Book Review - "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I have read many quotes by Bonhoeffer, and many people have quoted him and spoke of his amazing life.

A true disciple of Jesus if there was one in our modern age.  I highly recommend just finding out about the man, let alone reading "The Cost of Discipleship."

TCD is a challenging book.  Not because it's hard to read, or understand, but because it does just that - it's challenges.

If you've ever admitted that you "fall short" of the glory of God this book will show you more.

Yes, at times you will feel "guilty" and "convicted" but at the same time, you get a clearer, more direct, more honest look at your own walk with Christ - and how much we are not only falling short with God, but ourselves!

With Jesus, yes, we have great responsibility, but what a responsibility it is!  Truly, the cost of discipleship is high, but the rewards are even higher (and I'm not just talking about heaven).

Bonhoeffer doesn't pull any punches and gives insight to the Sermon on the Mount that perhaps you might not have heard - I know I hadn't.

It's a quick read, but don't let that fool you, it's a deep one as well.

This was the first book, or any writings for that matter, by Bonhoeffer I have read - I will certainly read more!

Billy Graham in Quotes - A Review

Where does one start?

If you've read or have heard Dr. Graham before you know the way he has with words. This book highlight, perhaps, the best of what Dr. Graham has had to say in his long life as an evangelist.

In the book, Dr. Graham is quoted on a wide variety of topics such as: Sin, Salvation, the world, Jesus, young people, family, evil, money, and a whole lot more!

What you read is straight-from-the-heart, no-holds-barred, and uncompromising. Billy says what he means, means what he says for sure.

To quote: "If we are at peace with this world, it may be because we have sold out to it and compromised with it." - From the chapter Billy Graham on compromise.

My only complaint, if you could even call it that, is the structure of the book itself. More to the point, how the chapters are ordered. Perhaps I've ready way to many Christian books, but it is odd to find Jesus in the middle of the book, rather than at the end. Or maybe not!

One thing is for sure, I can say this isn't a book you would regret taking the time to read. It will both inspire and challenge you, for which you will be all the more better because of it.

And as always: I have received this book free for my review through Booksneeze. In no way was my review influenced by the author or publisher of this book. For more information please visit: Booksneeze.com

Ministry Today - the magazine

First, did you even know there was a magazine called "Ministry Today?"

You can check them out HERE!

But let me back up a second...

I am a sucker for kids selling stuff.  Maybe because I had to sell ads and wreaths growing up and hated every second of it - I am NOT a salesman.  Whatever the reason, if I answer the door - you'll probably make a sale!

The long/short of it: I subscribed to Ministry Today...as I was starting (still working on) my ministry and thought maybe this mag could help.

My thoughts?

It's just another magazine.

Articles to sell ads.

The cover looks no different than what you'd expect for any other magazine - a list of articles promising the latest fad or "technique" to do __________ (whatever you are looking to do).

Really?

Sure the "content" is different, yet the style and execution is exactly the same.  My current issue states the following on the cover:  "Discover IHOP-KC'S Strategy for: Keeping platform ministry pure, spirit-led children's ministry, fasting more effectively...

What?

Fasting more effectively?

How is that different than when Men's Health has an article on: More effective push-ups?

I hate to be cynical (okay, maybe I don't) but what the he(xx)?

Effective fasting?

Have we reduced following Christ to "effective fasting?"

Want to know how your music can "go beyond worship?"  (also in this edition)

I'm not sure what I expected, but I know it WASN'T this.

But before I get tooooooooo cynical, I take the words of Jesus to heart: Those who aren't against us, are for us.

So, while I may disagree with their methods (as I'm sure they would certainly disagree with mine) I leave it to God to decide.  If he is cool with it, than I will be as well - though I don't have to support them by renewing my subscription, which I won't.

Are nuggets of gold to be found?

I'm sure...in fact, I found an article written by a friend's pastor (which I gave him the issue).  If even for that fact, alone, the magazine is worth it.

When it all comes down to it - who am I to knock them down?

If this magazine might possibly influence the new Billy Graham, than I shall humbly step out of the way....