WordJourney Magazine » Book Reviews

The Christian Atheist

Joseph Justice — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:05:25 +0000

By Joseph Justice

It is always a pleasure and a relief when I finish a “Christian” book and can honestly say that the author’s primary conviction is to bring glory to Christ. Such is pastor Craig Groeschel’s message in his 2010 book put out by Zondervan, titled “The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn’t Exist.”

Early Calling

Pastor Groeschel has been serving the Lord for most of his life, having answered God’s call to the pastorate in his mid-twenties, and is the senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv. What began as a small church in Edmond, Oklahoma, has now turned into an ever-growing multi-campus church with over 80 weekly services spread across 14 locations.

The Lord has clearly blessed Groeschel’s ministry and I am convinced that this is due to one thing in particular — Craig’s profound desire to see radical Christ-centered change in the lives of ordinary men and women. If there is one overarching point pastor Groeschel hopes the reader will take away from his book, it is this: hope in Jesus Christ, and be powerfully changed by him.

Christian & Atheist?

So, what does Craig mean by the term “Christian Atheist?” A “Christian Atheist” is a useful expression that helps to explain the majority of people in the church today. The term describes people in the church from all walks of life who intellectually consent to the truths of Christianity but who, for various reasons as discussed in each of his chapters, do not orient their lives around their beliefs in any real and practical way.

This can, of course, very quickly lead to complacency, hypocrisy and ultimately a lack of faith in the true changing power of the living God in the lives of his children. It is towards this phenomenon of intellectually believing, but not consistently and practically living out one’s faith in Christ, that Craig is interested in talking about.

Important Questions

The Christian Atheist

Pastor Craig Groeschel, LifeChurch.tv
12 Chapters
When You Believe in God but….
Softcover; 256 Pages
U.S. $14.99
2010 | Zondervan

How do you know if you are a Christian Atheist? According to Craig, ask yourself these two basic questions — “Has God transformed you?” and “Are you different because of Him?”

If not, perhaps you’re a Christian Atheist” (p. 43). With a combination of practical illustrative stories from his experience as a pastor, and numerous scripture references, Craig tells the story of every man and woman who has ever struggled with living out their faith in Christ and that would be each of us. The most important part is that it is never too late for a lapsed child of God to come crawling back into the arms of his loving Father.

Topical Chapters

The book is laid out in 12 topical chapters that begin with the words, “When you Believe in God but…” filled in with the appropriate topic at hand. For instance, the first chapter is called “When You Believe in God but Don’t Really Know Him,” and chapter 6, “When You Believe in God but Won’t Forgive,” and in chapter 10, “When You Believe in God but Trust More in Money,” and so on. This is a particularly useful way of laying out the chapters as it makes it easy to navigate to whatever topic you may want to read about.

Let’s face it: we all struggle with varying types of sin. For instance, some of us are constantly tempted by greed and the false security money provides, while for some, money is not the major issue at all, rather it is learning to forgive those who have hurt them in the past. So, whether you struggle with all or just some of the issues Craig discusses as hindrances to spiritual growth in Christ, the book lends itself well to being read straight through or by simply reading the chapters that are applicable to your life.

Personal Application

Pastor Craig writes with a deep passion for his ministerial calling, coupled with an all too comfortable understanding of the destructiveness of active sin in the lives of believers. His habit of using his own life experiences as examples of sin to show how God can bring good in the bleakest of situations, makes his style of writing relatable and encouraging to those struggling with similar events. Overall, this book is well worth the read for anyone desiring to gain practical and spiritual advice on how to enter into a richer and more genuine relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Worship Not the Creature

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:05:18 +0000

Animal rights and the Bible.

Dr. J.Y. Jones is an ophthalmologist, a practicing physician who is also committed follower of Jesus Christ. The Georgia resident is an awarded Vietnam veteran, a recipient of a Bronze star medal, having served one year in Vietnam and six years in the U.S. Army. He came to faith in Christ as an adult, attributing much of his spiritual transformation to what God showed him through the wonder of the human eye. That led him to dismiss evolutionary theory and embrace his walk with Jesus Christ.

Big Game

Jones is also a hunter, a man who travels the world in search of big game. He has written more than 300 articles and books to date, including one book about taking “…43 North American big game species and subspecies with the same .30-06 (Remington) rifle.” [1]

In July 2009, Nordskog Publishing released, “Worship Not the Creature,” Jones’ take on the contemporary animal rights movement and its opposition to truth as found in the Word of God. That book recently was sent to me courtesy of the publisher, an enlightening look at how big government continues to erode our rights through the environmental movement, something Jones believes will soon lead to a worldwide cataclysm of biblical proportions.

Biblical Interpretation

Before we move forward, I must share with you some differences in biblical interpretation between the publisher and the author. The publishing company ascribes to a Preterist view of the end times, believing “…all the end-times prophecies of the New Testament were fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans attacked and destroyed Jerusalem and Israel.” [2] Jones is a premillenialist, ascribing to the view that Jesus Himself will return and set up a future 1,000-year reign on earth. Preterists believe that the end-time scenario took place in 70 A.D., with the destruction of the temple. They also believe the world will be converted in its entirety.

Like Jones, I am a premillenialist, but I have no dispute with the publisher as the company upholds the essentials of the Christian faith in that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life,” (John 14:6) and that salvation comes through Him alone. Indeed, the manuscript review editor – Ronald W. Kirk – noted these differences in his forward as did the publisher, Gerald Christian Nordskog, but agreed to publish Jones’ book for the many excellent points they could agree upon. Personally, I was blessed that these differences were not enough to keep this book from being published by Nordskog. Furthermore, I’ll leave these theological differences to the side, preferring to keep “…the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” throughout my review. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Animal Stewardship

Worship Not the Creature

J.Y. Jones, M.D.

13 Chapters

Hardcover

176 Pages

Includes Wild Game Recipes

2009 | Nordskog Publishing

Let’s turn back to Jones’ book, which essentially exposes the impact that the radical animal rights movement has had and continues to have on our way of life. Indeed, animal rights and environmental advocacy seem to go hand in hand – both groups seek to limit man’s freedom – opposing man’s use of animals as a food source or for clothing.

Jones takes the reader through the early parts of the Bible where animals were not likely consumed by people or in the greater manner that they are today. He offers a fascinating look at what Earth may have looked like after the fall of mankind and before the flood – a planet shrouded in water vapor with temperatures fairly constant everywhere including in polar regions which once supported lush vegetation. When the fountain of the great deep burst open and the floodgates of the sky opened (Genesis 7:11-12), thus began a transformation in human eating habits that would lead to mankind needing to eat meat to survive.

Godly Authority

From the onset, God intended man to have authority over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:27), something Adam had until sin entered in. Both man and animals originally subsisted on vegetables although humans and some animals always had the capacity to eat meat. In Genesis 9:3, God said, “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs.” These verses serve to do two things, both of which counter animal rights activists who maintain that killing animals is wrong: God gave man dominion over animals and He allowed man to change his diet to an earth that was now far different after the flood. Seasons and storms were new to the planet; God adjusted life to be managed accordingly.

Jones makes a case for the biblical stewardship of animals, citing scripture that makes a case for caring for animals. The author draws on Exodus 21-22 to note God’s instructions to man about animal husbandry, and also stresses that we’re to use animals for care and not to abuse them. Jones goes into detail about the proper way to kill an animal for food which usually involves a shot to the head or the slitting of the throat. Each option is considered the most humane although for hard-core vegans no manner of killing is correct or should be allowed. That rigidity, however, comes at a price as B12 vitamin deficiency can only be addressed by eating animals or taking supplements.

Radical Environmentalism

The author also dedicates a chapter to tying in radical environmentalism with the rise of the final Antichrist, someone he believes may forbid meat-eating, making an exception for the state of Israel, which will have rebuilt its temple and re-instituted animal sacrifices there. Jones suggests that this Antichrist will be busy for 3 1/2 years consolidating his authority across the world, but then turn on Israel, using its animal sacrifices as a pretext to subjugate the Jewish nation. The author also suggests how the animal kingdom will run amok during the tribulation, offering another indication that Christ’s future reign on earth is near.

Biblical references aside, Jones does reveal the insidious nature of the animal rights movement, taking issue with two well-known groups and exposing its practices including suspect fund-raising and even weak support for true animal welfare. As Christians, we must walk in the authority God has given us and eat whatever foods we want, including game, with a clear conscience.

References

[1] J.Y. Jones: Biography

[2] Gotquestions.org: What is the Preterist View of the End Times?

Your Average Joe Unplugged

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:43:04 +0000

Can a devotional be funny, informative and simply plain easy to read? Sure. Why not? Humor is the approach author Joseph D. Schneller has taken in his soft cover devotional, “Your Average Joe Unplugged,” a 30-day reflection on 21st century living for guys who love their God.

Victorious Walk

Once in a while a devotional comes along that stands conventional wisdom on its head and this book qualifies as one. The former U.S. Marine Corp. captain turned author brings a refreshing reality to the Christian walk taken by many guys, men who approach God with reverence while still trying to be the husbands, fathers, businessmen or workers who are so very prone to temptation and making mistakes, yet who desire to live victorious, overcoming lives.

Joe’s humorous approach is at once appealing as it is illuminating. That side of him is most evident in six interspersed “But Seriously” chapters where he lightens up and allows his humor to roam unchained.

Humor Unchained

In his “So You’re Gonna be a Daddy” chapter, Joe shares the experience of a man who learns that his wife is pregnant. Talk of “tinkling on a stick” to confirm the pregnancy gives way to having a man crisis – such as wanting to buy that fast, red sports car you always dreamed about.

Yes, if being a husband doesn’t sometimes seem confining, becoming a father and suddenly coming face-to-face with the reality of being responsible for a young person’s life for the next two decades can seem downright scary…and restrictive. Once you realize the awesome work of God at hand as He begins to shape life within your wife’s belly, thoughts of football, food and selfish desires quickly fade into the background.

Easy Reading

Average Joe

Joseph D. Schneller
30 Two-page Daily Devotions
6 Sidelight Chapters
Softcover; 116 Pages
U.S. $11.95
2011 | Nordskog Publishing

Schneller’s daily devotionals make for an easy read, served up in one page segments focused on thought-provoking topics such as truth, fear or danger. Following that, he offers up a “bread for the soul” section divided into three parts: today’s scripture, today’s prayer and today’s encouragement.

In “Truth and the Spiritual Starbucks,” Schneller gets to the heart of the matter and notes that truth for many people is relative and is often muddled by what the world says, by what other religions teach or is based on a person’s made-to-order beliefs. The Starbucks analogy is a good one as it shows how many people approach truth: we pick and choose the “drink” to suit ourselves. Never mind that we’re always inconsistent and that we never look at the menu in the way that God does.

Liberating Truth

Schneller invites the reader to consider that truth can be known, that truth must be followed and that truth is liberating. In another chapter the author notes that “tolerance” is often substituted for truth, but its end is the same – people whose lives are not based on biblical wisdom will find themselves shipwreck. Being “good enough” in one’s own eyes is never good enough for God: men need to know that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” and that no one can come to God except through Him (John 14:6)

“Unplugged” can be just the right book to give to a guy who may not like to read or who struggles with some of the traditional devotionals plugged by churches such as “My Utmost for His Highest.” This easy read plus a modern translation of the Bible may inspire your guy to dig deeper, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to His heart, perhaps in a way He has never experienced previously.

This book and other contemporary writings can be ordered through Nordskog Publishing Inc. of Ventura, California.

31 Prayers for Courage

Matthew C. Keegan — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:34:48 +0000

The first in a series of month-long devotionals.

Timely devotional offers Christians guidance on prayer and supplication.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Merriam-Webster defines courage as the “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” That sounds like the typical Christian’s life, right? Courage is something that we want, but often don’t have. Our present circumstances may require us to have a courageous heart, but we may find ourselves lacking in that department.

Equipped for Courage

And that is where God comes in: by responding to our prayers and petitions, He equips ordinary people to do extraordinary things. By your personal definition of extraordinary, those feats may not be big in anyone else’s eyes, but they are to you – instances where you have overcome doubt, fear or despair, and gained an important spiritual victory.

A number of years ago I was taught to pray the scriptures. That means when praying, I may include an appropriate verse as I praise God or ask for His guidance in a matter. I believe that incorporating scripture is important as it serves to do two things: it speaks truth as the word of God is true. It also serves to build up our faith, giving us the courage to face difficult circumstances.

31 Prayers

Author Nathaniel Turner is a Baylor University graduate with a degree in Classical Philology and Religious Studies who has been writing month-long devotionals based on prayer. These daily prayers cover topics such as healing, marriage and courage, the latter book sent to me by the author for my review. Turner’s “31 Prayers for Courage” is a 94-page CreateSpace self-published book that is available on Amazon ($8.99 — paperback; 0.99 — Kindle). You can treat it as a quick read or reflect on a verse and accompanying prayer each day.

The simplicity of Turner’s book allows for the reader to easily include a daily read in with his or her devotions. Eleven categorical chapters featuring two to three devotions each cover a variety of topics including “courage when facing difficulty” and “courage when feeling weak.” For example, when needing strength, Turner directs the reader to Daniel 10:12 which reads, “Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.”

He then adds a prayer:

Dear Lord,

I pray to you humbly, O God. I am one of unclean lips, from a people of unclean lips, I am not worthy to untie the thong of your sandal. I am weak and afraid, for I seek understanding for your will for me, but I doubt that I am capable of carrying out. Hear my words, O LORD, as you heard the words of your servant Daniel, and give me strength to hear and to understand and to obey.

In Thy Son’s Name I pray, AMEN.

Precise Prayers

Of course, you don’t need to repeat these prayers verbatim. Rather, there are two principles at work here: each prayer is designed to show you how to approach God while demonstrating that long-winded prayers are not necessary or even more effective.

Indeed, most every prayer offered by Turner is short, filling one-quarter to one-half of a page, except for the tribulation prayer which is the longest and takes up a full page. If you have ever been sorely tested, then you’ll understand why this prayer is Turner’s longest.

In these trying times, we all need courage, usually to do the right thing. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Praying enables us to access God’s unlimited power, giving us the courage to face each circumstance with godly confidence.

Book Review: From Mason to Minister

Matthew C. Keegan — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:48:28 +0000

One man’s journey to faith in Jesus Christ

Neil Cullan McKinlay is a lot like most any Christian you’ve ever met, perhaps he is much like you. McKinlay has a three-part life story that begins where he describes his life as an unchurched youth in Scotland, followed by his conversion to Christ while living in Canada as a married man and father of three daughters. Today, McKinlay is walking with the Lord, is living in Australia and is seeking to “finish the race” to the glory of God.

What’s different about McKinlay is what each one of us can say about ourselves: he has a very specific testimony, one peculiar to him and something no one can deny.

McKinlay began his pursuit of God by taking an unlikely path — by studying Freemasonry, a much misunderstood and often derided fraternal organization with its roots dating as far back as the late medieval times in Scotland.

Exploring Freemasonry

Yes, Freemasonry has been criticized for its supposed relationship with occultism, mysticism and as some would say, satanism. In reality, this fraternal organization is based upon following a moral code, using biblically-derived symbols and allegories to frame its beliefs. Godly values are taught, but God is missing from the equation.

For McKinlay, his brief stint as a Mason revealed to him that there was something more than a moral code to live by and that what was obscured could only be revealed by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Later, McKinlay abandons freemasonry for what he and the Bible calls, “…a still more excellent way.”

“From Mason to Minister” is McKinlay’s book (Nordskog Publishing | 2011), a story which carries the subtitle “Through the Lattice.” The subtitle is from Song of Solomon 2:9 which reads, “My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the windows, He is peering through the lattice.” That’s how McKinlay understood his journey to faith in Christ — God has always been watching him.

Scottish Narrative

McKinlay’s narrative is one-part personal testimony and another part Scottish anecdote. We learn so much about his personal likes and desires including his love of nature, his poetic gifting as well as his desire to follow Christ, and eventually his ordination as a minister in the Presbyterian Church of Australia.

What is most important about McKinlay’s chronology is that he shows that God is so very much interested in the person and that our “life story” is the means by which God draws us to Him no matter where we’re at. The seeking heart will always find God and there isn’t a place we can go or be where He won’t come searching for us.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10)

This should encourage each of us — God knows those who are His and will provide a way for us to find Him. McKinlay, a Calvanist, may also believe that he could not resist the call of salvation. In his book, he made no mention of TULIP, the five points of Calvinism, particularly the fourth point — Irresistible Grace. What is apparent is that McKinlay was being prepared for many years to have an encounter with Jesus Christ and when God fully revealed Himself to him, he surrendered all.

Golden Age

One area of personal belief espoused by McKinlay may surprise the reader, and that is a belief held by some in the body of Christ: that before Jesus returns, there will be worldwide peace. In his “Reconciliation” section (pp. 170-173), Mc Kinlay says, “I believe in a future Golden Age before the Lord’s return — an age of peace and harmony among the nations.”

McKinlay doesn’t believe that this Golden Age will mean that everyone on earth will be a follower of Jesus Christ, but he does believe that the earth will one day be fully Christianized and that this period will take place before Jesus sets up His kingdom.

I have two problems with this thinking and they are:

1. Such a belief dismisses the possibility that Jesus can and will return at any time. With this thinking, the supposed “Golden Age” would have to take place first, and then the Lord will appear. Personally, I believe that the Lord will come at any time, although I believe that any delay is for the benefit of those who still don’t know Him. The age of peace will come, but only during a one thousand year reign of Christ following His return.

2. The Bible clearly says that in the last days that some will depart from the faith and “…follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:11) This verse seems to indicate a general falling away, not some age of peace.

No, I’m NOT suggesting that McKinlay is deceived and I won’t insist that he is wrong, especially when it pertains to his relationship with Jesus Christ. Every one of us sees through the mirror dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12) and beyond the essentials of our faith (doctrine), some of our beliefs may diverge. I can accept that and believe that McKinlay’s narrative is interesting and can be of benefit to the reader regardless of my personal thinking or understanding.

Resources

Neil Cullan McKinlay: Demystifying the Gospel

Neil Cullan McKinlay: Snow Off the Ben

Book Review: The Virgin Mary in the Light of the Word of God

Matthew C. Keegan — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:20:17 +0000

If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:11)

Mary, mother of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, just cannot seem to get a fair shake. On the one hand, you have members of traditional churches who ascribe a level of adoration to her that is simply blasphemy. On the other hand, you have some reactionary Christians who are almost dismissive as to her role as the earthly mother of Jesus.

There is only one fair assessment of who Mary, wife of Joseph the carpenter was, and that is a godly woman who is truly blessed, even nearly two millennium after her death. And that assessment can be found in one place: God’s word, the Bible. Not in the vain teachings of men nor in the opinions of pundits and prognosticators. Rather, in the books of the Bible beginning with a prophecy found in Isaiah 7:14 and later fulfilled in the gospels.

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.” (Luke 1:46-48)

Biblical Perspectives

Dr. Labib Mikhail is not a pundit or prognosticator, but he is a biblical scholar who took on the task of taking a look at Mary, mother of God (in the flesh). Dr. Mikhail is from Egypt and is a former professor of homiletics, psychology and journalism at Faith Mission Bible College in Cairo. He is one of the more influential Christian voices in the Arab world, reaching out to the lost throughout the Middle East. Mikhail wrote “The Virgin Mary in the Light of the Word of God,” in 2006 in Arabic and in 2009, Dr. Nasser S. Farag helped to translate this book into Spanish to reach people in Latin America and Africa who are steeped in Mariology. In 2011, Nordskog Publishing, Inc. had the book translated into English, a review of which I offer to you here.

So, let me say this first: raised as a Roman Catholic, I understood very little the importance some people place in venerating Mary despite having said countless “Hail Marys”, “Our Fathers” and offered numerous “Acts of Contrition” in the confessional. Later, when I came to salvation in Jesus Christ, did I learn the extent that some traditional churches “bless” Mary, going far beyond the honor bestowed upon her as written in the Bible.

Non-confrontational Approach

That being said, I was happy to find that the work of Drs. Mikhail and Farag was not an opportunity to bash hundreds of millions of people who are steeped in deep error, but rather to point out biblical truth even if at times the truth is truly “sharper than a two-edged sword.”

I’m grateful that this book is both instructive and respectful, giving Mary the honor due her as recognized in the scriptures. Truly, Mary is blessed and the clarity offered by these two men to preserve that fact is laudatory.

The Virgin Birth

“The Virgin Mary” makes for a simple read, offering easily digestible text and simple prose to get every point across. No, this isn’t some scholarly dissertation, rather it is a book that is meant to be read by everyone who wants to understand who Mary really was.

And what we know about Mary is revealed in the Bible with the author careful to explain several points about Mary first before tackling various heresies. Indeed, Mary is blessed among all women: she is the only woman who ever gave birth to a human by means of the Holy Spirit. This virgin birth was foretold in Isaiah 7:14 and was announced to Mary in Luke 1:31.

Mary also married Joseph sometime after the third month of her pregnancy, but the couple had no sexual relations until after Jesus was born. The author stresses the scriptural evidence of Jesus having four brothers and at least two sisters (Matthew 13:55-56), something that tears down the notion of Mary’s perpetual virginity, the foundation of Marian beliefs. Mariologists say that these “brethren” were Jesus’ cousins, but that argument collapses in the face of biblical evidence.

Queen of Heaven

The first six chapters of the book give a background of who Mary really was while the final six chapters address canonical error. Each attribute ascribed by the traditional churches to Mary are exposed and refuted including her role as another mediator, her bodily assumption into heaven, the undeserved titles given to Mary, the prayers offered to her, as well as rumored appearances and miracles said to have occurred because of Mary’s intervention.

In no place was Mary ever demeaned as the truth was revealed, with the author carefully letting the reader know that her position as a human follower of Jesus Christ is important, but like all dead saints she is truly “absent from the body and present with the Lord,” and her body is buried somewhere in Palestine. Like all of us, Mary was a sinner and needed a savior. In Acts 1:14 we find that Mary was gathered with the saints and praying to her risen Savior.

Fittingly, the book ends with a lexicon of ”leading ideas” espoused by traditional churches regarding Mary and the true message of salvation in Jesus Christ alone. This information is useful for further study and is followed up by the words to the song, “Mary, Did You Know,” written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene.

Truly, “Saint Mary” is blessed, but none of the dogmatic attributes ascribed to her by the traditional churches is correct nor should these be embraced. Jesus Christ alone intercedes on our behalf and He needs no relay team in the form of Mary and other dead saints to get our petitions to Him.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Resources

Nordskog Publishing, Inc.: Books

Islam Review; Understanding Islam — The Attack on the World Trade Center and on the Pentagon; Dr. Labib Mikhail

Vatican: The Holy See; Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII — Munificentissimus Deus — Defining the Dogma of the Assumption; Nov. 1950

Book Review: Died He For Me

Matthew C. Keegan — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:19:49 +0000

We’re in the season leading up to “Easter” or the time of the year many people call Lent. This 40-day period is marked by Catholics and some Protestants and Orthodox Christians for “…penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection.”[1]

As an evangelical or born again Christian, I do not “celebrate” the Lenten season as some people prefer to do, nor does my local fellowship. That being said, I believe it is important for Christians to bring to mind often what Jesus has done for us and if the Lenten season helps you to focus on Christ, His passion and His redemption, then by all means do so.

My personal reflection, however, will be just that: times I spend with Jesus in quiet solitude, reflecting on His life on earth, His passion and resurrection and the life to come. I’ve also secured a copy of “Died He For Me,” a book written by Dr. Mark A. Marinella, who takes a look at Jesus’ crucifixion from a physician’s perspective.[2] Indeed, this book subtitled, “A Physician’s View of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” does just that and makes for an excellent, if not provocative, read as we each bring to mind Christ’s passion.

Medical Credentials

Dr. Marinella is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and practices in Dayton, Ohio. Included among his clinical interests are “breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, critical care hematology and oncology, as well as nutrition support for hospitalized cancer patients.”[3] His expertise has given him the understanding needed to address the hours leading up to Jesus crucifixion and what the human body goes through as it is pulverized in this manner from a medical point of view.

Before I move on, allow me to briefly address some of the criticisms people have offered up against books or movies which have attempted to graphically convey what Jesus went through as He took upon Himself our sins. Certainly, we don’t need anything beyond the Bible to help us understand the gravity of sin and the suffering that Jesus went through. However, having that information can only benefit the Christian, who gains an understanding of a heinous form of capital punishment, one that God took upon Himself to set us free from sin and damnation.

Passion Week

Marinella offers the reader an appropriate synopsis of what life was like in Jesus’ time to explain the political landscape and just how much the Romans and Jews hated each other. By the time Jesus was led to Golgotha, crucifixion was widely practiced by the Romans — many Jews were crucified during the earliest “Jewish Wars” which occurred about the time of the birth of Christ and in 70 A.D. when the temple was destroyed.[4]

Died He For Me

Mark A. Marinella, MD, FACP

8 Chapters

Softcover

121 Pages

Detailed Bibliography

2008 | Nordskog Publishing

The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus has noted one account in 4 B.C. where approximately 2,000 Jews were crucified in a Roman bid to stamp out rebellion. Some historians have theorized that Golgotha, which means “place of the skull,” got that name because of the skull-like appearance of the hill where Jesus was crucified. It may also point to the skulls of other victims which were scattered about (see notes for Matthew 27:33). In any case, by the time Jesus was crucified, the Romans had “perfected” this cruel form of punishment.

Medical Facts

The first three chapters of “Died He For Me” give way to four chapters where Marinella shares in explicit detail what Jesus went through as He was given up to the Romans, scourged, His walk to Calvary, crucifixion and, finally, His death. And this is where a doctor’s perspective can help the reader understand the nearly impossible physical and psychological torment Jesus bore as he willingly went to the cross for our sins.

Indeed, we know that Jesus was physically tired, having stayed up the entire night before praying and was in great anguish. Though he foreknew what He was to face, Jesus was still very much a man — imagine the fatigue and the deep sense of betrayal He encountered as the purple robe was put on his body and as the crown of thorns were driven into His skull.

Swoon Theory

I won’t spoil the book for you, but Marinella describes in great detail the tools of suffering used to torture Jesus, an event which dropped His blood pressure and placed Him in a state of near bodily shock. This information is important to know because before He even got to the cross, Jesus was near death. The so-called “swoon” theory can be easily debunked — the pummeling Christ went through sometimes killed people before they got to Golgotha; He was in no condition to survive His injuries, let alone free Himself from the tomb and make His escape as some skeptics assert.[5]

Marinella taps His medical expertise to describe in great detail the trauma Jesus suffered. From exposure to bacteria found in human spittle to tetanus and other forms of infection. Profound blood loss, tissue damage, ripped cartilage, elevated body temperature and kidney damage were just some of the traumas Jesus willingly took upon Himself as He paid for mankind’s sin and bore the wrath of God.

There are no words that can be said to explain the gravity of what Jesus did for you and me. Only by the revelation of the Holy Spirit can any of us appreciate Jesus and His finished work upon the cross.

Sins Forgiven

To that end, I’ll dispense with further details about Jesus’ suffering. This book can make for a wonderful companion study as you reflect on Jesus’s passion, betrayal, scourging, crucifixion and resurrection. Yes, even through it all Jesus stood firm, doing what it took to purchase our lives, making the only payment for sin that God could accept to permanently wash away our sins. Hallelujah!

References

[1] Catholic.org: Ash Wednesday

[2] Died He For Me; Mark A. Marinella; Nordskog Publishing; 2008

[3] Dayton Physicians, LLC: Mark A. Marinella, MD, FACP

[4] Our Redeemer Lutheran Church:Crucifixion in the Ancient World

[5] CARM: Jesus Only Appeared to Have Died on the Cross – Swoon Theory

Book Review: Truth Standing on its Head

Matthew C. Keegan — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:05:21 +0000

What is truth? For the Christian, that answer is easy. Truth is found in God’s word, the Bible, and speaks specifically of Jesus who said of Himself, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” John 14:6

Sadly, the words of Jesus are not heeded by most people in the world, but that is to be expected given our free will nature. Perhaps most telling is how professed Christians handle truth and whether they truly apply what Jesus says to their own lives or merely give these words some “lip service.”

Sermon on the Mount

Dr. John N. Day, a Presbyterian Church of America pastor who oversees a church in Bellevue, Washington, tackles biblical truth in his book, “Truth Standing on its Head.” Subtitled, “Insight for an extraordinary Christian walk from the Sermon on the Mount,” Day takes the reader through the most well known sermon uttered by Jesus and explains what this means to those who say they follow Jesus Christ. Day addresses the words of Jesus Christ as found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7.

And it is the Sermon on the Mount which is the heart of the matter for every believer offering what Day recognizes as a paradox: “blessed be are the happy for they shall be humble, hungry, harassed…,” not the promising carefree life many of today’s prosperity preachers say is rightfully ours, rather lives which are being pressed down, squeezed together and stretched out as followers seek to enter the narrow gate and travel down the road less traveled. Yes, the poor in spirit will most definitely enter heaven and the meek shall inherit the earth, people who have long since given up their rights and claims here to lay up their treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt.

Brief, Effectual Chapters

Day offers 22 short, but power-packed chapters to help the reader consider his or her place in this life. There is much to ponder therein, but there are a few points Day made which stood out for me including:

There are many false religions in this world, but only Jesus offers the doorway leading to heaven. Islam, which means “submission,” is full of external rules and outward appearances. If you are an enemy of this religion, then its holy book calls you to kill your neighbor. Fully opposite to that is Christianity which can be summed up in one word: “love”. Love from a God who sent His son to die for the sins of the world, taking the penalty of death due us and instructing His followers to love their enemies. Starkly different belief systems, yet people today who lack a moral compass dismiss the dangers of Islam (let’s negotiate!) and attack the truth espoused by Christians.

Many people, particularly in America, call themselves Christians but are, in fact, not. In the next to last chapter, Day examined Matthew 7 — verses 15 to 23 – where Jesus warned the church of false prophets and the damage they do. At first glance, we may not see them, but we’re told to inspect their fruit. A blackberry bush cannot produce grapes and an apple tree’s fruit will not make you sick. Following that inspection, the false teachers become evident – we would do well to avoid such people!

Personal Heart Examination

Perhaps the most introspective part of the chapter was the second part – our self examination. We may think that we’re fine with God and do all the Christian things and we may pray with fervency, “Lord, Lord,” but for some Jesus will say that He never knew them. That pronouncement will be a tremendous shock to many including some who we think are followers of Jesus.

But, Day doesn’t have the reader looking at everyone else. Instead, he encourages every one of us to examine our own hearts to make sure that we’re in the Way. Moral equivocacy is rampant in the American church today – do we truly hate our sin or do we dismiss that which grieves the Holy Spirit?

Publisher Notes

“Truth Standing on its Head” (2009) is distributed by Nordskog Publishing Inc. This hard cover book retails for $18.95 and is 162 pages long. NPI is knew to the Christian publishing industry having distributed books only since November 2007. Nordskog previously published Powerboat magazine; the company sold the periodical in 2005.

Book Review: 31 Days of Prayer

Matthew C. Keegan — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:13:00 +0000

It isn’t all that often I find a devotional book I want to share with our readers, but this one needs to be made known and may already be familiar to you if you have a strong prayer life. The book is 31 Days of Prayer, written by Ruth Myer with assistance from her husband, Warren.

My brother, Joe, gave me a copy of Ruth’s book as we leaving our home following his customary Christmas visit. I thought that he was leaving it behind by mistake, but he said that this copy was for me. Out of all of the gifts I received at Christmas, Myer’s book is most treasured.

Some people may object to any sort of book designed to lead the reader in prayer, considering all such works as encouraging rote or mechanical prayer. However, 31 Days (Multnomah Publishing | $14.99) simply helps the reader consider all sorts of prayers to bring before God in the name of Jesus Christ.

For example, on the 10th day of the month, the reader is invited to “Pray that many will turn to Christ.” In that prayer, you are encouraged to remember specific people by name and bring those people before the Lord.

Persistent and consistent prayer is the most effective prayer, with Mrs. Myer sharing the story of George Mueller, the German orphan worker who made a huge difference in the United Kingdom. Mueller was an intercessor and prayed many years for the salvation of people God put on his heart, seeing each person saved one by one.

At the end of his life, Mueller was still praying for two sons of a friend of his from their youth, 52 years of prayer that he kept up consistently. I’m not sure if these men were saved when Mueller met the Lord, but most certainly those prayers were heard by God as “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

Although God commands us to pray, Myer emphasizes that prayer is more of an invitation than a requirement. Most certainly we are to be obedient to God and it is through that obedience we find wonderful, loving fellowship with our Creator.

With this book your prayers can “…grow deeper in faith, richer in content, and greater in breadth.” You’ll not only pray for your own needs or that of people you know and love, but you’ll find yourself interceding for people you will never meet on this side of eternity.

I’m nearly halfway through the book for this month and cannot say for sure if I’ll use it throughout this year. That doesn’t matter to me. What does matter is that I’m rediscovering how important prayer is and I’m taking the time to pray, expecting God to answer.

Prayer is a mystery as well as a gift. For some reason, God includes us in carrying out His will through intercessory prayer. He doesn’t need us, but He most certainly wants us!

And God thinks about you constantly! And, as this passage in Zephaniah 3:17 reveals, He even sings over us:

“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Prayer enables us to connect with God, His word — the Bible — is God’s way of speaking to us, confirming what we pray about and leading us into all truth. Prayer and Bible reading go hand in hand, two tools given to us by God to draw us to Him. Myers’ book encourages both, offering simple guidance on how to approach God.

Resources

The Navigators: Ruth Myers Enters into Never-ending Days of Praise

The Navigators: A Tribute to Warren Myers

Book Review: Message In A Word

Matthew C. Keegan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:14:13 +0000

I received a copy of Margaret A. Blincoe’s book — Message In A Word (2010, Self Published)– from my editor friend Lillie Ammann, not realizing that she was Margaret’s editor. I’ve gotten to know Lillie through her A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye blog, enjoying her insight particularly from a Christian perspective.

Message In A Word is a devotional, offering 52 one- or two-page expositions on a divinely-rendered acrostic. Acrostics are words where each letter in that word represents another word or statement. One example is DOUBT which Margaret renders as Disbelief Of Unerring Biblical Truths. Acrostics are fun, easy to remember, but they’re also an excellent way to impart truth.

Given that Margaret’s book has 52 messages, one for each week of the year, I’ve saved some of my reading for the weeks and months ahead. But, through the half dozen or more stories I have read, I can tell you that Margaret’s “Inspired Succinct Sermons Uniquely Expressed” are just that — inspired.

God has given Margaret a gift for using words — in this case acrostics — to tell a story. Those Godward stories are meant to inspire and uplift the reader, drawing him or her closer to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Following each devotional a “Notes of Reflection” page is set aside to allow the reader to share his own thoughts about the reading. This can be a good place to add commentary about Margaret’s lesson, by including a practical application of the acrostic in the life of the reader.

Margaret says that the book’s idea came as a result of several recurrent dreams, spanning a number of years where God spoke to her about certain “issues” He had with her.

At first, Margaret thought that God was mad, believing that He had some sort of a dispute with her. Upon much prayer and reflection Margaret realized that God had another meaning of the word in mind — a proclamation or an announcement — which turned her thinking around.

An encounter with a pastor’s wife revealed to Margaret what God was telling her and from that point on the acrostics began to flow freely. I was encouraged to learn what Margaret went through to arrive at that point in her journey to understand what the word “issues” meant, demonstrating the patience of a loving Father who wants to impart wisdom and understanding to all who worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)

Yes, wisdom is what Solomon desired, something we who follow Jesus Christ need if we are to walk uprightly before God. Perhaps God has an “issue” with you too!