Stand Firm in the Faith Book Reviews: 2011-08

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

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.

Publisher Xulon Press

ISBN-10: 1931232555

A Book on the Prophetic Movement

Why I Left the Prophetic Movement

The Author Andrew Strom tells of what he has seen occurring at a Conference in Kansas City and how he discerned it. He describes what he saw going on there was so disturbing, pagan and ungodly that he left the Prophetic Movement. Strom believes that the movement is dominated by a spirit of divination and fortune-telling, and believes that it is beyond reform.

We are not in agreement with some things in the book, such as Strom disparaging remarks about discernment ministries, who have warned the Church of these false teachings for years. But he does bring up some very important points and examines what is happening within the Prophetic Movement and appeals to Scripture. Strom gives a strong warning to those who have been “Touched” and who are involving themselves in the manifestations, visitations, and experiences that are occurring in recent revivals, and as to those claiming to be prophets such as : Todd Bentley, Patricia King, and others. Those involved need to renounce it, in Jesus Name, with your mouth, and then have nothing more to do with it!

There is a good section in the book on IHOP and the modern Prayer Movement and it’s “Bridal Paradigm” - the Romancing Jesus teachings that are promoted in popular Contemporary Christian Music of today, and how this distorts a Christian’s true understanding of Christ and God’s Holiness. Some are justifying their own beliefs in this teaching based on Mystics who are quoted and teach these beliefs and supporting it, they somehow believe that this makes it correct or that this ’Bridal/Romancing Jesus teaching is supported in the Bible when clearly these teachings are not in scripture. Strom plainly shows how these extra-biblical teachings can lead an unsuspecting listener to accept false teachings and can open a Christian up to unclean and deceitful spirits.

The chapter on why correcting false teachings is NOT a Matthew 18 matter, was especially helpful. One thing I didn’t like about the book was it’s critical references to heresy hunters, yet Strom’s own chapter on discernment is no different than what ‘heresy hunters’ and/or discernment ministries have been warning the Church about for years and have been solidly standing firm in the faith on the truth of God‘s word.

We bought this book in early June/2008, someone we know was involved with Todd Bentley’s ministry school and revival teachings and read some sections of this book to her. This helped the person to evaluate the teachings of this movement and reconsider their involvement, but for some, seldom is this truly possible so quickly, since the teachings, peer-pressure and fleshy appeal is so seductive. It is always advisable to continually pray for those who have gotten involved with these teachings.

Publisher - Revival School

ISBN: 13: 978-0-9799073-0-2

Reading/ Reviewed: July 14,2008

This little church went to Market

This little church went to Market

In an effort to draw sellout crowds, is the modern Church in danger of selling out? This is the question author and pastor Gary E. Gilley addresses in This Little Church Went to Market. This book is a call for the Church to return to it’s Biblical roots.

This book which was released in 2002 is the 1^st book in a series. It addresses the Church Growth Movement and Seeker-Sensitive, purpose-driven church movement which has become popular. At that time, as even is today, the church that has bought into these movements has lost their way from the Biblical model and principles found in Scripture and needs to return to a healthy church which is built upon the essential Christian doctrines of the Faith. This author outlines the current church movements, their history, beliefs, and the infiltration of Psychology into America’s churches. A worldly market-driven philosophy is a key element in promoting this movement. Postmodernism has become an inevitable consequence as well. Polls have become the determiners of success and What works becomes a driving force, and Image becomes everything in drawing unbelievers into the church.

On (pg. 23) the author writes; “Growing churches are creating an atmosphere, an environment of fun. So fun has replaced holiness as the church’s goal. Having a good time has become the criterion of an excellent, growing church, since fun and entertainment is what consumers want. Yet Scripture references encouraging churches to become havens of fun are, as one may suspect, sadly lacking.”

The Author quotes John MacArthur’s observations “Many Christians have the misconception that to win the world to Christ we must first win the world’s favor. If we can get the world to like us, they will embrace our Savior. That is the philosophy behind the user-friendly church movement.”

This book gives the reader a better idea of how these movements came into being and also how our society and it’s placement of entertainment has been having upon the church and what kind of impact it is having upon our corporate worship.

ISBN 1-591600-49-9

Stay Faithful in Deceptive Times

This Little Church Stayed Home: A Faithful Church in Deceptive Times

Are you confused at all by what Modernism, Postmodernism, or Mysticism means? Do you still have unanswered questions about the “Seeker-Sensitive” church or the Emerging church, or about the Emergent Church Movement? Want a book that goes right to the facts that you can understand and be able to explain it to others? This book by Gary Gilley gives a brief historical background to these movements and what kind of impact they are having on today’s Church.

The author writes about the current trends and theological shifts that have taken place in the Evangelical Church in recent years. The author of this book asks the critical question; “If everything we need in life and godliness is found in the Knowledge of Christ, (1 Peter 1:3) why should the Church dabble around with anything else?

He warns that it is dangerous for Christians to close their Bibles. Pastor Gilley makes the convincing case that the Word of god is being displaced with substitutes such as; entertainment, drama, concerts, comic acts, etc. He also points out how many churches are using psychological therapies, which are distorting the biblical teaching of Salvation and Sanctification. The historical doctrines of the Christian Faith are being undermined. He also covers the sometimes complex spectrum of Mysticism, and it’s theology. He wisely points out that the Emerging Church Movement is a form of classical, medieval Roman Catholic Mysticism dressed-up for Evangelicals. Gilley writes that some Christians by pursuing mystical experiences have opened themselves up to a pseudo-Christianity that has the appearance of spirituality but not the substance.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Stay Faithful in Deceptive Times

This Little Church Stayed Home: A Faithful Church in Deceptive Times

Pastor Gary E. Gilley writes about the current trends and theological shifts that have taken place in the Evangelical Church in recent years. The author of this book asks the critical question; “If everything we need in life and godliness is found in the Knowledge of Christ, (1 Peter 1:3) why should the Church dabble around with anything else?

He also covers the sometimes complex spectrum of Mysticism, and it’s theology. He wisely points out that the Emerging Church Movement is a form of classical, medieval Roman Catholic Mysticism dressed-up for Evangelicals. Gilley writes that some Christians by pursuing mystical experiences have opened themselves up to a pseudo-Christianity that has the appearance of spirituality but not the substance.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

What Oprah is Teaching Millions About Spirituality

“O” God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah’s Spirituality

A book that has a unique apologetic approach to addressing the Spirituality that is promoted by Oprah Winfrey and her many guests she’s had over the years. The book is a dialogue of two women that are huge fans of Oprah and their journey to find the truth.

Pantheism and Eastern Spirituality has been steadily rising in the West, thanks in part to Oprah and many of her guests, friends and book club books she promotes through her TV shows. New Age spirituality keep coming with every New Season, promoting a new age spirituality and pluralism that many may not truly know what is being served up theologically and why these teachings are not consistent and contradict Christianity. If you are unfamiliar with how Oprah and her guests beliefs differ from orthodox Christian beliefs this book will give you some basics on the theology and doctrines being taught and how to Stand Firm in the Faith and discern the differences.

Books and Authors such as “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne’s, James Ray, Elizabeth Gilbert author of “Eat, Pray, Love, Eckhart Tolle author of “A New Earth” and Marianne Williamson, and others, literally were skyrocketed to fame with appearances on the Oprah Show, and their book sales are in the millions.

Oprah draws millions of followers due to her likeable personality, her generosity and down-to-earth charm. With it being reported in the news today of Oprah’s possible consideration of a move of her program to Los Angeles, she may have more influence then ever. This is a good book to give to a friend that may be dabbling with New Age spirituality. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book which makes it great for study groups.

After reading the book, there could not be enough said about discerning what Oprah Winfrey and her guests are promoting, and it is consistent with what the teaching found says to do: 1 John 4:1 “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Josh McDowell is the Author of 110 books including the best sellers More than a Carpenter and New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

Dave Sterrett has ministered to students and educators with Josh McDowell in Russia, Poland, and the United States. Sterrett also partners with Probe Ministries International in Plano, Texas and teaches on Christ-centered living and Christian apologetics at conferences, schools and churches.

Publisher - WND Books

ISBN: 978-1-935071-17-4

Reading /Review Date: November 2009

"O" God: A Dialogue on Truth and Oprah's Spirituality

A discussion with Dave Sterrett and Josh McDowell on the book

SEE VIDEO HERE: http://youtu.be/J2Zs-H6hAJM

Exposing Spiritual Abuse

Matthew 23 is a Good Overview

This book was very helpful. It’s unfortunate that more books are not written like this one to help Christians discern error. The writing was biblically balanced.

In an unhealthy church it is considered rebellion when decisions are questioned. Matthew 23 is referred to as giving example of where the Christians loyalty should be-- which is To Christ.

The author gives the traits of abusive leaders and unhealthy churches. He gives a list of 7 warning signs of spiritual abuse in a church:

1) Power Positioning
2) Unquestioned Authority
3) An atmosphere of secrecy
4) Elitist attitude
5) Performance emphasis
6) Fear motivation
7) Painful exit

Mike Fehlauer explains that many Christians have fallen into abusive situations within the church and he answers questions that maybe you’ve been wondering about, such as what is the role of the Pastor, what is a healthy church, when and how should I leave a church, what should I do if I recognize any of these unhealthy symptoms and more. He gives key scriptures and real life situations for why we should reject controlling and manipulative leaders, and also helps the reader by giving a foundation in which to build on to restore broken relationships and build trust.

There are a list of questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. One valuable point in the book is; when leaving a controlling church, it is impossible to leave correctly in the eyes of the abusive pastor. If you are suffering under the control of a manipulating leader, this book will help bring healing and will help you put things into a proper perspective.

Publisher Charisma House

This book can be found at Amazon.com

Reading / Review Date: December 2006

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Idol Makers

Hollywood Be Thy Name

Christians have a responsibility when they see Hollywood films and TV programs to discern them and stand firm in the faith, and show their faithfulness to God and His Word rather than having a fascination with Hollywood’s latest enticement. This is an evangelistic book, to those who are a part of Hollywood, as well as to those who idolize the Actors and anyone who is a movie lover.

This book is not light-weigh reading. The Author puts the fear of God into his writing and carries the gospel message through to the reader. Those things that are taken in with the eyes and ears do very much effect our own conscious and morals, (Matt 6:22-23) and do have a spiritual consequence whether we may believe it or not. The Author asks “Why are so many who claim to be Christians watching R-rated movies? And “What do you do when you hear the Lord’s name and God Blasphemed? Blasphemy of God and Jesus Christ is heard in many movies these days and in other forms of entertainment. It has become more and more prevalent and unrestrained. Where is Hollywood’s responsibility in what it produces?

Ray Comfort writes how there was a rating code enacted in the 1930’s called “The Hay’s Code” due to an outcry from the public because of movies containing sex and violence, and actors personal lives were giving Hollywood a bad image. In the chapter titled: Charlie Chaplin and underage girls, the Author writes:

“Hollywood was getting a bad image, so some studio heads hired a Presbyterian senator, William Hays, to try to clean up Hollywood and convince the nation that it wasn’t all bad. Hays persuaded the studios that abiding by a set of moral standards was the safest and cheapest answer to their troubles. If the movie industry policed itself, government censorship wouldn’t have to step in. Plus, the new “Hay’s Code” was a big money-saving measure. Instead of paying to fix moral content after the film was done, the studios could simply follow the code before making their movies, and everyone would be happy. So it was adapted in 1930.

The Author writes that in 1934 the code was enforced, and by it, it had the authority to review all movies and have script changes, and says if a theater ran a film without the proper seal of approval it was fined $25,000, and the code successfully forced the studios to toe-the-line. During that time period good family movies and Biblical epics were being produced. But in the 1950’s some found a way around the “Hay’s Code” through the free-speech clause and first Amendment, studios started pushing the moral standard back. “Then in 1968 Hollywood officially abandoned the filmmaker’s code and shifted the moral responsibility to parents with what we now know as the Rating System.”

Ray Comfort effectively proves how Hollywood has it’s own concept of God, and it’s own moral agenda. The Author shows what that is, and then writes what the Bible has to say about it. The Author cites that 79% of the total domestic box office sales were from church-going Christians in 2005 - per Barna group survey. This 79% shows that Christians are compromising their convictions. In this book Ray Comfort offers an evangelistic message that is sure to make you think about what influence Hollywood is having on your life, conscience and rather you believe what you say you do. Ray Comfort writes about what the Christian should be looking for, how and what we see and hear effects our conscience and what we as Christians can do to make a difference by Standing Firm in the Faith.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Spurgeon V. Hyper-Calvinism - The Battle for Gospel Preaching

“C.H. Spurgeon is best remembered today for the remarkable ministry he exercised in London during the Victorian era. His influence was incalculable. Thousands listened to his preaching every week, while hundreds of thousands throughout the world later read his sermons in published form.

A man of great natural gifts, charm and wit, Spurgeon’s master passion was evident in everything he did - to preach Jesus Christ to all as the only Saviour. But as early as 1855 this brought him into a serious and prolonged doctrinal controversy with Hyper-Calvinism.

By tracing this conflict, exploring the issues involved in it and showing what was at stake in them, Iain H. Murray underlines the contemporary relevance and importance of sharing C.H. Spurgeon’s convictions. “

The above best describes the book and is quoted from the inside cover.. This book is exquisitely written by Iain H. Murray. The Author gives a thorough historical account of Spurgeon’s ministry and life, and the book was helpful in understanding not only the life of Spurgeon and who he was, but what was going on within the Baptist denomination at that time of the controversial issues that are written about which is best remember as “The Downgrade Controversy. This book gave me a better understand of the issues that revolve around Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism.

For Further Research on “The Downgrade Controversy” - From John MacArthur's book: 'Ashamed of the Gospel' - http://www.spurgeon.org/downgrd.htm

Publisher Banner of Truth Trust

ISBN - 0 85151 692 o

Reading /Review date: Sept 2003

Friday, August 5, 2011

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.”

Publisher IVP Books

ISBN 978-0-8308-3427-3

Reading / Review date: October 2009

Faith Is Not Without Reason

Time for Truth: Living Free in a World of Lies, Hype, and Spin

Os Guinness addresses the moral and ethical issues of our times with exact precision and simplicity. The right questions are asked and answered in this book. Os Guinness sincere respect for the Truth found in Scripture comes across in his writing, and makes the reading and learning about truth stimulating and challenging for believers, as well as good reading for those outside the Christian Faith. He makes the complexity found in some terminology and philosophies easier to understand in his writing and illustrations.

As an example, in one chapter Guinness explains why ‘Reason’ is not excluded from our relationship and faith in God. He shows why this can be a pitfall for those who rely on feelings, experiences, and preferences. Guinness says this about truth and reason and the Christian today:

“Whereas both the Bible and the best thinkers of Christian history invite seekers to put their faith in God because the message conveying that invitation is true, countless Christians today believe for various other reasons. For instance, they believe faith is true “because it works” (pragmatism), because they “feel it is true in their experience” (subjectivism), because they sincerely believe it is “true for them” (relativism), and so on. For some of these Christians the deficiency comes from bad teaching. For others the motive is escape. Retreating into the fortress of personal experience, they can pull up the drawbridge of faith and feel impregnable to reason. But for all of them the outcome is sickly faith deprived of the rude vigor of truth.” (Pg. 78)

To sum up the importance of truth and reality for the Christian, the Author states it very well, “truth matters infinitely and ultimately because it is a question of the trustworthiness of God himself. This book will challenge you to seek the truth and what it means to live it. It was a most interesting and rewarding book to read. Recommended Reading.

Os Guinness is an internationally known speaker and senior fellow of the Trinity Forum in McLean, Virginia. He is the author of many books.

Publisher Baker Book House

ISBN 0-8010-1195-7

Reading / Review date: October 2009

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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.

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

Respectable Sins

Thoughtful reading and humbling

Our efforts to mature outside of the word of God is hopeless, but if we comment to the reading and studying of Scripture and have turned our lives over to Christ, the Holy Spirit will renew our minds, (Romans 12:1, 2) and will lead us, and correct us, and will direct us into all truth.

Jerry Bridges formerly vice president for corporate affairs of The Navigators is now a staff member in the Bible teaching ministry and has served on the Navigators staff since 1955. He is the author of many Christian books.

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