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.
 

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.

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.

Another Jesus Calling



Christianbooks.com

Author Warren B. Smith has written a must read book documenting his concerns about the popular Christian devotional book "Jesus Calling". The devotional book written by Sarah Young has sold millions of copies by it's publisher Thomas Nelson, yet what's been pointed out in Smith's book shows there are similar new age messages/teachings from a new age book from the 1930's called: "God Calling", which Sarah Young praised as an inspiration in her own book: Jesus Calling. Young's book: "Jesus Calling" is a collection of messages presented in the form of a daily devotional book. Smith shows the "Jesus" of Sarah Young's book is "Another Jesus" and not the Jesus of the Bible. 

Warren Smith warns most urgently about his concerns on pg. 43: "The very real danger of spiritual experences is that they can be used to introduce new truths and new revelations. This is what the New Age is founded on, and the experiential "truths" and "revelations" of the New Age have been in the process of "infecting" the church for many years now.  As these new truths and new revelations supplant God's Word, they definitely revolutionize man's thoughts of Jesus Christ---which opens the door to embracing "another Jesus."
 

 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom
 we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit,
 which ye have not received, or another gospel, which
 ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.  (2 Corinthians 11:4)

 

The author Warren Smith shows how Young's Devotional book contradicts Scripture as he cites various quotes from the Jesus Calling book.  Smith warns about the danger of contemplative prayer which is also promoted in Sarah Young's book and the concerns of elevating spiritual experiences over the Word of God.  This is a book that gives much needed discernment about this popular christian book. Recommended reading. This book can be ordered from Lighthouse Trails.

Warren B. Smith has a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania; M.S.W. from Tulane University. Warren served as a social worker and directed several homeless programs in Northern California and served as a hospice social worker in New Orleans and in California. Because of his past involvement in the New Age movement, he has written extensively on the subject of spiritual deception.  He is a conference speaker in the U.S. and Canada.

 

 

 

Below is also a link to a companion booklet that covers recent problems with the Sarah Young book "Jesus Calling". This booklet from Lighthouse Trails - "Changing Jesus Calling - Damage Control for a False Christ" highlights further problematic issues with the publishing of Young's book and changes that have since occurred in it's text of the 10th Anniversary edition by the Thomas Nelson publisher while accountability issues are examined.   To order the Booklet click here: Changing Jesus Calling (This booklet outlines 5 problems with the book by Sarah Young - 'Jesus Calling'.

 

Out of Formation

Gary Gilley’s new book: Out of Formation deals with the Spiritual Formation Movement.  This movement is re-introducing ancient and mystical spiritual practices to the modern Church and Evangelicals are jumping on the bandwagon to be a part of this movement.  Popular Christian and Evangelical publishers have made it easy for Christians to access these Spiritual Formation practices, and have recently in the last decade produced volumes and series of books promoting it.  Current popular Evangelical  authors quote christian mystics in their books and recommend ancient practices as a fresh means of spiritual growth. (See pg 9)  

Gilley cautions Christians to be aware and concern about the drift away from proper biblical  discipleship which is given to us from the Bible on spiritual discipline and growing in Christ. Gilley cautions early in the book “It is absolutely essential to get this connection early in our study. Many if not most, of the disciplines and instructions found within spiritual formation are not drawn from Scripture; they are drawn from imaginations of men and women  passed along as tradition.”  (pg. 25).

 Pastor Gilley examines several ancient/ and mystical spiritual disciplines of the Spiritual Formation Movement such as:  Contemplative Prayer, Sacred Reading (Lectio Divina), Solitude and Silence, Journaling, spiritual mentoring, pilgrimage, Sabbath keeping, fasting and discernment and revelation to name a few, and explains  their history, origin, and details about the practices, and who in modern church life are supporting and promoting these ancient and mystical spiritual disciplines and building their ministries upon their uses. 

This book asks:  What can be learned from this renewed interest in spiritual formation, and what are the dangers?  The book is divided in two parts. 

Part One of this book has been written to interact with the history, teachings and dangers of the Spiritual Formation Movement. 

Part Two turns to the biblical alternatives for spiritual formation. It examines the means, or disciplines, which the Word of God clearly identify as ways God has designed for His people to be transformed into Christ-likeness, and to experience intimacy 


This book is well researched and is a  comprehensive study on the Spiritual Formation Movement. Serious and relevant questions are asked and answered in this book.  This is highly recommended reading. 

This book can be purchased at Amazon

Dr. Gary Gilley has been pastoring at Southern View Chapel in Springfield, Illinois since 1975. He is author of 5 books. He also writes a newsletter Think on these Things which examines important theological issues and trends in the Church.  Pastor Gilley is a board member of Brazil Gospel Fellowship  Mission  and the Personal Freedom  Outreach, and serves on the board for New Tribes Mission. 

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

Contending for the Faith

From the cover: “Recent years have seen an explosion of independent ministries claiming apostolic and prophetic offices. These new apostles and prophets are claiming the Church must come under their authority and direction in order to fulfill her end-time purpose. New doctrines and practices are being introduced into the Body at an alarming rate.

This book examines the claims and doctrines of the new apostles and prophets in the light of Biblical revelation and offers a response for the discerning Christian. “ Recommended Reading. One of the best new books on the subject.

 

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ…These are wandering starts for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 3,4,12

This Book can be purchased Here: Amazon.com
 

Keith Gibson has served in Christian ministry for more than 27 years. He is the founding pastor of Word of Life Community Church. He also serves as the Kansas City Director for the Apologetics Resource Center. He and his wife Doreen have been married over 26 years and have five children.

Title: Wandering Stars
Publisher: Solid Ground Christian Books
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 978-159925-317-4 

 

See Other Reviews of this Book:

Gary Gilley’s Book Review

MM Outreach Book Review of Wandering Stars - Newsletter order information http://mmoutreachinc.com/nv/nv102ad-inc.html

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

 

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

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:

http://www.amazon.com/PsychoHeresy-Martin-Bobgan/dp/0941717232/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372836719&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Psycho+Heresy

 

 

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
 

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

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/

New Evangelicalism

New Evangelicalism and the Purpose Driven 

and Emergent Movement

In this book you will discover and learn that there has been an intentional departure from believing the Bible is Inerrant and trustworthy, and has plunged the church of the 21st century down the treacherous slippery slope of accommodation and compromise. Paul Smith carefully documents the sobering truth in this book.

Some of the questions that will be answered are:
Are there clear historical markers that identify this paradigm shift?

Why have so many evangelicals identified themselves as “new evangelicals”?

What is the relationship between Fuller Seminary, the Purpose Driven Church, and the Emergent Church Movement?

How is the Emergent Church push for globalization harmonizing with the new world order in these prophetic last days?

Paul Smith answers these questions with case studies and documentation of the events that lead up to where we are now. The author shows the progression of ideas that were birthed in aberrant church beliefs and it’s historical origin. Smith writes that New evangelicals learned about the word “dialectic” from Karl Barth and neo-orthodoxy, and is today used by Emergent churchmen. This decline was only possible when the inerrancy of the Bible, it’s absolute truth was no longer believed by church and influential seminary leaders.

 

 

We must not forget that the church rests on the twin sufficiency of : the inerrant word of God - the Bible and the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit. We must stand firm always on these truths. Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5 and 2 Timothy 3:16,17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Publisher: Calvary Publishing
ISBN-10: 1597519774
ISBN-13: 978-1597519779

You can also order this book from: Olive Tree Ministries: www.olivetreeviews.org

See a review by Gary Gilley:  http://www.svchapel.org/resources/book-reviews/6-church-history/727-new-evangelicalism-by-paul-smith-costa-mesa-calvary-publishing-2011-215-pp-paper-1200

Twilight's Last Gleaming

Economic chaos, immorality, cultural decay, terrorism and global upheaval have convinced many that we are living in the twilight days of America. Dr. Robert Jeffress agrees, but he is quick to add a note of hope and challenge to be salt and light as God‘s children in this world. Twilight’s Last Gleaming makes the case that although we cannot prevent America’s eventual demise, we can delay it…and make a difference for eternity at the same time.

“So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as light in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” Phil 2:15,16

　

Publisher: Worthy Publishing
ISBN: 1936034581
ISBN-13: 9781936034581

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

A True Story

Out of INDIA

One of the best books we have read this year. Author and Film-maker Caryl Matrisciana documents her life story as a young child through her adult years and how she had gotten involved with Hinduism’s teachings due to it’s spread through pop-culture in London and it’s westernized teachings and new age practices. As she reaches out to find the truth, God intercedes to bring that truth through a Christian witness and His Word. Her testimony for Christ and God’s word is much needed in today’s Church, where oftentimes discernment and knowledge in world religions and it’s beliefs and practices is lacking and gives an Apologetic responds where it is needed. This book is excellent. This is a book that every Christian should read. Recommended reading.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ,

or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ,

and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders;

Insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the

Very elect. (Matthew 24:23-24)

 

From the cover: Born and raised in India, Caryl was surrounded by Hinduism - an all encompassing religion that embraces Yoga, Eastern Mysticism, reincarnation and at it’s heart, the belief that all is divine.

After leaving India for the West, Caryl, as a young adult becomes involved in the 1960’s hippie movement and unwittingly embraces Hinduism, which was in the process of being repackaged as The New-Age.

Raised a devout Roman Catholic, Caryl realized that Catholicism, Hinduism and the New Age Movement were all comprised of similar beliefs which had managed to gain inroads into various Protestant denominations. By the mid 1990’s, this New Age spirituality was calling itself the Emerging Church and being welcomed into the Evangelical Church. Today, the New Spirituality, with its foundation in Eastern Contemplative Mysticism accepts interspirituality, the idea that all religions are equal paths to God.

 

Out of India traces the roots of New Age emerging spirituality currently infiltrating global business, education, government, medicine, and now even believers--seducing millions of Christians away from the truth of Biblical Christianity.

 About the Author
Film Maker and best-selling author Caryl Matrisciana is a well-known expert on ancient and modern world religions, contemporary cults, the New Age, and the occult. Caryl has co-produced or contributed research and expertise to more than 55 documentaries in the past 30 years. For the past 23 years Caryl was the Creative and Marketing Director for Jeremiah Films, a Southern California film company, a leader in documentary film production and video distribution. She was instrumental in the research and production of many of the films covering a myriad subjects and also narrated many of them.

To order online visit the website:

http://www.caryltvshop.com/Out-Of-India-A-True-Story-about-the-New-Age-Movement-BOOK-by-Caryl-Matrisciana.html

Caryl Productions Publisher
ISBN-978-0-615-39955-3
Biography / New Age Movement

Has America become Hindu? Discover how deep Hinduism has influenced the post-modern world with guest Caryl Matrisciana on the show Christ in Prophecy.

 

YOGA and the Church

YOGA UNCOILED: From East to West

For Order Information click
on Image

From the cover: Many believe they can practice yoga postures, breathing, and focusing techniques devoid of yoga’s spirituality, not realizing that yoga is an inherent part of Hindu philosophy which teaches man and nature are one with divinity.

Today, yoga is experiencing a worldwide renaissance and in America has more than 70,000 yoga teachers working in 20,000 locations. Although viewed primarily as fitness instructors, these trainers are in reality the leading missionaries of eastern religion in the west. The twenty-seven billion dollar a year yoga industry is marketed to students, athletes, businessmen, pregnant women and senior citzens promising solutions for stress reduction, concentration problems, and issues of self confidence.

Once viewed by Christians as a pagan import from the East, yoga has now become mainstream in the church through “Christ-centered yoga classes” designed to help improve spirituality and experience “the presence of God”. But is yoga’s mysticism compatible with historic Christianity?

 

Video-journalist Caryl Matrisciana, who was born and raised in India, returns to her native land to search for truth among India’s leading experts and examines what Christian Yoga practitioners in the West are saying about their Yoga participation.

 

With critical discernment, this hard-hitting and informative DVD explores the ramifications of dismissing yoga’s core spirituality, and blending Biblical terminology and precepts with eastern meditative techniques and practices.  To order this DVD please visit the website below:

 

 

Caryl Matrisciana‘s Website: - http://www.caryltvshop.com/

To order this DVD online visit the website: http://www.caryltvshop.com/Yoga-Uncoiled-From-East-To-West-DVD.html


About the Author

Film Maker and best-selling author Caryl Matrisciana is a well-known expert on ancient and modern world religions, contemporary cults, the New Age, and the occult. Caryl has co-produced or contributed research and expertise to more than 55 documentaries in the past 30 years. For the past 23 years Caryl was the Creative and Marketing Director for Jeremiah Films, a Southern California film company, a leader in documentary film production and video distribution. She was instrumental in the research and production of many of the films covering a myriad subjects and also narrated many of them.

Can Yoga ever be Christian? 

SEE VIDEO :  http://youtu.be/8_yfxZmRokg

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

 

SEE VIDEO - http://youtu.be/B0lGqmQiPac

 

 

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

See Video: http://youtu.be/nx3ColYGNMM

 

 

Beyond Strange Theories and Bad History

What Have They Done with JESUS?

From inside cover: “Strange theories about Jesus seem to ooze from our culture with increasing regularity. Ben Witherington, one of the top Jesus scholars, will have none of it. There were no secret Gnostic teachings in the first century. With leading scholars and popular purveyors of bad history in his crosshairs, Witherington reveals what we can—and cannot—claim to know about the real Jesus. The Bible, not outside sources, is still the most trustworthy historical record we have today.

 

 

Utilizing a fresh "personality profile" approach, Witherington highlights core Christian claims by investigating the major figures in Jesus’s inner circle of followers: Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Peter, James the brother of Jesus, Paul, and the mysterious "beloved disciple."

In each chapter Witherington satisfies our curiosities and answers the full range of questions about these key figures and what each of them can teach us about the historical Jesus. What Have They Done with Jesus? is a vigorous defense of traditional Christianity that offers a compelling portrait of Jesus’s core message according to those who knew him best.

Publisher: Harper
ISBN: 0061120014
ISBN-13: 9780061120015

 
　
Product Description
Of late, Jesus has been in the media and news outlets repeatedly. But who is this Jesus everyone is buzzing about? Sensational claims about Jesus have been made, yet there is little or no hard evidence to support such outrageous claims. Pop-culture has tried to reinvent Jesus.

Biblical scholar Ben Witherington masterfully refutes the recent claims and implications of Bart Ehrman, the Gospel of Judas, "lost Christianities", and secret first-century "Gnostic" teachings. Dr. Witherington focuses on the impact of Jesus upon his earliest followers, the so-called inner circle from a historical point of view: Mary, James, Jude, Peter, the Beloved Disciple, Mary Magdalene, Junia (Joanna)and Paul, those who knew him, (or in Paul's case knew other eyewitnesses) and his character best to reveal the truth and reliability of the biblical accounts.


 

Ben Witherington 111 is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. The author of more than thirty books, including The Brother of Jesus, he has twice won the Christianity Today award for one of the best biblical studies books of the year, and he has presented seminars for churches, colleges, and biblical meetings not only in the United States but also in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Witherington writes for many church and scholarly publications, is a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Beliefnet.com , and has been featured widely in the national media.

www.BenWitherington.com

Desire and Deceit

This book offers Christians a wide-angle view of the dramatic - and disastrous - shift that has taken place in our culture's thinking concerning sexual issues.

Considering many of the most alarming contributors to the disintegration of the human family - from the mainstreaming of homosexuality to the revolution of sexual ethics - Dr. Albert Mohler will help you learn to how to apply biblical truths to the pressing issues of our day. The book is divided into many brief hard-hitting chapters, so you can open this book to any page to be informed on timely topics in just one sitting.

R. Albert Mohler Jr. is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is recognized by such publications as Time and Christianity Today as one of the country’s most influential leaders. See Albert Mohler’s website at http://www.albertmohler.com/

　
Multnomah Publishers, Inc.
Date: 2008
ISBN: 1601420803
ISBN-13: 9781601420800

Amish Grace



Christianbook.com



Based on a true story! Travel to Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, where a man murders five Amish girls in a senseless schoolhouse shooting before taking his own life.

Through the eyes of a grieving mother, the film explores the Amish community's reaction---particularly how they extend unconditional forgiveness and support to the gunman's widow. Stars Kimberly Williams-Paisley. Dove Approved. Approx. 89 minutes.

DVD
20th Century Fox
UPC: 024543700838


Christianbook.com

Psychology and the Church



For nearly two thousand years prior to the rise of modern psychiatry and psychotherapy, the church has ministered to believers experiencing mental, emotional, and behavioral problems by using the teachings of the Scriptures and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Contemporary Christianity’s embrace of psychology raises an important question: Was there an insufficiency on the part of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit during those two millennia that made it necessary for the church to turn to modern psychotherapy in order to more effectively address a Christian’s problems of living?

Crucial answers to that question will be the focus of this program, as we consider the influence of psychological counseling upon the church. In the history of contemporary Christendom, no secular enterprise has had such a profound influence on Christianity as has psychological counseling. The critical questions raised by these developments is: Have they been helpful or harmful to the body of Christ? T.A. McMahon, co-author of The Seduction of Christianity, is your host for this ground-breaking documentary. Featuring perspectives and insights of both Christian and secular experts including Martin and Deidre Bobgan, Tana Dineen and Dave Hunt, this powerful presentation exposes the roots—and results—of Christianity’s embrace of the beliefs of Freud, Jung, Rogers, Maslow and others.

 

PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries
Ministry Website: www.psychoheresy-aware.org
 

The Armor of God



Put on the full Armor of God and defend yourself against the attacks of the enemy! This full color pamphlet leads you through Ephesians 6:10-18, giving the historical context and spiritual application for each piece of armor. Perfect for Bible Study or Sunday school class. Double sided pamphlet from Rose Publishing.

Publisher Rose Publishing
Publication Date: 2005
ISBN: 1596360291
ISBN-13: 9781596360297

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

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

Thinking Christians Stand Firm in the Faith

Your Mind Matters

This book was refreshing, thoughtful and will stir your passion for God and His word. It will bring clarity and sense in how we are to use our minds as Christians in all phases of our life and witness. John Stott examines 6 areas in which the mind is absolutely necessary in: Christian living, worship, Faith, holiness, Christian guidance and Christian Evangelism.

In speaking of our evangelistic effort, the author addresses the need for the Christian witness that appeals to the whole person; to the heart, mind and will of a person, with the whole gospel; Christ incarnation, crucified, risen, reigning, coming again and more. It is upon these crucial areas, and appealing to the whole person that conviction and true lasting Faith is built. He gives examples from the Bible how this was done by Jesus, the Apostles and disciples.

Publisher's Description :

"Knowledge is indispensable to Christian life and service," writes John Stott. "If we do not use the mind which God has given us, we condemn ourselves to spiritual superficiality." While Christians have had a long heritage of rigorous scholarship and careful thinking, some circles still view the intellect with suspicion or even as contradictory to Christian faith. And many non-Christians are quick to label Christians as anti-intellectual and obscurantist. But this need not be so. In this classic introduction to Christian thinking, John Stott makes a forceful appeal for Christian discipleship that engages the mind as well as the heart.

Copyright © 2007
Publisher Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN 0830834087

Read/Reviewed October 2010

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