Grab this Book – Free – from The Voice of the Martyrs

His Beliefs Put Him In Prison... His Faith Set Him Free!

I’ve talked about the ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs. This is the founder’s story. This book shocked the Nation. The international bestseller Tortured for Christ tells the dramatic story of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand and how he endured 14 years in prison for his faith in Jesus Christ.
Request your FREE copy today.

Click this link and go get it. “Tortured for Christ.”
It will make you examine and challenge your faith and commitment to Christ, which is just what we need to do. For some, it may wake you up to a whole new perception of the Christian faith.

Reading About Christ on the Cross

Recently I picked up a book that I’ve had on my reading list for a long time. This was my book for vacationing at the beach. It’s a classic work by the late John R.W. Stott:  The Cross of Christ (2006. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books.).  I am grateful for Logos Bible software for publishing this work. I’m the guy who reads with a highlighter and pen. Ebooks, especially in Logos, allow markups, notes, and easy cross-referencing.

“There is then, it is safe to say, no Christianity without the cross. If the cross is not central to our religion, ours is not the religion of Jesus.”

“Give me a sermon on the cross any day. If it be from the scriptures, it cannot but lift my heart to the One who lived to die as the Lamb of God. When is the last time that you heard a sermon series on the cross of Christ? If it’s been awhile, I encourage you to pick up this book and find the depth of the riches of the work of Christ Jesus on the cross. At the cross we find the death of our old man and new life with God. Most importantly we find Jesus. I think this quote from Stott is what motivates the curious mind:”

“But why? We return to this basic puzzle. What was there about the crucifixion of Jesus which, in spite of its horror, shame and pain, makes it so important that God planned it in advance and Christ came to endure it?”

Stott opens these questions beautifully and leads you into answers. The crucifixion is more than saying, ‘Jesus Christ died for our sins.’ What does that really mean? Why was this absolutely necessary? What was the cause and effect? Stott does not disappoint.

If you have read this book, you know the difficulty of dropping only a few of its quotes. Here are a few more and I encourage you to pick up the book, with a marker and pen–paper or ebook.

“Despite the great importance of his [Jesus] teaching, his example, and his works of compassion and power, none of these was central to his mission. What dominated his mind was not the living but the giving of his life.”

I love reading about Jesus, who He was, is, and is to come. If you’re interested in reading on the subject, here’s a couple of recommendations:

The Cross: God’s Way of Salvation, by Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

In Christ Alone: Living The Gospel Centered Life, by Sinclair Ferguson.

The Crises of the Christ, by G. Campbell Morgan.

Two final quotes from John Stott’s book:

“In conclusion, the cross enforces three truths—about ourselves, about God and about Jesus Christ.”

Stott does a brilliant job with the numerous subjects and issues that come out of Christ’s redemptive work at Calvary. At the risk of causing confusion, I drop this last quote. It is a mere taste of his logic while tackling the subject: The Problem with Forgiveness.

“The Bible takes sin seriously because it takes humanity seriously. As we have seen, Christians do not deny the fact—in some circumstances—of diminished responsibility, but we affirm that diminished responsibility always entails diminished humanity. To say that somebody “is not responsible for his actions” is to demean him or her as a human being. It is part of the glory of being human that we are held responsible for our actions. Then, when we also acknowledge our sin and guilt, we receive God’s forgiveness, enter into the joy of his salvation, and so become yet more completely human and healthy. What is unhealthy is every wallowing in guilt which does not lead to confession, repentance, faith in Jesus Christ and so forgiveness.”

Finding & Choosing Good Books

baby readingIn one of those “end of the work week conversations” I asked a co-worker what her plans were over the weekend. “Relax and read a good book” was her answer. Obviously being a book lover and an author I asked what kind of books does she enjoy reading. “Religious books,” she replied. My ears were even more attentive. Our conversation, of course, led to mentioning my books and she was excited to download and read them over the weekend.

This conversation led me to write this post and ask these questions.

I’m curious to know what influences your choice of Christian literature and where you go to get it. I wonder how much effort we put towards the choice of literature, whether it be entertainment or educational. If you’re going to enjoy something, don’t compromise. If you want to learn a subject, again, don’t compromise. What I mean by “don’t compromise” is two-sided. Why eat stale bread when you can have fresh, out of the oven bread. Why read something that is shallow and a waste of time just because it is something to read. Find a book that grabs your attention and holds it, and … gives you enjoyment. More importantly, whether it is fiction or non-fiction, DON’T compromise truth; don’t compromise your values; and don’t compromise your character for temporal pleasure. The book can be written well, but does it cause you to compromise your faith, your values, and your character to read it?

As a Christian, you want to love your Savior and God; you’re a lover of righteousness and truth. Don’t feed on the bottom of the pond. In all things, at all times, let the Word of God from Philippians 4: 8-9 guide you.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you (NKJV).”

God made us to enjoy Him and to find joy in life. Our joy is fulfilled when we live life the way that He made it to be lived.

A Couple of Questions for the Book Reader:

1.  What are the influences / determining factors / criteria that you use to choose a Christian book to read?

Clarifying:

  • I am specifically referring to Christian books.
  • Examples of criteria include:  the cover of the book; the author; the publisher; the genre;  the price; reading a sample chapter for the writing style.

2.  Do you read to learn or for entertainment, or both?

Clarifying:

  • Fiction – entertainment and pleasure
  • Non-fiction – learning
  • If both, what percentage of each? 50/50? 80/20?
  • Do you purposefully rotate between Fiction and Non-fiction?

3. Where or How do you search to find the Christian book?

Clarifying:

  • Referrals – do you mostly read books that friends have recommended?
  • Blurbs –
  • Reviews –
  • Online Blogs and Book Forums –

4. Do you consider the theology (what is said about God and the things pertaining to your faith) within the book to be important, whether it is fiction or non-fiction?

Clarifying:

  • Does the author’s theological perspective carry any weight in your decision to read a book?
  • Does faith only matter if it is non-fiction, but not so much if fiction—for entertainment?

5. Do you read ebooks or paper, or both?

6.  Do you recommend books to friends?

Okay, there are more than “a couple” of questions. But they’re good ones. I think these questions are interesting and contemplative, and therefore helpful.

Back to my story.

Was I shamelessly promoting my books in my conversation with my co-worker? I could have been, but I don’t think that I was at all. I suggest my books because I believe that they serve a purpose–to help the reader know the living God and walk closely with Him, and most importantly—to glorify Jesus Christ. Why wouldn’t I recommend a book that I passionately believe would do those three things in a person’s life? You and I recommend the things that we enjoy all of the time. We’ll promote our sport’s team, a recipe, a restaurant, or song. Why wouldn’t I do that for a book?

A Favor?

I’d like to hear your answers and comments on these questions. I welcome your response either by commenting on this blog … OR … in an email at:  books@jeffbeardbooks.com.

Enjoy a good read and grow in joy.

(Photo from: flyhigh-by-learning.blogspot.com )