Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving and Finding the Church A book review

Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans

Rachel H. Evans shares with her readers the journey she took when church as she knew it growing up became something unknown and unwanted. She reveals her struggles finding what “church” really is. She leads the reader as she discusses the various sacraments of the church – baptism, confession, communion, Holy Orders, confirmation and others. She guides the reader through the steps she took to find what she needs in a church and how it affected her walk with God.

The author, Rachel Held Evans has written several books and is a well known blogger, but this is the first of her writings that I have read. 

“Millennials aren't looking for a hipper Christianity.... We're looking for a truer Christianity, a more authentic Christianity.”

This quote from the beginning of the book (above) says what many feel today about the church. Evans explains how many churches today do not meet the needs of the congregation and do not show the love of Christ to everyone as they should. I believe many people, not only the ones Evans relate to the most, are searching for what the church is supposed to be instead of what it is. They are looking for the Jesus who spent time with the sinners; the ones who others shunned.

The author shares the experiences they had as she and her husband visits various churches in search for what they desire in a place of worship. Each time they grow more and more disheartened as they fail to find what they need. This book gives insight to different types of congregations and doctrines; which church welcomes the lost and those who don't; some of which I can not agree with. The reader is inspired to search his/her own heart and soul to find exactly what it is he/she expects from the church and from Christianity.

If you are searching for Sunday, or what church is once again, then check out this book. I found it difficult to read and understand what I read in some parts, but that may just be me, and have nothing to do with the book itself. This is my honest opinion and the only compensation I received was the book itself.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Killing Christians by Tom Doyle

From the time Peter and John were thrown into prison for being a disciple for Christ, followers of Jesus have been persecuted and/or killed for their beliefs. If one reads the New Testament about the life of Christ and His followers, he/she will find many instances where persecution and martyrdom for the sake of following Christ was common. It is nothing new. It continues today as I speak. The world news tells us about children being beheaded, adults being killed because they are Jesus followers. ISIS is one of the groups we are hearing about the most lately. Hamas is a terrorist group and kill people who follow Jesus.  Hamas especially hates the Jews. I am sure there are many I have not mentioned who murder or torture believers. Yes, people it still happens. Many Muslims are turning to Jesus and forsaking their former beliefs. They must meet in secret in the Middle East for fear of being found out by the terrorists and killed. But, these believers are so strong in their faith and following Christ, that they willingly deny Islam and hold on to Jesus when put to the test. The Islamist extremists do not tolerate anyone who does not follow Allah and their "bible."

I was given the opportunity to review the book titled Killing Christians written by Tom Doyle with Greg Webster for Family Christian bookstore. I really was interested in this book. I wanted to read the stories of Muslim believers and what they go through to live for Christ. I have been a Christian for many years and always wonder if I would be strong enough to stand for Jesus in a time such as this. Would you be strong enough? I know now that I would be stronger than I feel I would be, but it still concerns me. I know Jesus will give me the strength if I ever face what these Christians that Doyle shares with us go through. I want to thank Kristen at Family Christian for choosing me to be a reviewer. Now, let's get to the book.

Somalia, Syria, Mosul, Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, Gaza: these are places that this book concentrates on. Tom Doyle has been a missionary in the Middle East, for several years after being a pastor in various states. He has a passion for Israel and has led tours there many times. He is now the Middle East director for e3 Partners which is a group of church planters. He shares in Killing Christians stories from Muslim Christians who have either been tortured for the sake of Christ, killed for the sake of Christ or know of fellow Christians who have gone through this. It is so eye-opening to me to know more about what these people have to go through just to know Christ, read a Bible, share Christ with others. We Americans have become too complacent in our faith and ability to go to church when we want to, that we don't think of those who have to hide to worship the Lord. Mosul, one of the places talked about in this book, has been in the news just this week about ISIS destroying museum artifacts, and causing utter destruction in places that these people deem sacred. Did you know that Mosul is the Biblical Nineveh where God sent Jonah? I didn't until I read this book. I read this week that ISIS has allegedly destroyed Jonah's gravesite. This is so heartbreaking! According to Doyle:

                " 1. Forty Egyptian churches burned to the ground 2. House church leaders sentenced to Iran's infamous Evin prison. 3. Eight Christians murdered in North Korea for merely owning a Bible 4. Believers nailed to crosses in Syria"

These events happened in just one month in 2014 according to the author, Tom Doyle. It has continued, but gotten worse since these events. The author refers to a passage in John 16:2 where Jesus tells the disciples that they will be put out of the synagogue and a time is coming where when anyone kills you, they think they are doing a service for God. (paraphrase) People, that time is now. According to Doyle, in Mosul, Iraq, ISIS gave Christians four choices: "convert to Islam, pay a large and unaffordable jizya (tax), leave, or die." What would you choose? It makes one ponder how he or she would respond to such demands.

Doyle shares with us the lives of several people who live daily in fear of dying for the cause of Christ. The areas I listed in a paragraph above are where these people live or have died for their faith in God. I really enjoyed learning more about what is happening. It saddens me, but it is what is happening today. It isn't just what happened in Biblical times, but it is going on now. We Americans need to wake up and pray for these people and for more to come to Christ before it is too late. Doyle did a great job describing the details of the lives of the people written about. He did edit such items as dialogue and physical descriptions, but each story is true. He requests that the readers join him in praying for these new friends we read about. People are being crucified, beheaded, throats slit, and so on because they have found Christ and follow Him.

 Read this book. It has just been released and can be found at Family Christian Bookstore online here. This book will open your eyes more about what we hear on the news from people who have experienced the torture. Share this with your family so they may know that this is really happening and is not something we are just told by the media. Thank you for listening. Now, I have been given permission to offer a $10 gift certificate to Family Christian Bookstore. To enter, follow my blog, and tell me in the comments you do or have joined, and tell me what you think you would do in this circumstance. I will use the random number generator to choose a winner next Friday. Good luck and God Bless.

*** I received this book free from Family Christian bookstore for my opinion of the writing/book.

Wellness to the Glory of God Book Review and Giveaway

***I received this book from Family Christian Bookstore at no cost to me for my honest review.

Wellness for the Glory of God : Living Well After 40 With Joy and Contentment in all of Life was written by John Dunlop, MD. This book is such an inspirational read, that I tended to dwell on different sections, so it has taken me a little time to get through it. But, I want to encourage you to read this very well written book, because it helps us to learn how to depend upon God and His guidance in all the areas of our lives.

Dr. Dunlop discusses what wellness really means: “wellness is the blessed state of experiencing all spheres of life functioning in harmony with God's ordained purpose.” Then he breaks down the term “wellness” into different areas of our life and how God intends for us to be well. He breaks it down into 1. physical wellness 2. mental wellness 3. social wellness 4. financial wellness 5. spiritual wellness and last 6. emotional wellness. In this book, Dunlop, who is a geriatrician (one who treats older adults), shares with us stories of different patients who are going through the various steps of wellness he discusses. He uses them as examples to help his readers better understand each concept.

One thing I really liked about this book, is he uses scriptures to back up his discussion. He also includes at the end a list of the scriptures he used and what page they are on. The use of scriptures made this book more meaningful to me, because I depend on the Word to help me grow as a Christian.

As one who is over forty, this book shows me the steps I need to take to stay well in all areas of my life. He shows examples of his patients, scriptural examples to back up what he talks about and his knowledge of each area as a physician. When one thinks of being well, he or she may only consider physical wellness. I know I tend to do that myself. But, being well means so much more and covers so many more areas of our lives. How well are you? Do you know what wellness in the areas I listed above means? If not, you need to get this book from Family Christian Bookstore and read it.

I am sponsoring a giveaway for this book!! Make sure you comment here and go through the requirements in the Giveaway Tools section and maybe you will win a copy! Thank you for stopping to read my review of this greatly informative book.  You can find this book at Family Christian Bookstore online at http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/273669/

Teresa

Family Christian Bookstore Blogger

#FCBlogger

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Magnolia Market Review by Judy Christie

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Photo from BookLook Bloggers.com

It has been a year since her life changed dramatically. A year since her husband suddenly died. She thought her situation was about to improve when the final steps were taken in her purchase of the classy boutique where she worked. A place she had brought back from ruin. A business that she had put her heart and soul into and loved. But, events happened suddenly that changed Avery Broussard's life forever.  

She is expecting someone else when this tall, dark, and handsome man walks in and immediately grabs her attention. She is unaware of why he is there or who he is until he says he is there to do repairs on the shop. She has no clue what is going on, but wants him gone before the guest she is expecting arrives. This mystery man becomes more and more important in Avery's life as it turns upside down when her mother-in-law, Evangeline arrives and tells her that she is selling the store to someone else. Avery is devastated when she discovers all that the almighty Broussards have planned for her. 

After accidentally running into a store building with her SUV called, Magnolia Market, she discovers exactly how much her life can change in a heartbeat even more than it already has. This event along with learning she has lost the boutique opens doors for Avery that she never dreamed were there. She is given new hope and challenges that enables her to create a new life. Avery's faith is tested and tried, but God prevails in what He wants for her. Her only family consists of her father who is a missionary and lets her know he is praying for her daily. That conversation leads Avery to open her Bible to Jeremiah 29:11. Two words stand out to her hope and future. These two words helps Avery survive during the next adventures she faces. Such an inspiring message!

Read this book to find out what all happens to Avery, and how God brings about blessings from trials and struggles, and how Avery discovers the plans God has to bring hope and a future for her. Avery shows what determination and hard work can bring into her life. She and T.J. work together to build a new futures. There are laughs, hard times, struggles of all kinds in this story. Neither of the main characters find themselves where they ever thought they would be at this time in their lives. 

Experience a great storyline creative writing, and interesting characters. Each character develops the story line and supports the main characters well. I really enjoyed this book and it was an inspiring story to me. I believe it will encourage any reader by showing that just because life has its struggles and hardships, that if we lean on God, He will make a way to bring happiness and new life.

Magnolia Market by Judy Christie is a book I received from BookLook Bloggers to review for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked at the beginning! If you love romantic stories, family feuds, business adventures, helping others, etc., you will like this book. This book contains all of the above and more. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by Judy Christie.

I was sent this book free to review for BookLook Bloggers. I received no other compensation for review. This review shares my thought and opinions of the book.