R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 50
July 6, 2018
A Look at Self Publishing
Self Publishing has been around for awhile. The name suggests that by using their service you are self publishing your book. This is not accurate. You, the author, are actually paying a publisher to publish your book. Here’s a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
No agent required, although some suggest you should get one.
Time from signing contract to actual publication usually only a few months.
Virtually able to have book published.
Author owns ISBN.
Royalty paid.
Disadvantages:
Publisher still in charge.
Author gets low royalties, usually a formula that starts out at 8% or something similar.
Marketing tools available with a price.
On the face of it self publishing looks good for the author. And for some it probably is good. But if you want to have control of your book from creation to marketing, then there are problems. In the list of Disadvantages I listed “Publisher still in charge” as the first disadvantage. Why? Because if the publisher is in charge of your book then you aren’t. It’s as simple as that.
Try this simple quiz:
If I use their editing services, do I still have final say ?
How long do I have to review a Proof before returning it for correction or publication?
Can I pull the book, edit it, and republish after I have already published it?
If so, how much does it cost?
How much help do I get marketing the book?
What do the marketing tools cost?”
These and other questions need to be answered. And I think you’ll be disappointed with the answers. That said, it is still better than traditional in that you have an increased level of control and the book is published on a faster track. Another major disadvantage is the cost; it can cost $400 -$800, possibly more, to publish a book using Self Publishing.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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July 5, 2018
Writing as a Service
Today I am writing about Writing as a service.
The following article is largely a reprint although I have both edited and updated it.
Today we deal with the concept of a Christian’s writing as a Service! Authorship covers many genres and categories within each genre. The concept of writing can be reduced to: writing from a Christian viewpoint.
What do I mean by Christian viewpoint?
Basically this involves the tenor of your writing. In my case I write some novels that are based on Bible stories. There are such books out there that are based on Jewish or Christian views. Obviously, mine are Christian. My books may or may not be based on the Bible but all will be characterized by a Christ-centered theme. By that I mean that the reader will come across scripture pertaining to salvation.
Why do I write with a Christian viewpoint?
The reasons are twofold. First, the Bible stories are true events, not children’s stories. They are about real people and real events. The stories are meant for people of all ages. And they are written to instruct not entertain!
God is not in the entertainment business. Each of His stories is meant to teach or drive home a point. A good example is the story of Noah and the Ark. This has been widely viewed as a story for children. However, the story has very little entertainment value as written. But it is highly instructive and teaches us about God’s love and provision.
My job is to take that story and weave in material that transforms it from its instructive nature to an exciting, action-based novel that awakens the imagination of the reader without losing the instructive side. Judging by my readers’ comments I have been successful!
Secondly, my job is to put God on display. The Bible already does this with great effect. So it is not as difficult as it seems except in those situations where the Bible is silent within the story, but comments on it later on. As an author I can lift those comments from the future Bible sections and insert them into the story itself. I do this with actual quotes or an imaginative conversation that is true to Biblical context.
But it is not just to put God on display. It is also to enable my readers to see and feel His love and power. I can think of no greater compliment than to learn that my novel has so impressed someone that he/she desires to read the Bible!
Some of my novels are historical or speculative not being based on the Bible. These stories also have a Christian theme. I try not to be preachy, but I do try to convey the idea of 1) God’s love for mankind, and 2) man’s needed response. I also like to show how God can use multiple methods of leading His people. So in general, my Christian viewpoint is to relate Biblical stories that emphasize God’s love and power in an entertaining manner that both uplifts and convicts.
Your Christian viewpoint might be a little different. It doesn’t have to be Bible stories for example.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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July 4, 2018
The Church & America
Today I am writing about the Church and America.
In my last blog concerning the Church I defined the church. Today I want to take a look at the church and America. When I speak of the church I am not speaking of a particular denomination, but rather the Christian church as a whole.
From the very beginning when the Pilgrims came to America the church played a role. Most, if not all, had been persecuted for their faith. They saw America as their last chance to be able to worship God as they believed the Bible taught.
The Mayflower Compact
This document signed by the pilgrims starts out by saying, “In the name of God.” I counted four times that God is mentioned. Moreover there are references to “Defender of the Faith,” and “Christian faith.” It is a document that represents both their spiritual outlook and their commitment to the faith once delivered; a faith based on the Bible.
Declaration of Independence
This document authorizes our independence and the establishment of a constituted government and is bathed in references to God’s involvement. It begins with a prologue, if you will, that sets the stage by appealing to the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God. But then follows the famous line, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator …” We have not always lived up to these words but God has honored them. With those few words we were aligning ourselves with God and His Word.
Has America always lived up to that commitment? No. But it doesn’t change the commitment. We even had to fight a Civil War to bring us into line with His will. But He has blessed us to this very day because of our forefather’s commitment even though we have in recent decades slipped!
He has sent mighty revivals that have altered our destiny. Our nation has been either honored or reviled for our faith, but He has remained true.
The Constitution
While this document does not contain references to Christianity the very first Amendment does: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;…” Please note it says Congress shall make no law. Up to that time nations around the world had national churches where citizenship required adherence to a particular religion. Here in America people were free to worship God how they wanted to. While Christianity was assumed, it was not mentioned thereby allowing other religions the same freedom.
The Jefferson Letter
This letter is not a law but a private letter from President Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists (American Baptist Assoc.) who expressed concern over the lack in their state constitution of explicit protection of religious liberty, and against a government establishment of religion. He assured them there was a wall between church and government. While many ‘experts’ claim this was to protect the citizens from establishing a state religion, already stated in Amendment 1, the history surrounding this letter shows that the wall was to protect all churches from government intrusion.
Our History
Throughout the history of the United States of America the Christian faith and thereby the Christian church has been a bedrock of strength. Many times we have faced crisis and turned back to God. In my life I remember 9/11. Throughout the nation people flocked to church, seeking God and praying to Him. Men and women, conservative and liberal sought God. Unfortunately it didn’t last long as within weeks the nation reverted to its worldly outlook. Even so many lives were saved and eternally changed!
President Trump
The President has claimed he is a Christian and there is no reason to doubt that. Does he have a checkered past? Yes. But God changes people and so far all the negatives we hear are about his past. Without a doubt he is a lightning rod to those who favor elitism and the power of a central government. But God has and still is using him to turn the country around whether it be political or economical.
One thing is for sure, President Trump has gotten government out of the way of Christianity. We were headed for a secular nation influenced by violence and a disregard for Biblical faith to go against religious liberty. That violence is now blamed on him but a closer look shows that it comes from the left who cannot understand how they got left out in the cold. It’s just my opinion, but I believe the majority of Americans, whether Christian or not, believe that Christianity is what is right for America.
Revival
I quite often point out that the need in America is for revival. I need it and so does everyone else who claims the name of Jesus! Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence can bring about revival. That must come from each of us seeking God. Only He can bring revival.
Some people claim it is too late for revival. I respectfully disagree. Read the Old Testament. The Jewish people were at least as bad as we have become. They turned away from God and worshiped false gods. They also sacrificed their children to false gods. Therefore God brought judgment and revival came. Here, in the United States, we have turned our backs on God and substituted our own religion. I believe that in recent years we have entered a period where God is showing His displeasure with the direction of our nation. It is not the final judgment, but rather now He may be giving us an opportunity to turn back to Him and once again be a Christian nation.
What will we do with that opportunity?
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
HAVE A HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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July 3, 2018
Insights: World of Abraham’s Isaac
Insights: Isaac’s sacrifice
“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:7-8
This is one of the key passages in the Old Testament. Why? Because it speaks of the coming Redeemer, the Christ. Actually, there is more than one way to interpret this passage.
“God will provide himself a lamb” most obvious meaning is an immediate answer to Isaac’s question. Abraham is saying that God will provide the lamb for the sacrifice that is about to take place. This is the position of trust. God had promised and given him Isaac. Now God had commanded him to offer Isaac on the altar. This is the ultimate test of how much will a person trust God. Abraham trusted God!”
“God will provide himself a lamb” has another meaning. This meaning is that God will provide Himself a lamb; in other words, God the Father will provide Himself (God the Son) as the lamb. This speaks to the crucifixion of Christ.
“God will provide himself a lamb” has a third meaning which is actually an expansion of the second meaning. Whereas Isaac’s question was in reference to the sacrifice about to take place right then, the expanded meaning is in reference to the sacrifice for all of mankind.
It is this third meaning that means so much to us on this side of the cross. Before the cross occurred, before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, before David became King of the Jews, before Moses delivered the Jews from Pharaoh, before Joseph provided refuge for his family in Egypt, before Jacob wrestled with God, and before Isaac ruled, God had already planned everything out. God had planned for our redemption even before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden. He knew they would sin and that we would need a Saviour. And He planned that Jesus, the Lamb of God, would take our place on the cross and pay for our sins!
Hallelujah!
Such love! Oh that we would respond with love for God. While we strive to do so, we also fail. Our love is often weak and needs to be recharged. But in 1 John 1:9, God tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
What a God!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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July 2, 2018
America’s Birthday
Today’s Issue: America’s Birthday
Monday’s I try to focus on issues. This week we celebrate the 4th of July, our country’s birthday!
What do you think about when you hear the words, 4th of July?
Parades?
Speeches?
Fireworks?
Picnics?
All of these are great. But what about the sacrifices our ancestors made. Many lost their lives, while others lost their wealth and health. Much blood was spilled. For what?
Independence?
Freedom to worship God?
Freedom of Speech?
Freedom from taxation without representation?
Right to bear arms?
All of the above?
I favor the last, All of the above. All of these and much more are what these people made sacrifices for. Today we live in a world where much of this is taken for granted, abused, and often dismissed.
What about the Right to Bear Arms?
I’ve never belonged to the NRA nor do I plan on joining. But I believe strongly in the right to bear arms. I am also in favor of reasonable laws governing the ownership of guns. The key word there is reasonable. But reasonable seems to take a back seat as far as the anti-gun crowd is concerned. Their answer is for all of us to love one another. This coming from teens, most of whom have yet to learn what real love is. Hint: it is not the love that Hollywood peddles. And who will obey these laws? Not the criminals nor those bent on doing harm. Only law abiding citizens will. Which means the criminals will have an unarmed citizenry to prey upon.
What about Freedom to Worship God?
This country was founded by Christians, our Constitution is based on Biblical principles, the Preamble references Him, and the practice of our pioneers was to worship God. But today Christianity is becoming an abused child. While religions like Islam, which worship another god, have many rights and protections, Christianity is undergoing attacks. And unless we turn back to God it will only get worse.
What about Freedom of Speech?
Nowadays we live in a world governed by people who want to take away our right to disagree and express our own opinion. While the Liberal meltdown over the Trump election is a classic example of hatred and the effort to suppress those who support Trump, it is by far not the only one. Colleges and universities are now increasingly becoming institutions where freedom of speech is fast disappearing. Right now it is centering on conservative political stances and upon Bible believing Christians. But if not corrected it will get worse. Eventually we will have a dictatorship of thought.
What about Freedom from taxation without representation?
With a Congress that endlessly debates and does nothing, we are in effect experiencing taxation without representation. It is the home of the ‘swamp.’ There are too many Republicans and Democrats more interested in their own political agenda than they are in solving national problems. So are problems fester and become worse. It is a miracle that the Trump Administration has gotten so much done while dealing with a do-nothing Congress. And yet he has accomplished much.
(A little side note here: Some liberals have the audacity to say that the rebounding economy is a result of Obama’s tenure. His eight years in office did little for our economy which was inching along not on strong industrial growth, but on low paying jobs. You want to see when the economy took off look at the day after Trump’s election and since!)
Ladies and gentlemen, if you want to see America get back on track and “be great again,” you need to support Trump. You don’t have to like him, but right now his administration is the strongest thing going?
What about the Church?
The church is under attack from without and within. The Bible has been diluted, the message lost, and the people weakened. Don’t get me wrong! There are churches that stand for the Word of God, that preach salvation by no other name but Jesus, and that worship God faithfully. But they are disappearing. But the question is legitimate. Our real need is for revival!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 29, 2018
A Look at Traditional Publishing
There was a time when Traditional Publishing was the only game in town. Self-Publishing and Indie Publishing were not even on the horizon. It was during those times when the great publishing houses were founded and grew.
And they had the power.
Traditional Publishing is still a powerhouse. Yes, they have credible competition from both self-publishers and indie publishers. But the big publishing houses still wield a lot of power. They still attract the big name authors.
Why?
Because they have the power to influence markets; they have the power to get the author’s message out; and they have the power to connect with Hollywood and the television industry. In other words, they can make things happen.
But that power also makes them arbiters of what is good content and what is not good content. They can reject a perfectly good manuscript out of hand. They can insist on changes that the author may not want. In other words, their power can be pervasive.
Want to get a traditional publisher anyhow? First you need an agent. Hardly any traditional publisher will accept unsolicited manuscripts. A great many insist you have an agent. But getting an agent is difficult.
How do you get an agent?
You, the author, need to do some digging and answer hard questions For instance, what is the genre you’re writing in? Agents are generally genre specific. They may handle more than one genre but rarely all. They specialize in certain genres. Then, like the traditional publishers, they wield great power. They know the publishers of their genres. So they know what those publishers want in content and quality. So they only accept manuscripts they feel are marketable to the publishers.
It can take months or years to find the right agent. An agent that not only you want, but wants you. And then it may take months or years for the agent to get the right publisher for you. In other words, it is possible that unless you are already a big name it could take years to get published. And don’t count on getting strong royalties unless you are a big name.
Are you against traditional publishers?
No, but I am not interested in going after any for myself. There are too many negatives or at least what I consider negatives. But if you want to go after one, then be prepared. You need to do your homework, get a good agent, and be prepared to wait. It is possible that the agent and the publishing house may read your manuscript, love it, and really push it. If that happens, you’ll be the happiest man/woman on the planet.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 28, 2018
Self Critiquing
Today I am writing about Self Critiquing.
It is popular to advise writers to avoid doing their own editing. Get, they say, a professional so that your work will be at its very best. The reason given is very true: When you review and edit your own book you may not catch the errors. Not because you’re incompetent but because you know what you are trying to say and your mind might translate the words on paper to say what you want it to say.
For example, you may have intended to write, “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” But you actually wrote, “My son, God will provide his self a lamb for a burnt offering.” Forgetting for the moment this is scripture, you have changed the actual words. The meaning is the same but the words have been changed. Sometimes the meaning isn’t altered but you erred as far as the words are concerned. But when you edit it you may not see the error because in your mind’s eye you actually read it the way it was meant.
That is a legitimate concern. But do you need professionals to review your work? Professionals cost money and if you are on a tight budget then your ability to hire them tends to be non-existent. Whether you use a professional or amateur you need to do much of the editing yourself. It is your book and your responsibility. If your budget allows it then consider a professional, but if not then plan B should involve repeated reviews and edits.
Now some may say that is bad advice. That it will result in errors. But the truth is that whether you edit the book or a professional edits it there will be errors. Don’t believe me, then the next time you are reading a popular or classic novel keep an eye out for errors. You won’t find many, but you are likely to find some.
The key is repeated reviews. If you can involve others in reviewing your work, so much the better for the work. The more eyes the better chances you’ll have of catching the errors. By the way, one of the advantages of publishing your book yourself is that if you discover errors after it is published you can still correct and republish.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 27, 2018
The Church
Today I am writing about the Church.
In my last blog concerning the Persecuted Church I defined the church. Here is an excerpt:
When writing about the persecuted church it might be wise to take a step back and consider what church I am talking about. In this day and age the word church has become a huge umbrella that includes “Christians” that don’t really belong under that label.
So what is a Christian?
A Christian, biblically speaking, is a person who:
Has acknowledged he/she is a sinner
Knows he/she needs a Savior
Knows that Jesus Christ the Son of God died for his/her sin
Knows Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days/nights later
Has asked Jesus to save based on His shed blood and not his/her works
Accepts the Bible as the Word of God
This is a very tight definition on purpose. Although I believe that the KJV Bible is the only Bible for English speaking people, nowhere does the Bible indicate believing in the KJV is necessary for salvation. God gave us a simple plan of salvation and we should leave it that way.
That said, there are many people out there who claim to be Christian. Look at them carefully and you will find they are not Christians. Mr. Romney can protest all he wants but Mormons do not preach or teach about the same God as found in the Bible. Mormons are very religious and try to live a good life, but they are not Christians.
The same can be said about other faiths that claim to be Christians but depart from one or more of the points made above. And while I’m at it, not all humans are the children of God. All humans are the creation of God; He’s the Creator of all. But to be a child of God requires a definite act; i.e.., being Born Again.
Once you have defined the Christian then it is easy to find the church. It is not a denomination. It is that body of believers who are born again. Since baptism doesn’t save it wasn’t listed above, but most churches require baptism since it is the first command to a believer.
That is the excerpt. Now for a more complete definition of the church.
I said it is a body of believers who are born again. It is also an institution authorized by the Holy Bible. Jesus Himself founded it (Matthew 16:18): “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
This does not make Peter anything; Christ was referring to the gospel which Peter declared (i.e., Jesus is the Christ). And in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ is what the church is built upon not Peter. So far we have the church was founded by Christ, made up of believers who are born again, and is built upon the foundation of Christ Himself.
Back in Matthew 16:18 He calls it His church. So Christ is the foundation of the church and it is His church, which means that we are not at liberty to change his rules found throughout the New Testament, for its operation, doctrine, and structure. While it is possible for good men and women to differ on these things it must be acknowledged that the basis for interpretation is the Word itself.
So what is the church?
The church is a body of believers organized by the Lord Jesus, founded upon Him, and both organized and structured by Him as expressed in the Bible. Neither man nor government has the right to change God’s rules or to add to them. Government’s job is to get out of the way so that Christians can pray. If the government wants to govern all other religions, then so be it. But Christianity is under His Command.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 26, 2018
Insights: World of Abraham’s Lot
Insights: “Just Lot”
“And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” 2 Peter 2:7-8
One of the most interesting and relevant characters in the Bible is Lot. I say that because of the man’s lifestyle and God’s judgment on him. In the Bible the use of the term “just” is a salvation term referring to someone who has trusted God for his salvation (deliverance from the judgment of God for sin). In other words, Lot was a saved man!
But Lot was guilty of greed, incest, drunkenness and more. In our thinking he couldn’t be a Christian. But God says otherwise.
It says in 2 Peter that the sin of Gomorrah vexed his righteous soul from day to day …” Seeing their ungodly behavior bothered him. He hated the sin and probably never practiced it himself, but he was contaminated by it. So much so that his virgin daughters were able to get him drunk and commit incest with them!
We sit in judgment of him, but are we any better?
The truth is that Christians today would be harshly condemned by our ancestors. We proclaim Christ but have become modernized in our thinking, our behavior, and our worship. Our souls are vexed by all this but we do nothing about it. I’m just as guilty as anyone else.
What should we do?
Pray and seek revival! We need to return to a Biblical perspective in our lives.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship to the Stars I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 25, 2018
Trade War with China
Today’s Issue: Trade War with China
Monday’s I try to focus on issues. The media seems to be upset that we might have a trade war with China. They give reasons that sound right, but upon investigation we find:
We export only $130 billion of goods and services
We import $505 billion of goods and services
Do the math. A Trade War will end in our (America’s) favor.
Commentator Dick Morris points out this is tantamount to a subsidy for China, which is a potential enemy and right now a competitor. I agree. China is a country that only moves when it is in their best interests.
What does that mean?
It means that they have to be incentivized to lower tariffs and lessen restrictions on American products. Sticking with Trump on this should be a no-brainer, but the media is so anti-Trump that they are blind to anything good he does! And this would be good.
What about the stock market?
The thing to remember about the stock market is that it is made up of people who are concerned with profits. They get jittery about just about everything. And it is not a reflection of today’s world but of a possible economic truth 6 months or more into the future. A future that is constantly changing.
So why all the panic?
I think it is another example of agenda over facts. The media is always looking for some way to put down President Trump. Just like they place the blame on Trump for alien children being separated from their parents even though it is illegal to incarcerate children along with their parents. The blame really belongs on previous administrations who allowed this immigration mess to grow and upon the parents who smuggle the children into our country. (Their actions are understandable but cannot be tolerated.)
In the same manner the media will twist the facts to make it look like a trade war with China is a bad thing. Sometimes taking medicine has bad side effects but it is necessary for your health. A trade war with China will cause some discomfort but in the end American manufacturers and employers will be better off. Which means the average American will be better off.
So what should we do?
Wait it out. At the least we have a President who is working on our behalf. You have to go all the way back to President Reagan to find that kind of leadership.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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