THE CALL TO WONDER: Loving God Like a Child by R.C. Sproul Jr.

Every once in a while it happens. In the stack of books I have the privilege to review I miss one. Not that I didn't read it. I just didn't get the review posted. Such is the case with this book. However, I am rectifying that today.

A bit about the book:

Jesus encourages us to become like children in order to inherit God's Kingdom. Childlike faith is not an option. R. C. Sproul Jr. explores in depth what it means to accept Jesus' invitation to practice a childlike faith. As the father of eight children, R. C. Sproul Jr. watches how his own children approach every day, buoyed by trust, hope, and joy. Through their eyes, the world is fresh and brand-new. Everything is an invitation to express astonishment and wonder at the great gift of life—and, the great Giver. The Call to Wonder is an invitation to rest in childlike joy and peace built on a deep trust in the living God. Like a child, you, too, can rest in God's almighty arms and gasp at the fireworks of his glory exploding around you every day in his creation.

Read the First Chapter here


About R.C. Sproul Jr.

 R.C. Sproul Jr. served for eleven years as editor-in-chief of TableTalk magazine. In 1996 he began Highlands Ministries and planted Saint Peter Presbyterian Church in southwestern Virginia. He is editor of Every Thought Captive magazine, a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries, a visiting faculty member of Ligioner Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies. He and his wife, Denise, live in Orlando, Florida, with their eight children.

Now my review.....

At first reading, I had to keep looking at the author's name to be sure I was reading something by R.C. Sproul Jr. and not his father. If you have ever read any of R.C. Sproul's works, then when you read this book, you will know what I mean.

Sound teaching, love for the Bible and especially a deep love for the Lord, comes through clearly as Sproul Jr. writes his heart and thoughts into this small book.

Though it is a small book, only 172 pages long, it is packed full of wonderful biblical and life examples on how to love God like a child, taking delight in obeying His commands, standing in awe of His handiwork, trusting Him to not only provide our daily bread but to guide and direct our very footsteps. We are shown how pleasing our heavenly Father in all that we do because we know He loves us, is loving Him as our children love us.

With a clear look at how his own children respond to the wonders of God and their response to their earthly father, Sproul Jr. directs, leads and shows by example how we adults can develop that child-like quality Jesus commands. 

This is a book worth reading, sharing, and reading again. I can see it becoming a classic that our children's children will find and read for themselves on day.


This review copy was provided by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for the purpose of review free of charge. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

THE GOD I NEVER KNEW by Robert Morris

When I first saw this book I was intrigued with the subject of a real friendship with the Holy Spirit. 

I was a bit skeptical at first, namely because there is so much misguided teaching about the third person of the Godhead. However, I found this to be one of the more biblical sound teachings.  

The book is broken into seven parts that teach who the Holy Spirit is, what He is like, how He empowered the early Christians (Peter and the rest of the disciples) on the day of Pentecost, and Pastor Morris even talks about the difference in baptism in the Holy Spirit and baptism of the Holy Spirit. 


Pastor Morris isn't afraid to get into the tough areas that surround this wonderful Friend, the Holy Spirit. Areas that include speaking in tongues, what Charismatic, Pentecostal and Spirit-filled is really about.


Through-out the book Pastor Morris talks about his own personal experiences about and with the Holy Spirit. For example, he came up in a church that thought it was best to leave that subject completely alone and was warned to stay away from people who talked about Him.


Yet because of his yearning to know and have more of God and to his desire to be complete in Him, God led him to a church and pastor who was able to guide him to a wonderful relationship with the One who will guide and direct him, the Holy Spirit.


Verse after verse, scripture after scripture, Pastor Morris guides and leads us into a better understanding of not only who the Holy Spirit is, but His ministry and how He came to help us in our daily walk with God so we can in turn help others. 


When it came to the controversial subject of the gift of tongues and our personal prayer language, Pastor Morris teaches with much love and gentle explanations that anyone reading it cannot be offended, but indeed will be greatly encouraged to seek this gift as well as all of the others the Holy Spirit has for us.


Not until I had read this book, did I find an equal to the one Jack Hayford wrote many years ago, "Though I Speak With Tongues;" and no wonder, because Jack Hayford was a great influence on Pastor Morris.


If you or someone you know has questions about the Holy Spirit and all of the marvelous gifts He has for you, then I would definitely recommend this book. You not only will learn about the various gifts, but also how the Holy Spirit is your comforter, helper, friend, counselor, and much more. 


This is one book that I will read over and again because it is so full of the Holy Spirit. Even though I have been walking with the Lord for a long time and have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, there is still much for me to learn about this wonderful Friend. You will learn much, as well.



This book was provided by WaterBrook Press for the purpose of review. I am under no obligation to write anything positive. Everything I have said is of my own opinion.