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.

From Glory to Glory: Finding Real Signifigance In An Image Driven World

            Another day, another book by Bob Santos. I'm not sure how many this is for him (five I think). But, I have read all of them (much due to the kindness of the author). And, I must say, I believe that his latest work, "From Glory to Glory: Finding Real Significance In An Image Driven World" is my favorite one of all that he has written. It is a simply written, yet profoundly important work that touches on a key area which impacts Christians and non-Christians alike, finding our significance (or you could say 'identity') in this world we live in.
           First, a few basics about the book. It is written in a devotional format of small, daily snippets, 40 of them total. Many other devotionals by other authors tend to be about a page long, while these are approximately four pages each day. But, they normally begin with a Bible verse, a quote, and some kind of story. His stories are one of the features of all of the author's books I particularly enjoy. Some are personal and many are taken from other sources. The 40 readings are listed in four sections of: image verses substance, why identity matters, finding real significance and seeking true glory. And, there is a reflection page at the end of each section that summarizes the ten lessons.
           This book is important, among other reasons, because most people do not realize that what we say and do is greatly affected (if not entirely) by what we believe about ourselves and God, that is, our identity. Bob Santos breaks things down in a way that makes it easy to understand and each concept builds upon those which preceded it. There are even questions, recommendations for further readings and prayers at the end of each chapter. I found myself thinking at times, 'man, I really need to go back and meditate on some of these things'.
          So, yes, I would highly recommend this book, but not if you are going to merely peruse through it. Take some time, make it your 40 day devotional and meditate, pray and even journal about the contents of each reading. I believe you will grow spiritually and become more secure in who you are and God made you to be on this earth. And, Mr Santos, in closing it has been said that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". So, I say to you about some of the teachings in your book "that will preach again".

Chazown by Craig Groeschel

        

        If you're familiar with the Christian 'celebrity' world, chances are you have heard of Pastor Craig Groeschel of Life Church in Oklahoma City. What's that? You have not heard of him. Well, odds are better that you may have used the mobile Bible app created out of his church called "You Version". Ah, now you recognize him, or at least the app. But, Pastor Craig is a mega-church Pastor, conference speaker and writer.. This month, I was asked to review a revised version of one of his prior books called "Chazown", given to me free by the kind leaders of Waterbrook Press, available at http://www.bloggingforbooks.com. The views expressed are entirely my own.
        First, what in the world is a Chazown? Chazown is a Hebrew word that means "vision" or "dream" (feel better now?). The tag line on the title of the book says. "Discover and Pursue God's Purpose for your Life". And the book centers on helping you achieve that end. It includes a lot of questions, diagrams and pertinent points to think through on the way to achieving your goals. And those questions and assorted resources are great as a guide, and would definitely be helpful for introspection or small group study, which is most likely why they were designed.
        Since a great deal of Christian marketing is aimed at the felt needs of individuals, while offering minimum scripture,, it is no surprise that Chazown fits that pattern. Now, I am not knocking it. As I do believe Pastor Craig is a gifted writer, very funny and practical in his applications. If you go through the questions and genuinely reflect on them I am confident you will come out with more insights on your purpose for living than prior to taking the adventure.
        However, my hesitations with the book, and the approach it uses, is that I can not see the Apostles, first generation disciples, or anyone committed to Biblical patterns, as having used the approach given. While the author does start off with a scriptural foundation for his treatise, and does often quote scripture, it is most often not the emphasis. I can not see Peter, James, John, Paul, etc. as having sat down to ask themselves these questions and going through this process. Thus, it is not a God given vision being addressed but, ultimately, how to get 'your own' (ie - and then state it was GOD given).
        Again, I like Pastor Craig and there is no questions that he and his church have done a great deal for the body of Christ world-wide. But, in this case, please remember when reading that that no one in scripture actually did all of the things being advocated, and many still somehow managed to fulfill God's plan for their lives. I hope that if you read or if you do not, that God will also lead you to HIS Chazown for you, that you may discover and pursue your God given purpose.
       

Say Goodbye to Regret by Bob Santos

      I have reviewed books written by Bob Santos previously and it has always been a good experience. Mr. Santos has written three previous books and "Say Goodbye to Regret - Discovering the Secret to a Blessed Life" is his latest work. But don't let the title confuse you, for while it does address regret that we have had in the past, to some degree, the focus centers mainly around the key to avoiding regret in the future, which is the wisdom of God.

      The first chapter "If I Only Knew Then..." should hit close to the home of all those who reads it, as he writes about a theme all too common for multitudes, if not everyone. The remaining chapters expound on the subject of regret, and center around avoiding it in the future through the use of wisdom. Yes, there is a chapter on putting past regrets to rest. But, wouldn't all of us like to avoid having regrets in the future by making wise decisions? This is where the author's greatest contributions to the subject come into play.

      A couple of things I have liked about all of the books I have read by Bob Santos include the following. First, the subjects he has chosen to write about thus far have been very relevant to everyone, including the topics of grace, Bible study and regret (Champions in the Wilderness is a compilation of several topics). Second, having been a college campus minister for many years prior to his writing career, he is in touch with not just the issues but the thought process some will use in 'mentally responding' to each thesis he proposes and this gives him an ability to anticipate the reactions of others before they have even voiced their complaints.

     I admit I was a little disappointed that the book did not focus more on past regret and perhaps the title through me a little bit. So, for that aspect I do not consider it his best work of the four subjects but it is still worth a read. If you have ever found yourself thinking from time to time 'why do I keep making the same dumb decisions' then this is probably a place you may want to start. And, ALL of us can use a little more wisdom for the future. I look forward to the next contribution the author makes to the literature world, though I can't imagine what relevant topic he will choose to tackle next. Pray for him for the wisdom of God for his future.

The Spirit Contemporary Life by Leon Fontaine

           Leon Fontaine is the Pastor of the Springs Church in Canada, and the CEO of the Miracle Channel. His book The Spirit Contemporary Life is a look at opening your life up to the miraculous touch of God to flow not only to you, but through you to others. I received this book for free through the book review program for bloggers, available at www.bloggingforbooks.com. The views expressed in the review are my own.
           First, I do want to commend Pastor Leon for his understanding of Biblical ministry through the individual people who make up the body of Christ on earth. He emphasizes well the ability of anyone to tap into the miraculous and live a Spirit empowered life today. The first several chapters are laced with miracle stories that make the supernatural a simple phenomenon and not a special privilege reserved only for the elite. This aspect of the work I enjoyed.
          However, I also had some draw backs with the book. First, the Spirit Contemporary concept itself, in my eyes, is simply another marketing technique to say the things the Bible already says. The second drawback was his continued references to the The Holy Spirit as simply "Holy Spirit" without the modifier "the" (even though the Biblical text uses quite the opposite, but in his effort to help others understand the personal nature of the The Holy Spirit, he does not feel the modifier is needed). These are two minor points, but they only serve to underscore the overarching issue I had with it, that in explaining his church's approach to being Spirit contemporary, it simply makes pragmatism (ie - does it work) the standard for the model, rather than letting the Bible determine the model, though he and many others like him would say that is what they're doing.
          So, can you get a lot out of the book? Yes, you can. But, for me, it's not one I plan on keeping on my shelf for continued use. I hope that more people will learn that they too can see the miraculous in their life in a simple way. But, I pray that they also understand that the Bible and not our pragmatic expectations are what God chooses to approve of today. And may we live in the light of those truths in a truly Spirit Contemporary way.

With My Eyes Wide Open by Brian "Head" Welch

      Brian "Head" Welch, one of the main musicians in the rock band Korn, entered into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ several years ago, and soon after left the band. He later wrote a biography which chronicled his journey up to that time. But, now, a few years later, he's back with the band again, but with no less of an intriguing tale as when he first began his original steps of faith. His new book "With My Eyes Wide Open" tells of his journey back to Korn, and highlights the importance of family and being willing to do what it takes to save the ones we love.
      Much of the drama in the book centers around his journey after leaving Korn, trying to live a "normal" life, raise his daughter and begin a solo career. But, it also includes the troubles of adjusting in a world outside the music industry. The ups and downs of his own personal struggles, bad business deals that nearly left him destitute and the heartache of his daughter's own struggles are chronicled in the pages.
   What I appreciated most about the book was his honesty about the struggles he faced. And I felt the pain he endured over his daughter, and her struggle just to survive. His failures are life lessons to not let the circumstances keep us down. And, in restoring his relationship with the band Korn, he also shows us not to throw away the people we love the most. His victories are a sweet reminder that God can make miracles out of our mistakes and cause us to triumph in spite of insurmountable obstacles. I received this book for free as part of the book review program for bloggers, available at http://www.booklookbloggers.com. I hope that you will learn and grow from Brian's journey.