BOUND TOGETHER: How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices By Chris Brauns

ABOUT THE BOOK

We are not just isolated individuals. Instead, our lives are woven together with others. We have solidarity with other people—the choices one person makes affects the lives of others, for good and for bad.

Because much of the pain we endure in life is in the context of relationships, this truth often strikes us as unfair. Why should a child suffer because of the choices of his parents? And on a grander scale, why do we all suffer the curse of Adam’s sin? Why should anyone be judged for someone else’s sin?
In Bound Together, Chris Brauns unpacks the truth that we are bound to one another and to the whole of creation. He calls this, “the principle of the rope.” Grasping this foundational principle sheds new light on marriage, the dynamics of family relationships, and the reason why everyone lives with the consequences of the sins that others commit. Brauns shows how the principle of the rope is both bad news and good news, revealing a depth to the message of the gospel that many of us have never seen before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Chris Brauns, MDiv, DMin, is the senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, IL. His other books includeUnpacking Forgiveness and When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search. Chris blogs at www.chrisbrauns.com.

MY REVIEW

When I first decided to review this book I wasn't sure what I would find in the book. Sometimes a book description can be a bit misleading and the book really isn't what you thought it would be about. This book, however, is exactly what it says it is. 

You have heard the saying, "giving someone enough rope to hang or save themselves." Pastor Brauns actually shows how the principle of the rope binds each and everyone of us together. 

This is perhaps one of the best books I have ever read explaining and showing biblically how every single person, from the time of Adam and Eve to the end of mankind on this earth is bound together because of original sin; Pastor Brauns also explains how each one of us who have submitted to the cross of Christ are bound with Christ and that tie is greater than the tie of sin and death. He gives us a very clear and deeper understanding of the gospel.

For those who feel whatever they do doesn't affect anyone else, this book will be eyeopening. For those who are alone because of various reasons, this book will show them they really aren't, especially if they are a believer. They are members of the body of Christ, bound to other members and Christ Himself.

This book will change how you view your relationships with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, even with Christ. Written in a conversational style, Pastor Brauns gives us the bad news and the good news about being bound together, the bad news - original sin, the good news - the cross of Christ.

I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a better understanding of how original sin, mankind and the cross of Christ bind us together. 

Cross Focused Reviews and Zondervan made this review possible by providing me with a free review copy of this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.

 

 

 

NIV FAITHGIRLZ BIBLE

Description:

Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special. This Bible says that with Faithgirlz! sparkle. Through the many in-text features found only in the Faithgirlz! Bible, girls will grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime. Features include: • Book introductions—Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book. • Dream Girl—Use your imagination to put yourself in the story. • Bring It On!—Take quizzes to really get to know yourself. • Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—See for yourself what you have in common. • Words to Live By—Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing. • What Happens Next?—Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words. • Oh, I Get It!—Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about. • The complete NIV translation • Features written by bestselling author Nancy Rue

Here is a sample

I am excited about this Bible. When I got it in the mail a couple of weeks ago, I started delving into it. I have a granddaughter who will soon be nine years old, so she is who I had in mind when I was looking through this Bible.

NIV is a great translation for young readers. It's easy to understand and I don't think the young girls will have any trouble with it. I definitely prefer it to other translations that are running around.

The NIV FaithGirls! Bible has great spots for a girl to stop at and think about. Like the "Bring it On!" spots. Here she is reads something like: "When I have a fight with somebody, I:" Then she is given three choices for her actions. On the opposite page she'll find a spot that gives her three things to do in response to how she reacted. (I know, that's not very clear... but it really is cool.)

There is also through-out this Bible "In Your Own Words" section. Here a girl is encouraged to think about what she has just read and then a space is provided for her write a recap.

I really like the "Is there a Little....... In you?" parts. Here a girl reads about a character in the Bible, like Joseph and his brothers. Then she is asked four questions relating to them. She is then given a word of encouragement about her own situation.

Jammed pack with lots of wonderful things to help a tween girl understand the Bible better and have a closer walk with Jesus, the NIV FaithGirlz! Bible is a winner in my book.

I am sending this copy to my granddaughter in Arizona. I would encourage any parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend..... well..... everyone to get one for the tween girl in your life.

This Bible was provided freely for review purposes by The B & B Media Group, Inc and Zondervan. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.