of Christ" is clearly a biblical response by MacArthur to the ever fading grip our society holds on absolute truth. We no longer like to talk about sin, the exclusivity of Christ for salvation, the assurance of salvation, right living, confession, and submission. ... "The Truth about the Lordship of Christ", by John MacArthur
1,000 Days
On 3/31 Michael Lee wrote: Jonathan Falwell is the senior pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA, and he has written a fine, simple book, "1,000 Days". It surrounds several themes in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The premise of the book is this: Couldn't Jesus simply have come to earth and redeemed ... "1,000 Days", by Jonathan Falwell
The Jesus We Missed
On 2/22 Michael Lee wrote: I find the hypostatic union of Christ -- that state of being fully God and fully human at the same time -- mystical and intriguing. I have wondered if Jesus knew certain things that he was simply not willing to reveal, like a genius ahead of his own time. For instance, did Jesus know how to build ... "The Jesus We Missed", by Patrick Henry Reardon
Alienation
On 12/23 Michael Lee wrote: This book has just about everything a young reader would enjoy: alien invasions and infiltrations, aliens transforming to look like humans, jet packs, action, fighting, you-name-it! If you missed it, this book is for teens and tweens, not adults. I must have missed the memo on that part ... "Alienation", by Jon S. Lewis
Heroes and Villains of the Bible
On 12/8 Michael Lee wrote: I had high hopes for this one. Instead, I was greatly disappointed.Here's the synopsis of "Heroes and Villains of the Bible". It's a bible...a very condensed bible, but a bible none-the-less. Leviticus is absent, so that was a relief since it's marketed as a children's book. It's not much of a ... "HEROES AND VILLAINS OF THE BIBLE", produced by Thomas Nelson
Babylon’s Falling
On 11/22 Michael Lee wrote: "Babylon's Falling" is a fictionalized novel based on the biblical account and history of the life of Daniel. Its pace is extremely rapid, and covers several years, beginning with the capture of Israel by Babylon, to the overthrow of Babylon by Persia, to Daniel's return to Jerusalem. Based on believed ... BABYLON'S FALLING", by William G. Collins
Why Men Hate Going to Church
On 11/5 Michael Lee wrote: It seems men are trending further away from church these days; not so much from God, but from the organized institution called "church". Who makes up the Church is an entirely different issue, and not the issue addressed in this book. David Murrow, in "Why Men Hate Going to Church" does not ... "WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH", by David Murrow
The Book of Man
On 10/17 Michael Lee wrote: "The Book of Man" is no mere book, but a volume. Want a good workout? Carry this one around a while! It's thick with short stories about various great feats of great people throughout history, specifically men.The stories in this volume don't display courageous men solely in battle. Although one section ... "The Book of Man", by William Bennett
Ascent from Darkness
On 9/15 Michael Lee wrote: In my experience there are three broad categories of books. The first category is the crummy book – the one you wish you hadn’t wasted time on. The second is the good book – one that stirs the mind and conversation. But then there’s a third, one I consider the phenomenal book. It’s the book ... "Ascent from Darkness", by Michael Leehan
Our Last Great Hope
On 9/5 Michael Lee wrote: SYNOPSIS: You know it when you read it. You know, that book that is absolutely timely in getting into your hands. That was “Our Last Great Hope” for me. So, maybe I liked it with a little extra measure because I as ready for it. That said, I really liked this book, and I think Ronnie Floyd did an ... "Our Last Great Hope", by Ronnie Floyd
Peace Be with You
On 8/11 Michael Lee wrote: "Peace be with You" is a sociology exposee. Dr. Carlson embarked upon a project-journey in the mid-2000's to visit a number of monasteries around the country where his goal was to interview monks and nuns regarding their thoughts about the 9/11 events. "Peace be with You" is Carlson's ... "PEACE BE WITH YOU", by David Carlson
Why God Won't Go Away
On 7/11 Michael Lee wrote: Two general classes of atheism exist today: Apathetic and Committed. Apathetic atheists say, “I don’t believe in God”. While atheists, they feel little need to provide reasons why they believe as they do. They have no axe to grind with religion; they are simply indifferent to it. Committed atheists, ... "WHY GOD WON'T GO AWAY", by Alister McGrath
The Fight of Our Lives
On 4/21 Michael Lee wrote: It a violent criminal offender was released from prison, and upon his release committed more atrocities, most people would be appropriately outraged. What happens, though, when the prison system or government lets us down after catching that violent criminal subsequent times? What would ... "THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES", by William J. Bennett & Seth Leibsohn
The Sacred Journey
On 4/2 Michael Lee wrote: Please don't mistake Richard Foster, the author of "The Celebration of Discipline", for Charles Foster, the author of "The Sacred Journey". My review of this book by Charles Foster will be rather negative. I like Richard Foster's work; I dislike Charles Foster's work.I'll be completely honest: ... "THE SACRED JOURNEY", by Charles Foster
The Sacred Meal
On 3/21 Michael Lee wrote: "The Sacred Meal", by Nora Gallagher, is book 6 of 8 in the Ancient Practices Series. This book is nothing more than New Age-Buddhism wrapped in a pretty "Christian" cover. In fact, this book is a fraud if Gallagher intends to teach Christian doctrine about the Eucharist. Shame ... "THE SACRED MEAL", by Nora Gallagher
Tithing
On 3/9 Michael Lee wrote: If what you're looking for is a theological treatise on tithing, then "Tithing", by Douglas Leblanc, is not the book for you. However, if what you're hoping to find is a book about practical ways tithing was implemented by various people and communities, then this may be what you're looking for.In ... "TITHING", by Douglas Leblanc
Fasting
On 2/28 Michael Lee wrote: Fasting; I haven't done it in a couple years, but I think I may incorporate it into my worship again. While fasting in the past, I fasted in order to "hear from God". I fasted for the wrong reasons. I didn't understand WHY I should fast; only that I SHOULD fast. But only after ... "FASTING", by Scot McKnight
Sabbath
On 2/10 Michael Lee wrote: "Sabbath" is book #3 in the Ancient Practices Series, edited by Phyllis Tickle. It is divided into 3 parts and subdivided into 11 chapters, a conclusion, and a short study guide. The entire books runs just shy of 200 pages.Sadly, editor Phyllis Tickle's love affair with equating Christianity, ... "SABBATH", by Dan B. Allender
In Constant Prayer
On 1/31 Michael Lee wrote: "In Constant Prayer" is book #2 in "The Ancient Practices Series", edited by Phyllis Tickle. He also should have written book #1, in my opinion (see my review on "Finding Our Way Again", by Brian McLaren). Benson had more of value to say in the mere 160 pages in this book than many authors ... "IN CONSTANT PRAYER", by Robert Benson
Finding Our Way Again
On 1/15 Michael Lee wrote: INTRODUCTION: "Finding Our Way Again: the Return of the Ancient Practices" by Brian McLaren is a re-publishing of the original title from 2008. The difference being that editor, Phyllis Tickle, added study questions, which she calls "spiritual exercises", at the end of each chapter. I agreed ... "FINDING OUR WAY AGAIN", by Brian McLaren
Seeds of Turmoil
On 12/17 Michael Lee wrote: What if you had advance knowledge of the results and/or consequences of a seemingly harmless decision you were about to make? Would you still make it, or would you change your mind? If you could have a do-over for a past bad decision, would you change it? If you knew your decision would have worldwide ... "SEEDS OF TURMOIL", by Bryant Wright:
Heaven is for Real
On 11/19 Michael Lee wrote: This is a story about 4-year old Colton Burpo, who, according to his father (author and pastor) Todd Burpo, had a heavenly experience when he died briefly on the operating table. Throughout the course of the book, young Colton reveals bits and pieces to the family about heaven, Jesus, family ... HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, by Todd Burpo
100 Prayers God Loves to Hear, 100 Praise Songs
On 9/3 Michael Lee wrote: "100 Prayers God loves to Hear, 100 Praise Songs"is a fantastic resourse. This is a childrens book that colorfully and creatively teaches children the joy of prayer. It teaches them at a young age that God is a God in whom we can place our trust. Each pair of pages contains one short ... 100 PRAYERS GOD LOVES TO HEAR, 100 PRAISE SONGS: (By Stephen Elkins)
The Jesus You Can't Ignore
On 7/23 Michael Lee wrote: Dr. MacArthur hit the ball out of the park with this book! Starting with the introduction, MacArthur brings hard-hitting and in-your-face theology as it pertains to defending the gospel agains the errors of post-modern weaknesses.The premise of the book is that "Jesus is often portrayed as a pacifist, ... "THE JESUS YOU CAN'T IGNORE", by Dr. John MacArthur
The Right to Lead
On 5/31 Michael Lee wrote: “The Right to Lead”, by John C. Maxwell is one of those kinds of books one picks up every now and again when looking for encouraging words for motivation or to pass on. In fact, its format is much like a gift book one would give for a graduation, a promotion, or even a retirement.“The Right to ... "THE RIGHT TO LEAD", by John C. Maxwell
66 Love Letters
On 3/1 Michael Lee wrote: All I can say is “phenomenal!” What a fantastic idea this book was. If you’ve ever read Thomas A’Kempis’ “Imitation of Christ” and liked the conversational format, then you’ll probably like this book as well.Imagine you’ve just received a letter from your beloved and you were able to ... "66 LOVE LETTERS", by Dr. Larry Crabb
The Word of Promise New Testament
On 2/4 Michael Lee wrote: “The Word of Promise” audio bible is a great idea for audio bibles. It incorporates the multi-voice narration of scripture accompanied by sound effects (coffee pouring into a cup, walking, crowds cheering/talking, birds chirping, etc) and orchestral music.LIKES:One of the great aspects of this resource ... "THE WORD OF PROMISE" NEW TESTAMENT AUDIO BIBLE: (review)
Where is God?
On 1/14 Michael Lee wrote: “Where is God?” is a book that attempts to comfort and encourage people about God’s presence in difficult times.LIKES:First, Dr. Townsend unashamedly approaches the doubter’s question of God’s presence with ample support from Scripture. While the book is not heavy theological reading, it is ... "WHERE IS GOD?" by Dr. John Townsend:
The Language of Love & Respect
On 12/1 Michael Lee wrote: “The Language of Love and Respect”, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs:SUMMARY: She craves Love; He craves Respect. Dr. Eggerichs contends that love and respect are the air hoses that supply vital life to any relationship, and stepping on a spouse’s air hose could very likely lead to suffocation. Spouses ... "THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE AND RESPECT", By Dr. Emerson Eggerichs:
Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World
On 10/7 Michael Lee wrote: SUMMARY: A troubled stock market; a decimated housing industry; a paralyzed job market; world catastrophes – natural and manmade. All of these, and then some, are issues pounding the life out of people worldwide, not just in America. However, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Not the kind of fleeting ... "Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World", by Dr. David Jeremiah
Kabul 24
On 9/22 Michael Lee wrote: REVIEW:KABUL, Afghanistan, 2001. Mere weeks prior to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, eight Christian aid workers from Shelter Now International and sixteen of their Afghan co-workers were arrested by the Taliban and imprisoned. Although twenty-four were arrested, the book focuses primarily on ... "KABUL24", by Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson: