Monthly Archives

February 2019

Book Review: Spirit-Filled Jesus

Mark Driscoll is without a doubt a great writer within the evangelical world. His newest book Spirit-Filled Jesus is not only theologically on point but also gets emotionally personal for both the reader and the author. Driscoll has always had a unique way of making his points, usually through smart humor, funny cliche’s, and modern examples. If you don’t get a chance to read the whole book, just reading the First chapter is worth getting Spirit-Filled Jesus. It’s about the dynamic impact that Jesus has had alone in every area of our world’s History. He rightly quotes Kenneth Scott Latourette in summary:

“Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet.”

Driscoll outlines his book by going through the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, which are one giant story written together. He looks at Luke’s first part of the story which is the Spirit Filling Life of Jesus. Then he reflects upon the second part which is the Spirit Filling Life of Jesus through the Church.

Overall Spirit-Filled Jesus is about living a life by the Spirit for today. Driscoll is very good at simplifying his theological outlook and tackling practical ways for his theology to be applied in real life situations. He also gives all kinds of what I call “golden nuggets” of truth or clarifying biblical questions people may have had about Jesus, Christianity, or theology. Spirit-Filled Jesus is a must read by anyone wanting to follow Jesus, but by the spirit-led way. I would like to end with some of the last words of this book:

“The King and His kingdom are coming, and the Spirit of God invites you to a life-changing, soul-satisfying, mind-transforming, eternity-altering, kingdom-down relationship with the Spirit-filled Jesus that lasts forever and ever.” – Mark Driscoll

You can get Spirit-Filled Jesus HERE

or get the Audio version of Spirit-Filled Jesus HERE

February 28, 2019 0 comment

Book Reviews Christianity Theology

Book Review: Erasing Hell

Hell.

No one likes to talk about it outrightly, but deep down we all have some doubtful opinions on the subject. Especially within the past decade the question of Hell has become quite controversial in popular culture and within the church. Many have either tried to redefine it, rethink it, or repaint it altogether from the traditional stance. Some have outrightly denied its existence because of its incapability to reconcile with God’s characteristics of being benevolent, loving, forgiving, and all merciful. Still, others hold on to their unchallenged view that stands to be “what the Bible teaches,” without any further or need of continual quest to reread scripture on the subject. Bestselling author Francis Chan with co-author Preston Sprinkle takes on the touchy subject hiding in the closet.

“Let us be eager to leave what is familiar for what is true.”
― Francis Chan, Erasing Hell

Erasing Hell was such a good book about Hell & Eternity because it did two things for me. First, it was very truthful in looking at all the perspectives and contrasting them to the narrative of what the scriptures teach within their context. Secondly, Erasing Hell was also very honest as the heart of the author Francis Chan is laid out in wanting to know the truth, but not wanting to condemn but rather free people by knowing the truth. One of the sincerest things Francis Chan says in the book,

“In my desire to distance myself from sadistic Christians who revel in the idea of wrath and punishment, I may have crossed a line. Refusing to teach a passage of Scripture is just as wrong as abusing it. ― Francis Chan, Erasing Hell.

I think many of us feel the same way among congregants and clergy. But what Erasing Hell sets out to unveil is to get down to the heart of what a view of Hell would look like if we simply read to understand the topic through the narrative of the Bible. Reading Erasing Hell will challenge everyone’s views and be an eye opener for both traditional and liberal-minded thinkers. It’s the best book on the subject, so jump in and find out why Erasing Hell is a must read.

Click Here to Order the hard copy
Click Here to order the audio Book

February 28, 2019 0 comment

Book Reviews Christian Living Theology

Book Review: Simply Spirit-Filled

From the start I will say if you merely want to be Spirit-Filled or even be refreshed by a move of God again, read Simply Spirit-Filled. Andrew Gabriel’s Simply Spirit-filled does not disappoint. It’s a great title to a great topic: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t let the title fool you though; you’re getting more than what you could have asked for. Gabriel not only knows how to be honest about His thoughts and experiences but is grounded in reading and wrestling with the heart of scripture.

Although Simply Spirit-Filled is not entirely focused on the topic of discussing what to do with weird and even bad theology about the Holy Spirit, Gabriel jumps to the punch. He does share a lot of insightful thoughts and even some of His own experiences that I could personally identify with. I appreciated reading Simply Spirit-Filled because growing up in charismatic circles made me have similar questions, thoughts, and experiences about the Holy Spirit that Andrew Gabriel had as well. You will read some provoking points about speaking in tongues, people falling out in the spirit, how to know if your church is preaching the prosperity Gospel, whether or not healing is fake, and so much more.

Gabriel does not hide behind or flash His educational degree’s or position to be so authoritative on the subject of the Holy Spirit. He very plainly walks through the theology of the writers of the Bible and people within church History to make his conclusions with his readers. The reason I encourage everyone to read Simply Spirit-Filled is because it’s rare to find an author who will be honest about such controversial subjects within the church without needing to defend anyone or any issue.

Oh! I learned something from Simply Spirit-Filled. There’s no such thing as “Spiritual Gifts.” If you don’t believe me, grab a copy of Simply Spirit-Filled, and find out why? Andrew Gabriel will blow your mind!

February 20, 2019 0 comment