It has been a while since I hosted a book giveaway! This week I’d like to offer two books to my readers as a special Reformation Book Giveaway. Each of these books is suited for children, but would make a good addition to the reading list of many parents I know, too. I enjoyed reading through each book, especially after my recent “Survey of the Reformation” series I taught for our adult SS class.
To enter the contest, simply fill out the Google Form below. Be sure to note the ways to earn additional entries to this contest. The contest runs through Monday night, Feb. 4.
Contest is now closed.
Congratulations to Chad S for winning the contest!
To win a copy of this book, just leave your comment here with the Bible verse that you find most helpful or convicting on the topic of pride. You can get additional entries if you spread word about the contest on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or your blog: just add another comment explaining how and where you’ve also spread the word about the contest. I’ll pick a random winner from all the entries in the comments here, sometime after 9pm Central time on Monday October 15th.
As the book review editor for Sharper Iron, I wanted to spread the word about our “Back to School” Book Giveaway that we’re hosting over at Sharper Iron in the month of September. To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is start a forum thread that someone else finds interesting enough to reply to (comment on). Sharper Iron is both a forum and a blog, and has been a place for safe conversation among mainstream independent fundamental Baptists (IFB) for years. (Although conservative evangelicals are welcome and join the fray fairly often.)
Here are the books we’re giving away, with a little description of each of them. There will be three winners of one copy of all the books described below.
The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind (Moody)
From the publisher’s description:
What is an evangelical . . . and has he lost his mind? Carl Trueman wrestles with those two provocative questions and concludes that modern evangelicals emphasize experience and activism at the expense of theology. Their minds go fuzzy as they downplay doctrine. The result is “a world in which everyone from Joel Osteen to Brian McLaren to John MacArthur may be called an evangelical.”
Fifteen years ago in The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, historian Mark Noll warned that evangelical Christians had abandoned the intellectual aspects of their faith. Christians were neither prepared nor inclined to enter the intellectual debate, and had become marginalized. Today Trueman argues, “Religious beliefs are more scandalous than they have been for many years”-but for different reasons than Noll foresaw. In fact, the real problem now is exactly the opposite of what Noll diagnosed¯evangelicals don’t lack a mind, but rather an agreed upon evangel. Although known as gospel people, evangelicals no longer share any consensus on the gospel’s meaning.
Provocative and persuasive, Trueman’s indictment of evangelicalism also suggests a better way forward for those theologically conservative Protestants once and formerly known as evangelicals.
Fools Rush in Where Monkeys Fear to Tread: Taking Aim at Everyone (P&R)
This is another book from Carl Tureman. If you’ve never read a work by Trueman, you’re missing out. Here is the publisher’s book description:
A pithy collection of the best of Carl Trueman’s articles on culture and the church. A compelling, challenging, and sometimes uproarious look at how the world and the church intersect.
Like Luther before him, Trueman understands the power of humor because he understands the absurdity of human self-regard in the context of the fallen world. And like Luther, Trueman shows no mercy, either to his enemies or to himself. His writings are an oasis of welcome wit in what can so often seem like a desert of Protestant pomposity.
The subtitle of this book by Marty Machowski says it all: “Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments.” Here is an excerpt from my book review of this helpful resource for parents and children:
As the father of five daughters, I have had ample occasions to read Children’s Bible storybooks. The majority of such storybooks are quite simple and to the point. They don’t often interact with the story at a child’s level other than to make the tale more imaginative and seem more story-like. Few storybooks really serve believing parents well.
The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski (New Growth Press, 2011) is much different. It is uniquely designed to help facilitate the parents’ task of teaching their children the Gospel, as they recount the various stories in the Bible. The stories include discussion questions at the end, and are usually presented in a fairly straight-forward, stick-to-the-text manner. Sometimes, however, a little more explanation is woven into the story. And each story wraps up with an application to the Gospel or to the flow of redemptive history. The book’s emphasis is on communicating the Gospel intent of the Bible stories rather than on wowing the children and parents with how imaginative a reshaping of the Scriptural story this new storybook can provide.
The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max (Engage Faith Press)
This may be the most exciting read of the books in this prize pack. It is a three-part ebook adventure story set in the Caribbean and featuring a reluctant missionary hero. Here is an excerpt from my review of this title:
David Livingstone meet Indiana Jones. The famed missionary explorer and the world-renowned, cinematic adventurer come to mind as one reads Andrew Comings’ new book The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max (Engage Faith Press, 2012).
In a fast-paced, engaging manner, Comings masterfully weaves his tale set on the fictional island of Cabrito. Political intrigue, a mysterious past, shady villains and maniacal kingpins — the story doesn’t follow the script one imagines for a typical missionary adventure tale. And Max is no missionary-want-to-be, he comes across as a man’s man who is forced into staying on Cabrito to make a difference.
The twists and turns of the plot, characters with depth and reality, and a locale where almost anything can go, keep one guessing throughout the book. Surprises abound as we come to terms with Max’s true identity, and learn more about his newfound friends. There is a romantic angle, too, but like the rest of the book – its a little complicated.
To learn more about this book and its author (a real life missionary), visit the author’s blog. Pick up a copy of this book at Amazon or Barnes&Noble.
I’m pleased to announce a special giveaway of 3 copies of Andrew Himes new book, The Sword of the Lord: The Roots of Fundamentalism in an American Family. There’s been a positive response to my review of the book, shared here and over at Sharper Iron. A variety of fundamentalist readers of the book have recommended it. The book offers a unique look at the history of fundamentalism, and John R. Rice’s legacy in particular.
The contest runs now through Saturday, May 28 at 9pm Central. One entry per person, please. If I suspect foul play, I’ll toss your entry.
For additional chances to win, answer the bonus questions and share news of this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter. Check out SwordoftheLordBook.com for more info on the book. You can purchase a copy there, or from Amazon.com.
Contest is now closed.
Congratulations to Mark N., Michelle Y. and Dan, the winners of the book giveaway. They will be contacted by email soon.
In honor of the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible (which was officially yesterday), I’m hosting a giveaway of a free copy of Hendrickson’s KJB 1611 Commemorative Edition Hardback Bible. Check out the details of the contest over at my group KJV themed blog: KJVOnlyDebate.com.