BOOK THOUGHTS: JOHN JASPER by William E. Hatcher

 

John Jasper 1812-1901 was the founding Pastor of the Sixth Zion Baptist Church in Richmond Virginia. I learned of him from a YouTube channel that I subscribed to, Scroll Reader and I, unashamedly, admit that the fact that he was Black is what interested in me.  I decided to purchase the book:  JOHN JASPER A Remarkable Preacher Raised From the Shadows of Slavery by William E Hatcher, originally published 1908 Revised in 2025 by Scroll Reader.

John Jasper began as an uneducated slave, he learned to read which facilitated his desire to learn God’s word and preach it. His sharing the gospel began on the plantation and as his reputation increased the opportunities to share God’s word spread.  At the end of slavery, 1865, he continued preaching and the crowds grew. One of his most famous sermons was entitled “The Son Don’t Move”.

I liked this book and recommend it. My theological opinion of John Jasper is not solid because as a Pastor his doctrine is not solid but for his time his preaching was good. He, himself, admits that he was not formerly educated and the biographer reminds the reader that he accepted the Bible literally. 

What made this book enjoyable was my listening to the audio book, the narration brought the story to life.  https://youtu.be/pqwVqFuC2Ms?si=zf-26pVxoy831MD1  

It became clear to me that John Jasper was a fantastic story teller. He brought Scripture to life paraphrasing before paraphrasing was a thing. The author was able to share with the reader how the author stimulated laughter, tear, fear and other emotions when sharing the word of God.

Chapter 13 shares the story of a journalist who wrote about his experience attending one of John Jasper’s meetings. He too was caught up in the emotion of the event. Unfortunately, he was not a Christian going in and he was not a Christian leaving the venue. Which had me wondering, how many people attended those meetings for the “entertainment” value without having a true relationship with God? 

Was his ministry any different than some of today’s ministries? Emotional, entertaining, but not leading to salvation? At that time there were other churches people could have attended. 

John Jasper believed in God’s word with all of his heart and soul. What he preached he believed and his unique style was his style. He was a man of integrity and cared for God’s children. As his ministry grew and the church was able to pay him a salary, he initially refused. After much pressure he agreed to receive $62.50, even though the church wanted to pay him more. He said: 

““I get enough now, and I want no more. I’m not here to squeeze my people for all I can get,” he told them. He had enough to pay his taxes and buy what he needed, and he told them that any extra should go to help the Lord’s poor.”  (Chapter 8 Page 60)

I firmly believe John Jasper was very sincere when he spoke, and understood his own shortcomings. In his own words: “Brethren God never lies; He can’t lie. Men lie. I lie sometimes- I am very sorry to say it.” (Chapter 9 Page 70) According to the author, William E. Hatcher, he would challenge the listeners  to prove him wrong, using Scripture. There were, apparently, other Pastors that tried to tell him how he misunderstood the Scripture but he did not accept it, I suspect because all Scripture is not literal.

This book is not written, I don’t think, for the messages John Jasper spoke; it was written because John Jasper was a major influencer of faith among both Black and White individuals, this is what makes him unique and the book worth reading.

Witten by Marsha L Floyd
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

UNAPOLOGETIC  Clear Answers to Tough Bible Questions – A Trial Lawyers Guide to Winning People, Not Just Arguments, is the full title of a booklet, 80-ish pages, written by Daniel P. Buttafuoco.  I received this booklet as a gift and the title captured my curiosity. I excitedly began reading the book out of the predetermined  established reading list order.

NOTE: If you have never read any of my book reviews, please be aware my reviews are not like traditional reviews, they are my thoughts and  opinion (which most reviews are but presented as an intellectual teaching).  

This is a study style book. There are 12 chapters addressing various topics in which the author believes needs to be addressed for one to become a Christian. He includes Scripture references and recommends Scriptures to be read during the chapter discussion. Aat the end of each chapter are lines for writing the readers thoughts.  I followed this format to the best of my ability until I couldn’t.

The chapters: Costly Belief, Old Testament Relevance, Gospel “Contradictions”, The “Q” Source, Jesus, Manuscripts & Variants, Translations, The Bible, Gospel Reliability and, Debates and Options.  All very interesting titles, I followed the format until I reached chapter 6 “Jesus”, I continued reading but stopped making notes. Why?

As I have said often, I am not a theologian nor do I have a title; I am a person who writes and reads and study God’s word. Over the decades I have taken many classes on how to share the gospel and I have, over the decades, shared the gospel with many people.  There is nothing in this book that I will be using to continue doing what I do. 

When I am having a discussion with unbelievers, those who are weak in their faith and even those who believe in Jesus as Lord, this is not how I go about it and for the most part when such issues do arise regarding: who wrote the Bible, did Jesus really rise from the dead, it’s a “White” man’s religion, and so forth; nothing in this book really helps me to substantiate my faith. 

I, personally, begin with my testimony. Jesus said: “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29  KJV). In addition, it is written:

Romans 1:16-19 (KJV) 

16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

I really believe, only the Spirit of God knows what that individual needs to hear in order to be a follower of Jeuss, we are vessels who need to be lead by the Spirit in order to minister wants us to say. We are not in a court room we are in the earth realm in which our words must line up with Scripture and not man’s law. 

The title of this book is UNAPOLOOGETIC, is this a play on apologetics? A way of defending the faith? At the end of the day the book can create more confusion than solutions. John 20:29 declares we are blessed based on what we believe not what we see, or in this case what we read. And Romans reveals that God will reveal to us what we need to know. 

Am I against theologians? No. I just do not believe that a person can “intellectualize” salvation. Although there are some great points in this book I just can’t recommend it. I have a pamphlet that is more effective that I give away entitled: STOP WHO DO YOU THINK I AM? Published by Grace To You (1991), it’s about 10 pages which is equivalent to maybe a page and half of 8 ½ by 11 inch paper, less images.  I can mail a few to my subscribers, while supplies last!  

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MORNING AND EVENING by CHARLES SPURGEON

 

I purchased MORNING AND EVENING by Charles Spurgeon for two reasons: I am reading books and listening to audio teachings by him and, I like the idea of morning and evening prayers. I was able to purchase this hard cover copy, 3rd printing published in1992, for about $5 from my favorite bookstore: Thriftbooks. 

I really thought the book was a collection of prayers, it is not, it is a collection of reflections / devotionals. The difference between these words of wisdom and others, I have quite a few, they are not as simplistic as many of the modern day books are, which are often given as gifts. 

I do like the collection, I have gone over a few of the  days both morning and evening, I subsequently  downloaded the FREE audio version, which is in 5 parts, via YouTube @Liborvox Audiobooks. If you like daily devotionals I would suggest you purchase this book, if you can get a copy, I think there is a revised version.

The reason why I am switching to the audiobook is because I don’t want to add more to my morning and evening routine than what I have. I will not be able to consistently read the reflections in the morning and evening but, I will, probably, be able to listen to them twice a day. I will have the book if I hear something that I feel compelled to read and make notes about.

Currently I am reading Praying Successfully by Charles Spurgeon. I am really interested in the writings of Charles Spurgeon and though neither book was on my reading list, he is worth the read.

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

THE HAUNTING OF THE HOLY: Reflections of the Spirit’s Unexpected Pursuit by Sari Butler

On September 30th (2025) I was scrolling Facebook and learned of a 30 day writing challenge to take place in the month of October. I accepted the Faith Book Writing Month, FaiBoWriMo, challenge and completed my 50 thousand words in less than the alloted 30 days. Post writing challenge I was reading the post of author Sari Butler who mentioned she had just released a book, I volunteered to review it, she understood that I would post the review on my blog and with her agreement would post it on a site that sold her book. Sarai Butler knows that I will give an unbiased review and post my opinion on my blog even if I do not post a review anywhere else. Reviewing another author’s work is a challenge because you want it to be great because you want people to like your work but book reviews are just opinions, what one person likes another person may not like. THE HAUNTING OF THE HOLY: Reflections of the Spirit’s Unexpected Pursuit by Sari Butler is not what I expected. Before I tell you why I would or would not buy this book for my personal collection let me say (write) this: This book is for a particular audience of whom I recommend it to. It will be an informative read for anyone who enjoys daily devotionals and is going through difficult times. My impression of THE HAUNTING OF THE HOLY is, it is a collection of 40 essays addressing the issue of: discouragement, depression, hopelessness, feelings of faithlessness. Each chapter delves into the emotional experiences a person, a Christian, may feel during a time of despair, this is when an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit is needed. I can see a person reading each chapter meditating on the words to understand the hope that must be seen through faith. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Now , I will share with you why this book is not for me. First, the word “Haunting” in the title, I don’t identify the goodness of God with haunting, in my opinion the word should have been “presence”; “THE OF THE HOLY: Reflections of the Spirit’s Unexpected Pursuit”, to me this sounds more comforting. Next, the Bible versions, the author used: The New International Version, American Standard Version, Berean Standard Bible, New King James Version, King James Version, the Message, and the New Living Translation. For someone like me, who prefers the King James Version and memorizes from that translation, but has read other translations, not knowing which version she, the author, is citing is a problem. I do check to see if something is used in context, especially if I am reviewing a book. There were times when a quotation was used and I am honestly don’t recall the citation source. To be fair, I was reading via an ebook and I am not able to make notes as I would have if I have a print copy; I did try to go back through the book and I saw a few citations. I have not read the Berean Standard Bible, I don’t have a copy nor do I want one, I wouldn’t know if the quote was accurate. I am not a fan of the Message Bible, I actually trashed not donated the copy I had purchased. I think an author should cite one or two Bible translations, particularly if your audience has new believers in it.It may mean you have to elaborate a bit more to breakdown a concept. Finally, over the years I have been gifted and had the opportunity via a publishing company to review devotionals, all of them a are great books I study the Bible to much to read a daily devotional. The author may not have intended this to be a devotional but that is how it reads to me, it is not a quick read. I would suggest, you buy this book, a journal and a pen, grab your Bible and appreciate the read. If you have been reading my reviews for a few years you know I set a higher standard for Christian authors than secular writings however, this is my honest review. If you are struggling, discouraged and are wondering where is God read this book and let me, and the author know what you think. Marsha L Floyd ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLEE 2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY (Full Unabridged Audiobook)

 

MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLETE TWO VOLUME BIOGRAPHY (FULL UNABRIDGED AUDIO-BOOK) by Dr. And Mrs Howard Taylor produced by Scroll Reader VOLUME 1 Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The growth of a soul; VOLUME 2, Hudson Taylor the growth of a work of God At the time of this writing I am about at hour 9 of 43 total, I don’t think I will finish listening within a month’s time. Each volume is available seperately or as one unit in audio; it is also available in print.

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV) 
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

The reason I am writing this review, MISSIONARY HUDSON TAYLOR: COMPLETE 2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY  (Full Unabridged Audiobook),  though I have not even reached the 20 hour mark? Is because there is so much to learn within the ‘pages’ of this story. I am listening section by section.

The biography begins with an overview of the family history and the birth of Hudson Taylor. It is important for the reader to understand two things: he did not grow up as a perfect follower of Jesus Christ and the call to serve China came before he was ready to serve.

James 1:2-4 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

As I read his story I understand and appreciate the trials and tribulations Mr. Hudson went through, much was self imposed; there was always an easier road to travel yet he consistently made decisions that would challenge his faith.  It is in these descriptive trials that I started questioning my trust in the Lord. 

Isaiah 28:13 (KJV)
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. 

The road to being a missionary was not easy for Mr. Hudson, he had to learn the language and the culture of a community that in the 1800’s did not desire European intervention. Mr. Hudson decided to trust God for food, clothing and shelter while maintaining an external life of serving. I understood the why but the thought of me trusting that much is something I think about. 

As I continue to listen to the story of Mr. Hudson, I can see how he is being matured precept upon precept. Faith and purpose is the motivating theme of this book. Fast forward to what I see today: far to many church leaders are motivated by money. I see extremely large churches being built, church leaders living in luxury, and wives of the senior church leaders being identified as the “First Lady”; umbilical extravagance. The book is worth the listen or read, it is very very humbling. 

        Written by Marsha L Floyd
       ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FOOTNOTE: I finally finished Volume 1 10/2/2025  It took about one month, not listening daily 19 hours, 37 minutes and 17 seconds out of 43 hours six minutes and 08 seconds. 

AUDIO LINKS

2 VOLUME BIOGRAPHY HUDSON TAYLOR YOUTUBE 

           VOLUME 1 without Volume 2 

PRINT LINK

THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JAMES HUDSON TAYLOR FREE 8 page PDF    

HUDSON TAYLOR 2 Volume set    PRINT   This site provides Free access to volume 1 and 2 separate or a hard cover print copy for a fee.