General Books - Page 5

The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus (Library Edition): What's So Good about the Good News?

Peter J Gomes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Not For the Fainthearted Christian...What's More Important? "Worshiping" Jesus or Living the Life Jesus Said to Live? 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Orthodox believers, the strictly Orthodox, don't need to go here. Or maybe you should--if you are willing to think--to do what the Bible said do, "Worship the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, MIND, and strength.

For those who want to think and aren't afraid to delve into new areas of thought in an effort to make the faith come alive, truly alive, this is a good book, a very good book. But for those who want to read more of what they already believe, for those who want to stay in the cocoon of their faith, never asking or considering the tough questions, this is not the book for you. For Job, yes; for you, no.

The premise of this book is simply this: Is the church--Christians of today--"worshiping" Jesus to the point that they ignore or forget His message, what He said do, the lives He said to lead?

Most likely Christians of today really don't want to hear what Jesus said, they would prefer to worship him as Christ and Lord without letting him really be Christ and Lord. For many Christians--I hope not most--the message of Jesus would be as scandalous today as it was when he first spoke it. It caused him to be put to death before and it would cause many church people, good, well meaning church people, to want to put him to death again today. The church might well lead the charge for his second death as the church led the charge for his first death...

It is a lot easier and a lot more comfortable to worship Jesus on a pedestal as "Christ and Lord" than it is to hear his message and lead the lives He said live.

It brings to mind words from an old country gospel song, "Sorry, I never knew you..." Most Christians "know" who Jesus is, but they don't want to really know him. It would be too difficult on their lives of comfort and ease..." It would be scandalous...

Perhaps we should remember what Jesus said about being "lukewarm...."

Editorial Review:

New York Times bestselling author and renowned Harvard preacher Peter J. Gomes takes on the hot-button issues in the world today by returning to Jesus's message.

Lord, I Want to Know You

Kay Arthur

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Enjoy the expanded and updated editions of the best-selling "Lord" Bible Study Series from Kay Arthur.  The "Lord" study series is an insightful, warm-hearted Bible study series designed to meet readers where they are--and help them discover God's answers to their deepest needs.

Discover the Limitless Power of God's Name.

        So much of our confusion and pain results because we don't know God -- who He really is, how He works in our lives.
        But with Lord, I Want to Know You, that will all change. When you know God more fully by studying His names -- Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and many others -- you'll gain power to stand strong. You'll find strength for times of trial, comfort for pain, provision for your soul's deepest needs. And your walk with God will be transformed.
        Let Kay Arthur guide you through the Scriptures in this deeply insightful study. Your daily time with God in His Word will introduce you to the limitless treasure available to you as His child. And these are truths you can share easily with others, individually or in small groups.

Addiction and Grace

Gerald G. May

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 43 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Enlightening book! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for one of my counseling courses. It is very powerful for any reader.

Addiction and Grace 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a spiritual look into the world of addiction. Religious matters do come into play. Good book for research or group discussion in church settings. Good insight into the struggle many suffer from and good for methods of self help.

You can't always trust the reviews 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I guess I was hoping for a book that contained more intuitive insight instead of the simple rehashing of religious doctrine. There is more to spirituality than Judeo-Christian myth. It seems that most "Christians" believe that the only way out of addiction is through religious dogma.

Helpful 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is helpful to me. I become aware of the fact that all people have addictions (I only thought this before, I have never read anything on addictions that confirmed it until this book.) Though I am not finished reading it yet, I plan to read it again to absorb every bit of help from it. GOD is GREAT and He has gifted different people with different gifts and Gerald May seems gifted in knowing the grace of GOD.

The Everlasting Man

Gilbert K. Chesterton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 61 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good book ruined by an incompetent publisher 1 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This may have been a fine work in its original form, but this edition (Wilder Publications, 2008) is so shoddy, it isn't worth the effort to try to read it. Based on my own experience with OCR software, I would guess that this publisher scanned an old copy, translated it to text, then reformatted it, and printed it. There is no evidence that anyone proofread it prior to printing. It it doubtful that it was even run through a spell-check program. Periods are missing at the ends of sentences; words are left out; "d", "h", and "b" are confused; apostrophies are inserted randomly (probably fly-spots on the original), "and" repeatedly appears as "an", "modern" almost always appears as "modem", etc. ad infinitum.
I read through about a fourth of the book before giving up in exasperation.

Editorial Review:

Here is the book that converted C. S. Lewis from atheism to Christianity. This history of mankind, Christ, and Christianity is to some extent a conscious rebuttal of H. G. Wells' Outline of History, which embraced both the evolutionary origins of humanity and the mortal humanity of Jesus. Whereas Orthodoxy detailed Chesterton's own spiritual journey, this book illustrates the spiritual journey of humanity, or at least of Western civilization. A book for both mind and spirit.

Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God

Elizabeth A. Johnson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

From the author's introduction: Since the middle of the twentieth century there has been a renaissance of new insights into God in the Christian tradition. On different continents, under pressure from historical events and social conditions, people of faith have glimpsed the living God in fresh ways. It is not that a wholly different God is discovered from the One believed in by previous generations. Christian faith does not believe in a new God but, finding itself in new situations, seeks the presence of God there. Aspects long-forgotten are brought into new relationships with current events, and the depths of divine compassion are appreciated in ways not previously imagined.

This book further explores these discoveries. After the first chapter describes Elizabeth Johnson's point of departure and the rules of engagement, each succeeding chapter distills a discrete idea of God. Featured are transcendental, political, liberation, feminist, black, hispanic, interreligious, and ecological theologies, ending with the particular Christian idea of the one God as Trinity. The aim of the book is to increase the light of theological knowledge, "ever ancient, ever new," among a wide circle of people, including students, pastoral ministers, and everyone who questions, wonders, or thinks about their faith.

Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ

John Piper

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

John Piper delivers powerful biblical reassurances to bolster readers’ trust in the sovereignty of God and the supremacy of Christ when evil and tragedy come.

If God governs the sinful acts of men, then does the devastation caused by those terrorists, dictators, murderers, cheats, and abusers discredit Jesus’ words: “All authority in heaven and earth belongs to me”? When heart-rending news comes of the latest accident, illness, or natural disaster, can we really believe that in Jesus, “all things hold together”?

Though God has not answered all of our questions about sin and suffering, there are things he wants us to know, things he declares in his Word—such as what’s at stake in the “spectacular” sins of others and the horrible tragedies of this life; their global purpose, both historically and today; and what these events say to us personally.

As John Piper works through these biblical truths, this book will bolster readers' trust in the utter sovereignty of God such that they'll be less timid in their witness and less afraid of whatever may come. It is also a joy-infused declaration that because everything occurs through Christ and for Christ and his glory, they are forever secure in him.

The Gospel According to Jesus

John F. MacArthur Jr.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 91 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

One of the most important books in the past 20 years 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I first read this book when it was published in 1988. It countered the easy believism, self-delusional evangelism pervasive in my then-independent Baptist circles and confirmed the serious gospel of God's grace. I read several of the one-star reviews, and they typically represent a gross misunderstanding of grace that provides comfort to Christians whose children made decisions and then departed from the faith in adulthood.

The Bible commands us to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and speaks much about the pursuit of obedience as evidence of true faith. Obedience does not save, but the truly converted person will seek, however imperfectly, to obey his Lord. There is no salvation, only delusion, in a "gospel" which divorces obedience from faith. As the book of James aptly states, "Faith without works is dead."

Those who denounce MacArthur as mixing works with grace misrepresent the author. This is a serious book for those serious about following Christ. I would give it ten stars if that were an option.

Editorial Review:

A revised edition of the best-seller that explains the intrinsic relationship between faith and works and reveals why Jesus is both Savior and Lord to all who believe.

Breaking Free: Discover the Victory of Total Surrender

Beth Moore

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Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A life changing book 5 out of 5 stars.
42 of 43 people found this review helpful.

I own a hardback copy of this book and have read it through twice now. If you're tired of living in the stronghold of anything...addiction, pride, greed, jealousy, guilt, insecurity, etc., then pick up a copy of this book. Breaking free from those strongholds doesn't happen overnight. But once you realize how chained you are to the things from which Jesus/God can set you free, you're on your way. I am so very grateful God put this book in my path for I wouldn't take anything for the gift of BREAKING FREE! The word says, "I've come that you might have life and have it more abundantly." I believe it and I'm experiencing that even in the midst of trials. That's what happens when you have a Savior and believe He is who He says He is and believe He can do what He says He can do. So, feeling in bondage? Get this book and let God change your life through it.

Editorial Review:

A best-selling book now available in paperback for the first time!

Do you want to know God and really believe Him? Do you want to find satisfaction in God, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence? Do you want to make the freedom Christ promised a reality in your daily life?

In Breaking Free, Beth Moore embarks on a study of selected passages from the book of Isaiah, drawing several parallels between the captive Israelites and today's Christians, in order to show how to make freedom in Christ a daily reality. Moore teaches readers to remove obstacles that hinder freedom by identifying spiritual strongholds in their lives and overcoming them through the truth of God's Word--truth that will set us free.

Prophet's Dictionary

Paula Price

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Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Not Just For Prophets... It's For Every Christian 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

One of the most essential reference books that every Christian should have in their library. Whether you consider yourself as "gifted" in the prophetic or not, you need this book.

If you've ever had a dream or vision that you didn't understand OR you clearly knew that your dream/vision was from God and you had more questions than answers. This book will help you discover the meaning of the images you've been given.

Editorial Review:

The Prophet's Dictionary by Paula Price is an essential tool for laymen, prophets, prophesiers, pastors, intercessors, and dreamers of dreams. As an all-in-one dictionary and reference book containing over 1,600 relevant definitions of terms and phrases for the prophetic realm of Christian ministry, it exposes ancient religious seductions and how they have infiltrated movies, television, and books. Prophetic visions and clues to interpreting their symbolism, imagery, and signs are also included.

People from all walks of life can benefit as this book aids in the understanding of what may be expected from prophets or the prophetic ministry. Delve deeper and you will find much more.
God speaks to us today!

Jesus Among Other Gods: The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message

Ravi Zacharias

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Total reviews: 69 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Overall an interesting approach 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

"Jesus Among Other Gods" is a book that is bound to be controversial. I say this first in my review because while most people may understand their religious differences with Ravi, they may not be aware of epistemological differences. Ravi, assuming that absolute truth is within human grasp, directly undercuts that relativistic tendency of modern religious thought. So when you read this book, please take note of this important detail.

A good summary paragraph of this book is "The route I have followed is to present a clear difference between Jesus and any other claimant to divinity or prophetic status. I have taken six questions that Jesus answered in a way that none other would have answered." (ix of intro)

The six questions which Ravi sees through the eyes of Jesus are: 1) Addressing a heavenly home 2) The anatomy of faith and the quest for reason 3) A Taste for the Soul 4) Is God the source of my suffering?
5) When God was silent 6) Is there a gardener (resurrection and life issues) Through these issues he tries to establish that Christianity is a faith with unique answers. Page 7 is the definitve push toward this thesis and path the book takes.

And here I think any true student of religion will be hard pressed to deny that the major world faiths sustain some significantly different truth claims. Some examples in the book that illustrate this well are:

Kharma and reincarnation are indispensable beliefs to the people of the East, Hindus and Buddhists. Compare this to Muslims, Christians, Jews, and agnostics/atheists who overwhelmingly believe that we live once.

Even within the ranks of similar religions there are disagreements. Though both Muslims and Christians are monotheists,a Muslim's view of Allah and the trinitarian view of Christianity are very different.

I have to agree with the idea that the religions of the world have some fundamentally different philosophical assumptions and ultimate life goals for their respective adherents.

Meanwhile, this book is written less in a formulaic and logical hardliner format. It is a personal book. Ravi recounts experiences in his own life. It's less a philosophical treatise and more of an essay. At times I think Ravi could have kept his thoughts more tidily, but his personal style is very endearing.

Also, do not make the assumption that just because he believes Christianity is true that he does not respect other thought systems: "I have walked through temples, mosques, and other religious sites. I have spoken to students at universities in which the predominant religion is not Christian. In the course of this, I have met some very fine and gracious people." (ix, intro) I believe he is sincere when saying this.

I highly recommend this for the more casual philosopher and seeker. I also recommend it for the Christian reader.

Editorial Review:

In his most important work to date, apologetics scholar and popular speaker Ravi Zacharias shows how the blueprint for life and death itself is found in a true understanding of Jesus. With a simple yet penetrating style, Zacharias uses rich illustrations to celebrate the power of Jesus Christ to transform lives.Jesus Among Other Godscontrasts the truth of Jesus with founders of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, strengthening believers and compelling them to share their faith with our post-modern world.