Review of SHORT FILMS by Patrick Nash

Rating: 5 out of 5

SHORT FILMS: WRITING THE SCREENPLAY by Patrick Nash is a helpful book for anyone interested in screenwriting because it covers all the concepts that are necessary for a writer to write a great screenplay. But it's especially helpful for those interested in short films. Nash refers to short films as a great training ground for aspiring film makers and writers. It makes sense because if you want to write a great screenplay, a great way to know if you would be any good at it is to complete a short screenplay first. 

Nash's book walks you through the process of doing that. After a short history lesson on filmmaking and the reasons for embracing short films, Nash gets into the core of the book which is telling a great story through the short film medium. From coming up with a story idea to developing your story into beginning, middle, and end, to structuring your story into a short screenplay, the chapters in SHORT FILMS are relatively short and to the point. One of the most important chapters in the book, I think, is the chapter on screenplay formatting. This takes the guesswork out of formatting in a way that professionals do. 

SHORT FILMS is an almost pocket size guide and easy to read in a short time. I've read  a lot of books on screenwriting, and while a lot of this stuff I've come across before, this book is a helpful addition.

Review copy provided by OldCastle Books

Photo Credit: OldCastle Books

Review of PILGRIM THEOLOGY by Michael Horton

Rating: 5 out of 5

Michael Horton's PILGRIM THEOLOGY is compressed version of his larger systematic theology THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, modified specifically for a broader audience of people. This includes highlighted terms and a glossary defining those terms.

Horton covers all the major areas of systematic theology, including the doctrine of God, God's revelation of himself, salvation, snd eschatology. He writes from a Reformed theology position throughout, so I don't agree with him at all l points. However, Horton writes compellingly and with a clear passion for God's glory and man's salvation. I love his approach from a gospel narrative and his framework of drama, doctrine, doxology, discipleship. I appreciate specifically Horton's handling of eschatology, even as I wrestle with my own stance on what it all means.

I loved THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, and I equally love PILGRIM THEOLOGY. It makes much of theology understandable and sparks a desire to study further.

Review copy provided by Zondervan

Review of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on ACTS by Eckhard Schnabel

Rating: 5 out of 5

I've been really impressed with Zondervan's Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament so far in my Bible study. Eckhard Schnabel's contribution on the book of Acts presents an 1,000 page volume on Luke's early history of the Christian church.

Schnabel presents Luke the physician as the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts. He gives some discussion on the type of literature Luke was writing. Luke was a careful historian with a particular interest in assuring Gentiles that their inclusion in God's people with believing Jews was a part of God's plan all along. Schnabel also pays special attention to the Holy Spirit's work in and through the church as a continuation of the work Christ began as he recorded in his Gospel.

As with the other volumes in the ZECNT, the theology in application part of each section to seeing some of the implications of the biblical text to us today. The commentary on Acts is a thorough edition to the ZECNT series.

Review copy provided by Zondervan Academic

Review of JOHN WESLEY'S TEACHINGS, VOL. 3: PASTORAL THEOLOGY by Thomas C. Oden

Rating: 4 out of 5

The 3rd volume in Thomas C. Oden's new series of books with Zondervan JOHN WESLEY'S TEACHINGS explores what Wesley believed about pastoral theology, which Oden is quick to assert were based on Wesley's commitment to the Bible's teachings. 

Wesley's thoughts on pastoral theology centered on the concept and practice of the care of souls. Oden reveals the many practical teachings Wesley gave for caring for souls through counseling people through spiritual struggles and hardships. Wesley took the care of souls concept and applied it to the family, and this is one of the most relevant sections of the book for me personally as the leader and shepherd of my own family. Oden also looks at Wesley's teachings on the sacraments, areas where I find some disagreement. He then covers the leadership of the church and evangelism.

Oden's series is a great exploration of the teachings of one of the greatest leaders in church history. This volume is especially relevant for leaders in the church.

Review copy provided by Zondervan

Review of PREPOSITIONS AND THEOLOGY IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT by Murray J. Harris

Rating: 5 out of 5
 
I took a seminary New Testament Greek course a couple years ago because I was interested in studying the Bible in the original languages, and one of the first things you begin to learn is the incredible importance of prepositions to the biblical Greek language. Words have meaning, and they have meaning in context, so they may mean one thing in one context and something else in another. When you’re studying biblical Greek, having a firm grasp of the prepositions will go a long way in knowing how to properly interpret the text. Murray J. Harris has written an immensely helpful and practical guide to New Testament Greek exegesis in his new book PREPOSITIONS AND THEOLOGY IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT.
 
While not everything rests upon the preposition in a sentence (which would result in the author’s mind a theology of prepositions), Harris walks readers through many of the Greek prepositions and the places in the New Testament where they are significant to the text’s meaning. Special attention is given throughout on the meaning of specific prepositions within a given context.
 
Biblical Greek is an interesting and challenging language to learn, as well as incredibly valuable. Harris’ guide to New Testament Greek prepositions will be beneficial to anyone exegeting the text from Greek.
 
Review copy provided by Zondervan Academic

Blog Tour Review of ASHES by Estevan Vega

Rating: 5 out of 5

Arson Gable once thought he was one boy trying to fit into a normal world, even though he can secretly start fire with his mind. All that changed the night Emery Phoenix, the girl who has captured his heart, was nearly burned by a group of kids from school. After Arson let loose the fullness of his ability in a fit of rage to protect Emery, both of them are taken by a secret organization who want to control Arson's ability. Arson soon finds out that he's not alone and that his past isn't what he previously believed. At the same time, Emery discovers a new boy named Adam who is like Arson. But is Adam good or bad? For tua matter, is Arson good or bad?

ASHES is the second book in Estevan Vega's ARSON trilogy. It is a twisted tale of humanity's relentless struggle to become more than humanity. ASHES is in a lot of ways a different story than ARSON. I couldn't have imagined this was where the story would go. It's so much bigger and on a scale that is bound to affect so much more than the small town ARSON took place in.

Arson's story is tragic, especially with the story beginning with his birth. You feel sorry for him and wish that he could have a second chance. The tragedy just continues. Throughout, you have to wonder if his mind can take what he discovers.

I enjoyed seeing Joel begin to rise above the flaws that plagued him in the first book. It was also good to see Joel and Aimee begin to grow closer as they search for Emery.

The story seems full of people who think they know what's best for the world, but of course what's best for the world and what's best for the characters themselves doesn't always add up. Salvation Asylum is big with big plans for the world, but the real mystery of this story is Adam. He's called the Source. He's a tragic character with a lot of pent-up rage. And what he does really makes me wish Vega was finished with book 3.

Estevan Vega knows how to tell a story. I never lost interest at any point in this book, and I think he's going to finish it in the most epic way, given the build-up at the end of ASHES. It's a great exploration of the best and worst in humanity.

Review copy provided by StoneHouse Ink

Review of FAITHMAPPING by Daniel Montgomery and Mike Cosper

Rating: 5 out of 5

FAITHMAPPING by Daniel Montgomery and Mike Cosper is about mapping our spiritual journey of sanctification,  and it's all about the gospel of Jesus. The chapters of the book important elements of a life following Jesus. But before that, the authors describe a full gospel and why it's important.

The clear goal of the book is to show that we're not to focus any one of the elements, such as mission or worship, to the exclusion of the others. Instead, all the elements are an important part of our journey. I love the movement from a whole gospel to a whole church to the whole world. Each chapter ends with a Map It section and gives practical steps for making the chapter's contents a reality in our own lives.

FAITHMAPPING is a great book in that it outlines a clear gospel-centered path of discipleship.

Review copy provided by Crossway Books