Joel Goldsmith is a spiritual pundit that leads the resolute ...
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Joel Goldsmith is a spiritual pundit that leads the resolute seeker to improve his or her spiritual life. His many hearings testify to its success.
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A pastor you can trust. Studies hard to deliver the truth, and what people really need to hear. He does not just stretch the itch! ;)
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This book is a great and interesting read with a few qualifications. It really helps to actually have a deep conviction to live a life that is pleasing to our Creator. It also helps to know the background of where these two writers come from and the story of how they met and become lifelong friends despite the differences of those backgrounds. Nehemia Gordon is a Karaite Jew who does not hold that Jesus/Yeshua/Yahushua is the prophesied Messiah of the Old Testament. Keith Johnson is a Methodist minister who has discovered the connection of Jesus as the Messiah who through his shed blood has allowed a way for any God-fearer to return to the original one and only covenant laid out in the first five books of the OT known to Jews as the Torah. Nehemia, despite what some Christian legalists would say, has a true heart for the Father and has helped provide great insight from a Jewish perspective for many who are returning to the Torah of the Father through Messiah Jesus/Yeshua. He doesn't try to convince you of anything. He simply provides scholarly information of which this book as well as others he has written benefits greatly. On a personal note, this book really touched me deeply. It can actually be a very spiritually uplifting book if you meditate on some of the new information you will discover about the "Lord's Prayer". It is quite profound. God Bless.
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Do you look at today's headlines and get a little nervous? Do you ever wonder if we are in the last days? What does the Bible say about world events as we approach the second coming of Jesus Christ?

Pastor Ray Bentley, of Maranatha Chapel in San Diego, speaks right to you in his book, "The Holy Land Key: Unlocking End Times Prophecy Through the Lives of God's People in Israel". He is a seasoned man of God, trained up under Pastor Chuck Smith (the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement). He has led his church to love and honor the nation of Israel, and has developed significant personal relationships with those in its leadership, such as the late Ron Nachman (founder and mayor of Ariel) and the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. He lives Genesis 12:3, that those who bless Israel will be blessed. The pastor of my church has similarly close friendships with Israeli leadership, and I had the privilege of hearing Ron Nachman speak at my church. I find everything Bentley represents about these national leaders to resonate with what our experience as a congregation has been through the years.

The Holy Land Key discusses prophecies that have already come to pass, such as the regathering of the Jewish people back into the land in 1948. It also examines prophecies being fulfilled in our current days. Then it takes a look at prophetic signs through the culture of the Jewish people, such as seasons and feasts. Bentley takes an in depth look at the Old Testament prophecy of Daniel's 70 weeks. The book also examines God's pattern of revealing prophecy in layers--first in the natural world, then in the spiritual. All this is done in context of the position of the Jews throughout history. The testimony of how the Ninth of Av has been connected to no less than 12 hugely painful events in Jewish history is compelling--and chilling.

The most interesting portion of this book to me is the upcoming significance of the blood moon "tetrad" in 2014 and 2015. This is an occurrence of a total lunar eclipse (hence the term "blood moon", as the moon appears red) on both the day of Passover and the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, two years in a row. Read about why this is biblically significant, and what kind of things might be upcoming for Israel--and the world--this year and next.

This book is sobering, and yet soothing. To be reminded that we are in the palm of God's hand through such "interesting times" gives me peace, "even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:2).

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for review purposes.

To learn more about the author, go here.
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The characterization of a spiritual director by the description "Holy Listener" encapsulates the book's central theme. Through the progressive introduction of topics, the author guides the reader to a deeper understanding of the "art" in spiritual direction. Drawing on her own experiences as a spiritual director, the author relates guiding principles for providing spiritual direction from an variety of perspectives. Most insightful is her description of the spiritual director as "a holy listener", a soul-companion, whose heart and presence provides a hospitable haven for "fellow travelers". The experience and wisdom imparted through Margaret Guenther's writing proffers what could be viewed as the depth and breath of the art in spiritual direction. There is much to be gained by contemplating the various perspectives the author provides and in understanding the tremendous privilege it is to serve as a "Holy Listener".
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Joel Osteen Is an apostate.  This is self-help not Christian.
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Written in an easy, very conversational manner, this work strides confidently into an area largely barren in contemporary Christian spirituality.  Clinging clearly to scripture and using traditional theology as a lighthouse, Yarbrough blends his professional skills as a professional counselor, to create a logical, biblically sound, and emotionally satisfying guide to personal spiritual formation.  The work explores the well known Sermon the Mount with fresh eyes that reinvigorate the words of Christ and provide new vistas of meaning to their application in the life of faith.  The author, however, does not lead the reader into a vague dimension of abstracts but builds his discussions on the "how to live this in life."  Reflective questions and a plan of action to bring out the 'treasures' intended in the spiritual life are included.  Perfect for the person who wants to probe more deeply what it means to be a Christian, a serious new convert will enjoy its understandable writing style, and it would make an excellent small group or class resource.  -- Marilyn A. Hudson
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spoiledmilks dot wordpress dot com/2015/02/06/review-the-victory-according-to-mark/

Mark's allusiveness intrigues me. His use of hiddenness to reveal, the secretiveness of Christ, along with Mark's use of the OT descriptions and narrative to spotlight Jesus' divinity and connection with Yahweh are all facets of Gospel theology I'd never really heard much of when I was younger. The Gospels were often harmonized to show the full story, rather than left separate to show each Evangelist's unique perspective.

The Chocolate Milk

Horne does a terrific job of connecting each scene in Mark with what has happened previously or what will happen next. I'm still unsure of how the healing/confrontation scenes in chapter 1 relate, but perhaps the more I read Horne's commentary (and others), the more Horne's might make sense. And he especially does a better job than the commentators on how Jesus is the Son of Man in Mk 2.23-28 and why Jesus said Abiathar and not Ahimelech. Jesus is eating all over the place in Mark (and the Synoptics really), and Home shows how parables are not a new thing to Israel (Ps 78.2).

Horne makes definite decisions. Even if one disagrees, which I did at times, I'm glad to see a commentator who doesn't waffle around about deciding what the text says. Agree with him or not, you know where Horne stands.

The Spoiled Milk

Horne looks up to Peter Leithart and, ultimately, they both takes some cues from James Jordan. I really like Leithart, but James Jordan makes some wild conclusions. Yet in this book, much of what is said appears to be spot on, or close enough to it. Though there are moments of typology that seem reallyyyy stretched.

Horne also appears to have a bone to pick with the Reformed group. There are a few times where Horne could describe a general group pf Christians, or even a different group of christians, but decided to focus on the Reformed group for some reason. I'm not sure why though, but it happens more than a few times.

[Special thanks to Gene at Canon Pr for allowing me to review this book! I was not obligated to provide a positive review in exchange for this book.]
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I must admit, I don't quite know what to do with Michael Yankoskis The Sacred Year. It was not quite what I expectedI think I misread the description to indicate more of a look at the cyclical calendar of Christian observances, rather than one persons journey through a year of digging deeper. From that point forward, I was less enthusiastic. Ive never heard of Michael Yankoski, and one reason I seek out books to review is to learn from voices I would normally not hear.

Yankoski has given the reader a good look at a year in which he walked away from high pressure life and pursued clearer spiritual devotions. During the course of this year, he followed many of the ancient practices of Christianity, including taking time to bake his own bread to consider daily bread more deeply. I know that some of my more serious brethren will have great difficulties with the spiritualist nature of the disciplines.

I personally find the practice of many of the classic spiritual disciplines refreshing. I am more disturbed to read Yankoskis confession of rising to Christian influence while apparently knowing very little of such practices as stillness and patience. That is not a fault with this book, but rather with the Western Christian Corporation. Thats another rabbit hole, entirely.

It is pleasant to read of someone moving away from the chaos-chase of Western mentality to draw nearer to God, but the division between my expectations and the reality sums up my difficulties with this book. Yankoski presents a sacred year which he was able to pursue. He had the means, the contacts, and the education to connect him with various guides and teachers for this journey.

Unlike the vast majority of Christians. The single mother working two jobs to feed her children can only hope to make a weekly church service to feed her faith, she has very little opportunity to take off an entire year. Likewise, is it responsible to burn candles and firewood in place of seeking more efficient energy? Perhaps using the same power to feed an extra family, rather than highlighting your own situation.

That is where The Sacred Year breaks down for me. Despite the chapters on depth with others, it is still a book that highlights Western Solo Christianity. It is about the experiences of here and there, chasing this and that, which if you cant have, you cant quite get as deep. But at least you can read about someone who did.

I would rather have seen an examination of a year lived in stable community with the people of God. What is it like to walk through all the seasons of life with the same folks, sharing their days and moments? That is the sacred year of community.

Its not a bad book. Its a great book about a spiritual experience that I do not find worth commending to you.

Free book received from BookLook Bloggers.
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Bravo. I attend Redeemer Presbyterian and Trinity Lutheran Lower East Side in NYC. Pastor Bell's book is the first book that I've encountered since the writings of CS Lewis and Tim Keller that propel my faith forward in such a way. I've read and watched online a number of critiques and attacks on Pastor Bell (including one by MSNBC anchor Bashir who supposedly attends Redeemer). But I can't honestly understand their basis. They come across as blind zealots who aren't really listening to what he's saying. Bell writes with honesty, humility and his take on the Gospels and the narrative of love and redemption through Jesus as revealed in the old and new testaments is thought provoking and brilliant and offers a vantage of our faith that is logical and inspiring. In many instances he demonstrates plausibly how age old orthodox dogma likely misses the mark. If you or someone you know struggles with the angry punitive G*d or the hypocrisy of many churches or the self-righteousness of many Christians, I implore you read this book or give it as a gift. It may literally change your life.
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With a strongly supported premise that the church has lost its way and with the candor and insight of a retired pastor, Frank Becker presents a roadmap for the church to regain enduring relevance in a world of apathy and seeker-sensitive gospel: by returning to the Scriptural church.

It's often been said that the Apostle Paul would have been unfit to be ordained as a minister in today's highly rigid, hierarchical, and wholly un-Biblical church denominations.

The answer set forth is a return to the foundational principles set down throughout Scriptures -- of home meetings, pastors without salaries, and people who go to church because they want to lift up Christ, not (just) because the music is good.

Pastor Becker draws the challenge and lays out the plan. Compelling.
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Brueggeman, helps all who are concerned with more effective, justice seeking ministry to understand the lessons the prophets gave us. By looking at the words of Amos and Hosea the reader can gather an appreciation for lament and grief, for it was in that moment that praise and change could take place. Above anything else Brueggeman uses the theology of lament to help us understand that if we don't provide a safe space in the church to grieve and be broken then we are selling the same bologna the world is selling. His book is not against the world but more the consumer driving narrative of the dominant culture and if we can address that with a counter narrative then we can be a more relative resource in the empowerment and justice of our communities in the church and out. Excellent book!!!
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Recent years have seen a resurgence in biblical theology. From books by Dr. James Hamilton to Dr. Tom Schreiner to many others--- scholars are producing world class material to help Christians understand the storyline of the Bible. Enter into this discussion What The Old Testament Authors Really Cared About edited by Dr. Jason S. DeRouchie. The book traces the Law, Prophets and the Writings. In the first section of the contributors explore The Old Covenant Established: What the Law Is Really by looking at Genesis through Deuteronomy. The second section explains Prophets under the Old Covenant Enforced: What the Prophets Are Really About. Here the contributors explore Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and The Twelve. The book concludes with a section called the Writings under the heading The Old Covenant Enjoyed: What the Writings are all about. Here the contributors examine Ruth, Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Daniel, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah, and 1-2 Chronicles.

While the entire book is excellent several things stood out to me. First, the contributors approach books of the Bible to explain the main topics they discuss and how the message of the Book fits within redemptive history. Second, this book is not an exhaustive treatment on every detail as the author states on page 11. For such a treatment, I recommend The King in His Beauty by Dr. Tom Schreiner or Gods Salvation in Judgment by Dr. James Hamilton. While this book doesnt examine everything what it does well is it is very well-written and accessible.

What I enjoyed the most about this book is the care the contributors have taken to show how Jesus is central to each book in the Old Testament. While many books in recent years have been written on the storyline of the Bible What The Old Testament Authors Really Cared About will help those understand the Old Testament. In a time when most preaching focuses on the New Testament books like What The Old Testament Authors Really Cared About are important in that will help Pastors, Sunday school teachers, youth pastors and ministry leaders see the importance of teaching the whole counsel of Gods Word. Whether you are a Bible College or seminary student, scholar, or are just getting serious about studying the Bible What The Old Testament Authors Really Cared About has something for you. What it offers you is an introduction to the Old Testament with a view to expose you to the centrality of Jesus in the Old Testament. I recommend you pick up What The Old Testament Authors Really Cared About and pray it gains a wide reading in the evangelical church.
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While I am just now breaking down the book, I must say it is highly recommended. "Everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort" (1 Cor 14:3). The Lord is using the experience of Dr. Bill Hamon & Christian International to strengthen my walk with the Lord in this critical area & to increase my understanding & wisdom in its application.

As the author writes, "The coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church, and the writing of the Bible did not eliminate the need for the prophetic voice of the Lord; in fact, it intensified that need. Peter insisted that the prophet Joel was speaking to the Church age when he proclaimed, "I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17). Paul emphasized that truth when he told the church at Corinth to "covet to prophesy" (1 Cor 14:39; Eph 4:11)

God still wants the revelation of His Word to be vocalized. So He has established the prophetic ministry as a voice of revelation and illumination which will reveal the mind of Christ to the human race. He also uses this ministry to give specific instructions to individuals concerning His personal will for their lives." (p. 13)

Pick up a copy today. "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy" (1 Cor 14:1). You won't regret it.

Eighteenth Printing (2012)
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What a superb exposition of the prophet Isaiah's encounter with God and his realization that all was not well with his world. Greg Haslam does not float ethereally above this encounter solely, but brings the encounter solidly down to earth with the present alarming state of the world at large and with Britain in particular. However whatever your nationality, it will be seen that Haslam's comment and assessment is accurate and spiritually devastating concerning our blind and seemingly uncaring attitude to what is going on in our world today.
The book paints a devastating picture of our Christian indifference to declining moral and spiritual standards and ethics, but points the way out of this cataclysmic state of affairs. I can honestly say that reading this book was like being hit between the eyes with a truncheon in its impact on the reality of my own Christian spiritual state, and my need to wake up and change the status quo.
One thing, however, that disappointed me immensely was Haslam's disturbing support for a number of proven unChristian events such as Toronto and Pensacola, plus a few very questionable "Christian" ministries!
In spite of of this caveat, a brilliant analysis which most thinking Christians will find arresting but inspiring!
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The words  of the writer ring with Truth and  inspire repentance as well as give comfort to seekers and strugglers who sincerely desire to imitate Christ.
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I'm enjoying the intellectual prowess of the author. He has a thorough scriptural knowledge and is anointed in scholarly levels to write apolegetically in&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Is-God-a-Moral-Monster-Making-Sense-of-the-Old-Testament-God/dp/0801072751/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Is God a Moral Monster?: Making Sense of the Old Testament God</a>&nbsp;about the defense of the faith. Great Old Testament questions come up that become clear answers as God's Holy Righteous Character is upheld, honored, and revealed. Details of the Bible are evidence of the Divine Author of life's Imprint on what the New Covenant explained reveals in the Old! Well Written! I would read and explain its content to my unbelieving kin/family unsaved members. It satisfies that itch to affirm God's Holy Justice With Compassion! Even why God makes Himself invisible to hard hearted people! David Candel