BEYOND THE BOOKSTORE: March 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

PERSECUTED THE GLOBAL ASSAULT ON CHRISTIANS

Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians

“Persecuted The Global Assault On Christians” by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, Nina Shea is an excellent resource for those who want to understand what really happens to believers in places where Christianity is not accepted.

In a time in which Christians in the United States of America are bowing to political correctness it is important to understand why we as believers must not submit our rights to publicly acknowledge Jesus. In reading this book the one thing that will be apparent is the depths in which others will go to silence those who speak the truth of Jesus.

Though perhaps not the intent of the authors “Persecuted The Global Assault On Christians” serves as an excellent argument for supporting missionaries and the ministries of those who are brave enough to work ‘behind enemy lines’ in distributing the Word of God.

“We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

This is one of those books that you don’t want to read but need to. I don’t think, the average reader of Christian non-fiction will read the book in a week, perhaps he or she may skim through some chapters while reading others. I am sure there are those who will find the 314 pages of information found within this book serve only as confirmation of what was suspected . For me it was a difficult read not because of the sentence structure or the flow of information but reading of the trials and tribulations my brothers and sisters in Christ endure.

Ephesians 6:12 serves as confirmation as to the truth of this book, as you read this book bear this remember this verse. The last chapter is “A Call to Action.” First order of business pray for those who are in the heat of the battle.

I recommend this book and suggest that the reader purchase a copy. Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians

Sunday, March 24, 2013

WAKE UP THE WORD - HOW TO HOLD ON & RISE HIGHER WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE by Tashion Macon, Ph.D

I fear the people who really need to read this book will reject it. “Wake Up The Word: How to Hold on & Rise Higher When All HellBreaks Loose” is the first of a proposed series of Bible based eBooks written by Dr. Tashion Macon. Often we allow stereotypes, traditions and other people’s opinions (including book reviewers) to stop us from receiving what we need. This is a good book, something everyone needs.

I am always cautious when I read books that quote Scripture; some authors take God’s word and manipulate it to prove a point, not so in this case. Tashion Macon has written exactly what needs to be said for those who are going through difficult times inspired by the Bible story of Jesus sleeping in the midst of a storm. In my opinion she has interpreted the Scriptures as they were meant to be thus no matter what your denomination you will not find fault in it.

“Wake Up The Word: How to Hold on & Rise Higher When AllHell Breaks Loose” is written for believers in Jesus who find themselves going through desperate times however I find the words appropriate for anyone experiencing a period of transition (change). The full title summarizes what the book is about though despite being accused of being repetitive I will say you don’t have to be experiencing hard times to glean wisdom from this book.

The entire book will take less than 2 hours to read, though I would suggest this is one of those books that you should read a couple of times, a day at most. I recommend you read this book and that you purchase your copy. Marsha L. Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

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Saturday, March 16, 2013

THE DISILLUSIONED BY D. J. WILLIAMS

Some books you should not start unless you have time to finish it without interruption “The Disillusioned” by D. J Williams is one of them. I declined an invitation from my husband to go out so that I could finish this book. Yes, it is better than good.

“You don’t just wake up one morning and decide to die.”

What an ominous statement. (page 52 of my copy) To answer this question Sam and Danny had to understand their mother’s will. How do you make sense out of something that does not make sense? Particularly when you believed you knew everything there was to know about your parents. How do you ascertain the truth when you do not know where to look? What would the truth look like; particularly after discovering that you believed in an illusion?

“The Disillusioned” is truly a well written novel filled with intrigue that just so happens to involve a church. Now there are jabs here and there about traditional religion and I think they were very appropriate, under the circumstances. If you attend a mega-church put your sensitivity aside, no one is talking about you! The book is fiction. If you hate big churches, please remind yourself that the book is fiction; this really did not happen even though it reads like a true life story. Get past the church thing and enjoy this very well crafted story of the individual journeys of 3 people who were destined to meet despite the circumstances.

Of course I recommend this book, it is to good to pass up! And I would suggest you purchase your own copy, don’t wait for it to come to a library. MARSHA L. RANDOLPH

I received a complimentary copy in ebook format in exchange of an honest review.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

SOLVING RELIGION WITH LOGIC

by Marsha L. Randolph If it is your intent to share any part of the gospel with any person I would suggest you read “Solving Religion With Logic” by Paul Kasch first. I am not keen on books that try to explain Christianity and the last book I reviewed by Paul Kasch was less than favorable. To say that I began reading this book as a skeptic is probably an understatement HOWEVER this book is an important tool for believers and doubters.

Paul’s persistence in writing such books (I also reviewed “Developinga Sophisticated Child Like Faith”) reveals a passion and dedication that is not only admirable but reflects the will of God which is that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Though he and I may disagree doctrinally we do agree that Jesus is the way.

“Solving Religion With Logic” allows the reader to analyze, through a systematic discussion, the reasons it makes more sense to believe in God than to not believe. The subtitle “Logical Proof that God Exist and theBible is all True” summarizes the books content perfectly.

I recommend this book and would suggest that you purchase a copy.

I received a complimentary PDF copy of the book in exchange of a review.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

THERE IS MORE!

What is the significance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit? Why do some people always say they are seeking more faith? And how do they get it? Reading “There is More! The Secret to Experiencing God’s Power to Change Your Life” by Randy Clark explains why believers should not settle at just being born again.

Randy Clark takes quite a bit of time explaining what impartation is, why we need it and how we receive it. It is through impartation that the believer receives more of God. It is through impartation that the believer is empowered to carrying out God’s purpose. I cannot imagine someone reading “There is More!” and not having a full understanding of the need to go beyond accepting Jesus as Lord of his or her life.

I was impressed by the historical aspects of Christianity as it relates to signs and wonders: see “The Heritage of the Saints: Impartation and Visitation” chapter 9. Others may find chapter 4, “The Fruits of Impartation,” informative particularly in understanding what happens when gifts manifest. There is a lot of information in this 227 page book and it is not something that should be read in a day, particularly if the idea of impartation is a new concept.

I would recommend “There is More!” and would suggest it be purchased.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a fair review.