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

CAN THEY READ? This video is very disturbing

I am sad but not surprised.  
Please like and subscribe to the YouTube channel after you pray for America's children  - MARSHA

BOOK THOUGHTS: A SINGLE THREAD by Tracy Chevalier

 I purchased A SINGLE THREAD by Tracy Chevalier because I had purchased another with the exact same title, my intent was to read both books and then write a review making note of the differences, because of the title not the content. Unfortunately, I stopped reading this book and so instead of a book review this is a commentary as to what I will not to read.

A SINGLE THREAD is a historical fiction taking place in the 1930s. What interested me was the expectation, based on the  marketing, of a novel that was historical and discussed embroidery during that time. As I was reading about the cigarette smoking character moving out of her mother’s home and into her own place I was introduced to feminism. Yes, women who hand embroidered was mentioned but then the main character began remembering. Why is it important that I learn of her first sexual experience, not in-depth detail but enough to know she was being unashamedly promiscuous? I thought this is to much information for a historical fiction book. 

I am a prayer “warrior”, I use that term because many people are familiar with the term, though the process has been perverted; an intercessor. In any given period of time a thought may come to my mind which leads to me praying, talking to God, about something. The introduction of leaven into my mind becomes a hindrance.

Galatians 5:9 (KJV)   A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Words, and behaviors, that are not pleasing to God becomes a hindrance in my relationship with my heavenly Father. “It doesn’t take all that!” You are saying, for me it does. People who see me think I could be doing more with my gifts and talents, making big bucks; people who know me realize the things I do are impossible based on my income. I use leaven for baking bread not for entertainment or personal pleasures.

I stopped reading the bestselling author’s book because she inserted sexuality in novels where it was not really needed. Some words are page fillers, marketing strategies, and financially beneficial but God sees them as idle words.

Matthew 12:35-37 (KJV) 

35  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 

36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 

37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

I have to monitor the idle words I speak and those I accept from others. I do not recommend this book for the above mentioned reason. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) 

8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

9  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

 

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

PRAYING SUCCESSFULLY by Charles Spurgeon

 

PRAYING SUCCESSFULLY by Charles Spurgeon is a foundational resource for those who want to pray effectively. For some the book will reinforce what he or she knows, for others it will give a different perspective of what prayer does and does not do. And that concludes my review.

Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892, is a pioneer of faith. He preached in mega-churches before it was a thing. The difference between then and now? He preached the Word of God, he taught biblical truths. Charles Spurgeon taught the importance of faith in God’s word and obedience to it. 

This short book is an easy read but it is packed with thought inspiring words based on Scripture. The 5 chapters break down the different aspects and purpose for prayer in a way in which a layperson can appreciate and understand.  It, the book, also enlightens the reader as to why she, or he, has yet to receive an answer to prayer. 

I appreciate the perspective presented on various verses that I have used to model my personal prayers. It has, for me, confirmed that I was on the right path. This is important because not everyone prays “thy will be done’, some people pray “my will be done”. 

I highly recommend you take the time to read the 158 pages of PRAYING SUCCESSFULLY.

WRITTEN by Marsha L Floyd

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Friday, January 30, 2026 1:49:04 PM

THE QUILTER'S HOMECOMING by Jennifer Chiaverini

 I am writing this though I am only half way through the book because it has taken me a while to actually get into THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING by Jennifer Chiaverini and I just reached the point in which I am looking forward to the next page. There seems to be two unique narrative occurring with people I know from previous individuals in the series and people I don’t know, it took me a while to adjust to the way the plot was being revealed. 

The story unfolds around 1920 with Elizabeth and Henry, characters I am familiar with from the Elm Street Quilt series, preparing  to move west but then the story goes back in time, around the 1870’s, and I am introduced to Isabel and her grandparents. As the storyline regarding Isabel moves progresses in time Isabel does not know Elizabeth thus Iknow they have to meet but not yet.

And, I don’t like Elizabeth, the main character. Why? Her personality, based on what I read in the series, is not meeting my opinion. 

I am two-thirds of the way through the book and things are starting to come together, I still am not fond of Elizabeth. But a character that was introduced at the beginning of the book is now in the picture. She was interesting then, let’s see what happens now? This is not our standard Elm Creek Quilting story line, for sure.

Midway through the book I wanted to learn more about Isabel and was guessing how Rosa would fit into the plot. I began to accept Elizabeth as a necessary ‘evil’, to be fair she was not a bad person. The good news: things were starting to make sense. 

It was around two-thirds of the way in the book that I realized what my problem was. This was not  traditional  Elm Street Manor novel, it was about someone who left Elm Street Manor. TOf course the lifestyle and people would be different, this is why this book is good and why Jennifer Chiaverini is such a phenomenal writer. Fromm the moment I started reading I knew I had to finish the story, I was not disappointed in the end

The book reads like a mystery that, but it is not a mystery, you may solve the who, what, and why. But in the back of your mind you may be wondering: WHEN? When is Elizabeth going home? After all the book is called:  THE QUILTER’S HOMECOMING? Elizabeth makes quilts and Henry said she was going home. I finally got it on page 309, the last page! The book is like a jigsaw puzzle, it is not really finished until you put the last piece in, it is that last piece that helps you see that the homecoming.  Yes, I recommend this book. You will like Elizabeth. 

FOOTNOTE: As in with many of her books the author takes on an issue that affects women. This book addresses abuse.

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