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10.07.2009

"LIVING WITH CONFIDENCE IN A CHAOTIC WORLD", by Dr. David Jeremiah

SUMMARY: A troubled stock market; a decimated housing industry; a paralyzed job market; world catastrophes – natural and manmade. All of these, and then some, are issues pounding the life out of people worldwide, not just in America. However, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Not the kind of fleeting hope that says, “I hope so!” Instead, it is the kind of hope that promises future and redemption. Dr. Jeremiah uses a plethora of biblical passages and principles to encourage believers that our hope absolutely must lie in none other than Jesus Christ if we are going to have any hope at all.

In ten chapters (235 pages), Dr. Jeremiah expounds upon Christ’s message of hope in a repeated C theme: Stay Calm, Stay Compassionate, Stay Constructive, Stay Challenged, Stay Connected, Stay Centered, Stay Confident, Stay Consistent, Stay Committed, Stay Convinced.

LIKES: I liked the vast biblical references and true-to-life stories Dr. Jeremiah utilized to proclaim Christ’s message of hope. Dr. Jeremiah is firmly grounded on the foundation of the gospel, and does not shy away from proclaiming the truth of – and our need for – the gospel of God. This book has the potential to be a good evangelistic gift for friends or family who have experienced significant turmoil and are in need of hope. He presents practical advice on how the reader can implement change in personal spiritual practices that would impact his/her outlook on life. And for those who are not committed to Jesus Christ, Dr. Jeremiah presents the simple plan of salvation in the “afterword” section.

DISLIKES: The book is almost too simplistic and formulaic. “Let’s see, how can we come up with cute, creative ways to encourage people with words and themes that start with the letter C?” The book has the feeling of one suggested by the publisher in order to sequel his previous hit, “What In The World Is Going On?”. Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised to see yet another sequel hit the shelves in a couple years.

Finally, I must add that I liked the book much more than I disliked it. I don’t think any reader would be disappointed in the investment. I give it 3 ½ stars out of 5.

I am a book review blogger for Thomas Nelson publishing.

2 comments:

  1. I find myself often bothered by the slew of books Christian authors put out. For example:

    -The Five Love Languages
    -The Five Love Languages of Kids
    -The Five Love Languages of Teenagers
    -The Heart of the Five Love Languages
    -The Five Love Languages Singles Edition
    -The Five Love Languages Men's Edition
    -The Five Love Languages Men's Edition: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate
    -The Five Love Languages Gift Edition
    -The Five Love Languages How to Express Commitment to Your Mate (non-men's edition)

    or

    -The Power of a Praying Husband
    -The Power of a Praying Wife
    -The Power of a Praying Teen
    -The Power of a Praying Kid
    -The Power of a Praying Woman
    -The Power of a Praying Parent
    -The Power of a Praying Wife Prayer and Study Guide
    -The Power of a Praying Woman Devotional Bible
    -The Power of a Praying Woman Prayer and Study Guide

    and on... and on... and on... and on...

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  2. Hi Mike,

    Thank you for your honest review of Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World. I work with Thomas Nelson, and I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Dr. Jeremiah’s book. Since you mostly enjoyed Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World, I wanted to see if you would be interested in reviewing a completely revised and updated version of a Billy Graham prophecy classic – Storm Warning. Thomas Nelson just rereleased this book, and it has already hit the New York Times best-seller list.

    If you are interested, please contact me with your mailing address, and I will get the book out to you.

    Thanks,

    Jodi Hughes
    JHughes@thomasnelson.com

    ReplyDelete