Baker Books, 2015, 176 pp., $12.05
This father and son have teamed up to offer a fun and enticing take on the seven miracles of Jesus as found in the Gospel of John. Though probably first offered by Mark Batterson as a sermon series at the National Community Church in Washington, D.C., the presentation doesn’t read as much as a pulpit presentation as a Bible study deftly illustrated with spectacular scientific, contemporary and sports facts. The point is: Miracles happen every day, but we must watch for them.
One could read the book as equal parts devotional and study guide. Much of the book plays off of an intricate knowledge of science and biology—with astounding insights that amaze and perplex, which seems to be the intent with the hope being that students will be able to bridge the world of science to a life of faith, or will see in the wondrous created world as a paradigm for God’s ongoing, miraculous work. These are lofty goals, but the book is not heavy-handed or difficult to access.
The book is crisp and swift enough to warrant a read by students, who might otherwise discard a biblical study for more fetching fare. A study guide might have been a nice touch (which the book does without), but overall this is a practical and compelling student edition that teenagers, pastors—and some seekers—would enjoy.
