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Dallas Willard, an acclaimed theologian and professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California, fulfills the longing of many Christians who want to live as true disciples of Christ rather than distant dabblers. Likewise, he scoffs at consumer Christians who are simply banking on admittance to heaven as their payoff for attending church. Or worse still, those who use Christianity to advance their political agendas rather than their spiritual ones. But this is not a scolding book. Rather, Willard devotes his efforts to discussing specific and inspiring ways to develop a discipleship to Jesus--not as an act of sacrifice or even one of spiritual luxury--instead, as everyday people committed to the teachings of Christ. "The really good news for Christians is that Jesus is now taking students in the master class of life," writes Willard. "So the message of and about him is specifically a gospel for our life now, not just for dying. It is about living now as his apprentices in kingdom living, not just as consumers of his merits." --Gail Hudson
Book Description
A renowned teacher and writer of the acclaimed The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers now offers a timely and challenging call back to the true meaning of Christian discipleship. In The Divine Conspiracy, Willard gracefully weaves biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice into a tour de force that shows the necessity of profound changes in how we view our lives and faith. In an era when many Christians consider Jesus a beloved but remote savior, Willard argues compellingly for the relevance of God to every aspect of our existence. Masterfully capturing the central insights of Christ's teachings in a fresh way for today's seekers, he helps us to explore a revolutionary way to experience God--by knowing Him as an essential part of the here and now, rather than only as a part of the hereafter.
"The most telling thing about the contemporary Christian," Willard writes, "is that he or she has no compelling sense that understanding of and conformity with the clear teachings of Christ is of any vital importance to [their] life, and certainly not that it is in any way essential . . . Such obedience is regarded as just out of the question or impossible." Christians, he says, for the most part consider the primary function of Christianity to be admittance to heaven. But, as Willard clearly shows, a faith that guarantees a satisfactory afterlife, yet has absolutely no impact on life in the here and now, is nothing more than "consumer Christianity" and "bumper-sticker faith."
Willard refutes this "fire escape" mentality by exploring the true nature of the teachings of Jesus, who intended that His followers become His disciples, and taught that we have access now to the life we are only too eager to relegate to the hereafter. The author calls us into a more authentic faith and offers a practical plan by which we can become Christ-like. He challenges us to step aside from the politics and pieties of contemporary Christian practice and inspires us to reject the all too common lukewarm faith of our times by embracing the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
A Powerful, Thought-Provoking
Guide to Living the Life
Jesus Intends for Us
"My hope is to gain a fresh hearing for Jesus, especially among those who believe they already understand him. Very few people today find Jesus interesting as a person or of vital relevance to the course of their actual lives. He is not generally regarded as a real life personality who deals with real-life issues, but is thought to be concerned with some feathery realm other than the one we must deal with, and must deal with now."
"[A]ctual discipleship or apprenticeship to Jesus is, in our day, no longer thought of as in any way essential to faith in him. It is regarded as a costly option, a spiritual luxury, or possibly even as an evasion. Why bother with discipleship, it is widely thought, or, for that matter, with a conversational relationship with God? Let us get on with what we have to do."
"This book, then, presents discipleship to Jesus as the very heart of the gospel. The eternal life that begins with confidence in Jesus is a life in His present kingdom, now on earth and available to all. So the message of and about him is specifically a gospel for our life now, not just for dying. It is about living now as his apprentice in kingdom living, not just as a consumer of his merits. Our future, however far we look, is a natural extension of the faith by which we live now and the life in which we now participate."
-- from The Divine Conspiracy
Customer Reviews:
Doesn't Get Any Better.......2007-07-09
Yes, it'll take some mental effort to comprehend, but I'd rather work for the rewards of getting some of Willard's insight than just breeze through something with less difficulty...and less depth.
Tired of phony baloney Churchianity? Buy this book.......2007-07-07
Dallas Willard is a modern day gift to the church.
If you love Christ with all of your heart but are tired of mainstream evangelical "Churchianity" this book will be restorative to your spiritual life.
Buy this book and be restored to the loving consipiacy of the God of the ages who is still washing feet and overthrowing man-made structures.
Buy it and read it!.......2007-05-14
I am enjoying this book tremendously. I'm starting to re-think my use of a highlighter, though, since I am highlighting more than not. It might be quicker to highlight the sentences that I don't find especially enlightening. This book is so packed with spiritual insight that you CANNOT rush through it. Each paragraph would be a chapter in most of today's Christian books. If you like CS Lewis and George McDonald, you'll love Dallas Willard. For an "old school" look at the teachings of Christ brought up-to-date by a phenomenal communicator, this book is it!
Jesus was not an idiot.......2007-05-14
I met Dallas Willard at a spiritual formation conference in 2006. During our very brief conversation, I yammered on about how much I respected him for maintaining a Christian presence at USC, as if that somehow lended a kind of secular validity to what I consider his finest work, Divine Conspiracy. A look of mild disgust came over Dr. Willard's face. Finally, he blurted in his rather flat, Elvis Presley-like voice: "nothing is secular."
I stumbled my way out of the auditorium, thoroughly humiliated and a bit confused and not a little angry.
But later, as I re-read Divine Conspiracy, I realized somewhere along the way I had forgotten the whole point of the book.
Jesus wasn not an idiot.
Everything Christ said and suffered and vanquished ultimately points to a reality that is so far beyond human comprehension, especially modern human comprehension. With all our gadgets and wealth and seemingly brilliant, oh so clever thoughts, most of us can't begin to think that the man who traversed the dusty roads of Israel nearly 2,000 years ago with his ragtag pack of interns was nothing less than the human embodiment of the eternal God who created and sustains every aspect of the cosmos, including us.
I urge you to read this book. Read what your creator wants you to know about life in his unfolding Kingdom and how to live it like he did and taught his disciples to live it. Then bow the knee, and get on with real life, the most eternal kind of life, the life of God in you, whatever your calling and position in life. And never look back.
Jesus is Lord. Find out now, not later, when you have to stand before him as judge.
Way above my reading comprehension level.......2007-04-20
When I came across this book I couldn't wait to get it and read it b/c it addressed a lot of things I have always wanted to understand better about the character of God. However, its syntax employed tons of compound complex sentences and large vocabulary words to the extent that I felt like I needed a modern translation. I still hope to finish reading this book someday (or get the abridged audio version) because I think it's a brilliant piece of work.
Book Description
DO YOU BELIEVE?
Gerald Schroeder, an MIT-trained scientist who has worked in both physics and biology, has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular and accessible apostles for the melding of science and religion. He first reconciled science and faith as different perspectives on a single whole in The Science of God. Now, in The Hidden Face of God, Schroeder takes a bold step forward, to show that science, properly understood, provides positive reasons for faith.
From the wisdom encoded in DNA and analyzed by information science, to the wisdom unveiled in the fantastic complexity of cellular life, to the wisdom inherent in human consciousness, The Hidden Face of God offers a tour of the best of modern science. This fascinating volume will open a world of science to religious believers, and it will cause skeptics to rethink some of their deepest beliefs.
Download Description
In his first two books, Gerald L. Schroeder illustrated how science and the Bible can be reconciled without violating the letter, or spirit, of either. Now he takes a step back, offering a tour of modern science, from the universe as a whole to the smallest particles of matter, to show that there is an underlying wisdom beneath it all. From the subtle forces of nature that make life possible to the amazing complexity of the human body, a single consciousness shines through. Schroeder seamlessly combines physics, biology, and neuroscience to illuminate the unity of the great plan behind the universe. Drawing on traditional religious topics such as free will, evil, and man's place in the universe, Schroeder shows that scientists have sometimes changed the surface debates on these issues, but have mainly deepened our appreciation and understanding of the ultimate questions, and of God's place in the world. For anyone who has ever felt the mystical proddings behind the wonders of nature, here is a clear explanation of why such proddings are eternal and crucial.
Customer Reviews:
the wonder of the cell.......2007-09-15
incredible journey into the world of molecular biology. Pretty hard to beleive it is all the end result of blind unguided chance. This the the book that turned world famous atheist philosopher Antony Flew into a believer.
Life-changing book.......2007-08-01
This is a life-changing book. If you have an open mind about creation vs. evolution, then read this. I've purchased 5 copies of this for people I thought you find it interesting. Of the ones that had open minds and read it, all said it was the most amazing book they'd read.
The details on conception to childbirth is worth getting the entire book
I Love this book.......2007-06-15
A must read for anyone wrestling with the question of the inter-relationship of modern science and religion. It shows eloquently what wisdom is found in the Torah and how very relevant it is to modern scientific theory. It is for those that want to immunize themselves from today's religion bashers and more importantly from existential angst. The only flaw in his argument, pointed out to me by a marine biologist, regards the claim that the sudden appearance of one celled organisms in the fossil record argues against evolution, i.e., why didn't the component parts of a cell show up first prior to the whole cell? Answer: The fossil record must start with one celled organisms, it's the smallest unit to be preserved as a fossil. Barring that, the metaphysical nature of the universe is superbly reasoned. Kudos to the author.
Most Definitely Not Science.......2007-05-19
I read this book on recommendation by an "opponent" in a theological debate that claimed it had many important discoveries. This is hardly the case. It was a painful read. While Mr. Schroeder can bandy scientific terms about that will impress the average reader, it takes an astute reader to recognize that, nearly from the first sentence, he puts out his core premise which is completely unsupported.
As is far too common with these sorts of tomes, the author makes great, unsupported leaps of logic, thereby invalidating their argument (as least from a scientific perspective). Add to that the citing of scripture as support for his "findings" and you have a book that feels good to those already in the choir. Others will look at it with a puzzled expression.
This book may be whimsy or wishful thinking, but it is most assuredly not science.
Good title.......2007-04-14
Interesting; In the Bible (can't remember where)does indicate that God does hide his face. Bought the book for my kids to read-not a good idea because the author gets technical; however, it did give me the opportunity to discus it w/ them. The criticism I have read that Schoeder does not address one issue or another is inaccurate. Clearly, they did not read the book before they wrote. Just another example how liberal-types have let themselves become influenced by evil a symptom of which is having disdain for truth among other things. Don't believe me? Look at what they have written and read the book for yourself.
Book Description
Stormie Omartian, the bestselling author who has helped millions of people develop a powerful prayer life, now inspires readers to open their lives to the prayer that changes everything—the prayer of praise to God.
Intimate conversations with God often focus on immediate needs, concern for others, and direction regarding His will, but praise requires believers to look beyond themselves and their circumstances and place their attention solely on God. Stormie shares personal stories, biblical truths, and practical guiding principles to reveal the wonders that take place when Christians offer praise in the middle of difficulties, sorrow, fear, and, yes, abundance and joy.
Study questions are included in each chapter, making The Prayer That Changes Everything™ perfect for personal application or group discussions.
Customer Reviews:
Great Read.......2007-06-24
I highly recommend this book to all who are searching for a peaceful and praying life and forthe holy spirit's gudance.
Okay, but not great.......2007-04-20
This book is okay, but not great. She spends so much time quoting Jack Hayford he should get a cowriting credit.
I was looking for more meat. This one is pretty light weight.
A GREAT AND INFORMATIVE BOOK.....THANK YOU!!!.......2007-01-29
"Worship is a choice we make. Whether we worship God or not, is always an act of our own will. Our will determines whether we make it our first reaction to things that happen to us - or don't happen to us - or a last resort. If we do not make it our first reaction, then we cannot possibly make it a way of life. And if we do not make praise a way of life, we will never experience all God has for us."
This book was a Christmas gift which I thoroughly enjoyed as I have never read any of the author's works. Stormie Omartian writting is incredible and she is bent on showing us how practical praising God and worshiping Him can affect all our lives. Because God dwells and inhabits the praises of His people we are sure that He is near, and as we send our praises up He sends His blessings down to us. There is no Praise that God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are unaware of. He empowers us and draws us closer to Him. When we are closer to Him we yearn to be just like Him and we get the very sense of the Kingdom. Stormie Omartian walks us through the many reasons why we should praise God, and she allows us to know when praise is crucial.
Another thing I loved about this book was after each chapter there was a nice long prayer of Praise, then a study to make sure we understood what we had just read, and bible verses to dwell on. This book was well laid out and well written, and can be used as a devotional if you care to. Very well done. I look forward to reading more of Stormie Omartian's work. May God continue to bless her and use her towards the honour and glory of His Kingdom. For surely we can be made better and brighter christians by following her teaching.
Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE 29/01/07)
Very good and uplifting.......2006-05-31
This book has a different approach to prayers. It mainly concentrates in praising GOD under all circumstances. It is a very good book.
A must have.......2006-02-28
This book is a "must have" for every Christian. This book teaches you how to worship and praise God no matter what is happening around you.
Book Description
It's about the absolute need to know how to minister to yourself. There is a "selfless" emphasis in the Body of Christ that actually works against the gospel ndash; people believe that anything to do with self is sin. Not so. If I don't take care of my walk wi
Customer Reviews:
A MUST READ.......2007-08-24
This book is a "must read". If you are just thinking about getting it and aren't sure, I'm here to tell you it's worth every penny. It's an easy read, but profound at the same time. Whether you are a professional minister or minister non-professionally (which that is all Christians responsibility), this book will help you Strengthen Yourself In the Lord. Practical words, Godly words, and words of vision for your life. Loved it!
Thanksgiving.......2007-08-21
I am currently reading this book, it continues to show me ways in which I need grow in my daily walk.
kick discouragement & change your life immediately.......2007-07-04
Religion and life discourage us at every turn. Unanswered prayers can gender such offense that we retreat inwardly while going through the external religious motions. This book has been the greatest encouragement to me in all my 27 years of ministry. If you want your thinking "re-aligned" get this book! It's a short, simple read which is a bonus.
nothing earthshaking from my perspective........2007-06-27
WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH was truly a great book. for me, this one did not reach those heights.
yes, we need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. God is not going to do that for us. we need to have a faith that is proactive on our behalf. i agree. being thankful. yes. keeping in mind all that the Lord has done. yes. doesn't the Holy Spirit move us to do these things on the inside if He truly lives in us? don't these things emanate naturally from our love and hunger for God? but then...what?
flashes of revelation here perhaps, but not a page turner i'm sorry to say. some good reminders, but not much new for me. milk. disappointing.
Great principles to help ourselves in this journey of faith........2007-06-12
This book came at a time where I needed to learn how to strengthen myself in the Lord. Johnson brings out great principles and also shares portions of his life and what God taught him through them. As Johnson said, these areas that he writes about are not exhaustive, but they are areas that have been more common to him to deal with.
One area that Johnson writes about is that we need to protect ourselves from things that can distract us or discourage us, or take us away from the Word of God and His promises. I think this is very applicable today especially when we have so many differing views about things, and we can easily get distracted. Also, it seems in some circles that knowledge is their "god" but trying to accomodate every view and perspective can lead us eventually astray. We need a healthy sense of "denial". Logic and reasoning cannot be held higher than God.
Below are some great statements that Johnson made in this book:
- God is not responsible for making us reach our potential (p. 25).
- It is impossible for anyone to reach his ultimate destiny in life without learning to minister to himself (p. 27).
- My job is to trust my heavenly Father with the problems and situations I don't understand, and focus on stewarding my will to what I know to be true. My success in watching over my heart determinies the measure of Kingdom breakthrough I will experience in life (pg. 34).
- The tests that David endured were tests that specifically addressed his ability to keep focus on his identity and purpose. He was tested by coming into circumstances that directly contradicted God's Word over his life (pg. 39).
- God never sets us up to fail - only to grow (pg. 41).
- God not only prepares us for conflict, He leads us right into it (pg. 46).
- Difficulty has a way of exposing the degree to which our lives and minds have been truly transformed by a heavenly perspective for certain responses to be habitual (pg. 52-3).
- Try to live in such a way that nothing ever gets bigger than our consciousness of God's presence (pg. 60).
- It becomes really hard to stay depressed about your circumstances when you're filled with the awareness of the love and goodness that surrounds and infuses your life (pg. 61).
- By lining my physical body up with what the Word said, I brought my whole being into agreement with the truth (pg. 69).
- Desperation is not always an expression of faith (pg. 88).
- Every generation that stopped walking in their covenant with God did so because they forgot His works (pg. 111).
- The standard we set for ears also determines our ability to strengthen ourselves because strengthening ourselves begins with our choice to listen to God's voice more than any other (pg. 122).
- Not all ungodly counsel comes from the ungodly (pg. 125).
Book Description
A series of parables, meditations and directives that are designed to awaken the mind to the presence of God, free the soul from its cherished idols, and infuse the emotions with the birthright of joy.
Customer Reviews:
Seeing the ordinary with new eyes.......2002-09-22
The wisdom in this small but provocative collection of brief reflections can be savored in bite-size portions, as the author helps us to see ordinary things with new eyes. She asks many questions that will not be quickly answered, and which will lead to more questions, but offers tantalizing hints from her own life story. The certainties that clutter our inner world may keep us from recognizing God dancing right in front of us: "In just this way we miss God, having already decided what we are looking for and how the Divine will appear." D'Arcy insists that embracing religion may be easier than encountering the living God, so be prepared for a few salutary jolts if you read this book!
Book Description
Bestselling author Stormie Omartian presents heartfelt prayers from her newest book, The Prayer That Changes Everything™. Small enough to keep in purse or pocket for quick conversations with God, this book will help unlock the power of prayer in readers’ lives. They’ll come away understanding as never before
- how God’s great love for them makes their lives complete
- how lifting up praise unlocks God’s delivering power into their circumstances
- how right it is to offer adoration and exaltation to the One so worthy of worship
Readers by the millions have loved the power and insight of Stormie’s books on prayer. She now touches their lives with the truth and hope found in a heart that worships God.
Customer Reviews:
HOPE in Time of Trouble.......2007-05-23
When life seems hopeless with no place to turn for encouragment, Stormie encourages you how the power of praising and talking to God in prayer can give you the power you need to lift you out of some of life's most difficult pits. She reminds you that GOD ALMIGHTY is ALWAYS there ready to listen and act upon His Word. She teaches you through examples of how to talk to the Heavenly Father and make Him your Father in time of trouble. Often times we say, "I can't talk to God because I don't know how to pray." After reading this book, you will be set free from the LIE that keeps you trapped in your pit stating, "you can't receive FREEDOM or BLESSINGS from the HEAVENLY FATHER because you don't know how to pray." There is great power to overcome in prayer and praising God by quoting HIS WORD.The Prayer That Changes Everything®: The Hidden Power of Praising God (Omartian, Stormie)
Average customer rating:
- Yes, They Carried Their Crosses Well
- One of my favorite books
- Challenging and encouraging - great read!
- Lessons Learned From Hard Lives
- How to See God's Providence in Suffering
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The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd (The Swans Are Not Silent, 2)
John Piper
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The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God's Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin (The Swans Are Not Silent)
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The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce (Swans Are Not Silent)
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Contending for Our All: Defending Truth and Treasuring Christ in the Lives of Athanasius, John Owen, and J. Gresham Machen (Piper, John, Swans Are Not Silent)
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The Life And Diary of David Brainerd
ASIN: 1581342470 |
Book Description
Bunyan. Cowper. Brainerd.
We read their stories and wonder how they endured. How does one survive twelve years in a dank prison cell? How does one survive month after month of a depression so debilitating that death seems the only hope? How does one endure tuberculosis? Or cancer, or emptiness, or death, or loneliness, or divorce? Whatever the trial may be, how does one endure without the soul shriveling up and blowing away with the breeze?
In the lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd, we find the strength of soul that not only endures hardship, but honors God in the midst of it. The Giver and Sustainer of life enabled them to worship through all their suffering. That's why their affliction bore so much fruit. The story of their suffering, their perseverance, and their passion is one that can inspire the same hunger for the supremacy of God in your life.
John Piper invites you to read their stories, consider their lives, and be encouraged that no labor and no suffering in the path of Christian obedience is ever in vain. Even the bleak hill of Golgotha was a skull with a frown of affliction on its face. But "behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face."
Just as Bunyan's, Cowper's, and Brainerd's suffering produced the worship and humility that is essential to Christian living, we too can look to God for great privileges to come from our own pain. And we too can remember, "The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower."
Customer Reviews:
Yes, They Carried Their Crosses Well.......2007-09-24
In the second part of Piper's eulogies to great men of the Faith, in 'The Swans Are Not Silent' series, we get to meet Bunyan, Cowper (pronounced Cooper) and Brainerd.
The introduction to the book brings us to an important theological aspect in the Christian life: the fruit of affliction. It is by these means of trials and tests, that God shapes the character of the lives of men and women, who lay claim to being Christ's. The cost of discipleship is ravaging, demanding, painful and yet, brings much glory to God, only if we continue to see His good in our circumstances.
Of this school, John Bunyan was an unchallenged leader. Most probably the most famous of Puritan preachers and pastors, the Bedford tinker grew in stature and favor with the English folk, which extends right to this day. Those that say Bunyan only had to agree to not preaching without a licence, at no other cost was his gaol term enforced, fail to know those days. As Piper explains, they were the Non-Conformists, who refused to bow the knee to the Church of England with her popish traditions and catholic conventions. If you read Bunyan's sermons, you will readily see the sort of principle he disagreed with. For example, that they had a Common Prayer Book, and for every circumstance, Holy Day, or gathering, they were required to pray from it word-for-word. NO! says Bunyan, for 'I will pray by the Spirit and by my understanding!' 1 Cor 14:15
What really touched my heart was that Bunyan confessed he loved his oldest daughter most. Born blind from birth, she was his weak spot. During the twelve years imprisonment when she had occasion to visit with his second wife, he claims that it was extremely hard to part with her. A fathers heart! If ever he needed an excuse to conform and be released from prison, she was there. Yet God graciously supplied in His means of grace to Bunyan.
Quote: 'Let me beg of thee, that thou wilt not be offended either with God, or men, if the cross is laid heavy upon thee. Not with God, for He doth nothing without a cause, nor with men, for...they are the servants of God to thee for good. Take therefore what comes to thee from God by them, thankfully.'
It were as if Bunyan saw Christ in his tormentors, and heard Christ plead with him to transfer their guilt, their actions, onto Christ, and thus be free to love them.
Bunyan is with reason well-loved.
Cowper was a hymnist and could rise above his melancholy to deliver the most beautiful odes of praise to God. Suffering from depression, he regularly had to keep the foes of darkness at bay, and dug deeply from the wells of grace to bring forth his fruit, much of which is still well-known and in use today.
Brainerd was made public by Jonathan Edwards, the great American theologian. Brainerd was a missionary who lived in the most depriving of conditions amongst the Indians he was doing missionary work to. He also had ailments and was ill for most of the time, yet continued to thank God for every breath and word he was able to bring. God sustained him and then He mercifully took him away, at a relatively young age. Missionaries who are pitted against tests, deaths of various kinds, always refer to Brainerd's work for exhortation.
This is a remarkable book in the sense that these men were principled and knew not the easy way out. They continued to live out their witness, knowing that it was the Holy Spirit at work in their life's calling, despite the odds being stacked against them. So in good times and tough, God was sovereignly ruling in their lives.
Solemn and awe-inspiring.
One of my favorite books.......2007-07-26
If you are reading this, you really need to read this book. Have you suffered affliction? There is JOY in this book. As I read about David Brainerd, I couldn't help praying "Lord change me." There is a sense of healing in this book as God really undertands our suffering and loves us.This book left the image in my mind of David Brainerd riding his horse in the rain through the woods, throwing up blood from TB in a mission to share the gospel to the Indians. He was rejected by the seminary. There was nothing easy about his life. This is a book to read over and over. It will bring healing and joy to you in your affliction.
Challenging and encouraging - great read!.......2007-04-24
The second of Piper's The Swans are Not Silent series, this book was the most difficult to read because of the subject it dealt with - suffering. Piper selected three great men of the faith, known for their devotion to the Lord and their godly walk and let the reader peak behind the curtains of their lives - and the suffering, depression, attempted suicide and struggles of these three men was very distressing. Yet, even as Bunyan face his twelve years in prison for preaching the gospel, he saw his struggles actually ordained and orchestrated by God for His own glory; a view that both Cowper and Brainerd shared regarding their own hardships and turmoil.
In a country where suffering is avoided at all costs and seen by many as spiritual weakness, the lives of Bunyan, Cowper and Brainerd shout a different story about the sovereign hand of God in the lives of His children. 1 Peter chapter 4 tells us that we should not consider suffering strange, but rather as a sign that the Lord truly is in control and that He is working out our salvation for His own glory through our hardships. Looking back at the lives of these three saints, it is easy to see how God has been glorified in their struggles - from the writings of Bunyan to the poems and hymns of Cowper to the effectual call to ministry that the life of Brainerd has had on hundreds if not thousands who followed him. While these three struggled greatly, many have tasted the fruit of eternal peace from their hardships.
All four books of this series are outstanding - highly recommended for all Christians to read. Piper introduces us to some great men of the faith and challenges us with their lives to walk in a manner worthy of our calling as those who went before us have done.
Lessons Learned From Hard Lives.......2007-03-30
Affliction - it is a word that few Christians in our day would like to use in refrence to life. In the midst of the purpose-driven, make me happy Jesus generation comes this wonderful book by John Piper on the lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper (pronouced Cooper), and David Brainerd. What we learn from this book is just what the title suggests: there is fruit in affliction. Reading this work by Piper helps me to see that Romans 8:28 is still true even when it seems life is tough. God is able to use the difficult times in our lives not only for His purpose (Ephesians 1:11) but for others. Did David Brainerd know that his short 29 years on planet Earth would shake up so many Christians and call so many to abandon it all for the sake of world evangelism (Luke 14:33)?
I urge all disciples of Jesus to read this work by John Piper. The chapters are fast paced and you will not get lost in minute details of these men's lives. Piper covers the basics of their life and then he shows you what lessons we can learn from their affliction to help us in ours. An excellent book that I give five stars too without any reservations.
How to See God's Providence in Suffering.......2006-07-25
The Hidden Smile of God is Book Two of John Piper's series The Swans are Not Silent. Each volume collects three biographical messages Piper's given on historical figures in the Christian faith. In this volume, Piper expounds on the afflicted lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd and explains how their suffering can help us today.
John Bunyan is most famous for his book The Pilgrim's Progress, though many are also familiar with his biographical Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. Living in England in the 17th century, Bunyan saw times of religious freedom and religious persecution. Due to his commitment to his faith, he was imprisoned for twelve years away from his wife and children.
While most of us have heard of John Newton (author of Amazing Grace), few of us have heard of his friend William Cowper. They both lost their mothers at age six, but Cowper also suffered from not having a father who loved him properly. Though his poetic gift resulted in some beautiful hymns, he suffered from severe depression and attempted suicide numerous times throughout his life.
Piper claims that Jonathan Edwards' biography of David Brainerd "has inspired more missionary service, perhaps, then any other book outside the Bible." (13) Failing to succeed at Yale, Brainerd looked to opportunities aside from education in which to serve God. He found his calling in evangelizing Indians, a service he recounted as incredibly lonely in his diary. Though his lonely depression was difficult, his battle with tuberculosis was his most costly challenge and it took his life at only twenty-nine years of age.
The Hidden Smile of God is a great opportunity to learn about three men I knew very little of through the helpful pen of John Piper. As usual, Piper's insights are thoughtful and immensely practical. I particularly benefited from his reflections on four points Bunyan made about suffering: "God has appointed who shall suffer... when they shall suffer... where this, that or the other good man shall suffer... and what kind of sufferings this or that saint shall undergo." (68-70) Through all our sufferings, be they external, physical, or mental William Cowper reminds us, "Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face." (80)
Book Description
An important study of the little-known history of the Wahhabi, a fundamentalist Islamic tribe whose teachings influence today's extreme Islamic terrorists, including the Taliban and Osama bin Laden
In today's post-9/11 world, the everyday news shows us images of fanatic fighters and suicide bombers willing to die in holy war, martyrs for jihad. But what are the roots of this militant fundamentalism in the Muslim world? In this insightful and wide-ranging history, Charles Allen finds an answer in the eighteenth-century reform movement of Muhammed ibn Abd al-Wahhab and his followers--the Wahhabi--who sought the restoration of Islamic purity and declared violent jihad on all who opposed them, Moslems and pagans alike.
As the Wahhabi teaching spread in the nineteenth century, first, to the Arabian peninsula, and then, to the region around the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, their followers brought with them a vicious brand of political ideology and militant conflict. The Wahhabi deeply influenced the rulers of modern Saudi Arabia and their establishment of a strict Islamic code. A more militant expression of Wahhabism took root in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where fierce tribes have waged holy war for almost two hundred years. The ranks of the Taliban and al-Qaeda today are filled with young men who were taught the Wahhabi theology of Islamic purity while rifles were pressed into their hands for the sake of jihad.
God's Terrorists sheds shocking light on the historical roots of modern terrorism and shows how this dangerous theology lives on today.
Customer Reviews:
A warning to Western Civilization - the roots of terror.......2007-01-03
Interesting historical look at the spread of radical Islam throughout colonial India and its ties back to the rise of radical Islamic theology in the declining Ottoman Empire. It exposes roots to terrorist movements like al Qaeda and ties the roots of this radical movement to the House of Saud like few other accounts have.
There are clearly lessons to be learned here and insights about what the West is up against - particular in this region of the world where Bin Laden is believed to be given safe-harbored but I was completely let down by the author's brief and poorly argued conclusion. It seemed thrown-in as an after thought.
Otherwise it was a fascinating historical read that I would highly recommend.
Looking Back to Try to Understand Islamic Terrorists.......2006-11-28
Since 9/11 we have been forced to look into the dark and mysterious world of the Islamic militants. It almost seemed that they emerged from the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan fully grown, already angry, and holding a Kalashnikov.
Of course, as this book points out, they have a history. They began as one of many groups wanting to reform Islam to restore the purity and ideals which they believe existed when the religion was formed. He concentrates his investigations into the Wahabi sect and explains how they became more and more extreme as the grew in size.
He draws some interesting parallels between the Puritan reform in Europe and the Wahhabi's. I'm not so sure, however, that he shouldn't have looked further back, say to the time of the Inquisition. It seems like something happens to religions when they are about a thousand years old.
He leaves a lot of open questions. For instance there seem to be several splits between the branches of the Wahhabi. Osama bin Laden seems to split his hatred between the government of Saudi Arabia and the US. How might this affect us. And why is he so angry with us anyway?
Is filled with understanding of past events, key to understanding modern jihad........2006-11-07
GOD'S TERRORISTS: THE WAHHABI CULT NAD THE HIDDEN ROOTS OF MODERN JIHAD provides a history of the reform movement of al-Wahhab and his followers, who in the 18th century sought to restore Islamic purity. So what does this early history of the Wahhabi sect hold in meaning for modern readers? Plenty: it follows a sect that spread throughout the region and whose concepts today form the foundation for modern extremists. His history isn't filled with solutions, but it is filled with understanding of past events, key to understanding modern jihad.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Stormie Omartian continues to provide her audience with books that touch the heart and soul. She warmly invites readers into her own life as she chooses to praise God in spite of her circumstances.
The Prayer That Changes Everything™ is full of Stormie’s personal stories, biblical truths, and practical guiding principles that reveal the wonders that take place when Christians offer praise in the middle of difficulties, sorrow, fear, and, yes, abundance and joy.
Stormie’s heart beats with passion for communing with the Lord, and she encourages readers to “develop an attitude—an attitude of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to God—and to live each day making praise your first reaction and not a last resort.”
Customer Reviews:
Life-Changing Prayer .......2007-07-03
This book is really life-changing, at least from my own experience. I bought copies for relatives, I was so excited about the power of praise and thanksgiving as shown in this book. Try it - I hope you like it.
Book Description
The North Face of God addresses those times of adversity when God seems to have abandoned us. Sometimes, when the cold winds of life blow and we cry out to God, he's silent, and we wonder if he still cares about us--or ever cared. Drawing on the Psalms, Ken Gire climbs the mountainous terrain of God's seeming indifference and helps us learn how to hold on to hope, despite our circumstances. He also calls us to become good "climbing partners" for other people who need help and encouragement along the way.
Customer Reviews:
loved it.......2006-05-29
I read this book and quickly read every book out by Ken Gire. I love his writing style, his honesty, and his down to earth encouragement. When I was going through a very difficult time in my life I felt like someone understood...Ken Gire. They were very helpful to me. He always points to God, but in a very real way. Can't say enough about this book.
Re-entering the world of Ken Gire........2006-01-04
I became addicted to the devotional books of Ken Gire back in the 1990's. In this book, as in his others, he has an vivid writing style that make the scriptures come to life in a relevent way. I recommend this book to anyone in search of highlighting their daily reading of the bible. It is not a substitute for the scriptures, but this book uses the scriptures to help understand our daily walk.
I love his use of a U2 song in the first chapter. This book will help the average christian get a better understanding of what God is doing to us in difficult and dry time. Buy for you and someone you love.
Books:
- The Divine Matrix: Bridging Time, Space, Miracles, and Belief
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- The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
- The New Media Reader
- The Right Thing To Do: Basic Readings in Moral Philosophy
- The Stanley Kubrick Archives
- The Three Stooges: The Triumphs and Tragedies of the Most Popular Comedy Team of All Time
Books Index
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