Todd Friel

I read this book so I could develop evangelistic stories for use when sharing the gospel, especially when someone believes in the Old Testament, but refuses to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. I had high hopes for the book. From this last sentence you can probably sense that I was somewhat disappointed in the book. It's true. I was.

You have to go into this book knowing the author is Todd Friel, at one time a comedian but now an evangelist and lay theologian. So, there are many comments in the book that reflect his odd sense of humor. For example, when briefly discussing the parallels between Old Testament covenants, where animals would be split in two so those entering the covenant could walk between them and display the seriousness of their commitment, he discusses one way modern marriage ceremonies are a reflection of this practice: "A walk of death down the tile between your family and the in-laws. Just kidding. Maybe." Be prepared for more. Many more. Too many for a serious book.

I did find his many comparisons of Jesus of the New Testament with types and shadows of the Old Testament interesting and mostly compelling. I had never heard many of the examples Todd reveals, though some were familiar. There were several where I thought the connection was too weak. But my real disappointment with the book is the amount of time Todd spent presenting, representing, and reviewing again, the gospel. Now, because of who Todd is I would expect him to clearly cover the gospel. But I also think the audience for this book would be predominantly Christians, not the lost. After reading through the fourth or fifth presentation of the gospel I was beginning to think it's too much, even to ensure the non-believer understands the seriousness of their eternal destination. If I had to estimate the total content spent on presenting the gospel and the Christian life, I would say it may be as much as 20% of the books content (including what is truth, sin, judgment at the Great White Throne, forgiveness, imputation, sanctification, salvation of the innocent, the courtroom analogy, and much more).

If I could rate this book purely on the Types & Shadows I would likely give it a 4.5 (out of five). But because so much was non-Types and Shadows material I am tempted to give it a 3. Overall, knowing where Todd's heart is, and for the value of the unveiling of the many Types and Shadows, I'll go with a low 4.… (mer)

Talk about (The Fear Of God!) For a minute I really didn’t know where this book was headed – I was actually getting depressed and considered putting it down as all my sins were counted, named and explained. [BUT]…
The Salvation Of Jesus was shared and explained in such details as I had never heard – and I’ve heard a lot! The book was short, refreshing (after almost making me cry) and it’s written in a story-telling fashion that makes it a good tool for teach The Love Of Jesus Christ to anyone who is concerned about where they will be spending eternity...SMILE!!!… (mer)