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Thoughts on the Christian life in a fallen world

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The NIV Ragamuffin Bible - Brennan Manning

Meditations for the bedraggled, beat-up, and brokenhearted. Do you believe that God not only loves you, but that He likes you?  This is labeled as a lifetime work from author Brennan Manning 1934- 2013.  This Bible contains the entire text of the NIV translation along with portions of the author's books including the Ragamuffin Gospel. Included are 104 devotions, 250 reflections, and 150 quotes all to help understand the corresponding Bible reference. The author says "They serve only to highlight God's extravagant love."
   In other reviews, I have mentioned that I am not a big fan of Bibles with additional material included, but I enjoyed these, and in the back in a reference to each and which book it is from.  It seems they enhance the text of the NIV.
If you enjoyed Brennan Manning's books, especially The Ragamuffin Gospel, you will enjoy this collection.
You have probably read these passages before, but  having them next to a scripture reference in context is a bonus.  This Bible can be used as a separate devotional on it's own, as it contains the whole NIV text.
I look forward to continue using this reference for many years to come.  It is a fitting tribute to a man who loved God, and wanted to share his thoughts with the world.

Published by Zondervan, see www.zondervan.com, www.brennanmanning.com.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Reason For My Hope Salvation - Billy Graham

What is the most hopeful word in history? For Billy Graham, that word is Salvation. The reason the author wrote this book is in Chapter 1 "To share what I have learned in nearly half a century of living with unwavering assurance of being saved."  And Mr. Graham makes it very clear that "Jesus Christ is the world's only hope."  This is a message that is very needed in this world. The concepts of Hope, Redemption, and Original Sin, are not as openly preached as they need to be.  Some may be surprised at chapter titles such as No Hope of Happy Hour in Hell and Sin Is In, as he pulls no punches and does not mince words.  If you don't read anything else written by Billy Graham, this book sums up his entire reason for him ministry and it will appeal to any age.  The salvation message is clearly outlined, and no one who has read this book can ever say they did not know how to receive salvation.
Included in the 20 page notes section are extensive references from every chapter, some from internet sources. The Afterword details the salvation prayer and an address to send to for more information.
Billy Graham's ministry has done so many good things so far, and will continue to for many years.
On a personal note, I have always had a lot of respect for Billy Graham through the years.  Throughout all the scandals of many other famous preachers, I have never heard even the slightest issues with Billy Graham or his organization.  He has withheld the standard of living and behavior that is so needed as an example of Christianity today.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious to know more about Christianity and to pass it on to others.