Jesus rose. But Christ didn't just rise from the dead. He ascended to Heaven.
We hear the stories about Peter and John and all the heroes of the New Testament, and they're unstoppable Christians--fearless and bold. And sometimes we wrongly assume that they just got that way. That Christ died for their sins, and bam! They're instantly changed! On the contrary, the disciples were actually quite cowardly in their actions after the Resurrection.
It wasn't until after the Ascension that they were on fire for Christ. So, what happened during the forty days? Something happened.
There's more written about Christ's ministry before his death than the events that happened after his Resurrection, but when we look at Ascension, we begin to see that there's power in small details. We begin to see that something happened after the Resurrection--something happened to transform the lives of believers and make them more than followers.
Looking at what happened after the Resurrection, and further at the Ascension of Christ, we start to see what happened to transform the followers--and in seeing this we might just be transformed ourselves.
Something did indeed happen during the forty days. Jesus was not done teaching.
This book really answered a lot of questions for me. It is easy to read and understand and opens your eyes especially for people that have questions about Jesus. The questions opened my eyes and taught me a great deal. I still go back and reread this book and answer the questions. I greatly enjoyed this book. It is an easy read and you will want to keep going back and rereading it. The questions really make you think about how much Jesus loves us and how real he is. Some of the questions I have never thought about or asked myself. I will keep this book on my night stand for nightly rereading and reviewing the questions. It will change your life. I am a Christian but this opened up questions I didn't think about. A must read and guide for everyday use. I think it would be a great book for a group setting.
I enjoyed this book. Sometimes I have a hard time with theology but this one did well. The language was easy to follow and keep up with. I honestly would read more if more were written about other topics of the Bible
I received a MOBI.file for this book from the author through a giveaway he had on LibraryThing, and the following is my honest opinion.
Anyone who is a [devout] Christian believes, knows and accepts that Jesus had died on the cross for their sins. And those who now come to the Lord for the first and take Him as their Savoir are likewise transformed and freed of their sins.
During the Lord’s time here on earth, he had been a Great Teacher, teaching anyone who would listen to Him, a far better way in which to live their lives. There are scores of books that discuss this period in great detail as there are scores that deal with what happened after the Lord’s Resurrection.
No one gets instantly transformed the moment they come to and believe in the Savoir, and neither had this been the case for any of His Apostles until after His resurrection.
Despite all the nonfiction Christian books I’ve read/reviewed, I still consider myself being a layperson, however, what amazes me the most is there had been 40 days between the Lord’s resurrection and His ascension to Heaven. The number 40 is quite significant in the Bible.
It rained for 40 days/nights [GENSIS 7:12]. Moses spent 40 years tending flocks in the desert after killing the Egyptian [ACTS 7:30]. Moses spent 40 days/nights on Mt. Sinai [EXODUS 24:18]. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering the desert [DEUTEROMONY 8:2-5]. Jesus had gotten tempted for 40 days/nights [MATTHEW 4:2] Etc.
What the author, Scott Douglas, has done in his book, is to give his readers an examination of what had transpired during these 40 days/nights. Mr. Douglas points the small occurring details that ultimately caused individuals like Peter and John to become the powerhouses of the Lord after His resurrection. What I liked most about the writing of this book is that it had not been overhandling spiritual, Mr. Douglas wrote it so it could easily get understood by the masses of individuals that might read this book, and it, for this reason, I’ve given Mr. Douglas and his book 5 STARS.
Fascinating, modern interpretation and analysis of Jesus' last days and resurrection and ascension. Written as if the writer is speaking to you, with contemporary references it does a careful job discussing events while balancing differences across Christian faiths. (Nothing when Catholic or Greek Orthodox traditions may differ from Protestant ones). Many, many sidebars dive into the biographies of various Biblical and historic characters - including the women, the story flows quickly. A great read, especially during Lent, this book offers some interesting thoughts on the value of the ascension, not just the resurrection on the story of Jesus. Modern language and discussion is readable for those looking for a current take on things... but maybe not for KJV purests.
I feel so privileged to have read this book. I’ll admit upfront that I do not find myself in complete agreement with the author in certain areas of doctrine. However, these are minor points and do not take away from the fact that this is a great analytical tool to help us understand the importance surrounding the ascension of Jesus, such as it applies to our walk with God. The work is presented in easy, accessible language, with a mild humour which makes for pleasant reading. I really found myself quite immersed in the content, even learning some new facts regarding the 40 days Jesus spent ministering after His resurrection, that I had not before considered. I’m personally grateful to have come across this book.
*I received an advance reader copy for free from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book does a great job of covering the meaning behind Easter. It was also interesting to learn about how the number 40 has been noted several times - such as 40 days of temptation, 40 years of wandering the desert, Jesus being on earth 40 days between the resurrection and the Ascension and even 40 days and 40 mights of rain for Noah. The author shows discuss this in an easy to understand format.
I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only
Reviewing Christian books can be a challenge or a joy. I like to read books from authors from a different branch (for want of a better way to put it). I have a joy in having my take on things challenged it makes me ask the question why to i believe what i do on any set belief. I know what I've been taught but am i right when i read things that are different or am i wrong. Is the author right or wrong or are we both wrong or even both right. I like this dilemma it challenges me to look deeper. So as you can guess some things here that opposed my understanding somethings mater more than others. There is a lot of good teaching (not just because there is a lot I agree with) this is a great read as well as challenge it is more main stream i guess and that's good. Having fine to Methodist Churches as a Child I have been to Pentecostal both have exciting and dull Churches as with all streams of our faith. How ever this is meant to be a review in Scott's book so I'm saying i recommend it hence the five stars its an easy read and is good for use in leading small groups a chapter each week or however often you meet. It leads to good discussion or should and will make you think and be amazed out impressed being doubt "How Great is Our GOD"
Thank you for expanding so many of the teachings of Jesus. You carry us along with you, helping us over sticky patches where doubts can arise. You talk to us straight, no soft soaping, it is not enough to know about what Jesus has done for us if we do not then commit to believing it and asking his forgiveness . Last but certainly not least we have to ask the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within our hearts , to take control of our lives so we can do his work here on earth.
So I do not necessarily agree 100 percent with this author but I do love the book and the way it is written. I enjoy reading different aspects of Christianity and what people interpret from the scriptures. This is a great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lively, eclectic look at the importance of the Ascension for Christians. Full of little details to make one pray and ponder on. The Apostles are not forgotten, and a good chapter by chapter list of points to reflect on. Overall worth rereading, sooner than later.
A w0nderful book. Scott Douglas writing style is fresh and today. He examines and explains the last days of Jesus life on earth, his resurrection and ascension in a way that is easy to understand.
Very interesting book. This book have me a better understanding of "Grace", and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. I have never a taught about the "Pentecost" but now I am aware of what it means. Thanks to Mr. Douglas for opening my eyes.
Douglas delves into the ascension, an event in the story of the life of Jesus, not covered by many authors in detail. I do recommend reading this if you're interested in the theological and existential aspects of the ascension of Jesus following his resurrection.
I received this book from Voracious Readers Only and from the moment I began to read it, it was captivating. It does not read like a boring Bible study but actually reads like a fun and witty conversation between the reader and the author. The book portrays the biblical writings of the ascension of Jesus Christ with a modern view.
This book teaches the reader to not just follow the crowd when it comes to understanding this amazing act in the Bible, but instead sit back and observe and then analyze the true meaning of the Word and how it translates in your own life.
It is definitely a must have in every theological bookshelf!
Interesting book. Very easy to read and understand. Got me thinking about familiar things in a new way and if I agreed with everything or differed in some respects which is healthy. Sara Lee
This book was a nice mixture of humor, history, and biblical teachings. I really enjoyed the little caveats at the end of each chapter on different Christians. This book was a very interesting insight on the time after Jesus’ death.
( received complimentary e-copy in exchange for review )
Enjoyed and benefited from this book, as it led me to spend time in focus on a time period, which if I am honest, have kind of glazed over in the past. Have come away from this read refreshed, enlightened, and searching for more. Well-written in a comfortable style. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Will be revisiting this book for a more in-depth read soon.
This is a very compelling book about a post resurrection Jesus, the 40 days that He remained on the earth and how the Disciples converted from students to teachers following the infilling of the Holy Ghost... I most enjoyed the first three chapters that included the Emmaeus Road experience and found the chapter on “other tongues” to be less informative. Overall, it’s a very good book and recommended for all Christian converts.
Considering there's not much written in the Bible about the Ascension of Christ, this was a VERY interesting read!! This book begins by looking at the various people Christ came into contact with immediately after the Resurrection & examines who they are, why Jesus showed himself to these particular people & the possible meaning of it all. It definitely made me see Jesus' ascending into heaven with a whole new mind set. Also, I didn't before really understand the utter importance of Ascension Sunday, but now I wish I could get a Christian movement started to celebrate this, at least as much, if not more than Easter & Christmas!! In the book, he explains why it is so ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT & NECESSARY!!! Thank you Scott Douglas for another very informative and eye-opening book!!!
I was kind of surprised after reading this to learn that the author is not a minister, but a librarian (I am a librarian too)! I guess that explains why it is one of the few “theology” books I’ve been able to read from beginning to end without being mired down by too much scholarly, dry, and boring details. It is very down to earth, and easy to understand. There was so many things explained in this book that I never thought of, and didn’t even realize I needed to know about. It was a great book to read AFTER Lent had ended which is when I started to read it. It was very well written and very interesting and inspiring. I will be looking into reading more of this author’s “theology” books.
The purpose of the book is to express the importance of Jesus' ascension, something that is truly not discussed or preached much in Christian churches. More emphasis is placed upon Jesus' death and resurrection -- which is understandable -- but his ascension is also critical to understanding our future in terms of salvation and God's love. The author does a fine job of explaining this, but truthfully didn't cover much new ground.
My favorite part of the book was the too-brief section that discusses what we know about each of the twelve apostles.
Free copy via voracious readers, for honest review. I’m struggling with thIs one a bit, there’s a lot of references to apocyraphal books that I’m not sure I agree with and the writing style doesn’t sit well with me. I want to like this book and push through it but I’m not sure thats going to happen. It looks like others have felt similarly and kept reading and found it worth while so perhaps I will, if I do I will edit this accordingly. Thanks Scott for The opportunity to read this book.
The author presents the events leading up to the ascension as a series of lessons that somehow changed the disciples and they finally "got it". I disagree. The disciples received the Holy Spirit and He began working through them and doing His work. The author presents a few interesting points, but otherwise, a very human interpretation of the resurrection and ascension that followed.