Witness: Missional Devotions From The Book of Acts By Darren Carlson - Book Review

Author: Darren Carlson

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living / Devotional

Price: $18.99

Page Count: 182

Reflecting on my Sunday School class's journey through Acts last year, I was captivated by the transformative events. Darren Carlson's Witness: Missional Devotions From the Book of Acts' reignites that same passion, guiding readers through Acts with inspiring global stories. In Acts, you see thousands of souls receive Christ as their Savior. In Acts, the Holy Spirit descends like fire on approximately 120 Christ followers. In Acts, you see Saul turn into Paul. And in Acts, you read about the very first Christian persecution, Stephen.

In the media today, bad news outweighs the good by a long shot. When there's a good story, it's often short-lived and forgotten within a couple of days. However, bad stories linger for days, weeks, months, and sometimes years.

Darren Carlson has written a 60-day devotional book that guides the reader through the book of Acts while sharing good stories from throughout the world. Carlson helps readers grasp the big picture, highlighting the global church and the transformative power of the Gospel worldwide.

Acts serves as the springboard into missions. We see the apostles travel near and far to share the Gospel, and new converts share the same desire. God was growing His kingdom and His children -- and He still does. When you read Witness you should be challenged and encouraged from the work God was doing in the first century and even now.

I particularly appreciate how Carlson incorporates stories into each reading. These stories have inspired me, moved me to tears, and posed significant challenges to me. My Western perspective struggles to grasp the hardships and resilience of Christians, especially those in countries where Christianity is restricted or banned. God is working worldwide and it looks different in every country.

It's good to be asked hard questions about our faith. Carlson isn't afraid to ask his readers the thought-provoking questions. Many Christians go through their entire lives without asking questions like, "When was a time you had to actively wait on the Lord? What did you do?" (page 10, Carlson). Meaningful questions that make you stop and take the time to think and respond. Many of his questions I had to earnestly consider because I hadn't considered it before. Carlson compares the scenarios in Acts with our modern life and it's almost a sucker punch to the stomach. When Carlson dives into Acts 19:19-20 it was a real "ouch" moment for me. These new believers in Ephesus threw out their scrolls that cost $2.5 million dollars in today's money! WHAT?! Carlson questions the reader, "What's your safety net?" (pg. 137, Carlson). We don't want to believe we have a safety net, but more times than not we do.If I'm not clinging to God, then what am I clinging to?

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Favorite Quotes:

"I like to remind myself that God is doing thousands of things throughout the world and in my life -- I'm aware of five, and I misinterpret three." Pg. 5, Carlson.

"Each footstep was an act of obedience, each hardship a reminder that the gospel's advance often comes through perseverance. It was real life, not an idealized mission, demanding grit at every turn." Pg. 94, Carlson.

"Ministry becomes a shared labor, not a platform for one but a partnership among many. Ministry without friendship is lonely. But when we walk together -- across backgrounds and burdens -- we bear witness to a better kingdom." Pg. 143, Carlson.

"If you are wondering whether God has forgotten you amid a hard season of life, consider that Paul sits in Jerusalem for two years after healing the sick, escaping from prisons, raising the dead, and bringing the gospel to the Roman world." Pg. 167, Carlson.

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About the Author: "Darren Carlson is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Bozeman, MT. And the founder of Training Leaders International, which provides theological training to underserved areas around the world."

To purchase the book, click here.

Disclosure: New Growth Press sent me this book to review. All opinions are my own.