When Faith Catches Fire

When Faith Catches Fire by Rev. Samuel Rodriguez and Dr. Robert Crosby is the story of the passionate fires of worship flaring among Latino and Hispanic churches worldwide. Discover how you can experience a more dynamic walk with God! Sharing compelling insights and personal stories, Rodriguez and Crosby will help you become immersed in the Spirit; transform your friendships, family, and community; and embrace unity amidst diversity in the church.

My review: The book is well written and has some stories and statistics I fully agree with...especially the reminders that ALL Hispanics and Latinos do not think alike or vote alike. I have never understood why the myth of "Group Think" continues to be popular among journalists and analytical "experts." Much of the information, especially stories of Billy Graham and Martin Luther King Jr., was things I already knew, too. Although I was VERY struck by the statement that many of the White churches were more concerned with handing out hope and the Black churches cared more about help. I am not sure I entirely agree with the statement, but I do believe that we need a combination of both help and hope.

To be fair, I am not exposed much to the Hispanic community, so I am unaware of any bridge being built to inspire the Church by Hispanics and Latinos. According to the book: At the core of this dramatic shift is a call to embrace a more soulful, passionate faith. In this powerful book, Christians will gain valuable insights on how to:

•  Fully experience the joy of God and the passion of His Spirit.
• Develop a true sense of unity amidst diversity in the body of Christ.
• Make an eternal impact on their families, communities, and the world.
  

I have heard Samuel Rodriguez preach 2 or 3 times and am always inspired and revitalized by what the Holy Spirit is doing through him and the message he has. However, I struggled to get through both this book, and another that I read. His fire and passion do not translate into the written word as well for me...but I still recommend him based on what I hear. It was another perspective to look at when trying to see what the Church needs to be doing today, but I did not entirely catch the vision...at least to the point of disregarding all other views.

I received a copy of the book at no cost to myself from Blogging For Books.

Be Light by Samuel Rodriguez

In Be Light Samuel Rodriguez provides a blueprint for confronting darkness in every realm of our lives. He issues a clarion call for individual believers and the church to rise up and once again be that bright city on a hill, which doesn’t simply expose the invading darkness, but overcomes it with God’s blazing light. (back cover)

Light is exactly what followers of Christ are called to be. Light is so important that it is the very first thing God created! And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. - Genesis 1:3-4. 

In his latest book Pastor Samuel Rodriguez brings a message to shine God's beauty, truth, and hope into a darkened world. Divided into 30 different short chapters, exploring different properties of light and using Scripture to equip the reader with the needed encouragement and tools to grow in their spiritual journey. The "Reflections" at the end of each chapter hone in facets of being light that are meant to help you better reflect the light and love of Jesus in your every day life. Although not set up as a typical small group study, Be Light can be adapted into a plan that can be incorporated for use by several or used for a month long personal devotion and spiritual growth study. Not meant to be a quick read, Be Light is a book that emboldens and illuminates your understanding of how to shine as you follow Jesus.

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." - Daniel 12:3 

 I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging For Books program at no cost to myself. I was only asked for my fair and honest opinion. 

 Samuel Rodriguez is president of NHCLC/Conela, an international organization of more than 500,000 evangelical churches. He is a sought after voice in White House and congressional meetings and is regularly featured on CNN, Fox News, NBC Telemundo, and other major news outlets. The author of The Lamb’s Agenda,Rodriguez is senior pastor of New Seasons Christian Worship Center in Sacramento, California, where he resides with his wife Eva and their three children.