Jonathan Falwell, 1000 Days Book Review

The definition of the word Christian, given in Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary is one who professes a belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Many render the meaning of Christian to be Christ-like. Webster's defines Christ-like to mean resembling Christ in character, spirit, or action.

Jonathan Falwell provides a picture of what Christ-likeness is from the words and the actions of Christ in his book 1000 Days, The Ministry of Christ. Hebrews 4:15 says that Christ was tempted in all points, just as we are, and yet he remained sinless. There is much insight we can receive from a close look at the sayings and the actions of Jesus Christ.

1000 Days, The Ministry of Christ presents the final three years of the life of Jesus Christ. The author paints a picture for us detailing how Christ responds to temptation, to victory, to selecting followers, to questions, to suffering, and even to death. Woven within this picture are the words we need to clearly hear and the actions we need to clearly replicate to be Christ-like.

I will admit this book was of interest to me because of the name, Falwell. I was curious to meet Jonathan Falwell, if only through the words written in a book. I will say I am not disappointed. He writes in a style and manner which is easy to read and easy to understand. He presents serious and engaging concepts with each chapter. Each chapter is followed with a number of questions if answered will cause the reader to think deeper upon the material presented.

I must also admit that I was caught off guard when the final chapter of the book ended! I was so entranced in the concept of the Loudest Sermon Ever that I was not expecting the end of the book! There is a Bible Study Guide of about 45 pages included at the end of the book. Though I may disagree with some doctrinal theology with Mr. Falwell, I can recommend 1000 Days, The Ministry of Christ to anyone seeking a deeper insight and relationship 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."

Book Review: The Coming Revolution

A voice speaks in the wilderness of anxiety and division calling out to those who will hear it. The cry is resounding for We the People to look deep into our history and our hearts to revive the spirit which makes this American nation great. Dr. Richard G. Lee is the voice speaking through his book, The Coming Revolution, Signs From America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future.

Dr. Lee cites many historical documents in offering a powerful reminder to the citizens of the United States of America, and the world, how and why this nation came into being. He offers considerable detail as to how and why the American spirit evolved from the landing of the Puritans at Plymouth Rock to the bloodshed of the American Revolution. He then continues with the evolution of the American spirit from the beaches of Normandy on D-Day to this present era. The Coming Revolution, Signs From America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future makes the case for a revival of the American spirit and a renewal of the ideals which make America unique and great. The author concludes the book with a clear call to action, not with violence and gunfire, but, and I quote from the book, "that every American will think carefully about all the achievements the men and women of this nation have made over the past four hundred years, and will make a personal commitment to join the struggle for renewal."

 

I find the presentation of historical information Dr. Richard G. Lee presents to be interesting, compelling, and very thought-provoking. It is clear from historical documentation the United States of America is a nation which is founded on biblical Christian principles. It is also clear from historical documentation that the Founders of this nation made every effort possible to secure the future of America as a free republic governed by We the People.

While I like the idea of a renewing of the American spirit and the concept of the coming revolution, I must disagree that a political revolution will change the direction in which America is heading. The author accurately describes his position that the Great Awakening was the impetus leading to the American Revolution. It is my opinion that if there is to be a coming revolution that will succeed, we must experience another Great Awakening first. It must be more than lip service. It must be a change of heart, a new birth of water and of Spirit, a commitment of denying oneself and following Jesus Christ. Then, and only then, will a revolution to change the morality and the direction of America be successful.

Dr. Richard G. Lee offers a list of ten things the citizens of America can do today to get involved. I will only quote the first one:

 "Pray for America, and pray that with God's help We the People will prevail in the struggle for the heart and soul of the nation."

The remaining nine items are extremely important as well as bring the duty of the citizens of the United States of America.

If you do not find politics and history interesting, then you probably not like this book. If you are concerned about the political and spiritual direction America is going then you will find this book to your liking. Every American citizen, and anyone else who desires to understand the how and why of the American spirit, owes it to themselves to read The Coming Revolution, Signs From America's Past That Signal Our Nation's Future. I recommend it highly.

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."

Book Review: Going Deep by Gordon MacDonald

Jesus commands us to make disciples, followers of him. Often we lead others to Christ, then abandon them to figure out how to follow him on their own. There are many influences and distractions in this world where the knowledge of tomorrow is the antiquity of today. They compete for our loyalty and desire to know God. How, then, are we to go and make disciples, those who strive to attain depth in their relationship with God?

Author, Gordon MacDonald, wrote of the changes taking place in how we do church in his book, Who Stole My Church? We can change the music, utilize a more visual approach, change from being formal to casual in appearance, even change the name of the church to be more inviting and receptive. We can bring unchurched people in and lead them to Christ. How do we then move them from finding Christ to becoming strong, stable, mature disciples of him?

Gordon MacDonald deals with this question in his book, Going Deep, Becoming a Person of Influence. He picks up the story of the fictional congregation in New England from "Who Stole My Church?" He dives into the lives of several new characters as the book introduces, develops, and implements the concept of cultivating deep people.

Gordon MacDonald writes in an engaging, entertaining, very readable, yet highly thought-provoking style and this book is no exception. He takes you through the twists and turns, the successes and the seeming failures of growing deep, mature followers of Jesus Christ. He opens the story with an off-the-wall question, "What is your elevator story?" There is twenty million dollars riding on your answer. You have an elevator ride of thirty floors to answer...

While not a "how-to" book on making disciples, Going Deep, Becoming a Person of Influence gives some excellent visionary concepts to developing disciples of Christ. One concept kept coming at me time and time again throughout the book: relationships. We must allow ourselves to develop deep relationships with those we desire to disciple and pour ourselves into their lives. Those desiring to grow deeper in Christ must be willing to develop deep relationships with those who can mentor them.

Going Deep, Becoming a Person of Influence, though a fictional work, deals head-on with developing true and mature followers of Jesus Christ who are capable of reproducing true and mature followers of Jesus Christ. The book is thought-provoking and inspiring. A vision is cast before the reader and developed to maturity presenting concepts which can be tailored and implemented in nearly any church body. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in discipleship.

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.