God’s Answers 4 UR Life
Steve Russo
BarbourBooks, 2011, 288 pp., $7.99

God’s Answer 4 UR Life is a handy little resource book that connects a variety of topics with applicable Scripture. I like that Scripture quotations come from several different versions of the Bible instead of just one. The title strikes me as a little cheesy; but overall, I think this book has the potential to be a good starting point for discussions about issues that concern youth. The size, layout and typeface selections make it simple and easy to use.
–Sara Lamb, Youth and CE Director, Memorial Presbyterian Church

When I was a youth, I had The Way Bible. Inside The Way was a section with a list of topics or situations, such as “When someone dies, Peer Pressure,” and a subsequent collection of Bible verses that offered comfort, information/help or guidance. I actually used that section, even memorized the Scripture verses pertaining to many of the situations I confronted as a teen. For this reason, God’s Answers 4 UR Life struck a chord with me. I would absolutely hand it to my students, use the practical applications (APP) section for small group discussion, and keep it on hand for a reference tool.
–Mary Wilson

Overall, this is a good resource, especially when counseling teens. The format of the book lends itself to easy access of topics and several verses throughout Scripture that lead one to a good biblical, theological view of issues teens face on a regular basis. I appreciate the variety of Bible translations Russo cites, which give the reader a good visualization of the applicability of God’s Word in today’s world. There is a danger, however, in systematic lists sometimes; and even though this book could be used a proof-texting source, the usage of texts from the Old and New Testaments discourages this practice. If the reader has a usable knowledge of contextualizing verses, he should be fine in desseminating the book to others who are in need of such a resource. I would recommend the book to students, as well as and ministry workers.
–Michael Whitcomb

In his book God’s Answers 4 UR Life, Steve Russo explores a list of topics and issues that our modern society faces while discovering what God’s Word may say about these topics and issues. Russo addresses popular topics (such as dating/sex, bullying and friends), serious issues (such as cutting, rape, divorce and genocide), and theological discussions (such as salvation, angels/demons, who God and Jesus are). Russo does a good job choosing the topics and issues in the book, although I would appreciate if Russo addressed baptism in his book. His choice(s) of Scripture for a given subject are very good and helpful. Overall, Russo’s book is a good resource for youth ministry. The writing style is fluid for adult or teenage reading, and the size of the book makes it easily accessible for keeping in a car, desk drawer, locker or backpack.
–Chris Ensley, Youth and Worship Pastor, Marion Christian Church, Marion, Kansas

God’s Answers 4 UR Life by Steve Russo is a moralistic Christian life book written for adolescents that would fit in the vein of Proverbs 22:6: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” The readings are reminiscent of ‘thoughts to consider’ columns typically found in student Bibles; consequently, the book is read topically. Each topic, which Russo refers to as an APP, is written in devotional style and supported by a handful of verses with the intent that students would use those verses as a springboard to further understand what the Bible has to say about a particular subject. Though the book is entertaining and the topics engaging, its operating assumption is that right knowledge increases morality among teenagers. However, morality is not merely the result of right knowledge, but the fruit of trusting Jesus with our deepest desires. This book would be strengthened if it more intentionally considered the motivating desire behind gossip, cutting, sex or getting a tattoo, etc. Consequently, this resource best serves as a discussion starter within the context of an ongoing relationship, one in which a mentor could discuss motivating desires, then demonstrate what it means or what it would look like to trust Jesus with that desire in our lives. This then provides an opportunity to invite students into a faith encounter with the living Christ, encouraging students to align their lives with the Person and work of Jesus.
–Brad Howell, Assistant Director, Fuller Theological Seminary

At first, I was a little bit skeptical. Books that talk about a bunch of subjects with Scripture supporting each area can eliminate context from the passages. However, I think the author did a good job of using Scripture to show what God’s Word says about different subjects. In the APP on alcohol, he says, “Think through these verses and ask the Holy Spirit to help you apply the truths they contain.” I think this could be a valuable book to start discussions in a small group with teens, as well as good for a youth worker to have as a reference for helping/talking with teens on these subjects.
–Wayne Wrzesinski

You know those questions you’ve always had and wondered what the Bible had to say about them? With God’s Answer’s 4 UR Life by Steve Russo, you get those answers in a complete alphabetical, pocket-size format. This little ministry tool is great to have on hand when students ask the tough questions. You can look up a word or topic, then after a short “APP” section that gives explanation and practical application, you will get a series of several Scripture verses related to the topic. This is a must-have on file for quick reference, and while the list is by no means exhaustive (the same for the Scripture references) it gives a good launch pad from which to launch.
–Matt McKee

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