Stand Firm in the Faith Book Reviews: Faith

Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Called

An Inspiring story of Courage and Faith

Could not put this book down till I had finished it. You’ll feel as though you are right there with Lisa Jefferson as she goes through her experience. It was an incredible story of Heroism and courage that will inspire and fortify your faith. The impact of what a few minutes can have on a life is seldom reflected on so well as how Lisa Jefferson recounts in her dramatic story from Sept 11, 2001 as she took a call from one of the passengers aboard flight 93, and tells it with such compassion and details of how this event had forever changed her life. She relies on her relationship with God to get her through the tough and unknown terrain she was plunged into.

Lisa’s recounting of her experience brings out some very foundational lessons of faith and trust in God and it’s lessons are applicable for anyone facing those difficult seasons in life. How well will we act on those crisis moments in our lives? How has God prepared us so uniquely just for a certain task to handle those unexpected crisis moments? She says that each life experience, bitter or sweet, is a part of our training and preparation for the future. God may need you to intervene in a situation that will require your specific skill or experience. There are no ordinary people. Lisa stands firm in her faith and trust God through the difficult situation and encourages her readers to do the same in their own lives.

Publisher Northfield publishing
ISBN 13: 978-1-881273-75-2

Read/Reviewed date: July 5, 2010

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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.

Publisher Kregel Books

ISBN - 978-0-8254-2945-3

Reading / Review Date: December 2009

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Stand Firm and run with Perseverance

Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints

This book gives the reader a candid look at the lives of 4 Pastors and one author in missionary outreach, as they share how in their lives and ministries they have endured trials, persevered through suffering and challenges, and how their faith enduring faith and commitment to God, Prayer, and love for God’s word --sustained them in some of the more trying and difficult times in their lives. Because each Pastor’s experience of endurance in life’s suffering and difficulties is different, it makes this book interesting reading.

Contributing Authors in this book are: John MacArthur, John Piper, Jerry Bridges, Randy Alcorn, Helen Rosereare and Justin Taylor. There are some very beautiful and poignant moments in this book that bring the real impact of suffering and it’s distress to the surface and shows how these Pastors handled these events in their lives. This book will make you grow in your faith and brings renewed strength in your resolve to serve Jesus.

Outside of the mention of a few books (some of the authors) used as references in their chapters that we would not recommend for discernment reasons, the book was written well. This book effectively does what it sets out to do and that is, to encourage the believer to Stand Firm in the midst of trials, and endure and persevere through to the end till we meet our Lord Jesus Christ.

Published by: Crossway Books

ISBN - 13:978-1-4335-0114-2

This book can be purchased from Christianbook.com

Reading / Review Date: 2008

Growing by Grace

There are far too few books written on this vital aspect of the Christian life that are biblically based and theologically sound. Sanctification is not an option according to the Bible. ( 1 Peter 1:2 and 1 Thess 4:3a says: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” as well as many other related verses.) Sanctification isn’t prudish or legalistic, but is a necessary factor in having a right relationship with God, and brings satisfying and harmonious relationship with others.

A lack of Sanctification is an internal-outward problem that eventually effects all our relationships, but especially our relationship with God. The author tells us that Sanctification is a complex process-and is a divine/human activity. Rather then having a yield only-Holy Spirit does everything opinion of Sanctification, the author teaches that believers have a responsibility in obeying along with surrendering or yielding to the Holy Spirit’s power in their lives.

Jay Adams discusses how this much neglected subject of Sanctification in Christian living and teaching has caused much trouble in believer’s failed victories in overcoming sin and has at times in church history attributed to bad theology and practice on the subject of sanctification. He expanses on this by writing about the quietist movement and how total reliance on ‘surrender’ is not as reliable and brings far less results in conquering sin’s effect in the life of the believer.

Although the book is written for counseling, it is far more useful and necessary for any believer to read if they are seeking a deeper walk and relationship with God that will be lasting and fruitful. Many aspects of being born again and living the Christian life in regard to sanctification are discussed in this short and easy reading book. We thank Pastor Fisher for recommending this book to us several years ago.

Jay Adams was the director of Advanced Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in California and the Dean of the Institute of Pastoral Studies for Christian counseling. He has published over 70 books.

Publisher Timeless Texts

ISBN 10: 9781889032429

Reading / Review Date: October 2008

This book can be purchased at Amazon.com

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Cost of Deception

This was an interesting and helpful book. As deception continues to be on the increase, Hoaxes, urban legends, and rumors continue to circulate throughout Christiandom. As Christians we are to be a people of the Truth so what is true should matter to us. When what is true doesn’t matter anymore, what many Christians fail to realize is that it hurts the whole body of Christ.

This book takes a walk through some of the more common hoaxes and urban legends of the past that still continue to deceive and dupe Christians today. The author gives instruction on how to discern and avoid these falsified tales, legends, and old rumors and stories. Williams advises that by checking out the source, it can do much to dispel modern myths and the truthfulness of much of what is being circulated in the Christian community. He informs the reader that when Christians think that God only deals with them on an emotional level it causes a Christian to resist wise counsel and will leave that person open to deception.

Publisher: Broadman & Holman

ISBN - 080542381-8

Reading / Review Date: October 2008

The book can be purchased at Amazon.com

Thursday, June 23, 2011

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.”

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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.

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