The Jesus Inquest: The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ by Charles Foster

The Jesus Inquest: The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ by Charles Foster
Timely For Easter, February 10, 2011

The Jesus Inquest” by Charles Foster was a timely read for me as Easter is approaching.

Charles Foster has impressive academic credentials. His experiences as a lawyer give him the ability to make his case convincingly. The book is unique is that is a neutral objectivity kept in the book to allow the reader the freedom to make their own decisions. He does not choose to try and influence the reader in either direction. The scope and depth was tremendous was tremendous and challenged me greatly. You have to read it and engage as it dense, but a dedicated reader would gain much by investing the time in it. Forster is not afraid to challenge the mind of the Christian, which is good because it is through challenge that you grow stronger.

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Amazon.com: The Jesus Inquest: The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ (9780849948114): Charles Foster: Books

Tithing: Test Me in This (Ancient Practices Series)

The book was interesting. I usually read more theologically intense books, but this was a nice change of pace. The introduction of the book was very beneficial as the writer looked at the patristic understanding and exception of the people of God to tithe. It was not an option for the early church. The issue over tithing as an OT legalism vs. a NT grace is handled throughout the book in the various experiences of the people’s lives. The various imperatives scriptures also handled in a very similar way. The theology and the application of the book is drawn from biographical sketches of a bunch of different people. A few of the people I knew (Ron Sider and Randy Alcorn) others I did not, the people came all different denominational backgrounds, but share a common devotion to tithing and giving sacrificially to God. Randy Alcorn’s chapter was particularly excellent. Overall the book was an encouraging, refreshing, and a quick read to see people from all walks of life giving to God. If only all Christian’s took the dedication to set the tithe as a starting point for their giving how much it would readjust their heart and enable the work the God. If looking for a theology of possessions then this is not the book, but if you a not tithing and need some encouragement then this a great book for you!

This book was review for Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze. This book was supplied to me for free through this program in exchange for a review of the book. My review was not influenced by Thomas Nelson or the fact that the book was provided for free.

Book Review: Your Money God’s Way

I am a pastor and one of the largest problem’s in the lives of people today is money. I see it affect marriage, kids, church, and work. You name it. This is a very simple straightforward book that offers some sound biblical guidance on how to get a handle on your fiances and more importantly your heart, the real problem. The end of each chapter has application questions that force you to examine your life and what steps you can take today to make things improve in your finances. I thought this was the strongest part of the book. I enjoyed it and recommend it. This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their BookSneeze program for bloggers

Robert E. Lee: A Life Of Virtue

Interesting and Clear

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not encumbered with footnotes, it reads straightforward and very pleasantly. Sometimes historical biographies can become tedious due to the overly scholarly minutia. Prior to reading this book I did not much know much about the life of Robert E. Lee. I was amazed at the picture that is painted in this book of him. I never knew that Lee was actually opposed to slavery and actually went through the process of manumission for five slaves he inherited from his wife’s father.  Lee is not portrayed as a spiritual giant, but seeing how his understanding of God’s provision and providence enabled him to confidently lead was really encouraging to me.  I am from the South and have grown up curiously interested in the Civil War. I have not studied or read extensively on all the battles or all the figures in the Civil War, but I did not feel lost as each place and person is well introduced and added to the book. Good read, looking forward to checking out others in the series.  I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a good reading biography of Robert E. Lee. I have to also add that Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3O5EBEOJZOXW0/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Challenge Of The Week: Time

What are going to do that is amazingly worth while today? I mean in the course of this next week what will you do that you are proud of? What will you do that will glorify God and impress others around you by God’s greatness? Will you make the most of every second you have or will you just waste it.

Read this quotes from Don Whintney.

Time appears to be so plentiful that losing much of it seems inconsequential.  But money is easily wasted as well.  And if people threw away their money as thoughtlessly as they throw away their time, we would think them insane.  Yet time is infinitely more precious than money because money can’t buy time.

The more scarce something is, the more valuable it is.  Gold and diamonds would be worthless if you could pick them up like pebbles on the side of the road.  Time would not be so precious if we never died.  But since we are never more than a breath away from eternity, the way we use our time has eternal significance. Donald Whitney Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 1991, p. 137-138

Seeking to obey and live out “Ephesians 5:15-16  Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk–not as unwise people but as wise–  (16)  making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Today and every day!

Pastor Phillip

Alone On A Desert Island…

Psa 119:71  It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.

I came across this and thought it was worth passing along.

The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.  “How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

So often painful experienced are used by God to help us. Pain can help us have a change of heart and priorities, unfortunately many of us instead of learning from painful experiences we get embittered by them. Many times we cry out! “Why is God doing this to me? Doesn’t he love me?”

But, we are simple, limited, finite, creatures. We don’t know the whole plan, the big picture, but God does. So, whatever may come way, believe that God is at work planning and purposing for you good and His glory. So always remember Romans 8:28-29  We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.  (29)  For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…

Have a great Saturday! Pastor Phillip

Is This Guy You Homeboy?

I was reading the book of Revelation this morning. I am at the end of my yearly Bible reading plan. I came to one of favorite pictures of Jesus in all of Scripture found in Revelation 1:12-18.  Give is a read.

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,  (13)  and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.  (14)  The hairs of his head were white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,  (15)  his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.  (16)  In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.  (17)  When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,  (18)  and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

Jesus in the Gospels	Jesus in Revelation
Savior	King
Love	Majesty
Gird about His Waist (for Service)	Gird about His chest (for War)
Crying  Eyes	Fiery Eyes
Gentle Voice (Calls His sheep)	Terrible Voice (Sound of roaring waters)
Mouth – Gracious Words of Life	Mouth – Two Edged Sword strikes death
Feet – dusty from seeking sinners	Feet – polished bronze prepared for judgment

Here are a few explanatory notes from the ESV Study Bible.

• Rev. 1:13 son of man (see note on John 1:51). Jesus’ preferred self-designation in the Synoptic Gospels, derived primarily from the book of Daniel. In contrast to four beasts, symbolizing evil kingdoms, the son of man receives from the Ancient of Days universal and eternal dominion as the saints’ representative (Dan. 7:1–14). Revelation 1:12–20 displays Christ’s divine glory both.
• Rev. 1:14 Hairs . . . like white wool show infinite, divine wisdom (Dan. 7:9; cf. Lev. 19:32; Prov. 16:31; 20:29). As he stands among the lampstands, Jesus’ eyes like a flame of fire see through facades. He can say to each church, “I know,” infallibly diagnosing its condition (e.g., Rev. 2:18–19).
• Rev. 1:15 Christ’s feet, like burnished bronze (cf. 2:18), will crush any opponents. roar of many waters. Cf. Ezek. 1:24, “like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty.”
• Rev. 1:16 two-edged sword. God’s Word, which searches hearts and judges rebels (cf. Isa. 49:2; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 19:15).
• Rev. 1:17 the first and the last. The Son of Man affirms his divine eternity, echoing the Lord’s boast over idols (Isa. 41:4; 44:6).
• Rev. 1:18 I died . . . I am alive forevermore. Paradoxically, this ever-living One died to redeem believers and now lives forever as “the firstborn of the dead” (v. 5). Because Jesus died and rose again, John must “fear not” (v. 17), and the churches should not fear death, because Jesus has conquered it forever. On Christ’s resurrection, see 1 Cor. 15:42–57.

Now, with that image and understanding in mind let me just ask you a few question today.

• How does seeing Jesus as He is now differ from the image of Jesus on the cross?
• Does this image of Jesus comfort you today or does this image of Jesus confront you in your sin?
• How does this image of Jesus give further light to the humility He displayed as He can to earth as simple carpenter?
• Will you submit your life to Jesus today in all you do?

Heading out to the Hospital, Pastor Phillip