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.
 

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.

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

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

Thinking about Eternity - A Biblical Study of Eternal Matters

Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the

Judgment Seat of Christ

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 1998
Publisher Moody Publishers
ISBN: 0802441920

 

Reading/Review date: July 2010

Stand Firm in the Faith and have a Biblical Worldview

Grave Influence 21 Radicals and Their Worldviews that Rule America from the Grave

Brannon Howse begins by writing that Christians must stand firm for righteousness and says; “lies have been cleverly packaged in positive masking terms but behind them remains a destructive spiritual agenda.” The Christian must stand firm in the faith and proclaim the truths found in scripture.

 

The author’s passion is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach a biblical worldview. He believes the church can be reclaimed even if the culture can’t. At this point most Christians seem to know that Socialism is ravaging our country but may not know how we got to this point and where and who these ideas originated from. This book is an examination of 21 dead radicals, and their ideas, values and worldviews, and the influence they continue to have. Brannon Howse writes: “If you’re ready for this spiritual battle you’ll stand a better chance of keeping the faith, proclaiming the truth, standing firm for your family and it’s convictions, and enduring till the end.”

Part of this spiritual battle is--being equipped with a strong biblical worldview, this is what the author sets out to equip the reader with in this book. We encourage pastors, laymen, Sunday school teachers and parents to get this book and share this valuable information to fortify your faith and a biblical worldview. This book can be ordered at worldview weekend  at the website.  

Brannon Howse is founder and president of Worldview Weekend Conference. Brannon is also the host of the radio talk show Worldview Matters and has served as the education reporter for the Michael Reagan Show for many years. He is the author of several books on Christian worldview issues.

Copyright © 2009

Publisher Worldview Weekend Publishing

ISBN 0-9785014-7-0

 

Reading/Review date: June 2010

The Grave Influence of Karl Marx Video link:

videoid=4368http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-tube/video.php?videoid=4369

The Grave Influence of Saul Alinksy

http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-tube/video.php?

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.

Copyright © 2006

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

Read/Reviewed date: July 5, 2010

America's Firm Foundation was established on Biblical Principles

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2009

Publisher Nordskog publishing

ISBN: 978-0-9824929-0-1

Read/Reviewed : April 2010

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

A modern-day Shepherd proclaims the riches of Psalms 23

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

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

Copyright © 1970/2007

Publisher - Zondervan
ISBN: 13: 978-0-310-27443-8

Read/Reviewed: January 2010

Feelings and Faith

Having had the opportunity to hear the Author and Pastor of this book preach, we looked forward to reading the book. The candor and openness in which the author writes of his own experiences, allowed my emotions to surface and I could easily evaluate and examine my own in light of scripture. The book is very relatable, stretching and urging a response on the reader from the pages in those areas where thinking or feelings need correcting.

As a biblical Christian there is a responsibility to be diligent in theology and doctrine, and it was helpful teaching to have biblical examples of how properly to look at our human emotions and how this relates in our relationship to God. The portions of the book we fond most helpful were on biblical authority, God’s truth, forgiveness and anxiety and worry. This is a comprehensive book and there is much to learn, so it will be read more then once. Thank you Pilgrim Radio for reading this book on the air.

With this said, one thing worth mentioning: A lot of people tend to come into faith with their feelings and emotions strongly guiding them, and doctrine and theology is usually relegated as a secondary concern, if it’s a concern at all. In the last pages of this book’s chapter on pg. 206, the author states “For some reason many evangelicals have become suspicious of the emotions and generally discount them.” I would just say, that it seems it is not emotions that many evangelicals are suspicious of, but ‘emotionalism’ which completely sets aside the practice of doctrine and biblical instruction from scripture for proper worship of God and living the Christian life, but it was not missed what was written in Chap. 4 the author does teach that we are to use our emotions as God intends, Gal. 5:23, in a biblical manner, sober minded, reasonable, and sensible and exercising good judgment. Rom. 12:3; 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Tim. 2:12. Thank you for writing on this important topic.

Copyright © 2009 Brain S. Borgman

Publisher - Crossway

www.crossway.org

ISBN: 13: 978-1-4335-0363-4

Reading/Reviewed: March 6, 2010

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.

Copyright© 2001

Publisher Charisma House

This book can be found at Amazon.com

　

Reading / Review Date: December 2006

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.

Copyright © 2007
Publisher Bridge-logos Publishing
ISBN 0882703943


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.

Copyright © 2000 by Os Guinness

Publisher Baker Book House

ISBN 0-8010-1195-7

Reading / Review date: October 2009 

Stand Firm; Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong

A good book that handles Controversial Issues

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

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

Some chapter titles and topics covered in the Content are:

Christian Liberty and Entertainment

Video Games - A biblical worldview

Parental Guidance - Making wise media choices

America Idols - Entertainment, Escapism and the Cult of Celebrity

Issues Relating to Divorce and Remarriage

Abortion, Birth Control and Ministry

Hope, Holiness, and Homosexuality

Euthanasia, Suicide, and Capital Punishment

God, Government and the Gospel

Sorrow, suffering and the Sovereignty of God

Why Christians can trust God

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

Copyright © 2009

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

Reading / Review Date: September 7, 2009

Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong 

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

 

 

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.

Copyright © 2007 Jerry Bridges
Publisher: NavPress
ISBN: 1600061400
ISBN-13: 9781600061400

Reading / Review Date: July 1, 2009

Loving in a way the world can see

The Mark of Jesus  

Christians need to be aware of how our actions look to the world, we also need to stand firm in the faith and be ready always to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15). That is a summation of what this book is about. The Authors teach much to be considered, studied, and thought about. The book covers the Bible’s meaning of ‘love’ and how we as Christians are to love our neighbors, even when it seems impossible, and gives reasonable and scriptural examples to apply.

The book goes over the biblical definition of evangelical ‘unity’, and tells us “Unity” must be based upon the truths found in scripture, and not for purely humanistic reasons.” Some very good points were made in this chapter that are worthy of further study. It also covers how to respond when the world calls us hypocrites. Christians are to be living lives of peace and righteousness that testify to the redeeming power of Christ. This in fact shows that we as Christians bear the mark of Jesus.

Observable ‘love’ is seen by how Christians treat one another before a watching world. Most Christians will tell you they believe in The Fundamentals of The Christian Faith, (those things which are essential to our beliefs from biblical principles ). But they are quick to be divisive when it comes to agreeing that they are not fundamentalists! Some Christians mistakenly have taken the position that believing the ‘Fundamentals’ that are taught from scripture, makes them an Extremist, which is far from the case and is not an accurate appraisal. The authors point out that Evangelicals in the last recent decade don’t want to be associated with the name; “Fundamentalists” or “Fundamentals of the Faith,” but the ‘Fundamentals of the Faith are and have been a distinguishing quality of Christianity and Evangelicalism.

Timothy George is the founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School and a Professor. He has written more than 20 books and regularly contributes to scholarly journals, and is a popular conference speaker.

John Woodbridge is research professor of Church History and the History of Christian Thought at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois and is the author of many books.

Copyright © 2005
Publisher: Moody Publishers
ISBN: 080248123X

Reading / Review Date: June 8, 2009

This book can be purchased at  Christianbook.com 

The Great Evangelical Disaster

The Last Apologetic
 

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 1984 Francis A. Schaeffer

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

Reading / Review Date: February 20, 2009


Video:  Francis A. Schaeffer - A Christian Manifesto  

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

 

 

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.

Copyright © 2004

Publisher Timeless Texts

ISBN 10: 9781889032429

Reading / Review Date: October 2008

This book can be purchased at Amazon.com

A Window on Eternity

One Minute After You Die

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

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

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

 

Copyright © 1997 by Erwin W. Lutzer

Published by: Moody Publishers

ISBN - 0-8024-6305-3

Reading / Review Date: September 2008

This book can be purchased at Christianbook.com

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.

Copyright © 2001 by John A. Williams

Publisher: Broadman & Holman

ISBN - 080542381-8

Reading / Review Date: October 2008

The book can be purchased at Amazon.com