This is a must read for evangelicals as long as they be of a Christlike mind toward others and open to examine their own presuppositions/traditions. IThis is a must read for evangelicals as long as they be of a Christlike mind toward others and open to examine their own presuppositions/traditions. It is an unusual book. It should arouse in us empathy toward those who are not of our particular community, even those we might never consider candidates for conversion—namely those of the LBGT etc. community.
Rosaria was living the American dream as a tenured professor in a large university, a home owner, and a gifted speaker in her field. With her partner her home was often the hospitable destination of students. She was in demand even for her input on the university’s curriculum. Like many in her community, she regarded Christianity as downright damaging. Then, to her, the unthinkable happened.
In her own words, “In April of 1999, I felt the call of Jesus Christ upon my life. It was both subtle and blatant, like the peace inside the eye of the hurricane. I could in no way resist and I in no way understood what would become of my life.’
Her world was turned upside down. It happened through the friendship of a godly and hospitable pastoral couple. But along the way, her encounters with Christians and their churches brought out insights that many of us older Christian might have missed. These insights were not always favourable. They are too many to quote. Best read the book.
It teaches us not to pressure people to come to church. Rosaria spent two years enjoying the hospitality of this couple, watching them, and asking them questions.
Childers’ book is both an autobiography and an apologetic celebration of biblical truth.
Childers grew up in a godly and compassionate Christian home wChilders’ book is both an autobiography and an apologetic celebration of biblical truth.
Childers grew up in a godly and compassionate Christian home where loving one’s neighbour was modeled. She became part of a Christian band, ZOEgirl, through which she could exercise her musical and worship gifts.
Then she and her husband began attending a church and then a Bible study let by the church’s pastor. They enjoyed the church until Alisa began to experience in the Bible Study profound unease. She found that all of her childhood beliefs were re-interpreted and denied. She discovered that her pastor was a hopeful agnostic as he termed it, but really one of a growing number who call themselves progressive Christians.
This movement seems to be a surrender to modern culture and its move away from truth into post-modern relativism.
Over several year, Childers—of a probing personality—met the doubts spawned by the pastor head-on. Was the Bible inspired? Were the Gospels contradictory? Was Jesus the Son of God? Why do we need blood atonement? Is the God portrayed in the Bible a cosmic child abuser? What about sin? Is there a literal hell?
One by one she dove deep into the beliefs of the early Christians, the testimony of history, and real teaching of the Bible. And she came up strong, having faced her doubts and fears and proven them unfounded.
She presents this book as a testimony to the falsity and danger of progressive Christianity with their subtle redefinition of classic Christian beliefs. I highly recommend this book. ...more
A romance that began in Europe through a ‘chance’ encounter becomes a tale about the challenges a couple faces as the years and demands roll by. They A romance that began in Europe through a ‘chance’ encounter becomes a tale about the challenges a couple faces as the years and demands roll by. They begin with solemn promises that he, a guitarist, will sing for her a regular song and make up a song for her on her birthday., She in turn will put love notes in the strings of his guitar. Will this continue? What is the final note?...more
Safely Home, is a well-written novel that highlights the interaction of four main characters. First there is American business executive Ben Fielding Safely Home, is a well-written novel that highlights the interaction of four main characters. First there is American business executive Ben Fielding who goes to China to promote his business. He adds to his itinerary a visit to his brilliant friend Quan with whom he had studied twenty years previously. He expects to find Quan living a privileged life as a successful professor. Instead, he finds him in dire poverty due to his allegiance to the unregistered underground church. And yet Quan is joyful, happily married and at peace as a lowly locksmith.
The other two characters are communist China and a naïve American business community. The book unravels the repression inflicted on the Chinese, particularly any religious Chinese by their omnipresent government. Plus, it unveils the degree to which Chinese businesses, though wildly successful are part of the governments plan to take over the world. In the Chinese community, slave labour in the form of criminals or minorities is widely used in factories. It also unwraps the naïve compromise of American business interests and the weaknesses of American Christianity. If a profit can be made, businessmen are urged not to look to deeply.
In a sense the book is an expose of the idolatry of western Christianity, the costly commitment of underground Christians, and the repression of Chinese society.
We discover the challenges of underground Christians to meet in a society where every action is monitored and spies are everywhere. We ache at the lack of Bibles and theological books. We are stunned by the utterly committed nature of these Christians who accept, as we all should, the literal commands of Scripture. At the end of the book I felt that the roles should be reversed. Western church leaders should have to intern in the underground church and underground church leaders should furlough in places of leadership in the western church. We know so little of sacrifice, of absolute faith, of commitment to each other in the community of Christians, of reverence for the Bible, of a sense that God is real and present. We have so much to learn. At least we can pray for the persecuted church. Throughout the book, more towards the end, the author injects comments from Quan’s forbears and other who have died in Christ but are in heaven looking down on him. We get a lively view of Christ on the throne superintending the work on earth and the cries of martyrs “how long?” Given our limited understanding of heaven, this seems like an intrusion and an interpretation of the author. But as the book progressed I became more comfortable with realizing the probability that those who have gone ahead are conscious of what is taking place on earth.
Here are a few of the comments that stuck out: • America is strange. Each person acts as if his life begins and ends ith himself, p. 148 • Real gold fears no fire…One day you will die. You must spend your life preparing for that day. p. 149 • What appears to be a loss may actually be a gain….’You intended it for evi, but God intended it for good.’ P. 156 • Are you so blind that you do not realize earth is the battlefield where two kingdoms wage a savage war for the souls of men?” p. 158
Re-reading vrsion loaned from Sharon Hagerman....to page 116 ...more
A Christian romantic suspense with unusual characters. A group of kids in an orphanage banded together to become a family, all of whom changed their nA Christian romantic suspense with unusual characters. A group of kids in an orphanage banded together to become a family, all of whom changed their names of O’Malley. Each of the boys and girls bond to stick up for each other. This carries on into their adult lives and careers. The book starts in a bank standoff with Kate O’Malley negotiating with a bomber to stand down. Among the people caught in the bank is Dave Richman, an FBI agent skilled in protecting people. They become the love interest, he with faith, she without. The book skilfully leads Kate to come to faith while negotiating a horrific series of crises. For my mind there is too much touchy-feely romantic stuff....more
Buksbazen, while narrating her own family history, weaves a memoir that exposes character contrasts, inspiring instances of God’s grace, times of greaBuksbazen, while narrating her own family history, weaves a memoir that exposes character contrasts, inspiring instances of God’s grace, times of great privation and suffering, and the triumph of faith. The book gives us a poignant picture of life in the midst of the turmoil that was Europe in the early 20th. We especially sense the suffering and irrational hatred that Jews experienced during that time.
The father, Benjamin, while a converted Jew sold out to Christ nevertheless was often impractical and unwise in his decisions. He often failed to care for his family. He’s another example of a man in ministry who put ministry before his family.
His wife Yente, on the other hand, showed incredible faith and the ability to care for her children. She is the heroine of the story. And yet, I can’t understand why she left her children in the care of people who were not thoughtful while she escaped to England.
Perhaps, more than anything else we realize what a terrible time it was in Europe during that period. Something we in North America have never experienced. Even beyond that impression is the realization that God cares for His children even in the most dire circumstances....more
Our FBC book club selection: The story of an amazingly compassionate and responsible couple with a deep love for and integration into Chinese culture.Our FBC book club selection: The story of an amazingly compassionate and responsible couple with a deep love for and integration into Chinese culture. They developed a wonderful and innovative coffee shop on the border with North Korea. They were real Christian entrepreneurs.
They were suddenly arrested for no reason that they knew and imprisoned in a terrible centre which was run as a profitable enterprise where they had to pay for everything. In spite of all they suffered they didn't lose faith. They viewed it as the providence of God. they said, "there are no whys in prison."
They prayed and saw many answers to prayer, many small miracles.
Kevin & Julia had a great burden for even their jailers…how their life spoke to questioners, jailers, and fellow inmates. They showed great love for each other, expressed in snow in courtyard. They also showed great ingenuity. Julia used cards to invent games to keep alert. Kevin got sicker and sicker.
The book leaves us with a terrible impression of China as evil, inhumane meeting out terrible treatment the Chinese. After reading the book I wondered about boycotting Chinese goods.
This is the amazing story of an incredible woman, who in my view, rivals and exceeds Mother Theresa in many ways. She added preaching the gospel to heThis is the amazing story of an incredible woman, who in my view, rivals and exceeds Mother Theresa in many ways. She added preaching the gospel to her compassionate ministries. Her total commitment to missions and China is inspiring even if the way she got to China shows some impracticality. With little money, she took a train across Russia in a time of war. Her compassion for orphans is awe-inspiring. Her determination and perseverance in the fact of mind-boggling problems is a lesson to us all who tend to complain in any time of difficulty. Then too, her hospitality is almost beyond understanding. Her commitment and love for the Chinese enabled her to learn the language and become as Chinese as a westerner can. Added to all this is her epic trek across mountains to lead her orphans to safety from the approaching communists. This led to two years or more of a health breakdown.
The only quibble I have with her is to ask if she was always as wise and practical as she should have been. But who am I to question. Perhaps our faith, like hers, needs to be simpler and more totally trusting.
The images and symbols of biblical book of Revelation have been interpreted many ways down through history. Hendriksen brings to his analysis considerThe images and symbols of biblical book of Revelation have been interpreted many ways down through history. Hendriksen brings to his analysis considerable skill in connecting with the prophetic symbols of the OT and the internal structure of the book. I am profiting from reading this for the second time. Hendriksen is a careful, knowledgeable, commentator of many Bible surveys and commentaries. This is an excellent and readable survey of one of the most difficult books of the New Testament. In his view, Revelation describes the Victory of Christ and his Church over the Dragon (satan) and his helpers.
The various sections of the book refer to the whole period of history from different perspectives. It describes the whole Gospel age between the two comings of Christ. It emphasizes the glory of Christ and the perseverance under satanic persecution of the Church. It is divided into 7 sections. Each section runs parallel, spanning the entire dispensation from the first to the second coming. The seals, trumpets, bowls of wrath represent first persecutions of the church then judgements on the world which are ignored by the world. The world learns nothing of the fear of God and so continues throughout history to experience judgement..
First (chap. 1-3) we see 7 churches which are probably representative of churches down through the centuries until Christ returns.
Chapters 4-7 again give us a view of the whole period but in this case from the perspective of the Lamb who opens the seven seals. Throughout history the church faces persecution. Final judgement is mentioned at end.
Chapters 8-11 refer to the Seven Trumpets that affect the world. Final judgement is mentioned at end.
Chapters 12-14 describe the Woman the Man-child persecuted by the Dragon and His helpers; the beast from the sea and the great harlot, Babyon. Final judgement is mentioned at end.
Chapters 14,16, the bowls of Wrath… Again judgement is mentioned at end.
Chapters, 17-19 give a vivid description of the fall of Babylon, and punishment of Beast and False Prophet…Judgement, 19:11ff.
Chapters 20-22, The Devil’s doom and the 1000 years in which the devil is bound, the loosed for a short period before his final doom. The new heaven and new earth is introduced.
For how he interprets certain symbolic utterances, refer to the book: The 144,00 thousand represent Christians in all ages; The Anti-Christ; the thousand year when Satan is bound equals the church age; the Holy City is the Church militant, triumphant with God in the midst providing all the Church needs.
An excellent apologetic source for dealing with the issue of how an omnipotent God could create a world with suffering. The book also offers many poinAn excellent apologetic source for dealing with the issue of how an omnipotent God could create a world with suffering. The book also offers many pointers on the pastoral, the compassionate care of those suffering. There are many helpful analogies.
The book generated much discussion in our book club. Some found it quite difficult to read and understand. I too felt that Ravi's presentation was not as clear and organized as it could have been. The first chapter particularly seemed disjointed. The book would have been helped by an introduction outlining the direction, the points to be covered and their order. The summary, unfortunately is found near the end. ...more
Astonishingly good step-by-step description of how to shepherd disciples into those who foster movements within communities. Clear biblical guidance iAstonishingly good step-by-step description of how to shepherd disciples into those who foster movements within communities. Clear biblical guidance in how to cut through all the churchy, denominational distinctives to focus on the gospel in discovery groups that move attendees to trust the Holy Spirit of interpret Scripture and lead attendees to obey the Scripture. Finding persons of peace. Making disciples not converts. How to inspire discovery groups. Inspiring others to lead. What to study. Difference between management and leadership, etc. etc. Highly recommended. ...more
A selection for our church book club. From her upbringing as a child of Presbyterian parents through her challenge at University to jettison her childA selection for our church book club. From her upbringing as a child of Presbyterian parents through her challenge at University to jettison her childish Christian beliefs, we follow Isobel’s search through the Scriptures for reality in Christ. It is a classic example of missionary biography without being unrealistic. She faces squarely her challenges to faith, to commitment, to trust in God for provision, and for all the patience that is involved in preparing for missions and finally going.
A biography to challenge one’s faith and gain more empathy for missionary candidates.
This is an amazing book that should be read by all young people, atheists, agnostics, indeed everybody including skeptical engineers. The structure ofThis is an amazing book that should be read by all young people, atheists, agnostics, indeed everybody including skeptical engineers. The structure of the body, the flexibility and grip of the hand, the amazing nature of hollow bones with manufacturing plants inside is enough to make an honest engineer drop his jaw. Add to that the skin as an organ, the nerves, synapses and on and on and on the wonders unfold.
And all is told by a gifted writer, Philip Yancey, summarizing the jaw-dropping knowledge and career of renowned leprosy surgeon Dr. Paul Brand. This combination makes it readable and warm with insights.
If it would be possible, it should be a text in a school health or science course! Read it. Amaze yourself. It was our current book club selection. ...more
The story of Roy and Daphne Godwin’s reluctant call to Ffaldy-y-Brenin in West Wales, a retreat centre that has drawn thousands to find the reality ofThe story of Roy and Daphne Godwin’s reluctant call to Ffaldy-y-Brenin in West Wales, a retreat centre that has drawn thousands to find the reality of God. A quite amazing and inspiring story of a “thin” place, that is a place where people find heaven near. A very encouraging story challenging us to just let God be God. I was somewhat uncomfortable with some of the manifestations of God’s presence which reminded me of “The Toronto Blessing”. However, I sense that Roy and his wife are not into manipulation but a recovery of the Welsh Revival and a re-discovery of ancient, evangelical Celtic faith that flourished here well over a millennium ago. The Celtic faith of Patrick and those who followed him was the genuine article. I have great respect for a “hands off” approach to letting God be God and do with us what He wants....more
While this is a well-written book about an amazing person, I find its portrayal of Peter Marshal to be overblown. Catherine portrays her husband in heWhile this is a well-written book about an amazing person, I find its portrayal of Peter Marshal to be overblown. Catherine portrays her husband in heroic terms that give the impression that he was a saint. There is no doubt that he was a gifted and great man, mightily used of God. But I would have like more honest portrayals of his foibles and of his family. He was an amazing orator. I find his approach to preaching somewhat questionable in that he used little Scripture and much illustration. His example does show us the importance of illustrating our preaching, but not to the exclusion of biblical content. His emphasis on appealing to the emotions to move the hearer towards God is laudable but overblown. The mind is also an important target. One also wonders why he believed in burn-out, did not pace himself, did not give to Catherine more creedance and more time to his son. ...more
Loading...
