The Sword by Marty Machowski

Like many of his other titles, this is a resource book that is designed to be read alongside the Bible, here specifically with Romans. There is a fictional story that is interspersed throughout the book about Katana and Brant who find a wooden sword and ancient journal that belonged to Magnus, a former gladiator who became a guard who watched over the apostle Paul while he was under house arrest.

The daily reading sections are usually not an entire chapter, although they vary in length. There is a one-page reflection after each daily reading. There are additional pages interspersed title “The Old in the New” where Machwoski connects the Old Testament to the New in ways that correspond throughout Romans.

While it could certainly be used with younger children, the target age range is 8+.

Machowski is at it again- making solid resources to walk alongside parents as they strive to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I was honored to be asked to endorse this title. Here are my thoughts,

“In The Sword, Marty Machowski thoughtfully guides families through the book of Romans, easing any apprehension with clarity and care. Each page is dripping with the Gospel. Like his other works, this resource is a valuable treasure for both families and churches.”

Machowski does an excellent job of first helping children understand the bad news that Romans gives us while offering the Gospel as the clear answer. He doesn’t shy away from things like the wrath of God, God’s sovereignty, and he affirms Penal Substitutionary Atonement. As always, he uses well-chosen examples and illustrations to make these truths understandable for children. Overall, I think this is truly an outstanding resource for young families!

As I know people will be curious, he does not tackle the concept of predestination head on. When I asked Marty about his reasoning for this, he said, “In covering the various topics in Romans, I just could not hit every verse and every topic in every chapter. As far as predestination, I did not hit predestination by name directly from chapter 8 verses 29 and 30. I allowed the truth to be carried through the story of God’s sovereign choice of Jacob and Esau in what I covered from chapter 9 (Page 89 and 90 in the Sword).” (Quoted with permission.)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclaimer for more info.