Cross Talk: Where Life and Scripture Meet

“Here’s a book I’ve been waiting for a long time: one that deals with the interpretation of the Bible for counseling. It is sophisticated in its understanding of the issues involved, but also practical and well within the reach of laypeople and counselors–in–training. Only 200 pages, it is bigger than it looks. Its importance is evident in its grasp of the central message of Scripture–the story of Christ—and its instruction in how to use that story to help transform ours. Throughout, the spirit of the author comes across as a compassionate and biblical lover of souls.”

“Mike Emlet’s CrossTalk gives biblical counselors crucial lessons in applying the Scripture both accurately and wisely when working with broken and hurting people. Even seasoned counselors will find themselves challenged to dig harder into applying and living out the truths of God’s Word.”

“Thank you Michael Emlet for reminding us that we spend far too much time reducing the story of God’s redemption to a digest version, rather than opening all of Scripture to connect it to people as saints, sufferers, and sinners.”

“Rejecting widespread and simplistic ways of connecting Scripture to our lives, Emlet heads down a more faithful path. He offers helpful insight as well as concrete models that make the Bible come alive in the concrete details of human life. Anyone who wants to live more faithfully in the biblical story as well as help others to do so will benefit from reading this book.”

“As a trained physician and now teacher and counselor, Emlet brings an immense wealth of knowledge and experience—helping us mine the whole counsel of God for the whole person. CrossTalk just moved to the top of my required reading list and is one I will commend to my parishioners to take and heed.”

“Depression. Divorce. Death of a loved one. Life can be messy, and pat “Christian” answers won’t help. That’s why Mike Emlet wrote CrossTalk. To equip you to tackle real issues with practical, life–transforming truth from God’s Word. If you want to enhance your clinical practice and learn how the Bible intimately connects with your clients’ daily struggles, don’t miss this book!”

“Michael Emlet’s practical insights on bringing Scripture to bear on the challenging problems of life are both simple and powerful. Anyone who masters these principles and uses them in the love and grace of Christ will be a channel of life–changing truth and wisdom into the lives of others. I thank God for this book and will recommend it to everyone I know.”

“CrossTalk isn't your typical cut–and–paste counseling guide. No, it’s deeper and richer than that. Its pages are filled with light, demonstrating a gloriously redemptive interpretation of Scripture and deep understanding of the condition and needs of the human heart. I highly recommend it.”

“Ministry of the Word happens somewhere in between the proof-text snippet and the broad generalities of redemptive history. God’s person, promises, purposes, actions, and commands catch fire in a person’s struggle with personal sins and situational struggles. Mike Emlet probes for the places truth ignites and probes for the ways Christ indwells hearts and conversations.”

“Michael Emlet has written a readable and insightful guide on how to move from the ancient text to our present situation. This book is especially important for counselors, pastors, and seminarians, but all thoughtful Christians will benefit from reading it.”

“In CrossTalk, Mike Emlet is serious about applying all of Scripture to all of life. Mike teaches us how to weave together the story line of Scripture with our own stories. And Mike gets the story right. It is a gospel story. Mike’s passion for the immediacy and centrality of the gospel story comes through on every page.”

“Are you, like me, unsatisfied with your ability to link passages to problems or people? With poignant insights shaped by years of teaching and counseling, Mike Emlet helps us connect the dots between Scripture and permanent change. If you hunger to apply the Bible to life, or to help other people gain an appetite, then feast on this book! ”