BOOK REVIEW - "LETTERS OF PAUL IN 30 DAYS" BY TREVIN WAX

 This is part of a collection by Trevin Wax, Vice President of resources and marketing at the North American Mission Board, and a regular columnist for the Gospel Coalition. Others include "The Life of Jesus in 30 Days" and "Psalms in 30 Days."

This book is divided into Morning, Midday, and Evening readings for 30 days. Each includes a reading from Paul's epistles, but they also include other things. The Gloria Patra and the Lord's Prayer are included in each reading, meaning you're reading those portions 3 times a day, 90 times in the reading. Some of the other readings are from Scripture, but you also have the Apostle's and Nicene Creeds, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Reforming Catholic Confession, in addition to quotes from church fathers and other Christians from the past.  

When reviewing "The Life of Jesus in 30 Days," I started out by saying, "Definitely the best liturgical book written by a Southern Baptist I've read." Well, this is tied with it. I highly recommend it. This is a good way to have an organized devotional time. 

REVISED BOOK REVIEW - "LIFE OF JESUS IN 30 DAYS" BY TREVIN WAX

Yes, I have already reviewed this book. So why am I reviewing it again?

Earlier this year, I got this book from the library. However, I had to return it before I finished it, so I went ahead and wrote a review. I thought by that point I had enough of the flavor of this book to review it. After all, it was a collection of readings

Here is what I had previously written from my review, posted April 1, 2025 (no April Fool's Day jokes here). 

"Definitely the best liturgical book written by a Southern Baptist I've read.

"'Life of Jesus in 30 Days' is a devotional book compiled by Trevin Wax, Vice President of Research and Resource Development of the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board. He also has followed a similar format with book on Psalms and the Letters of Paul.

"Each day is divided into three readings: morning, midday, and evening. The middle section is shorter, and Wax says it could be combined with the evening reading if your schedule does not allow the middle reading, though the midday is the shortest of the three. Each reading is highlighted by a passage from the Gospels (not in order nor exhaustive), but also has other thoughts from Scripture, creeds (the Apostle's Creed is there at least three times), and readings from the Common Prayer Book. Each of the 90 readings also includes the Gloria Patra and the Lord's Prayer.

"This is a little more liturgical/high church than I'm used to. But this book and the other two I mentioned are good at helping you have a developed devotional time. I do recommend this collection."

So again, why am I revising the review? I noticed something that won't (for most people) affect your views on the book. However, since most of the book is reading through Scripture, I noticed an inconsistency that I wanted to point out. Not enough to invalidate the book, but something I caught.

This concerns questionable sections. I'll give you credit for knowing that there are 5,000+ Greek manuscripts, with a whole lot of variations between those texts, with some putting the weight on the most common reading and most favoring those in the earliest texts. There are three examples in the Gospels: those early texts do not contain the benediction of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6 ("For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever), the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11, and the long ending of Mark 16.

I have noticed inconsistencies in the readings. Wax includes John 8:3-11, but does not include Mark. Why include one and not the other? Also, 29 of the 30 readings include the Lord's Prayer, complete with the benediction. The 30th reading is where it covers Matthew 6:1-18, which includes the Lord's Prayer, but here it leaves the benediction off. This is author's prerogitive, and it's not a legitimate reason to not use this book or the others in the series. I just found it interesting.

BOOK REVIEW - "LIFE OF JESUS IN 30 DAYS" BY TREVIN WAX.

 

Definitely the best liturgical book written by a Southern Baptist I've read.

"Life of Jesus in 30 Days" is a devotional book compiled by Trevin Wax, Vice President of Research and Resource Development of the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board. He also has followed a similar format with book on Psalms and the Letters of Paul.

Each day is divided into three readings: morning, midday, and evening. The middle section is shorter, and Wax says it could be combined with the evening reading if your schedule does not allow the middle reading, though the midday is the shortest of the three. Each reading is highlighted by a passage from the Gospels (not in order nor exhaustive), but also has other thoughts from Scripture, creeds (the Apostle's Creed is there at least three times), and readings from the Common Prayer Book. Each of the 90 readings also includes the Gloria Patra and the Lord's Prayer.

This is a little more liturgical/high church than I'm used to. But this book and the other two I mentioned are good at helping you have a developed devotional time. I do recommend this collection.

BOOK REVIEW - "YOUNG, RESTLESS, REFORMED: A JOURNALIST'S JOURNEY WITH THE NEW CALVINISTS" BY COLLIN HANSEN

 

I first heard of this book on Trevin Wax's Reconstructing Faith podcast, and soon read about it in another book I recently read ("Killing Calvinism" by Greg Dutcher). So I checked this book out.

In "Young, Restless, Reformed," journalist Collin Hansen investigates the modern resurgence of Calvinism. When Emerging Christianity seemed to be the fad of the day, Hansen went to various places where he found traditional Calvinism was alive and strong.

Hansen goes to various locations, such as the Passion Conference, Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota where John Piper is the pastor, and The Southern Theological Seminary which saw a revival in Biblical inerrancy as well as Calvinism.

My opinion? This book is more of a journal of Calvinism's rebirth, interviewing not just the big names but young people who were influenced as well. It reviews people getting into Calvinism not as one trying to convince the unconvinced but a reporter telling what influenced his interviewees' lives.

I recommend this book.

FAVORITE NON-FICTION 2024

I believe the quote is from C.S. Lewis, though I could be wrong.

Yes, this is an annual tradition, but I save the non-fiction for last. I have yet to hear anyone saying I should have my favorite fiction or favorite songs being the one to save for last, but as I said before, I believe these may have more impact than the other lists. 

This is the list I most often would countdown to #1 (or count down from #1), but this year I'll go with my more normal approach by putting them in alphabetic order. 

One comment I'll make - more than other years, there are authors on this list that I either know personally or interact with on-line. That is more typical with the novelists and musicians that I follow, but not as much with non-fiction. So I'm very happy with this list. 

So are you ready? Like the fiction, I'll add a link on the title to my review of the book.

1. DANIEL: FAITHFUL IN THE FIRE, by former SBC President J. D. Greaer. This was the workbook for an eight part Sunday School class study. The focus is how Daniel remained faithful in the midst of an ungodly nation. Thus, more attention is given to the historic segments than the prophetic side.
2. FIVE TRAITS OF A DISCIPLE MAKER, released by Navigators, edited by Doug Neunke (U.S. President of the Navigators). This is an excellent devotional study, just taking a few minutes a day. Each of the five traits are divided into several devotionals.
3. GOING THERE: TALES FROM THE RIVIERA AND BEYOND, by Donna Fletcher Crow. Regular readers will recognize Crow's name, and may even realize that she wasn't mentioned on the fiction list this year (which is definitely not typical). This book is a blend of experiences and history of a trip Donna made during the height of COVID and some short stories featuring characters from her mystery series. This book was considered both as fiction and non-fiction, and I chose for the latter.
4. GOOD NEWS GOING BAD: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF A MODERN MISSIONS MELTDOWN, by Dr. Jim Baugh. I had the honor of having Jim Baugh as one of my classmates in college. This book deals with missionaries who are more concerned about not offending the lost than they are with being faithful to Scripture.
5. IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS: A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF PERSECUTION AND DISCIPLESHIP, by Glenn Penner. Penner used to be director of VOM-Canada and a professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan before he went home to be with the Lord. You may have seen me have other books from the New Studies in Biblical Theology series; this is not one of them but it could be. Definitely an eye-opening book.
6. NOW AND NOT YET: THEOLOGY AND MISSION IN EZRA-NEHEMIAH, by Dean Ulrich. Speaking of New Studies in Biblical Theology, here is a good book from that series.
7. RELIGHTING THE TORCH, by Andrew Horning. Another book by a personal friend. Probably the only political book in the group, but it includes annotated versions of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Amendments. 
8. STONES THAT CRY: GOD'S PRECIOUS METAL, by Glenn Remsen (art by Scott Remsen). Is all mainstream rock/metal music as evil as we think? Or is there some searching among the artists? I have a few controversial books in this list, and this probably would be at the top of the list, but it definitely made me think. By the way, I'm a Glenn Remsen fan, and love his podcast Lithoscry.
9. THE THRILL OF ORTHODOXY: REDISCOVERING THE ADVENTURE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH, by Trevin Wax, vice-president of research and resource development of the Southern Baptist Convention. I discovered Wax with his 22 part pod-cast "Reconstructing Faith," where he would mention this book each week. This definitely is a deep book, and probably one I'll reread. Its point is that the Christian life should be exciting.
10. 31 SPIRITUAL LESSONS I LEARNED FROM MY DOG, by Raylene King. I've had this book for years, maybe even decades, but I'm familiar with Dennis and Raylene King, and Cosmo, the Dachshund referred to in the title. It's an excellent month long devotional.

BOOK REVIEW - "THE THRILL OF ORTHODOXY: REDISCOVERING THE ADVENTURE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH" BY TREVIN WAX

 

The author of Hebrews warns us against drifting (Hebrews 2:1-4). Jesus tells the Ephesian church of losing their first love (Revelation 2:4). But how do we maintain that first love? How do we keep from drifting, especially when we may drift unaware? 

In "The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith," Trevin Wax (Vice president of Research and Resource Development of the Southern Baptist Convention) deals with things that distract us from joyfully serving the Lord and how to stand firm in our faith.

First, what is meant by Orthodoxy? One reviewer thought it might refer to the Orthodox Church, in contrast to Roman Catholic, Baptist, etc. No, it goes back to the meaning of the word, which is "right belief." Sometimes, it's compared to Orthopraxy ("right practice"). 

This book mentions various ways of drifting. Wax maintains that it's not orthodoxy that is narrow-minded but rather heresy (false teaching). He points out that our beliefs - whether correct or not - have an impact on our life. Towards the end, he mentions two mindsets believers may have that takes away from the thrill of a right relationship with God: "The Faithful Few," who see themselves as defending the truth from an overwhelming opponent, and "The Always Adapting," who alter their teaching and emphasis to fit the culture even if it changes the meaning of Scripture.

I highly recommend this book. It is deep and not a quick read. However, it's one I will read again.

PODCAST REVIEW - "RECONSTRUCTING FAITH" WITH TREVIN WAX (SEASON 1)

 On my blog, I've reviewed fiction and non-fiction books, and an occasional music project. This is my first podcast review. It probably won't be my last: there is a second season that I've just started listening to. But it won't be typical.

Most of the podcasts I listen to are what you'd call in novels a collection of stand alones. In the case of Lithoscry with Glenn Remsen, it's a set of interviews. With Unshaken Faith by Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain or Reformed Libertarian with Kerry Baldwin and Gregory Baus, it's a tag team editorial; in some cases they're related to previous blogs but not a series.

In contrast, "Reconstructing Faith" is a professionally put-together documentary, with narration by NAMB Vice-President of Research and Resource Development and author Trevin Wax, interviews, and sound bites of various speakers, tying in modern issues with church history. Also, each season is like a book, with each episode being a chapter, meant to be listened to in order.

The first season started off pointing out the rash of people "deconstructing" their faith, and continues to point out issues that have left people question their faith and/or the church. Covered are items like the purity movement, the misuse of authority, racial issues, sexual abuse, politics, and Christians more interested in the American Dream than the Kingdom of God. Trevin wrapped up the season looking at successful apologists like C.S. Lewis and Francis Shaeffer, a Q&A session, and a finale titled "It's Time To Rebuild."

This podcast was eye-opening and helped me see things from eyes other than my own, and understanding why some have walked away from Christianity, as well as how to rebuild.

I highly recommend season one. I'll be surprised - or more accurately, shocked - if I'm not recommending season 2 in about a month.

CURIOUS WHAT MY FAVORITE PODCASTS ARE?

 

Emblem for Google Podcasts Manager, unfortunately no longer available.

A while back, I asked if I should start a Pod Cast. Obviously (I'm guessing), I haven't. But what Podcasts do I listen to? Which would I be interested in that I can't get on my server? What is a draw for me to get interested in a Podcast?

I could build up a lot of suspense and make you read through a lot of stuff, but I'll start with the first one, and tell you what I do listen to, in alphabetic order.

1. Bible Study For Adults. This podcast is designed for leaders and students who are using this topical approach from Lifeway Publishers (Southern Baptist Convention). Each quarter is divided into two parts. The first part of this quarter was "Thrive: Living On Purpose, and they just started "Navigating Family Conflict."

2. Explore The Bible. This has a lot in common with the above, basically because like "Bible Study for Adults," it is from Lifeway Publishers. The difference between the two is that this one goes through books. For example, as I write this they're in their second quarter on the book of Acts, with the previous quarter doing the first 12 chapters, and the remaining 16 this quarter.

3. The Gospel Project. How many of these podcasts are connected to Lifeway? Only three, but putting them in alphabetic order has Lifeway's three curriculums at the top. The Gospel Project is similar to Explore The Bible, except it goes through the Bible through the course of three years. This quarter, they just got started in Genesis. There is a difference between this Podcast and the others: This one is aimed solely at teachers. It has one hostess instead of two or three people talking about the lesson. It tends to be shorter as well.

4. Lithoscry (aka Ravens Cry). Hosted by Glenn Remsen. Those who have followed my blog will recognize that name. I interviewed Glenn earlier this year. (Click here to see the interview) Most of the interviewees are Christian rock and metal bands, though there are others as well, such as Richard Blackaby from Experiencing God and "The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins. 

5. Reconstructing Faith. Back to Southern Baptists! Trevin Wax from the North American Mission Board hosts this two semester (at this point) series about how to strengthen the church. This one is more like a news series, with various interviewees, soundbites, etc. 

6. The Reformed Libertarian Podcast. This is put out by the Libertarian Christian Institute (who also have their own podcast), and is hosted by Kerry Baldwin and Gregory Baus. I find it interesting combining Reformed Theology with Libertarian Political Philosophy. One note - both hosts are Anarchists, believing we would be better off without government. Still don't buy it, but still listen.

7. Thru The Bible With Dr. J. Vernon McGee. This is one I listen to on the website rather than a podcast channel, and I'm basically keeping up with the current radio broadcasts. Dr. McGee goes through the Bible every 5 years, alternating between Old and New Testaments. For example, he just finished Titus and Philemon and started on Daniel. Dr. McGee is no longer with us, but the program has been going on, not just here in the U.S. but around the world.

8. Unshaken Faith. This is hosted by Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain. Both have their own Podcasts. I enjoy them working together, dealing with Christian Worldview and modern society. The past few weeks, they've been dealing with the After Party and its shortcomings. 

What other podcasts am I interested? Well, when I get caught up with some of these, I'll add Child Evangelism's Fellowship One:Seven to the rotation. I have interest in the podcasts by Alisa Childers, Allie Beth Stuckey, Natasha Crain, Russell Moore, Will Cain, Libertarian Christian Institute, and The Catch with John Fisher. Plus, my friend Eddie Kross has one coming out tomorrow!

However, one drawback. I subscribed to Podcasts on Google Podcasts. Google Podcasts decided to stop operating, and transferred my podcasts to YouTube. They stay on my list, but should I search for one that wasn't already on my roster - e.g. Natasha Crain - or if I cancel one to time and then decide to resubscribe - e.g. The Catch with John Fisher - I find I'm unable to get them on YouTube. 😢 So I'm debating changing to Spotify or Apple (let me know if you have any suggestions). By the way, I listen to them on my phone at work. 

What interests me? Well, it helps if I'm familiar and have a positive opinion of them. True, it will help to hear divergent views, but not while I'm working!  One major thing is the length of time. Raven's Heart and Reconstructing Faith are hour long, but I prefer half an hour or less, The Lifeway curriculum podcasts, Thru the Bible, and Unshaken Faith consistently hit that time constraint, and Reformed Libertarian varies but often is that short.

I rarely get comments, but does anybody following this have any favorites?