Life transformation through mind renewal - the journey to God. According to the author, this book is based on a true story. He was caught up in a sinful lifestyle but then experienced the grace of God through forgiveness and became a Christian. I'm not a big fan of parable-type books, I prefer a more direct approach then a vague "Teacher" character leading me through lessons I need to learn. This book was not at all what I expected. I was expecting a book on how to renew your mind and keep it focused on God and His grace and forgiveness, I just could not relate to the story. Published by Hope of Love Publications-www.hopeoflovepublications.com-the author is a Christian Life Coach.
The Bible is quoted and paraphrased throughout each chapter with an index in the back.
I was glad to find a quote from Martin Luther on page 32, "God created the world out of nothing. As long as you are not yet nothing, God cannot make something out of you."
Divided into 14 chapters that seem to be semi-related to each other, it seems each chapter could stand on its own as an article.
I do understand the author's motivation in getting his story out, that God can save anyone regardless of what they have done. Perhaps just a straight telling of his story and how he came to Christ may have been more readable.
I have obtained this book free of charge from Bookcrash.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Unstuck - Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Your life. God's Design. Real Change. A Proven path to a thriving walk with Christ. This book is filled with stories of people who were saved by God from sinful habits and lifestyles, yet still struggle with sin. It also reveals the ugly consequences of continuing to live in sin. Some may think once you become a Christian, all struggles are over. This book confirms that this is not the case.
The authors even share their own personal spiritual journeys and backgrounds. This book encourages Christians in that no one has it "all together" and we all struggle with sin in our lives. The authors are CEO and editors at Back to the Bible ministry.
Jim Daly from Focus on the Family calls this book "A blueprint for genuine growth in grace, grounded in the unchanging power of scripture." There are research charts and an appendix describing the methods using over 70,000 surveys.
This book will help all of us realize that we are not alone in our struggles, we all struggle with the fallen nature of man. The author states, "Our sin nature and our specific sins are minute-by-minute reminders that our whole race has the same disease." That disease is called sin.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who thinks they are the only one that struggles and feels broken and wants to get unstuck.
Related websites are www.unstuck.gotandem.com and www.bethanyhouse.com
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher for review.
The authors even share their own personal spiritual journeys and backgrounds. This book encourages Christians in that no one has it "all together" and we all struggle with sin in our lives. The authors are CEO and editors at Back to the Bible ministry.
Jim Daly from Focus on the Family calls this book "A blueprint for genuine growth in grace, grounded in the unchanging power of scripture." There are research charts and an appendix describing the methods using over 70,000 surveys.
This book will help all of us realize that we are not alone in our struggles, we all struggle with the fallen nature of man. The author states, "Our sin nature and our specific sins are minute-by-minute reminders that our whole race has the same disease." That disease is called sin.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who thinks they are the only one that struggles and feels broken and wants to get unstuck.
Related websites are www.unstuck.gotandem.com and www.bethanyhouse.com
I have been provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher for review.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
From the Library of C.S. Lewis - James Stuart Bell
Selections from writers who influenced his spiritual journey. This book is authored by James Stuart Bell, who wrote his masters thesis on C S Lewis and his influences. The purpose of the book according to the author "Doesn't attempt to "figure out" Mr. Lewis, but to provide a smorgasbord of the content and style of those who have shone forth as messengers of light in his life." A quite a smorgasbord it is of a variety of material from history. There are selections from Martin Luther, Dante, G.K. Chesterson, Thomas A. Kempis and other well known and not so well known authors.
Lewis is quoted as saying that George MacDonald's Phantastes "baptizes my imagination."
There is a well organized Bibliography and Index that makes it easy to find references. The book is also divided into 18 catagories such as "Impressible Sweetness," "Divine Influence" and "A Particular Joy."
This is a good book to keep for reference and if you find a particular work or author to your liking, to delve into it more.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about what influenced C.S. Lewis in his thinking and conversion to Christianity.
Lewis is quoted as saying that George MacDonald's Phantastes "baptizes my imagination."
There is a well organized Bibliography and Index that makes it easy to find references. The book is also divided into 18 catagories such as "Impressible Sweetness," "Divine Influence" and "A Particular Joy."
This is a good book to keep for reference and if you find a particular work or author to your liking, to delve into it more.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about what influenced C.S. Lewis in his thinking and conversion to Christianity.
Monday, July 9, 2012
The Resignation of Eve - Jim Henderson
What if Adam's Rib is no longer willing to be the church's backbone? From the introduction we learn the purpose of this book. I believe it is something like not to take women for granted or limit them using their gifts. It imagines what a church would be like if all the women just didn't show up one Sunday. There is Barna Group research polling results and a section called "My Take" at the end of every chapter. Each chapter is an interview with women and the history they have had with churches that they have visited and been a part of. There is an appendix on selected Barna group survey data that was conducted in 2010 from 603 women in 48 states.
Of particular interest is a statement on page 265 that states: "What if we provided rules that leveled the playing field and made it easier for women to pursue influence and leadership wherever their talent takes them?"
I Corinthians 14:34-35 are the verses that prompts such a question.
Of particular interest is a statement on page 265 that states: "What if we provided rules that leveled the playing field and made it easier for women to pursue influence and leadership wherever their talent takes them?"
I Corinthians 14:34-35 are the verses that prompts such a question.
34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
How are we to apply this? In my particular church women are encouraged to use all of their gifts in serving, teaching and ministry. The only exception being not in leadership over a men's ministry or preaching in a worship service. If you spoke to most of the women in this large church, I do believe very few would think they are limited in using their gifts.
Although I do not agree with the author on his views, I do believe all of us, male and female, should be encouraged to use our God-given talents for advancement of His kingdom.
How are we to apply this? In my particular church women are encouraged to use all of their gifts in serving, teaching and ministry. The only exception being not in leadership over a men's ministry or preaching in a worship service. If you spoke to most of the women in this large church, I do believe very few would think they are limited in using their gifts.
Although I do not agree with the author on his views, I do believe all of us, male and female, should be encouraged to use our God-given talents for advancement of His kingdom.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Man Alive - Patrick Morley
Transforming Your 7 Primal Needs into a powerful Spiritual Life. From the best selling author of The Man in the Mirror comes an honest and much needed book for men in our culture today. Endorsements are from authors Dave Ramsey, Gary Chapman, and Bob Buford among others. Each need is given chapter and the author explains how each one of them is related to being a Godly man and a leader in both his home, work, and society. Patrick also leads a weekly Bible study to over 150 men locally in Orlando, Fl and over 5.000 over the website, www.maninthemirror.org.
A majority of men lead lives that are half alive. This author challenges men to be fully alive in their relationships with God and his family. If more men would take their God-given role in this world, what a difference it would make. The author states "You can become the man God created you to be. I'll show you how."
Of special interest to many will be Chapter 5 in which Breaking The Cycle is explained. In this chapter, you will learn how to break free of destructive behaviors that may have gone on for generations in the past and break the cycle. The author brings up his personal experiences in breaking free.
I would recommend this book for any man who wants to be a better husband, father, leader, and an overall better person. There are reflection and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and also an 8 week DVD study available. Readers are encouraged to start a men's group to discuss the subjects brought up in this book.
A majority of men lead lives that are half alive. This author challenges men to be fully alive in their relationships with God and his family. If more men would take their God-given role in this world, what a difference it would make. The author states "You can become the man God created you to be. I'll show you how."
Of special interest to many will be Chapter 5 in which Breaking The Cycle is explained. In this chapter, you will learn how to break free of destructive behaviors that may have gone on for generations in the past and break the cycle. The author brings up his personal experiences in breaking free.
I would recommend this book for any man who wants to be a better husband, father, leader, and an overall better person. There are reflection and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and also an 8 week DVD study available. Readers are encouraged to start a men's group to discuss the subjects brought up in this book.
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