"Heaven, How I Got Here" (Colin S. Smith)

TITLE: Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross
AUTHOR: Colin S. Smith
PUBLISHER: Scotland, UK: Christian Focus, 2015, (96 pages).

We have heard stories of people with a near death experience, leaving this earth, entering heaven, and then coming back to earth. There have also been testimonies of heavenly experiences by people from different cultures. In Christian circles, one particular story, "Heaven is for Real" was even turned into a movie. With the topic on heaven remaining mystifying and fascinating, what about stories of biblical characters entering heaven? In this very re-telling of the story of the thief who was saved on the cross next to Jesus, author Colin S. Smith imagines the story of the thief on the cross in order to shine a light on faith that comes completely by the grace of God, not personal works. With amazing insight, Smith, senior pastor of Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Chicago tells the story of the thief from a first person perspective.

Expounding on Luke 23:39-43, Smith is able to weave in a prologue of how the thief was initially captured and convicted. The culture then was one of rigid Pharisaic laws and harsh Roman authority. Ordinary people were often put in a situation where they had to fend for themselves and suffer from situations that are less than equitable. Smith is quite sympathetic to the thief in justifying the initial theft. Subsequently, as the thief becomes emboldened to steal more and more, the arrest and subsequent punishment became more understandable. Unfortunately, the way people were crucified then made modern readers question whether the punishment fits the crime. It could very well had been a double whammy of injustice. On the religious front, the thief could have been victims of hypocrisy. On the legal front, the thief could have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, and having been caught red-handed, had to suffer the notorious Roman punishment. If the thief had been caught for doing wrong, what about Jesus who had been convicted when he clearly did not do any wrong?

As the story progresses, we see a gradual transformation of the thief from bitterness to gladness. Initial faith becomes filled with hope. Lasting hope is facilitated by the love of Christ at the cross. As a witness to the punishment, death, and torture of Jesus nailed next to him, he becomes not only a confessor of sin, but an eye witness to the cruelty of man, and a beneficiary of the Word of Jesus.  He hears every word of Jesus. He listens in to the prayers of Jesus to God. He marvels at how a suffering person could even put the interest of others before self. Written with sensitivity to the Jewish culture, Smith in his "postscript" tells us that he is less keen in conveying any message. He is more interested in people experiencing Christ for themselves.

This is the first time I am reading something from the perspective of the thief who was saved at the cross. Although many of the details are fictional and added in in order to form a narrative of forgiveness and grace, there are many allusions to the different parts of Scripture, especially on Jesus' last moments. Like most historical works, there will always be some kind of dramatization. Movies for example will most of the time say: "Based on a true story" to avoid being accused of wrongful portrayal of the factual history. For this book, it is based on a true event in history. Not only has Smith managed to tell us a gripping story from a first person perspective, he has shown us once again the beauty of grace and the power of Christ. Even at the cross, He is able to defeat all enemies and principalities of this world.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Christian Focus and Cross-Focused Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Spurgeon's Sorrows" (Zack Eswine)

TITLE: Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression
AUTHOR: Zack Eswine
PUBLISHER: Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2014, (144 pages).

It takes one who has walked the journey to feel what it is, how it looks like, and what it takes to deal with it. Beginning with a tragic story of a hoax during an ordinary Sunday service that led to the death of seven people, readers learn how tough it was for the great prince of preachers to deal with. Where is the light in the midst of a long deep tunnel? Where is hope when there seems to be despair everywhere? How do we recognize spiritual depression and other forms of negative emotions? Sensing themes of depression from Spurgeon's sermons, Zack Eswine has compiled a list of Spurgeon's thoughts and experience on depression. The hope is that readers will be able to find some kind of hope as we travel with Eswine on searching out Spurgeon's thoughts on this subject matter.

Part One is dedicated to understand what depression is all about. It is a road to sorrow, of anguish and helplessness, and how strength is needed to overcome the arduous journey. Many things can spur depression; like desertion, bereavement, loss of jobs, disappointment and defeat; and guilt. Internally, there is that state of melancholy that traps people into constant fear. By recognizing depression as a condition that is not always curable, comfort is often more appropriate than cure. For Spurgeon, spiritual depression is the worst kind because it is a combination of circumstantial, biological, and spiritual factors. Even as Eswine highlights the spiritual vulnerability, he helps point us to the way of faith, and not to let depression go on a feeding frenzy but to submit to the lordship of Jesus.

"Basil of Caesarea" (Marvin Jones)

TITLE: Basil of Caesarea: His Life and Impact (Biography)
AUTHOR: Marvin Jones
PUBLISHER: Ross-shire, Scotland, UK: Christian Focus Publications, 2014, (434 pages).

During the late fourth century, one man dared to stand against the Emperor Valens. Refusing to work with Arian bishops over theological grounds, this man confronted the political establishment with courage and eloquent scholarship. The period was the early years of Christendom in Europe. The man was Basil of Caesaria (329-379 AD). In a land that has the Church and State increasingly integrated, the fight includes theological battles. One such fight was Orthodox Christianity vs the rising influence of Arianism. As one of the famous Cappadocian Fathers, (the other being Gregory of Nyssa, his brother, and Gregory of Nazianzus), Basil led the fight which led to the gathering of the Council of Nicea, and the formation of the Nicene Creed, which is a particular emphasis to re-affirm the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

Basil's Theological Impact
While many were unable to withstand the onslaught of Arianism and Alexendrianism, Orthodox Christianity had the Cappadocian Fathers to thank for. Of all the challenges, Arianism was perhaps the most formidable. Serious doubts were cast on the divinity of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and ultimately on the Trinity. Basil of Caesarea, together with a few others were also tempted to just avoid the controversies of the day, and to spring toward an ascetic lifestyle, to get away from the world. After all, it is easy to run away, and troublesome to fight the Arians. Fortunately, Basil chose to fight the huge heresy, moving from a "homoiousian theologian" to the orthodox "homoousian" theologian. The former argues that Jesus is "similar to or like" the Father, while the latter insists that Jesus is of the "same substance" as God the Father.In doing so, Basil began a tough journey to unify the Eastern and Western Church. Other theological battles include the fight against Sabellianism (modalism that effectively denies the Orthodox Trinity position); Anomoeans (that the Son was a different substance than the Father); and his most well-known contribution: "On the Holy Spirit."

Radical Dating

TITLE: Radical Dating: When God takes over your love life
AUTHOR: Diane Montgomery, Gabrielle Pickle, Sarah Bubar
PUBLISHER: Christian Focus Publications, (176 pages).

Why would anyone read another book on dating? Simply put, relationships matter. One does not have to be a single in order to learn more about dating. Parents may need to give guidance to their children at some point of time. Friends who are single may need some advice from time to time. Maybe, you know of someone who is single and lost about their own relationships with people. Maybe, you are in an organization where there are singles who need some kind of guidance or help. More importantly, if you are Christian, you may want some wholesome advice from a faith-based perspective, written by theologically trained authors, and by people who are honestly wrestling with the same kind of questions. Montgomery, Pickle, and Bubar are three women who came together to write about faith, love, dating relationships, through the why, how, who, what, and when questions. The central point in the book is to let the love of God direct the love relationship, through two key words: Witness and Worship.

In witness, the authors aim to let the desire to be a witness for God guide all their dating decisions. This automatically leads to a "radical" decisions such as:

• Letting faith guides the decision to date believers vs non-believers;
• Letting faith guides the strict establishment of physical and emotional boundaries;
• Letting faith guides the relationship beyond mere romance or emotional bonds;
• Knowing that true love is for God, above all relationships;
• Letting faith guides the desire for purity;
• Letting faith guides the decision to choose singlehood if necessary.

These and many more encapsulate the general principle of letting God guide the believer in all decisions pertaining to dating relationships. Packed with biblical references and practical tips, the authors let their convictions in God guide all of their dating advice. There are personal sharing of painful past relationships. There are questions to help readers in their struggle through dating and relationships. As I read the book, I can sense the deep convictions the authors have and the earnest care that they desire to share for those struggling with singleness. Most of all, they have written this book together, highlighting yet one more important thing about going through the ups and downs of dating relationship: Fellowshiping with believers. In this book, the three girls have one another for companionship, for fellowship, and lots of fun!

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Christian Focus Publications and Cross-Focused Media without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"The Humble Leader - John Stott" (Julia Cameron)

TITLE: John Stott: The Humble Leader (Trailblazer)
AUTHOR: Julia Cameron
PUBLISHER: Fearn, Ross-shire: Christian Focus Publications, 2012, (ebook).

This book is an attempt to piece together the life of the late Rev Dr John Stott using fictional storytelling with facts gleaned from his life. From childhood, his early exposure to Christianity, his beginnings in Christian ministry, and the opportunities he were given and how he managed to become one of the world's most powerful evangelical leaders, the book gives readers an intimate look at the ups and downs of the humble man.

Recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 100 most influential persons, awarded six honorary doctorates, well-loved by the evangelical communities all around the world, Stott remains humble about it all. Born in 27 April 1921, he has a special fondness for little animals. At a young age, he loves to write, especially about birds. This hones his literary skills, and forms the bedrock of his communicating skills later on. What is remarkable is that at a young tender age, he is not only a curious little boy, he is gentle. Well liked by his teachers and friends, he is also a competitive person. He admits that what stood out for him in his childhood is his meeting with John Bridger and Eric Bash just before he turns 17. Stott has admired Bridger for his "clear and confident faith." Bash challenges the young Stott to either "reject" Christ or to "follow" Christ. There is no such thing as "neutral." Stott made a choice that changed not just his own life, but many others too.

Stott goes on to Cambridge University and joins the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union. Bash continues to encourage and disciple the young Stott through prayer and giving Stott an opportunity to serve as Camp Secretary. Stott does well in his studies, and was soon studying theology at Ridley Hall in Cambridge.  He is a very disciplined person, making the best of his time to study, to read, to manage his life methodically. Stott is a Pacifist, and refuses to endorse war. For him, it is clear that Jesus is first and State a distant second. Instead of simply saying no to war, he assures his family of his commitment to be loyal to the family and to do the best he can in other matters. After WWII, Stott gets ordained at All Souls Church in Langham Place. It is at this place, Stott serves faithfully, blessing the Church community, students at campuses all around the world, and evangelicals everywhere.

There are several reasons in the book on why Stott is a humble leader. Firstly, he hardly boasts about his own skills. Instead, recognizing his family privileges and good background, he is particularly sensitive to the plight of the poor and the marginalized. Once, he reaches out to the local children by personally taking them camping, taking care of their camping details, borrowing tents, shopping for food, etc, all for the sake of stretching the minds of the young boys. Secondly, he learns willingly. For example, he is always having an eye on how best to do evangelism, learning from those with new ideas for evangelism. Thirdly, he ministers among the poor by living like a poor. Once, he avoids shaving and cleaning, so that he can walk through the streets to be among the beggars on the streets, personally experiencing what it means to live like the poor. Sometimes, he will offer up his own bed and sleep on the couch instead.

Stott's most lasting legacy is his knowledge and exposition of the Bible. He believes, "We need to give time to understanding ideas. Ideas shape the way we think, and the way we think shapes the way we behave."

My Thoughts

It is always a pleasure to read about John Stott. Even though the book is put together by another person, it presents to readers the many highlights of the great evangelical leader. The world may have lost the powerful preacher and gifted teacher, but memories of his  life and influence will be etched in the hearts and minds of many, for a long time. May God raise up more men like Stott.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Christian Focus Publications as part of the blog tour from 25-29 June 2012, without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.