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The Book That Made America: How The Bible Formed Our Nation

// September 7th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith

There is much debate going on about what principles the United States of America was founded. Was it founded by a bunch of capitalists who just happened to be moralists? Or, was it founded on Judeo/Christian principles that were established thousands of years earlier in the Bible? You would think this would be a no-brainer, but somehow atheists (and others)  have their own version of why there are so many references to God and the Bible in the early writings and lives of our founding fathers.

In his book, The Book That Made America: How the Bible Formed Our Nation, Jerry Newcombe sets out to prove that our nation was indeed founded on Christian principles, and it is those same principles that we’ve strayed away from.

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The Book That Made America: How the Bible Formed Our Nation (Nordskog Publishing) by Jerry Newcombe is a definitive volume on the Christian roots of our nation. Those who want to restore knowledge of our Christian heritage have their work cut out. As secularism continues its stranglehold on American education, we move further and further away from retaining our Christian roots. The Book That Made America will challenge anyone to know the true origin of our Nation and to fight to keep it. Newcombe hopes to educate Americans by providing the facts of history, proving that America began as a Christian nation and American’s have every right to preserve and uphold that heritage.

All that is positive in our foundation can be traced back to the Scriptures. Recently, President Obama declared that America is not a Christian nation, while Newsweek announced the demise of Christian America. This book is the answer to America’s critics with the facts of history.

Click here to buy this book at Amazon.com

And/Or

You can win a free copy. I have one copy to giveaway to someone. Leave a reply stating why you think this book would be a good read and I’ll pick one entry to send a free book to.

Jerry Newcombe, D. Min., is senior producer for Coral Ridge Ministries and has produced or coproduced more than fifty documentaries. The host of two weekly radio shows, he has also been a guest on numerous television and radio talk shows – including Fox Business News, C-Span, USA Radio and Moody Radio. He is the author or coauthor of twenty two books, including with Dr. Kennedy, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?, How Would Jesus Vote?, and The Presence of a Hidden God.

A Letter from Dr. Charles Hull Wolfe
President, Plymouth Rock Foundation

Dear Christian Friend,

Recently President Barak Obama, while on a trip abroad and without giving the matter sufficient thought, casually declared that the United States is not a Christian nation. If the President had been a little more analytical, and especially if he’d read the remarkable new book you now hold in your hands, in all probability he would never have made such a statement. For page after page, from the beginning to the end, The Book that Made America by the gifted and scholarly Dr. Jerry Newcombe tells us America was born a Christian nation and has been one ever since.
This book begins by exploring America’s Christian roots with the Bible as the country’s basic textbook, the Bible’s law and covenant illustrated in the lives of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact, becoming our guide to individual self-government, structured constitutionalism, and a free market. If you turn all the way back to this book’s Appendix, what do you discover? The United States Supreme Court made it official: America Is a Christian Nation!
No matter what books you now own about our Christian history, I encourage you to get this one! – for an adult Sunday School or Teen Sunday School, for your pastor, or simply for your own edification. Become a more knowledgeable Christian citizen! After you learn about the significance of the Pilgrims, come visit their home in Plymouth. — CHW

Praise for The Book That Made America…

Say that America is a Christian nation and you’ll be brought up on hate crime charges – or at least thought an ignoramus. But what are the facts of history? The Book That Made America demonstrates that there once was a Book even more integral to this nation than Al Gore’s Earth in the Balance. I recommend Dr. Newcombe’s book highly!
— Ann Coulter, New York Times #1 Author

The Book That Made America is a most welcome addition to the growing literature that documents the foundational and pivotal role that the Bible played in the founding of our nation and the forming of our government. Dr. Jerry Newcombe combines accurate scholarship and careful analysis with engaging writing. This arsenal of historic wisdom from our Judeo-Christian heritage should be in your library. If you have funds to buy only one book on this topic, this is the one!
— Peter A. Lillback, Ph.D. Prof. of Historical Theology, Pres., Westminster Theological Seminary, Pres., The Providence Forum, Sr. Pastor, Proclamation Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mywr, PA

Historical revisionism is alive and well in our nation’s classrooms and in the media. So what has been the Bible’s role in American history? It certainly had a profound impact on the founding of this country as well as in the framing of the government. And where did we go astray as a nation? How can we return to our Biblical roots? Jerry Newcombe answers these and many other questions in The Book That Made America. Read this book to learn the history our nation has forgotten.
— Kerby Anderson, National Director, Probe Ministries International, Host of “Point of View,” USA Radio Network, and author of many books and articles

Jerry Newcombe has created a masterpiece of apologetics that skillfully portrays the power of Scripture in the transformation of the American wilderness into the world’s first Christian constitutional republic. His writing is profound and well documented, yet easy to read. This great book will become a timeless educational resource that catapults the centrality of Christ and His Word back to the heart of our civilization where it belongs.
— Marshall Foster, D.D. Founder and Pres., The Mayflower Institute and World History Institute, Speaker, and Coauthor of The American Covenant: The Untold Story, Thousand Oaks, CA

In The Book That Made America, Jerry Newcombe quickly cuts through the fog of agenda driven rhetoric to give a brilliant and unbiased examination of what made America unique among the nations of the world. Jerry’s commanding knowledge of history provides clear and undeniable evidence that the Bible was a key formative influence in America’s culture, economy, and form of government.
— William J. Federer Best-selling author and speaker, nationally known radio host on AmericanMinute.com, Pres., Amerisearch, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri

Jerry Newcombe has furnished Christian believers with a major weapon for the moral and spiritual civil war we are waging for the soul of America. He carefully provides us in a readable and engaging way with quotable evidence of the Christian roots of our nation. This book should be in the home of every American patriot.
— Peter J. Marshall Evangelist, speaker, and co-author of best-selling books, including The Light and the Glory, Cape Cod, MA

Book Reviews: “Under the Distant Sky” and “A Gathering of Finches”

// July 6th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith

Under the Distant Sky by Al & Joana Lacy

This was a “God-fearing” book, full of various circumstances in which the Copper family truly trusted the Lord in almost everything they did. They demonstrated the true meaning of “loving thy neighbor as thyself”, as they left their home town, joined a wagon train, and traveled westward.

Although it was a simple story, there was enough intrigue to keep you interested to the end. It’s a good book for a church or a family library.

Summary:

In the years following the Civil War, Hannah and Solomon Cooper decide to seek out a new life on the frontier. In the dangerous journey that follows, however, tragedy strikes. By all reasonable expectations they should return home. Yet to the surprise of everyone in the wagon train — and despite great opposition — Hannah presses onward, displaying grit, courage, and a faith deep enough to sustain her family through life’s greatest trials.

You can buy it at Random House.

A Gathering of Finches by Jane Kirkpatrick

This is a story about a young lady who doesn’t really know who she is, doesn’t like who she is, but does almost nothing to make a change in her life. Though very pretty and gifted, she has a hard time finding ways to give of herself.

Follow this young lady as she discovers that, though you may have it all materially, that doesn’t mean you are content or happy. In the end, does she make peace with God, or is it a life wasted?

Summary:

Based on historical characters and events, A Gathering of Finches tells the story of a turn-of-the-century Oregon coastal couple and the consequences of their choices, as seen through the eyes of the wife, her sister, and her Indian maid. Along the way, the reader will discover reasons to trust that money and possessions can’t buy happiness or forgiveness, nor permit us to escape the consequences of our choices. The story emphasizes the message that real meaning is found in the relationships we nurture and in living our lives in obedience to God

You can buy it at Random House.

Book Review: The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul

// June 22nd, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith

I just want to start this out by saying that this book, The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul, was great. I had no idea what to expect. I’d never heard of the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but that didn’t matter. From the very beginning, this book was a treat; and one that I looked forward to reading.

To say that it was an easy read, would be a disservice. The Vanishing Sculptor had some of the deepest character and scene development I’ve ever read. To be honest, it reminded me of an epic, like The Lord of the Rings. The book took place over and entire country and every step was detailed, to the point you felt like you were there. The characters, who were all both funny and flawed in some way (except Paladin), were fantastic, and easy to identify with.

My only advice, other than to tell you to buy the book –because it is worth it— is to read the dictionary at the back of the book. In it, it details the characters, explains the different types of people and places. I didn’t realize it was there until about half-way through the book. So when I saw O’rant or Emerlindian, I just had to figure it out.

This book is for all ages and sexes. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy reading this book, and the lessons that are taught throughout, by Beccaroon, the Sculptor and Paladin, are spot on.

I look forward to the next one in the series.

You can buy this book at Random House.

Read it and enjoy.

royb

Book Reviews: The Disappearance of God, Eyes Wide Open and Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart

// June 15th, 2009 // No Comments » // Book Reviews, Emergent Church, Relevant Faith

The Disappearance of God

I’ll have to admit that I am a reader of trends. I try to keep up with what direction something is “trending”. For instance, the NBA is trending upward. After Michael Jordan re-retired, the NBA took a tremendous hit and the the ratings began to plummet. But, recently it has been gaining momentum and it is trending upward.

What does that have to do with a book review? Everything. The Disappearance of God, by Dr. Albert Mohler, is a teaching on trends, and where the church in America is headed if we aren’t careful. He goes into detail on such topics as, the emergent church movement, why don’t preachers preach about hell anymore, what happened to church discipline, is sin still sin, and are churches pandering to the their members in order to survive. (Plus more)

I enjoyed this book very much. Dr. Mohler is a brilliant theologian and an excellent writer, and it shows. The book is deep, I won’t lie to you. Have a thesaurus and a dictionary near by, unless you are much smarter than me –which isn’t hard, to be honest.

I’ve noticed something in my short 36 years here on earth. We, as Americans, can learn a lot about our future just by watching Europe. Europe was once this great beacon of Christian principles and morals but than it began to tank, and look at it now. To be a true Christian in Europe, you are in the minority, not the majority. If the trend is accurate, and if we aren’t careful, America will follow this pattern.

I recommend this book to anyone who believes that America is headed for trouble, if churches don’t stay true to the word of God.

You can purchase this book here, at Random House.

Eyes Wide Open

As believers, we’ve all struggled somewhere, sometime with our identity. I mean come on, who hasn’t wondered whether or not God can truly love them after all of the junk they’ve done? Maybe you, like many, have looked in the mirror of your soul and been worried that maybe, just maybe, you were beyond God’s grace. If so, than this book is definitely for you. From page one, it hit me right between the eyes that God loved me before I ever even acknowledged Him, and He will never, ever leave me nor forsake me.

Summary

I had it all backwards. The main thing was not my love for God, but his love for me. And from that love I respond to God as one deeply flawed, yet loved. I’m not looking to prove my worth. I’m not searching for acceptance. I’m living out of the worth God already declares I have. I’m embracing his view of me and in the process discovering the person he created me to be.

In Eyes Wide Open, Jud Wilhite invites you to discover the real you. Not the you who pretends to be perfect to satisfy everyone’s expectations. Not the you who always feels guilty before God. Not the you who secretly feels God forgives everyone else but only tolerates you. Not the you who looks in the mirror and sees a failure. The real you, loved and forgiven by God, living out of your identity in Christ.

A travel guide through real spirituality from one incomplete person to another, Eyes Wide Open is a book of stories about following God in the messes of life, about broken pasts and our lifelong need for grace. It is a book about seeing ourselves and God with new eyes–eyes wide open to a God of love.

You can purchase the book here, at Random House.

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Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black

Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn.

But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes–life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he’ll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?

You can purchase the book here, at Random House.

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Cindy Woodsmall: ABC Nightline

// June 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // Book Reviews

Amish Love

What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?

Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.

And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now

Book Review: Night Watchman by Mark Mynheir

// May 25th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Book Reviews, society in general

Growing up, my mom was a huge Agatha Christie fan. In fact, she may have nearly every book she ever wrote in one form or another. So from an early age, I’ve been hooked on murder mystery books and, unfortunately, TV shows as well.

So when I was given the chance to review this book, I jumped at it. My only concern was whether or not it would be too “churchy”, like a lot of Christian fiction books end up. Now, I’m all for the gospel message being presented, but it can get in the way of its self sometimes and lose the readers. Night Watchman, by Mark Mynheir, was what I hoped it would be: a good mystery with likeable, identifiable characters and a strong gospel message that wasn’t over-bearing.

Ray Quinn, the main character and ex-detective, is working as a night watchman at a condo in Orlando when a murder-suicide is discovered in one of the rooms. The two victims are a local pastor and an exotic dancer, which obviously is going to make the news. Quinn, who has avoided any police work since he was shot and forced to retire, gets involved with the case when the dead pastor’s sister asks him to clear her brother’s name.

The author, Mynheir, does a great job of telling a story that is plausible, understandable and intriguing. This book is apparently the first in a series and I look forward to reading the others when they come out.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery. It will have you guessing right up to the last pages.

You can buy the book here.

Author Bio:

A detective with the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Palm Bay Police Department, Mark Mynheir investigates violent crimes and writes riveting Christian fiction. A U.S. Marine with a passion for martial arts and firearms training, Mark has worked on narcotics units, SWAT teams, and myriad high-risk situations. His four novels offer a realistic glimpse into the gritty world of law enforcement and the rarely seen raw emotions behind the badge. Mark lives in Florida with his wife and three children.

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Book Review: Clutter-Free Christianity

// April 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith

When did the Christian life become so complicated?

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.

It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.

Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

To Learn more about or purchase Clutter-Free Christianity, click this link.

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.

Read These Book Reviews (It Could Save Your Marriage)

// February 9th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith, society in general

I have had the privilege of reviewing books for Multnomah (Random House) for quite some time now, and this set of books has meant the most to me. A marriage, like anything you care about, needs time, love, and care to make it work. I have made a commitment this year to invest more time and energy on making my marriage as strong as it can be. Because to me, the stronger my marriage is, the better chance both Heidi and I and our kids have at becoming all that we can be. God has blessed me with a wonderful spouse and I, like any guy, need as much help as possible to make sure I don’t screw it up. Read through the summaries and then purchase these books. Don’t say, “Well, maybe next month or next year.” Bite the bullet and make a commitment to your spouse to do everything in your power to have a marriage that can stand the test of time.

With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.

You can purchase this book at Amazon.

Author Bio:

Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas, office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas, Texas with their two college-age daughters.

In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

You can purchase this book at Amazon.

Author Bio:

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.

Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]

So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

You can purchase this book at Amazon.

Author Bio:

Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.

Win a free book:

Leave a comment telling me the best thing about your spouse and what book you would like to win and you may be picked to receive a free copy.

Book Review: The Greatest Words Ever Spoken

// January 4th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith

I just want to start right off the bat by saying this book is fantastic. Whether you are a pastor or just someone who loves digging into God’s word, this book is a must-have reference. If you are anything like me you know that Jesus said something about something but you have no idea where it is or how to find it. This book takes every word spoken by Jesus and puts in order by topic.

It is an easily followed book that will become indispensable to you. Order a copy of it and start using a reference book that has been sorely needed.

You can buy the book at Random House.

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Here is the official Summary:

The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K. Scott

Every Word of Jesus Right at Your Fingertips

Haven’t you wished you could ask Jesus any question and get his immediate help with the biggest problems you face? Now you can.

For the first time ever, all of the statements Jesus made in the New Testament have been brought together and organized under more than 200 topics. When you want to know his will in a specific area of life, or you’re seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or you are desperate for his encouragement, comfort, or wisdom–you can easily find the help you need.
The moment you turn to the appropriate topic heading, you will have access to the breadth of Jesus’ teaching on that subject. You can also use this book as a guide for studying Jesus’ wisdom on any topic of interest, such as prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptation, relationships, grace, or knowing God.
As you immerse yourself in Jesus’ words, your life and relationships will be transformed, and your faith and spiritual passion will be renewed. Let the greatest words ever spoken bring new vision, power, and joy into your life–one statement at a time.

Book Review: Living Rich for Less by Ellie Kay

// December 15th, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Book Reviews, Relevant Faith

You really can be rich in every way, every day.

So you want to own the home you love, make memories on wonderful vacations with family or friends, finance college educations, and help others too?

You can—starting here and now.

With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Living Rich for Less helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams. Ellie Kay’s entertaining and enlightening examples show you simple steps to save, spend, and give smart, and her three main principles are undergirded by dozens of effective rules and hundreds of Cha-Ching Factor™ tips that keep or put money in your pocket.

Ellie knows what it’s like to be financially-strapped or struggling, wanting to be the Joneses but feeling as poor in spirit as in pocketbook. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and within fifteen years able to pay cash for eleven different cars, give away three of those cars, buy two five-bedroom houses (moving from one to the other) and nicely furnish each, take wonderful vacations, dress her family in fine fashion; and support more than thirty non-profit organizations in more than a dozen different countries, giving away more than $100,000.

Isn’t that the kind of transformation to a rich life that you want?

Living Rich for Less helps anyone get there in our taxed-out, maxed-out times. Because financial security doesn’t mean just genuine prosperity, but being able to live luxuriously, give generously, and care for yourself as well as the others around you.

Why keep up with the Joneses when you can be them?

You can buy the book at Amazon.com

And you can also win a free copy, I have two to give away. Just leave a comment with your best money saving tip and I’ll pick a winner from among the entries. Good Luck.

royb