FAMILYFANS Books & Comics

CROSS PURPOSES: Discovering the Great Love of God for You

by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe

(Multnomah)

Reader Appeal: Adults

Genre: Christian Living

D. James Kennedy’s legacy in the American Church is impressive. He’s the founder of Evangelism Explosion, a well-known model for church evangelism. In 1989, Kennedy founded Know Theological Seminary. He is best known for his Coral Ridge Ministries television and radio ministries. Kennedy’s earlier books have both touched the political and theological realm. Now in Cross Purposes Kennedy and his co-author, Jerry Newcombe, return to the core of Christian faith—the cross.

Cross Purposes is a collection of 48 devotionals designed to draw the reader into the wonder of Jesus’ work on the cross. Each brief, four-to-five page chapter highlights a new aspect of the cross' meaning and provides the reader with illustrations to help understand the richness found in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The pages are filled with brief quotes from theologians, hymnists, and literary giants; each quote eloquently celebrates our salvation. The overriding goal of Cross Purposes is to remind the readers of God’s love for them.

The characteristics of D. James Kennedy’s teaching that have made his preaching ministry endure over several decades are found in this book: meticulous Bible scholarship, well-researched illustrations, and an analytic approach to his subject. Cross Purposes is a valuable resource for an individual or a congregation’s Lenten preparations.

The strengths of Cross Purposes also create its limitations. The authors are admittedly concerned with communicating God’s love for the reader. As a result, salvation is presented in individualistic and in extremely personal terms. Little attention is given to the theology of the cross as being the foundation of Christian community and unity. The tone of Cross Purposes is primarily intellectual. Readers who prefer the emotional vulnerability of Donald Miller or Jim Palmer might find Cross Purposes a bit too polished.

Fans of D. James Kennedy should rush to add this volume to their collection. Small group leaders and pastors should also consider Cross Purposes as an important work to help prepare their congregations for Easter Sunday.

FAMILYFANS RATING: B

IF MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY LIKE THIS BOOK, THEN YOU MAY WANT TO TRY…

The Cross of Christ, John Stott. Theology. A readable theology of the key Christian doctrines related to the cross.

--LS

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