Thursday, October 6, 2016

Jesus and the Beanstalk by Lori Stanley Roeleveld

Roeleveld encourages readers to be giant killers. With Christians facing many challenges in today's society, she reminds us of the faith and determination we need.

Her book is based on 2 Peter 1:1-10. In Part 1 Roeleveld explores effective and fruitful Christian living. In Part 2 she teaches strategic thinking about cultivating attitudes and experiences leading to spiritual growth in a culture opposed to Christ. Part 3 consists of ministudies on the qualities described in 2 Peter 1:1-10.

I like her analogy to the Jack and the Beanstalk story. We are reminded that God frequently uses small people and places. Through them He reveals His glory. We are reminded of other truths too, such as we are nothing without the Vine.

The strength of this book is the third part, the studies on the character qualities Peter says we must exhibit to grow and have a fruitful life (faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, love). Each study is six days long. She includes word studies, Scriptures to look up and questions to answer.

This is a very readable and inspiring book. Roeleveld describes herself as a well-studied lay person. She has crafted studies that are not too scholarly yet are challenging. She uses lots of stories and examples of the qualities so we see how they work. Her questions at the end of each chapter in the first part of the book and in the studies in the last half of the book are good. She has included ideas for using the book in studies of various lengths or as a retreat. She also offers more resources at www.loriroeveld.com.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Lori Stanley Roeleveld is the author of two previous books. She writes her popular blog at LoriRoeleveld.com.

Abingdon Press, 304 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

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