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Book Reviews This is a list of books that I
have enjoyed reading in the past. I hope they will be a blessing to you as
they have been for me. 
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New Titles in
Red |
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Introducing Black Theology: Three
Crucial Questions for the Evangelical Church
Fields, Bruce
Baker, Academic |
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A professor
from the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, a Theologically conservative
seminary outside of Chicago has developed a helpful understanding of the
present face of "black theology." Dr. Fields tackles 3 questions: 1) What
is black theology? 2) What can black theology teach the evangelical
church? 3) What is the future of black theology? It is a bit strange that
James Cone, who is the Spiritual advisor of Barack Obama's pastor Jeremiah
Wright writes this endorsement, "a strong affirmation and critique of
black liberation theology and the white evangelical church." His
endorsement at least shows the book is balanced. He attempts to shed
understanding between the black and white evangelical churches. |
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The Weapon of Prayer
Bounds, E.M.
New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House |
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What is more
important than ministry? What is, in fact, the one thing that "puts God to
work"? Prayer! In response to His children's prayers and petitions, God
has promised to answer, to do, and to give us "all things whatsoever."
E.M Bounds
expounds on God's need of people who pray. He explains:
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Why prayer
moves God to act
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How busyness in
church activities can hinder prayer
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Why Jesus could
not dispense with prayer
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How the early
apostles gave themselves to prayer
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Why effective
preaching depends on effective praying
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Why we need to
intercede for others
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Why prayer is
essential in God's kingdom
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Inspiring
sketches of the prayer lives of dedicated Christians, such as David
Brainerd, George Müller, and Jonathan Edwards are
included. Learn how you, too, can prepare yourself for effective
participation in the highest calling Christ has given the church,- to
advance God's kingdom through prayer.
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A Passion for Prayer
Elliff, Tom Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Books |
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Of all the
disciplines of the Christian life, prayer is perhaps the most neglected.
A Passion for Prayer seeks to help Christians like you
develop - or deepen - your discipline and practice a regular, intimate
communion with God. Drawing on biblical principles and personal
experience, Tom Elliff gives you a book that's sure to increase your
prayer confidence, consistency, and effectiveness under all kinds of
circumstances. |
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Can God Bless America, Experiencing
Deeper Intimacy With God MacArthur,
John Nashville, TN:
Nelson |
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We want God's
blessing but not God. Americans have systematically pushed Him out of
their lives - rejecting biblical morality, ignoring His Word, and looking
to the entertainment industry as the new oracle. Abortion, homosexuality,
drug abuse, divorce, and pornography are rampant. Even the church often
imitates the world's fashions at the expense of biblical truth.
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Given these
evidences of moral bankruptcy, can God bless America? Are we on the
brink of judgment rather than blessing? Are recent catastrophes merely
harbingers of something worse to come?
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John MacArthur
is convinced God can bless America, but there are several clear
biblical conditions must be met. Before there can be national blessing,
there must be spiritual renewal, which begins with individual Christians.
Christians must become models of genuine contrition and humility, rather
than merely pointing fingers at the evils of society.
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In Can
God Bless America? John challenges God's people to lead the way in
pursuing His blessing for our nation. "God Bless America" must become our
sincere prayer, and not just a political slogan.
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The Ways of God; How God Reveals Himself
Before a Watching World
Blackaby, Henry T. & Edgemon, Roy T.
Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers |
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Have you every
wondered?:
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How God reveals
Himself so you can walk securely in His ways and His will?
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How God works
to accomplish His will?
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How is God
molding you for His purpose?
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If you have
thought about such things, join beloved teacher and best-selling author
Henry Blackaby as he shares the ways of God, which are definitely not the
ways of the world. The ways of God require faith and obedience, which lead
to His fullness of life.
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Why Government Can't Save You: An Alternative to Political Activism MacArthur,
John |
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The Lord did
not come as a political deliverer or social reformer. He did not rally
supporters in a grandiose attempt to "capture the culture" for morality or
greater political and religious freedom. Rather, His divine calling was to
rescue the lost souls of individual men and women from sin and hell.
In Why
Government Can't Save You: An alternative to Political Activism,
author John MacArthur illustrates through Scripture that, regardless of
the numerous immoral, unjust, and ungodly failures fo secular government,
believers are to pray and seek to influence the world for Christ by godly,
selfless, and peaceful living under that authority, not by protests
against the government or by acts of civil disobedience. Dr. MacArthur
will explore these areas:
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Christians'
responsibility to authority
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How and why we
should support our leaders
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How to live
righteously in a pagan culture
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The principle
of paying taxes
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Jesus' lessons
on tax exemptions
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The biblical
purpose of government
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The principles
and reasons for civil obedience
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Introducing Christian Doctrine
Erickson, Millard J.
Baker Book House, Co. |
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This abridgment
of Erickson's classic Christian Theology gives an overview
of the doctrines of revelation, God, creation, providence, humanity, sin,
Jesus Christ, atonement and salvation, the church, and eschatology.
Erickson's careful theological reflection is here made accessible to any
serious reader. |
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Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce
Piper, John Wheaton, IL: Crossway
Books |
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There seems
presently to be a pervasive idea that we live in a unique time and
therefore what worked in the past will no work today and we have to come
up with new ideas or methods to inspire people to live for Christ.
According to scripture, the things that happened in the past are meant by
God to be examples for us today to teach us how we are to live a life of
godliness.
I would urge
present day believers to look to the examples of Scripture and read the
great biographies that are recorded "as examples for us." There are may
other biographies of great saints down through the ages that will be a
great encouragement for us as well.
William
Wilberforce is one such life I would commend to you. Born in the
eighteenth century, Wilberforce lived a life of wealth, success, and
aimless purpose until Christ changed his life. He became a member of the
British Parliament at age 21, but has little purpose until meeting with an
old pastor friend named John Newton (writer of Amazing Grace).
He was considering leaving politics to go into the ministry until Newton
told him, "It is hoped and believed that the Lord has raised you up for
the good of His church and for the good of the nation."
The result was
that he continued in Parliament and began the greatest fight of his life,
the abolition of the African slave trade in the British Empire. The fight
would drag on for forty-six years of his life. He saw his efforts to
abolish the slave trade defeated eleven times between the years of
1787-1807 before finally passing on the twelfth attempt. Amazingly, he
found time to write a tremendous book, A Practical View of
Christianity, supported many charitable causes, supported missions
causes, established a humane society for animals, and numerous causes. All
of this was inspired by his deep faith in Christ.
I recommend you
read a biography of this amazing life titled, Amazing Grace in the
Life of William Wilberforce by John Piper. It will be an
encouragement to endure through great obstacles and you will lean what
sustained him through great persecution.
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The Case for the Real Jesus
Strobel,
Lee
Zondervan |
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Is The Case for the Real
Jesus crumbling? Has the church suppressed ancient documents about the
carpenter from Nazareth? Do new findings disprove the resurrection? That's
what the headlines - and some prominent scholars - would have us believe.
Investigative journalist Lee Strobel disagrees. Evaluating the arguments
of atheists, liberal theologians, and others, he scrutinizes the evidence
- and encourages you to reach your own verdict. 288 pages,
hardcover.
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Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Stanley, Charles
Nashville, TN:
Nelson |
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Is the Holy Spirit a cloudy
mystery to you? Or is he an energizing aspect of God who personally
transforms your heart? With simple wisdom, Stanley reveals the inner
workings of the Third Person of the Trinity. Discover how to receive the
Spirit, maximize his potential within you, live a holy life, and more. 99
pages, hardcover.
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When the Enemy Strikes
Stanley, Charles
Nashville, TN:
Nelson |
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Reminding us of God's unlimited
ability to help Christians struggling with spiritual oppression, Dr.
Stanley explains how to overcome satanic attack by identifying the enemy;
dressing in the full armor of God; standing firm; releasing God's divine
power and protection through prayer; and sensing forewarnings concerning
finances, family, relationships, or health. 224 pages, softcover.
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Anxious for Nothing
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Wheaton, IL:
Victor Books |
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So many things to worry about -
so little time to fret! MacArthur shows believers how to gain a "peace
that passes understanding" by going to the only true source of comfort and
victory - Scripture! You'll learn to cast your cares on God, deal with
difficult people, live without complaining, and be content. (Previously
published as Anxiety Attacked.) 224 pages, softcover. |
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Fools Gold?
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway
Books |
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It's easy to be dazzled by new
Christian books, music, and trends - but God's Word makes it clear that
all that glitters isn't gold! MacArthur and others urge believers to stop
and pray before jumping on the latest bandwagon. Learn to
develop a sense of biblical discernment and avoid doctrinal error, using
Scripture as your guide. 192 pages, softcover. |
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The Quest for Character
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Countryman |
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Unearth your heaven-sent value
through the treasures of Christlike character! In this reader-friendly
collection of life-giving teachings, Grace to You founder
John MacArthur examines dozens of God-pleasing traits. Learn why Scripture
affirms and encourages qualities including discernment, purity, courage,
passion, humility, sincerity, devotion, integrity, selflessness,
resiliency, generosity, and more. 128 pages, 5x7 hardcover. |
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Because the Time Is Near
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Chicago, Il:
Moody Bible Institute |
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Why study the mysterious
writings in Revelation? Does the end of the story really matter? No book
in Scripture has been more misunderstood or misinterpreted than
John's prophecy. MacArthur removes doubt and the cloud of obscurity to
reveal the only New Testament text that includes a promised spiritual
blessing for those who heed its message. 299 pages, softcover. |
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Twelve Ordinary Men
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Nashville, TN:
Nelson |
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Uneducated fishermen, political
outsiders, religious outcasts, and a despised tax collector. The disciples
weren't heroic trailblazers before Jesus called them. MacArthur
reacquaints you with Christ's first followers, explains how they were
"shaped for greatness," shows how God delights in using imperfect peopel
to accomplish his perfect will, and helps you discover God's extraordinary
plans for you! 224 pages, softcover. |
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The Truth War
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Nashville, TN: Nelson |
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Caught in the crossfire of
alternative church histories, faulty Scripture translations, and a
cultural drive to define truth as fluid rather than firm, Christians today
often wonder what they can believe. Reclaiming the truth with
biblical clarity, MacArthur shows you how to identify and correct false
teachings that lead congregations astray from the Word of God. 240 pages,
hardcover. |
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Saved
Without A Doubt
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Wheaton, IL: Victor Books |
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Do you ever
struggle with the insecure feeling of not knowing for sure if you will go
to heaven?
Is there any way
to overcome that doubt?
With pastoral
love and concern, John MacArthur answers the second question with an
authoritative yes! He carefully examines the classical
biblical texts affirming the forever quality of salvation, but dies not
ignore the troubling passages that seem to indicate otherwise. From there
he shows how those truths apply to you by presenting eleven biblical tests
to help you determine whether you've experienced salvation once and for
all. He concludes by showing how you can match up your feelings with your
faith, and by taking an encouraging look at victory in the Spirit and the
promise of God to help you persevere. |
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Shall Never
Perish
Strombeck, J.F.
Eugene, Or: Harvest House Publishers |
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The subject of assurance is viewed from
every possible standpoint and from every conceivable angle, with the
result that the eternal security of the believer is thoroughly
established. |
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Eternal
Security
Stanley, Charles
Nashville, TN: Oliver-Nelson Books |
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Is it actually
possible to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am going to heaven?
If you say that
my salvation is "eternally secure" and that I can never lose it,
does that really mean I can commit any sin and still go to heaven?
If "once saved,
always saved" is true, how do I interpret the Scriptures that seem to
contradict this belief?
How can an
understanding of the doctrine of eternal security make a difference in my
Christian life?
With the wisdom
and skill of a man who has personally wrestled with these questions,
nationally-known preacher and best selling author Charles Stanley
addresses the age-old issue of grace vs. works in this compassionate,
straightforward book. |
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The Way
of Holiness
Olford,
Stephen F.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books |
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There is a way
that God has called each of His children to follow. It is the way of
holiness. And He is so committed to our walk on this path that He has
given us easily identifiable signposts to guide us. The question is
whether we will choose to follow them.
When you come to
the crossroads of spiritual decision, you have a choice: to either heed
God's signs and continue day by day on this important way, or to ignore
them and muddle through. You may be struggling with sin, wrestling with
forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply, or battling with the idea of
submitting yourself wholly to God. No matter where you find yourself,
denying or ignoring God's directions will leave you immature and
ineffective; following them will allow you to handle these situations
wisely, obediently, graciously - and victoriously.
The Way of
Holiness clearly illustrates that each crisis of decision in the
Christian life is a turning point. An opportunity to choose God, to
express your devotion to Him, and to experience His direction. There are
inevitable decisions you will face in your Christian walk. Making biblical
choices will free you to enjoy all that God has for you on the way of
holiness. |
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Reckless Faith
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books |
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Scripture and
reason - the two together comprise the formula for true discernment. Yet
in many American churches, reason has been abandoned for something more
digestible: faith that feels good. It is what pastor John F. MacArthur
calls "reckless faith" - and it leads people away from the one true God.
Because of it,
numerous Christians have lost their way. They've given up absolute truth
in favor of blind, uncritical trust. Replaced black-and-white,
foundational doctrine with clouded belief systems. They've even come to
view reason and doctrine with contempt - as if spiritual truth were
supposed to bypass the mind altogether.
In the wake of
such emotion-based "faith," the church is losing its ability to discern
right from wrong. And it is leaving itself defenseless against false
teaching.
But there is
still time for the church to turn around. Still time for a return to
discernment - if Christians will "incline their hearts to understanding"
and begin to use their hearts, their minds and the unchanging Word of God
to determine the truth that endures forever. |
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Chosen By God
Sproul, R.C.
Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers |
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This book is a
book that deals with some issues that make some people uncomfortable. When
the words predestination, election and chosen appear, what are we to do
and how do we reconcile their usages? R.C. Sproul does an excellent job of
answering these questions. His book paints a picture of a loving God who
provides redemption for corrupt mankind. |
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MacArthur Bible Commentary
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Nashville, TN: Nelson |
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A crowning
achievement from one of America's leading Bible teachers! Bringing the
same expositional skill and down-to-earth style to this one-volume
commentary as he has to his best-selling multivolume New Testament set,
John MacArthur offers a non-technical passage-by-passage examination of
the whole Bible. Short introductions, cross-references, and word-study
sidebars complement MacArthur's masterful analysis. 1800 pages, hardcover. |
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How to
Pray
Scroggie,
W. Graham
Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications |
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Explained here
are the fivefold elements of prayer. as taught by Christ in the so-called
Lord's Prayer: adoration, confession, petition, intercession and
thanksgiving. Each is developed by exposition and exhortation. |
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The Power
of Prayer
Lockyer,
Herbert
Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc. |
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Whenever the
saints prayed, something happened:
Hannah prayed - and she gave birth to Samuel.
Hezekiah prayed - and 185,000 Assyrians were slain.
George Whitefield prayed - and a thousand souls were saved
in one day.
George Mueller prayed - and hungry orphans were fed.
Hudson Taylor prayed - and inland China was evangelized.
"Prayers that shake heaven, confound hell, compel the world
to turn to God are not the short, heartless, insipid prayers we are
content with now," says Dr. Herbert Lockyer. "The early church was dynamic
in her witness. Why? She lived on her knees. The church was born in prayer
meetings; and living in such an atmosphere, she turned the world
upside-down."
Dr. Lockyer thoroughly examines biblical injunctions for
prayer and emerges with clearly defined laws for tapping and releasing the
powerful divine forces available through prayer. He also includes a
section on how to use this book "for all those who wish to be more
effective in prayer." |
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The
Secret of Soul Winning
Olford,
Stephen F.
Chicago, Il: Moody Bible Institute |
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Do you really
want to win others to Christ? Proverbs 11:30b says, "He that winneth souls
is wise." Personal evangelism is the one form of Christian service which
is open to all believers; yet in many respects it is the most difficult.
It is the most talked-of ministry, and the most neglected in practice. It
would seem to be the most natural method of reaching the unsaved, but it
makes the greatest demands on wisdom, courage and Christian character.
In this book Stephen Olford discussed the soul-winner and
his task, training, technique, target, travail, trials, temptations and
triumphs. From his own personal experience he ahs learned that
success in witnessing is linked to a yielding to the direction of the Holy
Spirit. From a heart warmed by God, he presents biblical principles on how
to win men and women to Christ. |
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Twelve
Extraordinary Women
MacArthur,
John Jr.
Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc. |
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Celebrated for
their courage, vision, hospitality, and spiritual giftedness, it's no
wonder women were so important to God's plan revealed in the Old and New
Testaments. It wasn't their natural qualities that made these women
extraordinary but the power of the one true God whom they worshipped and
served. In
Twelve Extraordinary Women, you'll learn more than fascinating information
about these women, you'll discover - perhaps for the first time - the
unmistakable chronology of God's redemptive work in history through their
lives. These women were not ancillary to His plan, they were at the very
heart of it. And this book includes their amazing stories.
Some of the women you'll come to know include:
Ruth (Ruth 1-4)
Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus (Luke 10-38-42)
Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27:56-61)
Sarah (Genesis 11-25)
Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2)
The Samaritan Woman (John 4)
Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1-2)
You will be challenged and motivated by this poignant and
personal look into the lives of some of the Bible's most faithful women.
their struggles and temptations are the same trials faced by all believers
in all ages. And the God to whom they were so committed is the same God
who continues to mold and use ordinary people today. |
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Holiness:
The False and the True
Ironside, H.A.
Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers |
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While I was in Bible College I
encountered a group who taught their doctrine called "Entire
Sanctification." Well, I quickly learned what they were talking about. I
purchased this book by H.A. Ironside. He became a great preacher and
theologian. He too was raised in this doctrine. He does a great job on
this topic of "Holiness" and true sanctification. He refuted the teaching
that today "people are perfect with their old nature eradicated." They
call it a second work of grace. |
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The Christian
Counselor's Commentary - Proverbs
Adams, Jay E.
Eugene, Or: Harvest House Publishers |
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I have found that commentaries
on the book of Proverbs are not in many studies or in pastor's libraries.
I met the author while at Ridgecrest. He does an excellent job on this
book that is also layman friendly.
In the first five volumes of The Christian Counselor's Commentary,
Jay Adams studies the New Testament epistles, particularly emphasizing the
implications of the text for Christian living. He continues this emphasis
in looking at Proverbs, "a book that every counselor should
consider his good friend...There are few books as valuable for direct use
in counseling. |
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The Gift
of Forgiveness
Stanley, Charles
Nashville, TN: Oliver-Nelson Books |
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Charles Stanley, one of the
most influential spiritual leaders of our day, shares the key to personal
and even world peace in The Gift of Forgiveness. As Stanley points
our that no sin is so shockingly evil it blocks God's forgiveness nor so
trivial it negates the need for God's mercy, he shares the specifics of
how to go about receiving forgiveness.
Stanley emphasized how the lack
of forgiveness can result in separation, bitterness, enmity, indifference,
and even depression. Oftentimes, an unforgiving and unforgiven attitude
can become a focused grievance and cause us to lose control.
Weaving anecdotes from his own
life and from the lives of those he has counseled, Stanley shows how the
peace that comes through forgiveness affects our basic responses to
ourselves, other people, and God.
The Gift of Forgiveness
is strongly Bible-based and reflects the heart of Stanley's teaching
ministry. In this markedly helpful book, Stanley addresses such questions
as how to practice a life of forgiveness in terms of one's relationships
and how to make forgiveness an on-going, practical experience in one's
life.
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