Biblically Based Assurance
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How might a Christian benefit by reading a book such as 'The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character'? Where God has truly begun a work of grace reading a book that sets forth the marks of Christian character can help strengthen the readers assurance of faith. The introduction has three things that the writers of the introduction would like to see the Lord accomplish through this book: 1.to strengthen the faith of true believers,2.to expose the false hopes of those who have imbibed false teaching on assurance,3.to clarify these issues to those who teach God's word. The first seven chapters deal with things that neither prove nor disprove that someone is truly converted but, are often relied upon as absoulutely convincing evidence that God has begun a work in the soul. Some of those  things  being conviction for sin,strong assurance,and visible morality. It is possible for these to be present without there being a true work of grace in the soul. One of the traits that does evidence a work of God's grace in the soul is evangelical humility. According to Gardiner Spring p. 37 "Evangelical humility consists in a just view of our own character, and in a disposition to abase ourselves as low as the vileness of our character requires us to lie." In other words it is an assesment of ourselves that accords with reality. The last 11 chapters consists of those qualities that are characteristic of Christian character,such as practical obdience(to the Word of God),self denial,love of the brethren,a spirit of prayer and seperation from the world. Pastor Springs 'Distinguishing Traits...' is very searching but throughly Biblical. It is one of the great books that will help the reader to assess if the foundation they are resting on is solid rock or sinking sand.
1436372
I really liked this book. I bought the second book even before I finished this one. Biblically accurate very good
4168168
Can any good thing come from Vallejo, CA?  Yes and it comes from the pen of Steve Fernandez!  Fernandez has written a clear exposition of scripture showing that the doctrine of Justification by Faith alone is the pure Gospel of the New Testament.

The author shows that the battle for Justification began as quickly as it was written by the hand of Paul.  Then through the ages in the time of Martin Luther, John Owen, and now in the writings of men who advocate a two-part justification.

What shall we do with verses like these:

for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. (Romans 2:13)

but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. (Heb 3:6)

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, (Heb 3:14)

You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (Matt 10:22)

Shall we redefine Justification to be two parts where there is an initial justification and a later final justification?  Should we state that justification is by faith and not by works, yet imply that our works before we were saved does not count towards our justification but our works after we're saved do?

Clearly not.  Steve Fernandez powerfully brings Scriptures to bear on these issues by plainly teaching the passages which are clear and then slowly moving to these passages which are not so clear.  He also clarifies terms that are often misunderstood.  For example the terms justified and saved.  He makes the distinction that to be justified has a narrow meaning compared to saved which has a broader meaning.  To be justified expresses a verdict that is final, now in the present without a future aspect.  To be saved encompasses other aspects that are not present now such as the redemption of the body in glory and freedom from the presence of sin.  To be saved has a future not-yet aspect where as to be justified has a present declaration that is complete and final.

I personally found the fourth chapter extremely helpful.  In this chapter the author explains how Paul's comparison (in Romans 5) between Adam and Christ clearly express the finality and completion of justification the moment a person places their faith in Christ.  How does he do this?  Through the doctrine of imputation.  The argument is simple: if all who are in Adam are guilty and condemned because of Adam's sin (not their own individual sins) then all who are in Christ are justified because of Christ's righteousness (not their own personal acts of righteousness).

If you want to better understand the doctrine of Justification by Faith alone then pick up this copy and you will be blessed and once again give glory to Christ because it is His glory that is at stake.
1016472
In today's world of Bible prophecy teachers it is hard to think of one that has a more earnest desire for Yeshua's return than Dr. David Reagan. Mr. Reagan's new book Living on Borrowed Time: The Imminent Return of Jesus is a testimony to that fact.

 This book is a well written panoramic view of Bible prophecy. With broad strokes Dr. Reagan lays out many of foundational truths and principles of Bible prophecy. Then with great attention to detail he explores those truths and principles in light of the Biblical record and historical events. Here are a few of the subjects covered in this book which stood out to me:

*The significance of Israel to Bible prophecy
*The significance of the early and latter rains
*The significance of Daniel 12:4
*The history of Israel from events of WWI to the present
*The significance of apostasy in the Church
*The importance of a sincere desire for Yeshua's return.

In the spirit of a Berean I must say that I disagree with Dr. Reagan regarding several aspects of Bible prophecy related to Daniel 9, a 7 year tribulation and the European Union as the future seat of the Antichrist. Despite this, I'd be hard pressed to find a book which more clearly proclaims the truth that Yeshua is the Messiah promised in the Scripture and that His return is imminent.

Whether you are new to the faith or a seasoned believer I would recommend Living on Borrowed Time: The imminent Return of Jesus as a worthy addition to your study of Bible prophecy.
4912131
In this book, Bob Briner shows us some lessons about INTEGRITY. A word that sometimes gets forgotten in front of some common business practices. In an easy reading book, he puts some verses from the Bible that support his recomendations. I liked it a lot, sometimes you will be amazed that that kind of learning can come from the Bible. Give it a try, you'll find yourself passing it to almost everybody.
3047091
I've wrestled with assurance for some time.  Many promises of God in scripture seem to solidify my assurance that im saved, while other scriptures seem to say otherwise.  Sometimes my life seems to say otherwise.  This book provided me with the answers that I was looking for and I am at peace.  Read it. We need assurance so we can stop focusing on ourselves with self doubt and get out and do the work that God put us here to do !
784241
An unfortunate fact of modern life is that much of the truth about the Bible has been buried beneath massive clutters of faulty eschatology penned by liberal skeptics and misguided conservatives.  In this book, Steve Hawk has prepared a thick tome that focuses on the faulty ideas of many of those who have claimed to be "conservative" defenders of the Bible's integrity, such as those who insist on assigning a late date for the writing of the Book of Revelation in order to throw the fulfillment of its prophecies into the future.  The Bible's prophecies do have much relevance for us today, he amply demonstrates, especially for America, but the understanding of those prophecies has been butchered by people who claimed to be its defenders.

This book contains much sound analysis of biblical prophecy and will serve as a useful reference source for the increasing number of students of the Bible who are catching on to the wrong turns that have been taken in eschatology and want to get on the right road.  It will amply reward the time taken to examine it.
4917804
Dr. Michael L. Brown has written a very easy to understand and Biblically based book on a subject that is underemphasized (if not totally ignored) and misuderstood by the majority (in my opinion) in the Christian community.  His logic is clear and his Biblical support is without question or argument.  I doubt any capable theologian would be able to challenge Dr. Brown on this subject.
By far, chapter 4, "The Fateful End," is the most convicting and heart-searching.
I would also recommend reading Charles G. Finney's views of sanctification in his "Systematic Theology" and J.C. Ryle's, "Holiness."
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It is an easy read filled with solid testimonies that are backed up by the word of God. The scriptures provided cement the fact that God's promises are true. God is faithful to do what He has said He would do for His children.
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In this final volume of the New Covenant Commentary series, Dr. Gordon Fee opens up the text on its own merits rather than contrasting or debating alternative viewpoints.  Providing a helpful perspective for interpreting Revelation, Fee notes that "what must soon take place" deals less with the End than with the readers' imminent threats.  Since their lot in God's holy war was to be one of suffering, certain internal disorders among the churches cast doubt on their readiness and must be corrected.

I could not agree more with Dr. Fee's statement that "one must join the heavenly host in worship, or John's whole reason for writing may get lost in the pursuit of details."  Due to John's emphasis on the 7th seal (5:5), the scroll's contents are revealed after all the seals have been broken.  Thus the opening of the seals reveal not the scroll's contents but the reasons for God's coming intervention.  In fact, the martyrs of the fifth seal anticipate much of the rest of the book.

Dr. Fee understands the famous passage in 20:1-6 as something of an interlude between Rome's downfall (19:11-21) and the judgment of Satan and all humanity (20:7-15).  This interlude serves as a reminder that God's people---in particular those who have made the ultimate sacrifice---are neither defeated nor forgotten.  He repeatedly points out that many of John's images cannot be imagined in literal detail but in terms of their intended impact.  I would enthusiastically recommend this commentary.
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Desmond T Alexander initiates proceedings by looking at the patriarch, Abraham, drawn from an inclusive sketch of both the OT and the NT references. He interrogates the statements made of upright Abraham in the NT, and by doing so brings to light why the authors formed those conclusions of Abraham, given that the historical context is inundated with the divine. The subject of inheritance (seed, land and blessing) has recently been dominated by a repeated call to an imminent fulfillment, and the year 1949 is auspiciously heralded as a return from modern exile. Yet here Alexander is appropriately cautious and chooses equally to emphasize the future heirs as the subject of spiritual blessing through greater clarification on Abraham's involvement. 'The primary motive behind the call of Abraham is God's desire to bring blessing, rather than cursing upon the families of the earth.' p 13

The two covenant settings of Gen 15 and 17 bring this distinction more clearly to the fore. Being an unconditional covenant, Gen 15 omits the important aspect of blessing mediated to others, but includes those of the land and seed promises. To this, adds Alexander, we see the importance of progressive revelation of the covenant in Gen 17 being conditional, which God enters upon with the patriarch in which the emphasis is on making Abraham the father of many nations, with no special reference as to why. '...the initial imperatives, "Walk before Me and be blameless" and the fact that these must be obeyed before the covenant is established.' p 16 Here Alexander affirms that once the covenant specificity is satisfactorily met, after establishing the fact of his absolute obedience, only then does God Almighty ratify the covenant with an oath in Gen 22.

'All that was promised conditionally in 12:1-3 is now guaranteed by divine oath.' p 18

A clear progression exists in the stipulations of the covenant formed throughout Gen 12 to Gen 15 to Gen 17 to Gen 22. Alexander is able to connect the divine promise of the blessing being mediated to others in the initial call of Abraham (Gen 12:3) to the concluding oath that emphasizes this theme as God's culminating promise in Gen 22:16-18, as 'Abraham displays his willingness to fulfill even the most testing of divine commands.'

'It is, of course, necessary to keep God free from tempting anybody with evil intent (James 1:13). But it is also important to insist upon probation as an integral part of the divine plan with regard to humanity.' Geerhardus Vos,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Biblical-Theology/dp/0851514588/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Biblical Theology</a>&nbsp;p 43

From this variance in redemptive-historical time points, Alexander is commendably able to reconcile as never before the NT citations of Abraham, in Paul's references to faith and James' reference to faith and works. Putting to good use the principle of sensus plenior and making allowance for every possible objection, be it form-critical or theological, Desmond Alexander concludes that '...it is apparent that the NT understanding of the Abraham narrative is derived from a careful exegesis of the Genesis text.' p 28

"For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater by whom to swear, He swore by Himself." Heb 6:13
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I chose this high rating because the contents were so clearly biblical.  It was easy to read and understand.  I liked the format, and that there isn't any "tradition" or man-made philosophy.  I would recommend this book to anyone who is doubting what GOD says about salvation.  In fact, I would buy it for them!
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Chosen Books provided a complimentary copy of Larry Richards' The Full Armor of God: Defending Your Life from Satan's Schemes in exchange for an honest review. There is spiritual warfare that takes place beyond our perception. This isn't the fairytale warfare where happily ever-after exists just beyond the bend in the road. It is real and merciless. The author walks the reader through the Apostle Paul's Book of Ephesians that lays out the "armor of God." Richards breaks down the verses, as well as the historical context that lends credence and weight to the plan. When one understands the military use that was familiar under Roman-controlled land two millennia ago the equipment becomes more meaningful.

  The Full Armor of God explains the spiritual forces in this world that want to distract Christians everywhere from leading a righteous, Kingdom-focused life. He then explores the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, the sandals of peace, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth and the sword of the spirit. Satan's schemes are investigated and subsequently, the equipment best used to defend one's self. The truth that stands in direct opposition to the schemes are affirmed.

  Every time I pick up a book on spiritual warfare I do so with caution for a couple of reasons. The first being that if God's Word is being used to lead me to righteousness I can almost be certain that attacks will come. We're not speaking of demon-possession, but of Satan's lies, self-doubt, sin, obstacles and/or a distorted path in my walk. Secondly, I believe the deceiver will use such debated topics to lead believers astray from God's truth. The Full Armor of God is a godly volume with a reverence for the Almighty. Richards wisely relies on Ephesians' wisdom and not his own to encourage believers.

  Some information is repeated throughout, which I ultimately learned to appreciate. It was nice to see the Greek word being used explained again, so I didn't have to look back in reference. The form that was used for each part of the book was a great help to make it simple and clean. I know The Full Armor of God will be used for future reference. There is a great little small-group study in the back along with an appendix on Christian counseling in conjunction with the lessons learned throughout the book.

  I would not advise this book to be used by a new believer unless a mature believer was walking along side them. Mature Christians will be greatly encouraged and hopefully, will learn to defend themselves, as well as gaining information to pass on to others. God had given us the resources to protect ourselves from Satan's attacks. We just need to heed the advice and wisdom of the Word to make use of the spiritual weapons. I commend Larry Richards for standing for God's Truth and writing well on this hot topic. May The Full Armor of God protect you.
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There are only two main options- either a plan set out by God or one scrambled together by man.  Warfield shows that man's plan actually has lots of religious variations, but not are sufficient.  God's plan as set forth in the Bible is clearly sufficient and will stand for eternity.  Well worth the time to study the difference in these plans and hopefully trust the  good news plan
613915
Have you ever been confused or frustrated when you read a commentary on passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 that say that salvation is a free gift from God on the basis of faith in Christ alone and not on the basis of works, but then read the same commentary on passages like James 2:14-26 where it implies that good works must accompany genuine saving faith in Christ?  If so, then this is is the commentary for you!

The authors of this commentary believe that eternal life is a free gift received simply by faith in Christ.  This is the gospel and clearly stated in the Bible throughout both the Old and New Testaments.  Justification before God has always been on the basis of faith not works (Old Testament saints were saved by faith in the Messiah to come while New Testament saints are saved by faith in the Messiah who came, namely Jesus Christ).  As such, this message of grace and gift of salvation by faith in Christ is a crucial cornerstone in Christian theology that must be understood and considered when interpreting the remainder of Scripture.  This commentary does not stray away from the basic truth of salvation when explaining some of the more difficult passages that seem, when taken at face value and often out of context, to advocate a message contrary to faith alone in Christ alone for salvation, namely passages suggesting good works are required for salvation or other adding additional conditions for salvation beyond faith (i.e. Matthew 7:15-23, 10:32-33, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 5:4,19, Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-29, James 2:14-26, 2 Peter 2:20-21, 1 John 3:6,9-10).  Each of these passages has a reasonable explanation when explained in context and that remains true to the gospel message of grace through faith in Christ for eternal life.  You will be blessed by having this commentary and understanding more fully the amazing grace of God!
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This is the most exhaustive and complete book that I have ever found on what the Bible says about money. It is not necessarily an easy read at 520 pages long. But, if you want a great understanding of what the Bible says about money, this book is for you.  I agree with most of what Alcorn says, but there are a few points of disagreement that I have with him, mainly in the area of insurance.  While it is admirable to want the church to care for those in great need, that is just not the reality of the world we live in.  Sin has created an environment where things don't work as God intended, and death is a reality.  We have a high responsibility to care for our families, and it seems to me that a prudent amount of insurance is an important part of this provision.

I love many of the quotes and stories that Randy shares, and I have quoted him several times in my own book about what the Bible says about money.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Financial-Faithfulness-Unlocking-Scripture-to-Avoid-the-Distraction-of-Money/dp/1490815384/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Financial Faithfulness: Unlocking Scripture to Avoid the Distraction of Money</a>

Christians struggle mightily to handle money according to the principles laid out in Scripture.  Thus, this is an important book to read and then to keep on your shelf as a reference to refer back to.
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Dan Corner is to be commended for his 800 page work on eternal security (or "Once Saved, Always Saved"; OSAS in the book).  While most Calvinist will not agree with Corner's view on eternal security, he does put his finger on a sore spot in the evangelical church world.  Like it or not, Calvinism has produced shallow views on holiness and sin.
I would have have given the book a five star vote however I believe Corner's arguments would be stronger if he would not just focus on eternal security but deal with all five points of Calvinism.  The doctrine of perseverance is based on the other four principles of Calvinism particularly election.  While Corner deals with some aspects of election, a few chapters devoted to John Calvin's view of election would help to solidify his arguments against eternal security even more.
This is a good book to read and is fast paced.  Despite the length, you will be intrigued by much of what Calvinist theologians, pastors, and historians have to say about the teaching of eternal security.