THINC About It: Reading Christ in Scripture

Jonathan:

It is mid-Sunday afternoon and I have just finished reading through your book. I did not read it narrowly, looking for things with which to disagree but I must tell you that I found nothing but fellowship in and with the things you had to say. I have been asked by magazines in the past to do book reviews and I could do a long and involved breakdown of your book but if I were to do that, it would amount to a reiteration of what you have already said. Instead, I will give you an outline of the things that I found exciting, encouraging, important, and charming about it.

1. You made the entire volume of the Bible to be the story of Christ. The refusal or the inability to do that is one of the major failings of modern theology in my view. In the 10th chapter of Hebrews, the Psalms are quoted where Jesus says to the Father, "The entire volume of this book is written about me." The theme of time and history is the redemption of the world through the Person, the work, and the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. Nothing can possibly be more important than that, or more hopeful toward what many of us see as the coming true revival of a church that has largely lost its way in the Age of Reason, Experiential, philosophical gobbledygook of the new paradigm of neo-evangelicalism. I think you have taken a major step toward helping to call people back to the central theme and Person of the Bible
.
2. Your emphasis upon what you call exegesis and some of us simply call context again attacks the problem of modern Christendom at its heart. While we do not necessarily wish to choose an issue with topical teaching per se, the extraction of subjects out of the context has led to a no-absolute, situation-ethics doctrine and theology of the modern church that misses the point and seldom focuses upon the Person of Jesus Christ.

3. Your carefully-worded-but-nevertheless-clear warning against the moralistic approach to the Bible is very important in my view and put in away with which I think searching souls can identify.

4. Like all good expositors ( at least in my view) you do not use a lot of illustrations but the ones you do use are very clear and to the point and that help establish what you are trying to side. Unhappily, this is not ordinarily the case with illustrations. In too many cases, they are extensions of the personality of the speaker that lead away from, rather than to, exegesis
.
5. Your emphasis upon the theme of the Scriptures --- the sinfulness of man and the provision for redemption through the Cross of Christ and the grace of God --- is the fence around your thesis which keeps a squarely in the center of Historic Orthodox Christian doctrine and theology.

Personally, I am more than approving --- I am very excited and encouraged about your writing. I will be much in prayer that Zondervan picks it up and that it goes far and reaches many. I stand willing and ready to do anything that I can to help that to come to pass.

God bless you for your love for Christ, your dedication to the inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy of His word, and your commitment to the Mission of the Church.

Yours in Christ,

Earl Cripe, PhD

This book, is well written, easy to understand and therefore access-able to all. I love the christ centred approach to it. Finally a christian book which isn't all about 'me' and 7 steps to how I can get rich! This isn't just a 'method' but also a guide.
Fantastic read
Backed with pleasure
Ruth

Jonathon,
Read through your Bible Study and I was pretty impressed. I think your simple straight forward way of expressing these timely truths are excellent and much needed in our society. Where many Christians have forgotten how to dig in and look back at the Greats behind us and focus on our most important source of information, the Bible. Most importantly you point away from the search within ourselves, but point us back to Christ. The snip-bits of references to other works impressed me too. I think we're definitely on the same page, Fee and Stuart, Lee Strobel, and I saw some of your favorite books: Mere Christianity, being one of them. Well very good.
-Christian Rogue (Wings of the Heart)

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for sharing THINC.

Your pitch is fabulous, one of the best I’ve seen – very smooth, very polished. I have only one negative comment about it, and that is the sentence “If you’ve never seen . . ., you’ve never worshipped.” I believe you’re intending to indicate that unless take in Christ through his Word, you’ve never worshipped (because you can’t really know Him or His . . . stuck on a good enough word. Awesomeness.) But people will read it as “until you’ve read my book and learned my method, you’ve never worshipped” and that isn’t going to go over well at all.

Your voice is great – accessible and friendly. You may want to consider exchanging the word “one” (“one may think”) to “you.” You present the material in short, digestible sections with built-in pauses for reflection. You make it interactive with bulleted lists and questions. Some other options to build interaction would be discussion suggestions for small groups, a written prayer relevant to each chapter, a memory verse for each chapter, and even suggestions in each chapter for how to teach these methods to families with young children, schoolagers and teens. Your writing is polished and ready for the ED.

You did it right. You’ll go on my shelf on Monday.

Hello Jonathan:

I really enjoyed your book. It stands in contrast to many of a similar genre. Sadly, more and more, when I see books which are written to call us into deeper relationship with Christ, as yours is intended to do, there often tends to be an undertone of condemnation; i.e., such books tend to communicate to the reader, "You don't love God enough."

I see none of that in this book. You're style is very transparent. Throughout this book, you invite the reader to experience the goodness of Christ and into a love relationship with Him, without bringing the people under the Law.

This book is full of Kingdom; it woos the bride into a relationship with the Groom. God's richest blessings to you as you wonderfully make known the depths of His love.

James Revoir

After reading through your book I found that it holds some volumental truths. My thoughts reflect your thought, in that, everything we think, do, say, hear, etc., should reflect The Christ at the center of everything. This book promises some insightful and challenging approach to scripture. Best of luck in your future promotion of this book.

I recommend this book as a great introduction to the proper spiritual reading of the Bible. It is very direct and accessible. The author does an excellent job of putting Christ before all else, and in explaining how reading the Bible is an act of worship, rather than one of self-improvement. The work is very brief, and all the easier to pick up and read. Although the subject of how to read the Bible in a Christocentric way is a very big subject, the examples drawn by the author are largely confined to moral applications. This is not a fault as much as it is an invitation to further and deeper exploration. My own book, "The Power of Fiour: Keys to the Hidden Treasure of the Gospels," is in many ways complimentary to this particular work. I hope Pastor Woodward's book reaches a large audience, as I believe he has done the Body of Christ a great service in writing it.

Hi Jonathan,

I like your writing style. It is very clear and easy to read. Liked the topics you covered. Backed.

God Bless,
Chipper Newman

This is well written and inspiring. You reach out to the reader and, almost, develop a form of a relationship with him or her. One thing that really jumped out at me, that I liked, was the language you used to write it. I couldn't find any grammatical errors and you used words (like 'ought') that aren't commonly in everyday language. This, in its own way, reached out to the reader.

Backed and rated.

Hi Jonathon, ,I saw your comment on David Kidds page and was intrigued enough to take a look at your book. I so much enjoy this exchange of ideas among Christian writers. I feel like I am making a connection with people who believe as I do and it is so much more uplifting than the begging and spamming that goes on. That said, I really liked your book through Chapter 3. It is clear, well written yet thanks to the relaxed style and vocab. it reads easy and not like a textbook. You have certainly thought through some complex issues about the Bible.

I see many common threads between your book and my book "Lost to Found." I too firmly believe that it is the change of heart (I call it the extreme makeover )that is the powerful work of the Holy Spirit that marks us as His. I also believe that we must confront our prejudices if our faith is to grow. I really like your questions and study guides at the end of the chapters. I am kind of wishing i had thought of doing that but each book has its own unique style and point of view and that is the wonder of it.

I am backing your book and will read on with pleasure. Thank you for your insights. If you have time, and who really does, you may find some insight and pleasure in looking at either of my books, take care, Lynne

Hi Johathon, ,I saw your comment on David Kidds page and was intrigued enough to take a look at your book. I so much enjoy this exchange of ideas among Christian writers. I feel like I am making a connection with people who believe as I do and it is so much more uplifting than the begging and spamming that goes on. That said, I really liked your book through Chapter 3. It is clear, well written yet thanks to the relaxed style and vocab. it reads easy and not like a textbook. You have certainly thought through some complex issues about the Bible.

I see many common threads between your book and my book "Lost to Found." I too firmly believe that it is the change of heart (I call it the extreme makeover )that is the powerful work of the Holy Spirit that marks us as His. I also believe that we must confront our prejudices if our faith is to grow. I really like your questions and study guides at the end of the chapters. I am kind of wishing i had thought of doing that but each book has its own unique style and point of view and that is the wonder of it.

I am backing your book and will read on with pleasure. Thank you for your insights. If you have time, and who really does, you may find some insight and pleasure in looking at either of my books, take care, Lynne

This is very well prepared and very well written. I teach 7th and 8th graders on Wednesday nights and I love your word "Christo-centric". Did you create that or was it someone else's? Can I use it with my students? :o)

On my WL! Will rotate up when I can!
Blessings,
Laura A. Diaz
"Come What May"

Hi Jonathan, this looks great- I haven't read a lot of it but have come back to it a few times to dip into and will keep it on my WL and continue to do so- I find it quite hard to read non-fiction on the computer screen as I tend to flip backwards and forwards in these kind of books. If it was in my hand I'm sure I'd have ploughed through it by now! You write very clearly, passionately, and with truth. Karen

I enjoyed the "Trust" chapter. Yes, the bible is the inspired word of God! I have backed your book. Please take a moment to check out Sing a New Song

I think you write well and clearly. It is no clutter in the way you explain what you want to say. Its amazing “Trust” psalm 20.7 I have my self been meditating on for the last few months. Jesus is the centre in all we read in scripture, well said. I also like that you have a big headings over the paragraphs where you explain clearly the subject. “trusting means believing”.( I also have a saying: “trust is faith + nothing)
To raise questions for the reader is also very good. It makes the reader think of what he has read. I think this is a very good book for Christians that would want to reach people for Christ. Your book expounds the scriptures. Like when Jesus came back and the two men that was walking on the road, Jesus was talking to them. Jesus didn’t reveal himself to them saying “Hey its me” But He opened up their eyes and showed them “FROM” scriptures concerning himself. They had a revelation from the scriptures WHO He was. I love that. I think that is what your book does it shows people, FROM scripture WHO Jesus is.
(I hope what I am trying to say makes sense to you, I find it difficult to write in English what I want to say)
Well done Jonathan
Laila

Jonathan:

It is mid-Sunday afternoon and I have just finished reading through your book. I did not read it narrowly, looking for things with which to disagree but I must tell you that I found nothing but fellowship in and with the things you had to say. I have been asked by magazines in the past to do book reviews and I could do a long and involved breakdown of your book but if I were to do that, it would amount to a reiteration of what you have already said. Instead, I will give you an outline of the things that I found exciting, encouraging, important, and charming about it.

1. You made the entire volume of the Bible to be the story of Christ. The refusal or the inability to do that is one of the major failings of modern theology in my view. In the 10th chapter of Hebrews, the Psalms are quoted where Jesus says to the Father, "The entire volume of this book is written about me." The theme of time and history is the redemption of the world through the Person, the work, and the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. Nothing can possibly be more important than that, or more hopeful toward what many of us see as the coming true revival of a church that has largely lost its way in the Age of Reason, Experiential, philosophical gobbledygook of the new paradigm of neo-evangelicalism. I think you have taken a major step toward helping to call people back to the central theme and Person of the Bible
.
2. Your emphasis upon what you call exegesis and some of us simply call context again attacks the problem of modern Christendom at its heart. While we do not necessarily wish to choose an issue with topical teaching per se, the extraction of subjects out of the context has led to a no-absolute, situation-ethics doctrine and theology of the modern church that misses the point and seldom focuses upon the Person of Jesus Christ.

3. Your carefully-worded-but-nevertheless-clear warning against the moralistic approach to the Bible is very important in my view and put in away with which I think searching souls can identify.

4. Like all good expositors ( at least in my view) you do not use a lot of illustrations but the ones you do use are very clear and to the point and that help establish what you are trying to side. Unhappily, this is not ordinarily the case with illustrations. In too many cases, they are extensions of the personality of the speaker that lead away from, rather than to, exegesis
.
5. Your emphasis upon the theme of the Scriptures --- the sinfulness of man and the provision for redemption through the Cross of Christ and the grace of God --- is the fence around your thesis which keeps a squarely in the center of Historic Orthodox Christian doctrine and theology.

Personally, I am more than approving --- I am very excited and encouraged about your writing. I will be much in prayer that Zondervan picks it up and that it goes far and reaches many. I stand willing and ready to do anything that I can to help that to come to pass.

God bless you for your love for Christ, your dedication to the inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy of His word, and your commitment to the Mission of the Church.

Yours in Christ,

Earl Cripe, PhD

THINC... Definitely Yes!
Amazing guide to believers, to help all to never miss the mark.
Thanks for your well written work.
Rated 6 stars and backed.
Daelle Worth~ Rebirthed... From on High

Wow! That's insane Jonathan! I'm assuming you're talking about my first book, The Living Image... Our approach and concern , even our dedication to our children and our acknowledgments are basically the same. Haven't read it yet, but I skimmed it and will return to read it more. I put it on my shelf. Thanks for your commitment to protecting the Gospel unto the next generation! I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'm going to visit your blog too. Enjoyed the pleasant surprise.
T

THINC ABOUT IT: ATTENDING TO CHRIST IN SCRIPTURE

a BHCG crit

COVER: Looks good, The "About it" is off center from THINC and the small text (unless you are using this elsewhere) is pretty much useless but other than that I like the stencil art quality of the image...gives it a nice modern feel.

TITLE: Feels a little awkward when I read it. Possibly you need an explanation of the C in one of your pitches or periods to give the idea that each represents something...or something for why the misspelling...possibly...it works on its own - though so...hm. but still feels a little awkward.

SHORT PITCH: Not super compelling. Aren't there thousands of books like this? (I could be wrong as I'm more of a Harris/Hitchens,/Dawkins/Dennett fan myself) What makes this book stand out from others of its kind? I need more of a taste of that here.

LONG PITCH: Its good, feels slightly generic again but I think the big point of simplicity is there. I still wonder what makes this stand out as unique...possibly fewer bible study books go for the "simple/Jesus" approach. (?)

TEXT:

Hope you don't mind but I glazed right past all the thank yous to the preface which is fine I suppose but wonder if its really necessary...will see further if you duplicate such direction within the text and if so could possibly cut that.

Looking at the index I think you should include some of the T=H=I=N=C= in the pitch possibly.

I question whether this site is the best for helping you refine this. I believe it should be looked at by a educational textbook editor to see if what you've delivered is in the best format.

You might leave out the bit directed to the non-believer...unless you're really addressing your intended audience and just trying to get them to shout a hallelujah because they already think theyre right and like puttin' down those who don't because "they couldn't possibly appreciate or understand what is written if reading the bible with a critical eye..." which is a bit laughable really...and at the very least that first sentence will put anyone who is waffling in a defensive position and probably less interested in reading on with an open mind. I mean...who is Lee and why should I care that he fell for it, erm, found the truth. heh, sorry. What I mean is, even with the footnote, who is Lee...why is his conversion so moving/impressive. No doubt there are thousands of atheist to Christian and vice versa actions out there...what makes Lee someone that should impress me? but yes, I'm doubting its there to really help convert a non-believer and the nodders will enjoy it heh.

Reading to the end of chp4...it feels like an average study guide. If this were about football play-design I'd probably feel the same way....it's fine, I have no real interest in the subject and so its tough to offer much as to whether its a good approach. It feels professional. I didn't come across any items that made me pause with difficulty in understanding what you're trying to get across...but again...I think the best person would be someone who deals with study guides or textbooks, and possibly someone with similar focus on biblical exegesis to yours...to offer insights of whether this works or not.

Best of luck to you!
-=Bradley

Jonathon,
Wow! I could say so much but suffice it to say....Well done! I believe this book is timely and incredibly important. Thank you for writing it. I hope that it gets out there and many read it and thereby their lives are changed by the way they read the Word of God.
Dee Dee Zent

Jonathan:

I have not gotten far into your book, only several chapters but I see it once that you and I appear to have much in common. You set forth to precepts that are all-important to the revival of the Church in our times. One is that the entire Bible is Christ centered (in Hebrews 10:10 Jesus said that the entire volume of the book was written about Him), and the other is not expository study employing the exegetical method is the only way to study the Scripture. I cannot over emphasize how important I think this is and while I will have other comments later, at the present moment I am delighted with what I have seen and can only give your book 6 stars.

You ask about how I define the office of a prophet in the New Testament church. I am new to this forum and I'm not sure whether this is the time and place to answer that but I will. Without argument, there are false religionists in the world of Charismatic Humanism and elsewhere who have abused the concept of New Testament prophets pitifully for carnal reasons. The approach taken by my church and our elders is that we are unwilling, as the old saying goes, to throw the baby out with the bathwater. There are many Scriptures that one could resort to in order to build the case but the fourth chapter of Ephesians seems to be the clearest. God has placed prophets in the Church for the perfecting of the Saints, for the purification of the doctrine, for the weeding out of false teachers and subtle men, and for the purpose of bringing the body of Christ into the maturity of the image of Christ. We believe that a New Testament prophet in the legitimate sense differs from a preacher or a teacher in matters of degree as to how much depth of understanding he has in the Scriptures. 15 years ago, my elders decided that I had that gift (we have had a radio and television expository teaching ministry for 43 years) and they ordain me to that office. There is no desire on my part to be self-identifying but we are unwilling to let false men robbed the church of its important gifts and offices.

But back to you and your book Jonathan, I am very excited about it and I hope it gets the attention and recommendations that it deserves. At this point at least I am willing to do what I can to see that that happens.

Thanks for your comments on my book.

Later,

D. Earl Cripe, PhD

I agree wholeheartedly. I know when I've tried reading scripture i get to parts I can't understand and then skip over. My greatest understanding has come from really studying the word. I think anyone who writes a book like yours to reach out and try to spread the good news is worth supporting. Thank you for writing this. I intend to continue reading it.

This book is more of a "How to" use the Bible, which is good too. I would have to agree that it is important to look at the whole picture rather than pick out a tiny bit out of context. Definitely too easy to manipulate when we do that. There are definite themes and lessons that run throughout the Bible and are consistent regardless of the personal filter of the human writer. And understanding the history and customs of the time are enlightening too and I'm glad you pointed this out. Your style may be different from mine, but I would say our theologies are closer than you think. But then, God allows for our individuality. You are obvious a seeker too and that is a good thing to be - seek and you shall find. It will be a life-long process with many twists and turns, but well worth it. Good luck!

Zonda

This book, is well written, easy to understand and therefore access-able to all. I love the christ centred approach to it. Finally a christian book which isn't all about 'me' and 7 steps to how I can get rich! This isn't just a 'method' but also a guide.
Fantastic read
Backed with pleasure
Ruth

Hi. This is a BHG group crit.
I' approaching the book almost ignoring the fact it's a Christian instructional book, since many people seem to find something confrontational in that very idea. I'm approaching it by looking at what you offer, and what I think people may expect from it. I don't have lists of typos or comments on narrative, dialogue etc. because they do not apply to this work. I offer comments as just one reader, as always.

I've read all you have posted, and I have these questions for you first -

1. Who is the book aimed at? It is not explicit, and I think it should be. Is it for anyone? If so, the newcomer, or the curious will be at sea. It speaks of things that a newcomer will not understand. It implies a certain foreknowledge of the bible. it speaks of having trust etc, where a newcomer might well say - 'ok - but how? How do I 'have trust' in what I'm only just beginning to explore?'

I think you need to decide - and make plain on the cover or the pitch, whether this is for established Christians with some knowledge and faith, so that those who are totally new, will realise its perhaps not for them. Because if it is aimed at newbies, then I think there are lacks - it assumes knowledge of the verses you quote, of what to read, when and in what order, and requires faith, trust etc. which newcomers may not yet have. Also, if you have a newcomer who is still in a slightly 'aggressive' stage - you may well, by suggesting that if they read in a spirit that is unaccepting, that they may not 'get it' - which is how it came across to me. They will be waiting for that - 'oh, I see, if I question, it's because of me, not because I should.'

You also say a lot about how to read - the approach to take - but you do not say what to read - when, or in what order. If I were to read this, I would like that - what should I read first - in what order, how? Unless you are aiming this explicitly at those who already know the bible very well - in which case see above - you must make this clear at the outset. I rather expected a guide as to what may be best to read and in what order - or do I just start at the beginning and plow through?

Couple of typo etc. issues: Heading 'Get your bias out of the way' you say - 'We geeks think our knowledge of certain things justify....' that should be justiFIES?

Heading - 'What is causing you to do the head tilt' - line 5 paragraph 2 - '...scare the hell out of him...' following on from the previous line reads as though you mean Jesus, not the reader.

You say your wife has listened to you read, and helped you a great deal - wonderful wife! My suggestion is this - find an unbeliever and ask them to do the same. Listen to their reaction - how does it sound? Does it put them off?

I know how hard it is to bring a Christian book into the lion's den. I found it read well and clearly, but my main questions are - Who is it written for? You need to state this upfront. If it's for those well versed in the bible and knowledge of Jesus then fine. If its for 'anyone' then you need to help more. What do you mean by certain terms. HOW do you 'have faith' 'trust' etc. when you don't know what you are being asked to trust. Why do you sound like you are saying that if I don't understand then it's not because the bible is at fault, but me?

And I was also looking for a guide not only to HOW to read the bible - but WHAT? In what order if I'm new.

I hope these comments are helpful. I have no issue with your writing at all, simply some questions that arose as I read.
Cariad
STONES.

Hi there,

I came to have a look after seeing your thread on the subject. After reading a few chapters, I feel that Splinker has a point - why are you a person who is qualified to be teaching others about the Bible? You don't need academic qualifications, if you've been changed by the Bible and want others to be touched as well, but you plunge straight in to telling me, the reader, that I need to do and think certain things, without establishing why I should be listening to you. Like I said, you don't need to display academic qualifications, but maybe a story of how you came to your conclusions, some of which are theologically radical, e.g. seeing Jesus in every line of Scripture. That seems to be a pretty big claim, given that significant portions of the Bible have nothing to do with either the concept of a Messiah, or the person of Jesus. I'm not saying you can't make these claims, just that you need to explain to me why I should be interested in your views on the Bible. I'm a non-believer, so if you're targeting people like me, make a case for what I'll get out of reading the book and why you're the person I should listen to on the subject. Finally - Christocentric! That's a horrible modern corporate jargon style of word! No offence, but I think it would make some of the early Biblical writers raise their eyebrows.

Anyway, you have a nice easy writing style. Hope this does well for you,

Annabelle

Dear Jonathan,

I always fear that true reading is diminishing in our society. Most preachers or priests, which I know we don't need, try to interpret a text without really reading it at all, and use that limp book in their hand as a platform for launching off into some moralizing. As I get older I am wearied by bad books and since the Greek New Testament is my enemy, a poorly written book which is undoubtedly a conversionary tool, I fear the historical impact of its politics. I am just a common reader and prefer and will go to my death believing that the Hebrew Bible is hands down the better aesthetic achievement than the belated New Testement, because the Hebrew Bible is much more original and tells many more than just one story. See my "The Trouble with Being a B'nayvoovah," if you would like to read how I feel about the figure you write about.

Billy M.

"... I have learned from other great men of faith."

I was just looking at your intro (from the cover, I thought it was something about Che Guevara - I need to pay closer attention). Anyway, the way that particular sentence with you stating the pov, the 'other' implies that you are among the "great men of faith." Now you may very well be, but it would seem presumptive for you to make the claim. I suspect that is not what you mean to say, but words often mean what they say even when we don't mean what we said. I better stop there before I lose the thread of ...

Jonathon,
Read through your Bible Study and I was pretty impressed. I think your simple straight forward way of expressing these timely truths are excellent and much needed in our society. Where many Christians have forgotten how to dig in and look back at the Greats behind us and focus on our most important source of information, the Bible. Most importantly you point away from the search within ourselves, but point us back to Christ. The snip-bits of references to other works impressed me too. I think we're definitely on the same page, Fee and Stuart, Lee Strobel, and I saw some of your favorite books: Mere Christianity, being one of them. Well very good.
-Christian Rogue (Wings of the Heart)

ooh! ooh! How about a question? That matches the rest of your pitch, too. something like:

Have you ever thrown yourself into the Bible with the Christ-centered application? If not, you're about to have a worship experience like never before.

Hmm. I'll give it some thought.

ooh! ooh! How about a question? That matches the rest of your pitch, too. something like:

Have you ever thrown yourself into the Bible with the Christ-centered application? If not, you're about to have a worship experience like never before.

Hey Jonathan --

that fixed the problem as far as controversy. I wish it could be phrased to have more impact, but I'm not sure how you'd do it without going back to the original problem.

I'm not a Christian; therefore, not interested in the subject, so I'll limit my opinions to writing. You present ideas very clearly - easy to understand. The sentences flow well and are pleasant to read. I get the feeling that the author is sincere, serious, and confident, which in this type of book I think is important. I like the format, also.
There are a few little nitpick.

Sections titled “Think About It . . .” has been added (I think you want to replace 'has' with 'have')

how your understanding of the Bible and your response to it has changed, (It seems to me that this assumes the reader will accept these ideas before evaluating them. That put me off a bit)

method¾that is, (might want to correct whatever does these 3/4s)

If you would like to donate, (whoa... wasn't to fond of that)

I introduce this method, (semi-colon) however...

This is no small work. Obviously, you've put in a great deal of thought and research, and have put both to good use. I'm impressed with the effort. Best of luck to you. I will back this as soon as I get a slot open

First off, I want to give you a hearty thanks for taking the time to read and review my book, in spite the fact that you are not Christian and my book is specifically Christian. That says a lot and I think it expresses humility.

The Donate thing: Ha! I'm supposed to remove that! This was first going to be just an ebook that I was going to offer for free on my website to anyone that subscribed. However, I've put a lot of thought and time into it. It would be a blessing for my family if I could get it published. Thanks for noticing it... I'll get to changing that right away!

The method3/4 thing: Darnnit! I didn't even check to see if that would be there. I'm aware that this happens sometimes, and it's an extended dash that makes it happen. Man... all the dashes have to be replaced now... sheesh, looks like lots of work for me!

"Think About It . . .": Thanks, that makes sense.

How your understanding of the Bible has changed: I'll give this some thought and bounce it off a few other people and get some more suggestions.

I truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback, and for putting yourself aside to read a Christian book!

I'm not a Christian; therefore, not interested in the subject, so I'll limit my opinions to writing. You present ideas very clearly - easy to understand. The sentences flow well and are pleasant to read. I get the feeling that the author is sincere, serious, and confident, which in this type of book I think is important. I like the format, also.
There are a few little nitpick.

Sections titled “Think About It . . .” has been added (I think you want to replace 'has' with 'have')

how your understanding of the Bible and your response to it has changed, (It seems to me that this assumes the reader will accept these ideas before evaluating them. That put me off a bit)

method¾that is, (might want to correct whatever does these 3/4s)

If you would like to donate, (whoa... wasn't to fond of that)

I introduce this method, (semi-colon) however...

This is no small work. Obviously, you've put in a great deal of thought and research, and have put both to good use. I'm impressed with the effort. Best of luck to you. I will back this as soon as I get a slot open

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for sharing THINC.

Your pitch is fabulous, one of the best I’ve seen – very smooth, very polished. I have only one negative comment about it, and that is the sentence “If you’ve never seen . . ., you’ve never worshipped.” I believe you’re intending to indicate that unless take in Christ through his Word, you’ve never worshipped (because you can’t really know Him or His . . . stuck on a good enough word. Awesomeness.) But people will read it as “until you’ve read my book and learned my method, you’ve never worshipped” and that isn’t going to go over well at all.

Your voice is great – accessible and friendly. You may want to consider exchanging the word “one” (“one may think”) to “you.” You present the material in short, digestible sections with built-in pauses for reflection. You make it interactive with bulleted lists and questions. Some other options to build interaction would be discussion suggestions for small groups, a written prayer relevant to each chapter, a memory verse for each chapter, and even suggestions in each chapter for how to teach these methods to families with young children, schoolagers and teens. Your writing is polished and ready for the ED.

You did it right. You’ll go on my shelf on Monday.

I think you have a point. I've taken note and made a few changes to the pitch. Let me know what you think

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for sharing THINC.

Your pitch is fabulous, one of the best I’ve seen – very smooth, very polished. I have only one negative comment about it, and that is the sentence “If you’ve never seen . . ., you’ve never worshipped.” I believe you’re intending to indicate that unless take in Christ through his Word, you’ve never worshipped (because you can’t really know Him or His . . . stuck on a good enough word. Awesomeness.) But people will read it as “until you’ve read my book and learned my method, you’ve never worshipped” and that isn’t going to go over well at all.

Your voice is great – accessible and friendly. You may want to consider exchanging the word “one” (“one may think”) to “you.” You present the material in short, digestible sections with built-in pauses for reflection. You make it interactive with bulleted lists and questions. Some other options to build interaction would be discussion suggestions for small groups, a written prayer relevant to each chapter, a memory verse for each chapter, and even suggestions in each chapter for how to teach these methods to families with young children, schoolagers and teens. Your writing is polished and ready for the ED.

You did it right. You’ll go on my shelf on Monday.

Hi Jonathan, I'm on chapter 3. This is very interesting and I'm enjoying reading it. There's one point I've noticed so far that I'm not sure about: "Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are about to read..."
I agree that we need the Holy Spirit to help us to understand, but nowhere in the Scriptures are we directed to pray to the Holy Spirit. When the Lord Jesus told the disciples to pray it was to the Father in His name, and in the beginning of the church in Acts they prayed to the Lord Jesus. Looking at Scripture and the examples we are given, we're never told to pray to the Holy Spirit.
As I say I'm enjoying this. This is important stuff! Keep up the good work,
Becky x

Thank you very much for reading. I would like to reply to your concern. John 14:16-17, 26, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." Orthodox Christian doctrine affirms the triune God: Father, Son, Spirit. All persons of this Trinity are personable, and therefore can be communicated with and to. If the Spirit is our Helper, and will teach us, does that not imply we communicate with Him?

Also check out Acts 15:18. How else could the Apostles know what seemed good the the Holy Spirit if they were not able to communicate in some way to Him?

I'm sure I can find other passages if you like, but I'm not trying to prove a point. I'm just providing a reason why I said such a thing in my book.

Thanks!

Hi Jonathan, I'm on chapter 3. This is very interesting and I'm enjoying reading it. There's one point I've noticed so far that I'm not sure about: "Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what you are about to read..."
I agree that we need the Holy Spirit to help us to understand, but nowhere in the Scriptures are we directed to pray to the Holy Spirit. When the Lord Jesus told the disciples to pray it was to the Father in His name, and in the beginning of the church in Acts they prayed to the Lord Jesus. Looking at Scripture and the examples we are given, we're never told to pray to the Holy Spirit.
As I say I'm enjoying this. This is important stuff! Keep up the good work,
Becky x

I can't seem to open any chapters except for the table of contents.

Interesting. I don't seem to have a problem on my end. I'm currently using Google Chrome as a browser (though, I really don't like it).

Let me ask you something right off the bat. And if this info was in your bio or preface, I apologize. Do you have a doctrate in theology or, alternatively, what are your credentials?

I do not have a doctorate in any field, though theology and ministry are the areas I am currently studying at a Christian University. I have been noted by my professors in my writing ability, as well as the dean of academics. I look forward to writing more when I have more time after my degree is complete. At this time I am nearing the completion of my BA in Science of Biblical Studies, and Leadership & Ministry.

I have four other book ideas, two have been worked on, and one of them has been written quite a bit in.

Why do you ask?

I can't seem to open any chapters except for the table of contents.

Let me ask you something right off the bat. And if this info was in your bio or preface, I apologize. Do you have a doctrate in theology or, alternatively, what are your credentials?