Sunday, September 20, 2009
Let Go by Sheila Walsh
“’We missed you last night,’ a voice said with a definite edge. ‘Yes, I’m sorry. I got home late and was so tired, and I hadn’t taken the dog for a walk in two days. And I’m not─’ ‘Oh, we understood,’ the voice cut in. ‘It’s just so easy to get into bad habits. Remember, the believer who tries to stand alone is easy prey for the enemy.’ ‘Yes, I know, but it’s just that─’” This poor woman is suffering from the effects of her chemotherapy. Her church is falsely judging her and not allowing her to tell them why she has been unable to attend church services. Sheila Walsh in her book Let Go addresses this problem, as well as other pertinent problems like this that we, as Christians, need to overcome. Let Go is beautifully written. The text in each chapter coincides with its chapter heading. The layout of each chapter is superb: first, authority; second, real-story; third, explanation of, and answer to, problem; fourth, questions for the reader; last, a prayer for the reader. I’ve enjoyed this book immensely and will continue to read it over and over again. It’s exceptionally inspirational, “A lamp unto my feet.” I feel most Christians reading Let Go, will not “Let Go” of it, that is, the book!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Fearless by Max Lucado
Afraid to lose your job─to lose your home─to die─to…. Fearless, one of many books written by Max Lucado, is a book about the fears we have during our lifetime. In this book, Lucado explains why we have these fears and how to overcome them. He uses analogies, parables, and Holy Bible authority to persuade the reader to believe what he is saying.
While I respect and admire Lucado for being a Christian writer, I’m disappointed with his “Scared to Death” chapter. First, I feel he is erroneous, in part, about the resurrection─he seems to imply that when we are resurrected, we will not have a spiritual body but rather a physical body, like Jesus had when he was resurrected. One Corinthians 15:35-55 plainly disputes this assumption for it says that when we are resurrected, we will have a spiritual body. Secondly, this chapter is weak─he does not satisfactorily relate what is the resurrection. If he had included 1 Corinthians 15:35-55, which efficiently describes the “resurrection,” he would have given the reader greater belief in a future eternal life and lessened the readers fear of death. Also, he should have included Ezekiel 37:1-14, preferably NLT, which tells of dry bones coming to life.
Despite my small disagreements, I enjoyed Fearless, especially the “Caffeinated Life” chapter. I feel Fearless is a superb book and should be read by EVERYONE. It is very informative and very encouraging, and has helped me overcome some fears I had. Good job Max Lucado!!!
Afraid to lose your job─to lose your home─to die─to…. Fearless, one of many books written by Max Lucado, is a book about the fears we have during our lifetime. In this book, Lucado explains why we have these fears and how to overcome them. He uses analogies, parables, and Holy Bible authority to persuade the reader to believe what he is saying.
While I respect and admire Lucado for being a Christian writer, I’m disappointed with his “Scared to Death” chapter. First, I feel he is erroneous, in part, about the resurrection─he seems to imply that when we are resurrected, we will not have a spiritual body but rather a physical body, like Jesus had when he was resurrected. One Corinthians 15:35-55 plainly disputes this assumption for it says that when we are resurrected, we will have a spiritual body. Secondly, this chapter is weak─he does not satisfactorily relate what is the resurrection. If he had included 1 Corinthians 15:35-55, which efficiently describes the “resurrection,” he would have given the reader greater belief in a future eternal life and lessened the readers fear of death. Also, he should have included Ezekiel 37:1-14, preferably NLT, which tells of dry bones coming to life.
Despite my small disagreements, I enjoyed Fearless, especially the “Caffeinated Life” chapter. I feel Fearless is a superb book and should be read by EVERYONE. It is very informative and very encouraging, and has helped me overcome some fears I had. Good job Max Lucado!!!
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