Book Review: Faker by Nicholas T. McDonald

photo grabbed from The Good Book

No one wants a faker.

In this age of social media we can easily hide real selves because we want to project a better us. So we put on the mask that will not just make us feel good but rise above anyone else. Teens and young ones sometimes struggle with this issue.

Yes, the struggle is real.

“Faker” is a short but spot on book by Nick McDonald.  In the book he admits being a former faker. He tells his story of his fakery that we can easily relate to. He became prideful and looks other down behind a mask. The problem with that he needs to maintain his status quo but ends up still feeling empty.  However that’s half of the book is all about. This is not your typical pep talk, think positive or self help for teens. In its 7 chapters the book, Nick expound Luke 18: 9-14 the story of Pharisee and the tax collector. As you read this book, Nick unleashed the power of the Scripture that will hold you till the last page. “Faker” hits the root cause of our pretension: sin and provides the solution: the gospel.  Well that something considering this is a book for teens and young ones. He even discuss the word propitiation, you might think it will turn off a teen reading the book. Well it won’t. The book ends with a plea to drop the mask and come to God.

“Faker” and “Something More” by Theron St. John (which I book reviewed previously) are spot on when it comes to addressing the younger generation by its unique way of presenting the gospel that doesn’t have to be watered down. The cool book design, artwork and pop culture references which are awesome in this book really helps the lesson stick to our mind. However  those elements doesn’t   overwhelmed  “Faker” because that’s not the star of this book but the message of Luke 18 that young people badly needs to hear. Highly recommended resource to reach out young people and teens.

My verdict:

4.5 out of 5

The Quotable Round-Up #91

Heads up guys! time for some 6 awesome quotes from a Christian book. This time we shall enjoy quotes from the book “Is Christianity Good for the World?” by Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson. If you find these nuggets of wisdom superb, please get the book at your favorite bookstore or log in to Amazon. God bless and Peace!

“If there is no God, what is truth? Christopher Hitchens displays great moral indignation, but, given atheism, I want him to justify that indignation. If there is no God, then who cares? And Christopher Hitchens writes as a very capable wordsmith, but given atheism, I want him to justify his vibrant and engaging prose. If there is no God, then yammer, yamber, yaw&^% . .” — Douglas Wilson/Christopher Hitchens

“There is no God, right? Because there is no God, this means that—you know—genocides just happen, like earthquakes and eclipses. It is all matter in motion, and these things happen.”– Douglas Wilson/Christopher Hitchens

“The Christian faith is good for the world because it provides the fixed standard which atheism cannot provide and because it provides forgiveness for sins, which atheism cannot provide either. We need the direction of the standard because we are confused sinners. We need the forgiveness because we are guilty sinners. Atheism not only keeps the guilt, but it also keeps the confusion.”– Douglas Wilson/Christopher Hitchens

“If Christianity is bad for the world, atheists can’t consistently point this out, having no fixed way of defining “bad.” If Christianity is good for the world, atheists should not be asked about it either because they have no way of defining “good.”– Douglas Wilson/Christopher Hitchens

“In the kindness of God, the Cross is an object of inexorable fascination to us. When men and women look to Him in His death, they come to life in His resurrection. And that is good for the world.” — Douglas Wilson/Christopher Hitchens

“The Cross is God’s merciful provision that executes autonomous pride and exalts humility.” — Douglas Wilson/Christopher Hitchens

 

Book Review: Something More by Theron St. John

There are books that rely on heavy arguments and controversial issues to make a case for the need of the gospel. It can be on the issue of abortion, same sex marriage or the prosperity gospel. Sometimes it is tackled pages upon pages that is grueling to read. Theron St. John’s Something More diverts from those books and dishes out answers to ones purpose in life.

Something More is a relevant and fresh book geared for young adults who are in pursuit of their dreams. Caught up in their goals in life they neglect ultimate purpose that is found in God. Theron St. John step by step, real life stories after stories, in every chapter with laser focus unravels the reality of finding that purpose and eventually joy. It is a straight trail with the end goal that is to present the need of salvation. A brief book that hits the heart of the millenials to stop and consider that there is something more.

St. John wrote Something More with an evangelistic tone that doesn’t cram the Bible on someones throat, bog down someone with theological jargon or too preachy. Neither does this book succumbed to a water down gospel. On the contrary it does still points to the gospel and God. Something More presented the gospel in a way that  half of it feels like a book and half of it is like a friendly conversation.   I’m totally hands down on how St. John wrote it and looking forward for more of this kind of stuff in future books he will release.

If you want to give a book to someone who is in college or just starting to work then this book is highly recommended. If you want a book that is not hard hitting but still gives a spark of hope to people who are burden by their pursuit of their dreams this book is for them. Something More caters to new believers also who are connecting their personal pursuit with what God wants them to have.

4.5 out of 5

Buy the book at Lulu.com

The Quotable Round-Up #87

Howdy! It’s a great day to sit down, chill and sip your favorite drink! And while at it, add some awesomeness in your day by reading our latest collection of quotes.  This time we are featuring fresh quotes from the book “The Potter’s Freedom” by James R. White. And if you got stoked with these quotes, please get the book at your nearest Christian bookstore or on Amazon.

“The religions of men, Roman Catholicism, and Arminianism, all share one thing in common: the deep desire to maintain the ability of man to control the work of God in salvation and always have the “final say.” The blunt assertion of Christ refutes this error. The fact is, outside of the divine action of drawing the elect to Christ none would come to Him. It is beyond the capacity of the fallen man.”

“All men would be left in the hopeless position of “unable to come” unless God acts, and He does by drawing men unto Christ. Outside of this divine enablement no man can come to Christ. No man can “will” to come to Christ outside of this divine drawing.”

“Why is one man raised to eternal life and another left to eternal destruction? The Scriptures offer an answer that is satisfying to the believer, but insufficient for the person unwilling to trust in God’s goodness. What is the basis of God’s act of predestination? It is “according to the kind intention of His will.” Each word is important. It is His will, not our will. And remember, this is speaking not of some general plan to “save” so that it is God who “initiates” but man who actuates. This is the specific predestination of individuals to sonship. The basis of this specific decree is God’s will. No mention is found of man’s will.”

“Synergism is the hallmark of man’s religions: monergism the mark of the biblical gospel.”

“When the Scriptures say that men are spiritually dead, we are not to understand this to mean that they are spiritually inactive. Men are active in their rebellion, active in their suppression of the truth, active in their sin. Instead, spiritual death refers to alienation from God, the destruction of the positive, active desire to do what is right in God’s sight, and most importantly, the ability to do what is good and holy.”

“Reformed theologians insist that for one to be free as a creature then one must have first and foremost a sovereign Creator. God is the free and sovereign Creator and acts freely in that realm that is His: we are mere creatures, never sovereign, never autonomous (i.e., without law, without a superior authority), but responsible within the realm of our createdness.”

“The Christian heart is glad to confess, “Salvation is of the Lord.” All of it. In completeness. In perfection. The God who decrees all things saves perfectly. Salvation is a divine act, a divine work. It is centered upon God, not upon man. It is God’s glory, not man’s, that is at stake. The God-centeredness of the gospel is what makes the biblical teaching so fundamentally different than all the religions of men.”

7 Short But Excellent Christian Books I Have Read

(This article was previously posted at Top Christian Books (TCB Media). This is the short version of it.) 

Forget those thick and bulky books that you consider an essential read for Christians. Here are short, 100 pages less but excellent books that you should read. Also I included links to “The Quota ble Round-Up” that features awesome quotes from these books.

1.) “Apologetics Made Simple” by Jason L. Petersen – Petersen presents 5 keys on which apologetics in this straight forward book. If the word “apologetics scares you, let this brief book bare the essentials that is easy to remember and easy to apply.   (Here are  some selected quotes from this book)

2.) “A Primer on Free Will” by John Gerstner – A short book but an excellent treatment of free will. John Gerstner doesn’t just bombard us with biblical jargons and verses but started this book by giving a great illustration that will really stoke you out. If you want to grasp free will this book is an excellent one. (Here are  some selected quotes from this book)

3.) “A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Good Works and Rewards” by Mark Jones – Mark Jones sets out the biblical view on good works and rewards which is sometimes sets confusion among Christians who don’t want to fall into legalism and antinomianism. (Here are  some selected quotes from this book)

4.)  “Church History for Modern Ministry” by Dayton Hartman – Is church history relevant to our modern day ministry? How will it help our Christian living or apologetics from people, places and events that are so detached to our times? This book will help you understand the importance of knowing our history.

5.) “Transgender” by Vaughn Roberts – A brief introduction on a very controversial subject. Vaughn Roberts delivers  important points enough for a Christian to consider this issue.

6.) “Discerning Truth” by Jason Lisle – This maybe a companion book to “Ultimate Proof of Creation” but it’s a great read and a standalone too. Much of the debate between atheist and Christians specifically on the origins, are sometimes based on faulty logical statements. Dr. Lisle list out logical fallacies and how can a Christian these statements in this short but powerful book. (Here are  some selected quotes from this book)

7.)  “Why Bother with Church?” by Sam Allberry – Church life is essential to the believer as part of his spiritual growth. Sam Allberry gives a believer reasons why church is important in this short but great book by answering common questions Christians always ask. (Here are  some selected quotes from this book)

Do you have your own list of favorite short books? Please share it on the comment section.

 

The Digital Round-Up # 17

Hello there! Here’s “The Digital Round-Up” to give you some of my favorite freebies, articles and everything in between. What do you think of it? Eclectic? Weird? Interesting? I just want to know. So please, please, please do me a favor and post your comments about this post at the comment section. Thank you and God bless!

FREE “The Greatest Fight” by Charles H. Spurgeon – The Prince of Preachers has something to say to the 21^st century pastor and teachers. Grab this free book to know his urgent message.

Government: Mandate of Justice, Not Religion – “A pastoral reflections on the purpose of government…not to promote religion, but to pursue justice.” – Noel Espinosa

A World Without Any Common Sense – Trevin Wax states that in the public square “we have a hard time finding “common ground” because there is no “common sense” regarding what’s at stake.

Extremely Early Testimonies to the Deity of Christ– As news of an artifact that will be unveiled soon that has proof that Jesus is God, there are a much earlier proof from the church fathers that the deity of Jesus is not what the Da Vinci Code or Jehovah’s Witnesses believe.

People Are Basically Good – This post is part of the series “Ten Lies the World Believe” from Grace to You blog.

The good news: Filipinos are still reading books– That’s indeed a good news specially for me who is a literacy advocate.

The Grim Conclusion of the largest-Ever Study of Fake News –  Did you know that false information spreads faster that true information. Well let this very comprehensive study tells you and lots more.  It’s a long read but it has the meat on the subject of fake news.

The History of the AltaVista –  Remember AltaVista? Its a pre-Google search engine that was born in the 90’s when the internet is just in its infancy. For me its the first website I log into in my first internet experience. More than a nostalgic trip, this article recounts how an internet giant rise and fall.

Love Jesus More Than You Love Anything – John Piper

The Digital Round-Up #16

Hello there! Here’s “The Digital Round-Up” to give you some of my favorite freebies, articles and everything in between. What do you think of it? Eclectic? Weird? Interesting? I just want to know. So please, please, please do me a favor and post your comments about this post at the comment section. Thank you and God bless!

Free “God’s Promise” by Charles Spurgeon – haven’t checked it out but if it’s from the Prince of Preachers it must be good.

Free “That’s Just Your Interpretation” by Paul Copan. Th_ book is available free till March 17, tackles questions skeptics often thrown to Christians.

12 Things I Learned about Reading Books from Tony Reinke – Kevin Halloran counts down 12 lessons found in “Lit” by Tony Reinke.

How to Encourage Intellectual Christians in the Evangelical Church – not only does this article encourage Christians but also teaches how church members sharpen their thinking and reasoning for the glory of God.

10 Things You Should Know About the Bible – some in the list are familiar but simply this article is a worthy read.

5 Promises for Your Bible Reading and Prayer – Are you discouraged in your quite time? Here are five promises from God that you’ll get in Bible reading and prayer.

Why No Altar Call – Aaron Currin of The Publican’s blog gives 4 reasons why not use altar call (and gives a history lesson and personal experience about it).

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Survival Guide for Parents– Ivy Guerrero writes how her family enjoyed this year’s biggest book sale and prepare you to the next book sale event.

The Story of Tetris – a very interesting documentary about a computer game from the 80’s in the midst of the US-Soviet Cold War.

The Quotable Round-Up #75

Howdy to all! I hope you’re having a great day as you dive in this brand new collection of quotes! This time we are featuring quotes from the book “Reviving New England” by Nate Pickowicz. And as always if you got stoked with these quotes, please get the books at your nearest Christian bookstore or on Amazon.

“Churches have adopted business model and practices, pastors have watered down their sermons, praise bands have taken to performing rock concerts during the worship services, the Bible and theology have been minimized, pragmatism has taken a front seat, even the gospel itself has been minimized to all dangerous level-all to attract churchgoers, thus producing numerical growth. This often gets labeled “revival”. However, in many cases, these efforts consist of nothing more than man-made gimmicks that produce no lasting effects and create false converts.” – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

“The term “revival” did not come into common English usage until the time of Cotton Mather (1663-1728). It must be noted that revival is different than revivalism- the former being historically understood as “a surprising work of God” versus the latter, a man-made movement propagated to guarantee conversion results.” – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

“The church must be willing to herald God’s word unashamed, and in order to do this, we must be willing to give God His pulpits back.” – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

“It is from the pulpit that God speaks to His people through His word, so when His voice is removed and replaced with another, the church is quickly led astray. History bears witness to the fact than when the church loses her influence; the culture suffers, degrades and eventually falls. But worse than the damage to culture is the absolute tragic end of souls who meet their demise without ever being reconciled to God through the gospel of Jesus Christ.” – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

“Passages of text must be interpreted in their right context and applied correctly to the modern-day believer. Many Bible texts have been wrenched out of their context and butchered through spiritualizing their meaning. Making the text means something it was never intended to mean is called eisegesis, which betrays the text, rendering a sermon “unbiblical.”   – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

“So, what does biblical preaching mean? It means the Bible is your primary, secondary, and tertiary source. It means that the main idea of your sermon is not based on a TV show you recently watched, or a chapter of a book you just read. It means that you are endeavoring to deliver ro God’s people something from His word.” – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

“Passion is borne out of the soul, not out of the lungs. Louder preaching doesn’t equal better preaching. At best, a loud yet dispassionate preacher comes across as insincere, if not angry. The listeners of this kind of preaching will only feel yelled-at, and likely shut down. From where, then, does the passion to preach originate? It radiates from the burning heart of God’s servant.”  – Nate Pickowicz, “Reviving New England” #natepickowicz #revivingnewengland #revival #biblicalpreaching

Book Review: Usapang God’s Will by John MacArthur

photo grabbed from Passages Books

So how do we know God’s will? Let Bible teacher and pastor John MacArthur unveil it in this book titled “Usapang God’s Will”.  Having a MacAthur book in Taglish, this book not just became more accessible but more penetrating. I read the English version (Found: God’s Will) and to be honest I have to re-read the lines so I wont miss out what its trying to say.  Kudos to OMFLit for translating and printing this awesome book.

Reading “Usapang God’s Will” will make you realize that God’s will is not a mystery that you have to seek hard. It’s plain laid out in the Bible. So why do people miss that out? There are lots of reasons but this book sets the record straight in a very unconventional (yet biblical) way. Check the Christian bookshelf and you’ll see want I mean. We tend to read and buy a sort of “how to” Christian books that are so popular today. “Usapang God’s Will” will definitely stand out and delivers the theme solid till the last page.

“Usapang God’s Will” doesn’t just bring the sixth principle as the big surprise (which they indicate in the back cover) but the five others will turn you upside down. Picking this book up knowing that it’s not another one of those self help Christian book that you always buy at the bookstore, you’ll find it very compelling read. So prepare for this dynamite of a book that is truly life changing.

I would suggest, for those who love “how to” Christian books,that  ”Usapang God’s Will” should be a benchmark for other books you will consume in that popular category. Also if you want to go further, go read Kevin DeYoung’s book “Just Do Something” which is as excellent as this book.

A brief book like this should not be forgotten and missed out. Highly recommended even for unbelieving friends. One copy is not enough. Go buy extra copies for your friends.

My verdict:

5 out of 5

The Digital Round-Up #14

Hello there! Here’s “The Digital Round-Up” to give you some of my favorite freebies, articles and everything in between. What do you think of it? Eclectic? Weird? Interesting? I just want to know. So please, please, please do me a favor and post your comments about this post at the comment section. Thank you and God bless!

Free First time church visitor training – All the things you need to equip you and your volunteers in handling first time visitors. Files and videos are free just register to Ministry Grid (which is also free).

Consider the Other Side’s Best Arguments – Ken Samples points out that we should check the strongest arguments of the opposing view.

Preaching the Gospel with the TULIP’s tricky “L” in Mind – A one great answer from Tim Challies on preaching the gospel with “Limited Atonement” in mind.

Book Review: Graciousness by John Crotts – In case you missed it, here’s my book review of John Crotts latest book titled “Graciousness”.

Internet Underground Magazine – I have lots of memories of this now defunct magazine. This was back in the mid-90’s were the internet is in its infancy. I love to collect these because of its radical covers, bold articles and a whole lot of weird links (which I always check out). This magazine (and with Yahoo! Internet Life) really made my online life amazing. Check out the link to view the magazine’s archive.

Fallacious History – with all the fake news and possible historical revisionism, we need to straighten our history which will affect our Christian thinking. Carl R. Trueman writes how we can get out of this mess.

Jeff Durbin “The Myth of Neutrality”