Book Review: Revisiting The Corruption Of The New Testament, Manuscript, Patristic, and Apocryphal Evidence by Daniel B. Wallace Editor

"This inaugural volume of the Text and Cannon of the New Testament series includes essays by six authors. All of the chapters focus on the issues in textual criticism-in particular, how badly the scribes, who copied their exemplars by hand, corrupted the text. All but one of the chapters deals specifically with NT textual criticism; one addresses textual issues related to an early apocryphal text, the Gospel of Thomas." From the Preface, page 9.

The titles of the chapters and authors are as follows:
Chapter 1--Lost in Transmission: How Badly Did the Scribes Corrupt the New Testament Text? by Daniel B. Wallace
Chapter 2--The Least Orthodox Reading Is To Be Preferred: A New Canon for New Testament Textual Criticism? by Philip M. Miller
Chapter 3--The Legacy Of A Letter: Sabellianism or Scribal Blunder in John 1.1c? by Matthew P. Morgan
Chapter 4--Patristic Theology And Recension In Matthew 24:36: An Evaluation of Ehrman's Text-Critical Methodology by Adam G. Messer
Chapter 5--Tracking Thomas: A Text-Critical Look at the Transmission of the Gospel of Thomas by Tim Ricchuiti
Chapter 6--Jesus As Theos: Textual Examination by Brian J. Wright

Each of the above contributing authors were apart of Dr. Daniel B. Wallace's ThM program at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Each of the chapters were analyzed under "peer review."
"All five chapters address directly or indirectly, issues raised in Bart Ehrman's
The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture, a monumental work that has raised numerous questions about intentional corruption of the NT by proto-orthodox scribes in the early centuries."
Two Essays are on Matthew 24:36 and John 1:1. Another essay is on "whether the least orthodox reading is to be preferred." A fourth essay is on "the textual transmission of the Gospel of Thomas." And lastly a study on Jesus as Theos (θεός).


This was a challenging book for me to read. I faced the challenge head on, not mastering every detail, yet feeling deeply satisfied after finishing this heavy read.
It is easy, and maybe far to typical for a Christian to not want to read a book on Bible textual criticism. If I'd let myself maybe I would have felt the same.
"But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me." 2 Timothy 1:12 ESV
I did not finish this book feeling slighted, anxious, insecure, or "put-off." Instead I have a deeper belief in Scripture as God's treasured Word.
I felt each of the authors complimented each other. The book flows from one chapter to the next. Some of the chapters as explained above were on the same topic, each expressing their view from their own personality and teaching style.They were quick to lay out the reasoning behind their analysis, made their points clearly and understandably, each finished well with a closing remark on their end result after careful study.
I must admit the least attractive chapter to me was chapter 5 in looking "at the Transmission of the Gospel of Thomas." I am familiar with this book, but not curious to learn more. In this chapter there are comparisons between the Coptic of Thomas to the Greek fragments.
My favorite chapter was from Adam G. Messer, Chapter 4: Patristic Theology and Recension in Matthew 24:36. Messer gave a thorough and interesting teaching on the early false teachings of: Docetism, Sabellianism, Marcionism, Gnosticism. He also gave a lengthy list of the early church fathers, for example: Irenaeus of Lyon, Hippolytus of Rome, Origen of Alexandria, and Didymus the Blind. Messer gleaned information from research on what each of these men had to say about Matthew 24:36. Most of these early church fathers made a statement of what their belief was in their writings, I found this to be incredibly interesting.
It was while reading chapter 4 that I felt I'd finally grasped hold of the book.
It has been stated in other reviews that this is a book for the academic reading world. This is a fair statement. On the other hand, I am glad I read this book. This is a topic that has been of interest to me for a long time, as well as the history of the Bible period. 
Even though this book was a challenge, I'm hoping in 2012 to read more books on this topic!

Thank you to Kregel for my free review copy in return for an honest review.
Kregel Book Tour December 26-30--2011

To read more info about Daniel B.Wallace:
http://www.dts.edu/about/faculty/dwallace/

To read more info about Bart Ehrman:
http://www.bartdehrman.com/

Link @ Publisher:
http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=2225
Paperback $29.99
Available in PDF File for same price

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Revisiting-Corruption-New-Testament-Manuscript/dp/082543338X
Paperback $19.79
Not available on Kindle

Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/revisiting-the-corruption-of-new-testament/9780825433382/pd/433381?product_redirect=1&Ntt=433381&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Paperback $17.99

Happy New Year!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

Me about 22 months old Christmas 1965.

Good Christmas Sunday to you!
Because our children are now grown men, my husband and I sleep-in Christmas morning. I remember many times though when we would be up late in to the night Christmas Eve putting together bicycles, or wagons, or other toys for our boys. Children grow up so fast, treasure these years with your little ones!
My sister and I chatted by phone recently and discussed the special memories we have of loved ones that are now in heaven. As we grow older, hopefully, we understand the brevity of life, and the specialness of shared times with our loved ones. I miss my mother so much especially during the holidays. Mother's birthday was on the 14th, she would have been 85.

First photograph of mother and I February 1964.

My mother had Alzheimer's for at least 18 years. I was 26 years old when she first started showing signs of this hideous disease. At 26 I was just a young woman. I am blessed, immeasurably blessed, to have had a loving, gracious, dedicated, faithful mother. Mother loved the Lord, and I know she and I will see each other again.
For those readers of my blog that are grieving over the death of a loved one, I am so sorry I know this time of the year is difficult. Please trust in Jesus, let Him comfort you, it does help.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NIV

Our wedding day December 18, 1982.

Yes, I know we look like children. We were. I was 18 and Jeff was 19. We recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. A marriage that in the beginning had everything going against it. Except for One important factor, God.
He has been very gracious to us. Everything rests in Him and His work. I could give a long list of things Jeff and I both did that were wrong, but I won't. What matters is that at every turn God was there encouraging us to stay the course, keep the faith, don't give up. We are blessed, and more in love now than at the beginning all those years ago.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 NIV

This years Christmas tree.

During the past 2 weeks I have read 1 and 2 Corinthians; 1, 2, 3 John; Jude; Revelation; and Acts 16-28.
I have completed the New Testament at least twice this year, some books 3 times. I finished the Old Testament last Spring, having started reading it in 2010. I also read Romans 10 times in 10 different translations this year.
For 2012 I'm hoping to read all the Bible in 1 year.
During Easter week I'll read all of the New Testament for a reading challenge.
I'm also planning to read Hebrews 12 times in 12 different translations.
There is a Bible Reading Challenge hosted by Tim Challies, the 3650 Challenge, they have a page on Facebook but you must be invited.
The 3650 Challenge is using Professor Horner Bible Reading System. 
I'm also a member of Becky's Bible Reading Challenge entitled Operation Deepen Faith.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:16-17  NIV

I'm praying you will have a Joyous Christmas and a Deeper Walk with Jesus in 2012!

Merry Christmas!
Annette

Book Review: A Christmas Journey Home by Kathi Macias

"While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom." Luke 2:6-7 Common English Bible

Isabella Alcantara is 7 months pregnant and lives in Encenada, Mexico with her husband Francisco. They make the desperate decision to leave after her parents and siblings are murdered by a drug related gang. Her abuelo (grandfather) hires with his own savings a "coyote" to take Isabella and Francisco across the border to America.
Miriam is a young widow and lives on 30 acres near the Mexican border with her young son Davey. Miriam's mother Carolyn is staying with her to help. Miriam is angry and bitter, her grief has not only swallowed her life but has affected her family. Davey is a perceptive boy. He watches closely his mother and grandmother, their emotions puzzle him, and he worries about them.
These people will be drawn together through circumstances that will culminate at Christmas.

I loved this story!
Kathi weaves a modern tale reminiscent of the first Christmas story.
Isabella and Francisco await the birth of their first child. In this child is all of their future hopes and dreams. They yearn to bring their child into a safer land away from the violence of their hometown. They leave their homeland on a long arduous journey, depending on humans to fulfill a promise.
Isabella's grandfather never ceases in praying for his granddaughter and her family and in praising his Savior. He prays with the belief that some how and in some way God will deliver them.
Miriam's soul stirs within her grieving heart. Each day she awakens she must urge herself out of bed to face another day without her husband.
Carolyn yearns to bring love and healing into her daughters home.
Young Davey that misses his father so much, just wishes his mother would come back to him as she was before.
Each of these characters are yearning with eager expectation for something that will put aside all of their hurts and fears. They are awaiting what only Jesus can give, peace.

"The angel said, Don't be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you-wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David's city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, Gory to God in heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors." Luke 2:10-14 Common English Bible

Published by New Hope 2011--October
Link @ publisher:
http://www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/07/a-christmas-journey-home/
Paperback $12.99
240 pages

Link @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/christmas-journey-home-miracle-the-manger/kathi-macias/9781596693289/pd/693280?product_redirect=1&Ntt=9781596693289&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCG
Paperback $6.99

http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/
http://kathimacias.com/

For Kathi's newest book, Deliver Me From Evil, included first 2 chapters to read:
http://www.newhopedigital.com/index.php/2011/09/get-the-first-2-chapters-of-deliver-me-from-evil-human-trafficking-novel-free/

Merry Christmas!
Annette

Book Review: Four Devotionals I Read in 2011

"Your statues are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart." Psalm 119:111

Do you have a daily devotional time? A quiet time with the Lord? Do you set aside time every day to read God's Word?
During this last bit of 2011 I'll be sharing with my reader's a few of the devotionals that I've read this year.
The Joy of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz
Take My Heart, Oh God written by an accumulation of various well-known women author's
Daily Light for Everyday with Anne Graham Lotz, but originally written by Samuel Bagster in 1794
Our Daily Bread a devotional magazine by Radio Bible Class Ministries 

The Joy of My Heart by Anne Graham Lotz
Published by J. Countryman a division of Thomas Nelson 2004
Hardcover
400 pages

Link for book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Joy-My-Heart-Meditating-Daily/dp/1404101160
Hardcover $11.24
Kindle $8.99

http://www.annegrahamlotz.com/store/product/joy-my-heart/
Hardcover $12.00

The Joy of My Heart is an accumulation of snippets from Anne Graham Lotz's books. The books are God's Story, My Heart's Cry, Just Give Me Jesus, The Vision of His Glory, Heaven: My Father's House, and Why?
Each day a verse is given and then a story or writing from one of these books.
The months are divided with a cover page holding a gem from Anne; for the month of January: "To Know God better is to love Him more."
This is a small book, about the length of my hand. It fits easily in to my purse. Small on size but big on spiritual depth from God's Word.

Take My Heart, Oh God--Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time
Produced by The Livingstone Corporation
Published by Zondervan October 2010
Hardcover--padded
400 pages

Link @ publisher:
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310327479&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

Link to read a sample:
http://www.zondervan.com/media/samples/pdf/0310327474_samptxt.pdf

Price at publisher $14.99


Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0310327474/zondervanpublish/103-6641593-7431018
Hardcover $10.05
Kindle $9.99

This devotional is not only divided by months but also seasons, a small colorful photograph is at the top of each page showing the current season.
A lengthy list of women writers were used to contribute to this devotional, for example: Sheila Walsh, Madame Guyon, Francine Rivers, Beth Moore, Teresa of Avila, Priscilla Shirer, Liz Curtis Higgs, Jane Austen, Fanny Crosby, and Kay Arthur.
I loved it that women from not only our current century were used in this book, but women writers from past history.
Jane Austen is beloved by women no matter their religious background. Most are familiar with her books Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. For a person not familiar with reading devotional material, having her writings in this book makes the devotional more approachable.
Each day has a small quote from an author, for example:
"Let us never say, God has given me nothing to do. He has. It lies on our doorstep. Do it, and He will show you something else." Elisabeth Elliot
"In everything God has told us in His Word, He makes one thing very clear: He loves us. Not merely as a faceless world population, but one by one...individually and by name." Jan Karon
After the quote is an inspirational story followed by a Bible verse to read.
At the bottom of each page is a one sentence ending that is for further thought.

Link @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Light-Devotional-Burgundy-Leather/dp/0849954061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324407957&sr=1-1
Boxed Set Burgundy Leather $16.49, Kindle $14.84


Published by Thomas Nelson 1998
Compiled by Samuel Bagster in 1794
Anne Graham Lotz has contributed to this book by adding her own favorite Bible verses.
816 pages

Available  On-line:
http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/dailylightdailypath/

Scripture is from the New King James Version

This is a beautiful burgundy leather book with gold edging.
It is completely Bible verses that correspond to the same daily theme.
No divisions for months or seasons.
There is a date at top of page stating the month and day, the left side of the page is for morning reading the right side is for evening reading.
Both Old Testament and New Testament verses are used.
At the bottom of each page are the individual Bible verses that were given.
For example for December 20 Morning:
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.
That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you...for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Verses taken from) Ephesians 1:4 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Since 1999 I've read through this devotional 6 times.
The primary reasons I love this book is that I'm familiar with it, comforted by it, and it appeals to me because it is entirely Scripture---the focus is on God's Word!

Our Daily Bread devotional magazine by Radio Bible Class Ministries
I first began reading this in 1993. This was my very first devotional literature. It has been quite a journey in my walk with Jesus and Our Daily Bread has ministered greatly to me. This small magazine is dear to my heart!
I continue to receive a monthly published copy in the mail. Another option is to receive it quarterly, 3 months at a time. When receiving the 3 month version the Bible verse is not given, the Scripture must be looked up on your own. The monthly version gives the complete Bible verse.
And now the Our Daily Bread can be read On-line. Included is an audio reading option!
http://rbc.org/
And on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/rbcministries
Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Forgiveness Healing the Harbored Hurts of Your Heart by Bill Elliff with Tim Grissom

http://www.lifeaction.org/store/product/forgiveness-healing-the-harbored-hurts-of-your-heart/

http://thesummitchurch.org/

Published 1998 by The Summit Church
My copy is 8th printing
32 pages
Forgiveness/Healing

The author Bill Elliff shares a painful life story from his own life, in order to help others struggling through hurts.
No one is immune to life's hurts. "The greater question is not, Have you been hurt? but....."
Sometimes these hurts stay harbored in our heart. Maybe it was several small hurts, or maybe it was a large overwhelming hurt. The hurt, can become bitterness. 
"Bitterness is subtle. I've rarely met a bitter man who realized his condition...When hurts are not dealt with God's way, bitterness roots itself in our soul. Like the sapling that refused to die, bitterness will continually spring up."
Bitterness shows in our countenance, our responses, even in our faces.
Forgiveness Healing The Harbored Hurts of Your Heart Bill Elliff with the help of Tim Grissom teaches us that we do not have to stay in that harbor of unforgiveness and bitterness. "We can heal God's way."
He gives 6 steps for healing.
There is a mini-study of Hebrews 12:10-17 in the book for further Bible study.

This is a small book, more of a pamphlet.
This would be excellent to keep on hand in a church library or book store.
I feel this small book would be easier to give to a person that maybe going through a difficult time because of its size. A larger book or a Bible study might deter some people, especially those people that are not big readers.

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: The Spirit of Texas, The Astonishing Story of a Pioneer Rancher's Family and Their Mighty State by Winston Menzies

Texas Rangers Museum Waco, Texas

I love history. I can't remember a time when I did not love to hear stories from my own family as well as stories from others about life in the past. I was always amazed when my maternal grandmother "mamaw" would tell me about the uncomfortable clothing she had to wear as a young girl. She wore petticoats, scratchy underwear, black stockings, stiff leather shoes. I'm told my maternal grandfather "papaw" loved to pick cotton as a young man. He would head to west Texas and could pick cotton all day. I even have a photograph of him leaning up against a wagon loaded with cotton. Papaw was a hard working man, most of his working life he held at least 2 to 3 jobs. My maternal grandmother never learned to drive a car, or ride a bicycle. She never stepped foot in a grocery store until she'd been married several years. She was though an excellent homemaker, mother, gardener, there was not a lazy bone in her body. Another story I've often heard is mamaw would bake papaw a chocolate pie from scratch every morning for breakfast, at least till they had children. Life was certainly different for them as opposed to their grandchildren.
I was anxious to read The Spirit of Texas by Winston Menzies because in many ways his story of his family is my family's story. It gave me an education on how my grandparents and previous generations lived.

My papaw next to a cotton wagon, 1924. This was a photo he mailed back to my mamaw when they were courting.

The Spirit of Texas by Winston Menzies
Published by Creative Publishing Company 2011
B and B Media Group 
Hardcover 29.99 through the publisher
Christian Non-Fiction/Texas History/Biography/Pioneer
270 pages

See also:
http://spiritoftexas.us/


William Menzies was born in Scotland in about 1855. When just a young child he and his family immigrated first to Canada, then later moved to New York state. William apprenticed in both brick mason and carpentry trades. At the age of 21 he traveled to Galveston, Texas carrying only a wooden carpentry box. Eventually William traveled farther in to western Texas settling near Menard, Texas on the San Saba river. William began his ranching life with owning sheep, then later horses and mules, and then cattle ranching. When he was 33 years of age he married Letha Ann, the sister of a neighbor and friend. Together they had 8 children, ranched, farmed. They were hard working faithful independent determined people that define The Spirit of Texas. They also loved the Lord and never forgot that it was He that had provided for them.  
The author Winston Menzies is the great grandson of William and Letha Ann Menzies. His family and his Texas heritage has inspired him to write the story of the Menzies clan. Included in The Spirit of Texas are stories of other Texas pioneers that to him define The Spirit of Texas.
Winston Menzies writes about farming, ranching, living a solitary life on the western frontier, and family life. He also writes about the Boll Weevil outbreak during the late 1800's, The Great Screwworm Plague that forced ranchers to always be on the defense, and other diseases that affected animals and even people.
He told the story of a flood that caused the San Saba river to over flow and flood the land.
He tells of cattle feuds, and hunting wild game, and of the Native American's that lived in Texas.
The author concludes his book with his feelings about our current economy, dependence on government, and bankrupted government programs.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is full of black and white photograph's. Both his story and photo's were an education to me on my home state of Texas. Menzies story also parallels in some ways the story of my own family, and in this I was most interested in learning all I could about how people lived during the early years of Texas establishment.
Even though I am not usually a reader of livestock, farming, ranching, and hunting. I found these subjects interesting.
The characters that Winston Menzies wrote about inspired me, and kindled pride for being a Texas. 

Thank you to B and B Media and Creative Publishing Company for my free review copy

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Book Review: Jesus+Nothing=Everything by Tullian Tchividjian

Sometimes I think that even though we have bills to pay, drive cars, and wear grown-up clothes---we still seek affirmation from others, just like we did when we were little children. I know I'm guilty of this. To one degree or another we want to be accepted by others. At what point is enough enough?
In Jesus+Nothing=Everything Tullian Tchividjian teaches us that we already have acceptance and approval in Jesus Christ.
If we continue to pursue affirmation from others, we will never be truly satisfied, we will constantly strive for the ultimate in positive affirmation, always reaching for it, yet never being satisfied.
It's time to make a change. Today. Right now.

Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.crossway.org/books/jesus-nothing-everything-hcj/

Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Nothing-Everything-Tullian-Tchividjian/dp/1433507781/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323787959&sr=1-1
Hardcover $11.94
Kindle $7.69

Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/jesus-nothing-everything-tullian-tchividjian/9781433507786/pd/507780?item_code=WW&netp_id=895100&event=ESRCQ&view=details
Hardcover $10.99

Published October 2011 by Crossway
Christian Non-Fiction/Christian Living/Colossians
224 pages
Author last name pronounced  Cha-vi-jin

There is a video for each chapter:
http://www.crossway.org/group/jesusplusnothing

Isn't it interesting how when reading a book it speaks to us differently than the next reader. Books are personal. A book meets us just where we are: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and even meets us at our prejudices and fears.
This book addressed a problem I've had all of my life, wanting approval. How did it all begin? It began as a little girl because I feared punishment. I'll not rattle you with giving uncomfortable information, and it's not necessary. But that type of thinking became a habit, wanting approval. Another habit I've had is in wanting to be perfect, because if I'm perfect then maybe I won't fail or get in trouble. Ridiculous. But, not ridiculous to a small child. At 47 years of age it was time for me to stop this: to be aware of it and acknowledge it, to be convicted of it, to ask forgiveness of it, and to surrender it all over to Jesus. Let it go.

For the above reasons Jesus+Nothing=Everything was just what I needed to read. I have high regards for this book, I loved it!

Tullian Tchividjian believes that "what we are missing is the gospel-a fuller, more powerful understanding of Jesus and what his finished work means for everyday life." 
The author believes that "we are looking to something else other than Jesus to be what only He can be."
In Jesus+Nothing=Everything Tchividjian points out that we are trying to attain by works, our own works, affirmation, which we already have in Jesus Christ. "Performancism leads to pride when we succeed and to despair when we fail. Slavery either way."
"We are justified by grace alone, we're glorified by grace alone." See Ephesians 2:8-9.
Tchividjian states that even though we know in our minds what is the truth, we still seek approval from others.
In summing up this brief summary---and in my words and my interpretation. Let go of our need for approval and rest--be at peace in what Jesus did on the cross. Jesus shed His blood so that we would have eternal life. And in that we also might have "real life." Not some messed up warped thinking about things that do not matter or cannot be achieved or does not satisfy, but real soul quenching life.

A few more things I liked about the book:
It is a thinking book, a book to ponder over and over again. Days later I'm still thinking about this book.
I loved the questions from the book and I wrote down on a large index card most of them, for example:
1. Who am I trying to please?
2. What are you living for?
3. What are you depending on to provide the freedom, worth, and value you crave?
4. Am I working hard to perform? Or am I working hard to rest in Christ's performance for us?
5. How is your present disappointment, discouragement or grief a window on what has actually captured your heart?
This book directed me to where I needed to refocus, the Gospel message. 

What I disliked about the book:
On page 22 the author states, "the glorious message of which we'll investigate together in the pages to come" in his statement he was referring to being enlightened by the message of the New Testament book of Colossians. I thought that when he referred to this book in the opening chapter and to a few of the verses from this book, Jesus+Nothing=Everything would be more guided by this NT book. It is not. Another words it is not a book on Colossians.
I do believe that the author used too many quotes, especially from the same people over and over again.
I do believe that the author could have used a different word instead of "relax" page 206. I think peace would have been a better word, explaining more accurately what Jesus has done for us. We are at peace with God because of what Jesus did on the cross.
The word "works" has been a burr in most Christian's saddle for centuries. Even in explaining the book of James against what Paul wrote. We're uncomfortable with that word, and don't know what to do with it. I state this because the author used the word "works" several times and I feel another word could have been used, especially in light of the theme of this book. 

I'm always saddened by what Christians do in the name of "their belief" etc., etc. What Tullian Tchividjian encountered at his new church (which is the basis of what led him to write this book) was disheartening and I have great empathy for him. I have been him, not to that large of scale, but I had a bad encounter with a class I had taught....it was reminiscent of the gunfight at the O.K Corral. Instead of reflecting on what "they" did wrong (which I might add is easier to do). I have decided to look at what I needed to learn from this, because there is always a lesson to be learned.

Thank you to Crossway for my free review copy in order that I would write an honest review!

Blissful Reading!
Annette

The Sunday Salon

Over the past 5 weeks in BSF we have been camped out in Hebrews. Between the indepth study of Hebrews, and the previous book I read Jesus+Nothing=Everything by Tullian Tchividjian, and daily Bible reading and devotional reading---this has been a time of discovery, conviction, and deep growth. 
There has been a bold theme running through all of these that is no doubt an active work of the Holy Spirit: legalism and perfectionism. It has been directed at me, and it's time for me to listen up!
There will never be a time in a Christian's life (at least on this planet called earth) that we will have it all together and there will be nothing left for us to learn. In ignorance and foolishness I thought I had to persevere and toil, to work on character and spiritual growth. By doing this I'd made myself an idol. Just to state that last sentence makes me want to crawl under my desk and weep. I'm physically sick in that I'd thought this way. This response is called conviction. But after conviction, comes forgiveness, and then renewal.
In looking back over my life I can understand how it all began, this warped thinking of trying to be perfect. Ignorance though is not an excuse, actually there is no excuse. I'm guilty as charged.
"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
Reading God's Word is not just a past time for a Christian. It should not be read with our ears closed and our brain set on dim or dull while reading it. Then again this could be why so many won't read their Bible, because they don't want to be told that what they've been doing is wrong. It's that pride thing that gets in the way.
I made a decision a long time ago (1993) to not stay a babe in Christ, I wanted to go on to maturity. This means God will not leave me to grow stale. Nor will He leave me in a perpetual green grassy pasture for long. He will at times lead me through steep exhausting mountains, or to camp in the desert for a while.
"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching aobut righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
Hebrews 5:13-14 NIV
To be convicted of a sin in our life is a good thing, not a bad thing that we should shrink back from. We must "leave elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity." Hebrews 6:1 NIV
A devotional reading from this week stood out in 3-D Technicolor.
"We look for perfection and are disappointed. The reality is that the men in our lives are far from perfect. They cannot be perfect for us any more than we can be perfect for them. So we would be wise to stop expecting it. We should look instead at the One who defines perfection, the only human being ever to live a flawless life." From December 7 reading in Take My Heart Oh God, Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time by Zondervan publishers 2010.

Over the past few weeks all of Hebrews (13 chapters) have been read in the NIV.
Also: James, 1 and 2 Peter in the Common English Bible.

What is left to read before January 1?-----1 and 2 Corinthians, Acts chapters 15-28, 1, 2, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation. In case you've not kept up with the Bible readings, I previously read the NT last spring, and have read some of the NT books 2-4 times.

Are you reading your Bible?

Blissful Reading!
Annette

Above photographs from this years Christmas tree.

Book Review: The Acts, An Exposition by Charles R. Erdman

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 ESV

The Acts, An Exposition is more of a short summary of Acts. I wanted to state that in this review in case someone is looking for a deeper analysis of Acts. This did not deter me from reading this book, and it could be considered a starting point for further study.
What I noticed first about this book is the enthusiasm of the author in writing about the apostles and the early church.
In the introduction he writes, "The Acts is not so much concerned with the development of Christian life or the application of Christian truth as with the work of preaching the gospel."
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ESV
"The witnessing was to be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. In no book of the Bible can more be learned as to the Spirit's divine office than in The Acts, in none are there more marvelous records of his might; so that by some writers the narrative has been called The Acts of the Holy Spirit."
In chapter 1 Erdman writes, "All witness for Christ must not only declare His works and words, but must present Him as the risen and ascended Lord, and that such witness can be only by those who are baptized in His Holy Spirit."
And, "His Spirit never leaves a believer, but ever and again as one is surrendered to the will of the Lord, He is absolutely, if unconsciously dominated by His Spirit."
Erdman throughout his commentary on Acts focuses on the Holy Spirit. It does not matter who we are or how educated we are or how long we've been a Christian, we must have the divine power of the Holy Spirit in witnessing.
One of my favorite parts in the book is chapter 6 in reading about Christian witnesses must expect hatred and opposition. "But His Spirit will give us wisdom and strength in the hour of need, and will illumine their faces with a light which even their enemies will feel is not born of earth."
I was disappointed that more was not written on Paul's stoning from chapter 14 in Acts. Only 1 sentence on this was given.


You can read the The Acts, An Exposition Online @
http://books.google.com/books?id=FIup7wVXeVwC&pg=PP2&dq=The+Acts+An+Exposition+of+by+Charles+R.+Erdman&hl=en&ei=RLjXTtayN8_gsQLA2LHLDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Published by Westminster Press 1919
I believe Westminster Press and John Knox Press merged.
Their website was not working on the day I posted this review.
This small hardcover book was bought by my dad in the early 1960's. It is 176 pages. I do not have a front photo cover for my posted review.
The Bible verses in the book are from the American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible copyright 1929. I noticed the copyright of the Bible is 10 years after original publishing date. I don't have an answer for that reason. Possibly because the book was republished again.
I chose to use the ESV in my above review.

Charles R. Erdman was born 1866 and died 1960. He was an American Presbyterian minister and professor and chairman of practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He authored several commentaries.
The Coming of Christ by Charles R. Erdman
http://olivetdiscourse.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=300&Itemid=43
and
The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition
@ http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26881

 Blissful Reading!
Annette