Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Shattered by Dr. David Jeremiah with Sam O’Neal – Interesting and Compelling Fictional Account of End Times Events

 

Shattered, written by David Jeremiah along with Sam O’Neal, is the second book in the Vanished series.  I’m familiar with Dr. David Jeremiah as a pastor and teacher.  I’ve heard him preach and know about some of his theology books about the Bible.  The first book in the series was Vanished and is about the rapture of the church and the events before and after the rapture.

 

Shattered continues the story of doctor John “Haggs” Haggerty and his best friend’s daughter Abgail Hart.  Both John and Abigail had family and friends who were raptured, while they were left behind.  Readers are also introduced to an Israeli scientist Saul Katz who, with his friend Caleb, had developed super computer that evil forces would love to get their hands on.  Another interesting character was scientist Li Fan who was monitoring the increasing world-wide seismic activity that threatened to be deadly.  She was desperate to make sure world leaders pay attention to her warnings.  When millions of people suddenly vanished from sight there is bound to be a vacuum of government power and world leaders.  Filling that vacuum is Matthew Vilks, leader of the powerful company the Trident Group. 

 

In Shattered, the fictional characters who are experiencing the post-rapture and Tribulation events are woven together with events and people referenced Scripture.  Since this is a fictional account of the Tribulation post rapture, readers who have read the Bible will find a few people that are referenced in Scripture, like the Two Witnesses, the 144,000, the anti-Christ and the false prophet.  I found myself looking back a Scripture to see if things were lining up with what the Bible says about these End Time events.  Keeping in mind this is a fictionalized account and there are various views on the events and timing of things that will take place in the End Times.

 

I found the characters of John, Abigail, Li, and Saul interesting and what they were going through captivating.  I liked John and was hoping and rooting for his character to pick a side, hopefully the right one.  For Abigail to develop a well secured computer system that would enable new Christian believers to communicate with one another around the world, she would have to be a very intelligent person.  But her character didn’t come across that way.  I would have like to have seen Li more developed.  Saul didn’t match what I would have expected for someone who might be one of the 144,000.  Since the 144,000 are devoted to the Lord and will boldly proclaim the Gospel of Christ, I was expecting someone a little different.  Perhaps these characters will be further developed in the next book of the Vanished series. 

 

This is a fictionalized account of some what the Bible reveals will take place at the End Times.  Shattered ends with a cliff hanger and the story and characters will likely pick-up in the next novel in this series, when things will only go from bad to worse.

 

As a Christian, I found this fictional account of the post-rapture Tribulation times very weighty.  It’s hard to imagine what our loved ones who don’t know the Lord may experience after the rapture of the church.  It was interesting to see how various elements of the Tribulation were depicted and incorporated things we’ve seen in recent years.  Things like drones and pandemics. 

 

If you read the Bible and find End Time prophesy fascinating, you may find Shattered by David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal an interesting read. 

 

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Shattered by David Jeremiah and Sam O’Neal.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.  


Thursday, July 04, 2019

Final Word – by John MacArthur – A Timely and Sobering Reminder on why we need the Bible


I respect John MacArthur as a pastor, teacher and authority on the Bible and that’s why I was excited at the opportunity to read his newest book Final Word – Why We Need the Bible. 

We are living in turbulent times, in our nation and in this world.  We are seeing the effects of postmodernism and the denial of absolute truth and right and wrong.  As a Christian, I would hope and pray that it wouldn’t impact the Christian church, but it has.  In recent weeks and months, there have been controversies over women preaching and the Southern Baptist Convention was dealing with issues of gender identity, sexuality, racism, and intersectionality.  These issues can be very divisive and difficult to respond to, especially if you don’t have the knowledge and confidence in the absolute authority of God’s Word the Bible.

John MacArthur’s book Final Word is very timely in helping Christians to understand the bedrock of our faith, the Bible.  John is very measured and precise in the issues he raises, the examples he gives as evidence and what the Bible says and how we, as believing Christians, should respond. 

John lays out the evidence to show how The Bible Is Under Attack both from the secular culture and even from within the church.  He reminds the reader that the ultimate attack is from Satan.  Not only does he show current examples but looks back over history.  As I was reading this book, I felt like I was reading headline news. 

From there, John goes on to show with unapologetic authority that, The Bible is True, The Bible is Authoritative, The Bible is the Catalyst of Spiritual Growth, The Bible is Central to Faithful Ministry, and The Bible is Food for the Soul. 

If you read Final Word, you will come away with a clear understanding of what’s happening in the world and within the church today and have a historical perspective as to how we got to where we are.  You will come away better equipped to understand and stand in defense of the Bible.  This book is refreshingly truthful and stands strong on the Word of God.

I highly recommend Final Word by John MacArthur.  This book is a keeper, you’ll want to read it again and will likely want to share it with other believers, those in the ministry. 

I would like to thank Reformation Trust Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Final Word in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 


Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Psalm 40 – a prayer in my own words


A few years ago, I went through a time during my morning devotionals where I wrote out the Psalms in my own words.  That was one of my favorite times of reading God’s Word.  I saw God in a new and more personal way. 

In my summer Bible study one of the exercises was to write a prayer from Psalm 40.  It brought to mind seasons of trials and troubles when God truly did deliver me. 

May I tell you…God is faithful to answer all who call upon the name of the Lord.  Don’t delay, not even one minute longer.  Be sure to go to Psalm 40 and read it for yourself, for God’s Word alone is perfect and inerrant and He alone is able to save us. 

O Lord, help me to wait patiently for You and be confident that You hear my cry.  You have plucked me out of my pit of destruction.  You have put my feet on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ and Your Word and I can now walk securely.  You have given me a new song to sing.  A song to praise You my God.   May all who hear it see and fear You, O Lord.  May they know that they can put their trust in You.  The man who puts his trust in You is blessed. 

Help me to never turn to those who are prideful or foolishly believe another lie, only to be led astray.  You continue to multiply Your wondrous deeds and I stand amazed at Your thoughts towards me.  No one can begin to compare to You.  I will loudly proclaim You, O Lord.  There are so many who need to know You.  

I can make sacrifices and offering, but that’s not what You desire or require.  You have opened Your ear to me.  May I delight to open Your Word and read it so that I can know You and do Your will, for You have written Your law on my heart.  I will speak in the congregation and tell of Your great deliverance on my behalf.  May my lips be unrestrained with Your praises.  May I tell of Your great faithfulness, salvation and steadfast love to every sinner.  You have not restrained Your mercies toward me.  You are lavish in Your steadfast love.  You are always faithful and will preserve me. 

When evil befalls me and my enemies are too numerous.  When my sin is heaped up so high that I can’t even see.  My sins and inequity are more numerous than all the hairs on my head.  I fear my heart will fail me, so I cry out to You O Lord.  I beseech You to deliver me.  Don’t delay in helping.  Let those who seek to have me put to shame be disappointed.  May they turn back away from me.  May those who seek to dishonor me and delight in my pain, let them be put to shame. 

May those who seek You, rejoice in You and be filled with gladness.  All those whom You have saved, may they tell of Your greatness and salvation that they have in Your Son, Jesus Christ.  We cry out, great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. 

I know Lord that I am poor and needy in spirit.  I am amazed and comforted to know that You think of me.  You alone are my Help.  You alone are my great Deliverer.  O Lord, do not delay in coming, for I need You my God and Savior. 


Tuesday, February 09, 2016

Parables by John MacArthur – An Excellent Read and Resource




Pastor John MacArthur’s latest book is Parables – The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through The Stories Jesus Told.  I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this book because of the solid Bible teaching it contains. 

Before diving into the parables, Pastor MacArthur explains, from Matthew 13, why Jesus started teaching in parables.  He had specific truths He was trying to convey to those who had the ears to hear.  It wasn’t to make it easy for the common people to understand what He was teaching.  Instead, the symbolism used in the parables was to hide the truth from those who had no desire to know what Christ was saying. 

Pastor MacArthur brings clarity and helps the reader understand the truths contained in these stories.  Unlike allegories, not everything in a parable has significance, but there is a profound truth to be understood.  In this book a parable is defined as, “an ingenious simple word picture illuminating a profound spiritual lesson.” 

This book covers select parables in ten chapters, including the parables of the soils/seed, the good Samaritan, and the rich man and Lazarus.  Some of the parables are only a sentence or two long, but there’s a meaning that Christ wanted His followers to understand.

In this day and age, it is important for Christians to be wise and discerning and know when a pastor or teacher is accurately teaching God’s Word.  This book will help you to be equipped as you study God’s Word for yourself.  One of the benefits to the reader is that you will be able to take what you’ve learned and apply it as you study the Bible and read Jesus’ parables and teachings for yourself.

I greatly appreciate Pastor John MacArthur’s high view of God and Scripture.  He is thorough in his study and exposition of the Bible.  He is insightful and courageous as he speaks the truth about what’s happening in our culture and in today’s churches. 

I highly recommend Parables by Pastor John MacArthur.  This book is a great resource for anyone who loves to read and study God’s Word and for those who are new to studying the Bible.  Whether you are a new Christian or mature, you’ll want to read this book.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Parables by John MacArthur in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Saturday, July 07, 2012

The Defeated Foe


DEFEAT
Front and center!
I want a full report on your subject

Well most evil one
I am happy, excuse that vile word, to report success
In keeping this man down and defeated

I’ve been surprised at how easily he’s swayed
It doesn’t take much
To keep him from reading the Bible each day

Anything from fatigue to busyness
Or little distraction from an aptly timed phone call will do
To keep him from reading the Enemy’s wretched Book

Well done…that’s a must
If he reads it daily
He may actually begin to believe it and live it

It’s critical to cut off the lines of communication with the Enemy
I find he’s easily satisfied with talking to a friend
Instead of praying to his heavenly Father

I don’t even have to work at this one
It comes naturally…thanks to that good old sin nature
It’s a wonder what little grumbling and complaining will do

One of my favorites is when he thinks he can get through the day
On his own strength and relying on his own wisdom
What a joke! 

Well done…it’s imperative that he never knows the truth
That the battle has already been won
That he already has the victory in Christ

Defeat, we may never see him in the Lake of Fire with us
But we can make sure his life here on earth
Is a miserable and defeated existence

Carry on wretched one
Our time is growing short
Excellent work in rendering your foe ineffective and defeated


by Susan Wachtel
July 6, 2012

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Hard Reading

Last night, before going to sleep, I picked up my Bible to read from Matthew.  I don’t think I realized it until afterwards, when I started reading one of my favorite books “At Home in Mitford”, how challenging it can be to read Bible.

When I read the Bible, I’m examining myself in light of God’s word and that can be hard work!  While my outward actions and words might seem okay, God looks at my heart.  God uses His word to expose the thoughts and intentions of my heart and sometimes it’s not pretty. 

Praise God that I feel that conviction of the Holy Spirit.  Praise God that He is at work in me.  Praise God that when I submit to God in obedience, He changes and molds me into the person He designed me to be, making me into the image and likeness of Christ.  That work will continue until I die.

While I’ll enjoy reading books, fiction and non-fiction, it can be a way to escape and to not confront myself with the mirror of God’s word.  That’s not to say I shouldn’t read books other than the Bible, but I need to put the word of God first in my life.  I need to be ready and willing to let God do the hard work of shining the Light into the dark recesses of my heart and mind and clean out the uglies. 

Monday, May 30, 2011

Charismatic Chaos Enters the Mainstream

A friend had recently shared how powerful Pastor John MacArthur’s sermons are on the Charismatic movement.  Truth filled sermons and exposing the lack of biblical doctrine, errors and documenting blasphemous, heretical teaching of many Charismatic leaders. 

I am so thankful for Pastor John MacArthur and Grace to You ministries who have made available for free the download of thousands of sermons he has preached for over 40 years.  I went online and downloaded Pastor MacArthur’s series “Charismatic Chaos”. 

My eyes were opened to the subtly of Charismatic teaching that has made its way into mainstream churches, pastors and Bible studies.  Teaching that is based on personal experience that’s put on par with or elevate over the Bible.  Feelings take precedence over Biblical truth.  People claim that they’ve received messages from God, however those messages don’t always line up with scripture. 

The problem comes if God is still speaking to us outside of scripture, then the Biblical canon is not closed. Who do you believe?  Do you believe the Bible or do you believe the person who is claiming to have a word from God?

Because the Bible is whole, perfect, complete and the plumb line by which everything should be measured, if someone’s teaching doesn’t line up with the Bible then they are in error. 

At first I found myself saddened when I recognized some of the errors in one of my favorite Bible study teachers.  But I realized that I should be grateful that we have been given the inerrant and inspired word of God by which we can discern error.  Am I going to love God and His word above all things and people?  Am I going to love Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength?  Am I going to guard the truth?

I believe that all too often people, especially women, have a hard time confronting error and standing for the truth.  We are so easily led by our hearts instead of reason.  But when I see erroneous teaching, it’s an opportunity to reach out and do so with love and humility and covered in prayer. 

From the beginning Satan has been mixing the truth with lies.  He still does that today.  The enemy’s lies touch our feelings and emotions and it’s hard to see the truth from the lie.  But if we have an unchanging standard of truth, the Bible, we can measure what we are hearing against the truth in the word of God.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.  For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. – Galatians 1:6-10


To listen to Pastor John MacArthur's sermons on the Charismatic movement click on the links below:



Sunday, May 29, 2011

The Bible

Perfect
Complete
Infallible

Truth
Trustworthy
The Standard

Authoritative
Sufficient
Effect

God breathed
Inspired
Word of God

Susan Bunts Wachtel
May 28, 2011

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Some Thoughts…At the End of the Day

I am so grateful to have friends in my life who are more committed to my holiness than my happiness.  People who are not afraid to speak the truth from the word of God into my life.  They have an unbending standard and they can speak with confidence when their counsel is based on the solid rock of God’s word. 

I’m grateful for friends who know the King of kings and Lord of lords and are able come to the throne of grace in prayer.  Rather than someone telling me, “I’ll be thinking about you”, or “Best of luck to you”, I know that they will go to God in prayer and that He hears our prayers.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Thoughts & Reflections…As the Day Begins

John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 

For those who say that Jesus Christ was only a man, a prophet, a teacher, or another way to salvation you have to bypass what the Bible says about who Jesus is. 

In the first verse of the Gospel of John, Jesus is declared as the Word of God, He was with God and is God.  In the original Greek, the word God refers to the Godhead, trinity:  God the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit. 

What difference does that make to me in my daily life, in my everyday world?  Shouldn’t I know what the Bible says for myself, and not merely listen to other people’s thoughts and opinions?  After all, I’m the one who will have to give an account before God when I die. 

I wonder if sometimes I fail to read God’s word because I know that God will confront me in my sin.  When I’m confronted, then I have a choice.  A choice to obey, repent and turn and do what God commands or choose to go my own way and suffer the consequence of sin and disobedience.  In my foolishness I may think that I can plead ignorance.

It’s so easy to see the “big sins” like murder and adultery as wrong.  Even unbelievers know those things are wrong.  But unless I know God’s word, unless I am washed by the word daily…I will get lazy or willfully choose to sin and walk my own way and sin will creep in.

Exodus 20:1-20
 1 And God spoke all these words, saying:
       2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
       3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.
       4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
       7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
       8 “ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
       12 “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.
       13 “You shall not murder.
       14 “You shall not commit adultery.
       15 “You shall not steal.
       16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
       17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

May I let the Light of God’s Word shine in the dark corners of my life and expose sin.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit may I comprehend what God says in the Bible.  May I choose to live in light of eternity and the certainty that one day I will have to give an account before Holy God.  May my sins, though as scarlet, be cleansed white as snow by the precious blood of the Lamb. 

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Giving Thanks…Word of God

As I reflect on the many blessings from God…one of the most important is the Word of God. 

The Bible is God’s revelation given to man…it is God breathed.  Through reading God’s word I can know the mind and heart of God.  Because God is so far beyond our comprehension…I can study the Bible for a lifetime and never fully know God…barely scratching the surface.  In the scriptures God has revealed Himself, His will and His good and perfect plan for our lives.  In the Bible God has given us truth…He has given us light to drive out the darkness. 

Through the word of God, I learned of the Father’s plan of salvation offered to me through His Son Jesus Christ.  Through the reading of God’s word, the Holy Spirit corrects, convicts and encourages me.  I am washed and renewed through the study of God’s word. 

I can hold a Bible in my hand without fear of persecution and I praise God that I have been educated and am able to read God’s word for myself.  Through the Holy Spirit I can understand the Bible.

For the word of God is alive and active. 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. – Hebrews 4:12

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Washing of the Word

This year I’ve made a concerted effort to memorize scripture.  My aim was to memorize one verse a week. 
 
For a long time…I thought that I couldn’t memorize scripture because my memory seems to get worse with each passing day.  While I may find it a challenge to pull up information lickety split I have been surprised that I have been able to memorize the scripture verses relatively easy.
 
While typically it’s been one verse a week…there’s been a few times that I’ve memorized longer passages.  Though it may take me a couple of weeks on the longer passages I am grateful that I’ve been able to memorize Bible verses.
 
There are all sorts of tips on how best to memorize scripture.  It will vary on what’s most effective for each person.
 
For me I will write out the scripture on a Post It Note and place it on my computer screen and on the bathroom mirror at home.  I’ll read the scripture verse throughout the day and when I’m at my computer, I’ll type that verse several times each day.  If I’m in the bathroom I may speak the verse out loud.  As I add a new verse each week…I’ll go back and recite or retype the previous verses so that I remember them.
 
One thing that’s been neat is being able to incorporate those verses into my prayers.  Having God’s word in my memory bank helps me to pray more boldly because I know what His word says and I can be confident that it’s within the will of God.
 
I’ve also witnessed the Holy Spirit convicting, correcting and washing me with the Word of God.  It’s hard to claim ignorance when I know what God’s word says.  If I attempt to continue to go down that wrong road and disobey God…you can be sure that the Holy Spirit is taking me to the wood shed.  So I find I’m quicker to obey and quicker to repent.
 
How about you...are you memorizing scripture?  Do you hide God’s word in your heart so that you might not sin against Him? 
 
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Friday, September 03, 2010

Thy Word

Thy Word
Brings peace to my restless heart
Comfort to my hurting soul
Joy in the midst of sorrow
Lifts my head when I am downcast
Fosters courage when I am fearful
Strengthens me when I am weak
Instills confidence when I feel uncertain
Dispenses mercy when I deserve judgment
Gives grace to help me endure
Builds my faith when I am tempted to doubt
Brought life when I was dead in my sins
Is truth in a world filled with lies
 

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
September 2, 2010

Monday, June 07, 2010

The Me Centered Gospel


Messages from the Bible
Simplified
To make me feel better

Smorgasbord preaching
Topical
About what God is doing for me

Inoffensive preaching…making all
Comfortable
The sting of conviction has been removed

The Sword of the Spirit rendered
Powerless
Replaced with trite clever phrases of men

Good works expected…motives
Unexamined
No heart check required

The Gospel message
Lacking
There is no mention of sin

by Susan Bunts Wachtel
June 6, 2010

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Time for a Change


Last weekend there was some mumbling, grumbling and complaining going on as people got up early to make it to church on time.  Ordinarily getting up early is not a big deal, but with the time change springing forward one hour, people seem to feel the effects more than falling back one hour. 
 
I found myself complaining, but even before the words left my mouth, I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
 
God brought to mind the millions of people around the world who are not able to worship freely.  They wouldn’t grumble and complain because they had to get up early.  Instead they would be praising God that they would get to join their brothers and sisters in Christ in worshipping Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and diligently study God’s word. 
 
Praise God…for the churches that preach and teach the full counsel of God’s word.  Those congregations are fed a veritable banquet and feast on God’s word each week. 

When we get home how many of us set our Bible down, only to be picked up again when we are heading out the door to church the next Sunday?  May we be mindful of the millions of people who would love to hold the Bible in their hands and read it with their own eyes. 
 
If we knew that tomorrow laws would be passed that would forbid us to attend church would there be an outcry from God’s people?  Would we flock to church in record numbers?  If we knew our Bibles would be taken away from us, outlawed or banned, how would we treat God’s Word? 

May we live in light of the precious gifts we have been given by God.  May we not take lightly our freedom to worship and read our Bible.

High Exposure by Kelly Borjas –Interesting Storyline, Likeable Character, Beautiful Setting

  High Exposure is author Kelly Borjas first novel.  It’s also the first book in the Jagged Edges series .  Not sure if it was the beautif...