Tag: questions

Heaven and Hell: Are They Real? (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, theologyLeave a comment

_225_350_Book.1111.coverHeaven and Hell: Are They Real? is the ultimate question book about Heaven and Hell. It’s full of readings from contemporary and ancient scholars addressing several questions that are generated on the Biblical topics of Heaven and Hell. Have you ever wondered:

Will there be animals in Heaven?
Will we have sex in Heaven?
Will we have jobs in Heaven?
What does an eternity in Hell feel like?
How is eternity in Hell a fair punishment for sin?
If I’m in Heaven, will I see people in Hell?

The answers to these questions and more are found in this book! It reads like a blog with each brief chapter covering a question of a given topic in the category of Heaven, Hell or the moments after death. The author, Christopher D. Hudson shares a given scriptures passage that addresses the topic and sets up the question, then brings in a reading that helps answer the question. He then poses a follow up question for further reflection. I found this book a refreshing read on a difficult subject.

To be fair the book is a bit difficult to read in the traditional manner (from start to finish) but that’s what makes it great for people who don’t read much. They can pick up with their questions and follow their curiosity through the book. Amazon had it for less than $10 right now which is a great deal.

Readers may also appreciate Randy Alcorn’s Book Heaven which takes a more systematic approach to the topic. It’s on sale at Amazon.com right now in Hardback for less than $15.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of their Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

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“Whose Likeness and Inscription Does it Have?” (Lk. 20:24)

On By pastorjonathanIn DevotionalLeave a comment

“Render to Ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Lk. 20:25).  Do you see the real value of these statements?  Jesus is talking about more than taxes.  He is talking about more than government.  Jesus is talking about you!  You see… you were made in the image of God!  Whose likeness and inscription are written on you?… God’s!

Think about it.  You are made in the image of God.  I think God looks at you like I look at my children.  While I love them and value them for who they are, I also see a little bit of me in them.  When God looks at you He sees you as different than the animals.  He sees His image in you!

Yet somehow we have also marred His image in us.  We have rebelled against Him.  We have each turned to our own way.  We have worshiped things that we were not made to worship.  We have made ourselves out to be gods rather than beings created in the image of God.

Yet now here Christ.  The ultimate image of God because He is God now says, “Give back to God the things that are His.”  And we stand stained, corrupted, and defiled.  Would God even want us back?  We have taken his image and spoiled it in our rebellion.  Can we even be restored?… The answer is Yes!  For Jesus Himself was headed to the cross for our sake.  The ultimate image of God, the word of God, taking on our sin, suffering God’s wrath, clothing us in His righteousness, rising from the dead and now standing at the right hand of the father interceding on our behalf.  So then he says, “Give to God the things that are God’s.”

Father,

I am reminded again today that I am twice yours.  Once by creation in Adam and second by redemption in Christ.  I have nothing to offer you, other than what you have created me to do.  Today I give you glory and seek to live my life in such a way as to point all other to you.  Thank you for the glorious good news of the gospel, that you still take rebels and turn them into worshipers.

A Review of “Game Plan for Life” by Coach Joe Gibbs

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs is a fantastic book!  Joe Gibbs is a 3-time Super Bowl Champion, 3-time NASCAR Champion, and a man’s man in the sports world.  I was greatly encouraged and motivated reading this book.  (To be honest I thought it was going to be another corny sports book, but was greatly impressed at how Joe and his team use sports to illustrate God’s game plan for life.)

Joe writes a few chapters of autobiography and then introduces a team of all-stars in their fields of expertise who take on the tough questions that men are facing.  Joe writes a brief intro to each chapter explaining his own struggles and triumphs in a given area and then turns the chapter over to the expert.  The chapters cover topics such as: Finances, Health, Relationships, Vocation, The Bible, Creation, God, Sin and Addiction, Salvation, Purpose, and Heaven.

I found the book to be very genuine and very encouraging.  I think it would be especially helpful to men who have questions in these areas of life or for a believer to share with those who have questions about Christianity or how the Christian life works out practically.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it for men who are looking for practical answers to some of life’s questions. The retail price of Game Plan for Life is $14.99 (Paperback), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $10.19. I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”