Book Review: NIrV Faith Builders Bible

The Faith Builders Bible by Zondervan is a children's complete New International Reader's Version bible.  This book includes 24 full color photos of bible stories made out of Legos.  It also includes "brick building" verses it encourages the readers to read.

I have reviewed NIrV bibles in the past.  I enjoy the translation that makes it easier for moderate readers to understand.  This bible is no different.  What separates this bible from the others is the fun cover and included pictures.  In the front of the bible it also includes a Lego diagram of the books of the bible and how they are grouped.  This bible is great for any Lego loving kid out there.  The size is also nice so it can fit in a bag or easier carried with growing hands.

I do have to say I was a bit disappointed in this bible.  Maybe I didn't read the description closely enough but I was expecting a lot more Lego pictures then are included.  This is not a Bricks picture story book.  This is a bible with a few pictures.  That's not bad,  just not what I was expecting.

All in all I have many nephews and a son who will love this book.

Note: I was given a copy of this bible for free to read and review.  The opinions above are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review.

Book Review: Spent Matches

For my next book review I chose Spent Matches by Roy Moran.  I really really wanted to like this book and be fired up by its message. The publisher, Thomas Nelson, explains the book as

Spent Matches explores the possibility that a few small paradigm shifts within the church might make the difference between extinction and effectiveness. In fact, taking a clue from the automobile industry, the church might be able to not only halt the rapid decay in attendance but also become an effective tool in achieving Jesus' final command. For instance, the Hybrid car has become the answer to Detroit's environmental and oil crisis issues. Finding the synergy between two technologies, gas and electric has created a new day for the auto industry. Likewise, Spent Matches explores how the church can find synergy between two seemingly competing thoughts: an invitation to come and a command to go. The Hybrid metaphor brings energy to the church's mission and an explanation to the age-old argument of Missional versus Attractional methods.

After waiting excitedly I decided to take this book on a trip to read.  Two 2 hour flights would be the perfect time to spend on it.  But I couldn’t.  I could not get into this book.  From the start I wasn’t engaged.  I tried skipping to what I thought was the good stuff but still I found myself forcing my eyes to stay on the page.

I think part of the problem is I may not have been the key audience for this book but I thought my enthusiasm for the topic would make up for some of that.  Sadly it did not.  I will be passing this book onto my friends who may appreciate the message a bit more than I did. 

I’m sorry Roy Moran.  I really really wanted to Love you book.