Tag: Book Review

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green opens The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read by Christopher Ash.

Leadership will be held accountable by the Lord and much is required of them but if we are not vigilant, we will get so caught up in all we think leadership should and shouldn’t do… (often based on our personal preferences and not scripture) we will forget that our Pastors are people too. Which brings us to today’s feature.

The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (but is too embarrassed to ask) written by Christopher Ash.

Now, “why would your pastor be embarrassed to as you to read this book”? Because it tells you how to care for them. But, isn’t that the wrong way around? When a friend asked Christopher what he was writing about, he explained that he was trying to write a book about how we care for our pastors. “But surely”, his friend said, “they are supposed to care for us, aren’t they?”

You do need your pastor to look after you, and so do I, Ash writes. We need and should deeply appreciate, those who care for us pastorally, who keep watch over our souls, who love us and pray for us. But we should remember, there also is the aspect of us caring for them.

So, come be a part because what Christopher Ash writes about in this book is a very important topic and widely neglected. You may not have ever thought about it, but Christopher Ash certainly hopes you will.

There is a claim by some pastors and teachers today that “Jesus’ harsh teachings” in The Sermon on the Mount were “aimed at the religious,” and don’t directly apply to us today as born-again believers. Yet,  Matthew 5:1-2 makes it clear that these teachings were for His disciples, and His words formed the very heart and soul of their walk with God for the rest of their lives.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green opens Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by Oswald Chambers. “In light of what I believe to be a serious misinterpretation of the scriptures, I want us to look at a different point of view by one of the world’s most beloved Christian authors on the subject of The Sermon on the Mount”…Oswald Chambers.

Because to disregard even some of the words of the Lord Jesus is truly a reckless decision, both practically and theologically and we would be well served to take the time to investigate for ourselves, rather than just accepting this new way of thinking being touted from some pulpits today.

In his book, Studies in The Sermon on The Mount, Chambers gives us insights into one of the most cherished passages of Scripture. This devotional study of the Sermon on The Mount is doctrine in “work clothes”, truth becoming reality, redemption expressed. And as he does in all his works, Chambers reminds us that our focus must be on God alone and not on those among whom we live.

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.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “25 Basic Bible Studies” by Francis Schaeffer from the shelf to explore.

Many Christians aren’t getting the grounding in the Word that is needed to build a lasting personal relationship with Christ. They seek out experiences that help them “feel” closer to Christ but haven’t gained the knowledge that will allow them to carry on when life comes to a point, which it does for all of us and more than just once or twice,  where they don’t feel close to God. They don’t feel saved, redeemed, loved or secure.

Many ask if the bible even speaks to the real problems of real people in the real world? Does it offer viable solutions to life’s problems? Absolutely it does, and you can weigh the evidence and decide for yourself in Francis Schaeffer’s-25 Basic Bible Studies, which details what the Bible actually teaches regarding our most fundamental questions about life and God.

So, come be a part as we search out the answers. This book highlights Scripture passages on the central doctrines of Christianity-such as creation, man’s sin and God’s grace, the person and the work of Christ, future events – and briefly explains how each passage supports the biblical teaching on that particular theme. It’s all right there. Laid out simply. You can see yourself what the Bible says – in God’s own words.

A wife has one driving need – to feel loved. When that need is met, she is happy.

A husband has one driving need – to feel respected. When that need is met, he is happy.

However, if either of those needs is not met, things get CRAZY!

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green brings out a classic. Come join us on this 2nd Anniversary episode as Dr. Emerson Eggerichs reveals why spouses react negatively to each other, and how they can deal with such conflict quickly, easily and biblically.

Ask yourself, “What do I really want from my marriage”? Do you want peace? Want to feel close? Want to feel valued? Want to experience marriage the way God intended? Then why not try some Love & Respect?

Based on over three decades of counseling, as well as scientific and biblical research.  Dr. Eggerichs and his wife, Sarah, have taken the Love & Respect message across America and are changing the way couples talk to, think about, and treat each other.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer.

Are you tired of not seeing results in your own spiritual life and others.? Do you find yourself talking about Christianity, but not living it? IS being a Christian really making a difference in your life? If you are struggling with deeply perplexing questions like this… you are not alone.

After being a pastor for over a decade, Francis Schaeffer, founder of the L’Abri Fellowship found himself wrestling with these same questions and so he decided to go back to the beginning and reexamine his Christian faith.

The result of Schaeffer’s search for honest answers was amazing. So come be a part as we examine his work entitled, “True Spirituality” and take the journey with Mr. Schaeffer as he helps us to learn, “How to live for Jesus moment by moment

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 takes a look at Culture by A.W. Tozer

“We who call ourselves Christians are supposed to be a people apart. We claim to have rejected(repudiated) the wisdom of this world, and adopted the wisdom of the cross as the guide of our lives. We have thrown in our lot with that One who, while He lived on earth was the most unadjusted of the sons of men. He would not be integrated into society. He stood above and condemned it by withdrawing from it even while dying for it. Die for it He would, but surrender to it He would not.”

In his book entitled Culture-Living as Citizens of Heaven on Earth-   A. W. Tozer tells it like it is: to follow Christ toward heaven is to invite trouble in this world. 

So come be a part as we examine Culture-a small sampling of Tozer’s writings on what it means to be a Christian in a world that is largely uninterested in Christ. And how as Christians we should live in this world while maintaining our identity as citizens of another.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green opens A Pocket Guide to Social Issues by Answers in Genesis.

America is indeed in the middle of a cultural war. The battle lines are drawn around issues that polarize our society, there are many labels that get attached to these ideas, but labels can often be misleading.

In order to understand the issues, it is important to look at them from both sides, but the biblical side of these issues is not well-represented in the media.

Today’s feature covers a variety of topics like: when does life begin? What about stem cells, homosexuality, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and racism? Where do human rights come from, how do we know what is moral? These questions and others are answered in this compilation of topics and it’s contributing authors will layout both the biblical perspective alongside the secular understanding of the issues.

Because we must know what scripture says and how to address those around us in love and grace while still standing firmly on the Word of God and A Pocket Guide to Social Issues by Answers in Genesis is a great place to start.

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 in the conclusion of this two-part feature, we will take a closer look at the 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 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 digs into Know Who You Believed by Paul Little.

Do you question whether God knows or cares about you in your everyday life? Would you like to be connected with God? Do you feel you need to know a little more about God before connecting with Him?

If so, come be a part and join author Paul Little as he helps you to closely examine the central truths about God and enable you to know with confidence in whom you believe!

This 3^rd volume was published after the death of Paul Little by his wife Marie Little from a cache of Paul’s files, tapes, and a previous book entitled The Answer to Life. Marie has used Paul’s voice on every page…the thoughts and theology are his. Marie has added some updated terms and references, but whenever she does, she has set them off from the main text.

I so appreciate the work she has done. To me, it is such a blessing that Paul’s wonderful insights were not lost due to his untimely death.

It is not enough to know about God’s Word, ways, and attributes. It is not enough to preach about these, proclaim the Good News, or promote Bible study. What the deciding factor is of whether or not we are in-dwelt by the Spirit of God and on the road to eternal life is that we know God.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at “Your Eternal Reward” by Erwin Lutzer.

There may be tears in heaven.  When we reflect on how we lived for Christ, we might weep on the other side of the celestial gates.  Although Christians have been justified by faith, Christ will still judge us for our “deeds done in the body whether good or bad.” How well or poorly we do here might indeed determine our status in heaven for all eternity.

Be prepared to have your understanding of the judgment seat of Christ challenged, provoked, and perhaps permanently changed.  Will you answer the heart of God that is seeking a bride who can sit with Christ on His throne and rule forever or will you be given a rebuke from Christ and have “shame at His coming?”  The choice is yours!!

There is a belief that self-esteem, a good self-image, provides the necessary foundation for a wholesome personality and successful behavior.  This theory is accepted in secular and evangelical society, no longer a theory, but as established truth.

A noted psychologist speaking to a group at a well-known company was asked what impact the self-esteem movement had in today’s world.  The answer was “it was a  complete disaster.”  Paul Brownback has provided us with an explanation and solution to this problem that has misguided so many in our society.

Ginger Green eloquently shares the TRUTH of self-esteem and the author Paul Brownback, graciously provides an analysis of an alternative that may be found in our TEACHING HANDOUTS.

Click here for your  Study Supplement

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at a great book by Dr. Caroline Leaf entitled, “Who Switched Off My Brain” giving us some insight into the mystery of our brain function.

An intriguing book by a Christian doctor describing how God formed us to function in easy to read format.  Many drawings and illustrations to further simplify each chapter.  Science with applicational simplicity. Many people who do not understand the battles they fight, found with clarity and new confidence, a smooth path in thinking that is available to those who want to understand how to keep a healthy brain, resulting in a healthy body.  When the body is functioning the way God designed it to be life takes on a new luster and the Spirit can be at ease within us for His leading.  A beautiful combination of spiritual foundation with science agreeing. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green examines “Learn the Bible in 24 Hours” by Chuck Missler.

The New Translation in Everyday English expresses 11 Timothy 3:16 as follows:  All Scripture is breathed out by God and useful for teaching, for conviction, for correction and for disciplined training in righteousness, in order to make the man of God adequate, and fully to equip him for every good task.  This is the heavenly solution for our earthly problems. However, to be able to use this precious resource we need to be in the Word and a student of discipline study to glean all that is available to us, NOW.

Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us sound advise to Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding, but in ALL our ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.

What joyful exhortations we are given to make our center of reading and study the Word of God.   Chuck Missler has combined decades of personal living in the good times and not so good times to provide us with a tool that short cuts years of random searching into a detailed outline giving us a foundation to move forward with knowledge of what is taking place from Genesis to Revelation.

Today’s recap from Ginger Green will draw the hungry heart and seeking soul into an expanding world often gone unnoticed by most.  Learn the Bible in 24 hours has a study guide, workbook and videos to start a home study or study within your church.  If we claim ignorance or indifference to digging into the Bible, we will find that we are the loser and our lack of discipline may impact ours and others destiny.  That should never be the case when such a great resource as this is available to us.  Thank you, Chuck, for a life that fought the good fight, finished the race, and shares in the Eternal Glory of our Triune God for all Eternity!!!

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green grabs a favorite; “When You’re Tired of Treating the Symptoms, and You’re Ready for a Cure, Give Me a Call” by Dr. Henry Brandt. We search for relief from our problems, instead of searching for a cure. Anything that will achieve temporary rest from anger, fear, frustration, unforgiveness, and bitterness.  It is a repetitive cycle of survival and we become addicted to the short-term escape.

There is a long-term cure and the first step of “cure” is to SEE  your need in the problem, call it what it truly is and ACCEPT the need as your wake-up call for change. The word for this process is repentance; to turn from the old thinking, emotions,  and actions.  Repentance consists of confession of sin and submission to the authority of Jesus Christ. Because of God’s cleansing grace, healing comes.  Learning to see the need and not excusing with some popular modality is a big part of the challenge.  Follow Dr. Brandt through the maze of not treating the symptoms, but finding the real cure.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green grabs a favorite; “When You’re Tired of Treating the Symptoms, and You’re Ready for a Cure, Give Me a Call” by Dr. Henry Brandt. We search for relief from our problems, instead of searching for a cure. Anything that will achieve temporary rest from anger, fear, frustration, unforgiveness, and bitterness.  It is a repetitive cycle of survival and we become addicted to the short-term escape.

There is a long-term cure and the first step of “cure” is to SEE  your need in the problem, call it what it truly is and ACCEPT the need as your wake-up call for change. The word for this process is repentance; to turn from the old thinking, emotions,  and actions.  Repentance consists of confession of sin and submission to the authority of Jesus Christ. Because of God’s cleansing grace, healing comes.  Learning to see the need and not excusing with some popular modality is a big part of the challenge.  Follow Dr. Brandt through the maze of not treating the symptoms, but finding the real cure.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “Blessings Out of Buffetings” by Alan Redpath from the shelf to examine.

Paul’s 2nd letter to the church at Corinth is the account of a man who is being disciplined and matured. Nowhere does Paul open his heart to his readers so completely as he does in the second letter, as he relates some of God’s dealings with him in his inner life revealing something of what it has cost and some of the precious experiences which have brought him great joy.

Alan Redpath, in his study of 2nd Corinthians entitled, Blessings Out of Buffetings, clarifies Paul’s words and applies them to the life of the Christian. He discusses the joys and rewards of giving, the definition of a Christian, the purpose of discipleship, the meaning of separation from worldly entanglements in modern society, the significance and quality of true repentance, the reality of a final and absolutely true judgment – all in the radiant assurance of the inexhaustible grace and power of God.

His accurate, warm, paraphrased portions of Paul’s words reveal the author’s own understanding of and sympathetic response to Paul’s experience and make his words alive today for the believer in Christ.

Redpath counsels, “any of us who would be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ must expect the buffetings: from within and from without; from our foes and our friends; from Satan, who would seek to attack on every possible quarter the man who is set upon being the best of God. Life is full of it, and the question that arises when the buffeting comes is, ‘have I really got what it takes to stand, or will I become a spiritual casualty?’”

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 a look at “The Trouble with Jesus” by Joseph Stowell.

Jesus declares He is the ONLY WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.  In establishing this once great nation, His rule book the Bible was the foundation for our founding fathers.  Today, in a post-Christian society we have reduced the God of Creation, Jesus Christ, to a tradition that now competes with other significant religions within our society.  Now, man declares, through his own understanding, that all gods are good gods and our jaded culture says this is the new normal.

All worldly religions have their leaders in graves; only Christianity has arisen Leader.  Our society will let Him live if we don’t speak of Him publicly or make any claim of His deity.  Make no mistake, Jesus is unequaled. He doesn’t compete.

To say that ALL religions are true means no religion is true.  Are we ready to stick up for Jesus and be His advocate, anytime, anywhere?

If you want to know how to speak the Truth that Jesus is the only way, how to speak it humbly and compassionately, how to speak it wisely and patiently in ways that honor Jesus, then prepare your heart to be steadfast in being light overcoming darkness. THE TROUBLE WITH JESUS is a great guide to achieve this.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green grabs “Full Assurance” by H.A. Ironside 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 pulls “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer from the shelf to examine.

Most of the Christian world of today know little or nothing of a biblical world view regarding life.  We may know scripture or have a sincere desire to serve the Lord; however, we lack an understanding of how to view life through biblical eyes. For this biblical world view, we need to use the word of God to define our decisions and actions regarding circumstances, situation, relationships, and choices that need to be made each day of our lives.

A Christian Manifesto is not an easy book to assimilate into the fabric of one’s daily walk.  It is a book that is worth making a commitment to read and understand the erosion in our world culture.

Christians have been slow to see the decay of values.  This is mainly due to our dividing between our “spiritual” and the “material” worlds.  True reality is the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life.

What it is to know the True and Living God in a practical way; opening our minds, strengthening our convictions and consciences to impact ourselves and those around us.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes the book “9 Must-Have Conversations for a Doubt-Free Wedding Day” by Gary Thomas and Drs Steve and Rebecca Wilke and gives us an inside look.

There are a lot of challenges in life but making and keeping a happy marriage is a rare art form.  Less than 1% of marriages worldwide ever make it to the 50 year anniversary.  Expectations for an intimate relationship most of the time are based on desires, personal needs and wants.  When those are not fulfilled the pain and disappointments of living exposes our true character and independent personalities. People are not prepared to preserve and sacrifice for what they once held so dear.

Having the RIGHT premarital counseling can establish the priority of any marriage and set the goals for a couple that will thrive and not just survive in a “me first” society.  Marriage wasn’t created just to make us happy, but to merge two lives into one for the ultimate glory of God.  Helpful hints from this book can make falling in love a life long passion for staying in love.

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 pulls “God is Not Fair” by Joel Freeman to examine. The really big question is how do we live, as we are called to live if  God is not fair?  A beautiful, yet simple solution, awaits you as discover the answer.

We often hear our children complain about a situation  that did not go the way they thought it should and say, “that is not fair.”  Fair according to what standard?  Is there an alternative to being fair? God assures us that according to His standard “fairness” must yield to justice under His loving wisdom.  Where did “fairness” become our “guiding light” for circumstances that happen in our lives?

The best of men have asked that question: Moses, John the Baptist, and even Job have all wondered why and how God allowed His Own to incur such horrible messes when they thought they were faithfully serving Him.

Joel Freeman portrays and outlines,  from start to finish,  of how we fall into this way of thinking as being justified by our own evaluations.  He uses examples from the logic of man to reveal the mind of God on where our thinking has a false view. “God Is Not Fair” awakens our conscience, in how the enemy can erode our seeking to explain the difficult things that happen.  This will hold the attention of anyone from 15-75 years.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green continues with Part 2 of “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. It will bring joy to our spirits and rest to our souls as we anticipate our forever together.

• Eternal life in the immediate presence of the triune God.
• All that diminishes the quality of life on earth will be gone in heaven.
• The heights of joy on earth will be eclipsed in heaven.
• Failure and its consequences will be a thing of the past.
• No more temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
• Knowledge will no longer be limited.
• The body will no longer suffer from mental, emotional, physical anguish.
• Seeing our loved ones, making new relationships and getting acquainted  with those that paved the way before us.

HEAVEN IS BETTER BY FAR THAN THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF EARTH

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green begins to share insight into “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn.

Most of us believe there is an afterlife.  Even if the body returns to dust for an unknown period of time, we do live on; but where?  Luke 16 gives a description of one who chose to live for himself here on earth, and after dying, tells a grim story for those who reject the way of Life in Jesus Christ. In that same chapter, there is a great insight for those that trust, no matter difficult life was while walking on earth. Many that are confident in their home going to Heaven still have questions about facts of their future.

• How do we Gain Entrance into Heaven?
• Is Heaven a Place or a State of Mind?
• Will We Know One Another in Heaven?
• What Will Our Resurrection Bodies Be Like?
• What Will We Do in Heaven?
• What are the Mansions like that Await Us?
• Who Will Receive Rewards in Heaven?

And so many more questions.  The Word is very specific on some issues and gives glimpses into other matters that cause us to need to know the Word and accept, by faith, our Heavenly Father when “unknowns” to us still exist.

 Heaven by Randy Alcorn, define answers that bring great peace and comfort to those that want the “real deal”.

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 takes a look at “Things Which Become Sound Doctrine” by Dwight Pentecost.

This study is based on fourteen tremendous words of faith. Words that have deep meaning in establishing our beliefs. This study was written because the average believer retreats from the word doctrine, feeling that it belongs to the seminary classroom or the minister’s library shelf. However, the believer is not “to be  carried to and fro by every wind of doctrine.” So to free us up in understanding and wisdom we need to become familiar with these foundational Truths of Scripture.

THINGS WHICH BECOME SOUND DOCTRINE by Dwight Pentecost offers simple explanations with clear examples that remove the “fear” in learning.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “The Greatest Thing in the World” by Henry Drummond to take a look at Love.

The word LOVE has many different meanings in the Greek and are all translated into English without making a distinction.

EROS: From which we get the word erotic and is never used in the Bible.  It has to do with the love between a man and woman which embraces longing, craving, and desire.  We can love each other without having the ultimate love. Usually has sexual overtones, a need love.

STERGO: is only used 3 times in the New Testament and means love of kindred, especially of parents for children and children or parents.  The love between husband and wife and for others of close kindred. A love of family. Can still be lacking the ultimate love.

PHILEO: mainly denotes the attraction of people to one another who are close together both inside and outside the family.  It is a love of liking, an affection for someone or something that is the outgoing of one’s heart in delight to that which affords pleasure.  It includes concern, care, and hospitality to others and many times is a friendly love between members of the body of Christ.  However, as good as it is, we can still lack the ultimate true love of:

AGAPAO: The noun form is agape. “it is a love called out of a person’s heart by an awakened sense of value in an object which  causes one to prize it.” Love of approbation and esteem. A love that recognizes the worthiness of the object loved. This love is the soul’s sense of value and preciousness of its object. (Wuest)

Join Ginger as she opens our hearts to the wonders of “true love.” Hope it will create in you the hunger to live a life well pleasing.  Agape love is the love the Father desires we all mature in; with nothing lacking. “We love Him because He first loved us.”  Happy Valentine Day.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “Know What You Believe” by Paul Little from the bookshelf to take a look inside.

What has established your beliefs about WHAT you believe? Family tradition, something you read or heard in social media, Church and Sunday School teaching, or first- hand bible study.

So many today have a theology built on second-hand faith. We may not be true disciples or learners as we accept whatever we are told is Truth without the discipline of daily searching the Scriptures. WE must be waiting on the ultimate professor of faith, the Holy Spirit to enlighten the doctrines, tenants, history, the God of the Bible and timely truth. Do you really know WHO you worship and hopefully center your life around or is your God a God of convenience and comfort for your benefit only?

Most Christians today cannot defend their faith or beliefs, even though they believe. It is a scary world in the Church today. To think of a soldier not sure what the rules of engagement are, not knowing the people in charge of his company or platoon, not understanding any of the directives given or how to implement them, the war would not be won. We are facing the same crisis within the Body of Christ and the daily attacks are being met with indifference or little concern of what is on the horizon coming straight toward us. We are not prepared!!

Take time out today to start a new commitment to put on your armor and understand the purpose of wearing it. In this day and age, if you are not willing to be a soldier/warrior living in dependence under your Commander, life will be filled with defeat and anguish. Yes, Grace always abounds, but there are “rules” to grace being properly appropriated. GET GROUNDED in WHAT YOU BELIEVE!!

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “Major Bible Themes: 52 Vital Doctrines fo the Scriptures Simplified and Explained” by Lewis Sperry Chafer from the shelf to discuss.

Can you explain or defend the Bible and its purpose?  Have you ever wanted to know more of God’s role in our lives, understand the different interactions  God the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit share as they control, direct, and guide us through our time here on earth?  Most Christians lack the daily practical understanding of how God works.

Major Bible Themes addresses 52 questions we desperately need to rise up against the falsehoods that we are being asked to swallow as reality when in essence they are twisted fabrications of man’s thinking. Take some time out of life’s busy schedule and listen to what may be life-changing knowledge as the Holy Spirit grounds us in God’s Truth about Who He is and how He operates.  We will forever be going deeper and deeper into the depths of His grace as we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.