No comments about Madeleine Sophie Barat: A Life.

3 comments about Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie.

1. I was thoroughly inspired by reading this book. It seemed to me to be a little slow developing at the beginning, due to a fairly complex family history. Even this should be interesting to people who like history from the perspective of people who lived it. It is well organized, and provides a good description of the environment that nurtured this God-inspired writer. Janette Oke's life experiences are so easy to identify with, and her dependence on God so well portrayed that it is an inspiration to me. It is also fascinating to learn how one of my favorite writers arrived at her mission in life.



2. The story of Janette Oke's life told through snatches of stories. This book is packed with little stories and references to events in Janette's life. It reads almost as a family history or a remembrance book. Illustrated with a few pictures in the middle, it gives a good overview. The book is simply told, as most of her fictional books are. I only wish there had been more information about her as a writer.



3. Simple, written with love, interesting, good pictures. It is amazing her life and dedication. READ IT!!!

3 comments about Paul: His Life and Teaching.

1. Paul is one of the great apostles of early Christainty. Born a Hebrew and trained in the legalism of the Pharisee, Paul possessed rabbi knowledge and at the same time born in Tarus - he received the protection of the Roman empire. Known as Saul, he established 27 providences, mingled with individuals of influence, and actively persuecuted the soldiers of Christ or Christians until he received a divine witness of Christ in an intervention which changed his life. Pauls conversion transcended in magnitude all other documented conversions. The mysteries of heavans opened and he was taught directly by Christ.

   Paul gained first hand witness of Christ's authenicity and witness. Luke a counsin of Barnabas would serve with Paul, but contracting Malaria returned home with destain from Paul. However, later Luke would be consider a close friend and suffer with Paul in Roman prisons until Pauls death. Luke would write Act and include many of the letters of Paul in the Bible. Barnabas would become the traveling companion of Paul.

   As an apostle Paulus or Paul began an epic journey to bringing the gospel to the Greeks starting at Antioch. After miricleously healing a lame man the people thought he was Hemes and Barnabas was Zeus. In his second journey, Paul revisited the churches of Lystrar, Solis, Galatia. He would travel to Europe and win converts in Philippi and Athens. In his third year, Paul spend time in Ephesus and return home to Jerusalem.

   Paul was concerned about the strength of the early churches he helped establish. The rebuttal letters to Corithians would display his ideas on marriage, raising children, the second coming of Christ, resurrection, morality, and strengthening the Church.

   Paul preached uprighteousness and was considered a thinker and answered tough questions within the church and without, felt he suffered as Christ, taught principles of Christ like virtues, preached resurrection and Christ lives again.

   Some of the letters he wrote to members in Thesalonnia and Corinth reveal his deeper spiritual nature and council to strength of body of new members. Paul would meet write to titus and timothy and share spiritual insights and wisdom.

   On one occassion he was neverly killed by stoning, on another occasion a earthquake rare to the area brought recognization of his divine mission, and on another occassion after many years of captivity behind the city walls of demascus he managed to escape. Paul's knowledge of roman laws, philosophy, and customs combined with his understanding of judaic legalism gave him an unusually perceptiveness.

   Paul's ministery was truely remarkable considering the time. A time when Alexander the Great of Macedona hand conquered the Asia minor, Thrace, Europe, Persia, Greece, Israel, and Roman to spread Helenism.

   Pauls teachings challenged the conventional pagan philophies and on five occassions receive 39 lashes to his back and one occassion of stoning as they thought him dead and dragged to the outside of the city, he managed to survive. Having witnesses Stephens stoning and witness of Christ, Paul's experience was no less tramatic. Paul and Barabas ministry demonstrates power, faith, and Miricles resulting from their dedication. Imprisonment and rejection was overcome with strong faith, persistence, and emmense amounts of travel to a diverse body of people and idealogies. Paul loved the Thessalonians and word of his ministry spread throughout Macedona.

   After returning to Jerusalem, he came under attack by the Saducees by supposing to attempt to smuggle a Greek into the temple. These temple violations would cause Paul to appeal to the Emperior. Christ would appear to Paul and tell him to have "courage" and that he would bear witness of him in Rome. The journey would be perlious involving a ship wreck. Paul feats were impressive for time when world travel was difficult because good roads and bridges did not facilitate easy travel. Paul would eventually be executed by Nero.

   Letters: Romans,Corinthians,Corinthians II,Galatians ,Ephesians,Philippians,Colossians I,Thessalonians I,Thessalonians II,Timothy,Timothy II,Titus,Philemon

   * Ephesians : 1. Paul would define the organization structure of the church: apostles, prophets, teachers, priests, and deacons 2. He would declare the gentiles were no longer foreigners and strangers but fellow citizens with Christ. He would embody the philosophy of unity and declare the church would be a world wide church.

   *Corithians : 1. Paul would preach love and encourage the members to have faith declaring great mysteries existed for those who loved God. 2. Paul theology of the after life revealed different spheres of glory to which man would be assigned based on their righteousness. 3. Paul would testify of the power of the resurrection.

   *Timothy : 1. Paul would prophesize of the future moral conditions and spirtual depravity.




2. It was claimed that Paul, who has been accepted as the most effective missionary and the founder of christianity, has been misunderstood by a lot of people from Marcion to Bultmann. Mcray's book offers satisfying information about Paul to seminary, college students and all interested christians to explore Paul's life and teaching. Mr Mcray who has described Paul's Life and missionary journeys extraordinary dealt with important issues on Paul in his book's second chapter. John Mcray deserves both congratulations and thanks for this high in quality guidebook.



3. McRay's book is for college or seminary level students. McRay is good about interacting with other scholars on all the issues he covers. McRay is a conservative evangelical, so he does use Acts and Paul's letters to contruct his history and thinks them to be historicall reliable. For an intermediate reading on Paul, I would recommend the book.
   
   I found the first half of the book on Paul's life to be quite good. He gives good background info on all the cities Paul went to. He descibes how he would have traveled, what life was like in Roman prisons, and how Paul used his Jewishness and Romanness to his advantages. McRay thinks Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment (where Acts ends) and went on to more ministry and wrote the Pastoral epistles.
   
   This books is not that great if one is intersted in Paul's writings. Each letter is treated very breifly within the life narrative. He mostly focuses on Paul's reasons for writing the letter and its general contents. The second half of the book focuses on various aspects of Paul's teaching. There doesnt seem to be any rhyme or reason why McRay chose the topics he did. Here are some comments on a few chapters within the "teachings" half of the book:
   
   Paul's view of the law -- an extremely complex topic. McRay does a good job of breaking all the debate down into a few points. Very helpful introduction to the issue.
   
   Paul in Recent study -- does what it says. Again, a good intro to the topic.
   
   Form, function, and canonicty of Paul's letters -- mostly about what letters were like in the Greco-Roman world and how Paul's letters compare.
   
   The Faithfulness of Christ -- corrects a common misunderstanding of Paul's teaching. Usually people see Paul as pitting works verses faith. McRay convinvingly argues that this is wrong. Paul pits faith in the Law verses the faithfulness of Christ to God's promises to redeem humanity.
   
   Paul's world of apocalyptic and demonology -- Sets Paul in the religious context of the 1st century.
   
   Paul and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ -- Mostly discusses Philippians 2:5-11. Very technical chapter.
   
   Obviously one book cannot comprehensively cover life and teaching. So I guess I should cut McRay some slack. Good book, many pictures, some maps. Has many many footnotes for further research.

5 comments about The Gospel of Mary Magdalene.

1. It's disheartening that the first 6 pages and pages 11--14 of Mary Magdalene's gospel are missing. It would've been a gemütlich experience to read those missing passages considering the inquiries that were raised.
   On page seven of the gospel the inquiries asked were "What is matter? Will it last forever?" It seems that Jesus (in the tradition of Aristotle) and his apostles were engaging in a dialogue about physics. Could Jesus have been an academic in philosophy? It seems to delineate in that direction and Jean-Yves Le Loup's interpretation of the gospel may indeed hold the argument apposite.
   It isn't at all surprising to note that the Catholic Church won't endear this document since it (along with the Gospel of Philip) shows unequivocally that Jesus wasn't a virgin, that he had passion for a woman (Mary Magdalene) who also had intimacies toward him. (How salacious of them!)..........{I'm being cynical so don't be offended.}
   Furthermore, most religious individuals who are indoctrinated by the lies of the Church still believe that Mary was a prostitute even though the Bible doesn't indicate this. "Mary's identity as a prostitute stems from Homily 33 of Pope Gregory I, delivered in the year 591[AD], in which he declared that she and the unnamed woman [prostitute] in Luke 7 are, in fact, one and the same, and that the faithful should hold Mary as the penitent whore." Pope Gregory's comments were and still are abhorrent, but what is even more despicable is the fact that it wasn't until 1969 that "the Catholic Church officially repeal[ed] Gregory's labeling of Mary as a whore, thereby admitting their error--though the image of Mary Magdalene as the penitent whore has remained in the public teachings of all Christian denominations. Like a small erratum buried in the back page of a newspaper, the Church's correction goes unnoticed, while the initial and incorrect article continues to influence readers [believers,]" said Le Loup.
   Anyway, what ever happened to love, respect and forgiveness? Isn't that what Jesus was being pedagogical about?
   Religion has never been about love because religion is really a euphemism for government, and governments since the beginning of time have always been malevolent!
   And this gospel, plus many others (such as the Gospel of Thomas) demonstrate that fact. If religion were really about love then why would the Church be so adamant about hiding the fact that Jesus had a companion? It's something you should really think long and hard about especially after reading this book.
   Ponder on this thought; in chapter seven Peter asked Jesus: "Since you have become the interpreter of the elements and the events of the world, tell us; what is the sin of the world?" Jesus then answered by stating, "There is no sin."
   Now, just think about that for a moment "There is no sin." This quote from Jesus is what the Religious institutions don't want you to read because then you'll begin to ascertain what the meaning of life really is.
   Jesus then went on to say; "It is you who make sin exist, when you act according to the habits of your corrupted nature," as religious leaders and governments do all the time. They are corrupt and give into their proclivities for empire, which is something we should never ascribe to. Jesus also said; "This is why you become sick, and why you die, it is the result of your actions; what you do takes you further away. Those who have ears let them hear!"
   The arguments that Jesus and Mary Magdalene raise are simplistic, yet uncanny. What is even more amazing is the leadership role that Mary takes after Jesus' death. She becomes the teacher and leads the Apostles on their godly mission.
   Insofar as Le Loup's commentary, it is very intricate yet deep. Le Loup searches for a deeper meaning by using philosophical arguments to make his case. He meticulously uses the gospels in the Bible and makes comparisons to Mary Magdalene's gospel in hopes of showing a correlation between them; that there isn't any contradiction.
   In my opinion, Le Loup successfully validates the authenticity of the Gospel Of Mary Magdalene, and that we should all take a profound glimpse into our Four Dimensions of Humanity, which he thoroughly explains in his commentaries.
   In some aspects Le Loup's commentary reads like a new-age self help book, which makes it an A+ dissertation because personal spirituality is always healthy, whether you are an atheists, or a religious person it doesn't matter just getting in-touch with your positive self for the good of all mankind is worthwhile. Le Loup effectively demonstrates that this is what Jesus was ascribing to achieve.
   
   
   



2. Enlightening and very well written. Confirms what I always felt was Mary's status in relation to Jesus.



3. One of the happy outcomes of The Da Vinci Code phenomenon is a wider awareness of the "Gnostic Gospels". Publishers have not been slow to respond, but this precious volume towers above the crowded scene along with its companion titles in the series: the Gospels of Thomas and Philip. The French admire and understand these long-lost Scriptures and Leloup uniquely combines mystical insight with scholarly wisdom. The big problem is that other most editors and commentators "leave the track" because they are one or the other. Your best guide is qualified in both fields! Take this book to your heart.



4. In all this debate about Mary Magdelene (and now Judas), one all-important fact seems to elude us "enlightened" moderns: the Church Fathers, who established the official canon at the Council on Nicaea, lived nearly 1600 years closer to the time of Christ than we do. That means that the apostolic Traditions, which they strove to follow, were much fresher in memory; in other words: there were only 400 years of transmission of those traditions. 1600 years later, along come the moderns, suddenly boasting that now we know what REALLY happened with Christ and His followers! This is the height of pride. The Church Fathers were not dreaming or pleasing their own ideological fancies, as most moderns are in these matters; they were striving to strictly adhere to the truths and sacred memories that were passed down to them, in an unbroken line of apostolic succession. Think of that before dismissing their decisions about rejecting certain texts.



5. The first time I read this book it was as if my Catholic brain could not absorb the detail. I re-read it and similarly I have very limited memory of reading it at all. The third time was the charm, it all started to click in to place, it was as if my brain had to be jump started. I am now reading it again, 4th time, and hope that I glean even more. I like the way the material is presented by the Author as well, his insights into early Christian/Jewish, or vice versa, traditions are interesting as well. All in all this book is worth the re-read!

5 comments about God @ Ground Zero.

1. Chaplain Ray did a wonderful job conveying the heart and soul of the work God was doing in the midst of the chaos and aftermath of Sept 11, 2001. I so enjoyed reading this book that I limited my reading time each day to make it last longer. I had worked in NYC doing volunteer relief grief ministry for about two months over the last year. It brought back many memories and reminded me how awesome it was to see how God was actively working in the lives of the volunteers, relief workers, steel workers, policemen, firemen, the people of New York City. Excellent book!



2. As a Red Cross Disaster Relief worker, I walked the same path during the same days that Giunta was at Ground Zero. It was heart wrenching to hear his stories and, yet, glorious to discover the words he used to provide comfort. Giunta tells the story of one man who suffered a terrible loss. I was stunned to read it because I actually held the same man in my arms as he told me the same story. God was at Ground Zero and every emotion Giunta writes of I felt or saw. Many lives changed forever because of the horrible choices made on September ll. I am so very pleased that Giunta just simply told his stories of his time there. I wish I could tell mine as well as he did. If you want to know what it was really like to be right there, then please read this book. It is obvious it was written from the heart, the soul, and with love and compassion for all who suffered in this tragedy.



3. There truly are few books that will touch virtually every emotion that a human can experience. Chaplain Ray is truly blessed by God with a heart and eyes that can see beyond the words of whoever he encounters. This book is a blessing beyond belief. Chaplain Ray communicates his experiences on Ground Zero so vividly and clearly that you almost feel like you are back in the days that followed 9/11 and are walking there w/him and the firemen and police officers and others who by doing their job became heros to us all. Ray Giunta is a mighty man of God and will become your hero as you read this awesome account of 68 days spent at Ground Zero. This book deserves to be read by everyone!



4. Chaplain Ray Giunta personifies exactly what it means to be a mininster for Christ. Today, most people think that Jesus can only be found within the walls of a church, by reading God @ Ground Zero you will see that Christ is where pain is, He is where need is, He is any where people are. The ministry of Ray Giunta is the exactly what this world needs. Read this book and read it again! It's a word needing more expression.



5. I recently attended Ruth Graham & Friends conference. Ray Giunta was a principal speaker and workshop leader so I had the privilege of hearing him speak twice. I cannot imagine the privilege of being ministered to by this man during a crisis.
   
   I purchased God @ Ground Zero at the conference and cannot put it down. I don't want to finish it because it is superb. Although it brings back the horror of September 11, 2001, it also tells little known stories of those who minister to the firemen and rescue workers who saw so many horrors and didn't know how talk or release the tears.

5 comments about My Glimpse of Eternity.

1. The greatest gift of the Lord is love. Betty shares her faith journey with us and how to overcome our selfish desires and let God be God in and through us. The Lord is the best teacher that we can follow and He so wants to love us into being. "Do not be afraid, I am with you always". Jesus.



2. I truly enjoyed this book, the story of one women and her walk through life's journey...until! I liked her openness about herself, her life style and her beliefs before her encounter with the hereafter and I enjoyed the wonderful transformation in her afterwards. I smiled at the faith of her Dad and the goodness of God to prepare her own husband for his soon crossing. God is so good! All in all I felt this book was very tender, showing the love God has for his children and His great, great mercy!



3. One day in 1995 I died, and had a NDE. Ever since then, I've been reading everything I can on the subject. According to most stories I've read, I had an unusual one, not going down a tunnel, but experiencing many interesting phenomena all the same. It seems to me that there are some NDE books and magazine articles that are just hype, and published just to give recognition. I have found, through my many years and multitudes of books on the subject, that there is an underlining truth and spirit that pervades the true experiences. So, I have compiled a list of my best reads for NDE books - ones that I consider genuine and adding validating light to the personal NDE experience. I have left out compilations, these are personal narratives. I hope you enjoy them too.
   Embraced by the Light ------by Betty J. Eadie
   Psychic Gifts ---------by Tiffany Snow
   Saved by the Light --------by Dannion Brinkley
   4 Days in Eternity ---------by Wayne F.A. Marentette
   After the Light -------------by Kimberly Clark Sharp



4. I first read this book in 1980. I will never forget how I felt as I read page after page of this woman's phoenominal experience. My father died in 1961 when I was only 11 years old and for the years that followed, my heart was filled with questions about the place he went to. As I read, I wept and laughed and felt that I was living her life.
   The information of how to treat on who is close to transitioning from this world to the next is irreplacable. Because both my husband and I have been pastors and counsellors for many years, there have been times her testimony has been
   very helpful in walking with those who are in the process of grief or are dealing with life and death matters.
   This book is a hidden treasure. When the reader reads the story, they will be hesitant to give the book away, because, this is a book that can be read over and over again. Spritual truths and eternal principals can only be grasped as those who enquire are ready to understand and receive.
   Even though this was written years ago, the story is fresh and applicable to any who desire to know what is beyond for those who prepare themselves.



5. Like many other reviews here, I have read many books lately on NDE's. Some books have touched me so deeply in my spirit that I couldn't get over it and just had to share the book. As a christian, the real testimony for me has been the powerful presence and truth of the Holy Spirit as I read the book. I felt the truth of this book, but if you're looking for alot of information about Heaven or life after death, you won't find it here. Don't put off reading it though. It's powerful. Great for a person who is losing a loved one to sickness or has just lost a loved one.

No comments about Mormonism Unveiled: The Life and Confession of John D. Lee and the Complete Life of Brigham Young.

1 comments about John Bunyan (Heroes of the Faith).

1. Liking Pilgrim's Progress immensely, and seeing this audio book available, I couldn't resist the urge to learn more about Bunyan. I was pleasantly surprised to find this an excellent "read." The book is read by a man (unknown) who does a good job without a boring voice to the listener. Starting with Bunyan's childhood experiences, to serving in Cromwell's army, to finding the Lord, to serving Him in prison is a terrific story. Somewhat humbling (like Pilgrim's Progress). Anyway, well worth the purchase price. Run time: about 60 minutes.

No comments about Icon and Outcast: The Life of Jonathan Goble.

5 comments about If God Should Choose: The Authorized Story of Jim and Roni Bowers.

1. This is an amazing book that anyone who struggles with what is happening in their life should read.



2. This is a story that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. There are no mistakes or situations beyond God's control. It is a story for our time so that we remember the faithfulness of God through the lives of his servants. We have seen it over and over again in the history of the church. I was looking forward to the publication of the book ever since I saw the story on Primetime and was not disappointed. I needed kleenex before I finished the first page of the foreward not because of sadness, but because of the call a sovereign God places on human lives for His glory. Every Christian should read this book.



3. This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. We all watched and listened as this story unfolded and was horrified. Through Kristen Stagg, Jim was able to tell the story, help us to see it through his eyes, and know how true forgiveness can feel. Very, Very Good....



4. I was a little amazed that the book read so well. It clipped along really good...never became boring. I have already passed it on to a young man interested in MAF/Missionary Aviation Fellowship. I read it in 3 to 4 days, which is fast for me.
   This book boosted my faith tremendously & let me know others believe in the soveriegnty of God. It was a faith builder. Though he slay me, I will still love & worship him.



5. I had received this book as a gift and was fairly skeptical to read about it. I have never been one to read biographies, even of people that I was interested in. The book grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. I finished the whole book, cover to cover in approximately 3 1/2 hours. I couldn't wait to go back to it when I would be interrupted to find out what was going to happen to Jim and Roni. It's a wonderful testimony to how God can work in people's lives and eventually in their death, no matter how untimely. I heartily recommend the book and will be passing it around my small group at church.