Reviews: family entertainment, documentaries, resources, books, music
Reviews: family entertainment, documentaries, resources, books, music
AFA Staff
AFA Staff
AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources

Above, The Jesus boat is among 70 discoveries supporting the Bible's historicity.

May 2018 – Fascinating discoveries affirm Bible’s reliability
Etched in Stone: Archeological Discoveries That Prove the Bible by Lisette Bassett-Brody offers Christians a ready response to skeptics who claim the Bible is mythical and scientifically inaccurate. For each of 70 discoveries, Bassett-Brody includes a brief key Scripture, a photograph, a concise narrative context, and details of the item’s discovery – city ruins, pottery, burial boxes, coins, texts carved on stone, and more.

By arranging archaeological finds in four categories – people, places, things, and points of interest – the author makes the book user-friendly. It is simply fun to browse, since the information provided with each object is fascinating, and the visual imagery is captivating.

From Ahaz to Uzziah, Antioch to Ur, and Ahab’s house to the walls of Jericho, Etched in Stone makes the Bible come alive for scholars as well as pleasure readers. It is completely lay-friendly, not some scholarly offering that leaves any reader wondering.

Lending credibility to the text, the scholars cited are no biased assembly of evangelical apologists. They represent both secular and Christian archeological and education institutions from Germany, France, Israel, Canada, Egypt, Great Britain, and the U.S.

Consequently, the book is a solid ministry tool to strengthen the faith of believers while offering non-believers an opportunity to recognize the historical accuracy and truth of God’s Word. Available at online and retail booksellers.

Joy Lucius and Randall Murphree

undefinedundefinedBetter Together
In Better Together, author/pastor Rusty George gives readers insight into how Christians can find true fulfillment in today’s self-centered society. He also discusses the vital importance of Christians finding their place in the body of Christ.

As lead pastor of Real Life Church in Valencia, California, for the past 11 years. He believes the biggest lesson God taught him as a pastor is that believers must connect and become a true community in order to win this world for Christ.

Better Together looks at the inadequacy of Christian self-sufficiency by recognizing the need for help from God and Christians. Next, George delves into the necessity for intimacy with God, which in turn brings joy-filled peace. Thirdly, he explores how connectivity between believers brings healing and hope. Finally, George examines the powerful legacy the church will leave when it discovers that all members truly are better together. Available at online and retail booksellers.

Joy Lucius

undefinedLove Like You’ve Never Been Hurt
Bestselling author Jentezen Franklin and his wife Cherise co-authored Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt. In this latest book, they deliver a penetrating and powerful message on loving in spite of hurt and heartache.

Married for 30 years, the Franklins raised five children while pastoring Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Gainesville, Georgia. They share glimpses into family heartaches suffered during their parenting years. They also discuss how loving as God loves helped overcome those struggles.

In Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, the Franklins include Bible stories, Scriptures, and situations others have experienced to demonstrate how to “find the strength, courage, and motivation to set aside the hurt, see others as God sees them, and reach out in love.”

Readers are reminded that God’s love never fails. The process starts with forgiveness and results in victory when believers love beyond their hurt. Available at online and retail booksellers.

Joy Lucius

undefinedThe Blessing of the Thorn
Sexual addictions are sabotaging more and more marriages and family relationships, even in the church and even among the clergy. The phenomenon creates a nasty sin cycle that sinks tentacles into its victims, often leaving them feeling ashamed, helpless and hopeless.

There is help. There is hope. That’s the message of The Blessing of the Thorn, a 120-page book by David Jones, director of Restoration Path Ministries. Jones wrote the book with the addicted Christian man in mind. With 35 years of counseling and ministry experience, he focuses especially on sexual sins and how the gospel can lead to freedom and healing.

Jones defines sexual addiction and follows with steps to freedom. He concludes by exploring the elements of purity, holiness, and accountability and how the three strands combine to bring an addict to victory. This book and other resources available at restorationpath.org.

Randall Murphree

undefinedMorgan Family Strong
In March, UPtv premiered Morgan Family Strong, a reality show about country music artist Craig Morgan. Following the Grand Ole Opry member on tour and at home, viewers meet Morgan’s wife Karen, daughter Aly, sons Kyle and Wyatt. Devoted Christians, they share their grief over the tragic death of their son Jerry, demonstrating their deep faith.

The Morgans also invite viewers along as they open Morgan Farms, a family business in Dickson, Tennessee, featuring Morgan’s woodwork, plus artwork and products made by family and friends.

Morgan’s music fans will enjoy backstage and road trip scenes with band members and crew. Viewers also witness how he finds inspiration for his songs, interacts with his fans, and prays to make the most of the gifts God has given him.

It is a reality show, so some scenes show alcohol use, though not by the Morgans. The Morgans are a solid example of a real family grounded and sustained by faith in Christ. Learn more at uptv.com.

Joy Lucius

undefinedSteal Away Home
The unlikely friendship of noted London pastor/author Charles Haddon Spurgeon and former American slave Thomas Johnson is the perfect juncture for a gripping duel biographical narrative.

Authors Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey are pastors at Austin (Texas) Stone Community Church. In Steal Away Home, they do a masterful job exploring the challenges each man faced in his Christian journey, focusing on their meeting and relationship in the late 1800s.

Spurgeon is still revered by pastors and Bible scholars worldwide. However, many may not know that deep depression, debilitating gout, and sometimes rampant criticism from peers plagued his years in ministry.

Johnson was a young man at the time of the U.S. Emancipation. He dreamed of taking the gospel to Africa. The story of how he did that and how he met Spurgeon merge to offer an inspiring narrative of two men who persevered and overcame heavy obstacles to fulfill their calling. Available at online and retail booksellers.

Randall Murphree