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Rebecca's Heart
"For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul..."
Here you will find books I can personally recommend, having read them. I am very careful with so-called "Christian" reading material, sticking with trusted authors when it comes to doctrinal accuracy.
At this juncture in time, many people are concerned with what is happening in the world. We are living in a country where Christian values are under attack, the very existence of God is denied, and those who follow Him are ridiculed and even persectuted. All eyes are centered on the Middle East and Israel, which, astoundingly, while being attacked by her enemies on every side has discovered that anti-semitism is alive and well across the globe, including here in the United States of America.
The Bible clearly prepares us for all of this; we are not to be surprised or dismayed. We are to be forewarned, alert, and spiritually armed. As believers, this is a time to be sober, vigilant, and always ready to answer those who ask the reason for the hope that is within us. In my daily work with people one on one as a healthcare practitioner, I am often given this very opportunity.
This is the book we are going through right now in our weekly study. The book of Daniel is epic in its reach across time. Daniel, while captive in the land of Babylon back in 600-500 BC was given visions providing information not only for things soon to come that are now history but things yet to come. I would say that in the bibical timeline of prophecy the times of the Gentiles as referred to in Romans 9-11 have been fulfilled. The next big event is the rapture of the Church as spoken of in 2 Thessalonians and the book of Revelation. Following that, the appearance of the Antichrist and the time of the Great Tribulation. After that, the second coming of our glorious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! And to think all of this was detailed some 2500 years ago, with perfect historical accuracy for all things that have already been fulfilled.
Book Description:
It’s more than just a statement. It’s a fact! The world as we know it will eventually end. In On the Way to the Future, trusted Bible teacher Ray C. Stedman examines the prophecy of Daniel, not to stir readers to build a bomb shelter, but to increase their awareness of God’s plan for their lives now, what He has in store for the future, and how they can be prepared to experience it. This resource is perfect for laypeople, pastors, and ministry leaders.
This book is up next. I read this a couple of years ago, and it is a perfect follow up to the study in the book of Daniel.
Book Description:
"The end of the world is coming." From roadside signs to science fiction films, this slogan underscores our society’s nervous fascination with the future. Whether it’s a giant asteroid, a worldwide plague, or some other global catastrophe, the end of the world is a terrifying prospect—at least for those who have no idea what it will be like.
For Christians, however, the end of the world should be anything but dreadful. In fact, it should be something we look forward to. Why? Because God has told us how the world will end. And He has assured us that the end of this age will mark the beginning of a new, glorious one in which we will serve and worship Him in sinless perfection. Our eternal hope, as believers, is intimately tied to the end of this world.
All of this is laid out in the book of Revelation. Not only is Revelation the inspired Word of God, it is also the only New Testament book that includes a promised spiritual blessing for those who study and apply its message. As such, it is an essential part of
every Christian’s devotional life. Those who ignore Revelation deprive themselves of a rich treasure of divine truth, and the promised blessings that come from understanding that truth. Join John MacArthur as he explains the book of Revelation in a way that is both doctrinally precise and intensely practical.
I read this book back when the alarming worldwide reaction to Covid was in full swing. Many were thinking, in light of how rapidly we were corraled into obedience to a worldwide response, and with local and federal governments dictating nearly every aspect of our lives, it might be signaling a major shift forward in bibilical prophetic events. Many of us were also made aware of how easily people are deceived and in one moment willing to obey, no matter how nonsensical the demands, which is clearly a "sign of the times." Dr. David Jeremiah wrote this timely book encouraging believers in Jesus Christ to lead the way, to be that salt and light, and to live with joy and purpose and zeal. I purchased many copies of this book and gave them away to any who expressed interest during that time and continue to highly recommend it.
Book Description:
A Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller
In a world that seems to be spinning out of control with political and social crisis, we need hope now more than ever. What if the life sustaining hope you need is found within the pages of the Bible? Take an in-depth look at Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and what it means to put our faith in Him.Our world is packed with lies and loss of trust. Wars and rumors of war. Devastation and disaster. Pressure and persecution. Lawlessness and lovelessness. Some days
it seems like bad news all around. And with bad news comes questions: "Why is this happening?When will it stop? What can we do?" And perhaps the most pressing of all: "Is this the end?"
In these hope-filled pages, bestselling author, pastor, and respected Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah focuses our attention not on the problems at hand, but on the hand of God. That's because Jesus Himself told us what to expect from this season of history when He delivered His Olivet Discourse—a significant sermon that scholars have called "the most important single passage of prophecy in all the Bible."
In The World of the End, learn how:
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The Bible has already laid the foundation on how we can live victoriously, even in difficult times
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Jesus not only calls Christians to a higher standard, but equips us with the tools and strength we need to confidently follow him daily
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The gospels contain the comfort you need to trust that God is in control and that his plan is still working to completion
With his trademark clarity, Dr. Jeremiah reveals exactly what Jesus promised to us—and what He expects of us—as we approach the World of the End.
This is an awesome book.
It is all about JESUS CHRIST. John MacArthur takes us through the life of Jesus Christ in a very unique way. Each short chapter is scripture pieced together, say, for example, from the gospels, reading perfectly clearly but intertwined. Then, lots and lots of notes on the bottoms of the pages. This is an excellent way to really dig into the life and ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I like using this book as part of my daily devotional time, often using one of the chapters alone or as part of a smorgasbord of other reading during that time.
Book Description:
Read the best news the world has ever been given about the most significant life in all history--Jesus Christ. In One Perfect Life, Dr. John MacArthur shares with us the complete story of the Eternal Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Using Matthew as the base text, Dr. MacArthur blends the gospels and other biblical material about Jesus into one continuous story that will help you better understand Scripture and grow stronger in your faith. No other harmony of the Gospels includes such extensive study notes to help you unpack the meaning of each verse
Features include:
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Verse-by-verse explanations from one of the most important pastor-teachers of our time
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Every verse connected to Christ from Genesis to Revelation
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A harmony of the Gospels that demonstrates the inerrancy of Scripture
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New King James translation
Surrounding the time I was at the Word of Life Bible Institute back in the early 80's I was voraciously devouring missionary biographies. During the summer after we graduated and we were working the summer camps, I told one of my classmates I had just become engaged, and he was flabberghasted. He said, "What???? I pictured you flying an airplane solo into the jungles bringing medicine and Bibles!"
One of those biographies was Elizabeth Elliot's Through Gates of Splendor, telling the story of her husband Jim and his teammates brutally murdered by the Auca Indians. They were flying "medicine and Bibles" into the jungles. What happened after that is truly remarkable, as Elizabeth Elliot and others of the widows eventually went and made their home among the Auca Indians, sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to many. What the enemy meant for evil, God meant for good!
This book is really excellent in many ways. Austen does a brilliant job of weaving together with great finesse a solid biographical narrative using all she could find of Elliot's many journals and letters, Jim Elliot's journals and letters and those of parents,
family members, friends, and coworkers. Having lived many decades now in the process of maturing in Christ, I can appreciate her portrayal and demonstration of the inner struggles Elliot grappled with as she continued year after year to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and as her character was gradually shaped by the sweet discipline of the Lord that for the moment does not seem joyous, but grievous, nevertheless afterwards yielding the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12).
My only irritation is Austen's occasional virtue signaling regarding society at that time, especially with regard to how African Americans were perceived within the American culture. That was simply the culture Elliot was living in; she was not responsible for it, nor do I view her not soaring above it a sign of spiritual or moral weakness. Elizabeth Elliot certainly cannot be said to have been racially prejudice, having lovingly lived her life in service to people of another race who were responsible for the death of her husband! Austen similarly interjects her opinions when telling of young Elliot's internship work among impoverished people in Canada who should have, in Austen's view, have been referred for professional mental health services. That might be the case, but that isn't the point when telling another's story. Just my little rant.
Book Description:
An In-Depth Biography on the Life and Work of Missionary Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) is one of the most widely known Christians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. After the death of her husband, Jim, and four other missionaries at the hands of Waorani tribesmen in Ecuador, Elliot famously returned to live among the same people who had killed her husband. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond these events. In the years that followed, Elliot became a prolific writer and speaker, touching the lives of countless people around the world.
In this single-volume biography, Lucy S. R. Austen takes readers on an in-depth journey through the life of Elisabeth Elliot―her birth to missionary parents, her courtship and marriage to Jim Elliot, her missions work in Ecuador, and her private life and public work after she returned to the United States. Through Elliot’s example of love for God and obedience to his commands, readers will ponder what it means to follow Jesus.
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Single-Volume Biography on Elisabeth Elliot: Author Lucy S. R. Austen explores Elliot’s professional articles, books, and radio programs, as well as personal scrapbooks, journals, and letters
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Engaging: Tells the complex and moving life story of one of the most well-known Christian missionaries
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A Great Resource for Students: Thoroughly researched book provides information about Elliot beyond her work with the Waorani people and her first husband’s death
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