Last Days Survival Guide by Rick Renner

 

          The topic of living in the "last days" is quite a popular subject among many Christians in the era in which we live. Bring the question up of "are we living in the last days" among a discussion group and it is guaranteed to provoke a variety of opinions on the subject. But, very few people will ask the question "how are we supposed to live in the last days"? It is this question that is answered throughout the pages of Rick Renner's new book "Last Days Survival Guide". The book was given to me free by Rick Renner ministries and Harrison House publishers to review and the views expressed are my own.

           You may not be familiar with Rick's writings previously but if you run a google search on 'Rick Renner books', dozens of titles will appear. Originally from the United States, he has spent the last 30 years in Russia, Pastoring and running a successful television ministry. One of the things you will instantly discover in the book is his unique ability to grasp the nuances of the Greek language in which the New Testament was originally written. It is this gifting which sets Rick (and the book) apart from others. The wealth of knowledge you gain from the New Testament words and their usage alone is worth the investment.

           "Last Days Survival Guide" walks the reader verse by verse through the beginning of the Biblical text of 2 Timothy 3. Most people reading the book will probably already believe we are in the last days. But, if you ever wondered how to confirm it from the Bible, you will find it here, in stunning detail. Throughout the book, in addition to abundant scriptural support, Rick gives many pages of statistical data which support the Biblical position that we are indeed living in the last days. The end of each chapter also includes a few "action steps" for you to take which will help you navigate the days in which we live.

           Is this book worth the read? Definitely yes. It is a hard hitting look at reality and a wake up call to do something in the midst of turbulent times. However, I do have to caution readers, it is best not to try and read this book quickly. It is 504 pages in 7 1/2 by 9 inch format. The publisher recommended I 'marinate' in the contents and I think that is good advice. A final unique feature is the inclusion of the Bible translation of 2 Timothy 3 using the "Renner Interpretive Version" (RIV), a Bible translation Rick is currently working on. So, get equipped for what we are currently facing and for what is yet to come. Arm yourself for the conflict so you can be victorious in spite of what is going on around you. The Last Days Survival Guide will be a good step in that direction and will help you to be an overcomes in the age we live in today.

Drinking Truth - Embracing The Covenant Mindset of the Bible

          

          I have not been blogging about book reviews in awhile. I have done more listening to audio than reading in the last year, except for the last 3 months. But, after reviewing my own blog posts, I found that the last book I blogged about was written by none other than Bob Santos. And, I'm glad to say, he is also the author of the book I'm posting about today, "Drinking Truth - Embracing the Covenant Mindset of the Bible". One person asked me, because of the cover photo, 'is it about alcohol?'. No, it is about something much deeper, the blood covenants of scripture.
          The book is divided into 4 major sections. The first opens with thoughts about the basics of a covenant, since most people today do not realize what the concept refers to in our culture. He then delves into several types of covenants found throughout the scriptures, beginning in the book of Genesis. One covenant which he focuses his attention on in section three is the marriage covenant. You might say 'you mean marriage contract', no, I mean marriage covenant (and so does he). And finally, the last section talks about the greatest covenant of all, the New Covenant, sealed with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
           The things I liked about this book, seem remarkably similar to Mr. Santos' other writings. First, he chooses topics, which really are important to our Christian walk, even if some (like this one) may not be as widely known. Second, he normally includes follow up questions at the end of each chapter, which are ideal for small group Bible study. Third, he uses good stories (don't miss the introduction). I actually wanted a few more stories in this one, but still well done.
           For those who are not avid readers, this may be a little harder for you, simply because the subject is unfamiliar to many and requires explanation a lot. But, the author does caution about this point in the beginning. However, as a person who was taught a covenant mindset from my earliest days in college, decades ago, I did not realize how little I had heard about this subject emphasized in recent years. Thanks for the refresher Bob. So, if you would like to learn not just about covenants but also about what Jesus' sacrifice and covenant means for you and others, then I encourage you to read it. For now, as I seem to usually say after a Bob Santos book review, keep writing Bob.