October 23, 2012…Core Aspects of Christian Faith – Powerful Teaching by Pastor John MacArthur

“Becoming a Christian means being sick of your sin, longing for forgiveness and rescue from present evil and future hell, and affirming your commitment to the Lordship of Christ to the point where you are willing to forsake everything. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it isn’t just holding up your hand or walking down an aisle and saying, ‘I love Jesus.’”

–John MacArthur

Best-selling author and Pastor John MacArthur reminds us that God is sovereign, that nothing happens without the will of God, including one’s Salvation.  He talks in more detail about Salvation as the sole will of God (sole sovereignty) versus how good we are as Christians and persons (evaluation).

“Whom He justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:30)”

He also reminds us that God chooses to love us (Deuteronomy 7:6-7), but He is not obliged to do so.  Pastor MacArthur tries to bring light to our love/hate relationship with God making several references to contradictions found in the Bible.

MacArthur advises to submit ourselves to God’s will (chapters 2 & 3), live Christian-ly correctly (ch. 4) and confess our flaws to receive the God’s Grace (ch. 5 & 6).

“Many people claim to follow Jesus. Many people claim to be His disciples, and many always have. But in these verses in Matthew, our Lord pointed to the proof of genuineness. This is the mark of a real follower of Christ.”

– in reference to Matthew 10:38-39.

This is a great little book, highly recommended for new believers and fresh reminders for those who have walked for a while.  Would recommend  the other two companion books in this series:  “The Truth About Grace”, and “The Truth About Forgiveness”.

Well Done, good and faithful servant Dr. Graham, Well Done, May 1, 2012

I requested Billy Graham’s “Nearing Home” book in November of 2011.  I have deeply admired Dr. Graham, his ministry, divine wisdom, and love for his Lord and Savior.  I have always believed him to be our modern-day prophet.  In this day, there are few that can even come close to that title.  He has always held himself to the Lord’s standards, and not only preached it, but lived his life as an example for the Lord.  Even with all my deep respect, love and admiration for this man that I have never met personally, it was with a little hesitation that I requested this book.  And thus, put off reading it until just recently, April of 2012.  Really, my hesitation was purely selfish – not wanting to face the inevitable fact that Billy Graham was nearing leaving this sinful world to live eternity with his Lord and Savior.   The thought of Billy Graham not on this earth to “be our lifeline, our connection to God” was a bit scary to me.  Yes, it sounds like I am glorifying Billy Graham, rather than his Maker.  But truly, that’s probably how the Israelites felt after Moses died – not really worshipping the man, but respecting the man whom God used so mightily.  So, with that said, realizing I must lean on the Lord, I finally picked up “Nearing Home” late April of 2012, with a box of Kleenex’s nearby, just in case my little heart became soft.

Right off the bat I was hit with my own purpose, calling and demise in my life.  What have I done for the Lord?  Have I lived my life for Him?  Have I followed in His calling for my life?  Will He say “Well done” when my days on earth are done?  These are questions we will all have to answer for.  For me, there certainly are days that I am not proud of.  Dr. Graham encourages us to “not retire from life”, but until our dying breath, God has a reason for keeping us here.  What a statement of hope that is!  We are commanded to care for others; “feed my sheep” were the words Jesus spoke to Peter before He ascended into Heaven.  Dr. Graham wisely states, “even if on our death bed, or an invalid, fill your mind with the knowledge of the Lord, as you impact those around you with hope”.

The love that is in the pages of this book totally shattered my hesitation, and actually encouraged and lifted my eyes upward.  Not only does Dr. Graham give practical advice to those who are in their elderly years, but he also gives wisdom to those who are younger:  to plan for the future, to think about your actions today that may affect your tomorrows, to practice forgiveness (“one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary” – I love that!), to build our lives on Christ.  Then, by the time we are elderly, our roots will have developed and strengthened, knowing that our present is not our future.  What wisdom.

In conclusion, I loved the last paragraph that Dr. Graham used in the introduction of his book:

“Someday our life’s journey will be over.  In a sense, we all are nearing home.  As we do so, I pray that you and I may not only learn what it means to grow older but, with God’s help, also learn to grow older with grace and find the guidance needed to finish well”.

Amen.  Thank you, Dr. Graham for your words about "Life, Faith and Finishing Well”.

An Impressive [having the power to excite attention, awe, or admiration] Bible

Unexpectedly, I am starting to acquire a nice collection of Bibles:  study, children’s, different versions, picture, etc.  I was really excited when this Bible became available for reviewing.  I stayed up late so that I could ensure a hard copy (and NOT an electronic version!) for myself.  And wow, am I so glad I did!  This rugged hardcover book is a gem.  At first look, the typeset is bold and large, making for a very easy and comfortable read.  Also, at first look, it may seem confusing to read, because of the [expanded] word features, but reading some reviews prior to choosing this for myself, I had a good idea of what to expect.  It is an absolute must to read the [directions], or the Introduction, at the very front of the Bible. This explains how this Bible is laid out:  Literal meanings, references, expanded translations, traditional wordings, and comments all within the [expanded] typeset.  This is such a great resource to actually see what God is saying, discover the significance and comprehend full meanings.  The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (for the Old Testament) and Greek (for the New Testament), with some parts in Aramaic.  Over time, our beloved Bible has been translated into hundreds of other languages – which all fall short in one way or another.  The [Expanded] Bible is not perfect, either, but it certainly does help and shed a great light on translation problems.  How it does this is by:  1) showing multiple possibilities for words, phrases, and interpretations.  2) It can show both an original metaphor and a more prosaic understanding of that metaphor.  3) It provides comments that give the historical, cultural, linguistic, or theological background that we may lack.  4) It also provides the most literal renderings to show what a translator has to work with.

So how does The [Expanded] Bible work exactly?  At first read, it might be cumbersome and confusing.  But I encourage you to press on, it is definitely worth it, and your eyes will become adjusted to it.  The [Expanded] Bible incorporates within each line the information you would find in a variety of Bible reference works, making it possible to read and study the Bible at the same time.  The base text appears in bold-faced type.  Alternate interpretations of words, phrases or other information are placed [in brackets in lighter type].

There is one other feature that The [Expanded] Bible boasts – and that is wide margins on each page.  I am one to write quite extensively in my Bible: my notes or something that has spoken to me, or maybe a sermon or talk has turned a light on a passage for me.  So the wide margins are indeed a nice feature.

I am excited to incorporate The [Expanded] Bible into my Bible study.  I know that translations have lost pertinent information over the years, and this Bible certainly will have its flaws, too.  But just from diving into it for a short amount of time, I can already see [and learn] what the original translation meant, and that is an amazing discovery!

God HAS spoken - here's proof

“Has God Spoken?:  Proof of the Bible’s Divine Inspiration, written by best selling author, Hank Hanegraaff, offers evidence that the Bible is truly the inspired word of God. Through archaeological evidence, prophecy, and various manuscripts, Mr. Hanegraaff helps those who doubt the validity of the Bible realize that it is truth.

Although I found the continued use of ‘acronyms’ to be a bit distracting, and the spending more time affirming the acronyms rather than the Bible to be annoying, I did enjoy reading this book and understanding more about the various archaeological finds that have surfaced over the past 200 years or so.  Archaeological finds such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Pool of Siloam, and many cuneiform engravings document Biblical history.

This book is a must read for Christians and non-Christians alike, for those who enjoy history, and for those who are not sure what they believe about the Bible. Hank Hanegraaff has done an excellent job in winning the debate over whether the Bible is truth.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program.

For Him Who Has Ears To Hear....The Fight Of Our Lives.

In regards to the term “terrorism”, Dr. Bennett correctly states that this ideology has deteriorated in our country, a country that has become more mindful of political correctness, to which Dr. Bennett correctly responds: “…if we want to prevent another slaughter, we must end this infection of the mind where we no longer call things by their proper names”.  The authors continue:  “The bottom line is this: the words Islam, terrorism, or even their modified forms such as radical Islam, and the violence these philosophies fuel, are being shunted aside, made ineffable, quieted, and hushed from high to low.  Americans and her allies – indeed almost anyone in radical Islam’s way – are being targeted, have been for a long time, and it is not letting up.  Sadly, it is we, in our rhetoric and mind-set, who are letting up”.

This is an important book.  The authors opine, and accurately so, that we (our society, our world, our communities, individuals) have gone (declined?) from intellectual, to rhetorical, to moral confusion.  Watching the news, reading newspapers (which are quickly being replaced by the internet and/or blogs), and even talking with people, it’s clear to see that the declination in fact is occurring.  We, as Christians, should not be surprised this is happening, as the Bible has spoke of these things.  What is disheartening is the sheer volume of people who believe and practice these ways – exchanging truth for lies and clearly believing those lies, and the lackadaisical attitude of the masses.

The authors make a stark statement, warning the reader that “Hezbollah and al-Qaeda has made it their business to murder, maim, hijack, and kidnap Americans with the same irrational hostility they harbor for Israel.”  And to back up that statement, the now dead bin Laden has been quoted:  “…dealing with the pampered and effeminate Americans will be easy”.  If that statement doesn’t make one open their eyes, I truly don’t know what will.  We have become people that resort to tailoring our language to suit the sensibilities of the enemy.  We have become dangerously confused about just who our enemy is – and who our enemy is not.  We have abandoned our moral sense, protesting against the eradication of the sheer, unmitigated evil.  The general “uneducated” thought of the Muslim belief is that it is a “religion of peace” or the “thinking of a faith that brings comfort to a billion people around the world”.  However, their very publications assert the complete opposite:  “those who choose to reside in the lands of unbelief will be considered infidels and enemies of Allah”, and “generations that will come after us will certainly throw the Jews out”.

After 9/11, American government leaders bent over backwards to make sure that the Muslim community did not feel targeted – even to the point of appeasement.  This view has now compromised our safety while empowering and validating people who fuel the hatred.  Our global thinking of willful ignorance and denials will no doubt be America’s downfall.  The author’s take this a step further:  “…a country’s leadership that cannot muster the verbal wherewithal to identify its enemy by taking its enemy seriously at its word – when the enemy tells us again and again what it is, who it is, what it will do, and then does it – is a country that has halfway surrendered to its enemy”.  Chilling statement.  And to piggy-back off of that statement, the authors further in the book make the statement:  “…once upon a time we needed covert intelligence to help discover the nature of our enemies’ intentions.  That was then.  Now they tell us openly, loudly, time and time again.  Yet we ignore them.  This is a betrayal of more than moral clarity; it is a betrayal of reality.  And reality can be a merciless avenger when betrayed”.

Look, I am not a war-lover.  I do not enjoy hearing the stories of our fine soldiers being blown up by the enemies.  It breaks my heart.  More so, the mind-set of people around me who’s beliefs are mis-guided by lies.  What is the truth???  This is the question so many ponder, and ask.  To dig to find the truth would mean FACING THE TRUTH.  Jesus stated:  “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6).  We cannot excuse Christian violence in the past or present.  The New Testament affirms that Jesus Christ taught his followers to bless their accusers and pray for their abusers.  By contrast, the Koran instructs “Fight those who do not believe in Allah…nor follow the religion”.  So those who state that Christianity and Muslim religion are alike or similar, really are part of the “uneducated” population – which is fast growing.

One final important statement:  the authors recognize our failing schools in not teaching America’s truth to our young, impressionable children’s minds.  Our schools, too, have become dangerously ‘politically correct’.  “We have made aliens in our country by alienating ourselves and our children from our history and our cause.  Not only do many of our children no longer study our history at all; too many who do, study it as an oppressive story of misery, exploitation, and injustice…the Islamic fundamentalism {is a} strong brew, particularly for the immature and uncritical, and they can fill hungry and lost souls.”

For him who has ears to hear, AND eyes to read, let him read this book.  We are in the fight of our lives, and we better have our armor on – it’s going to be a long and hard fight.  The only hope we have as Christians, is that we know who wins in the end.  Hallelujah!

You have questions?....HE has answers!...April 18, 2011

I have really grown to appreciate Max Lucado’s writings and his heart behind the books.  This newest book of his, “Max on Life”, is my third book of his that I have read.  He comes across as a lifelong neighbor or friend, one that genuinely cares.  Whereas Mr. Lucado’s “parables” that he interjects seemingly constantly to prove his point used to annoy me, I find that I have softened a bit.  Mr. Lucado does have depthness, and truly he is divinely inspired.

“Max on Life” is a collection of questions that have been asked to Mr. Lucado over the years.  His insight into people’s minds and thoughts are spot on, in my opinion.  And he backs up his answers with scripture.  Note:  there’s a handy Scripture Index and Topical Index for easy reference at the back of the book, which is an awesome tool!  The book is an easy read, one that you can put down and pick back up without a break in thought.  It also covers a gamut of topics (all starting with the letter “H” – how fun!):  Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Have/Have-Nots, and Hereafter.  It is clear that Mr. Lucado has a Heart for the people, and the questions asked are not burdensome, but taken as an opportunity.  I would recommend this book.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program.

Unplanned by man, and Guided by God – Amazing story!...March 17, 2011

When my husband and I took a vacation to the ocean for our 10^th Anniversary, I brought along a couple of books to “catch up on”, this title was included in my stack.  “unPlanned”, by former Planned Parenthood Clinic Director in Bryan,Texas, Abby Johnson, is a story of courage and integrity in the midst of the forces of the culture of death.

Ms. Johnson’s story starts dramatically, one that brought me to tears with the gruesome re-telling of her assistance in an ultrasound-guided abortion for the first time.  So vivid was the imagery that I had to look away for a moment.  Ms. Johnson’s turning point begins at that moment, on Saturday, September 26, 2009.  From that moment on, Ms. Johnson walks us through her journey of soul searching for truth, as she admits that “scales came off my eyes”.  The events that occurred after she resigned from Planned Parenthood on October 6, 2009 play out in whirlwind form like a Monday night movie:  Planned Parenthood issued a restraining order and files a lawsuit (“violation of employment contract by breaking the confidentiality agreement with patients”) on October 30, 2009; on November 6, 2009 Ms. Johnson appeared on the Fox News show ‘Huckabee’; and finally the court hearing occurred on November 10, 2009, which resulted in a denial and dismissal in Ms. Johnson’s favor.  To read the events, I am struck by the Almighty Hand of God at work – when God moves, sometimes it is fast and you have got to hang on tight and watch Him work. 

However, to get to that point can be painful, with obvious repercussions for choices made.  What rang clear to me in reading Ms. Johnson’s story, were a couple of things:  that the Devil works mightily to make us believe lies; that if those lies go unchecked or unchallenged by us, then we easily fall prey and pain and heartache are inevitable; and finally, that the Lord is faithful and still in control of our lives and orchestrates a beautiful song when we are open to Him and obedient.  Ms. Johnson’s walk of faith, despite the outward darts flying her way, is a testament to God’s faithfulness to us.  Although Ms. Johnson’s story is unique in that it offers both sides of the pro-choice/pro-life debate, it is also a story that goes beyond to the deep and unrelenting love of our Lord and Savior.

What also rang clear to me were the true believers who demonstrated pure love, not judgmental, but came along side with gentleness and longsuffering.  Hey, isn’t that the fruits of the Spirit???  Yes!  May we all learn to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives – for we may never know whom God will touch through our obedience to Him.  Thanks for sharing your excellent story, Ms. Johnson.