Review of
Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions
By Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, 2010 (254 pp, $24.99, hardcover)
Rating 4/5
Prolific Christian author Max Lucado has received many questions from his readers over the past several decades. Lucado, who has written over 50 books and has been the pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas since 1988, seeks to provide answers and guidance to over 170 of these questions in his newest book, Max on Life.
What impressed me about this book is the vast range of topics Lucado addresses. Drawing upon his decades of pastoral experience, Lucado grants insight into many topics ranging from issues at home (marriage issues, how best to raise children, sex, and financial and job troubles), to issues concerning the church (is baptism necessary for salvation, disagreements amongst believers, denominational differences, what to say about homosexuality), to some of the most common questions frequently asked about Christianity (why bad things happen to good people, how to manage a guilty conscience, forgiveness, why Christians sometimes act like their pagan neighbors, what happens to unbelievers when they die).
Most impressively, Lucado tackles each of these topics in a way that is very accessible to most readers, regardless of their background knowledge of Christianity. He frequently answers each question by relating the situation to a real-life anecdote or to a story from the Bible. After introducing the issue, he proceeds to offer his advice or insight into the matter, always encouraging the reader to look heavenward and into God’s Word for ultimate resolution.
Overall, Lucado provides an excellent resource to people in ministry and to those who find themselves among people who often ask tough questions about all facets of Christian life. Lucado skillfully uses Scripture to back up his arguments and insights. The editors expertly organized this book into concise 1-2 page entries that each focus on a specific issue. The book also includes a topical and Scripture index for easy access to a specific question to which the reader seeks an answer. I highly recommend this book and believe it to be an excellent addition to the bookshelf of anyone in ministry – whether by profession or not.
- Reviewed by Tyler Constable
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
