Showing posts with label Christian growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian growth. Show all posts

Friday, November 13, 2015

The Upper Room: Jesus' Parting Promises for Troubled Hearts


The Upper Room: Jesus' Parting Promises
for Troubled Hearts
John MacArthur


This book is not only an historical account the night Jesus died, it's a book that will help you search your own heart.  In a borrowed or rented room atop some shops or large family dwelling in Jerusalem, the drama unfolded. The events and teaching recorded in John 13-16, commonly known as the Upper Room Discourse, reveal some of the most poignant and powerful promises for believers in all of Scripture.
 

Jesus and His disciples were standing on the precipice of the darkest night in the history of the world. The Lord of glory was about to be betrayed and murdered. The disciples would be scattered, and the boldest of them would deny even knowing Him. The Lord knew full well that He Himself would soon undergo an unimaginable deluge of woe. He would be spit on and mocked by evil men. He would bear the sins of the world. He would be cursed with the wrath of God for others' sins. He would feel as if His Father had utterly abandoned Him. Any other man in that situation would have been in such a state of uncontrollable agitation that he would never have been able to focus his attention on the needs of others - but Jesus was different. He wanted His followers to know the peace of the One who has overcome the world. During those final hours before Jesus' betrayal, He gave His disciples - and consequently, all believers throughout history - His parting promises, that is the inheritance of every believer in Christ. In The Upper Room, pastor John MacArthur takes us back to that night and the glorious hope we have in Christ. If you're interested in searching your heart to see if you are humble, loving, loyal, read the book. I highly recommend it.


Publisher: Kress Biblical Resources
Publication Date: 2014
ISBN: 1934952206
ISBN-13: 9781934952207
This book can be purchased at Grace to you or Christianbook.com


 Dr. John MacArthur is one of the best-known and most influential Bible teachers of our time. His distinctive verse-by-verse exposition is heard daily by millions of listeners on radio broadcast “Grace to You.” Since 1969 he has served as pastor and teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. Dr. MacArthur is president of The Master’s College, and founder of The Master's Seminary, a frequent conference speaker, and a prolific author. He has written several best-selling works.
 

Monday, September 7, 2015

CRIES FROM THE CROSS

In Cries from the Cross, Erwin Lutzer examines the last words of Jesus, when He hung on the cross. In looking closely at these words, we can better grasp what the cross meant to Jesus, and to us. Rediscover the heavy weight of sin, His weakness, sorrow and compassion. The cross beckons to the hearts of those in need of grace. As you journey into the heart of Jesus, your own heart will be shaped to His.
 
 
There is so much to be gained in reading this book. If you want to truly understand what the Cross means to christianity, read this book.  It is an excellent explanation of why Jesus had to die the way He did, that we may know what it means to be saved. Erwin Lutzer explains the very heart of the Christian message.


Chapter Titles:
A cry of Pardon
A cry of Assurance
A cry of Compassion
A cry of Anguish
A cry of Suffering
A cry of Victory
A cry of Submission


Product Information
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Moody Publishers - 2002
ISBN: 0802413110
ISBN-13: 9780802413116


This book can be purchased at Amazon.com Here
 

Erwin Lutzer  is senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago since 1980. He is an award-winning author of more than 30 books. Dr. Lutzer is a renowned theologian and is a featured radio speaker on 3 radio programs heard worldwide. Erwin and his wife  have been married nearly 45 yrs and has 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

The Cross in the Shadow of the Crescent - By Erwin Lutzer

http://www.christianbook.com/
Islam is on the rise all over the West, including America. In this compelling book, bestselling author Erwin Lutzer urges Christians to see this as both an opportunity to share the gospel and a reason for concern. We have now reached a tipping point--the spread of Islam is rapidly altering the way we live. These changes are cause for alarm, for they endanger our freedoms of speech and religion.
 
At the same time, this opens an incredible door of ministry for Christians, for Muslims normally do not have access to the gospel in their own lands.  In The Cross in the Shadow of the Crescent, readers will discover helpful answers to these questions and more:

•How does Islam's growing influence affect me personally?
•In what ways are our freedoms of speech and religion in danger?
•How can I extend Christ's love to Muslims around me?


This sensitive, responsible, and highly informative must-read will not only equip you to better relate to your Muslim friends, neighbors, and coworkers, but will also encourage you with the reminder that ultimately the enduring truth of the cross will prevail.

Publisher:  Harvest House Publishers
Date: 2013
ISBN-9780736951326


Erwin Lutzer  is senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago since 1980. He is an award-winning author of more than 30 books. His most recent releases include: Oprah, Miracles, and the New Earth, One minute after you die; and the Truth about Same-Sex marriage. Dr. Lutzer is a renowned theologian and is a featured radio speaker on 3 radio programs heard worldwide. Erwin and his wife  have been married nearly 45 yrs and has 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

A New Earth An Old Deception

Featured heavily on Oprah and touted by critics and readers alike, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle is finding a huge following in the culture. Promoting ideas and beliefs that seem godly and good, this bestselling book is wrapping the country in a cocoon of sound spirituality. Or is it?


It may sound right---almost Christian, in fact---but something isn't quite right says Richard Abanes, the author of such books as The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code. Equipping Christians with biblical answers and viewpoints, Abanes helps believers---as well as the curious---understand that Eckhart Tolle's message is dangerous.


Easy to read, A New Earth, An Old Deception is a concise refutation of the Oprah-promoted bestseller, providing a clear biblical response to this new age message. Topics include Tolle's misuse of Scripture, false teachings on God, the Bible's teaching on evil, A New Earth's version of salvation compared to God's plan, and much more.

 
This book can be ordered from Christianbooks.com

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN: 9781441203137
ISBN-13: 9781441203137


 

Charismatic Chaos


The charismatic movement has made an impact on the church unparalleled in history. But one legacy of the movement is confusion and mushy thinking. In Charismatic Chaos, John MacArthur calls for biblical evaluation and analyzes the doctrinal differences between charismatics and non-charismatics in the light of Scripture.
 

"My principal concern," writes MacArthur, "is to call the church to a firm commitment to the purity and authority of the Scriptures, and thereby to strengthen the unity of the true church." To tough questions that seem to divide, Charismatic Chaos provides tougher answers that strive to unite. This book tackles such questions as:

Is experience a valid test of truth?
Does God still give revelation?
Prophets, fanatics, or heretics?
Does God still heal?
What should we think of the Signs and Wonders movement?
Does the Bible promise health and wealth?


This Book can be purchased at Christianbook.com

PuBlisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: 1993
ISBN: 0310575729
ISBN-13: 9780310575726




Sunday, November 17, 2013

Seeing A World of Difference




One or Two describes as "One-ism" and "Two-ism," the two ways of being spiritual.   One-ism believes that everything that exists is of one substance and that the goal of theology, spirituality and even sexuality is to destroy all distinctions, and bring all things together.
 
 
Two-ism believes that there is a God outside creation who made all that is not God and has structured creation for the good of humanity. Two-ism has implications in our theology, spirituality and sexuality.
 
 
The book is based on the argumentation of the apostle Paul in Romans 1. Peter Jones analyzes the current cultural expressions of spirituality in light of these two approaches.

 
About the Author
Peter Jones holds an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a ThM from Harvard divinity School, and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary. He taught at the Reformed Seminary in Aix-en-Provence, France for seventeen years, and was active in church planting. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, he is now Director of truthXchange (a 501 c3 organization), Adjunct Professor of New Testament and Scholar in Residence at Westminster Seminary California, where he was a professor from 1991-2003. He is the father of seven children and has numerous grandchildren.
 
This Book can be purchased at Amazon.com - See Here.

Publisher: Main Entry Editions; First edition (June 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0974689521
ISBN-13: 978-097468952

 



Monday, August 19, 2013

Health, Wealth & Happiness

The desire for a thriving, healthy, and productive life is as strong as ever, especially in tough economic times. As people become more disillusioned at the state of the economy, they also become more susceptible to the lure of the prosperity gospel and its teachings of health, wealth, and happiness for the faithful. But what happens when the promise of prosperity overshadows the promise of the real gospel--the gospel of Christ?

Believing that the prosperity gospel is constructed upon faulty theology, authors David W. Jones and Russell S. Woodbridge take a closer look at five crucial areas of error relating to the prosperity gospel. In a fair but firm tone, the authors discuss the history and theology of the prosperity gospel movement to reveal its fraudulent core biblical teachings that have been historically and popularly misinterpreted, even by some of today's most well-known pastors. After an introduction and assessment of the movement, readers are invited to take a look at Scripture to understand what the Bible really says about wealth, poverty, suffering, and giving.

Theologically sound but acessible to all readers, Health, Wealth & Happiness: Has the Prosperity Gospel Overshadowed teh Gospel of Christ is sure to become a trusted resource for laypersons, pastors, and Christian leaders.


David W. Jones (Ph.D, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian ethics at Sputheastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He is the author of more than a dozen articles and books that cover a wide range of moral issues.  His Ph.D is in the field of financial ethics.

Russell S. Woodbridge (Ph.D, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an asistant professor of theology and church history currently engaged in missions work in Eastren europe.  He is a former vice-president for Equity Derivatives trading for Salomon Brothers AG in Frankfurt, Germany.
 
This book can be purchased at Christianbook.com - click here


Publisher: Kregel Publications
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 0825429307
ISBN-13: 9780825429309



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Psycho Heresy - Revised & Expanded

Amazon
Almost everywhere one turns in the church one sees psychology. The psychologizing of Christianity has reached epidemic proportions. We see it everywhere in the church, from psychologized sermons to psychologized persons. However, the psychologizing of the church is neither biblically nor scientifically justifiable. Beneath all the biblical reasons why Christians should not pursue psychotherapy and its underlying psychologies is this one fact.

The use of psychotherapy and its underlying psychologies denies the sufficiency of Scripture for the issues of life normally taken to a psychotherapist. This book demonstrates the fact that psychological explanations about life and psychological solutions to life's problems are questionable at best, detrimental at worst, and spiritual counterfeits at least.


About the Author
Martin Bobgan holds four university degrees, including a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Colorado and heads PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries. Deidre Bobgan holds an M.A. degree in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. They have coauthored hundreds of articles and twenty books.
 
 
This book can be ordered from Amazon (See Link:
 
 
Posted by: Sherry DuBois

The Suicide of American Christianity



 
American Christianity is dying a slow death at its own hands. Instead of positively affecting the secular culture, we are being infected by it under the guise of being "seeker-friendly" and "loving." Soon, the church may be an exact mirror of the culture that seeks to destroy us.

With a lack of strong, principled leaders, and with followers who want their ears tickled instead of being challenged to pursue righteousness, American Christianity is writing its own epitaph as it slowly dies. Unless we reverse course by embracing the complete, absolute truth of God's Word and stop trying to redefine God in our selfish human image, only a remnant will remain from a once-powerful church.

Do we have the courage to challenge our leaders and ourselves to reject secular culture and its influences? Or will we continue to die a slow death at our own hands as we continue to inhale the cancer of secular humanism? Time is running out.


Publisher: WestBow Press
Publication Date: 2012
ISBN: 1449750249
ISBN-13: 9781449750244

This Book can be purchased at Christianbook.com ( See Link:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=750244&event=AAI
 


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Twelve Unlikely Heroes

Christianbooks.com/

Product Description:
At first glance it may seem easy to put Bible heroes on a pedestal, and to think, They were specially chosen by God and had unique gifts and abilities. How could I possibly be like them? However, the reality is that the Bible figures we admire were human, with strengths and weaknesses just like us.


In Twelve Unlikely Heroes, best-selling author and teacher from Grace to You ministries, John MacArthur takes a closer look at several of these saints to show how God's glory shines all the clearer through their imperfect stories. You'll get to know the lives and times of Joseph, Jonathan, Esther, James and many others. In doing so, it will become clear how their stories apply to our lives today, and reveal the true Hero behind every witness.


Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 1400202086
ISBN-13: 9781400202089

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Church History Essentials

Stephen J. Nichols is more than a storyteller. He is truly a teacher, presenting a winning apologia for the necessity of church history and the importance of the Reformation for today. The Reformation deals with difficult questions of unity, ecumenism, and pluralism, and---despite its playful tone---it considers these issues in the spirit of the Reformation. Accordingly, The Reformation also contains an appendix of source documents, including excerpts from the Ninety-Five Theses and significant confessions and catechisms.
 

"Professor Stephen Nichols is already well-known for his remarkable ability to make history live and sing. This new work is no exception and will simply enhance his well-deserved reputation. It is a scintillating helicopter tour of the amazing men---and wonderful women---of the Reformation. Here conviction joins with courage, holiness with humor, in a wonderful medley of Christian heroes and heroines. You will find reading this book a pleasure and a challenge-from beginning to end. But take note of this church history health warning---these pages may prove addictive!"

--Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia (SC)  Stephen J. Nichols is a professor at Lancaster Bible College and Graduate School. He earned a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary. He has written six books, most recently

Publisher: Crossway Books & Bibles
ISBN: 1581348290
ISBN-13: 9781581348293


Tim Challies review:
I love church history. I consider it absolutely tragic that so few contemporary Christians have any real sense of their heritage. They know a little bit of New Testament history, can list hundreds of today's best and worst teachers, but know almost nothing of the 2000 years between.

The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World is one of a long line of books authored by Stephen Nichols, professor at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nichols is a prolific author who seems to be releasing books with impressive regularity. To this point all of his books have centered on church history. He has written several works on Jonathan Edwards, one each on Martin Luther and Gresham Machen, and one providing a guided tour of classic Christian writing. This new title "goes behind the scenes and uncovers the human side of the larger-than-life Reformers through user-friendly narrative stories on the Reformation."

Read more:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3UU7JD7UGRUUG/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1581348290&nodeID=283155&store=books


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Care of Souls



From the cover: This book gives reasons why Christians should be opposed to counseling, literally Stop Counseling! and Start Ministering! Reasons are revealed why counseling, because it is problem-centered, inevitably involves sinful conversations.

 
Central to ministering is helping individuals in need to overcome their fixation on their problems and encouraging them to become Christ-centered on a daily basis.

 
The book provides ways of equipping those in need with the truths of Scripture and encouraging them to live the daily life that will be honoring to the Lord and beneficial for meeting life’s problems without sinfully talking about them.


“Instead of following the ways of the world, Christians need to search the Word to find out how God changes individuals from the inside out without one human being probing into another person’s inner man, which only God can know. God does the primary work of change and has clearly set forth what believers are to do for one another: preach, pray, admonish, instruct, help, and encourage one another to seek the Lord daily through praying; worshiping; giving thanks; reading, studying, memorizing, and mediating on Scriptures; thinking biblically; walking by faith; loving, serving, and obeying God; and loving and serving one another.


This care of souls is to be practiced mutually in the body of Christ so that all may grow and flourish in the “faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). There is no system or program. Instead, it is the very life of Christ in every believer bearing fruit and bringing each to maturity through the Word of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the saints.”
 
EastGate Publishers 2011
ISBN-10: 0941717224
ISBN-13: 978-0941717229
This book can be ordered from: PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries
Ministry Website:
www.psychoheresy-aware.org 


Critical Questions/Critical Answers
Psychology in the Church
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Master and Savior



Did you know that every time you utter the word "Lord," you make a subtle yet profound declaration that God is your Master and you belong to him?


Best-selling author MacArthur explores what it means to follow Christ without hesitation---and why we as believers should consider ourselves slaves who were bought at a price.

Website:
www.gty.org


Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 1400202078

 
 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Soul-Nourishing Preaching Should be the Goal

Why Johnny Can't Preach 
 This author has done an excellent work in this book. The main premise is how has the movement away from language-based media to image-based media and electronic media altered our sensibilities and how has this shaped the preaching and preachers of today‘s churches. 

The concern is that the Insignificant has become significant because of our media-driven culture and this is dictating the quality and content of the preacher’s message. Too often the Bible is read or studied for “Information”, and not for it’s instruction and training in righteousness.   2 Tim. 3:16,17

This book gives several examples of modern preaching styles and gives instruction on where improvement is needed to fully and precisely convey the redemptive gospel of Christ. T. David Gordon states: “Christological preaching feeds the soul and builds faith.”

The author gives a helpful list 4 common alternatives that are utilized in today’s preaching: Moralism, How-to, Introspection, and Social Gospel/Culture War and explains each and it‘s affect on it‘s hearers. (page 79) He explains how these methods miss the mark and shows the comparison to preaching that is Christological. T. David Gordon’s book is beautifully written and there is much to gleam from the richness of his knowledge in ministry. Excellent. Recommended Reading

Copyright 2009
Publisher P & R Publishing
ISBN 1596381167

Read/Reviewed: February 9, 2011



Tuesday, November 8, 2011

A Reality Check on God's Will


Just Do Something

God’s will for each of us is firmly established in the pages of the Bible yet many Christians say they are looking for it. Some are saying you must have visions, put out a fleece, or have an extraordinary spiritual experience to know God’s will for your life, yet the author of this book writes with clarity, discernment and wisdom and directs the reader to the scriptures and reminds the reader of what it says is necessary to please God, how to make good decisions and have a blessed life.  We must stand firm on God’s word when determining our direction and purpose in life. The most important decision we will make in this life is to live for Christ and trust Him. This is a good book to give young people in need of guidance.

Copyright 2009
Publisher Moody Publishers
ISBN 9781575673295

Read/Reviewed: February 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

Christ-Centered Ministry

Christ-Centered Ministry  Versus   Problem-Centered Counseling
True knowledge and wisdom comes from God’s word the Bible, and gives us this precious promise in 1 Peter 1:3 “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” Since God is providing us “with everything pertaining to life and godliness,” then why are so many seduced into embracing the blending of psychology with Christianity?

This book reveals the origins, and the history of the psycho-therapy movement, and it’s impact on the church, and the errors that are found in problem-centered counseling which is regularly used and encouraged in churches today. The Authors explain the difference in Christ-centered Ministry and how it differs with problem-centered counseling. The Biblical counseling movement is a concept of integration of worldly psychological systems and theories which are being used by professing Christians, church counselors, and pastors today and while ignoring what the Bible tells us about such things. The Apostle Paul warned believers in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Much of the counseling/discipleship approach today - is a one up, one down method. Counseling involves 2 or more people conversing about problems with one being the so-called expert (Counselor - one up) who is expected to provide answers and solutions for the one in need (Counselee - one down) through a form of Talk Therapy). The goal becomes solving the problem rather than Spiritual Growth. The person or (counselee) becomes the center of attention and the problem more important than Biblical instruction found from the Scriptures and learning to keeping our focus on Christ.



Christ-centered Ministry relies on the work of the Holy Spirit in a Believers life. The Bible informs us that; problems of living are an opportunity for Spiritual Growth, growing in sanctification by denying Self. It also helps us recognize that God uses our sufferings and temptations to purify and mature us. Believers need to learn to come to Christ in their time of need, because only in Christ will they find His will for their lives and His way in each situation.

The Authors; Martin and Deidre Bobgan state in conclusion of chapter 3: “Every problem or trial is meant to conform us to the Image of Christ.
 
 
The Bobgans purpose in this Book is based on the preaching and teaching of the Word. This means the emphasis is on Christ and His work in the Believer through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Body of Christ to the glory of God. This book is written to encourage those who love the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s Word to Stand Firm in the Faith and don’t compromise. Paul exhorted that your faith should not stand on the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Cor. 2:4,5

Martin Bobgan holds four college degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Colorado, and is president of PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries. Deidre Bobgan holds an M.A. in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. They have coauthored numerous books and articles.
 
 
Copyright © 2004 Martin and Deidre Bobgan
Publisher EastGate Publishers
ISBN 0-941717-19-4

Read/Reviewed March 2006/2011

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Return to Your First Love

A Simple Christianity: Rediscover the Foundational
Principles of Our Faith
As Christians we are taught from scripture to stay in the race and stay faithful to Christ. Along the way we will fail just like some of the disciples did, but we are to repent, get up and finish the race in the pursuit of Christ. We are in a race and the road is upward. It begins on earth and ends in heaven where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Col. 3:3) This book brings you back to the basics and the very foundation of the Christian faith.

This is a book about restoring a vibrant relationship with Christ. Rev. 2:5a says: “Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first;” MacArthur writes that many give up in the race. This book will give you the encouragement and strength to keep standing firm on the sound teaching in the Bible and gives godly counsel and wisdom and sound biblical doctrine.

Copyright © 2009
Publisher Gospel Light
ISBN 0830747540


Reading/Review date: September 2010


Monday, September 12, 2011

A Book that Needs to be Read by Christians

When A Nation Forgets God - 7 Lessons We Must Learn
This is a timely book that addresses the concerns that are on the minds of many Christians today about the state our Country is in and where will we go from here. In the opening content of the book the Author states: “Back in the 1970’s Francis Schaeffer told us that one day we would wake up and discover that the America we once knew was gone.” that day is here. One does not have to be a prophet to see that dark days are coming to the United States. There are ominous signs that the freedoms we once assumed were ours are disappearing. Forces of secularism lead inevitably to a totalitarian state to which everyone is expected to submit.” (pg. 12)



Pastor Lutzer reminds us again of the precarious times in which we live by writing: “Francis Schaeffer used to tell us, people are willing to march down the wrong path if only they can be assured of personal peace and affluence. They willingly march forward, not asking where the path will lead.” (pg. 45, Chp. 2 subtitled: The Power of the economy)

This book is written to the believer and the church, we are not to react in an unbiblical way by what’s taking place in our nation, but what we are to be found doing is to be a creditable witness to the saving grace found in Christ. Lutzer says: “God is humbling us, that the political solutions that were suppose to rescue our nation from it’s moral and spiritual freefall have had scant effect. We are learning that the problem is deeper than we thought. In sum, we must realize that only God can save us from those trends that have already evoked His judgment. “ (From the introduction)

He writes that Nazi Germany has some lessons to teach us. The author writes that Nazism did not arise in a vacuum, that their were cultural streams that made it possible for the ideology to emerge, eventually gained wide acceptance by the popular culture of it’s time.

This book starts out very interesting, and ends in the same manner. Early on in the book, before even chapter 1 begins, Lutzer writes, “Today we face cultural pressures that are forcing us to combine Christ with other religions, or to combine Christ with a political or ideological agenda. The experience of the church Nazi Germany reminds us that Christ must always stand alone; He must be worshiped not as one who stands alongside the governmental leaders of this world, but as standing above them as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (pg 11) We must stand firm in our faith on the truths in the Bible in the midst of this gathering storm.

Erwin Lutzer reminds the reader: “that before Hitler moved to destroy the church, he decided to go make peace with it, and use it for his own ends.” (Chp. 1 pg. 18) The author goes on to give a brief history of the church and the people in these events and gives the reasons for why they conceded to do what they did.

Erwin Lutzer gives “Seven Lessons” in this book we can learn from
1. When God is separated from Government, Judgment folows
2. It’s always the economy
3. That which is legal might also be evil
4. Propaganda can change a Nation
5. Parents - not the State - are responsible for a child’s training
6. Ordinary heroes can make a difference
7. We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness


In the final chapter titled: When a Nation forgets God - “We must exalt the cross in the gathering darkness”, what the Author writes is so amazingly accurate that it is worth quoting: “Here in America we have what many believe is a new phenomenon in the history of the church. In previous eras we have seen the gospel neglected or even mocked by religious liberals and nominal Christians - that is to be expected. What is different today is that the message of the Cross is being ignored even by those who claim to be saved by it’s message. At the very time when the gospel must be proclaimed most clearly, we are hearing muffled voices even from some of the great evangelical pulpits of our land. Christian books flood our markets that have little to do with the heart of the Christian message.” (pg. 136-137).

Pastor Erwin Lutzer is Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago and is the Author of many books. This book is a MUST READ, and you will not put it down until you’ve finished it. I’m surprised this book isn’t in the top 10 Christian books. It is not a lengthy book, we found it to be a quick read and thought-provoking.

Copyright © 2010
Publisher Moody Press
ISBN 0802446566
Reading/Review date: April 2010

When a Nation Forgets God

 




Stand Firm on the Essential Doctrines

 An Excellent Resource 
This colorful, eye-friendly, brief, but excellent summary of Christian doctrine pamphlet is beautifully done. 

16 points of Essentials are given and explained in concise form.

Other points of interest include: The Essential Doctrines in the Creeds, and a glossary of terms listing some of the words used throughout the writing are included with condensed definitions.
Topics covered in this pamphlet include:
God's Unity---There is only one God.
God's Tri-unity---One God in three Persons
Christ's Virgin Birth
Human Depravity---No one can win God's favor by their own efforts
Christ's Sinlessness
Christ's Deity
Christ's Humanity
Necessity of God's Grace
Necessity of Faith
Christ's Atoning Death
Christ's Bodily Resurrection
Christ's Bodily Ascension
Christ's Intercession
Christ's Second Coming
Inspiration of Scriptures

There is also a helpful chart on how other Religious groups treat these Essentials. A great little fold-out that is done on glossy paper for durability. It is a handy resource to have or to give away.

Copyright © 2007
Publisher Rose Publishing
ISBN 1596361433

Read/Review date: April 2010

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

A modern-day Shepherd proclaims the riches of Psalms 23

Author Phillip Keller having been a Shepherd of sheep, applies his experience and knowledge to interpreting the depths of meaning in his writing on the 23rd psalm, sharing his insight on the care, management and giving the character of sheep. He writes that Christians are much like sheep. 

The author shows the parallels and similarities we face as believers, the struggles we have with the adversary, vulnerability, challenges and problems that come are similar to what he witnessed in the life and management of sheep. He writes in great detail about his own years shepherding his flock. The good Shepherd looks after his flock, protects, provides and sustains, such is our Lord Jesus Christ. Each verse from the psalm is divided into chapters. This book will bless you and strengthen your faith.

Copyright © 1970/2007
Publisher - Zondervan
ISBN: 13: 978-0-310-27443-8

Read/Reviewed: January 2010