Don't Throw the Believer Out with the Baptistry Water: The Best of The Point Is... Volume 1

by James Collins

The Point Is… is the weekly religious newspaper column written by Pastor James Collins. Within these pages you will find the wit and wisdom of country preacher. He is a natural-born storyteller with a talent for reducing everyday occurrences into messages that pack a spiritual punch. His stories have been called “modern-day parables.” Collins looks at life’s woes and wonders such as a flying rattlesnake, the church, family, a Christian horse, growing up, army life, and the differences in men and women. Don’t Throw The Believer Out With The Baptistry Water will leave you laughing out loud and tearing up a little too.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

335 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

James is a follower of Jesus, author, evangelist, retired U.S. Army Chaplain, husband, and dad. His latest book, The Overcomer, was released on September 23, 2024.

James says, "My calling is to be an effective communicator of God's Word." He has a passion to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. His writings have been featured in publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, Stars & Stripes, Baptist Press, Good News Press, Faith and Freedom News, The Baptist Standard, The California Southern Baptist, The Louisiana Baptist Message, Southwest Kansas Faith & Family, The Baptist New Mexican, The Baptist Digest, and Prophecy in the News. He and his wife share their home with their three extraordinary children, three dogs, and a lifetime collection of books.

Reviews

[Louise Bélanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do your soul a favour and read this book.

This is a time when I wish I could give more than just 5 stars. 7 would be right.

James’ real life stories will move you I assure you. You will smile, you will get teary eyes and you will laugh. They will grab your heart but more importantly, they, along with The Point Is...teaching will grab your soul.

Some stories (and the teaching) you kind of know where they are going. Others take you totally off guard... make you stop and reread them a few times....that is what God does when He wants your attention to show you something important.

If your faith is shaken right now, read this book, it will get you back to the place you want to be. For others, your faith will deepen. If you know nothing about Jesus, God, salvation.... reading this book is the perfect way to start.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy reading, mostly lighthearted book. It is a collection of short stories, each with a different point. The author is a great writer, knowing how to draw out the best of each and every situation.

This book could be used as a devotional, or if you just want a daily pick-me-up! There are several different chapters focusing on a variety of topics, such as: A Funny Thing Happened, The Dog Pound, or Stories that Tickled My Funny Bone! I especially enjoyed the chapter about the Christmas season and how gifts have changed, but there is ONE that always stays the same! Happy reading!

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking at my reviews and seen that I didn't write a review for this book in which I thought I did. It was the first book I read of Pastor James Collins. It is excerpts of a newspaper columb he writes called The point is. It has a lot of humor and nurtures the soul. He is a great Christian author and tells like it is.

[Jerry Carrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard James Collins preach a few years ago in Live Oak, California. So I thought I would give this book a try. He's a good preacher and writer. This is a fun book that is full of short little true life stories. I got a kick out of reading them.

[Linda Dupree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treat. Some of the stories are hilarious. Some are heart warming. All have a wonderful Bible message.

[David Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories to touch your heart and soul
Stories have a way of entering our heart and soul in a way that few other things can. In this collection of short stories, James Collins masterfully weaves together stories, Bible teaching and the Gospel, so that grace and truth enters our hearts.
Some of the stories are humorous, some are deeply moving; some are observations on life, some are deeply personal from his childhood and time in the army, but the lessons that he draws from them are always encouraging and thought provoking.
A great "thought for the day" type of devotional, this book will inspire you, challenge you and encourage you in your walk with the Lord Jesus. It is also a great resource for those who might be seeking, but have not yet found, the loving arms of their savior.
The stories that have impacted me the most, are from his time in the army. I wonder which stories will touch you the most?

[Thurman Faison · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Collins book is indeed inspiring. He chooses many Biblical passages to apply to experiences he sets forth in the book. Many of the experiences are personal and clearly sets forth his faith in the Lord. In reading this book you will find a massive amount of information and a variety of ways to apply the lessons he sets forth, in your own personal life. His personal sense of humor made me smile endless times as I read page after page. Read this book and you will not regret it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the stories & how they related to scripture. Some are funny & others sad but all have a point. Each story is different as to how it refers to a scripture, read one at a time or all a once. You won't be disappointed.

[Andrew Golden]

I read James Collins book and instantly found myself not able to put the book down. As James take you through life experiences you find your self laughing and crying as the stories go from the man remodeling his home to his time in the army. They stories he tells will grab your attention and you cling to every word. At the end of the story he ties it into the beautiful word of God. He teaches you lesson in a way that makes you stop and reflect on your life and ask God if there is anything that you need to remove. I will forever be a better man and Christian thanks to the words in this book. I encourage people to read it and cling to the words on the page.

[Shawna Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny! Great book!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began to laugh in chapter one, then sadness came. I’m reminded of my nephew who served in the army. I’m back to laughing again and some chuckling. His cousin has a real long name, I chuckled every time. At the end of each experience he leaves you with “The point is:” I’ve learned lessons with his “The point is:” from his experiences.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and heartwarming.

[John Morphus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a great man of God. He has really helped me in my life.

[Nancy DeJesus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Throw The Believer Out With The Baptistry Water: The Best Of The Point Is ... Volume 1 is a wonderful book. James Collins filled the pages with life experiences, all ending with a Biblical teaching (the point is ...). He is an amazing storyteller, and drew me right in to each of his modern-day parables. I found myself laughing one moment and tearing up the next as I read about his adventures with home improvements to time in the Army. I appreciated his masterful way of turning each experience into a time of reflection on my own Christian walk.

Each of his life experiences was originally written as a newspaper article, and then the articles bound into this book. I liked that if I was short of time I could pick the book up and read one or two articles. But be prepared, it's hard to put the book down once you start reading!

[Bob Jennerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom in these pages. I’m so glad I found James Collins’ “Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Baptistry.” The book is a series of devotions taken from stories of Collins’ everyday life. James begins each devotional with a story, most of them will have you laughing, and some will leave you crying. James is a great storyteller! He ends each devotional with a section called, “The point is,” where he brings home the lesson he wants the reader to learn.

There is so much wisdom in this collection of devotionals, yet told with such humor, honesty and relatability, that you won’t want to put it down. I kept saying to myself, “I’ll just read one more and then turn the light off.” Then I kept on reading.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will be entertained, enlightened and delighted. You’ll feel like you know James very well once you’re done, and more importantly that you know Jesus better too!

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book with many different uplifting stories, that are true in the author's life or that happened in life. The author, James Collins, writes for a column called The Point Is....he tells a story that happened in his life or someone else's, then tells you the point of the story to uplift you or just to get you think about God or His Word, which is important to all our lives. I really enjoyed the book and it's stories. And I recommend to all, because I believe you will like it too and that it will inspire and be a help to lift you up in your life. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book for my honest review and thoughts. I really enjoyed it.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started following Pastor James' columns in my hometown newspaper. He has a wit and a way that really packs a spiritual punch. I highly recommend this book.

[Violet Perry (Just a Bookish Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
Through personal experiences, stories, and experiences of others, Collins presents the gospel in a very easy-to-understand way that's perfect for the long-time believer and the new Christian alike. When the back-cover description says that these stories are like "modern day parables", I completely agree! I loved all the stories here, and there were SO MANY hilarious moments!! And whether your 15 or 50, I guarantee there will be lots of times were you'll relate, laugh out loud, and learn something new.
Definitely recommended!
~Full Review To Come~

[Stephen Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the title of this book, I thought immediately that the book would be a funny read. However, I was delightfully wrong! It's hilarious! James uses his life's stories as a segue into a life application from Scriptures. For me that the book can be read as a devotional as well as entertain is a huge bonus!

You can read it one story a day or all at once. And there's more to come, because the book's title says this is only volume 1!

Everyone should read it if only for some laughs!

[Mary Detweiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Collins is a preacher who writes a newspaper column titled The Point Is… Each column consists of a short story which illustrates a biblical truth. This book is a collection of stories from his column.

Collins has a very versatile writing style. At times he writes with a marvelous tongue in cheek humor that I really like. Example: “I want a motorcycle. My wife wants a new kitchen. We can’t afford both. Well, I am the king of my castle. I am in charge. I am a man. I have my pride. I want a motorcycle… Did I mention that we are getting a new kitchen? Maybe I can get a scooter and some leathers…”

At other times he writes with heartfelt sincerity and transparency. Example: “l preached Patricia’s funeral today. I really don’t know how to process her death. Patricia was my mother, biologically speaking. She was pregnant with me when she was fourteen-years-old, and wisely, made the decision to sign over custody to her mother. So, I was raised by my grandmother…deep down, I was bitter toward Patricia. My grandmother died when I was still a little boy, and for several years, I was shuffled around from one foster home and family member to another. Feeling unwanted and unloved, I blamed Patricia for my heartache…The point is: The Bible teaches we should forgive one another just as Christ forgave us. I have failed to forgive. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, I ask the Lord to forgive me, and I ask you to learn from my failures.”

I was blessed by this book. It touched my heart, it made me laugh, and it made me think. Where Was God? touched me the deeply; A Bad Day At Chick-fil-A made me laugh out loud; and Learn On Someone Else’s Nickel made me think. If you decide to purchase and read this book, I would be very surprised if it did not bless you too.

[Mary Pauline M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having this book in my life is a true blessing. During the first read, I have laughed, cried and received Holy Spirit prompting to reflect on scriptures and my personal life experiences. Noticed I used the words of ' is ' and ' first '. Those words were chosen because while I may have read the last page of this book .. I know I will be keeping this within an easy reach spot in my library. Praying all who read this book will be continually blessed as well.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do You Want to Be On the Winning Team?

This delightful book is a priceless treasury of blessings and wisdom from Pastor James Collins’s weekly newspaper column, The Point Is. The point is simple, and you’ll have to read it to find out. One-, two-, or three-page topics can be anything, such things learned as a U.S. Army Chaplain including needs of veterans, growing up in the South, Where was God, prayer, and learning on his nickel instead of our own. One could enjoy reading one or several a day, perhaps sharing one around the dinner table with one’s family or with one’s spouse in the evening. They could be used as devotions and appreciated by people of any denomination or faith background. Many times, I laughed out loud at the stories themselves.

The author shares examples from his own life. Some are laugh-out-loud funny, some joy-filled, some painful, and all are grace-filled learning moments. He uses examples from the lives of others, also. These modern-day parables begin with quotes from scripture appropriate to the point, and end with the point of the tale. Common to each is that the Lord can and does want all of us to be adopted into His family if we are wiling to be, no matter what we have done or failed to do in life. No matter our age or background, the Lord loves each of us. The entries often include a non-confrontational style altar call on paper for those who don’t yet believe or have drifted away from the Lord.

Pastor Collins doesn’t talk down to folks. His writings are full of warmth, humor, love for the Lord and for those he serves. He is transparent about his own life when it will help someone else. His humor may be at his own expense but never at the expense of another. Readers can open to almost any page and find a nugget of God’s kind of wisdom. I found many that delivered “ouch” moments of things I need to consider in my own life.

This would make a great gift for any age or denominational background. Men and women alike can enjoy these. People with limited time to read will especially appreciate it, but like potato chips, it’s impossible to read just one. I highly recommend this to people of faith, people who are seeking the Lord, even people who are seeking something and aren’t quite sure what. I promise you will find far more than you thought you anticipate.

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this book; a review was not required.

[Cat Roule · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a series of devotions taken from stories of Collins’ everyday life. James begins each devotional with a story, most of them will have you laughing, and some will leave you crying. James is a great storyteller! He ends each devotional with a section called, “The point is,” where he brings home the lesson he wants the reader to learn.
There is so much wisdom in this collection of devotionals, yet told with such humor, honesty and relatability, that you won’t want to put it down. I kept saying to myself, “I’ll just read one more and then turn the light off.” Then I kept on reading.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will be entertained, enlightened and delighted. You’ll feel like you know James very well once you’re done, and more importantly that you know Jesus better too!
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways, and author James Collins, for this signed copy!!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read James Collins book and instantly found myself not able to put the book down. As James take you through life experiences you find your self laughing and crying as the stories go from the man remodeling his home to his time in the army. They stories he tells will grab your attention and you cling to every word. At the end of the story he ties it into the beautiful word of God. He teaches you lesson in a way that makes you stop and reflect on your life and ask God if there is anything that you need to remove. I will forever be a better man and Christian thanks to the words in this book. I encourage people to read it and cling to the words on the page.

[Nadine Damo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-touching, hilarious and helpful.
This is a wonderfully entertaining, meaningful look at how our day to day lives reveal a deeper meaning. Mr. Collins does a great job of sharing real life moments and using them to make real Life applications through relating them to our need for Jesus. The stories about his life reveal humour, strength, and courage.
Although Jesus, Peter, and Paul say, that baptism is essential to salvation (John 3:3-5, Acts 2:36-41, Acts 9:5-18), the author believes a different view.
But other than that, I found the book fun to read, deep to ponder, and kind for Mr. Collins to let us look into his life and share his reflections.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Pastor Collins, for writing such an enjoyable and inspirational book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to Volume 2. This book is a collection of short anecdotes that are often humorous but they always encourage the reader to see God’s Hand in all aspects of life. Each tale starts off with a Bible verse reference and then a short, real-life story. The author then points the reader back to God. Each time I opened the book I felt like I was sitting down to chat with my own pastor. Definitely treat yourself to this book!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story, scripture and point of each reading is so merged together and so inspiring and uplifting that one moment there are tears and another moment there is laughter.

Humor, sorrow and joy in such a wonderful collection. This book is one of the best of its type I have ever read. It all gets to the very center of a person and they are not the same at the end. Five star plus! I would love to catch up to more of this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story, scripture and point of each reading is so merged together and so inspiring and uplifting that one moment there are tears and another moment there is laughter. Humor, sorrow and joy in such a wonderful collection. This book is one of the best of its type I have ever read. It all gets to the very center of a person and they are not the same at the end. Five star plus! I would love to catch up to more of this. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a more encouraging or inspirational book. I can tell this man has great talent and a love for God. He put great care and emotion into the stories in this book that will fill your heart with joy. I cannot wait to read his other works. If you want to laugh out loud and hear a word from God, then this book is for you. Although, the stories about his eldest child's antics may have been slightly exaggerated.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This good reads giveaway was a collection of everyday living by the author which inspired humor,joy and grief along with a dose of God's Word. I enjoyed reading this as a nightly devotional before bedtime and would contemplate the Word given to appropriate more in my life. The author did a great job compiling true stories to make a point-God's point, to instruct us in daily living