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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Megashift

Megashift

By James Rutz (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

If you want to be challenged in your understanding of what it is to follow Jesus—in the way that he modeled and how the Bible teaches—then Megashift is the book for you; it is sure to exceed those expectations. 

If, however, you desire an easy-to-read, feel-good book, wish to maintain your life’s status quo, and remain comfortable, then this book will cause you consternation and make you angry.

Starting with numerous documented miracles from around the world in the prior twenty or so years, Megashift gives ample evidence that a “megashift” in the church is occurring right now.

Unfortunately, most Christians in the United States and Western Europe are not only missing it, they are ill-prepared to accept it.

Divided into five copiously end-noted chapters (even the endnotes are worth reading), the book covers:

“The New Kingdom Explosion,”
“The New Engines of Change,”
“The New Saints,”
“The New Church,” and
“The New Meetings.”

However, that’s not all; there is an inspiring epilogue, three appendices, a resource list, and a“”What’s Next?” guide.

This is a must read for any serious follower of Jesus.

[Megashift, by James Rutz. Published by Empowerment Press, 2005; ISBN: 978-0966915822; 259 pages.]

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Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Conversations with God

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Both thought-provoking and inspiring, the movie Conversations with God, is based on the book by the same name, authored by Neale Donald Walsch.

This true story is a compelling account of Neale, living among the homeless after being laid off and surviving a car accident. 

As Neale struggles for survival and strives to regain his life, simple kindnesses become greatly appreciated gifts.

When his first glimmer of hope is quickly squelched, Neale calls out in frustration to God—and God answers! Eventually Neale accepts this as a revelation from God, which ultimately turns into a best-selling book.

Neale’s life—and lifestyle—is decidedly changed as a result and we are treated to the generous and sensitive ways he seeks to give back.  As he wrote, “If you want to create abundance for yourself, create it for someone else.”

When asked to summarize God’s most important message to us, Neale condenses it into five words: “You got me all wrong.”

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]Save

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Book Review: Lifesigns

Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy in Christian Perspective

By Henri Nouwen (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Much of Lifesigns was written while author Henri Nouwen was staying at l’Arche, a loving and compassion-filled home for the handicapped.

It is, therefore, not surprising that he connects that environment to this discourse.

Nouwen asserts that we show signs of life when we properly understand and pursue intimacy, fecundity (fruitfulness), and ecstasy (joy)—both towards God and towards others.

These results, however, are hampered by fear.

Intimacy is limited by keeping people at a distance or holding them too close; the realization of fecundity is impeded by sterility (non-action) or anxious productivity; and ecstasy is obstructed by clinging to dull routine or persisting in a paralyzing rootlessness.

It is love that moves us away from these six fears and towards the three lifesigns.

It is from that vantage that we can move forward, applying the lessons of the life signs to our world in practical and tangible ways.

[Lifesigns: Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy in Christian Perspective, by Henri Nouwen. Published by Image, 1989; ISBN: 978-0385236287; 128 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Movie Review: End of the Spear

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

End of the Spear is the compelling true story of dedicated missionaries needlessly speared to death by the violent tribe they are seeking to help.

This tragically occurs because one of the tribesmen lies about them in order to protect himself from deadly reprisals within his own clan. T

he result is five men are murdered and their families are thrown into disarray. Even so, their wives—with their children—valiantly continue to pursue the visions they once shared with their husbands.

With courage and bravery they make slow but steady inroads by moving in with the native people and then winning their trust, providing medical help, and telling them about Jesus.

Even more gripping is when the son of one of the slain missionaries encounters one of his father’s now-believing murderers. Instead of revenge and anger taking over, love and acceptance prevail.

This movie is well done. It isn’t preachy, but is an inspiring and moving example of what can be done through love and by faith.

(Also, be sure to check out the DVD extras for background and interviews with some of the real people in this story.)

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Book Review: The Threefold Art of Experiencing God

The Liberating Power of Trinitarian Faith

By Christian A. Schwarz (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

The Threefold Art of Experiencing God is a short book (32 pages) that is packed with profundity.

Author Christian Schwarz asserts that although most Christians believe in the Trinity (that God exists in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in practice there is a tendency to focus on only one part, be it the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit.

The other two persons of the trinity are downplayed or even ignored.

This over-emphasis is generally a result of the church we attend, how we were trained, or our particular theological bent. Some people may address two parts of the trinity, but again dismiss the third.

Only occasionally do people equally consider all three.

Providing balanced attention and maintaining a holistic perspective of all three persons of the trinity is the result that we should pursue.

As such, this book is poised to make a significant improvement in how one views God and connects with him.

[The Threefold Art of Experiencing God: The Liberating Power of Trinitarian Faith, by Christian A. Schwarz. Published by ChurchSmart Resources, 1999; ISBN: 978-1889638140; 31 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

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Video Review: Pilgrim’s Progress

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Pilgrims Progress: Journey to Heaven is an effective and gripping modern-day adaptation of John Bunyon’s classic allegory, Pilgrims Progress.

The story’s protagonist “Christian,” feels compelled to embark upon a journey to lift his burden and save himself from impeding doom.

His ultimate destination is the Celestial City, but the path there is fraught with dangers and distractions that have thrown many a fellow traveler off course.

Along the way Christian encounters others, some of whom offer valued assistance and some who provide unwise counsel under the guise of help.

Sometimes Christian is steadfast and strong, while other times he is weak and fickle. Through it all, Christian learns much about the important of listening and obeying, as his faith grows.

The video aptly demonstrates that life is indeed a journey and the right path to take, the best path, is not always the easy one.

However, there is a reward for those who persevere.

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Video Review: The Jesus Film

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

The Jesus Film (also known as Jesus) is a faithful telling of the life of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Luke. It was shot on location, providing powerful visual support for the written account found in the Bible.

Filmed in 1979, the production seems only somewhat dated, while the message is timeless. The crucifixion scenes are much less graphic than The Passion of the Christ, but effectively portrays the suffering of Jesus nonetheless.

Personally, the most helpful scene was Jesus’ miracle in feeding a multitude of people with a few fish and loaves of bread.

The Jesus Film has been translated into more than 1,000 languages and been viewed by over 218 million people (according to The Jesus Film Project, where you can also watch it online in streaming video).

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]Save

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Video Review: Time Changer

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Time Changer cleverly contrasts the moral conditions in the United States circa 1890 with those of today, by allowing upright Bible teacher Russell Carlisle to transport himself from the 19th century into the future using a time machine.

The difference is startling and the impact is compelling, allowing viewers to see just how much moral values have changed in one century.

Just as Carlisle is shocked by common everyday occurrences, so should we—but we aren’t.  And that’s this movies point.

If you’re looking for light entertainment—with some well-known actors—that will give you something to think about, this is it, but don’t expect cinematic excellence, as its production quality is somewhat lacking.

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]Save

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.