In CROSS PURPOSES, D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe present a thoughtful, well-organized primer on understanding the "cross" of Christ. Christians at all different points in their journey as believers will find morsels of hope and thought-pondering truths to further stabilize and strengthen their faith travel. The authors offer six basic premises by which they develop into brief, concise devotionals. Readers will discover new depths to the oft-discussed topics of God's purpose, God's love, God's sacrifice, the Supremacy of the Cross, the Glory of the Cross, and the Cost of the Cross.

Each essay opens with a scripture verse that sets the tone for the authors' skillfully laid-out exposition. Whether citing well-known historical figures or events, or pulling directly from biblical stories and principles, each chapter provides a weighty measure of God-focused directives that punctuate the eternal take-away of the formerly cited scripture. Inserted throughout the narrative are interesting, not-commonplace facts and quotes that weigh in on the particular topic by famous authors, historians and church leaders such as Augustine, John Calvin, Cicero, Dante, T.S. Eliot, Justin Martyr, D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, Isaac Watts and John Wesley, among countless others. In the closing, a one-sentence prayer cements the various components as a whole in a satisfactory way.

During the course of these devotional readings, believers will be simultaneously encouraged and challenged to better understand what it is they believe and why. A few of the topics discussed entail lessons on recognizing that life as a Christian is one characterized by spiritual warfare where the existence of Satan as a potent spiritual adversary is real; how to distinguish between "guilt feelings" and true "guilt" and how the Bible defines this elusive, misunderstood term; how the "power" of forgiveness is central to the core of Christian doctrine, where a spirit of thankfulness is to be basic operating material in the heart of all Christ followers; and that every believer surrendered to God must embrace three distinct "crucifixions." Christ gave Himself for man (Galatians 2:20). The world has been crucified to the believer (Galatians 6:14). And every Christian's life will be "crucified with Christ," meaning one must lose his life in order to receive it back.

While each part of this text is fully engaging, the momentum builds as the work comes to a conclusion. Somehow, Kennedy and Newcombe successfully convey a sense of urgency and pressing need to present Christ's sacrifice and supremacy as ultimate. This final segment where they revisit the person of Jesus Christ as redeemer and mediator is especially beautiful and poignant. From beginning to end, Christians will appreciate the careful manner in which the cross of Christ is depicted, honored and expressed. Above all, believers will find great comfort and assurance of God's unfathomable love toward those who seek Him.

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