Book Review: Ascent Into Darkness by Michael Leehan

Do evil spirits exist? Does the devil exist? Do these entities have real power? Is there really such things as good and evil? Is it possible for a human being to sense and operate under the influence of spiritual entities either good or evil? Though these questions are not answered directly in a yes or no manner, author and evangelist, Michael Leehan, goes far beyond simple yes or no answers in his book, “Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior.”

“Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior” is the autobiography of a man who made a conscious decision to serve and worship Satan. The book details the true story of Michael Leehan's descent into darkness, his enslavement by Satan, his possession by demonic spirits, the life and death struggle taking place in the spirit realm, and his redemption. The author admits from the beginning he is not a Bible scholar or a professional writer. Yet his passion for the spiritual flows freely throughout the book in its entirety.

I sat down with “Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior” on the day it arrived in the mail. I only intended to read the introduction, which in this book is the Acknowledgments and the Author's Note. The expressive honesty of the author, Michael Leehan in the Author's Note sunk its hook into me instantly. I did not stop reading until I reached the Epilogue!

Though the author admits to not being a professional writer, his writing style is very engaging and easy to read. His style adds to the ability of the book to open one's eyes to the realm of things spiritual. His experience in dealing with Christians while being a servant of Satan lends a realism to the words of 2Corinthians 11:14, “for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” Another eye-opener in the book is Michael Leehan's use of James 4:7. His exegesis of the verse while serving Satan is something every Christian should take very seriously.

I went to bed after the first reading of “Ascent From Darkness, How Satan's Soldier Became God's Warrior” pleading the blood of Jesus for protection. It is not that the book scared me. It is the stark reality that so much of modern Christianity takes this subject for granted, paying very little attention to it. We truly live in a very dangerous environment. I highly recommend this book as required reading for all Christians. It will have a profound impact on how and what you think of the spiritual realm.

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."

Your Comforts Delight My Soul

Photo courtesy stockxchng/lindagr 

He is unemployed, laid off from a good job. The unemployment checks are no longer coming in. He continues to apply for work wherever and whenever he can. He hears over and over, “not qualified, over qualified, the position you are seeking is now filled.”

He sits at the kitchen table with bills covering it. He plants his elbows down on the table, resting his head in the palms of his hands. His fingers massage his forehead as he closes his eyes. “God, how do I do this?” he questions in his thoughts.

She stares fearfully at the pink slip of paper in her hand. Tears fill her eyes as she opens the door, slips behind the steering wheel, then closes the door. She grips the back of her head with her hand and straightens herself in the seat tilting her head back. “God, “ she thinks, “What am I going to do now?”

A mother and father are standing at the bedside of their only child. The stinging words of the doctor rings in each of their thoughts, “I am so sorry.” They embrace as the tears begin to fall and the soft sobbing begins. “God,” the father thinks, “I don't understand.”

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28 KJV),” the Master promises. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (Jn. 16:33 KJV).”

The bills may remain unpaid. The sickness may need to be endured. Make no mistake about it, death will come. Maybe you are thinking, asking silently, “God, how do I do this? Why is this happening?” Believe it or not, He cares. Believe it or not, He waits to flood you with compassion. But in Him there is peace, for He is the Prince of Peace.

If you know Him, come. If you do not know Him, come. You see, this one thing I know, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul (Ps. 94:19 NKJV).”

Book Review: Has God Spoken by Hank Hanegraaff

“Has God Spoken, Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration” is the first book I have read by author Hank Hanegraaff. The title of the book portrays the message and the purpose as a book providing proof that the Holy Bible is given to us by the divine inspiration of God. The title promises to give proof that God indeed speaks to us through the Scriptures.

I am not a fan of acronyms. The proof the author provides of God speaking through his Word is detailed in the book through a variety of acronyms. To the credit of Mr. Hanegraaff, the material is presented in an interesting and engaging way. I did find “Has God Spoken, Proof of the Bible's Divine Inspiration” disappointing.

I was expecting to discover new insight about proving the Bible as divine inspiration. This expectation is brought about by the title of the book. While the overall message of the book can be used as proof of divine inspiration, the book seems more of a guide as to how to read and interpret Scripture. It is also my opinion the author, Hank Hanegraaff, uses the proof of divine inspiration to push forward his interpretation of doctrine, especially concerning eschatology. The attempts to establish doctrinal positions, basing them on his interpretation of prophecy, was a distraction for me from the overall message of the book.

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."