HEAVEN & HELL ARE THEY REAL? by Christopher D. Hudson

Recently I was having a discussion in my small group about the realities of hell. I shared a Scripture with the group about hell, later one of the other teachers stated she would not have used that particular verse, this triggered a conversation with a group of us about how to teach the realities of heaven and hell. If I had only had this book back then!

Heaven and Hell: Are They Real? is a reference book/ Bible Study about eternity. It answers questions like: “Will there be sex in heaven?” and “Will a loving God really condemn people to hell?”

Heaven and Hell: Are They Real? is more than a book about Jesus and the end times, don’t expect to read a lot of passages from the book of Daniel and Revelations. There is a life application aspect to the book which makes it very relevant to developing faith.

Technically, the book is divided into two parts: Part One Heaven with 5 Chapters that have sub-chapters addressing a particular question and Part Two Hell with 6 Chapters that have and sub-chapters addressing a particular question. And for those of you who just have to have Bible verses the appendix provides an exhaustive list!

I think this is a great book for anyone who is concerned about the way society is going today. I recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with the understanding that my review would be fair and honest.

DARK VESSEL BY D. I. Telbat

Dark Vessel (The COIL Series) is the fourth in a series of books by D. I. Telbat that describes the missions of C.O.I.L. an organization out to help Christians in distress. It is a Christian suspense novel which means blood and gore, sex and violence are not incorporated within the pages of this ebook, nor the others in the series. Despite the absence of what most popular novelist believe are necessary to make a book worth reading, I promise you, you will not miss the absence of these “marketing gimmicks.”  I believe the lack of these secular exploits improves the flow of the story line.

As with the other books in the series Dark Vessel (The COIL Series) is filled with suspense, action and of course an exciting yet purposeful plot.

I so appreciate the writings of D. I. Telbat which is why he is one of the few fiction writers whose books I will review without hesitation. I would have been surprised if the book had been anything but exciting. I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Despite my obvious bias I recommend Dark Vessel (The COIL Series); because the book is that good.

I would have to caution you that it would be best that you read the other three in the series before reading Dark Vessel (The COIL Series) . In the following order: Dark Liason: A Christian Suspense Novel; Dark Hearted; Dark Rule then Dark Vessel. Like any book in a series it can be very irritating to read a book and then discover you like the story line and then have to play catch-up.

Available on Amazon (click on any link above) and Smashwords

NIV RAGAMUFFIN BIBLE

Most Bible fanatics have notes throughout their favorite Bible and  love sharing these thoughts with others should the opportunity arise. Zondervan  has released a new New International Version  Bible called “NIV Ragamuffin Bible: Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Brokenhearted ”. Throughout  the NIV Ragamuffin Bible: Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Brokenhearted Brennan Manning shares some of his Bible notes.

Richard Francis Xavier Manning a.k.a. Brennan Manning was born April 27, 1934 and died just shy of his 79th birthday April 12, 2013.  As a Marine he served in the Korean war before graduating from Satin Francis University. In 1963 he was ordained a Franciscan priest.  During his life journey  this man who loved God became an alcoholic and overcame its’ stronghold.  

THE NIV Ragamuffin Bible: Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Brokenhearted contains reflections by Brennan Manning. Unlike other Bibles the thoughts and ideas do not distract from the readers ability to study independent of someone else’s commentary.  

A suggested reflection begins:

Psalm 84:3 “Home is that sacred space-external or internal where we don’t have to be afraid; where we are confident of hospitality and love…..”

That is just the first sentence of four, a simple thought that can lead to an hour meditation.  Yes, there are comments from Brennan Manning that are greater in depth none of which I found controversial.

I recommend this book to my readers, particularly if you know of someone going through an addiction.  It is well worth purchasing and an excellent tribute to a man of God

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

Related articles

• NIV Ragamuffin Bible
• Meditations for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Brokenhearted
• An Open Letter to Those Who Believe God Hates You, is Disappointed in You, or Has Lost Faith in You
• 197. Brennan Manning

RETURN TO ME by Lynn Austin

I have never read a Lynn Austin book, I chose to read Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles) because I wanted to read a good novel and I enjoy reading Biblical fiction.  I just could not get into this novel, the pace is slow and my busy schedule was not conducive to allowing my imagination to take me away into the land of Old Testament times.

Faith and obedience are an obvious theme within the story as it pertains to the characters. Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles)by Lynn Austin is as the title implies a novel about God’s children turning from their worldly ways back to Him.

This is a book that requires not only some Biblical knowledge but also time to explore the various concepts woven within each chapter.  What makes a good novel is one that is pleasurable and makes you think unfortunately Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles) was not as pleasurable as I would have liked.  

Perhaps if I had had time to read the first four chapters uninterrupted thereby developing the proper foundation I might have been able to appreciate this book a little more. Unfortunately, I had to reread the first chapter twice because of interruptions.

This is a book you are either going to love or find OK, which makes it a good book but not a great one.  I recommend this book; I would suggest you check the book out of the library. xxx Marsha L Randolph

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

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UNSEEN by Jack Graham

     This is the book I have been looking for.  I have a number of books on spiritual warfare, angels, hell and even heaven all though informative seemed to be lacking. Unseen: Angels, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and Winning the Battle for Eternity BY Jack Graham is a practical, realistic, understandable book regarding spiritual forces.

Unseen: Angels, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and Winning the Battle for Eternity is not just a book on spiritual forces it is a facilitator for you the reader to develop a better understanding of what you know about God and Satan.  If you are a Conservative traditional Christian and do not consider such subjects as the Holy Spirit, angels and demons are relevant to your faith then I challenge you to read this book. If you are a skeptic and doubt the realities of Satan, demons and other unseen forces this book by Dr. Jack Graham will enlighten you. If you are an intercessor then reading Unseen: Angels, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and Winning the Battle for Eternity will help you take your prayers to another level. Assisted by the discussion questions at the end of each chapter you, the reader, will know that heaven and hell are very real therefore angels and Satan are too.

The book is an easy read, not all data and Scripture. Personal and practical stories are woven within its’ pages to make it possible for the reader to digest the information.  If you are familiar with Dr. Graham via his television program “Power Point” then you know the information he shares is practical, biblical and applicable to our daily lives.

I recommend this book. It is ideal for Small Group Bible Study (there is a free online curriculum available) as well as personal growth and development. I strongly suggest you purchase a COPY.

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

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MERCY PRAYER by Robert Gelinas

    The Mercy Prayer: The One Prayer Jesus Always Answers by Robert Gelinas was not what I expected based on the title. Headlined as “The One Prayer Jesus Answered” I expected to read about how to pray effectively when going through difficult times. What I read was a book on God's mercy throughout scripture.

    For a better understanding of God’s mercy reading The Mercy Prayer: The One Prayer Jesus Always Answers would be very helpful. The author walks the reader through a Biblical study of how Father God reveals His love for His children in their times of need.

    My hesitancy in really liking this book is the complexity of the concept as the author Robert Gelinas presents it. I have been taught and teach the simplest prayer is: “Help” no need to pray “Lord have mercy” as the author suggest (page 62).  I believe God’s mercy by definition has nothing to do with what we do or do not understand but more with His love and compassion for us, saved or unsaved. Therefore, it is important to understand that He is a merciful God (reading this book will help) however we have no control over whom He shows mercy to.

I will cause all My goodness to pass before you, and I will declare My name, the Eternal One, before you. I will show mercy to whomever I choose to show mercy, and I will demonstrate compassion on whomever I choose to have compassion. Exodus 33:19 The Voice

  The basis of The Mercy Prayer: The One Prayer Jesus Always Answers is to teach people how merciful God is, I don’t think we will ever in our humanistic mind be able to fully grasp this subject. It is easy to believe God will forgive our sins it is those individuals who are on the major sin list (ideologically speaking) that cause us to not fully accept the mercy of Father God. As believers all we can do is to trust Him and lean not to our understanding.

I recommend this book to my readers. I would suggest getting an eBook or borrowing a copy. xxx Marsha L Randolph

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

SEA SCRIBE by D. I. Telbat

     The key to an excellent action adventure book is one that starts out with more questions than answers; Sea Scribe is such a book.

• What happens when Laura believes she hits someone while driving under the influence of alcohol and decides to run? 
• What Happens when Troy starts out on a trip that he has planning for  years to carry out a God given purpose and not only encounters Laura but a few other individuals?  
• Will the underground network be revealed to the authorities?

You will be unable to stop reading,  compelled to read more as you try to connect all of the dots of this adventure in the Ocean. How does a man on a solo mission have so many visitors, including a cat?

Sea Scribe by D.I. Telbat goes beyond action, adventure and Christian Fiction which should capture the attention of anyone who craves a well written book.   If you have never read a book by D. I. Telbat you are in for a treat when you read Sea Scribe.

One of the reasons why I appreciate D.I.Telbat as an author is his ability to present a truth regarding religious persecution without being preachy. He is by far my favorite author and I always make room to review one of his books.  Sadly as with : Dark Hearted, Dark Liason and Dark Rule are in eBook form so is Sea Scribe , I would love to have these books in print on my book shelf.
I recommend that you purchase Sea Scribe.

I was given a complimentary copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. 

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, INSOMNIA AND FEAR: SIX WEEKS TO CHANGE, a Biblical Plan for Anxiety Management

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. It is important that you grasp this concept while you read "Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Fear: Six Weeks to Change, A Biblical Plan for Anxiety Management and Changing Your Life!" by Pastor Henry Bechtold and Nathan Stockwell otherwise you will think this is just another self help book and not take into consideration the power behind the words.

This is a Bible based inspiring self help book that may be written for individuals who experience anxiety, depression et al as the title reveals however its’ practical tips can be applied to us all.

Before getting into the actual six weeks approach the writers establish a basis for change. With or without insomnia: prayer, exercise, rest, the words you speak and a few other concepts mentioned must be examined and the necessary corrections made before real change can occur.  

I am not plagued with any of the difficulties mentioned in the books’ title  I do experience stress from time to time and I can tell you that reading "Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Fear: Six Weeks to Change, A Biblical Plan for Anxiety Management and Changing Your Life!"  was beneficial.

As I mentioned faith comes by hearing the good news is that along with the numerous Bible verses shared in Part III there is a FREE audio available to download.  The mp3 audio is available at the  SIX WEEKS TO CHANGE website. The combination of reading and hearing will facilitate your believing and subsequent change from a life of anxiety, depression, insomnia, fear or even stress to a life of joy and peace.

I recommend Six Weeks to Change not only for those having problems with discouragement but those who know of someone needing to be encouraged. Equally important is the accompanying audio.

It was a privilege to receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.