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Moses - Steps to a Life of Faith
This book traces some of the significant events of Moses' life showing how God used an ordinary man and shaped the events of his life to bring him to the place where he could be mightily used to accomplish God's purposes. This book is about how God built faith into a man.
God is a dreamer. One day he had a dream, and he thought to himself…who will I get to fulfill this dream? Then he made you. He created you to fulfill a dream. You are made for a purpose. This book is about knowing God's dream for your life and believing him to accomplish it in you. This book could be the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to you. To enter into God's plan for your life is to become the person he made you to be, and to finally find the fulfillment and joy that you have been seeking your whole life.
God is a dreamer. One day he had a dream, and he thought to himself…who will I get to fulfill this dream? Then he made you. He created you to fulfill a dream. You are made for a purpose. This book is about knowing God's dream for your life and believing him to accomplish it in you. This book could be the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to you. To enter into God's plan for your life is to become the person he made you to be, and to finally find the fulfillment and joy that you have been seeking your whole life.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2011
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646 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 5, 2014
After reading this book and experiencing God ministering to me through it, I couldn't help but write the author the following letter.
I just finished reading your book "Moses: Steps To A Life of Faith". WOW! Not only was this a great read but God put it in my life just when I needed it. As a father it's important to me to be a Godly example to my two children, Ezekiel & Brianna. I started reading your book at a time when it seemed I was about to lose all rights to my son. Of all the trials I've been through, that was the scariest. Through your book God taught me to "abandon my son to His care". I prayed, prayed and prayed, then on the day of court God showed me that He was in control the entire time. My son and I had, & still have, a great relationship. He's 13 (going on 26), smart, funny, mature & his father's son.....be that for the better or worse :)
Through the words of your book and the Scriptures you referred to, I gained a deeper understanding of what it is to truly trust God.
I thank you, with everything in me, for being obedient to His Will by writing this book. It is one I intend to use in my ministry, public speaking, lectures, etc. I could go on for quite a while about how this book has blessed me but I'm sure you have hundreds of emails to read thru. I'll end by saying God Bless and remain obedient.
I just finished reading your book "Moses: Steps To A Life of Faith". WOW! Not only was this a great read but God put it in my life just when I needed it. As a father it's important to me to be a Godly example to my two children, Ezekiel & Brianna. I started reading your book at a time when it seemed I was about to lose all rights to my son. Of all the trials I've been through, that was the scariest. Through your book God taught me to "abandon my son to His care". I prayed, prayed and prayed, then on the day of court God showed me that He was in control the entire time. My son and I had, & still have, a great relationship. He's 13 (going on 26), smart, funny, mature & his father's son.....be that for the better or worse :)
Through the words of your book and the Scriptures you referred to, I gained a deeper understanding of what it is to truly trust God.
I thank you, with everything in me, for being obedient to His Will by writing this book. It is one I intend to use in my ministry, public speaking, lectures, etc. I could go on for quite a while about how this book has blessed me but I'm sure you have hundreds of emails to read thru. I'll end by saying God Bless and remain obedient.
April 2, 2013
Moses, Steps to a Life of Faith by author Bob Saffrin is a thorough and insightful look at the life of Moses and his faith.
I have read lots of books on faith, yet none have touched me quite like this book. The author obviously has years of experience and wisdom behind him as I found myself constantly making notes (on my Kindle) as I read along. For example:
"Everything you have learned in life, regardless of the source, becomes useful when placed in God's hands."
There are many more like these that help the reader find those "steps to a life of faith" through Moses story.
Saffrin starts at the beginning of Moses life and by putting himself in the feet of Moses, as well as carefully following scripture, he is able to lead the reader through Moses life experiences, showing how God works, thereby helping the reader to look at their own life and see where God might be working as well.
We may not have burning bushes today, but God is still at work in our lives. As Saffrin points out, "In order to have the kind of faith that accomplishes great things for the kingdom of God, we must know God's ways." One of those ways is through the Desert School of Theology. Something Moses himself had to experience and something every Christian goes through at one time or another. But fear not! If you are going through a "desert experience" right now, you should be encouraged, because these are the times when God teaches you about His ways and about yourself.
Throughout this entire book the author reminds us of the parallel between Moses and Jesus and in the end we learn that, "It is not what we can do that is important, but what Jesus can do in us."
I have read lots of books on faith, yet none have touched me quite like this book. The author obviously has years of experience and wisdom behind him as I found myself constantly making notes (on my Kindle) as I read along. For example:
"Everything you have learned in life, regardless of the source, becomes useful when placed in God's hands."
There are many more like these that help the reader find those "steps to a life of faith" through Moses story.
Saffrin starts at the beginning of Moses life and by putting himself in the feet of Moses, as well as carefully following scripture, he is able to lead the reader through Moses life experiences, showing how God works, thereby helping the reader to look at their own life and see where God might be working as well.
We may not have burning bushes today, but God is still at work in our lives. As Saffrin points out, "In order to have the kind of faith that accomplishes great things for the kingdom of God, we must know God's ways." One of those ways is through the Desert School of Theology. Something Moses himself had to experience and something every Christian goes through at one time or another. But fear not! If you are going through a "desert experience" right now, you should be encouraged, because these are the times when God teaches you about His ways and about yourself.
Throughout this entire book the author reminds us of the parallel between Moses and Jesus and in the end we learn that, "It is not what we can do that is important, but what Jesus can do in us."
May 27, 2014
There are some books that make a bad first impression. You continue read to see if they’re going to get better, because every author has dry spells, and when the book takes off it can change your life, whether fiction or non-fiction. In some cases, that hope for improvement becomes desire, and ultimately despair. "Moses: Steps to a Life of Faith" is, unfortunately, one of those books.
Please indulge me a bit of background. I’m currently writing a biblical historical fiction on the Israelite Exodus from Egypt. Moses, of course, is a fairly large part of the story and I picked up the book excited to learn something new about him by reading a book about his life and his journey of faith. I went into the book with high hopes, which were promptly dashed in the prologue. Going into a book such as this, I want to know why the author wrote the book, and why I should listen to him. I want to know that he is at least somewhat of an expert in the field if I'm going to spend the time learning from him. The author, Bob Saffrin, never lists any qualifications, academic or otherwise, for writing the book other than what basically boils down to “I’ve been reading the Bible since I was in my 20s. Oh, and I taught this lesson before to pastors in India.” (No additional qualifications, such as a Christian college education, a pastorship, or even lay leadership, are listed on his website, either.) At the end of the book, no bibliography is mentioned. There are no footnotes listed for the historical data (more on that later).
But, I read on, hoping that I would be able to glean something useful for my own book, as well as something I could apply to own life.
The book follows the life of Moses from birth to death. It is in this first chapter (really a prologue) of Moses’ life that the only non-biblical source of information is cited. Saffrin paraphrases the Jewish historian (and undisputed traitor to his people) Josephus. This would be fine, but Josephus’ "Antiquities of the Jews" is given the same historical and spiritual significance as biblical sources and is referred back to many times throughout the telling of Moses’ life. As Josephus (and Saffrin) tells the story, Moses’ father was given a vision when Moses was three months old which showed the father, among other things, his son’s destiny.
Moses, we are also told many times, knew from his parents' own mouths his destiny to lead the Hebrew people out of bondage. None of this is supported in either the Exodus story, nor anywhere else in Scripture, yet this Jewish oral history is given the exact same weight—moreso, it seems—as biblical accounts.
Saffrin makes much ado about Moses turning down the throne of Egypt multiple times (none of which is mentioned in the Biblical text). Historically, this would have never happened in Ancient Egypt. Moses, while he was an adopted prince of Egypt, would have never been eligible for, let alone asked to take, the throne because he was not Egyptian. Saffrin brings in many historical details about Egyptian culture and Moses’ royal family, but never once names names (and very rarely gets the details correct). He claims that Moses’ adoptive grandfather was in poor health, his adoptive mother was young, that when Moses was 20 his adoptive grandfather died, that Moses refused the throne at that time, the only reason Moses was adopted was to give the royal family an heir, etc. Not one member of the royal family is named to give us an historical reference to even have an idea of when the Exodus took place or to be able to check his claims against historical records. Saffrin also makes the erroneous claim that royal lineage in Pharonic Egypt was passed down through the mother. This is utterly old information, and has been debunked many times in the last 50 years.
In all honesty, this is when I started wanting to throw my Kindle across the room and stomp on it until it was dead. The 10 Plagues of Egypt were completely glossed over, as was most of the 40 years in the desert.
The rest of the book is just okay. There is some denominational theology in there that I didn’t necessarily agree with, but would not bother other readers. The author makes some great leaps in logic and theology I don’t agree with, but others might. However, all of Saffrin's assertions are based upon Josephus’ crumbly foundations mentioned above.
The writing is dry and while it is obvious that the author is excited about this information, he failed miserably from the first chapter on to make me excited as well.
The book itself is edited poorly. I will gladly admit that it is better-edited than some other indie books I have read, but there are quite a few commas and quotation marks missing or added, uncapitalized proper nouns, quotation formatting issues, etc. Less important but no less annoying was Saffrin’s insistence of calling the Hebrew people “Jews,” a term that was not applied to the children of Israel until Roman times.
In all, I cannot in any good conscience recommend this book. If you are at all interested in accurate biblical history, run away as far and fast as you can.
Please indulge me a bit of background. I’m currently writing a biblical historical fiction on the Israelite Exodus from Egypt. Moses, of course, is a fairly large part of the story and I picked up the book excited to learn something new about him by reading a book about his life and his journey of faith. I went into the book with high hopes, which were promptly dashed in the prologue. Going into a book such as this, I want to know why the author wrote the book, and why I should listen to him. I want to know that he is at least somewhat of an expert in the field if I'm going to spend the time learning from him. The author, Bob Saffrin, never lists any qualifications, academic or otherwise, for writing the book other than what basically boils down to “I’ve been reading the Bible since I was in my 20s. Oh, and I taught this lesson before to pastors in India.” (No additional qualifications, such as a Christian college education, a pastorship, or even lay leadership, are listed on his website, either.) At the end of the book, no bibliography is mentioned. There are no footnotes listed for the historical data (more on that later).
But, I read on, hoping that I would be able to glean something useful for my own book, as well as something I could apply to own life.
The book follows the life of Moses from birth to death. It is in this first chapter (really a prologue) of Moses’ life that the only non-biblical source of information is cited. Saffrin paraphrases the Jewish historian (and undisputed traitor to his people) Josephus. This would be fine, but Josephus’ "Antiquities of the Jews" is given the same historical and spiritual significance as biblical sources and is referred back to many times throughout the telling of Moses’ life. As Josephus (and Saffrin) tells the story, Moses’ father was given a vision when Moses was three months old which showed the father, among other things, his son’s destiny.
Moses, we are also told many times, knew from his parents' own mouths his destiny to lead the Hebrew people out of bondage. None of this is supported in either the Exodus story, nor anywhere else in Scripture, yet this Jewish oral history is given the exact same weight—moreso, it seems—as biblical accounts.
Saffrin makes much ado about Moses turning down the throne of Egypt multiple times (none of which is mentioned in the Biblical text). Historically, this would have never happened in Ancient Egypt. Moses, while he was an adopted prince of Egypt, would have never been eligible for, let alone asked to take, the throne because he was not Egyptian. Saffrin brings in many historical details about Egyptian culture and Moses’ royal family, but never once names names (and very rarely gets the details correct). He claims that Moses’ adoptive grandfather was in poor health, his adoptive mother was young, that when Moses was 20 his adoptive grandfather died, that Moses refused the throne at that time, the only reason Moses was adopted was to give the royal family an heir, etc. Not one member of the royal family is named to give us an historical reference to even have an idea of when the Exodus took place or to be able to check his claims against historical records. Saffrin also makes the erroneous claim that royal lineage in Pharonic Egypt was passed down through the mother. This is utterly old information, and has been debunked many times in the last 50 years.
In all honesty, this is when I started wanting to throw my Kindle across the room and stomp on it until it was dead. The 10 Plagues of Egypt were completely glossed over, as was most of the 40 years in the desert.
The rest of the book is just okay. There is some denominational theology in there that I didn’t necessarily agree with, but would not bother other readers. The author makes some great leaps in logic and theology I don’t agree with, but others might. However, all of Saffrin's assertions are based upon Josephus’ crumbly foundations mentioned above.
The writing is dry and while it is obvious that the author is excited about this information, he failed miserably from the first chapter on to make me excited as well.
The book itself is edited poorly. I will gladly admit that it is better-edited than some other indie books I have read, but there are quite a few commas and quotation marks missing or added, uncapitalized proper nouns, quotation formatting issues, etc. Less important but no less annoying was Saffrin’s insistence of calling the Hebrew people “Jews,” a term that was not applied to the children of Israel until Roman times.
In all, I cannot in any good conscience recommend this book. If you are at all interested in accurate biblical history, run away as far and fast as you can.
September 13, 2012
I will say that I didn't really like it at all in the beginning and I turned it off twice (obviously reading on my Kindle). The first 3/4 of the book is basically telling you the story of Moses and some hidden meanings into why he did what he did. It is very repetitive and I've already watched 'The Prince of Egypt' when Dream Works released it in 1998. At around 75% (ish) it started to get really good... I got past Moses asking the Pharaoh to let his people go and to deliver them (and I couldn't stop singing the 'Deliver Us' song that was in the animated movie). The book then moves on to what happens after the Israelites left Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, and went into the desert in search of the Promise Land. We all know what happens, but the way Bob Saffrin describes their thoughts, actions, and the meaning behind the bronze snake on the poll, it was very revealing and helped answer some questions I had regarding my own faith. Overall, it was good, educational, and thought-provoking.
August 17, 2019
Great book!
...And I thought I knew everything about Moses What an eye opener about myself. I know I can get to the promise land too!
...And I thought I knew everything about Moses What an eye opener about myself. I know I can get to the promise land too!
February 11, 2023
2.8/5 — It was alright. I really appreciated a few points, but overall kind of basic and underwhelming.
March 8, 2017
The author uses the life of Moses as a metaphor for our journey of faith. I really liked the "Desert School of Theology." Moses developed his faith in a literal desert; often God gives us dry times and difficult experiences that are the deserts that shape our faith.
Some information about Moses and his parents came from Josephus rather than from the Bible, but it was helpful in showing how Moses went from a Hebrew infant illegally kept alive to Pharoah's son to a failure fleeing murder charges to the man God used to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt.
The author points out how the experiences of Moses and the Israelites in the desert showed over and over again that in their own strength, they were completely unable to care for themselves. When they depended on God, He accomplished miracles. A great reminder for us in our own faith walk--we can accomplish nothing on our own, but when we give our lives to God, He will accomplish His great purpose and plan through us.
Some information about Moses and his parents came from Josephus rather than from the Bible, but it was helpful in showing how Moses went from a Hebrew infant illegally kept alive to Pharoah's son to a failure fleeing murder charges to the man God used to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt.
The author points out how the experiences of Moses and the Israelites in the desert showed over and over again that in their own strength, they were completely unable to care for themselves. When they depended on God, He accomplished miracles. A great reminder for us in our own faith walk--we can accomplish nothing on our own, but when we give our lives to God, He will accomplish His great purpose and plan through us.
June 21, 2012
“Moses – Steps to a Life of Faith” by Bob Saffrin is a very good book. The author has broken the story of the life of Moses into very segments detail his struggles and ultimate triumph of faith. The best part is how the author then takes each segment and relates it to our lives and shows us how to achieve all that God has for us.
The book is well thought-out and written making it easy to read. I found the book very uplifting and applicable into today’s world and my life.
I highly recommend this book.
The book is well thought-out and written making it easy to read. I found the book very uplifting and applicable into today’s world and my life.
I highly recommend this book.
March 26, 2014
It was an inspiring read.....really got me to question where I stand in my walk with God, and put in very simple, relatable words.
I know Moses didn't go to Heaven seconds after death because a verse later in the Bible states Satan fighting Jesús over his body and that's when he went.
But anyways, good read, with great examples from one of history's greatest leaders, Moses.
How I wish I had that man's patience and trust.
I know Moses didn't go to Heaven seconds after death because a verse later in the Bible states Satan fighting Jesús over his body and that's when he went.
But anyways, good read, with great examples from one of history's greatest leaders, Moses.
How I wish I had that man's patience and trust.
June 22, 2014
At first I didn't think I would like this book, but by the time I finished it I had highlighted many parts. I felt it was a relevant book to where I am at in my relationship with the Lord, and will look at Moses more as a "brother" than a patriarch. The book can be serious at times as well as humorous. It struck a fine balance. I knocked off a star because I was disappointed when I finished it -- I wanted more!
June 7, 2015
God's Object Lessons
Moses was a very humble man, and God loved him very much. He was a great leader who was humble enough to acknowledge his need for God's help. Yet God recorded his failures and pointed out his weaknesses too. God wants us to know that He is not looking for perfect people. God is looking for people who are available and willing to obey Him. Without God we are nothing, but Moses is an excellent example of God's power.
Moses was a very humble man, and God loved him very much. He was a great leader who was humble enough to acknowledge his need for God's help. Yet God recorded his failures and pointed out his weaknesses too. God wants us to know that He is not looking for perfect people. God is looking for people who are available and willing to obey Him. Without God we are nothing, but Moses is an excellent example of God's power.
March 3, 2013
I would have given this a 3.8. Wonderful lessons from the live of Moses. Lots of good thoughts. Here's one: "For the children, the desert experience became a place of training just as it had for Moses all those years before. It was in this desert wandering that God began to bring them tests to build their faith." Those desert experiences, we all have them. And God provided in the desert.
January 28, 2014
I have always liked Moses and what he went through to lead the Israelite out of Egypt and up to the Promised Land. This was a down-to-earth look at him, warts and all. It also gave me some new perspectives about the story for consideration. Saffrin is a good writer and one who I hope to see again in my reading adventures.
February 24, 2014
An amazing eye opening book!
An amazing eye opening book!
I loved everything about this story of Moses...it's really a story of us His children too. I learned new things and will reread this book often to keep remind myself of all I've learned. Praise the Lord for Bob Saffrin!
An amazing eye opening book!
I loved everything about this story of Moses...it's really a story of us His children too. I learned new things and will reread this book often to keep remind myself of all I've learned. Praise the Lord for Bob Saffrin!
April 30, 2012
This book was full of information and easy to read. I have a hard time understanding the bible and this book spelled it out for you. This is for those wanting to grow stronger in their faith or those just beginning on their journey. A must read!
October 9, 2014
Walking with God can be hard sometimes; trials, our own desires, etc. can help us forget that we are not alone in this walk. This book teaches us how God uses our worse experiences to shape our godly character. I definitely recommend this excellent book.
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February 3, 2014Informative and very interesting!
I enjoyed learning deeper as I read this. I would recommend this book ToBias learning Study led waders or most anyone e that likes a light read of bible times.
I enjoyed learning deeper as I read this. I would recommend this book ToBias learning Study led waders or most anyone e that likes a light read of bible times.
January 21, 2015
I was reading this during my workout sessions, by the time you're near 50% of reading/studying who Moses was and his journey into the embrace of God's heart and purpose, you'll find yourself pausing, self-reflecting and highlighting.
July 12, 2015
The life of Moses
I have the book Five stars because it gave me a deeper appreciation for what Moses had to endure as a leader and lessons one can draw from his trials and apply them to our daily lives.
I have the book Five stars because it gave me a deeper appreciation for what Moses had to endure as a leader and lessons one can draw from his trials and apply them to our daily lives.
March 7, 2016
Most excellent!
The author has now risen to one of my favorites. His writing and his insight into biblical chaos is astounding. It is not only easy to read but easy to understand and contemplate.
The author has now risen to one of my favorites. His writing and his insight into biblical chaos is astounding. It is not only easy to read but easy to understand and contemplate.
April 2, 2013
I am struggling with my rating... Normally Bob Saffron"s books are great. This one was okay until the last three chapters. I still learned a lot about Moses.
December 11, 2013
A good study book
August 27, 2013
This isa very good, quick read. The author delivers much insight about Mose's Old Testament adventures and draws parallels to how we can build our faith to accomplish God's dream for us.
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January 10, 2014Great read for daily devotion time.
Bob gives a different prospective on events in Mose's life. This book would also be good for small group studies.
Bob gives a different prospective on events in Mose's life. This book would also be good for small group studies.
Read
February 4, 2014Awesome!
This book came at just the right time. Worth several reads. so powerful. I will keep and share this with my family.
This book came at just the right time. Worth several reads. so powerful. I will keep and share this with my family.
April 10, 2014
A heartfelt read
this was a very informative book. I attend chapell every week and found this book well written and awe inspiring while I reflected during my hour in chapel.
this was a very informative book. I attend chapell every week and found this book well written and awe inspiring while I reflected during my hour in chapel.
Read
February 6, 2015Blessed To Read
A wonderful addition to ongoing studying of God's Word and how He uses 'ordinary' to accomplish 'extraordinary work and purpose.
A wonderful addition to ongoing studying of God's Word and how He uses 'ordinary' to accomplish 'extraordinary work and purpose.
Read
April 4, 2016I just could not garner interest for this book. I felt like I should read it, not like I wanted to. So, I stopped.
January 3, 2020
Read this to supplement a Bible Study I was teaching on Moses/Exodus. I wish the author had provided footnotes and a bibliography for some of his assertions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews