Gravity True For You But Not For Me

Gravity True for You But Not For Me

Michael Edwards

2011 First Edition

2012 Updated and Revised in E-book format

Available from ebooks.faithwriters.com and Amazon.com Free

Reviewed by Lois Farrow

Everyone has a belief about the existence of God, either for or against. But do we have evidence to back up our belief? Does sincere faith make a belief true? What if that faith is in something that is not true?

The sub-title of this book, Evidence for God’s Existence and Identity, sums up Edwards’ purpose in writing. Taking the metaphor of gravity, Edwards sets out to give a solid case for the existence of God – true whether we believe it or not. He is also at pains to show the gravity of the situation and the eternal consequences of knowing (or not knowing) the truth.

Edwards sets out clear evidence for the existence of God; the basis on which we can trust the Bible; and evidence for the resurrection. He discusses who Jesus claimed to be; moral and scientific arguments for the existence of God (and why some people use these arguments to argue against God); and common objections to the Christian message. In an easy-to-understand format he compares traditional religions and faith systems.

Edwards’ favourite definition of Christian faith is action taken upon established truth.

Our faith is not blind, but is based on historical facts. Jesus proved his words by his miracles, and Acts 1:3 NIV tells us ‘Jesus showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.’

Liberal quotes from other authors back up his points. Personal experience along with testimonies and anecdotes from others strengthen his arguments. In the latter chapters he clearly shows why and how to become a Christ follower.

At times, especially in the second half of the book, the writing becomes repetitive as the author labours his points instead of letting the facts speak for themselves. He has excellent material and appears over-anxious to be sure we understand it.

This is a great book to share with non-believing friends and those needing confirmation and reassurance in their faith. Many of the points raised provide material useful in personal witnessing. I would highly recommend it.

Look What God Is Doing!

Look What God Is Doing!

Dick Eastman

Chosen Books, Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids MI USA

2009 Revised Edition 204 pp Free

ISBN 978-0-8007-9474-3 (pbk.)

This book brings a refreshing and joyful reminder that God is alive and active in our world today. In a society saturated with depressingly bad news the story of Every Home for Christ is indeed good news.

The ministry of Every Home for Christ began in Canada in 1946 with a goal of reaching every home with Gospel booklets to bring the good news of Christ to every person in the world. International President, Dick Eastman, constantly travels the globe, often with his wife Dee, to see for himself the work and verify its results. This uniquely qualifies him to write this book with accurate and up to date knowledge.

Individual stories of transformed lives are told in their local settings with colourful background information. Local stories in turn reveal the bigger picture of God’s work in communities and nations.

Every Home for Christ works in partnership with local believers empowering them to reach their own communities and local churches absorb the new believers. In many places Christ Groups are formed to give essential follow-up and discipleship training.  Thousands of individuals, many of them volunteers, are involved in the work every day with an impressive organisation supporting them. EHC is adaptable to local conditions as seen in one community of tree-dwellers where the name became Every Tree for Christ.

Campaigns have been conducted in 198 nations, with complete coverage to date in 101 nations. Eastman confirms that the work is a Spiritual battle, and prayer coverage is vital for the protection of the workers and the advance of the Gospel.

Eastman also confronts theological questions that people may have e.g. being commanded that we should take the Good News to everybody everywhere, but we must also obey the authorities and some Governments expressly forbid evangelism. Godly wisdom is needed in many situations, and EHC workers must be sensitive to local conditions and laws.

I found the book thrilling and very easy to read. It was exciting to be reminded of God’s activity and his hand on individuals and nations today.

Thank God that his work is being done by joyful, dedicated Christ-followers, bringing more people into his kingdom by the minute.

For more information about Every Home for Christ, and to get your own copy of the book, check out the website given here or in your own country.

http://www.ehc.org   

www.everyhome.org.au  

The Christmas Story

The Christmas Story

He came from heaven to earth to show the way

From the earth to the cross my debt to pay

From the cross to the grave

From the grave to the sky

Lord, I lift your name on high.

Doesn’t this little song give a great summary of what Christmas is all about? We usually hear the nativity story only in compressed and somewhat creative versions.

Several years ago I decided to make a wall hanging to depict what Christmas means to me. When I really thought about it the nativity component became only a small part of the whole.

The photo shows my wall hanging, and here is my explanation…………..

In the beginning……. God created the heavens and the earth. It all starts with GOD.

After creation God and mankind were in beautiful communion and friendship but this was interrupted and broken by sin.

God made a way for that relationship to be restored – He sent his only son, Jesus.

He came as a baby, but didn’t stay a baby. He came to die – the sacrifice for our sins.

He didn’t stay dead – He rose from the dead to prove He was the Son of God, and returned to His Father in Heaven.

He is coming back again to reign as King over all the earth with all those who have accepted his forgiveness and become a part of his kingdom.

Jesus Christ will rule forever – it all ends with GOD.

So although we see evil which has been introduced by Satan throughout the world, we can be encouraged because we know the end of the story. Jesus will reign.

All creation is groaning while it waits for the day of redemption. But rest assured the day of restoration of all things is coming. Jesus will reign. Why not join him?

Some great Scriptures to read ………..

Genesis 1 to 3;  John 3:16;   1 Corinthians 15:3-5;   Revelation 22:12

Also check out this amazing video (copy and paste into your browser).

vimeo.com/1371841

 

Are You Listening God?

ARE YOU LISTENING GOD?

Okay, God, where are your angels? My Mum used to tell me the angels look out for us, but I don’t see any sign of angels. Certainly aren’t any flapping their wings round this cell of mine. Ah, guess they’d get their shiny wings dirty in a place like this, wouldn’t they. Huh! Are you listening God? Do you hear me?

I know I did wrong, but not much, it wasn’t my fault, really. I was just the driver. It was the others who busted that bank, and they’re locked up too. Deserve all they get, those rotters. But I got three years too, just for driving the van they got away in, or would have got away if those cops hadn’t been waiting round the corner. Someone must have tipped them off. Just wait till I find out who did that.

Now what about my kids? Their useless father took off years ago, and I’m in here, with nothing to do but go mad worrying about them. They might as well be orphans, and God, you said you’d look after orphans and widows. I know, they’re with my sister, but it’s not much life for them there, she’s as much a crook as I am. And God, you said all the children have angels who look on your face and look after the children. Well, you’d sure better look after my children, 'children of inmates’ they’re called now, because I sure can’t.

Oh, and Christmas is coming, I can’t even get any Christmas presents for my own kids. I know, I never used to get them much anyway, never had any money, but I was there for them, well, when I wasn’t drunk, but now I’m locked away here and can’t do a thing. And I’m not even drunk.

Won’t be much of a Christmas for me in here, but I don’t mind that. Never was one for Christmas, anyway. It’s my kids’ loss that hurts. I’d give anything to make Christmas better for them.

January:

You wouldn’t believe it! An angel showed up. Truly, an angel came and told me my children were getting Christmas presents, and I didn’t need to worry about a thing.

She told me about this organisation I’d never heard of, Prison Fellowship, who run a program called Angel Tree. People from churches buy presents for children of prisoners (like my Millie and Jake) and give them out as if they’d come from the parent. Have you ever heard of anything like it?

Anyway, they had somehow got hold of my kid’s names, and even managed to ask what they wanted. Would you believe that? And then this group, they went around delivering all these Christmas presents to children of inmates.

When my sister brought Millie and Jake in to visit last week, Millie brought the doll she’d been given. It was a beauty alright; Millie was thrilled to bits, and cuddling that doll as if she wouldn’t let it go. Jake was beside himself with the latest Lego, he’d made an enormous truck and brought it to show me.

“Thanks, Mum,” Millie said. “You got me the best present ever.” Well, that brought tears to my eyes. Most I’ve cried for ages.

I don’t know much about this outfit, Prison Fellowship, but when I get out of here I’ll find out more. I think there must be hundreds and hundreds of angels out there, just like in heaven, all doing their thing, and bringing joy to people at Christmas. God, you must have heard me after all.


Written for Faithwriters Blog Contest.

Only Paralyzed From the Neck Down

Only Paralyzed From the Neck Down

The Life and Ministry of Tom Brewster

by Dan Brewster

William Carey Library, California.

1997. 310 pp

Reviewed by Lois Farrow

When 18 year old Tom Brewster careened too fast down the new waterslide at a YMCA camp, his neck was broken. It seemed his father’s prayers that Tom would be a missionary in some foreign land were wasted. Tetraplegic and totally dependent, how could Tom have a meaningful future?

This inspirational book has the answer. Tom knew that God was in control of his life and he was thankful to be alive. He found comfort in Hannah Hurnard’s poem ‘In Acceptance Lieth Peace’. Instead of asking ‘Why me’, he daily and hourly chose to create meaning in his life by accepting God’s sovereignty.

Tom faced his recovery with characteristic gusto and determination. He became consumed with passion for the poor and for the lost. He determined to communicate God’s message of hope to a lost world, and empower others to do so effectively.

The Lord led Tom and his wife Betty Sue into an exhausting life of travel to over 80 countries. Through study and teaching with Fuller Seminary, Campus Crusade for Christ, Wycliffe and others, they pioneered new language learning techniques useful to missionaries and Bible Translators world wide.

Their programme, Language Acquisition Made Practical (LAMP), made language learning accessible to many who struggled with existing methods. ‘Learn a little and use it a lot’ was Tom’s mantra.

Tom died in 1985 having been paralyzed for 27 years, his legacy a transformed understanding of translation techniques. His life and remarkable attitude were a miracle of God’s amazing grace.

The author, Dan Brewster, knew his brother well. This biography combines careful research with personal knowledge and tells of an extraordinary life of acceptance and diligence, with far reaching results for God’s kingdom.

As Dan says “Tom’s mind and heart were never paralyzed, he was only paralyzed from the neck down.”

Rees Howells – Intercessor

 

by Norman Grubb

CLC Publications 1952

Reprinted 2011

Many people long for intimacy with God, but are we prepared to pay the price?

Someone who did was Welsh evangelist, Rees Howells. His friend, Norman Grubb, in his book Rees Howells Intercessor, gives a unique insight into the inner life of a mighty intercessor. Howells was a man with sensitivity to the voice and heart of God, who was hugely influential in his immediate and wider worlds.

Howells was born on October 10, 1879 in the mining village of Brynamman, South Wales, the sixth child in a family of eleven. Rees father worked in the iron works and later the coal mine and many in the family worked in the mines, including Rees.

The book details his early life and shows an upright young man who was very religious, but in his early twenties he realised that he too needed to be saved.

Howells tells the story of his conversion. “I saw the cross. It seemed as if I spent ages at the Saviour’s feet, and I wept and wept. …  I felt as if He had died just for me. He broke me, and everything in me went right out to Him. … That night I received the gift of eternal life, that gift which money cannot buy. … I changed altogether ... The veil was taken back, my eyes were opened and I saw Him.”

The Lord dealt with many things in Howell’s life, among them his self-nature, love of money, ambition, reputation, nature, motives. Later he learnt much about prayer for healing and saw some remarkable results. He also learnt that God didn’t heal every time; he needed to seek God’s face in each individual case.

Howells had a special friendship with Elizabeth Hannah Jones but felt he should not marry as that would interfere with his relationship with God. It was not until he was in his thirties that he felt God gave the go ahead for their marriage. In the meantime, Elizabeth patiently waited for him, and supported him wholeheartedly in whatever the Lord asked him to do.

Howells was instrumental in the Welsh Revival in 1904 when there was a great move of God in holiness and revival. Soon after their marriage Howells and his wife were called to mission work in Africa. They were there for six years, sacrificially leaving their only son, Samuel, behind being fostered by relatives, so they were wholly available to the Lord. Revival broke out in Africa also and many were brought into the Kingdom.

After returning to Wales the Lord led them back to the south of Wales where Howells bought property and established a Bible College and other works. Through all of these the Lord led him very definitely to trust Him for provision of finance, personnel, students and the future. Later Howells had remarkable experiences interceding in world affairs as the Second World War loomed.

A key verse for Howells was John 15:7 “If ye abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.”

The sacrifices demanded in the life of intercession seemed hard, but the rewards were great. From his place of abiding and knowing God, Howells was instrumental in bringing many souls into the Kingdom.

Howells died on February 13, 1950, a faithful servant at rest. His son, Samuel, took over the leadership of the College, a man uniquely fitted by his life experiences to fill his father’s shoes.

 

Pocket Testament League

Read, Carry and Share

“If only we could get people to read the Book for themselves it will surely lead them to Christ.” This was the motivation of Helen Cadbury, founder of the Pocket Testament League, in her passion for evangelism and the need she saw for evangelism tools.

Helen Cadbury of Birmingham, England, shy teenage daughter of the president of Cadbury Chocolates, became so excited about sharing her faith that in 1893 she organized a group of girls to sew pockets onto their dresses to carry a small New Testament. The girls called their group “The Pocket Testament League,” had membership cards, and pledged to read a portion of the Bible every day, pray, and share their faith when opportunity arose. Their catch cry was – read, carry, share.

In 1904 Helen married American evangelist Charles Alexander who officially organized the League with Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman in Philadelphia, PA in March 1908. Alexander had worked with famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody, and this worldwide evangelism experience gave a huge boost to the League. Alexander was a singer and hymn writer, and they did music and preaching tours together.

Throughout the following years, the League grew and was active within military camps throughout WW1 and WW2, in factories and offices in peacetime, and within government work schemes for jobless men throughout the Great Depression. They were affected by the war themselves, their headquarters in Birmingham, England being destroyed by bombs on 29 December 1941. In spite of this they continued distributing portions of Scripture wherever they could, and later branched into radio ministry as well.

Gradually the League became active worldwide. League members also shared at several Olympic Games. Whether to individuals or large gatherings, they saw opportunities to encourage people to read God’s Word. From humble beginnings, the League has brought the truth of God’s Word to millions of people for more than 100 years.

Transformed from the shy teenager who sought a way to share her faith, Helen Cadbury Alexander grew to a confident woman who motivated others to share. Her transformation is demonstrated in this verse of the well known hymn which she co-wrote:

Anywhere with Jesus, over land and sea,
Telling souls in darkness of salvation free;
Ready as He summons me to go or stay,
Anywhere with Jesus when He points the way.

PTL’s website includes personal stories of people impacted by the Scriptures, e.g.: ‘I was controlled by fear, anxiety, shame and depression, but Jesus changed all that. Now I have joined PTL because I want others to know Jesus too.’

Helen’s original vision still drives the ministry today - bringing the Word of God to people. The Pocket Testament League provides many helps to do this, giving away Testaments and providing free evangelism training and evangelism tools, plus apps for iPhones and similar devices. The website also has free daily devotionals to deepen us in the Word of God.

Read, Carry and Share. You will be glad you did.       

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