It may seem odd to review a book of songs, but I’ve been using it as a daily devotional guide. Works.
I first became aware of this book, originally pubIt may seem odd to review a book of songs, but I’ve been using it as a daily devotional guide. Works.
I first became aware of this book, originally published over a hundred years ago, sixty years ago. In a small Kansas church which had dozens of old copies. Every Sunday for several years we’d sing these simple songs of the faith accompanied by an old piano. (Okay, everything about this was old, except me. You’ve got that.)
I obtained this copy recently and started through it in order: singing (to myself) the hymns I knew, reciting the others as poems. I was surprised that I remembered more than half. Some I’m sure weren’t in the 1938 edition we used then.
It has much to recommend itself. Including the responsive scripture readings, which at the time I was so focused on saying the words in unison that I paid no attention to what I was saying.
A window, for me, into my youth and early life. ...more
Incredible stories of women over the last seventy years who faced persecution and death because of their Christian faith. Modern American readers willIncredible stories of women over the last seventy years who faced persecution and death because of their Christian faith. Modern American readers will shrink back from the reality that such treatment is meted to women in this world today. It is.
Most of those featured did not seek attention. They were going about their lives as children or mothers with little concept of the world beyond their village. The world came to them, and it was angry.
Sobering. Sobering. It’s happening today. In this world. In this country. (See Hiding in the Light)...more
Superficially this is another name-it-and-claim-it fantasy. A closer reading reveals that it expounds the traditional Christian virtues of faith, deatSuperficially this is another name-it-and-claim-it fantasy. A closer reading reveals that it expounds the traditional Christian virtues of faith, death to self, and obedience. But why dress it up in all the visionary, apocalyptic language? Why all the self-referential hyperbola?
Seeking of words: Bolz twice uses parabolic when he means parable-like. If gives his sentences different and unintentionally humorous meanings.
Christians have been disgracing themselves and the Lord they claim to serve by being so focused on the Last Days that they fail to seek and serve him in their here and now.
Disappointing. Highly recommended to me by a respected Christian, but probably not worth your time. ...more
This book (and CDs) was highly recommended by a source I trust, therefore it’s all the more disappointing. And a disappointment it is.
The title suggeThis book (and CDs) was highly recommended by a source I trust, therefore it’s all the more disappointing. And a disappointment it is.
The title suggests the problem. Henderson has some helpful insights into prayer, but he presents it as a “secret” formula of “can’t” and “always” and “actually means” which runs contrary to the plain Biblical representation of God as a loving approachable father. (Applying the word “counsel” as if it means “council” also undercuts his exegesis.)
“We must not just do the right thing; we must do the right thing for the right reason.” Our motives are important. More important than devising arcane procedures only by means of which God is “freed” to do what he wants to do. Heaven is not limited by earthly rules of evidence. It’s like the guy with a hammer to whom every problem looks like a nail.
The Bible is full of imaginary from life. Jesus taught in metaphors and parables. To take his references to judges and courts as literal and to impose that image on the rest of scripture misleads readers. To impose saying the right words, making the right moves, genuflecting--no, he doesn’t recommend that. It’s been tried before, and it clearly is not the right approach.
Henderson has fifty or sixty pages of good material. Even padding it, he runs out of stuff halfway through. Nice cover art.
There is no substitute for a living relationship with the living God. He will lead you to truth and right living. ...more
“Someone who celebrates before the answer … is someone who is about to experience the answer. Faith looks ahead and lives accordingly.”
An excellent re“Someone who celebrates before the answer … is someone who is about to experience the answer. Faith looks ahead and lives accordingly.”
An excellent resource for Christian living. Johnson challenges believers to new levels of surrender and relationship with God.
“Light drives away darkness without a fight. I can’t afford to live in reaction to darkness. If I do, darkness has a role in setting the agenda for my life. The devil is not worthy of such influence, even in the negative. Jesus lived in response to the father. I must learn to do the same.”
Well presented. Logical and forceful. The second half lacked the punch of the first. It’s as if he ran out of message before he had filled the page goal but kept writing.
“So much of the increased favor we get from God is really according to what we’ve done with the favor we already have.” ...more
“God does not require anything more than simple faith. However, He will not settle for anything less.”
Andrew Murray (1829 -1917) wrote this short volu“God does not require anything more than simple faith. However, He will not settle for anything less.”
Andrew Murray (1829 -1917) wrote this short volume to encourage non-believers into the Christian faith. However, it is also a valuable aid for believing Christians to examine and increase their faith.
“It is the Spirit of God who has broken your slumber and made you anxious to believe. Where there is someone who desires salvation, the Spirit will certainly work faith in him.”
This edition updates Murray’s prose to ease comprehension by modern readers. “Faith can only come in this poverty of the soul. While your feelings of unworthiness and guilt cause so much darkness and anxiety in the depths of your spirit, it is by this means that you will be driven to your Lord.” Andrew Murray A valuable addition to the reading of believer and seeker alike.
“Although you have no faith yet, take this word as a living seed into your heart, and it will awaken faith.” ...more
"It is hard to fail but worse to have never tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt, quoted in the text.
Well-researched and well-told historical fiction"It is hard to fail but worse to have never tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt, quoted in the text.
Well-researched and well-told historical fiction. Written in two genres about which I have low expectations—women’s fiction and Christian fiction—this book stands on its own two feet and demands attention as simply a good story.
Before you deluge me with hate mail, I hasten to add that I don’t pretend to expertise on either of those genres. I have read a lot of both, but most offerings haven’t struck a responsive chord with me. In the case of the former perhaps because I’m a man. On the other hand I am a Christian, but my experience with modern Christian fiction is that it tends to be simplistic and saccharin. Simplistic in that Christian fiction often presents an idealized view of the world which doesn’t correspond to the world we live in. (Christian science fiction?) And, like saccharin, much Christian fiction is sweet but without food value. Few get saved the way folks do in Christian fiction, and fewer will get saved by reading it.
Having read parts or all of other Peterson works, I conclude that the presence of James Scott Bell accounts for the difference. The writing is much more complex, though where this story is going is obvious by the end of Chapter Two. The characters have depth. And the setting is well-developed enough that the reader had little trouble losing his- or herself in turn of the century Los Angeles.
Satisfying as few of this genre have satisfied me. ...more
A thought-provoking examination of both modern and ancient Christian communities. Helpful studies for Christians to live sacrificially and victoriouslA thought-provoking examination of both modern and ancient Christian communities. Helpful studies for Christians to live sacrificially and victoriously as the Body of Christ. Katz’s background as an atheistic Jew and Marxist who converted to Christianity as an adult undoubtedly influences his recommendations, as well as his experience at the Ben Israel Fellowship in Minnesota.
My faint criticism is that Katz has a very exclusive approach to teaching. He uses the word “only” a lot, even in situations which do not warrant it. (Also, though Katz was born in Brooklyn some of his writings give the impression that English was not his first language. The reader can usually puzzle out his meaning, but it’s not always easy.)
Not for beginners, but a helpful guide toward living in fellowship. ...more
“God alone is capable of making Himself known as he really is; we search in reasoning and in the sciences, as in a poor copy, for what we neglect to s“God alone is capable of making Himself known as he really is; we search in reasoning and in the sciences, as in a poor copy, for what we neglect to see in an excellent original.”
That also may be said of modern Christians trying to communicate the path of love and faith. This classic of faith has inspired Christians and non-Christians for over three hundred years.
This particular edition is “updated for clarity and readability.” It succeeds. I have read older translations which failed to convey the simplicity and depth of Brother Lawrence’s message.
A lay Discalced Carmelite, Brother Lawrence worked in a Paris monastery for much of his eighty years. He never sought fame, only God. "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees before the Blessed Sacrament.”
“All spiritual life consists of practicing God’s presence and that anyone who practices it correctly with soon attain spiritual fulfillment.” ...more
This short study, based on the Luke’s record, examines how the temptations of Jesus after his baptism are p“We are born children, but we become sons.”
This short study, based on the Luke’s record, examines how the temptations of Jesus after his baptism are prototypes for both the trials we should expect and our best responses. Thoroughly scriptural, this teaching is both a challenge to selfless living and an encouragement to those who are experiencing troubles.
“We will not see the glory of God until there are sons and daughters who are willing to taste the death of humiliation, inexplicable disappointments and failures, because they are unwilling to commandeer God to their ends.” ...more
“There is nothing more opposed to the purposes of God than the well-wishing intentions that men perpetuate out of their own human and religious zeal.”“There is nothing more opposed to the purposes of God than the well-wishing intentions that men perpetuate out of their own human and religious zeal.”
Remember the “apostolic and universal” phrase in the old creeds? Well, it meant something. Katz explains what and challenges us to apostolic living. Prepare to see yourself, your pastor, your congregation in an unflattering mirror. Brutally honest, yet encouraging.
Well-written, if slightly archaic language. Katz died in 2007, but writes like people spoke fifty years ago.
As is true of the best books I’ve read, as soon as I finished it, I flipped back and started again (with highlighter in hand).
“God will not force upon us the perfect if we are satisfied with the counterfeit.” ...more
Not just an eye witness account of the birth of the Pentecostal movement at the Azusa Street Mission in 1906 Los Angeles, this book chronicles eventsNot just an eye witness account of the birth of the Pentecostal movement at the Azusa Street Mission in 1906 Los Angeles, this book chronicles events before and after that Christian epoch as told by a senior participant, drawing on magazine articles, pamphlets and journals he wrote at that time. As such, Azusa Street blends primary sources and history. Bartleman is not a dispassionate narrator, but he brings those events into focus for the reader better than an account based on hearsay.
Race, gender, titles, degrees were irrelevant as Christians from many faith traditions joined in a moment of spiritual revival. The slim volume ends with an article, “The Deeper Significance of Pentecost,” he wrote almost twenty years later, just before he died, helping put the Azusa revival into perspective as he saw it. And a 1970s article “Revival and Recovery” by Arthur Wallis.
While the wider world will ignore this book as it did the Azusa revival, the serious student of modern church history will find it interesting and uplifting. That this book is still in print suggests that the need and lessons of the Azusa revival are still alive. ...more
An extraordinary example of this type of literature. Vastly better written than many contemporary exhortations toward Christian living.
Murray thrivedAn extraordinary example of this type of literature. Vastly better written than many contemporary exhortations toward Christian living.
Murray thrived in South Africa over a century ago, but his many works on theology and Christian living reverberate with today’s readers. His scholarship and doctrine are at the same time orthodox and lucid. This particular edition was “revised for readability and clarity,” greatly improving the accessibility of Murray’s original text.
Murray counsel is arranged in compact chapters, each well-written and organized.
If you read only one devotional this year, read this one. ...more
Disappointing. Started well, but devolved into century-old tales of who-knows-what origin (not scripture) and home-spun theories of what the Bible reaDisappointing. Started well, but devolved into century-old tales of who-knows-what origin (not scripture) and home-spun theories of what the Bible really means. We've got enough fools doing that today without waking the sleeping dogs of previous eras.
366 excerpts from the works of L’Engle arranged as daily readings by editor Chase.
L’Engle was of a previous generation (1918 to 2007) and her works re366 excerpts from the works of L’Engle arranged as daily readings by editor Chase.
L’Engle was of a previous generation (1918 to 2007) and her works reflect it. Very much hung up on the issues and trends of mid-twentieth century, her ideas have a quaint aspect which is not immediately obvious to the reader. Not that many of her thoughts aren’t profound, but they reflect a Cold war environment that current readers will have trouble understanding. She, and we, thought nuclear holocaust was a real possibility. Her reflections on nature and man’s place in it are still relevant.
L’Engle was a well-known Christian fiction writer. These “reflections” could well be used a daily devotions. Worthwhile. ...more
His most controversial doctrine may be that “salvation is limited wholly and entirely by the intercession, or lack of it, of the Church.” He skirts theologically close to discounting both free will and the sovereignty of God.
He supports this doctrine with several examples, such as Paul’s Damascus road conversion, using logic like “We are not told specifically that the church was praying for Saul, its most deadly foe, but can anyone doubt that they were…?” Followed by the assertion, “It can hardly be doubted that the desperate intercession was made for him…” to “Can it be doubted…” to “If God, in answer to the prayers of the Church, could so reveal himself to Paul….” He starts with speculations, grows them to assumptions, then graduates to his being the only possible interpretation of the cited biblical passages.
The editor, Edwin Messerschidt, acknowledges the “unbiblical extremes” to which these teachings had been taken by some readers, but his attempt to “clarify the points found troublesome’ falls short.
Despite his flaws, Billheimer makes a good argument that believers consist the Body of Christ, the Church, the Bride, and that we are living way below God’s plan for our purpose. He specifically touches on faith, prayer and praise as areas needing attention. Without being drawn into the heresy which others found troubling, the discerning reader will find much of value in these teachings.
Christians should read it carefully—even prayerfully—but read it. Non-Christians will find little of interest or use. ...more
The first issue the reader must resolve is: what is this? A literal vision? Creative fiction? Self-prGood, but I wanted it to be better. Disappointed.
The first issue the reader must resolve is: what is this? A literal vision? Creative fiction? Self-promotion? Supposed Christians have been claiming visits to the heavenly realms for centuries. Some fail due to internal inconsistencies; others conflict with the Bible; others provide encouragement similar to the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John on Patmos, which has the additional advantage of being in the Bible. Alec’s description of it as a “prophetic journal” triggers further questions. (One blurb praised its “allegorical drama.” That same blurb compared her to C. S. Lewis, raising the issue whether the reviewer read either this book or Lewis’.) Since several chronological/logical excursions inside the narrative indicate it is not literal fact, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and read this book as inspired fiction.
Even setting the bar that low, Visions from Heaven: Visitations to My Father's Chamber could have be better presented. It needs a good editor. (The Wikipedia articles about Alec and her books share vocabulary and sentence structure with this book.)
Visions from Heaven: Visitations to My Father's Chamber will encourage those who can take it at face value. Alec promotes God’s awareness and caring about the circumstances and sufferings of all his people, and his provision for them. Just because they haven’t heard from Him or his “official” representatives doesn’t mean they’ve been abandoned. That point is repeated often.
Wendy Alec has experienced more than her share of suffering, so she speaks with authority on how the presence of God in her life has supported her....more
An amazing book, first published in 1977, which addresses the most vexing issue of modern Christians, “Why do good people suffer?” Billheimer’s answerAn amazing book, first published in 1977, which addresses the most vexing issue of modern Christians, “Why do good people suffer?” Billheimer’s answer, simply, is that "suffering is inherent in God's economy." That’s how people grow spiritually. Not seeking the easy path. Not awards or riches, but perseverance through sorrow and suffering grows character. "There is no such thing as a saint who has not suffered." "All life is intended to be a pathway to God," Alexander Maclaren.
He offers support from the Bible and historic and contemporary (for his time) Christian sources. (Billy Graham is cited. His place in the American Christian community much the same forty years ago as today.) Most of Billheimer’s exposition is logical, straight-forward and easy to follow. Slightly repetitive, but that fits with the teaching character of the book.
Those of other faith or non-faith communities will find it opaque. More a teaching than a devotional reading, but worthwhile for Christians.
(Gets better with every subsequent reading. For one thing his opaque style and vocabulary become clearer.)...more
A straightforward consideration of how Christians can move from hurt to healed, and even beyond to helping others.
Stiff prose and stilted style impedeA straightforward consideration of how Christians can move from hurt to healed, and even beyond to helping others.
Stiff prose and stilted style impede readability of an otherwise useful little book. Don't let the page count fool you, with its large font and double-spaced this is hardly more than a pamphlet. That said, Jackson said what she needed to say and quit. Would that other authors would follow her example.
(After third reading, Aug 2016) That this and more:
"God never does anything against His own will. Since God's will is to open the door and since openi(After third reading, Aug 2016) That this and more:
"God never does anything against His own will. Since God's will is to open the door and since opening the door is in accordance with righteousness, will God nevertheless open the door if we do not knock?"
A collection of Nee messages on the common topic of prayer, Let Us Pray lacks the unity and power of some of his better known works. That said, the opening meditation on the idea that God waits to do his will until we pray for it is worth the whole book.
"God will not fulfill His will alone--He will perform only after His people show their sympathy in prayers."
Born in Manchu China of Christian parents in 1903, Watchman Nee was active in the study and spread of the Christian faith throughout his life, including the translation of English spiritual works into Chinese. Not surprisingly, the Communist Chinese thought him a threat to their new state. He was arrested in 1952 and spent the last twenty years of his life at hard labor. The circumstances of his death prompt many to suspect he was murdered. Despite that seemingly narrow life, Watchman Nee influenced Christians around the world. His worlds are still popular and often quoted as received wisdom.
His work came to my attention in the 1970s. Then I found his style dense and hard to follow, perhaps due to my poor preparation or the translation because now I find his writing clear and compelling.
"Prayer is the occasion wherein to express our desire for God's will." ...more
More than a century old, this small volume draws on fifty preceding years of ministry by Bound, starting shortly before the Civil War. Yet his thoughtMore than a century old, this small volume draws on fifty preceding years of ministry by Bound, starting shortly before the Civil War. Yet his thoughts on the state of Christian prayer, preaching and worship still ring true. Bounds addresses attitudes as well as approaches to satisfying prayer.
“Nothing focuses your thoughts quite like the expectation that you will be killed in the next few hours or even moments.”
In late 2012 an American doct“Nothing focuses your thoughts quite like the expectation that you will be killed in the next few hours or even moments.”
In late 2012 an American doctor of Indian descent, working with Morning Star Development, and two Afghan nationals were abducted by Taliban in a remote valley of eastern Afghanistan, when returning to Kabul from a clinic and development site. This book details that abduction and his subsequent rescue by elite American special forces personnel. It’s a thrilling story.
More significant, however, is how Dr. Joseph came to be in the valley, how he reacted and interacted with his captors and liberators. And his finding connection and reason for hope in a situation with would reduce most of us to quivering fear. This is a story of faith, hope and love in action.
The prose is simple and direct as is the story.
You’ve got to read this book.
(Full disclosure: For ten years Treva and I had supported the work of Morning Star Development in a adjacent valley of eastern Afghanistan to provide an clinic and safe drinking water to the Afghan people. We hope and pray that they, and all people, will eventually be allowed to live in peace in their own land.) ...more
"you may not be certain yet whether you ought to be a Christian; but you do know you ought to be a man, not an ostrich, hiding its head in the sands.""you may not be certain yet whether you ought to be a Christian; but you do know you ought to be a man, not an ostrich, hiding its head in the sands." C. S. Lewis, "Rabbit or Man?"
Dense reading, as one would expect of philosophical discussions. To fully appreciate the topics argued, one must be willing to read slowly and carefully. (The tiny font didn’t help.)
The upshot of Williams’ argument is that modern neo-atheists vary little from the logical positivists of Lewis’ day, so matching their arguments (or evasions) is relatively easy. It might have been organized better; many repetitions of the same statements by multiple sources, presumably to document having covered the water front.
Williams claims the neo-atheists lost the debate then (in Lewis' day) and now because they largely refuse to debate. The non-existence of god is one of their opening assumptions, therefore there is little engagement on the Argument from Reason or the Problem of Goodness. Provocative and quotable statements abound on both sides, but like many modern political debates the two sides often talk past rather than to each other.
One obvious error among the neo-atheists is their dismissal of Lewis as the author of children’s books. In fact, Lewis’ education and day job included the study and instruction of philosophy. That he was also at one time a militant atheists also should demand a close hearing. That he sought truth above a particular creed led him through his somewhat serpentine path to the foot of the cross.
The reader is cautioned about taking Williams’ selection of statements by the neo-atheists at face value. Long practice suggests that adversaries seldom select the best material to represent their opponents’ position. Because I was primarily interested in Lewis’ statements on the various subjects at hand, this book addressed my interests well.
Neo-atheists clearly divide on the question of transcendent good. Most affirm the existence of objective good and bad, separate from the existence of a god. Some, like Richard Dawkins, admit, “The universe has no mind, no feelings and no personality; so it doesn’t do things in order to hurt or please you. Bad things happen because things happen. Whether they are bad or good from our point of view doesn’t influence how likely they are to happen … Unfortunately, the universe doesn’t care what people prefer.”
The best compliment I can make is that, immediately upon finishing the text, I turned to front and started in again. In print, so I could highlight and annotate.
“Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered.” C. S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory”
Upon finishing my second reading: One side claims (but can't prove) necessity; the other claims (but can't prove) freedom. Which do you feel at the core of who you are? ...more
Don’t be put off by the title. McGrath does not subject us to a make-believe dialogue with Lewis, nor even extensive quotes from his extensive works.Don’t be put off by the title. McGrath does not subject us to a make-believe dialogue with Lewis, nor even extensive quotes from his extensive works. Instead he draws together the salient points of Lewis’ thought and presents them in a series of easily digestible essays. If I Had Lunch with C. S. Lewis: Exploring the Ideas of C. S. Lewis on the Meaning of Life does just what it purports. Whether the reader is new to Lewis or has read him extensively, this thin volume adds to the knowledge and understanding of Lewis’s writings.
McGrath honestly addresses Lewis, warts and all. Of course, he explores Lewis’ conversion from atheism and its implications for today.
Loading...
