Guest reviewer: eight-year-old Michael S. Dickey reviews The World-Tilting Gospel

When one is in the stage of "selling" a book to a prospective publisher, one of the questions they ask is "What is this book's audience? Who would read it?" Prospective authors have to come up with intelligible answers.

In my submission of The World-Tilting Gospel to Kregel, back in January of 2010, I wrote that the book "speaks to Christians of all walks in life, from late teens [NB] and up. Pastors will use it, and give or recommend it to church officers and members. The format of headings and subheadings, plus the wealth of Bible-references, are designed for use in study-groups or discipleship classes for a wide age-range, as well as in individual reading." Now, of course, this reflected my intent and expectation. I didn't do a test-audience on it (as I later did do with God's Wisdom in Proverbs).

So when folks later read it, of course I was grateful and encouraged to have a brother like John MacArthur commend it, and it was delightful to have PhDs like Ligon Duncan and Jim Hamilton join in, as well as the rest. And while I watch for reviews, it has been terrifically encouraging for all sorts of folks (moms, dads, pastors, students, and so on) to report finding the book a blessing and a help.

But, friends and neighbors, brothers and sisters, you are about to read a review of TWTG that pasted a grin on my face that has not gone away, and won't for a good while. It was completely unexpected, and I frankly would not have guessed nor even hoped that the reach of the book would go this far.

It is from eight-year old Michael Dickey, the son of Mike Dickey who comments under the screen name VcdeChagn. He actually finished the book before his dad, and did a book report on it, which he wanted his dad to share with me. I have Mike's permission to share it with you — and I think you'll be glad of it.

Now young Michael is clearly, as his dad said, a "voracious reader," so I wouldn't necessarily recommend that Kregel do a campaign to offer the book to the single-digit set, and we parents shouldn't look too askance at our kids who might not be up to Michael's reading level. But he's a remarkable young gent, and it's my delight to share his review (book report) with you, as one of the very, very few guest-writers at this blog:

---

Transcribed (as-is):

The World-Tilting Gospel

by Michael S. Dickey

1. Dan Philips wrote the book as a sort of every day helper. Dan gave four points in the introduction that divides true Christians from the bad Christians. Reference for parable is Matthew 13:3-9. Take the book anywhere you can evangelize, even your church. Don't forget to hang on tight.
2. Dan writes in Chapter 1 about who comes first God or us. Dan gives three beautiful examples of false believers. Dan also gives us an illustration to give in to Christ. He tells us what we need: a Whole-Bible view. Read more to find more.
3. Dan deals with two towering truths in chapters 7+8. These two truths are how God deals with our bad record and our bad nature. In chapter 7 he gives a fiery example of repentance. Eventually you will reach the point where you are a world tilter unless you are not preordained. So our conclusion is that means pass the towering truths and you are a buster. (Margin: special effects by me)
4. Dan surprised us with a few more "bullets" in the after word. He gives us a "Mystery passage" which sums up the whole book. That Mystery passage is I Corinthians 15:1-11 if you wish to look it up. his conclusion = there are two types of Christians. Read it to find even more.
5. I think he gave us a good book worth reading. Thank you Dan for a good book. I recommend this book widely. Take it where ever you go. I think Dan is a good writer.

---

That's it. My day's made. Thanks Mike, and thanks, Michael. I think you are a good writer, too.