Resources Books

In this book Erdman strings together a series of meditations on the process of preaching, including philosophical and theological reflections, practical thoughts on preparing to preach, the art of preaching, and prayerful reflection on Scripture. I like the variety of expression this book has. Instead of being a string of "how-to" tips and tricks (though there are some in it), it avoids that kind of simplicity by broadening its scope to questions about why and how we prepare and preach in the real world.

On one level I am torn about how to rate this book. From time to time the things Erdman writes are insightful, helpful, and outright wonderful to read. His encouragement for pastors to be pastors and keep their own souls and congregations rooted in the Word of God is a sorely needed corrective for the self-help pop-psychology that passes for most preaching today. There are several chapters I will keep with me for future encouragement, and several have already influenced my own preparation (to its benefit).

On the other hand, there are ways in which the meditations don't deliver the kind of direction and insight they could have. I don't think it helps pastors very much to be encouraged to not take moral stances when clear moral issues rise to the surface of culture and church. I agree that one of the more important jobs of a pastor is to listen and listen and listen (pg. 103), but another job pastors have is to speak clarity into cultural confusion where it can be spoken. Then there are moments that seem more to be a result of a fairly tinted political view of the world rather than a biblical reflection on things. At times even prophets like Jeremiah seem to be snatched out of context to support a hesitancy to proclaim God's Word into a broken and rebellious world.

As I read I wavered between genuinely appreciating Erdman's insights and writing style, and being irritated. Sometimes irritation is good for the soul as it exposes our own shortsightedness, but I am not sure that's the kind of irritation I felt. Overall, however, I am glad this book is on my shelf.

This is a book that all who call themselves preachers should read. It confirms those things which we know to be true about preaching and at the same time challenges the task of sermon writing. It reminds the reader of what the task of preaching is, which is bringing the Word of God to God's people, not God's people bringing a Word to God. As Erdman writes, it is more than a how to book on preaching. It offers the reader a new way of looking at the Word and how it frames our lives. As one who dares to preach and teach regularly it reminds me of the true frame of all that ministers are called to do and that is scripture. This manuscript is a challenge and a joy all wrapped into one.

"The best way to be a really good preacher is by not trying to be good at all."

"Go ahead, preach as badly as you can. You can't do it."

If I could just keep those two great bits of advice in healthy tension, I'll be a much better preacher this Sunday.

Knowing Chris Erdman and his giftedness, I was prepared for a great read on the "countdown to Sunday." Not only was I not disappointed, but I feel I am somehow far more prepared for the rest of my Sundays; and far more prepped to engage life and God in a number of ways. Yes, it is officially a practical book about preaching (but far from a cheesy formula or bad sermon itself), but unlike any book in this genre since Dennis Kinlaw's "Preaching in the Spirit," it is far more....it is spiritual formation woven into the stuff of daily life and world events; with a special focus on sermon preparation and preacher preparation.

Of course anyone who grasps the implications of:

1)our living "in modernity's last gasp"
2) U2's "inhabiting" their songs as an encouragement for us to inhabit the text
3) working your week so one can actually spend time with loved ones and sleep well on Saturday, and actually worship with, and enter sabbath with, the congregation
4)"our fear of each other... is at bottom, fear of death"

is a genius in my book!

The book is a model for how to work your week as the sermon grows. Interspersed among the daily guidelines are powerful prayers and fantastic theological and cultural insights. Erdman's eminently helpful suggestions and his engaging conversational tone dovetail with his loaded prophetic statements about (for example) the subtle insidiousness of extreme nationalism. He must be wrestled with.

His four page chapter on hospital visitation shines. I don't dare give it away, but I dare say it changed almost everything about the hospital visit I made today. And probably my sermon this Sunday.

And coming to view funerals as "dissent from death", as well as coming to terms with the fact that "Death would love to help us write our (funeral) sermons" refill me with the hope and life of the gospel.

I particularly enjoy that many of the author's suggestions I have stumbled onto over the years; and several of his ideas I can now incorporate and test-drive. But how I wish I had this book, and Chris Erdman as my preaching professor, twenty years ago.

But if I could eventually say with him that"I nearly always come out of my Fridays with a much clearer sense of what the Word wants to do among us come Sunday," it's not too late.

And I am already drawing from it as I teach preachers in our network.
Maybe I'll eventually practice most of it, and not just preach it.
Let the countdown begin.

This is a great pastoral tool designed to help a pastor preach more faithfully and realistically. The author encourages the reader to preach their own sermons using their own life experiences, not the experiences or words of others.
The book is broken down into daily "spiritual formations" which help the minister focus on the sermon at hand that they will be preaching on Sunday and live the principles in that sermon.
Countdown to Sunday helps the preacher to peel off the mask they often feel forced to wear and to and be themselves. His best advice? You have to be real. It's only then you can be useful to God.

This is a good book for every new pastor to read. It should be required reading.

Mr. Erdman is a preacher. He gives a simple outline on how to prepare sermons through the week. The book was strong in slowing down the preaching preparation. I tend to develop a sermon in one day. Maybe this is done because I preach twice and teach twice, where Erdman seems to develop one sermon a week. His book also gives a lot of grace to the minister as he encourages us to try to fail. He implores to allow the Biblical text to be the highlight of the sermon and not the illustration. He makes a good point in stating that we are too concerned about making the great sermon or making the top delivery of the material. Instead we must focus on allowing the text to mold us. The book is good as a counteraction to the success mindset in the church. It is not the best book on preaching, it is more of a book on some of the poor practices within the Christian world when it comes to preaching. If you are looking for a book to help you develop sermons, this is not the book for you. If you are a perfections when it comes to sermons, this is the book for you.

I bought this book, along with the Organized Teacher. Both of these books are filled with awesome printables, resources, websites, ideas, and projects for every content area from reading and writing to art and gym. I really enjoy both of these books!

This book is filled with creative ideas. It provides tweaks to assignments and projects one would already use in the classroom.

This book arrived quickly and in excellent condition as promised. Would definitely buy from this seller again!

This is a wonderful addition to any teachers library. There are activities to fit any classroom. The directions are clear and concise and my students love the writing activities. I use it everyday.....

I bought this book last year while working on a unit plan for my student teaching. I really needed some creative new ideas for teaching literature and I found some really awesome activities! Although this book is recommended for grades k-6, most of the activities are easily adaptable up to grade 8 or higher. I taught two of these lessons with eighth graders last year and they loved them! It is by far the best teacher resource book I own-- and I have many.

As a local of Baltimore, I enjoyed reading a local author's input. As a past Orioles fan of our baseball team, Ron Shapiro was one of the few people I still admire and trust, from a "press" or "in the news" standpoint.

As a professional, I test hardware. I am new to this line of work and needed a base from which to learn. This book helped outline a gameplan for me to approach my day-to-day work load and also look long term at where I want to be as an employee of a Fortune 500 company.

Per the title of my review, the anecdotes Ron uses are from cool people, some everyday "Joe's" and some superstar, living the high-life people. The anecdotes apply to each idea he presents, which make them relevant. However, some of these anecdotes are very high-level and don't hammer out many details. For instance, one person might say, "You have to make a plan and stick to it!" That's great, but what was your plan and how did you execute?

I recommend this book for anyone, as the material is transitive and can be applied to any situation in life.

I am not a natural leader, but "Dare to Prepare," by Ronald M. Shapiro, gave me great insights on how preparation can create success. Following his outline minimizes time spent in the nebulous world of ideas; instead, he gives practical information to make those ideas a reality. Easy to read, well organized, practical advice that almost anyone can use. I stumbled across this book in the local library, and as I read it, I realized that I had to have my own copy. Now I refer to it as I plan meetings and projects for the workgroup I chair at church. I can't believe how much more efficient I am as a result of following Shapiro's suggestions. Business settings, civic/religious groups, social groups, even personal life decisions can all benefit from your reading this book.

I loved this book. I wish I had read this book back when I was a teenager. Better yet, I wish I had remembered to apply its messages when I tried to start my first few businesses. As a SCORE counselor I find myself preaching, yes preaching, to most of my clients about the importance of researching and writing a sound business business plan BEFORE they file for incorporation or register an LLC, get a bank account in the company name, and start generating revenues. And I read this book last night in order to see if I should recommend it to my clients so they MIGHT get the message that a sound busness plan will be their key to success. Now that I've read it - Yes, this is the book a wanta-be entrepreneur should read in order to KNOW they need a sound WRITTEN business plan.

This book has 14 chapters and an appendix:

1. Put me in coach
2. I would like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ and Eric Mangini
3. What's your destination? Understand your objectives
4. Someone, somewhere has done this before. Plan with precedents
5. What's the forecast? Know the alternatives
6. It's in the best interest to know their interests. Define the interests
7. Look before you leap. Set your strategy
8. When the rubber meets the road. Do a timeline
9. The right parts for the right people. Pick your team
10. What you say and how you say it. Write the script
11. The constant preparer. Adjust and learn from your mistakes
12. Confidence
13. Prepare and conquer. A mantra for effective people
14. You can get some satisfaction
Appendix: The preparation principles checklist

Chapters 1 and 2 are kind of an introduction to the book. Chapters 3 through 11 are the various preparation principles that one follows in order to hedge their bets at being successful. All these principles are important to consider when writing a business plan for a new business or doing strategic planning for an existing one. And chapters 12 through 14 cover the benefits one receives from doing the proper preparation.

The material contained in this book is obvious stuff. It's unfortunate that most of us need to be reminded that planning and preparation for a game, whatever game that is, is necessary if we want to do well. Is it a sporting competition? A test in school? A job interview? A management meeting? A contract negotiation? A closing? Qualifying for a loan? Starting a business? Or selling a business? All the big things I have accomplished in my lifetime I planned for and done the required preparation in order to succeed. Read this book and be reminded that you too must plan and prepare for the things that are important to you. 5 stars!

Success stories from the people interviewd by the authors are what makes this book really come to life. Even though the people profiled in this book are from so many diverse professions, the power of preparation carries each of them to the top. I especially like the book's core philosophy - preparation is the only aspect over a situation that one has control. Shapiro and Jordan have cleanly mapped out a systematic approach to preparation that everyone can put into place immediately after finishing this book. They even give you the preparation checklist as an appendix. I use it for every one of my sales calls, and I have noticed a BIG increase in confidence, which has allowed me to close more deals.

Dare to Prepare is probably the single most useful how to book I have ever read. And the stories are entertaining, so in addition to the tangible tools the book lends, it is also a quick read. If you're looking to improve upon your confidence so that you can perform at a higher level, check out this book.

I desperately needed this book. Not because I'm not successful; I've won many awards in my field and the last time my employer made me take a cognitive test I astonished them by getting a perfect score. No, I needed this book because I want something more. I want the next level up, the bigger stage. You know the level I'm talking about, the big-gun level. And on that level, as one person in this wonderful books states, "EVERYONE is talented." You have to be more than just talented, you have to be prepapred.

And so we have "Dare to Prepare", a brilliant distillation of the anatomy of success. The book urges to you to prepare until failure is not a possibilty, and to not waste time in the wrong types of preparation. I will not outline the tips here, as they so beautifully intergrate into the whole. People from all professions are interviewed, people with nothing in common except wild success and serious, serious preparation skills. The steps to being fully prepared for opportunity if it comes knocking and even if it doesn't flow perfectly into one another; I can safely say there isn't anyone who wouldn't benefit from following them, no matter how good you may think you already are.

That's pretty much it. A short review for me, but there isn't much more I can say. I picked up the book on a whim, began reading before bed in an effort to fall asleep, and ten minutes later was wide-awake, completely wired. Shapiro's little masterpiece will excite you, inspire you, and guide you like nothing I've read in a very long time. And in the Codemaster's book, that gets "Dare to Prepare" the rarely bestowed-

GRADE: A

I ordered this book because I saw it associated with some training and wanted to check out the content without attending the class. This was a quick read (approx 45 min). What I liked best about this book was that it offered practical, simple suggestions for action. I gave this to my boss to read and she asked me to order several more to share with others. This is a quick, simple book that is worth taking the time to read.

There were many things in the book I was already aware of but it offered some new insights as well. It was short and a quick read which I appreciate when trying to read business related materials.

This is the the most practicle book on employee retention we have purchased. It's short, straight forward, and gives you a plan of action.. rather than just pie in the sky ideas. We were able to implement several ideas from the book within the first 7 days. Our managers were each given a copy, and they also implemented specific, trackable policies within the first 7 days of receiving the book as well.

As my company grew into the hundreds, my old leadership style didn't work anymore. The common sense techniques in Mark's book make my life easier, my employees happier, and my business more successful. The Deadly Sins of Employee Retention is mandatory reading for our managers. I learn more every time I pick it up. -- Dennis Hoffman, President, CashBox

This is a superb book for some one who is just starting to investigate the subject of employee retention. It is short, easy to understand, and flows well. The information that is provided is practical and timely. A quick read on the subject of employee retention for those who do not have a lot of time to find, read, and analyze the multitude of books available on the subject.

This is the best book available on making diversity work!

Dr. Michael Beitler
Author of "Strategic Organizational Change"

Each chapter begins with a question: "What is diversity in the workplace?", "How do I begin to improve my understanding of people different from me?", "In today's environment of political correctness, it's too difficult to know what to do. Isn't it easier just to treat everybody the same?" After every heartened answer, she ends the chapter with practical tips.

I recommend this to everyone migrating or moving into North America.

I just read The Diversity Advantage. It was packed full of great ideas and easy to read. In a short time I gained useful knowledge and ideas for diversity training activities.

A short and concise guide to learning about the diversity that makes the United States the richest country in the world in more ways than monetarily. The excercises help to learn about diversity. Enjoyed the chance to read it.

This book represents a conversational approach to sharing critical information. Common sense steps to digging into our head regarding the value of tolerance and inclusiveness. I had the feeling of "being there" in a true teaching session. The analogy of The Wizard of OZ was delightful. The exercises are thought out and well organized. Thank you for providing steps on "how to make a difference"!

This book gave me insight into the methods, trials and tribulations of early precious metal miners in he US. Great Photographs! Fascinating page after page because the writer expressed himself in a way that an interested novice could understand. I read the paperback edition, known as the second (revised and expanded) edition, first printing 2003, purchase price $30.00 new.

As someone with very little mining knowledge, I greatly appreciated the explanations of the various mining techniques. The author's obvious enthusiasm for the subject made the book a joy to read. Highly recommended for both mining experts and for those simply wishing to understand more about mining in earlier years.

A very comprehensive book that is compelling and fascinating. I learned many unusual and intriguing facts. I thought that I was familiar with historical mining technology, but this book covers many topics with a new and different perspective. The chemistry of precious metal recovery is explained in such a way as to be informative and educational. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that is informative while still being lively and entertaining with great references.

Great Resource

I thought this book was very well written and researched. I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about precious metal mining in the old west. This book covers many subjects in detailed chapters that include the Gold Rush, Hard Rock Mining, Timbering, Pumping, Explosives, Machine Drills, Transportation, Power & Fuel, Fire Assay, Mills & Smelters, Mill Machinery, and an appendices that includes Mining & Milling Hazards. The many photographs, illustrations and tables were interesting which added to the pleasant reading experience.

Drills and Mills, which covers the history of mining, milling and smelting from the 1848 gold discovery in California to the late 19th century is a wonderful, well researched book.

Loaded with pictures,tables,illustrations,chemical formulae and many interesting side notes (factoids),the author covers the gamut in the machinery used to win the metals from the earth.
Excellent review on the evolution of the rock drill,explosives, crushing equipment, pumps, timbering, etc etc.

Also included within the 250 plus pages of good reading, is an excellent 10 page bibliography which is referenced to the chapter footnotes, to assist those who may have a futher interest in any of the subject matter. This is a must have book for the mining historian and for anyone interested in 19th century mining. In short a great book.

This little book is perhaps the best management book ever written. It is so simple, and describes the most important principles for managing, and just getting along with others. I love his emphasis on KINDNESS. I imagine this one principle is maybe the greatest of all. Read the book two or three times, and it sort of becomes ingrained in your life and how you treat other people.

Ed Nichols is a personal friend of mine, and I know for a fact that he uses these same principles of mangement to guide his personal life as well as his business experiences. The principles are simple and easy to understand and they can work miracles for those who use them.

I attended one of Ed Nichols' seminars and then read his book. The book is as great as his seminar. I only wish that I had read a book like this years ago when just starting my career. His EIGHT GREAT PRINCIPLES are so true and down-to-earth. Any manager who wants to advance should definitely read this book. And, if possible attend one of Ed's seminars.

Once I started reading this book, it was hard to put it down. How refreshing to be able to relate the suggestions and exercises to real life. By reminding us of these simple yet powerful principles of management in this easy-to-read format, Mr. Nichols' book may well be one of the most valuable management tools on the market. It should be read, re-read, and then kept handy for future reference.

When I started in management my thinking was totally different than it is now after reading this book. I have found it to be a great aid in my handling of people and in my personal life as well. A must for everybody who has to deal with people.

I agree with the reviews that say this is a careful biblical study of what constituted worship amongst OT and NT communities, and what new insight and emphasis Christianity brought. The unexpected answer - that, very broadly, it is in the loving interaction between the individuals of the Body, rings true, and from a personal point of view, cleared up many of the questions I had about those times when "worship leading" seems rather a shallow, simplistic reponse from someone who claims to want to see God's kingdom come on earth.

Introduction

As the principal of Oak Hill Theological College in London, England for the past 11 years, David Peterson has been a significant vessel that God has used to elevate that seminary to be one of the largest in the United Kingdom and in the Church of England. Only recently succeeded by Michael Ovey as Principal, Peterson has shown himself to be an astute interpreter of the biblical text, being formerly a lecturer in New Testament at Moore College in Sydney, Australia. As such, it is no wonder why Engaging With God is another first-rate example of Peterson's careful exegesis and gospel-centered hermeneutic.

Subtitled A Biblical Theology of Worship, Peterson's Engaging With God is the author's attempt at a biblical theology of worship that is evangelical and generally free from denominational bias. Students of biblical worship would be happy to see an extensive exegetical volume finally released, as Peterson provides a full-orbed examination of what worship is according to the whole counsel of God and the entirety of Scripture - both the Old and New Testament.

Summary

In his introduction, Peterson establishes the nature of Christian worship as "an engagement with [God] on the terms that he proposes and in the way the he alone makes possible" (20). The rest of the book is hence an explanation of `engaging with God' as an idea that is found in the totality of Scripture. With this purpose in mind, Peterson thus begins careful exegesis of the Old (in chapters 1-2) and New Testament (in chapters 3-9) to provide the foundation for his thesis.

The groundwork for his biblical worship theology is provided in the first two chapters, where Peterson examines engagement with God from the Old Testament. The ark, tabernacle and temple are shown to be the God-ordained, God-initiated means for Israel to acknowledge and live in relation to the royal and holy presence of God. Worship in Old Testament has its emphasis on God's self-revelation: God makes it possible for His covenant people to worship Him by the cultic observance of the sacrificial system. Through a detailed look at various important worship sections in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy, Peterson finds that it is only by "God's provision through the cult the covenant relationship could be maintained" (49).

Further, the author establishes that honoring, serving and respecting God are encompassed by adoration as an expression of awe and grateful submission to the LORD (73). While this includes the physical acts of bending/bowing down or falling down before God that hinted at by the Greek word proskynein or the Hebrew histahawa (57), expressing homage according to the Old Testament is not merely bending over at the waist. It further includes awe and submission that is motivated by gratitude, and so it is also a matter of heart-worship, thanksgiving that inevitably leads God's people to serve Him (64-70). While the obedience to God's demands in cultic activity enabled Israel to express reverence to God, Peterson concedes that "fear of God in the more positive sense of reverence and respect is regularly on view" (71) - by walking faithful in God's ways and in keeping His commands.

In Chapter 3, Peterson turns from the Old Testament to the new, beginning with an analysis of how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament temple. Through an analysis of the Gospel according to Matthew and John, Peterson concedes that it is in the person of Jesus Christ that God's presence and glory is fully and finally experienced, and further, that Judaism finds its destined end of worship in Christ himself. Jesus Himself transferred the significance of the temple from Jerusalem to another entity -- not in the messianic community, but primarily in his own person and work. Christ replaces the temple as the wellspring of life and renewal for all the world, as Jesus Himself is the eschatological destination to which all nations journey to for worship. "The divine presence is no longer bound up in the temple, but the Word who was with God `in the beginning' and who in fact `was God' " (93).

In terms of being the fulfillment of the old covenant, Peterson argues that Jesus preached "a new centre for Israel, in himself and the salvation he proclaimed, rather than in the synagogue, the temple, the law or the inherited customs of his people" (112-113). Being the fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31-34, Jesus fulfilled and transcended the Mosaic Law in his perfectly righteous life. For Jesus is shown to exalt Himself as the new standard of what does or doesn't constitute defilement (114), and as the new authority for the determination of acceptable Sabbath behavior (116). In the sacrificial service to God and His people, Jesus gave us the "final and perfect expression of uncompromising worship" (129) through the offering of Himself by dying on the cross for man's sins. By the means of the shedding of His blood, Christ inaugurated the new covenant, and thus replaced and fulfilled the sacrificial system of the old covenant.

Having argued for Jesus' as the fulfillment of the temple and the old covenant, Peterson then examines the community of apostles in Acts to show how the Christian life and ministry should be viewed as an expression of service to God. Unable to immediately disassociate themselves from the temple, the early apostles and Christians still saw the temple as a place for revelation and a place of public prayer (138), and consequently, also as a place where they experienced opposition and unrest (139) from those opposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The character and function of early Christian gatherings focused around apostolic teaching/preaching, as well as in the fellowship (Greek koinonia) of believers who eat together and pray and praise God together. The Christian community life thus can be a function of worship.

Through an analysis of Paul's underlying worship theology, Peterson advocates for the consecrated Christian life and gospel ministry as specific expressions of Christian worship. "Missionary preaching and the establishment of churches in the truths of the gospel can be described as fulfilling a God-given `liturgy' or service to the churches" (182). Supporting his theology of worship with a careful examination of Philippians, Peterson beautifully portrays the inseparability of sacrifice, faith and the Spirit - for worship by the Spirit is synonymous to faith in Jesus' crucifixion and the salvific implications of his death (187). In a further analysis of the Corinthian church, Peterson explains that worship the gathered church meets in order to participate in edification (195-197). During those times when a prophetic word and the word of Christ dwells in the midst of believers, and during times when thanksgiving, prayer and praise are shared together, the assembled church thus can "meet with God when we meet with one another" (198). As a result, ministries that are genuinely used for the benefit of others while purposed for the glory of God can actually be an expression of worship.

Through a detailed overview of the book of Hebrews - the one book of the New Testament that provides a thorough and integrative worship theology - Peterson analyses of key `worship' chapters within Hebrews, and argues for Christ as essentially the typology of all the Old Testament themes and symbols as previously discussed. Worshipping Jesus means worshipping Him as the High Priest, synagogue, temple, and sacrifice at one and the same time (228-230; 232-237). Under the new covenant, drawing near to God as an expression of worship is both congregational and personal to the Christian's daily experience (237-246), and service that aims to please God is foremost obedience through Christ our mediator (230-232). Concluding with synopsis of Revelation, Peterson portrays worship in the new covenant community as in taking a stand against paganism by bearing faithful witness to the truth of the gospel (265) and in the singing of God's praise (278).

Critical Evaluation

Engaging with God may not be an easy read for the regular layperson or the theologically untrained worship leader looking to get a biblical perspective on what worship is. The attention to exegetical detail is evident in Peterson's analysis of worship terminology in the original Greek and Hebrew, providing for the reader plenty of transliterated terms in his presentation. While most of the text-critical arguments are moved to the endnotes, the author's interpretive arguments for his thesis are included in the book's body and supported by careful study of worship terminology in its original biblical context. Such an exegetical method may be put off as unimportant for those unfamiliar with it, but those who are at least a little familiar with basic Bible interpretation methods would benefit significantly from Peterson's heavy-duty text work. A prime example of this is in his differentiation between worship as physical homage and worship in the general, abstract sense: "When other verbs denoting bowing or kneeling are absent from context and there are no other indicators of physical movement, the more general and abstract sense of `worship' may be understood" (61).

Having provided a lengthy and thorough biblical analysis, Peterson's work distinguishes itself in at least two areas. First, he demonstrates that there is tremendous meaning for today's church when we see Jesus as the new temple - most notably in the need for gospel-centered preaching. Christian teaching and preaching must center on the person and work of Jesus Christ in order to be biblical in its content and its aim, especially in terms of evangelism (102) and in the building of the Messiah's church (207). As Peterson proclaims in his summary chapter, "Throughout Scripture, the word of God is fundamental to a genuine engagement with him" (286).

Secondly, Peterson demonstrates that the church gathers in corporate worship to build each other up - for mutual edification, and not just `to worship' as some would argue. While Peterson does show the "central importance of the concept of edification for the meeting of God's people" in Paul's teaching (196), Hebrews is his chief support of this argument (247-250). As an expression of worship, Peterson convincingly argues that the mutual up building between Christians is purposed to help each other persevere in the faith and grow in spiritual maturity in light of the apostasy that a believer can possibly fall into. With this unique emphasis on the care that the church congregation should have for each other, it is no wonder why the divinely inspired writer of the book of Hebrews exhorts us to not forsake the local gathering of believers as some professing Christians do. This argument by itself sets Peterson's work exceptionally distinctive.

Conclusion

Peterson addresses central themes and expressions of worship throughout the Bible, each one of them supporting his thesis that worship is unquestionably engagement with God in terms He sets and ways He permits. Although this biblical theology on worship is extensive in its biblical exposition, it is a worthwhile read that will challenge the reader to examine his or her worship theology to see whether it conforms to the biblical text. While much of recent worship literature examine the English term worship, Peterson's book fills the gap with a succinct, biblical theology of Christian worship that can be warmly accepted by churches of any evangelical denomination.

I enjoyed Engaging With God because it was different than any other book or discussion of worship I have ever read or heard. It went straight to the bible to address the deep questions about worship that most books and people do not discuss. Starting with the Old Testament and moving right through to the end of the New Testament Peterson interacted with worship in the Old Covenant, reverence for God, and New Testament teaching by Jesus and about Him as fulfillment of Old Covenant shadows. He laid out a solid framework from which to answer the controversial but surface questions the modern Church is asking about what to do in church services and what not to do. He also stressed that the object of worship is to engage with God on a relational level that permeates all of life. Finally, a biblical analysis rather than a argument based on opinion and preference.

This text is written so that all may understand and yet provides indepth notes for those who would like to take their studies deeper. It is extremely informative concerning both the Old and New Testament usages in both Greek and Hebrew.

Peterson's "Engaging with God" is an excellent treatment of the biblical doctrine of "worship." His basic argument is that the Bible doesn't understand worship to be an occasional act of praise, or even a corporate meeting, but rather a life charcterized by obedience and reverence to God, and lived on the terms that God proposes. Peterson is particularly good when he discusses the meanings of the different Hebrew and Greek words that we translate "worship", and when he talks about how Christ fulfills the sacrificial/temple worship of the Old Covenant. This is simply a really solid, thoughtful, and biblical theology, written from an evangelical point of view. It is the standard biblical theology of worship, and rightfully so.

Peterson also talks about corporate worship (namely church services), emphasizing that the New Testament seems to suggest that gatherings of Christians are for edification more than worship. His argument is that worship is what we should be doing all of the time, so it doesn't make sense to talk about gathering for that express purpose. I think he fails to emphasize the special quality that God, in his providence, has ordained for corporate worship.

Regardless, this is an excellent, supremely biblical book, and comes recommended by scholars as eminent as D.A. Carson, Mark Dever, and I. Howard Marshall. It is scholarly, but pretty accessible, and well-written.

For years, companies and individuals alike have struggled to understand ERP concepts and systems. Many books have been written to assist the readers with everything from selecting an ERP solution to implementing the solution. None have addressed these issues as completely as this book.

The simple, concise, easy-to-understand way in which the author, Travis Anderegg, presents the information slowly `strips' away the layers of mystery and misunderstanding that have often been associated with ERP projects - small or large. Not only does a reader gain insight into the history of ERP but also is introduced to definitions and terminology associated with Enterprise Resource Planning.

It is a known fact that approximately 80% of all ERP projects fail. Many times, companies will blame the vendor (they misled us), the software (it does not fit our business), the consultant (they should have told us not to pick this package), etc. Often times, no one was `truly' at fault; it is a matter of not understanding how to plan, select, implement, maintain, and take ownership of an ERP system. This book covers all these areas from the initial decision to consider a company's ERP software strategy through planning, evaluation, decision, negotiation, implementation, and change management. Various critical success factors are identified throughout the chapters.

It also provides diagrams, charts, and questions to aid the reader in `gleaning' the pertinent points from the chapters. The book also points out the `pitfalls' and how to avoid making costly mistakes. The concepts presented in this book can be applied not only to ERP but also to other major IT procurements, such as HR/PR systems, CRM, and DPM. This book can also prepare individuals to pass the CIERP examination and be recognized as CIERP (certified implementer of enterprise resource planning) certified.

As the book shows ERP is very much a people system - not just software. The more educated people are, in regards to ERP, the more likely that a company will be successful. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone who is or will be involved with Enterprise Resource Planning:

· Business executives, senior decision makers, IT/IS managers, Department managers, and Project managers who are or will be in the market for an ERP solution

· Consultants, industry analysts, software vendors, and their staff who are in some way connected with the sales of ERP, as it provides insight into the buying cycle and the "contortions" that companies go through when purchasing this type of technology

· College and University level professors or students in Marketing, Information Systems/Technology and Project Management

This book is filled with all the knowledge anyone would need for preparing and successfully implementing Enterprise Resource Planning.

The 20 chapters in this remarkable book make this a true A to Z implementation guide. The author starts with a clearly written intoduction to ERP and follows this with a detailed overview of concepts and design. The third chapter covers functional modules that need to be incorporated into ERP systems, which completes the foundation.

Chapters 4 through 8 cover the implemention details, beginning with life cycles and sequences, addressing project teams and transition strategies, and the nuts and bolts considerations of data conversion, prototyping and testing. The information in these chapters is a good basis for an implementation work breakdown structure.

I liked the chapters on organizational change management and consultants, which are critical success factors for implementing an ERP system. I also thought that the chapter on project planning sessions was a highlight of this book and something that anyone who is involved in managing the implementation needs to carefully read.

The remainder of the book covers developing a request for proposal and evaluating vendor responses, total quality management, ROI and other factors that are extremely important to ERP (or any system) implementation project.

Some of the things that make this book invaluable include: (1) clear writing and innovative use of graphics to display relationships, comparisons and workflow; (2) the fact that each chapter can stand alone as a focused and complete discussion of the topic covered, and (3) the common sense approach taken by the author.

I strongly recommend that this book be augmented by Scorecard System For World Class Enterprise Resource Management by the same author. These two books combined with provide you with all of the information you need to select and successfully implement an ERP system that fully meets your requirements.

The book provides you all you need to know about the implementation of ERP and it'll greatly help build your background on this issue. The book is not about "how" to implement for a specific software but is about "why" and "what" you should know about implemenation. You need retain sufficient knowledge to help your company make wise decisions, rather than let consultants make decision for you and your company. I am a recent MBA graduate and I found this book is a great supplement to the area that I lack from my education.

A must for everybody who is involved in ERP project. once you start reading it you don't want to stop. so smooth and understandable, the writing is very clear and the graphics will help you a lot to understand each chapter. There are 20 chapters each will take you automatically to the other i highly recommend to start reading chapter by chapter. chapter 1-3 gives detailed information about ERP definition and differences between ERP & ERM, ERP concepts and design, and ERP functional modules.

Implementation details are cover in chapters 4 to 8, starting with life cycle, building your project team, prototype and testing and other important implementation issues. I think this is the best book ever written about ERP, don't waste your time searching for other books. You will find everything related to the ERP in "ERP: A-Z Implementer's Guide For Success"

This is a great introduction to the world of ERP. After reading the book I bought copies for all the members of the team implementing the new ERP at my company. It helps you get a handle on the whole process from 20,000 ft, and makes the idea of totally changing the company not so scary. The only problem I had with the book is that the binding was terrible. The book fell apart on my first reading. But I liked it so much, I put in in a two ring binder.

If you have been asked to work on your company's ERP and are not sure what you got into, this is the book for you.

This book is a good read for anyone, especially those interested in or having adopted a child. It is directed at the professed believer who claims to want to honor and obey God. The author gives many scriptural examples of how the Father intended his children to behave in relation to those among us who are less fortunate and therefore needy. It touched my husband and me deeply as we are the parents of an adopted daughter who died four years ago. We have purchased several additional copies to give to others who for different reasons will be blessed by this excellent book.

This book is absolutely fabulous! I read it in less than 24 hours. It will move you to ACT. It is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. I sent an email to the author through his website - just for feedback - and received a personal response! This guy is 'for real' and is committed to helping orphans. Check out the Children's Hopechest organization after you read this book.

.......and you will hear Him, loud and clear. Beautifully written and easy to read. This book is not complex and meant for study. It is a quick read of 2 hrs or so. It is a book of receiving and giving. You will receive a fresh anointing, a new hope and in turn you will be called to give it away. To share the hope and joy of Christ with those who are fatherless in spirit and in body. Amazing read!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Tom Davis for this powerful reminder.
This is a great book that will provoke the reader, gently prodding them into activity...and all the while raising our awareness of God's blessing in our lives.
A memorable read!

"In this world you are an orphan; eagerly anticipating your adoption as God's child.
In this world you are a widow; longing for reunion with your Bridegroom.
In this world you are a stranger; a pilgrim waiting to become a citizen of heaven.
And in this world, God has called you to care for the orphan, the stranger, and the widow."

So starts Tom Davis' short, but powerful book on compassion to the orphan, the stranger, and the widow in Fields of the Fatherless.
I'd highly recommend this book to all followers of Jesus, regardless of your call to adopt. It's applicable to the entire body of Christ.

Ultilizing the metaphor of the Old Testament practice of leaving a portion of your field for the 'stranger, the fatherless, and the widow' (Deut. 24:19f), Davis offers a passionate plea for living a life of compassion to the less fortunate.

These less fortunate (strangers, widows, orphans) are mentioned over 60 times in Scripture! Yet we tend to have blinders on when reading our Bibles. Studies show that Christians give less than non Christians to AIDS related causes (the leprosy of our day).

But in ignoring the orphans, the widows, and the strangers, we are missing out on an incredible, joy that can only come with sacrifice. For in the eyes of the orphan, we catch a glimpse of God.

Davis writes: "To feed, clothe, and treat the fatherless as members of one's own family is to live out the call of Christ." (55) This book is a great advocacy tool in raising up the church to live out its call to the fatherless. I will be passing it out to my senior pastor, and our mission board to read and (I hope) inspire. We'd encourage you to do the same. It's a quick read, consisting of over 6 chapters, and refrains from using technical adoption jargon. Rather, it simply and passionate pleads the case for the downtrodden in our world.

"But whoever has this world's gods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"--I John 3-16-17