Reviews and Endorsements
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[Bookshelf Review]
- Calvary to Pentecost makes a compelling case that the seven weeks that began with the crucifixion of Jesus and culminated with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was the most world-changing period in history. Author Peter Roennfeldt builds this arguments in 50 two-page devotional reflections. Whether taking on this journey daily at this time of year—or reading whenever you are able to pick up the book—the reading is easy, even as there are insights that keep prodding readers to think about these oft-told stories in different ways, particularly in linking the Calvary and Pentecost experiences.
With the arrest and execution of Jesus, the first disciple were left alone, shattered, grieving and afraid. But just weeks later—as the name suggests, Pentecost was celebrated 50 days after the Passover weekend—they were ready to lead a movement that has truly changed the world and resonated across the centuries since.
Calvary to Pentecost teases out this transformation, noting the hints in Jesus’ teaching in His final week, celebrating the reality of His resurrection, and preparing for the power of the Holy Spirit’s anointing and presence. These experience offers possibilities for new life and power for each of us, our churches and those around us.
Presented in a different style to Dr Roennfeldt’s previous books, the short reflections are quick to read, but further response is invited by the single discussion question at the end of each reading.
As such, Calvary to Pentecost works well for personal devotional reading, but will be at its best when used as a discussion starter in a small-group setting or even in a larger church context.
As is always the case when we encounter the good news about Jesus and the transformation He offers, the invitation is to share what we have discovered. Not only is Calvary to Pentecost an invitation to take this journey for ourselves, but it is also for sharing. So we should read it with this expectation, thinking about who among our church, family, friends and neighbours we might be able to share and even read it with.
—Nathan Brown, book editor, Signs Publishing
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[Endorsement]
- “Peter Roennfeldt captures ‘the weekends that changed the world’ in a succinct, thought-provoking way that is filled with palpable suspense, inspiration and biblical scholarship. I love this book for its deep devotional reflection.”
—Dr Kumar Abraham, missionary, global trainer of evangelists, author of Reigniting Proclamation Evangelism, Bible school lecturer, Sri Lanka
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[Endorsement]
- “What a terrific idea for a book! Peter Roennfeldt has written an insightful and inspiring guide to seven of the most pivotal weeks in the history of the world.”
—Dr Gary Krause, Adventist World Mission Director, United States
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[Endorsement]
- “This is more than a devotional about Easter. The 50 readings in this book creatively and insightfully link the events of Easter and Pentecost. Peter Roennfeldt combines his historical and theological knowledge with pastoral insights and themes that inspiringly explore the practical implications for life now. The events of Easter and Pentecost changed the world. These 50 devotions point you to the Holy Spirit and can change your life.”
—Dr Brendan Pratt, pastor of pastors, Australia
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[Endorsement]
- “True disciples live and grow by learning about and from Jesus Christ. Calvary to Pentecost expands our knowledge of His identity and achievements. Through this, the Holy Spirit leads us to experience the love, faith, obedience and selfless service of Christ and empowers us to reflect Christ to others as we lead them to become disciples. This book will inspire every willing reader.”
—Dr Michael Njagi Mbui, pastor and coach for multiplying disciples, England
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[Endorsement]
- “It’s funny how when you do so much training from Jesus’ life—His disciple-making and leadership—you can neglect these scriptures, and so it was a refreshing and positive experience for me to slow down and sit with these readings.”
—Andrew Hodgson, Leadership Development, Youth and Discipleship Ministry Director, The Emerging Leaders Program, Australia
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[Endorsement]
- “What a great idea—50 readings on the period between Passion week and Pentecost. I love Peter’s devotional approach and reflective questions.”
—Steve Hudson, Concentric, worldwide disciple-making network, CEO 2009–2017, United States
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[Endorsement]
- “Reading Calvary to Pentecost was a wonderful journey for me, as a disciple-maker and church-planter. God’s greatest gifts—His sacrifice and His Spirit—give meaning to the mission of church. Like me, you will be thoroughly blessed, inspired and empowered by this book.”
—Misikaram Guguna, pastor, youth leader, disciple-making and church planting facilitator, Papua New Guinea
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[Endorsement]
- “The close link between Easter weekend and Pentecost is given scarce attention both in scholarly and devotional literature. Peter Roennfeldt’s new book, written in a highly accessible and reflective format, fills a need, helping us not only to know, but also to experience, be transformed, grow and serve. The fruit of the Easter and Pentecost weekends is to be embodied in our lives, and this short book is a great resource to facilitate this.”
—Dr Laszlo Gallusz, Senior Lecturer in New Testament, Head of the Centre for Ministry and Mission, Newbold College, England
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[Endorsement]
- “In these 50 wonderful readings, Peter Roennfeldt takes us from Calvary to Pentecost, with reflection questions that are like the ‘icing on the cake’—challenging me to take time to reflect on how Jesus impacts my life and the lives of those I meet.”
—Anette Frank, pastor, church planting facilitator, Sweden
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[Endorsement]
- “This book will change your life and I recommend it to everyone. Until reading Calvary to Pentecost, I had not thought of the importance of this time-period. The way Peter Roennfeldt narrates the story brings it so close, making every word of Jesus so significant to me. The deep reflection questions will bring you closer to the presence of Jesus.”
—Maveni Kaufononga, pastor, denominational leader, Fiji
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[Endorsement]
- “No other events in human history have so dramatically changed its course, and Peter Roennfeldt takes us through those days one bite at a time. Each is just enough to help us deeply reflect on what the events meant to contemporaries, with one question to reflect on what it means for me personally. And through those small bites Peter considers the whole Bible. Deep thoughts, but simple for all to understand.”
—Dr Danijela Schubert, university lecturer and author, Australia
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[Endorsement]
- “This small book is powerfully and beautifully written. At times, Peter’s use of descriptive language brought me to tears! I imagined the various scenes and marvelled at Jesus’ love for me—a guilty sinner! When you read this book, I guarantee it will deepen your closeness to Jesus.”
—Julie Millett, local church elder, retired state schoolteacher, Australia
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[Endorsement]
- “This book is awesome—readable, engaging, simple yet profound, and on point for our time!”
—Terry Johnson, pastor, denominational leader, Australia
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[Endorsement]
- “I have never read anything like this, relating to the full story of Pentecost—not just the one day we often talk about. I could not stop reading. I read this book in one sitting and was touched and inspired. It was a spiritual journey. It amazes me how Peter Roennfeldt shares the story of Jesus with such passion—with such carefully chosen passages telling the core of the story.”
—Atte Helminen, city pastor, ministry coach, church-planting facilitator, Finland
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[Endorsement]
- “Yet another must-read from Peter Roennfeldt. I love this book for its balance of deep devotional reflection and biblical cultural context and background to each scene. With the format of one scene per page-spread, it is a devotional tool to walk with Jesus from Calvary to Pentecost, seeing with fresh eyes and open heart.”—Bill Hodgson, Power to Change, church movements, SHIFTm2M