Manifested In The Flesh, Joel McDurmon, 2007
Joel Mcdurmon has done a tremendous service to the laymen and women within the body of Christ with the penning of this book.
Clarity, insight, astuteness of observation with a measure of humor and ridicule mark the presentation.
At the moment, it fails me to recall the source of the observation: “if something is ridiculous, it ought to be ridiculed”, but Joel does a masterful job of gracious ridicule!
The appendices are worth the price of the book, alone.
Joel’s observations relative to the implications of the serpents presentation in Genesis 3 are worthy of serious reflection: 1) the quest for secret knowledge…”hath God said”?, 2) THE OUTRIGHT REJECTION OF God’s sovereignty in history “…ye shall not surely die…”, 3) the promise of enlightenment by the quest “your eyes shall be opened..”, and finally, 4) the promise of becoming divine “,,,ye shall be as gods…”.
The observations on Liberty and the absurdity of man’s demand to know what he need not know are awesome! (Deuteronomy 29:29).
I so enjoyed this book and highly commend it to every Intentional Discipler.
Pearcey Report
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Book To Challenge Your Heart And Mind
Revolution In World Missions, K P Yohannan.
This is the story of God’s movement in the life of one man and his vision for reaching the people of his homeland via the use of indigenous laborers.
On the one hand, the obvious response is: Duh!
Naturally, this is the most effective methodology.
But, pragmatically, this flies in the face of established, pragmatic Missions’ philosophy. This sets the stage for God’s movement in the author’s life and the establishment of the ministry of Gospel for Asia.
As I read this story, my heart was both warmed and challenged. In reading, I had to set aside my personal theological convictions and acknowledge the reality God’s works as he deigns to work in non-Western cultural contexts.
I praise the Lord for raising up Gospel For Asia and heartily recommend this book for inclusion in one’s Mission reading list
This is the story of God’s movement in the life of one man and his vision for reaching the people of his homeland via the use of indigenous laborers.
On the one hand, the obvious response is: Duh!
Naturally, this is the most effective methodology.
But, pragmatically, this flies in the face of established, pragmatic Missions’ philosophy. This sets the stage for God’s movement in the author’s life and the establishment of the ministry of Gospel for Asia.
As I read this story, my heart was both warmed and challenged. In reading, I had to set aside my personal theological convictions and acknowledge the reality God’s works as he deigns to work in non-Western cultural contexts.
I praise the Lord for raising up Gospel For Asia and heartily recommend this book for inclusion in one’s Mission reading list
A Tool To Be Used Judiciously
Finding Our Way Again, Brian Mclaren
My observation in the use of the term judicious is founded upon the host of opinions abounding on the religious pike regarding this author.
The initial comment in the book was a bit “off-putting” for me: “…Buddhism presents itself as a way of life, and Christianity presents itself as a system of belief…” Nuts. Every practice, way of life is founded upon a particular belief. Buddhism, as much as Christianity, is a system of belief.
‘Nuff said.
I appreciated the author’s explication of the various practices one can embrace and employ as one seeks to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. Each of them has value. No one of them is a be-all and end-all in the process. The objective is to grow “in grace” and in “the knowledge of” Christ.
I suspect the various suggested practices resonate differently with the various temperament types. Give them serious consideration. Try each of them and then focus on and employ those which best suit you and the way in which God has wired you together.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
My observation in the use of the term judicious is founded upon the host of opinions abounding on the religious pike regarding this author.
The initial comment in the book was a bit “off-putting” for me: “…Buddhism presents itself as a way of life, and Christianity presents itself as a system of belief…” Nuts. Every practice, way of life is founded upon a particular belief. Buddhism, as much as Christianity, is a system of belief.
‘Nuff said.
I appreciated the author’s explication of the various practices one can embrace and employ as one seeks to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. Each of them has value. No one of them is a be-all and end-all in the process. The objective is to grow “in grace” and in “the knowledge of” Christ.
I suspect the various suggested practices resonate differently with the various temperament types. Give them serious consideration. Try each of them and then focus on and employ those which best suit you and the way in which God has wired you together.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Whet the appetite, spur reflection, satisfy while leaving an indefinable dis-satisfaction.
Desiring God,John Piper, 25th anniversary edition.
Throughout the book, the author expands on what it is to “Delight thyself in God” (Psalm 37:4).
The objective is to know what God has revealed of Himself and His purposes, to allow these truths to take root in one’s mind and “heart” til one is overwhelmed with the implications of God’s majesty and glory.
Though God’s revelation reveals to us our real state as a result of Adam’s stain, yet our focus is not to be on ourselves, but rather on the glorious wonders of our God and His purposes.
When we find ourselves face to face with the questions of sovereignty and providence and how they play out in our lives and the lives of others we ought to assume the posture of the Psalmist in Psalm 131:1 “…LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me…”.
Finally, we must admit we are finite creatures; created as his image, marred by Adam’s stain, redeemed through His matchless grace, and challenged to grow in our understanding of Him such that we can become fully satisfied on this side of the veil and in anticipation of what lies in store when we are blessed with an unhindered vision.
Personally, I found the chapter on Missions to be challenging without being subjected to guilt and pity manipulation.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Throughout the book, the author expands on what it is to “Delight thyself in God” (Psalm 37:4).
The objective is to know what God has revealed of Himself and His purposes, to allow these truths to take root in one’s mind and “heart” til one is overwhelmed with the implications of God’s majesty and glory.
Though God’s revelation reveals to us our real state as a result of Adam’s stain, yet our focus is not to be on ourselves, but rather on the glorious wonders of our God and His purposes.
When we find ourselves face to face with the questions of sovereignty and providence and how they play out in our lives and the lives of others we ought to assume the posture of the Psalmist in Psalm 131:1 “…LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me…”.
Finally, we must admit we are finite creatures; created as his image, marred by Adam’s stain, redeemed through His matchless grace, and challenged to grow in our understanding of Him such that we can become fully satisfied on this side of the veil and in anticipation of what lies in store when we are blessed with an unhindered vision.
Personally, I found the chapter on Missions to be challenging without being subjected to guilt and pity manipulation.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Monday, January 31, 2011
Surfing The High Points
Defiant Joy, by Kevin Belmonte is a rapid tour through some of the major works of GKC, with only brief biographical observations. Initially, I expected this to be a biography but settled for a reasoned development of GKC’s works. Reading this presentation reminded me of my failure to finish The Everlasting Man, a failure immediately remedied!
How I wish there had been an index so as to retrieve the ample display of apropos quotes!
Still, I recommend the book highly for a broad overview of an insightful individual, an unembarrassed, thoughtful Christian.
The Obligatory Disclaimer: I received this book free for review from Thomas Nelson Publishing, through their BookSneeze publication.
How I wish there had been an index so as to retrieve the ample display of apropos quotes!
Still, I recommend the book highly for a broad overview of an insightful individual, an unembarrassed, thoughtful Christian.
The Obligatory Disclaimer: I received this book free for review from Thomas Nelson Publishing, through their BookSneeze publication.
Friday, January 28, 2011
A handy Resource For Disciplers
Randy Alcorn’s little book The Goodness of God is an ideal devotional resource addressing the age old question: “Why is there evil in the world?”
Randy focuses to reader’s attention on Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Or, in other words, God, Man, Sin, and salvation.
Into this mix we are led to see God’s purposes. This is His creation; we are His creatures; and he is working out His sovereign plan. As fallen creatures we demand to know precisely WHY we have to experience, endure, and embrace this manifestation of evil. Curiosity drives us, making us unwilling to submit patiently under His hand and in the context of His plan.
This little booklet needs to be kept close at hand as a resource in managing our own dose of difficulty or horror and for sharing with others.
Especially helpful are the suggestions in chapter 11 entitled What We Can Do. In the chapter randy suggests four steps: 1) Look to God’s promises for comfort, 2) Anticipate God’s rewards, 3) Lighten the load through prayer and, finally 4) Share your life with others who suffer.
I highly recommend this little booklet along with the larger version If God Is Good
Randy focuses to reader’s attention on Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Or, in other words, God, Man, Sin, and salvation.
Into this mix we are led to see God’s purposes. This is His creation; we are His creatures; and he is working out His sovereign plan. As fallen creatures we demand to know precisely WHY we have to experience, endure, and embrace this manifestation of evil. Curiosity drives us, making us unwilling to submit patiently under His hand and in the context of His plan.
This little booklet needs to be kept close at hand as a resource in managing our own dose of difficulty or horror and for sharing with others.
Especially helpful are the suggestions in chapter 11 entitled What We Can Do. In the chapter randy suggests four steps: 1) Look to God’s promises for comfort, 2) Anticipate God’s rewards, 3) Lighten the load through prayer and, finally 4) Share your life with others who suffer.
I highly recommend this little booklet along with the larger version If God Is Good
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Cautionary Read
I am always troubled when a sermon or book starts out using the example of the individual blessed with “immediate” contact with God. By immediate contact I mean said individual had some form of Theophany, a burning bush, an audible voice, an obvious angelic visitor, or whatever of that nature.
Though the lessons or examples drawn are true, they carry far more weight, I believe, than what I experience via a “mediated” encounter with God. By mediated encounter I mean encountering God via the written word.
Such was my mindset when reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. (I would have enjoyed hearing the chapters preached!) The reading was engaging, at times some of the examples used to illustrate a pioint brought tears to my eyes and, at other times outbursts of joy! Sounds like Elevation Church is an exciting venue.
The book is full of pithy observations: “The Process is the Point”, “Pray and Push”, and others.
I was “put off” by the observation about using a qualifier in our prayer, such as “if it be thy will” . James 4:15? In the chapter Pray Like A Juggernaut, each example ends with the comment “…would you ….”. Qualifier? Give me a break!
The example of a “page 23 vision” and its qualifiers was encouraging, as was the inclusion of his Twelve Audacious Faith Confessions (might this serve as the next Twelve Step Program?).
I don’t see Peter or the Twelve exercising “audacious faith” in the early chapters of Acts, but obedient faith. Had they been audacious they may well have launched out of Jerusalem carrying the gospel to Judea and Samaria without waiting for the persecution? I don’t see Paul exercising audacious faith, but obedient faith in the face of trying and challenging experiences. Maybe it is a question of definition?
To me, ordinary men and women living in biblical obedience are “audacious”. Its expression is probably more of a function of basic temperament.
I would recommend the book as an enjoyable read of the unusual growth of a new church and its pastor.
Though the lessons or examples drawn are true, they carry far more weight, I believe, than what I experience via a “mediated” encounter with God. By mediated encounter I mean encountering God via the written word.
Such was my mindset when reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. (I would have enjoyed hearing the chapters preached!) The reading was engaging, at times some of the examples used to illustrate a pioint brought tears to my eyes and, at other times outbursts of joy! Sounds like Elevation Church is an exciting venue.
The book is full of pithy observations: “The Process is the Point”, “Pray and Push”, and others.
I was “put off” by the observation about using a qualifier in our prayer, such as “if it be thy will” . James 4:15? In the chapter Pray Like A Juggernaut, each example ends with the comment “…would you ….”. Qualifier? Give me a break!
The example of a “page 23 vision” and its qualifiers was encouraging, as was the inclusion of his Twelve Audacious Faith Confessions (might this serve as the next Twelve Step Program?).
I don’t see Peter or the Twelve exercising “audacious faith” in the early chapters of Acts, but obedient faith. Had they been audacious they may well have launched out of Jerusalem carrying the gospel to Judea and Samaria without waiting for the persecution? I don’t see Paul exercising audacious faith, but obedient faith in the face of trying and challenging experiences. Maybe it is a question of definition?
To me, ordinary men and women living in biblical obedience are “audacious”. Its expression is probably more of a function of basic temperament.
I would recommend the book as an enjoyable read of the unusual growth of a new church and its pastor.
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