Book Review: Love Written In Stone

I must admit I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to reading books written by medical doctors about Christianity and God's amazing grace. The full title, "Love Written In Stone, Finding God's Grace In The Boundaries He Sets," caught my attention. As you can see in the picture of the book, the author is a medical doctor, Philip Carlson, MD. However he is also the senior pastor of Bethany Church of Sierra Madre, California.


The opening sentence of the introduction reads, "I think most of us have a hard time wrapping our heads, much more our hearts, around how much God loves us." I wasn't sure what I expected to get from this book. This opening immediately made me think, "Wow!" The main focus of the book is our relationship with God.


"Love Written In Stone" is divided into four parts.

• PART 1: Guidance for Our Relationship With God.
• PART 2: Instructions for Our Relationships With others.
• PART 3: Directions for a Healthier Self.
• PART 4: Insight for Our Relationship With Creation.

The author writes in chapter one, "Something is wrong with the world and we know it." He then proceeds to deal with forgiveness, both of God's forgiveness and our forgiving of each other in the question, "why forgive?" Dr. Philip Carlson deals with various aspects of life from a perspective of God being the center of life and of us being in a relationship with God. 

I found myself stating, "Wow!' over and over again as I read this book. I found it to be interesting and quite fascinating as it is written by a pastor with a background in medical science. Though no deep, hidden mysteries are revealed, I found the writing to be refreshing and encouraging as I too struggle with everyday life. There's no pointing to theological dogma or doctrinal differences in this book. I feel this quote from the conclusion of the book sums it nicely:

"What has been described within these pages is intended in part to help us to understand the reasonableness of what Jesus asks of us. In the end he asks for everything, our whole life, all that we are. And it is the most loving thing he can do. Why is this foundational choice to follow so important?"

Dr. Philip Carlson answers, "Because it is the only way that leads to life."

I recommend reading "Love Written In Stone". It's one of those books which belongs on my bookshelf, and it's one I know I'll read more than a few times.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Max On Life

Life is filled with many questions. The questions we bombard our minds with on an almost daily basis stem from our doubts, our fears, our pain, or from our desire to know. Max Lucado, in the book, "Max On Life, Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions", gives replies to some of the questions of life in his own unique style.


One-hundred and seventy-two questions are compiled into seven categories. The categories are Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. The replies are "bite-size". Most of them take up less than a page. 


Max Lucado presents sincere compassion for the one asking the questions. Even when we think we already know the answer to a particular question, we may find ourselves asking the same question again. Life hits us hard. I found his replies to some of life's toughest questions encouraging.


The replies to the questions are simple. There's no deep theology to wrap your mind around. The replies speak directly to the heart in words which are easy to comprehend. They will inspire you, encourage you, comfort you, and they will make you think.


You may notice I keep using the word replies instead of answers. There are questions presented in the book to which the author admits he can't give a direct answer to. I was impressed that instead of trying to speak for God, Max Lucado directs the questioner to seek the answer from God. Time after time, reply after reply, he instructs the reader to seek God, to pray, and to search the Scriptures.


What I like most about this book by Max Lucado is he continually points the one with the questions to the Bible and to God, for God is the answer to all of the questions of life. "Max On Life, Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions" is an easy and enjoyable book to read. I recommend it highly, especially to those who are facing the questions of the struggles of daily life.


I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Flipside of Establishing the Kingdom - Digging Into the Psalms

Photo courtesy Stockxchng/danjaeger

The earth and everything on it belongs to God. This also means humanity is under the ownership of God. The last post, Establishing the Kingdom, presented the positive part of the ownership of the earth and everything on it being promised to Christ. Today, we deal with the "flipside" of the promise of the establishment of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.


Psalm 2:8  (KJV) reads, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."


The positive side of this is the Kingdom of heaven is preached to all humanity in all nations. The positive side of Christ possessing all parts of earth is the New Jerusalem, adorned for Christ and his Bride, the Church. Psalm 2:9 (KJV) brings our attention to another side of Christ possessing the earth. It reads:


"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."


This verse clearly states there's another side to Christ taking possession of the Kingdom. We know, as believers, that we will be corrected by God when we step into disobedience. Yes, we come to Christ as broken vessels to be mended. Yet this is more than a rod of correction. It's a statement of destruction to those who willingly reject Christ.


It should be obvious that a potter's vessel is something made of clay. Go ahead and hit a ceramic object with an iron bar. Psalm 2:9 is saying Christ will one day strike the heathen with an object of punishment, and will break them into pieces like an iron bar will smash a ceramic jar into pieces.


"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war (Revelation 19:11 KJV)."


This one who is Faithful and True is the same one who is speaking in Psalm 2:7-9. This one is called the Word of God (Revelation 19:13, John 1:1). His name is Jesus, the Christ, the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).


But let's back up one verse to Revelation 19:15 and we'll see the fulfillment of Psalm 2:9. It reads:


"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."


The time is coming when God will pour his wrath on all the nations, the heathen, those who willingly disobey his commandments. Those who refuse now will one day bend their knees and confess Christ as Lord (Romans 14:11, Isaiah 45:23). We can do it now willingly, or we'll do it in the end under the rod of iron.


Fortunately today we still have the choice, and I close with this appeal:


"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast (Isaiah 26:20 KJV)."


Come to Christ and let the shadow of his wings cover you. Rest in the safety of his arms until the day of wrath be past. God bless...

Establishing the Kingdom - Digging Into the Psalms

Photo courtesy Stockxchng/nazreth

Psalm 2 can be divided into four divisions. We began our journey into the third division in the last posting. We discussed how this third division can itself be divided into three divisions. A Declaration of Christ was the first of these three divisions. Let's journey to the next one:


"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession (Psalm 2:8 KJV)."


Psalm 2:8 is the second division of three in the final division of Psalm 2. The verse begins with the Anointed One, Jesus Christ, continuing in the declaration of what "the LORD hath said (Psalm 2:7)." Let's divide this verse into two parts:

• The heathen for an inheritance.
• The uttermost parts of earth for a possession.

We previously established the "heathen" as being the nations. There are the Hebrews and the "heathen" in the Old Testament. These are the same as the Jews and the Gentiles given in the New Testament. Listen to what the Anointed One says in the New Testament based on his knowledge of his prophetic utterance of Psalm 2:8:

"And other sheep I have (the Gentiles), which are not of this fold (the Jews): them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (John 10:16 KJV)."

God gave a man, Abraham, a promise way back in Genesis, "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed (Genesis 22:18 KJV)." Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that promise.

Isaiah prophesied of Christ, "Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)." The fulfillment came here, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS (Luke 1:30-31 KJV)."

Isaiah continued with this prophecy with the promise of the Light to the Gentiles, "I will also give thee (Christ) for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth (Isaiah 49:6 KJV)."

Psalm 2:8 offers the earth, all of it, to Christ for a possession. God establishes his ownership of everything under the heaven (Job 41:11). He declares explicitly in Exodus 19:5, "For all the earth is mine." Now God grants total possession of earth to the Lord Jesus Christ.

God declared in Psalm 2:6 that he set Christ as king on the holy hill of Zion. There is a "prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)" who currently patrols and feigns to rule this earth. But as John worded it:

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away...

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven... (Revelation 21:1-2 KJV)."

The apostle Paul wrote the whole creation groans (Romans 8:22), and the creature waits in earnest expectation (Romans 8:19). The creatures do this because they know they will be delivered from the captivity of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21).

You and I are the creatures waiting in earnest expectation. We wait because we know that soon we'll be delivered from the bondage of this human flesh to live forever in the glorious liberty of the new heaven and the new earth, the new Jerusalem, the eternal kingdom, the eternal possession of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ!

We'll take a look at the "flipside" of the "heathen" given to Christ for an inheritance in the next post. Until then, God bless...

Book Review: A Conversation With God

What if you were granted the opportunity to ask God any question you wanted to ask? We all must deal with our "what if's" and our "why did's". Alton Gansky answers some of those "what if's" and "why did's" in his book, "A Conversation With God, (If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It be)?"


Fifty-five questions are presented. The questions range from the very existence of God to political issues and politics. The format of the book is much like the format of a FAQ, frequently asked questions, of computer software and internet forums. The author utilizes the voices of God, Jesus, and various characters from the Bible to answer the questions. The style is like engaging in a conversation with those providing the answers, hence the title of the book, "A Conversation With God."


The answers given in the voices of Biblical characters are taken from Scripture. However, the Scripture references aren't given in the text. Footnote numbers are provided according to chapter. You must go to the back of the book to check a Scripture reference. I found this to be very distracting and time- consuming.


The answers given to the questions are very basic, almost broad answers. I wasn't inspired very much while reading the book. I must admit at times the book made me think. A couple of examples of this are:

• Question 25, pertaining to the role of Jesus in salvation. The author says nothing about the requirement for the shedding of blood for forgiveness of sin.
• Question 28, pertaining to whether or not one can lose their salvation. The author tries to stay in the middle ground of "once-saved-always-saved" doctrine.

Homosexuality and abortion are controversial topics both inside and outside of Christianity. The author seems to be walking the middle ground, not quite ducking the issues, yet not fully answering the questions raised.

It's my opinion the author interjects a significant amount of his own opinion while using the voices of God, Jesus, and other Bible characters to answer the questions. While a new, or immature Christian may get some value from reading this book, I would recommend they read and study a modern translation of the Bible first. Christians who are more mature in the Scriptures and basic Biblical doctrine will find their knowledge already beyond what's presented in "A Conversation With God."

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Declaration of Christ - Digging Into the Psalms

Photo courtesy Stockchng/raichinger

I presented a breakdown of the divisions of the second Psalm in Psalm 2 - Digging Into the Psalms. The raging of the nations is the first division. The second division is God's opposition to the raging of the nations, and the promise of a King. We begin the third division with the declaration of Jesus Christ.

I want to note how this third division of of Psalm 2 can be divided into three divisions:

• A declaration of Christ.
• The establishing and the enlarging of the kingdom of Christ.
• The prophecy of the demise of the raging nations.

Let's proceed on the journey into the Psalms by looking closer at the declaration of Christ by Christ. Psalms 2:7 (KJV) tells us:
"I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."


One must take notice of how one particular voice is speaking in Psalm 2:1-6. Now another voice is speaking, "I will declare the decree." The Anointed One (from verse 2), the one promised to be set as King on the holy hill of Zion, is now making the declaration of what has been said to him, "The LORD hath said unto me."


A decree is something which is prescribed or appointed. It's something which is to came to pass.


The angel of the Lord announced to the virgin Mary that she would bear a child and the child would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:33).


Two accounts are given in the New Testament of God making a declaration of the Son. As Jesus came out of the water of baptism, the voice from heaven spoke, "This is my beloved Son (Matthew 3:17 KJV)." Again on the mount of transfiguration, "This is my beloved Son (Matthew 17:5 KJV).


Others declared Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God. The demons declared it, "What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God (Matthew 8:29 KJV)?" The apostle Peter declared it, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16 KJV)." Paul referred to this declaration in Acts 13:33 and Romans 1:4. The writer of the book of Hebrews referred to the declaration of Christ in Hebrews 1:5 and Hebrews 5:5.


Jesus clearly stated why he came as the Messiah, Christ, the Son of God, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10 KJV)."


And again, "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:17 KJV)."


But why? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16 KJV)."


So it must stand, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12 KJV)."

So today, as I read the declaration of the decree in Psalm 2:7, I must also declare the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God! God bless...