Review of How Should a Christian Live?

  How Should a Christian Live? is a devotion for teens that covers lessons that can be taken from 1 Corinthians through 2 Thessalonians. This book is from a series of devotionals written to accompany the Word of Promise: Next Generation Audio Bible CD(s) that have recently come out. I'll cover the specifics later about the number of pages and the CD later.

  This book is really well done. As a teen, I found it visually appealing with its colors, activities, and lessons. I enjoyed taking a break once in a while to do a crossword puzzle that involved words from a certain lesson or unscrambling words of a verse. It was fun, and I think it's a great idea. I also really liked listening to the audio portion enclosed. Although I didn't recognize the actor who portrayed Paul, I enjoyed the way the reading was put together.

 Although this devotional seems to be made for personal use (there's a journal section along with each lesson), I think it would be great as a youth group study. The leader could own a "master copy" with answers and the CD, and the students could each own a copy of the book. This way students can discuss their thoughts with their peers or teacher and delve deeper into the Bible. Personally, I think it would have been more fun to go through this devotional with my friends.

  I did have a few problems with this book. I kept on seeing words like "success", "safe and secure life", and "enjoyment", but at the same time, I saw words about being satisfied with Jesus and about life being about pleasing Him, not ourselves, and things about life not really being about success.
I felt as if the book was sending mixed messages, as if the author was not sure about what to say.
Also, the book alludes to many passages to the Bible, but it doesn't always give references. I would have preferred even a footnote about where to read about it.
Moreover, I felt as if the content of the book wasn't deep. I felt as if it would be better for a teen who is just starting his or her walk with Christ, but reading it was nothing but a benefit.  

All in all, I give this book a 4 out of 5.

Specifics (from Amazon.com):
1 Paperback Book, 1 Audio CD

Book:
176 pages
12 sessions
Features include: GET-IT (help to understand difficult concepts); GRAB-IT (how does this look in your own life); HOLD-IT (how to maintain in everyday life); GIVE-IT (how does this affect others in your life); DEFINE-IT (in-depth look at key words); and LIVE-IT (presentation of ideas, questions, challenges to support each session's content).

CD: Audio Bible books 1 Cor-2 Thes.

NOTE: This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers. 

God Bless,