Carine Mackenzie is the author of more than 150 books, many written about the Bible specifically for children. Natascia Ugliano illustrates the book with whimsical oil pastel paintings.
How God Changes People is faithful to the biblical stories it retells, outlining the events in straightforward, interesting language, using paraphrased dialogue.
The first spread of the book explains how we are converted–by turning from a life of disobedience and trusting in Jesus by God’s grace. Our conversion is accompanied by sorrow over our sin and faith in Christ. God’s Spirit then works in our hearts.
At the end of the book, Mrs. Mackenzie explains: “It is important to realize that we are sinners and that Jesus Christ died to save sinners. Believing that, is the turning point in a person’s life. This is conversion.”
Salvation Stories in the Bible
I am so excited to report this book comes from a confessional theology rather than a decisional theology. There are no instances of the “salvation prayer”–just an explanation of how Christ changes our lives, and what that looks like. (Of course, the salvation prayer doesn’t appear in the Bible, either!)
The stories told include conversions before and after the resurrection of Christ. We read the stories of:
- Nathanael
- Andrew
- James and John
- Matthew
- Nicodemus
- The Samaritan Woman
- Peter (his conversion)
- Zacchaeus
- Peter (his denial of Christ)
- The Thief on the Cross
- Peter (his restoration)
- Pentecost
- The Ethiopian Official
- Saul (this story covers two spreads)
- Paul (Saul’s new life!)
- Cornelius
- Lydia
- The Philippian Jailer
- Timothy
Following the stories, there is a brief section addressing God’s work in you (or the child you are reading to).
The end of each story has a sentence or two of application or explanation. For example, after the story of James and John, we read: “James and John faced difficulties too in their Christian life, but they persevered in the faith until the end.” At the end of Cornelius’ story, Mrs. Mackenzie writes: “Jesus has followers all over the world. He has commanded all men everywhere to repent.”
Each story is self-contained, with a title and Scripture reference on a 2-page spread. I appreciate that, as the text takes a full page. It’s nice to be able to read just a story or three at a time. Christian Focus recommends the book for 5-11 year olds.
Purchase How God Changes People: Conversion Stories from the Bible
I’d like to thank Christian Focus Publications for sending me How God Changes People in return for my honest review.
Truly, these are lovely books. If you have children or grandchildren under the age of eight, both would be a wonderful addition to your family library. They are delightfully imaginative, biblically faithful, and I expect they will become a favorite for many families.
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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A Resource to Help Teach Kids About Life in the Womb
Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth
Your kids will love learning about life inside the womb with Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth, published by Christian Focus 4 Kids.
Wonderfully Made is a science- and Scripture-filled picture book for kids ages 5-11. The book is told from the perspective of a mother telling her child about his or her development in the womb week-by-week. In fact, Wonderfully Made is written to help parents meet the theological, scientific, and relational purposes of teaching kids about life in the womb.
You can also learn more about Wonderfully Made over at the book page.
Head over to the Thinking Kids Press store for your free Wonderfully Made posters, Bible memory verse cards, and lapbook!
They’re a great companion to the book Wonderfully Made, and the perfect way to teach your kids about life in the womb!
Autographed from Danika Cooley: Wonderfully Made: God’s story of life from conception to birth
Amazon: Wonderfully Made: God’s story of life from conception to birth
Amazon UK: Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth
Christian Book: Wonderfully Made: God’s story of life from conception to birth
Grab a Pregnancy Resource / Gift Bundle of 10 or 15 copies and save!
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