Category: Podcasts

At a time when the church needs an urgent wake-up call and a refreshing encounter with Jesus, the hyper-grace message is lulling many to sleep. Claiming to be a new revelation of grace, this teaching is gaining in popularity, but is it true? Or is the glorious truth of grace being polluted by errors, leading to backsliding, compromise, and even the abandonment of faith?

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green shares Hyper-Grace written by Michael Brown which looks at the major teachings put forth by many adherents of this “great reformation” and prayerfully compares those teachings with the word of God, answering questions such as:

·       How does our sin affect our relationship with God?

·        What is the relevance of the Old Testament to our faith?

·        What does Jesus actually say about grace?

Without watering down the Bible’s true message of grace, Michael Brown gives you the facts, demonstrating the dangers of this seductive message and showing you how to keep from being taken in… As we remember to be watchful in all things and are reminded that small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

With the turmoil in today’s world, more and more people are searching for spiritual answers. Yet religious philosophies so often contradict each other. To whom it can return for reliable information?

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at What on Earth is Happening? by Ray Stedman. Against the chaos of the current religious landscape stand the authoritative teachings of Jesus. In his Olivet discourse, Jesus described the climax of world history. He warned his disciples of the coming Antichrist, who would lead multitudes astray with his false religion.

At a time when so many prefer to speculate and sensationalize, come be a part as author Ray Stedman offers a sober, rational, thoughtful approach to biblical prophecy in his book, What on Earth is Happening? Because Christ’s message about the end of the age has never been more timely or relevant.

What on Earth Is Happening is the product of Stedman’s careful study of the Olivet discourse of Jesus, found in Matthew 24 – 25, as well as in Mark 13 and Luke 21. Here we find the Lord’s own description of the end of history – a description that dovetails with other prophetic passages of Scripture, from the Old Testament prophecy of Daniel to the New Testament Revelation of the apostle John.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green shares Two Nations Under God by Tom Doyle.

The nations of the world have been given an opportunity to bless or curse Gods’ chosen covenant people… Israel is the place and the Jews are the people. A Nation’s choice decides the health of the nation and determines its destiny.

Though modern Israel’s existence got off to a shaky start, America made a conscious effort to bless Israel and for much of the time period since then, America enjoyed the promised blessing of God.

But later generations seem to have moved away from some of the tenets held by the previous generations. Often deeming them old-fashioned and out of touch with the realities of today’s modern world and global culture.

Certainly, much of America’s youth when they think about Israel (if they even think about Israel) publicly wonder why America should even care about the turmoil in the Middle East…why should America care about Israel? Why should they care about Israel?

So, come be a part as Tom Doyle guides us through the Middle East Maze in his work, Two Nations Under God. As one reviewer put it, He will provide direction, balance, and sanity to an otherwise twisted pathway of claims and counterclaims. But this is not a dusty book.

Doyle populates the book with stories and illustrations from real people he has met in his travels. He ends by focusing on a profoundly relevant question for those living in the United States- “So what?” His call to action applies directly to every Christian and congregation-in our country today. This book can be summarized in three words: relevant, reliable, and readable. It will change the way you think about and pray for the Middle East!

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green gives insight into a book that helps us “Know the Marks of Cults” by David Breese.

Christianity should not be thought of as a stone wall behind which we cannot get. It is rather the highest mountain top beyond which it is downhill no matter which way one goes. There is nothing greater, nothing higher, and certainly nothing more magnificent than the mountain top of divine revelation in Scripture and in Jesus Christ.

To move beyond that mountaintop in the pursuit of something better is to lose oneself in the crags and crevices of the slopes that fall away from real Christianity. And beyond the crevices of heresy are the fever swamps of the cults, here the serpents and the scorpions wait. But how are we to cope with these cults? There are so many of them… All different. Who has time to study all their weird doctrines in order to refute them?

Today’s author submits that there is no need to get bogged down in the details of this or that cult.

Why? Because each cult is guilty of one or more of certain characteristic doctrinal errors. Once you know what these typical errors are, you can know what’s basically wrong with the cold, whatever weird or seemingly rational form it may take.

David Breese presents in his book, Know the Marks of Cults a guide that can be used to point out those doctrinal errors most characteristic of the cults of our time. This is not a study of the cults themselves; they are deserving of no attention. Rather it is an expression of hope that we may develop the spiritual faculty to recognize instantly the marks of the cults.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green continues with the second half of this amazing book, Loved by God, by R.C. Sproul.

With the mastery of a scholar and the heart of a servant, acclaimed theologian R. C. Sproul continues our journey into the very heart of God… contemplating the deepest mysteries of His perfect love.

In the conclusion of this two-part feature, we will take a closer look at not only God’s immense love but also His divine wrath and also explore the incredible privilege which allows us to call our God…Father.

Once you discover for yourself the astonishing depth, wonder, and richness of God’s love, you’ll want to share it – and this book – with everyone you know.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green digs into the first part of Loved by God By R.C. Sproul.

With the mastery of a scholar and the heart of a servant, acclaimed theologian R. C. Sproul takes us on a journey into the very heart of God… contemplating the deepest mysteries of his perfect love.

We will discover with Dr. Sproul as our guide, the threefold nature of God’s love. In his book, Loved by God, we’ll encounter a new and penetrating look at the natures of eros, phileo, and agape loves. And, in this modern-day classic, Sproul will lead us into the deepest dimensions of the beloved 13^th chapter of 1stCorinthians.

Once you discover for yourself the astonishing depth, wonder, and richness of God’s love, you’ll want to share it – and this book – with everyone you know.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green features this special book that Joni Eareckson Tada read during the first winter of her disability. Grace grew then for her. And through grace, you will grow too!

The “why” of human suffering is an age-old question. Recently, there have been several people within my circle of influence who have faced a season of suffering. Some have come through now to see the hilltop others are still journeying through the Valley.

Suffering is seen as one of God’s means of enlarging the soul’s capacity for Himself, and sufferers are enjoined to seek God’s enabling that they may lose none of the present or future fullness that God would have them experience as a result. This is not the most usual view of human suffering, but Clarkson is convinced that it is the only practical, workable way to cope with its stresses.

So, come be a part, as we examine, Grace Grows Best in Winter from author Margaret Clarkson who offers a thoughtful, biblical exploration of the “why” of human suffering.

Today on The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Faded Glory by Maurice Lednicky.

Today, Bible-believing followers of Jesus are appalled and horrified at the immoral (perhaps amoral) standard that is commonly accepted in our culture. Is the guileless agenda of TV, movies, and music simply coincidental? Are the blatant attacks against those who have a strong commitment of faith isolated acts of the few extremists? Maurice Lednicky doesn’t think so.
In today’s feature, Faded Glory: The Church in a Cultural Crisis, Lednicky insightfully addresses the impact of cultural attitudes and behavior the church has embraced in recent years.

At issue is the manner in which the church has allowed itself to be influenced by culture. There can be no doubt that we are in a serious cultural crisis and that the church of Jesus Christ is in the crosshair of the enemy’s biggest weapon.

So come be a part, as Maurice Lednicky reveals how to properly go about evaluating cultural mores without compromising our faith.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green continues to dig through “The Incredible Patience of God” by Lane Adams.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green introduces us to “The Incredible Patience of God” by Lane Adams.

Many believers become discouraged with the long process of growth in their walk with Christ. In fact, today’s featured author believes it is “the rare spiritual prodigy” who moves rapidly to spiritual maturity.

In this book, Lane Adams urges Christians to seek a balance between asking for forgiveness and being accountable. The Incredible Patience of God will help Christians rethink their beliefs about sin and repentance, while reassuring believers who are sincerely seeking a closer relationship with God.

The purpose of this book is to bring comfort and understanding to all who named Jesus as Lord and Savior. May it’s message free many believers to patiently enjoy the maturing process as God is working in their lives. It is designed to bring a fresh biblical understanding of conversion and growth, and thereby to bring relief to the person who keeps wondering, “how come it’s taking me so long to get better?”

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes “The New Life” by Reginald Wallis from the shelf to examine.

“Should a Christian expect and experience constant triumph, every day and all day, over sin and self? Is the victorious life really practical, or is it just an attractive subject for conference gatherings and an interesting topic for discussion? Is it merely a pet theme for extremists and fanatics, or is there actually a sane, Biblical experience of practical triumph within the reach of every believer, irrespective of temperament, circumstances, environment, or changing times and conditions?

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green grabs “Full Assurance” by H.A. Ironside from the shelf to explore.

There is a saying “Peace at any price” but most will not adhere to the certainty of peace because it does have a price.  The only one who can give full assurance of true peace says there are several absolutes for obtaining and enjoying the luxury of resting in your current circumstances and knowing joyful peace and calm.  Our society has done away with absolute thinking and accepted our own truth for having peace. This leaves us on shaky ground.

When doubts and fears arise to control our thinking and actions, our confidence in trusting anyone that offers peace with full assurance is dismissed as fantasy or out of date thinking. The Gospel message and the character of the Godhead are up for grabs as our logic and reasoning become our final authority and override the health manual of the Scriptures; as many regards that tool also out of date.

Full Assurance, by Dr. Harry Ironsides, realigns our thinking based on facts in faith. These are proven certainties readers can discover in choosing  Christ over the deception of the devil, or our fleshly desire.  This is a fascinating read with many stories and applications for encouragement to step onto the path of peace for whatever holds you from FULL ASSURANCE. From getting out of darkness, being set free from torments, finding hope to grow, standing on a solid foundation and handling the crisis of unplanned trauma or loss that we all may face, but all the while having the confidence to be well pleasing in all we do is the theme of FULL ASSURANCE.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores The Way of the Shepherd by Don Baker.

We all need and want to be cared for by someone who really loves us.  We are made in His image where love is paramount.  Understanding the ways of a shepherd and what he sacrifices in knowing every need of his sheep, being sensitive to their surroundings is what allows the sheep and lambs to lie down and rest in green pastures and drink the quiet still waters.

Under the care of a good shepherd, sheep lie down in the quiet and serene sense of gentle contentment.  “Godliness with “contentment is great gain.”

The Way of the Shepherd will bring delightful joy to the heart and the beautiful pictures captivating the message in each chapter. The beauty of the book is that it equally reaches out to the heart that is troubled or to a person struggling with the issues of life that must have a shepherd to protect and carry us,  to a place of safety.

Expressed in the 23^rd Psalm and illustrated for us is the correlation between sheep of the field and us as Christians being sheep of His pasture. Tension is released as we see we are never abandoning and always have the shepherd there for us when we are unable to help ourselves.  Great comfort and understanding come from practical illustrations that are given to David as he learned from his Great Shepherd.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green tackles “The Porn Problem” by Vaughan Roberts. Sex is not simply recreational; it is profoundly relational.”  In just two short generations we have moved to a widespread adoption of liberal values, many that conflict with the Bible. Believers are finding themselves to be the misunderstood minority, and feeling at odds with where the world seems to be heading.

It is not just Christians who are worried about the tsunami of porn that has hit our society. Social commentators, medical professionals, and concerned individuals point to the negative impact it is having on body image, relational health, and development of adolescent sexuality. Porn wears many different faces and affects both sexes leaving many with shame and nowhere to find the door out of the driving desires that consume their lives.

There is a way out from the passion of porn. The author, Vaughan Roberts lifts the lid off this bondage and gives a short, but direct, understanding in finding help for anyone facing the enslavement of lust without any lasting satisfaction.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green shares “Wounded Heroes” by Elizabeth Skoglund.

Wounds come in all forms from tragic events, daily pressures of continued stress, the “what ifs” of life looming over us, surprises of health challenges, broken relationships, losses  of many kinds.  It is certain that life is filled with UNCERTAINTY.

Choosing right responses is necessary in understanding unavoidable pain, suffering which does not immediately go away, even when we try to get rid of it. Finding meaning in our suffering can keep the joy  and hope for now and whatever may be ahead.

Common life mixed with the divine, practical details lived out in the light of eternity, blessings from buffetings: these are God’s ways of putting our theology into shoe leather. Centuries of saints show us the “how to” of being a faithful wounded warrior.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores “This World-Playground or Battleground” by A.W. Tozer.

We live in a time of great prosperity and one whole generation has known life as having it “your way” with “75 choices” of instant fulfillment. Society and culture offer options gratifying to the senses of pleasure, desire, lust, and comfort. When situations occur and threaten that lifestyle, especially for the Christian that accepts the world’s standard as their own, chaos and confusion with division brings unbelief and destruction to our faith. The focus is no longer centered in the Bible and person of Jesus Christ.

If you are a student of the Word you will know we are promised seasons of suffering, and a playground was never an option. Oh, yes, there awaits times of refreshing and a dimension so wonderful that our Lord Jesus declares in Ephesians 3:20, He is exceedingly abundantly able to do above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.  There is a life NOW that is worth the living when holding to the plan of God.  When we choose the world system for life untold loss awaits us, now and in the eternal purpose planned by God.

AW Tozer cuts through the glitz and glamor with an honest and balanced appraisal of desiring a playground rather than a temporal calling of a battleground.  We need to wake up and count the cost of believing that our God knows what is best for us, NOW AND FOREVER.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green looks at Effective Faith by Sanders J Oswald.

A diamond is formed under great pressure and placed under the hands of a skilled craftsman for cutting the facets into it for the beauty and brilliance to be seen; so the Lord gives a measure of faith to each one of us and then through the pressures of living, cuts the facets of faith into each one of us so that His Life, His character, His love may be seen in us.

Faith’s chief occupation is obtaining the promises of God, discovering what God is able to do in the face of all opposition and difficulties and willing to accept what it cannot understand.

Faith is the assent of the mind and the consent of the heart. To doubt any word God has spoken is to cripple faith, leading to unbelief and in Scripture is the one thing that exasperates God.

Effective Faith will open a chapter of exploring the many facets of faith to bring you to resting in the object of your faith, Jesus Christ.