Jason G. Duesing

In Historical Theology for the Church, editors Jason Duesing and Nathan Finn bring together top contributors to survey key doctrinal developments in every era of church history. They not only trace the development of various doctrines within historical congregations; they also provide a resource for contemporary congregations. Steered by the conviction that historical theology serves the church both local and global, each chapter concludes with an application section that clarifies the connection between the historical doctrine being covered and the Christian church today.… (mais)

This is a short little book about the cynicism it's so easy to fall into when we see the difficult things going on around us.

Mr. Duesing brings a lot of my favorite authors into this book like C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and more. I wasn't sure why J.K. Rowling was quoted in this book but I'm not a fan of hers so this is definitely my bias showing through. However, for the most part I enjoyed the different quotes and thoughts behind this book.

This book has six chapters, each focusing on hope. These include hope lives, the foundation of hope, flourishing hope, focusing on hope and living mere hope. Each one digs a bit deeper into how we can live with an attitude of hope rather than cynicism.

Although this book is good over-all, I would have liked to have had more direction on how we can live in an attitude of hope. There is good sections but over-all, the book didn't flow for me nor did I come away with a clear plan of how to make my life more hopeful. I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by B&H/Lifeway Books. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.… (mais)

Title: First Freedom (The Beginning & The End of Religious Liberty)
Author: Jason G. Duesing, Thomas White and Malcolm B. Yarnell III
Pages: 288
Year: 2016
Publisher: B & H Academic
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
When I started reading the book I wasn’t aware that it focused on religious liberty from a Baptist point of view. I wasn’t raised Baptist however there is much I gleaned from the book, so matter your denominational background or practice here is a book which should be in a personal library in homes across America. Now why would I suggest such an investment? There are several reasons for my suggestion.
One, here is a book which clearly and precisely lays out a historical legacy of beliefs for religious freedom here in the states and why. Second, the essays also point out theological reasoning for sharing the gospel in a noncoercive manner. Third, the authors of the essays lay out how contemporary issues are affecting religious freedom in this nation today.
I found myself challenged once again to be able to lay before others the reason for the hope which I have because of Christ. I found statements made which caused me to pause and consider what the essays were putting forth regardless of whether I agreed with everything or not. Once again it reminds us as Christians that it is our duty to share the gospel with others while reminding us that we all have free will. God gave mankind free will and He has never revoked that decision, therefore we shouldn’t try to coerce others to believe too. Share the gospel the hope that is within you and then if the person wishes not to listen then stop. When you come across another individual share again and if they desire to listen or discuss beliefs with you then loving show them why you believe what you believe.
In a world where access to information is instantaneous learning takes time, commitment and sacrifice. Personally I love learning, reading and studying. I do have a personal conviction to do so until my last breath. As God leads me to share then that is what I do and I want to do it in a manner which invites discussion, and a yearning to know Jesus. I don’t always share it correctly or with grace but I am grateful that the Lord is teaching me how to do so with each new day.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (mais)