Luke Seibert (Author of Never Saw It Coming)

Luke Seibert rated a book liked it Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I’ve wrestled with my opinion of this book for several weeks. I wanted to give it four stars, but I had to settle on three. The main message I took from this novel is the importance of slowing down and seeing beauty all around us. That’s not an ideal ...more
Jul 25, 2026 10:54AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Theo of Golden by Allen Levi <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book really liked it George Whitefield: America's Spiritual Founding Father by Thomas S. Kidd	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read some biographies that are a drudge to get through. This book by Thomas Kidd isn’t one of them. This work is engaging, surprising, and incredibly thorough. I knew a little about George Whitefield before, but this book gave me a solid grasp o ...more
Jun 06, 2026 02:42PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of George Whitefield by Thomas S. Kidd. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — George Whitefield by Thomas S. Kidd <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book really liked it Rise to Rebellion (The American Revolutionary War, #1) by Jeff Shaara	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A fascinating look at the events leading up to the Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. The convictions and beliefs of the characters are complex, layered, and diverse. The author does an excellent job showing that, at least from the chara ...more
Jun 02, 2026 10:45AM · like · see review
Luke Seibert rated a book really liked it What If I Don't Like My Church's Music? (Church Questions) by Matthew Boswell	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is a short, practical book by a pastor-musician I greatly respect. While this read may not shake your world, it is a nourishing booklet that helps us realign our own attitudes with regard to music. Singing in church isn’t about us and what we li ...more
May 27, 2026 11:43AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of What If I Don't Like My Church's Music? by Matthew Boswell. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — What If I Don't Like My Church's Music? by Matthew Boswell <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book it was ok The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler by Amanda Barratt (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying I deeply respect the work it takes to write a novel, especially a historical fiction one. Barrett spent great pains researching and trying to make the book realistic. Hats off to her for this work. And she did write a clean nove ...more
May 08, 2026 07:13AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book it was amazing Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliott	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This wasn’t my first exposure to the story, but I was encouraged and challenged in a fresh way by reading this book. Elliott’s humility, love for Christ, and steady faith shine through brilliantly. She doesn’t sensationalize the account; all the focu ...more
Apr 18, 2026 04:29PM · like · see review
Luke Seibert rated a book it was amazing Finding the Right Hills to Die on: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the top books I recommend. I first read it years ago and quote from it regularly. I just finished rereading it, and I loved it just as much—if not more—than the first time. Ortlund does an excellent job explaining why theological triage ...more
Mar 27, 2026 05:17PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Finding the Right Hills to Die on by Gavin Ortlund. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Finding the Right Hills to Die on by Gavin Ortlund <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book really liked it Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel by Conrad Mbewe	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I wanted to share every other sentence. I even cried out “yes!” at one point while I was reading. This short book does an excellent job showing the theological basis for true Christian unity. The introduc ...more
Feb 03, 2026 11:36AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Unity by Conrad Mbewe. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Unity by Conrad Mbewe <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book liked it Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth by Cameron Cole	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I deeply appreciate Cole’s heart behind this book. The coming age of the Messiah’s reign is already and not yet, and we need to live with both realities in mind. It gives comfort in sorrow, joy in grief, and direction for our pursuit of holiness. Howe ...more
Jan 30, 2026 01:26PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Heavenward by Cameron Cole. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Heavenward by Cameron Cole <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Luke Seibert rated a book liked it Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by Matt Merker	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This book has its strengths and weaknesses. Merker is an excellent hymn writer, and I deeply resonate with his desire for gospel-centered unity in the church. In the first part of the book, he does a good job of describing what the church is—a body o ...more
Jan 23, 2026 01:51PM · 1 like · like · see review

Luke Seibert rated a book liked it

Theo of Golden
by Allen Levi (Goodreads Author)

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I’ve wrestled with my opinion of this book for several weeks. I wanted to give it four stars, but I had to settle on three.
The main message I took from this novel is the importance of slowing down and seeing beauty all around us. That’s not an ideal I’ve wrestled with my opinion of this book for several weeks. I wanted to give it four stars, but I had to settle on three.
The main message I took from this novel is the importance of slowing down and seeing beauty all around us. That’s not an idealistic view. Even through pain, beauty emerges. The character Theo brings that to light as he gifts the portraits and responds to people’s stories. Beauty exists in every single person because they are made in the image of God.
The beauty doesn’t stop with humans. The author does an incredible job describing the beauty of nature, painting, music, wine, woodworking, cooking, coffee—the list seems endless. At almost every tern, Theo helps someone pause and consider the beauty they’ve taken for granted. These are strong, thought-provoking reminders. I’m glad I read the book for those reasons.
I think this was the author’s first self-published book, and in that sense, it’s incredible. The scope of characters, the forethought into how the story is told, and even the general style show a gift for writing. I look forward to reading other books by Allen Levi.
With that said, some of the pacing could be smoothed out. The opening lacked a strong hook, so it took me several chapters to really ‘buy in’ to the story. The middle of the book could use some more action; some parts seemed repetitive or dragged a little. However, the mystery about Theo’s background provides some sense of movement. Some aspects of the ending proved too ‘perfect’ for my tastes, but most of the conclusion seemed plausible.
A few elements of the book were larger drawbacks. Though generally not strong, there is some language. There’s a brief description of a nude painting (though not in a sexual context). Also, we discover a love triangle at the end that’s pretty significant, but not in a great situation; don’t want to spoil it, but I was discouraged by it.
My biggest struggle was an undiscerned spiritual message. Theo does go to church, and he talks about God and heaven some, but it’s not clear what his relationship with Jesus is. Even at a funeral scene, no clear gospel message is given. Not that every book needs one. But without that, this book can give the sense of believing in the basic goodness of humanity; the answer we need is simple kindness to one another. I don’t know if that was the author’s point, but the book could be interpreted that way. For instance, Theo makes a repeated point of telling people that “everyone is capable of saintliness,” but he doesn’t tell them about Jesus; he simply encourages them to live with strong attributes like courage, bravery, etc.
So, to put this all together, this is a generally well-written book with a thought-provoking message about appreciating beauty, but lacks spiritual depth and clarity. ...more

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George Whitefield: America's Spiritual Founding Father
by Thomas S. Kidd

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I’ve read some biographies that are a drudge to get through. This book by Thomas Kidd isn’t one of them. This work is engaging, surprising, and incredibly thorough. I knew a little about George Whitefield before, but this book gave me a solid grasp o I’ve read some biographies that are a drudge to get through. This book by Thomas Kidd isn’t one of them. This work is engaging, surprising, and incredibly thorough. I knew a little about George Whitefield before, but this book gave me a solid grasp on his life as well as the cultural and religious forces during the time.
What stands out the most about Whitefield’s life is his unwavering commitment to the gospel and the desire to use any means possible to spread it. While that desire did lead to some imprudent—and even wrong—choices, I greatly respect his passion. He knew the radical change the Lord brought in his life, and he couldn’t stop telling others about the good news.
What surprised me about his life is the incredible emphasis upon the leading and movement of the Spirit. Honestly, at times it felt like I was reading a biography of Keith Green. I thought the Charismatic movement was only a recent phenomenon. While the modern ‘version’ may be, countless parallels are found in the writings of Whitfield, Wesley, and other characters in this book. Whitefield did eventually come to a more moderate position, but still—it was far more than I expected.
Another surprising element is the ‘cancel culture’ attitude present in Whitefield’s time. This is especially true with regard to John Wesley. Often, religious figures differed on some smaller, non-essential matters, and they were ready to excommunicate and throw shade at the opposing party. As someone once said, reading biographies help us see that our current issues aren’t always ‘novel;’ they’re just repackaged old issues. This book demonstrates that on several fronts.
Kidd does an excellent job of weaving primary source quotes throughout the book. You’re not just getting his summary—you’re getting the words of these historical figures. True, Kidd has updated some of the language, but he still preserves their thoughts and even some of their dialect.
At times, the narrative did seem a little jumpy, but I got used to it. Specifically, Kidd will start a chapter with an intriguing event, then jump back in time a little to catch the reader up. Once I figured that out, I knew what to expect. But overall, that’s pretty minor.
I was encouraged through reading this book. Whitefield, Wesley, and others weren’t perfect, but the Lord still used them. They’re honest (through the quotations) about wrestling with God’s leading, and even some of their own personal struggles. While this isn’t in my top ten list, it is still an excellent book that can encourage and motivate the reader as they pursue sharing the gospel. ...more

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Rise to Rebellion (The American Revolutionary War, #1)
by Jeff Shaara

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A fascinating look at the events leading up to the Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. The convictions and beliefs of the characters are complex, layered, and diverse. The author does an excellent job showing that, at least from the chara ...more

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What If I Don't Like My Church's Music? by Matthew Boswell

What If I Don't Like My Church's Music? (Church Questions)
by Matthew Boswell

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This is a short, practical book by a pastor-musician I greatly respect. While this read may not shake your world, it is a nourishing booklet that helps us realign our own attitudes with regard to music. Singing in church isn’t about us and what we li ...more

Luke Seibert rated a book it was ok

The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt

The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler
by Amanda Barratt (Goodreads Author)

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Let me start by saying I deeply respect the work it takes to write a novel, especially a historical fiction one. Barrett spent great pains researching and trying to make the book realistic. Hats off to her for this work.
And she did write a clean nove ...more

Luke Seibert rated a book it was amazing

Through Gates of Splendor
by Elisabeth Elliott

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This wasn’t my first exposure to the story, but I was encouraged and challenged in a fresh way by reading this book. Elliott’s humility, love for Christ, and steady faith shine through brilliantly. She doesn’t sensationalize the account; all the focu ...more

Luke Seibert rated a book it was amazing

Finding the Right Hills to Die on by Gavin Ortlund

Finding the Right Hills to Die on: The Case for Theological Triage
by Gavin Ortlund

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This is one of the top books I recommend. I first read it years ago and quote from it regularly. I just finished rereading it, and I loved it just as much—if not more—than the first time.
Ortlund does an excellent job explaining why theological triage ...more

Luke Seibert rated a book really liked it

Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel
by Conrad Mbewe

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It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I wanted to share every other sentence. I even cried out “yes!” at one point while I was reading. This short book does an excellent job showing the theological basis for true Christian unity.
The introduc It’s been a while since I’ve read a book where I wanted to share every other sentence. I even cried out “yes!” at one point while I was reading. This short book does an excellent job showing the theological basis for true Christian unity.
The introduction and first half of the book are packed full of rich truth. The writing style is accessible, and Scripture permeates the chapters. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity, and it’s not something we create. The author clearly shows that our unity is rooted in the gospel of Christ and empowered through the Spirit. This foundation can’t be missed, and it informs so much of what we think about the subject.
I deeply appreciated how the author pointed out the two ditches of false unity: accepting everything that claims to be Christian on the one hand, and insisting everybody must agree with us on everything on the other. Both dangers need to be avoided, and this book provides a theological framework for how to navigate that tension.
Yet with all that said, I felt the book lacked at the end. The author points out some threats to unity, and he also gives (very broad) examples of how churches and denominations can work across tribal lines. Yet practical advice and examples of what unity looks like in the local church are mostly absent. The author does provide discussion about distinguishing doctrinal levels of importance, preferring one another, etc. But I was left hanging when it came to how I can practically pursue unity. Maybe I missed it, but I failed to catch a vision for what this unity looks like at the local church level. Just one more chapter could helped alleviate that unfinished tension.
So, this book is an excellent foundation about the source of true unity. Without this theological understanding, any attempt at unity will fall flat. It’s also helpful in thinking of dangerous extremes. This is a foundation, a starting place. When viewed from that perspective, this book is an excellent resource. It’s just not an exhaustive look at how we practically pursue unity in the local church. ...more

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Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth
by Cameron Cole

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I deeply appreciate Cole’s heart behind this book. The coming age of the Messiah’s reign is already and not yet, and we need to live with both realities in mind. It gives comfort in sorrow, joy in grief, and direction for our pursuit of holiness.
Howe ...more

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Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People (9Marks: Building Healthy Churches)
by Matt Merker

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This book has its strengths and weaknesses. Merker is an excellent hymn writer, and I deeply resonate with his desire for gospel-centered unity in the church. In the first part of the book, he does a good job of describing what the church is—a body o This book has its strengths and weaknesses. Merker is an excellent hymn writer, and I deeply resonate with his desire for gospel-centered unity in the church. In the first part of the book, he does a good job of describing what the church is—a body of believers committed to helping each other grow in Christ. I appreciated the way he helpfully explained the major Biblical metaphors for the church (ambassadors, bride and body of Christ, etc.). He then contends that this understanding of the church should play an essential role in how we think of public worship as a congregation. I heartily agree. This is a short, overview book, so it’s not as in-depth as other works, but still helpful.
The second half is where I felt disappointed. Merker tries to contend for the Regulative Principle, meaning that we should only do what God has specifically commanded in public worship. The principle sounds good, but like with all treatments I’ve come across, it falls short from being convincing from a Biblical point of view. The Lord has given a lot of freedom to the local church. We don’t want to be flippant; we should seek his guidance in what we do and how we do it. However, no passage in the New Testament gives an order of service, or even describes the essential elements all together. A person has to force a reading onto several texts in order to support the Regulative Principle. That’s an overarching critique, and not just about this book.
Getting more specific, Merker lists the traditional elements of worship from a Regulative Principle perspective, but he doesn’t give much Scriptural support for this claim. He tries to distinguish between elements, forms, and circumstances of worship, but even he admits these distinctions are somewhat subjective and have been debated over time. And while I have a lot of respect for Capital hill Baptist Church, Merker can come across as holding up that congregation as the gold standard. I understand he wants to honor his church and point out good examples, but it felt a little much.
So, here’s my summary. The first half is helpful as a summary about the church and the need to think corporately in worship. The second half falls short in explaining the Regulative Principle and contending for its adoption. ...more

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	Never Saw It Coming: A Memoir 4.64 avg rating — 14 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Master of My Life 4.80 avg rating — 5 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Choice (The Chesson Valley Series Book 1) 4.50 avg rating — 4 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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	The Change (The Chesson Valley Series Book 3) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Choice (The Chesson Valley Series) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	It's Your Move it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Worth the Cost it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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