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.

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

 

A Christian Worldview

Anthony Selvaggio has written an interesting book on the modern-day effects of worldliness on the Christian. He does not just address outward behavior but speaks to the internal working worldliness has upon the heart. This I found unique. The short description in the foreword of the book I think sums it up best when he says: “While external behavior practices do matter, the real battle to avoid worldliness occurs internally, in our hearts and minds. While we have been consumed with external matters, worldliness has gained a foothold in our thought processes. Satan has been very successful in getting us to think like the world. This book is an effort to counter Satan’s attack on our minds. It’s a counterinsurgency aimed at thwarting the evil intentions of our adversary.”

The book outlines 7 toxic ideas and then addresses these concerns with scripture. The chapters I found most helpful and interesting were those that dealt with Consumerism and new Technology and it’s effect on our culture, the Christian and the church. Those who would most benefit from this book would be those 35 and under. He does a thorough examination of the 7 ideas he presents and how these ideas are opposite to a Christian worldview and explains why these toxic ideas are non-christian. A good short read.

Anthony T Selvaggio currently serves as a visiting professor of Biblical Studies at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA and is also Theologian in Residence at the Rochester Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rochester NY.

Publisher: P & R Publishing
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 1596381965
ISBN-13: 9781596381964

I received my copy from PFO Ministries. To order visit their website.
P.O. Box 26062 • Saint Louis, MO 63136-0062

Another Book Review of this book can be seen at : Ligonier Ministrieshttp://www.ligonier.org/blog/7-toxic-ideas-polluting-your-mind/

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

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

A helpful Resource on Spiritual Abuse

Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse - Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church

Some churches uses their spiritual authority to control and dominate others. This book is a valuable work on the subject. The Authors do a good job at giving the marks of false spiritual leadership and their impact on an individual and/or a congregation. This is a good resource to have.

Spiritual abuse seems to be on the rise and more pervasive these days. Performance-based Christianity and legalism is often replacing the gift of Salvation in Christ and many are not experiencing the grace that is clearly taught in the Bible. Matt 23:13 the author notes that the ones being rejected from “enter in” are not rebellious God-rejecters, but are the ones that are responding to God---and go to church, but when they get there, “they come under a false-basis of authority, heavy weights of legalistic, load-carrying, and external performance,”…they get a form of godliness void of power 2 Tim. 3:5. The author also shows how scriptures on submission are taken out of context and twisted.

No one needs to be in a cult to suffer under spiritual abuse. If you are a new believer or a longtime Christian follower of Christ, remember that God’s Word the bible will encourage you to stand firm in the faith and not be put into bondage - Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and to bring peace and rest and hope for our souls in Him.  Recommended Read.

Copyright © 2005
Publisher Bethany House
ISBN: 0764201379

Reading/Review date: September 2010

Thinking about Eternity - A Biblical Study of Eternal Matters

Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the

Judgment Seat of Christ

There are misconceptions about the judgment seat (Bema) for believers, and what will happen when the Christian goes home to be with the Lord. This book helps to bring clarity. What the author writes may challenge a preconceived belief about what you might of thought your meeting with Christ would produce. Although Salvation is guaranteed for the believer who accepts Christ by faith Eph 2:8,9, but rewards will vary. Our deeds and motives will be examined. Lutzer writes: The purpose of our trials and temptations here is to train us for ruling with Christ. We will either be commended or we will have shame at His coming. 1 John 2:28 The key elements outstanding in this equation is Faithfulness and obedience to Christ. How we do here might determine our status in heaven for all eternity.

The Judgment seat will reveal the type of person we really are. Although there are similarities between the Bema and the White Throne judgment 2 Cor. 5:10 tells us all will appear at one or the other: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Lutzer lists several qualities Christ will be looking for: acceptance of injustice, Financial generosity, hospitality, spiritual disciplines, faithfulness in our vocation, loving the unlovable, doctrinal integrity, investment in people, watching for Christ return and acceptance of suffering. There is much encouragement for the Christian to stand firm in the faith.

A popular opinion you’ll hear Christians say; “Christ won’t be asking about your doctrine when you get to heaven”. Pastor Lutzer clarifies this with scripture by directing the reader to 2 John 1 and verse 8 where we are warned of deceivers and false teaching and it’s damaging spiritual affects that will bear on the outcome of a full-reward. Sound doctrine not only protects us from false teaching but will merit a more complete reward on the day of Judgment. This book is a good starting point of study.

Erwin W. Lutzer  has been Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for over 30 years and has written numerous books. He is also a featured speaker on Moody Network daily radio broadcast “Running to Win.” Running to win radio - http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/  and is the author of many christian books.   It can be ordered at Christianbook.com

Copyright © 1998
Publisher Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802441920

 

Reading/Review date: July 2010

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

America's Firm Foundation was established on Biblical Principles

The Book That Made American - How the Bible Formed Our Nation

We can not state strongly enough what important reading this book is in order to be informed as to the history of our Country and the role the Bible had made in the lives of the Founding Fathers of our country in their decision-making and in forming our political process and Freedoms and how the Bible shaped our Country, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.

This book also documents who were the Founding Fathers of our country and their backgrounds, who formed these documents, and why all of this is important for America’s future. What is impressive about the book is it’s documentation and inclusion of speeches and events that are not always widely known but nevertheless factual events in the forming of our Country’s history and it’s political process.

Many people these days are asking important questions about what’s going on in the changes that we are seeing. Many are seeing that we are at a critical time in our Nation’s history. The author of this book sees it’s vital importance that every citizen understands what our constitution says and how God’s Sovereignty is what preserve us as the nation we are and if we forget this the consequences that may come will be as the same as other nations that did n ot acknowledge God. This book clearly lays a strong foundation of America’s past historical Christian roots and virtues that have made our country great and why we must stand firm in the faith on the biblical principles which formed our country and it’s freedoms. Some chapter also includes pictures that help illustrate important points.

Copyright © 2009

Publisher Nordskog publishing

ISBN: 978-0-9824929-0-1

Read/Reviewed : April 2010

Affirming and Important Reading

10 Lies about God: And the Truths That Shatter Deception

Purchased this book in October at our local Christian bookstore, and include it in the reviews here. We found this book to be excellent and important reading. It is one of the best books we’ve read this year, among some others. 

The book has ‘real’ answers for spiritual seekers, and for those who have questions about Christianity, or more importantly about God., and what the Bible teaches, and also what the Bible does not teach as well. Lutzer explores some answers that are given for God that reveal half-truths and deceptive beliefs. There is a lot of misconceptions and opinions about God, and how God deals with man. This book covers these questions.

Erwin Lutzer is an accomplished Author, Pastor and Bible teacher. He is biblical in his approach to the questions that most often come our way as Christians from unbelievers and people of other religions and faiths, and is well equipped to instruct, teach and give answers to the questions of people who do not believe in Christ as Savior of the world. The book is an exceptional volume that is an apologetic, as well as it is strengthening reading for the long-time or mature Christian.

The Author searches the deeper questions of our faith and aids the reader in being able to know the Savior, grow in discernment so you are able to stand firm in the faith, and equip your witness for Christ to be effective with well reasoned answers. (1 Peter 3:15). There is a study guide in the back, with questions that will assist the reader with questions for each chapter that will help you retain what you’ve read, and can also be useful as a helpful guide for churches and bible study groups.

Erwin W. Lutzer  has been Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for over 30 years and has written numerous books. He is also featured speaker on Moody Network daily radio broadcast “Running to Win.” Running to win radio - http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/running-to-win/  and is the author of many Christian books.

Copyright © 2009 Erwin W. Lutzer

Publisher Kregel Books

ISBN - 978-0-8254-2945-3

Reading / Review Date: December 2009

Discerning the Prayer of Jabez

I Just want more Land

Bruce Wilkinson’s book “The Prayer of Jabez” hit the #1 best selling books in 2001 and captivated Christians everywhere. It was mass marketed in it’s success. Even years later, this little book is still being passed around and sold at church bookstores to a new generation that may have missed it’s exposure and the fad that hit the church starting years ago.

The author  examines the ‘Prayer of Jabez’ from the Scriptures used in the book (1 Chronicles 4:9,10) and gives it’s proper meaning, in context, and shows the discrepancy in Wilkinson’s interpretation of scripture, citing from his book. Gilley observes; that the Church is now experiencing the beginning of the fallout that came with the ‘abandonment of truth’ and instead have had a preference for experiences and success stories, and he warns the Church to return to thorough bible study and proper means of interpretation and rightly dividing the word.

The author writes in his book; “In order to become successful, the church-growth gurus have convinced us that we must go easy on truth and heavy on things the consumer desires, such as self-fulfillment, entertainment, and prosperity. Yet God’s church is to be the Pillar and support of the truth (1Timothy 3:15), not the place where people are told what they want to hear. The conservative church is becoming increasingly hollowed out as it exchanges it’s biblical purpose for one that is market-suggested. Many local congregations still have the outward shell that allow them to resemble Christ’s church, but the substance is gone, and in time they will collapse spiritually.” (pg. 53) Gilley’s plea in this book is---a return to Scripture and reading and studying the bible. The book offers an excellent section on discernment, methods of interpretation, and how to study your Bible, giving several pages of examples which can be used in small group study. These helps were outstanding!

The author shows the lack of discernment on the part of the Christian, and gives the reasons why discernment is lacking. On pg 48): “The Prayer of Jabez is a thinly disguised version of the prosperity gospel. It is (perhaps unintentionally) designed to deceive those who may detect the folly of many false teachers, but do not have the biblical discernment to recognize the same untruths when it comes from a respected and unsuspected source.”

The knowledge gained from the reading of this book is not only beneficial in exposing the scriptural errors in ‘The Prayer of Jabez’ book but the lessons learned can also be applied to any best selling author or book of Today that needs to be examined and discerned biblically from the Bible.

Copyright © 2002

Publisher Xulon Press

ISBN-10: 1931232555

Christian Love and Responsibility

Love, the Ultimate Apologetic: The Heart of Christian Witness

What is it about Christianity's position on love that is different than that of other belief systems and world religions?

This book presents the uniqueness of Christian love. Parts of this book are written in a narrative that establishes the topical study for discussion in each chapter, with the Author expanding on explaining an apologetic responds for Christian love and belief in the gospel.  We must stand firm in the faith without compromising the truth, and this can be done in love.

Art Lindsley gives an apologetic for the powerful witness of Christian love and gives a comparison with other worldviews.  Each chapter’s topic is best summed up like this:

Love is never sure apart from commitment
Love is never sane apart from conscious
Love is never safe apart from character
Love is never stimulated apart from community
Love is never seized apart from courage

The sub-title of the book - “The heart of the Christian Witness” reveals our responsibility as believers to proclaim hope to those who do not know Christ as their Savior and to apologetically defend the gospel in a way that is loving and selfless. The Author also touches on our relationships with other Christians, and points out that it is essential that we demonstrate love and forgiveness for one another. The holds some valuable insights on how to dialogue respectfully and lovingly with those who are atheist or new agers. Although the book is listed as Christian theology, there may be better books addressing this, but in all, it was a good read. 1 Corinthians 16:13,14 “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Copyright © 2008

Publisher IVP Books

ISBN 978-0-8308-3427-3

Reading / Review date: October 2009

Stand Firm; Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong

A good book that handles Controversial Issues

This book compares secular thinking vs. Biblical thinking. This book will help to give you the answers so you can stand firm in the faith and defend a Christian position on cultural and political issues of our day.

It aims to apply the scriptures to everyday situations and concerns that Christians face in their lives and questions and issues you may encounter and want to have a biblical response for. It is written by a variety of authors.

Some chapter titles and topics covered in the Content are:

Christian Liberty and Entertainment

Video Games - A biblical worldview

Parental Guidance - Making wise media choices

America Idols - Entertainment, Escapism and the Cult of Celebrity

Issues Relating to Divorce and Remarriage

Abortion, Birth Control and Ministry

Hope, Holiness, and Homosexuality

Euthanasia, Suicide, and Capital Punishment

God, Government and the Gospel

Sorrow, suffering and the Sovereignty of God

Why Christians can trust God

These are just a few of the issues covered. There is a scriptural topical reference guide in the back of the book. The writing is clear and helpful. There was some startling statistics on video games and the economy of the industry, the effects it is having on youths and young adults in our culture, and how it effects their maturity, reality, and purity. This is a book with solid biblical answers for the most talked about trends and issues of our day.

Copyright © 2009

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
ISBN: 0736926437
ISBN-13: 9780736926430

Reading / Review Date: September 7, 2009

Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong 

SEE VIDEO HERE: http://youtu.be/O6TzAhPDmNw

 

 

The Great Evangelical Disaster

The Last Apologetic
 

Francis Schaeffer’s most classic work is a call to the Evangelical church of it’s need to remain biblical, and is just as important reading for the Christian today as it was when the book was first published in 1984. Schaeffer’s message is that with the Reformation many came to Christ with the absolutes based on biblical form found in the bible, and it became widely known and great freedom came out of that. But in  the early part of the 20^th century - that Freedom became Autonomous, self-directed, and self-governing, and over time biblical form and the Christian consensus lacked constraint.
 

In explaining the moral breakdown of our times, Francis Schaeffer says this; “The titanic freedoms which we once enjoyed have been cut loose from their Christian restraints and are becoming a force of destruction leading to chaos. And when this happens, there really are very few alternatives. All morality becomes relative, law becomes arbitrary, and society moves towards disintegration. In personal and social life, compassion is swallowed up by self-interest…“When the memory of the Christian consensus which gave us freedom within the biblical form is increasingly forgotten, a manipulating authoritarianism will tend to fill the vacuum. At this point the words ‘right’ and ‘left’ will make little difference. They are only two roads to the same end, the results are the same. An elite, authoritarianism as such, will gradually force form on society so that it will not go into chaos-and most people would accept it.” (pg 23)
 

The distinctly Christian position of Knowledge, moral and spiritual truths of God’s word were being compromised in the church, and accommodation to the world’s thinking gave way to the spirit of the age, as liberal theology entered the Church, while notable scholars such as J. Gresham Machen who stood firm in the battle for biblical truth and biblical inerrancy were being silenced and driven out. It comes down to this; are we obeying the scriptures? Because this is the real test of our faith and lives in Christ and rather we believe the bible. This is not just a theological debate, but practical and obedient living.
 

Schaeffer reminds us again that “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” 1 John 5:13), and that Christians seem to have forgotten this, and spend little time considering this in relation to our daily lives in this world and how this relates to the culture’s effect on our church teaching and doctrine and urges the reader to stand firm on God’s Word and not succumb to the temptation of compromise and accommodation of worldly thinking.

Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer is widely recognized as one of the most influential Christian thinkers of our day. He wrote over 23 books which were translated into 25 languages and have sold over 3 million copies. Schaeffer’s most influential books include: A Christian Manifesto, The God Who Is There, Escape from Reason, He Is There and He Is Not Silent, and Whatever happened to the Human Race? Dr. Schaeffer and his wife Edith founded L’Abri Fellowship, an international study center and Christian community with branches in Switzerland, England, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, and the United States. He lectured frequently at leading universities in the U.S. and abroad. His common theme is the uncompromising truth of historic, biblical Christianity and its relevance for all of life.

Copyright © 1984 Francis A. Schaeffer

Publisher: Crossway Books & Bibles
ISBN: 0891073086
ISBN-13: 9780891073086

Reading / Review Date: February 20, 2009


Video:  Francis A. Schaeffer - A Christian Manifesto  

SEE VIDEO - http://youtu.be/6fF90CGcsyM

 

 

Christless Christianity

The Author communicates what he believes is the problem that is diminishing Christ from His prominent place in the Church, and in the heart and minds of Christians. One concern that he writes about is ‘Moralistic Therapeutic Deism’ in it’s various forms being promoted and practiced within the Church.

 

 

Michael Horton says: “My aim is not to target any particular wing, movement, person, or group. We are all victims as well as accomplices in our captivity. In fact, my sense of urgency is motivated by my impression that ‘Christless Christianity’ is pervasive, crossing the conservative-liberal spectrum and all denominational lines.”

What really caught our attention on the reading of this book, was how it shows that humanistic thinking is really down playing what Christ did for us. It’s like Christianity is becoming a works-based approach to know God, and not that we are God’s creation, and desperately deprived and that God stepped in and rescues us at the Cross by what Jesus Christ did for us. This is the Good News that needs to be shared and proclaimed.

Some of the concerns Michael Horton raises is how the Church in America is obsessed with being successful and relevant, and is mirroring the world without holding to the scriptures instruction to be holy and set apart unto God. He writes: “The church has repackaged itself that it can satisfy the masses. The church has become similar to many secular programs and self-help groups, becoming shallow and human centered.”
 

The author covers many of the current efforts of the Church’s use of programs and methods to recapture people’s hearts for God, and shows how these attempts have done little to bring Christians back to centering their focus on Christ and his finished work of redemption. The Author also discusses current popular authors and Evangelical teachers that are using psychology and new age teachings that distort the meaning of the Christian Faith. He is descriptive and thorough in his explanations of why this raises concerns.

Michael Horton shows how these methods and programs cause the Christian to be distracted from the simplicity of Christ. Paul warned us from the Bible to be on guard against such things: 2 Cor. 11:3 “But I am afraid that , as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be lead astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

 Some notable statements Horton addresses in the book deserve thoughtful reflection by Christians: On page 19) “The bible is mined for ‘relevant’ quotes but is largely irrelevant on it’s own terms; God is used as a personal resource rather then known, worshipped, and trusted; Jesus Christ is a coach with a good game plan for our victory rather than ‘Savior’.

On page 24) The Author asks the questions; “Does Christ come merely to improve our existence…Is Christianity all about spiritual and moral makeovers or about death and resurrection?…Is the Word of God a resource for what we have already decided we want and need, or is it God’s living active criticism of our religion, morality, and pious experience? In other words, is the Bible God’s story, centering on Christ redeeming work that rewrites our stories, or is it something we use to make our stories a little more exciting and interesting?

There was a good section in the book where the author shows how some people use the bible subjectively and allegorically which leads to misunderstanding of the scriptures.

Copyright © 2008 Michael Horton

Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 0801013186
ISBN-13: 9780801013188

Reading / Review Date: January 2009

 

The Author Michael Horton speaks about his book

SEE VIDEO HERE: http://youtu.be/1ReJr_Z1GQY

 

 

A Window on Eternity

One Minute After You Die

Yes, Erwin Lutzer gives here a book that will answer some of the most pressing questions people have about death and what happens when you die from a biblical perspective. The first chapter handles the issue of reincarnation and people who try to contact the dead, and shows how these misled ideas may open people to demonic spirits posing as whoever they think they may be contacting.

He takes the reader through a clear definition of what is Heaven, Hell, and Hades, and what the Bible says about these places. He defines the Judgment for unbelievers and the Judgment seat of Christ for believers. As in most of his books, his compassionate writing is well versed in Scripture. He touches briefly on suicide and other ethical issues. Eternity will be forever - get the facts now. A book that is meant to be shared with others.

Erwin W. Lutzer has been Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago for over 30 years. He is also featured speaker on Moody Network daily radio broadcast “Running to Win.” Running to win radio -  and is the author of many Christian books.

 

Copyright © 1997 by Erwin W. Lutzer

Published by: Moody Publishers

ISBN - 0-8024-6305-3

Reading / Review Date: September 2008

This book can be purchased at Christianbook.com

Jesus the only Savior?

Is Jesus the Only Savior?

Christianbook.com

A book rich in theology that will give clear answers for why Christianity is exclusive in it’s truth claims and proofs of why Christ is the only Savior. The author sets forth his discussion giving examples of how Jesus is viewed by contemporary culture. He takes on difficult issues like religious pluralism, postmodernism, and relativism.

The author James R. Edwards digs deep into scripture and gives historical background and evidence to reveal to the reader the nature and character of God and how there is no conflict in the presentation of the gospel and the exclusive claim of why Christ is the Redeemer of mankind and the only Savior of the world as Acts 4:12 clearly states, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Copyright © 2005
ISBN - 0802809812

Reading / Review Date: August 2008

All of Grace

It is All of Grace

Christianbook.com

 All of Grace was a book rich with doctrinal truths that believers at any stage of their growth in Christ will appreciate.

Spurgeon always humbly directs the focus on God and His word and brings the reader greater understanding into the riches of God’s grace and the meaning of our Salvation in Christ.

Spurgeon makes it very clear that God’s mercy and grace is not earned, but given freely - Eph 2:8,9 The chapters dealing with Salvation and Faith are extremely helpful. The book is written in a devotional format, so it is suitable for bible studies, or for your personal devotional time with the Lord. This book is a classic and a must read.

Copyright © 2007
Publisher : Destiny Image 
ISBN: 0768425522
ISBN-13: 9780768425529

The book can be purchased at  Christianbook.com

Reading / Review Date: June 27, 2008

Can a Christian have a demon?

Dilemma Over Demons DVD

This is one of the best dvds exposing the new unbiblical teachings on demonism of christians that has been popularized in the Christian Church today. These teachings regarding spiritual warfare and generational curses are being accepted by undiscerning Christians through ‘deliverance ministries’, and by some Christian counseling. Lorri MacGregor has researched well the biblical issues and errors from those who promote these teachings, and gives biblical answers why the Christian should not be duped into believing these distortions and errors.

The DVD shows how these extreme teachings come through a distinct theology and movements such as Kingdom Now, Dominion theology, Joel’s Army and other similar teachings where a Christian plays a dominant role over demons as well as playing a dominant role over the Christians they minister to. The DVD shows clearly how these error are promoted because of a poor biblical understanding of the verses they use.

Personal responsibility for sin is avoided and blame is put on the person’s past. But, the Bible does not support generational curses for Christians. Religious pride is also a factor with those promoting these unbiblical concepts. The DVD also shows a word study on some of the verses used by those who are involved and promoting these teachings, and will help assist you in your own personal study. The MacGregor’s have been serving the body of Christ since 1979 and have produced several excellent videos/dvd’s. Visit their website for more information. MM Outreach website http://www.mmoutreach.org/

You can purchase this DVD from the product page website and see a short presentation of the DVD here: http://mmoutreach.org/video/dod.htm   

Copyright © 2004

MM Outreach

Keith and Lorri MacGregor

Reviewed: March 2008

When Christians Roamed the Earth

Critical Issues examined biblically

Is the Bible-Believing Church headed for extinction? This is the question asked on the front cover. This book encourages the believer to hold fast to the authority of Scripture against the tide of opposition from critics on the biblical account of Genesis.

Topics covered in this book are: how evolution has been used in public schools to subvert belief in God and a biblical view of creation, documenting evolution’s racism origin, quoting from it’s founders, evidence for the flood, the role of evolution in our culture, evolution in religions like the new age and those who pioneered it’s spread, the impact of evolutionary thought on science and technology and more.

There is a whole chapter on documenting the Christian Church’s departure from it’s historical position on creationism and themes in Genesis, (good reading), which covers: original sin, the flood of Noah, and the dispersion of people/languages. Each chapter is written by a different author in their field of study.

Our ‘evolutionized-culture’ will determine our future if the Christian remains silent in their biblical beliefs. For those Christian critics of apologetics who think reasoning from the scriptures is a waste of time or usurping the Holy Spirit; Christians are commanded from scripture to have an answer for the hope that is in you - 1 Peter 3:15. We are told to be salt and light in this world and to defend the Faith. (Matt 5:13-15, Jude 3)

This book’s contributing authors are: Ken Ham, John Morris, Henry Morris, Carl Wieland, Jonathan Henry and Jack Cuozzo.  Website: http://www.answersingenesis.org/ 

 

Copyright © 2002 by Master Books, Inc.

Publisher: www.Masterbooks.net

ISBN - 0-89051-319-8

Reading / Review Date: March 2008