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JUNE 16, 2004
(WEDNESDAY)
The name of the Book: "THE OUTLAW SEA"
The author: William Langewiesche
I saw the book in a regular bookstore and it
caught my eye.
I sometimes do some collateral reading as I
prepare a Bible text for preaching. I had long been interested
in Isaiah’s great passage comparing the wicked of the world to
the troubled sea!
Here’s the text I had in mind:
"But the wicked are like
the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire
and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."
Isaiah 57:20-21
The 239 page (hardback) book I’ve read is
helpful in several areas.
It has freshly illustrated how very dangerous
the sea really is!
The author discusses shipwrecks (including
the terrible shape of some ocean going vessels), storms, pirates
(yes even still today), and even the newly developing industry
of "shipbreaking" (salvaging old boats and tankers and
freighters)!
This is not a spiritual book and has to be
acclimated to Bible truth ... but it has provided me a wealth of
information about the sea!
I do not recommend the book to a preacher
just for the sake of having it. (It’s still too expensive,
anyway. No paperback issue is coming for quite a while.) BUT if
you were interested in the dangers of the oceans ... this is a
helpful little volume.
I remain amazed at some of the things he
discusses.
No wonder the Jews were NOT a seafaring
people! Thank God for the Promised LAND!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
JUNE 2,
2004 (WEDNESDAY)
The name of the
book I’m reviewing today is “Reason.”
It’s written by a
liberal Jew named Robert Reich, who was Secretary of Labor under
the past Democratic administration.
He is an outspoken
Liberal!
In fact this book
is subtitled: “Why Liberals will win the Battle for America.”
The writer nearly
hates strong Conservatives like 99.9% of our readers are!
BUT I fear he may
be right in his assumption about the cultural war that’s raging
in our country. I fear the Liberals just might win it!
He calls us RADCONS!
That’s his abbreviation for Radical Conservatives!
Let me share with
you a bit of his perverted reasoning.
He says that the
moral issues of our day have nothing to do with abortion or
immorality or the rejection of Judeo-Christian ethics. No! No!
He says the real
moral issues of our day center on the salaries of CEO's (Chief
Executive Officers)! He says the real sin of our times is
occurring in the boardroom … not the bedroom! (In other
words 25 or 30 multi-millionaires making too much money is worse
than thousands and thousands of adulterers and adulteresses and
homosexuals and lesbians and abortionists!) I strongly
disagree!
He believes the
leaders of great companies should not be allowed to makes lots
of money … and for them to do so is immoral!
I am myself against
some “fat cats” getting rich while their employees go
hungry! But according to the Bible sexual immorality will
destroy a nation! So will the shedding of innocent blood (like
unborn babies)!
He further argues
that our conservative brand of patriotism is wrong.
We (wrongly he
feels) want to honor and uplift America to the exclusion of
other nations even! He is a globalist, an international mover
and shaker. (So will the anti-christ be!) He believes we are
phobia-laden with this “terrorism” thing.
Hear me: it is
wrong to mistreat a foreigner simply because he or she is from
another land or culture. BUT once they begin destroying
innocent lives … something must be done! (I mean in a legal and
upright way.)
The Bible never
condones mistreatment of anyone. BUT it clearly states that
“strangers” invading a land (that’s foreigners) are indications
of God’s judgment on a people! (Deuteronomy 28:43 ---
“The stranger that is within thee shall
get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.”)
Here’s the
“premise” of his book as I interpret it.
Liberals believe in
“giveaway” government. Welfare, social services and all the
rest! He is betting that brand of "socialism" will win the day!
That the more folks who vote (at least those who WANT HANDOUTS,
who feel the government OWES THEM A LIVING) … the more the
liberal side will prevail! And he may be right!
He also (at least
in my reading) seems to believe that the “anything goes”
philosophy on moral issues will also be victorious in the long
run. He thinks there are very few moral people left … or so it
seems to me. And again, he may be right.
All I know is
this. I’ve read the book. I’ve given you the “essence” of
what’s in it. DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY!
Maybe we will have
better success with our book next week!
BUT if Mr. Reich is
right … we Christians face some hard days ahead!
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MAY 24, 2004 (MONDAY)
This book could be called "outdated" I
guess. It was initially written back when Mr. Bill Clinton
was President. But the truths it enumerates are still in force,
thank the Lord!
It is entitled "How the Clinton Clergy
Corrupted A President."
It is pretty "plain" reading!
The author, Evangelist Moody Adams, gives
us the story behind the kind of preaching former President Bill
Clinton has heard all his life. It is amazing.
Where did Mr. Clinton learn to support
abortion rights? From his "preacher!"
Where did he learn to smile upon
homosexuality? From his "preacher!"
Where did he learn that sin is just not an
important issue at all? From his preacher!
I realize that the Clintons no longer hold
national office ... but I have a feeling liberal
Bible-denying preachers are still ruining lives by the
thousands!
By the way, a Clinton could yet again hold
national office, you know.
I recommend the book to you men of God.
It has 233 pages and is in paperback.
It is not expensive and can be purchased at a Christian
bookstore (or ordered there anyway).
If not, I got mine through the
Books-a-Million website (bamm.com).
I am not saying here that I agree with
every statement Evangelist and author Moody Adams makes in the
book. But I am saying that the preachers of America badly
need to hear these words! God, give us men with BACKBONES
again!
Reading this kind of material ought to
sadden our hearts ... AND make us want to earnestly contend for
the faith!
I say ... PREACH THE WORD!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MAY 17, 2004
(Monday)
The name of the Book is "Posterity."
It is written by a researcher named Dorie
McCollough Lawson.
It consists of dozens and dozens of
letters written by famous (and not so famous) Americans to their
children.
These are letters giving advice and
sharing values and communicating ideas ... from parents to sons,
daughters or even grandchildren. (Some are from "Dad."
Others are from "Mom.")
Some of them are wise (but only a few).
Others are sickening. Some are trivial. But here's
the point: Most of these letters were written later in
life when the parents were aware of approaching death.
What did they pass on to their kids?
What a mirror to reflect the morality (and
other values) of our land!
In reading the book I was reminded of the
letters of the New Testament!
What a difference!
My favorite is Paul's last letter to his
young son in the faith, Timothy.
You may read my comments about it on the
"2
Timothy 4:1-6" Page of
our website. I've hyper-linked it for you in the blue print.
The book is new and only available in
hardback right now.
It has 336 pages and is a very interesting
read.
I guarantee you will leave it with a
sermon burning in your heart!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
May 10, 2004
(Monday)
There is a book taking America by storm!
It is named "The Da Vinci Code" and is written by a man named
Dan Brown.
It attacks the very fundamentals of the
Christian faith! It virtually calls everything we believe
a "hoax!"
To refute the claims of this pagan best
seller ... several Believers have written responses.
This week's book is such a Defense of our
Faith!
It is named "Cracking Da Vinci's Code" and
is written by James L. Garlow and Peter Jones.
It has 252 pages and is published by
Victor Books.
It is readily available in most areas.
In it the authors first explain the wicked
plot of "The Da Vinci Code."
Next they refute its false claims.
There is a good Bible explanation about
such vital truths as Jesus' Deity! (Which Dan Brown
denies!) Jesus claimed for Himself the status of being the
Son of God! Listen to Him in John 10:30 ---
"I and my Father are one."
In our book also there's a defense of the
Bible as the inspired Word of God! I believe the Word of
God is without error!
There's a fairly good response to the
feminism of the Da Vinci Code as well. (Brown's book says
that the church depreciates women! I say the Lord Jesus
respected and elevated ladies ... never abusing them in any
way!)
Garlow and Jones also give a pretty good
refutation of present day Gnosticism, which is taking over
America rapidly! (While the popular novel is a seed plot
for Gnostic theology!)
And through it all the writers weave a
sub-plot explaining the real plan of salvation!
We fundamentalists will not agree with the
book in every area ... but I am glad someone is fighting
the lies promoted by a Christ denying best selling (still only
in hardback) novel!
The book's name again" "Cracking Da
Vinci's Code."
It is for sure an enlightening piece of
literature!
I recommend it for its basic message.
(I do not endorse every statement it makes!)
As usual, if anyone buys and reads it ...
let me hear from you. Your "input" is always helpful!
Remember, readers are leaders!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
April 26, 2004
(Monday)
Last week I read a good book on the King
James Bible.
Its title is "The Men Behind The King
James Version."
It was written by a man named Gustavus S.
Paine.
I doubt the book can still be bought other
than through a used book source.
(You local library can get you a copy to
read via Inter-Library Loan in all probability.)
The book virtually gives you a synopsis of
the lives of the King James translators.
It is an interesting history.
And every history of this old Bible that I
have read (a number of them now) ... ultimately says that
"something" greater than these linguists was involved in
producing such a "great" work!
I agree!
Often you will read that "they (the
translators) worked far beyond their capabilities on this one
project!"
It is my conviction that God intervened
and produced for us in English the precious Bible we all so
treasure!
The book has 212 pages including the notes
and index.
My copy is in paperback and I've had it
for years. (It was first published in 1959 but reprinted
as late as 1988.)
Let's learn some of the glorious history
of our Bible.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
April 19, 2004
(Monday)
I read a precious little book last week as
I traveled. An airport or a plane seat can be a great
place to study!
This short (127 pages) volume gives 50
(fifty!) reasons WHY Jesus died! (Along with a verse of
Scripture to prove the point!)
I thought it was a unique approach to
Calvary.
Preachers, it just might spawn a whole
series of sermon "seed" thoughts!
And we all need to stop and contemplate
the old rugged Cross regularly!
The Book's Title: THE PASSION OF
JESUS CHRIST! (No relation to the movie at all!)
The Book's Author: John Piper
The Book's Publisher: Crossway Books
The Book's Location: I bought mine
at Wal-Mart! Bookstores everywhere have it though.
(Also available "on-line.")
Some of you buy it and read it. It
will expand your horizons concerning our great salvation!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
April 12, 2004
(Monday)
I've just finished reading an A. W. Tozer
book. It is entitled "JESUS, OUR MAN IN GLORY." It
is a series of messages he preached shortly before his death.
Therefore it should be Tozer at his best ... his most mature ...
his very closest to the Lord!
It is a commentary (12 chapters) on the
opening sections of the Book of Hebrews ... and it is pretty
good!
It certainly exalts our dear Lord!
It's a paperback and has 136 pages.
I recommend it to you.
My favorite chapter is "Jesus, Standard of
Righteousness."
I've never been able to say Tozer was
particularly motivating for me ... but He excels in this piece
of work!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
April 5, 2004
(Monday)
I saw this book reviewed by a conservative
group and decided to buy it. I am so glad I did!
It's title is "THE RETURN OF
ANTI-SEMITISM."
It's author is Gabriel Schoenfeld.
It was published this year (2004) and it
up-to-date in every way.
It is a sad commentary on the state of
affairs world wide (and I do mean world wide) regarding the
growing Jew hatred of our day.
It's coming!
Things are going to get worse than even
during the days of Hitler.
This book I believe is a "MUST READ" for
every fundamental Pastor!
Now, keep in mind that it is NOT a Bible
commentary. It does not discuss Scripture. I doubt
that the author is even saved. (Neither is it
anti-Bible!) BUT it does show how Bible prophecy is being
fulfilled before our very eyes daily!
It has 193 pages of text (including the
index).
It's new and is only available in
hardback. As few copies will sell (likely) ... it may
never be available in paperback. (It is worth the money.)
We preachers need to know what the enemy
is doing against God's precious people Israel.
I still believe Genesis 12:1-3 and plan to
live by it. "Now the LORD had said
unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred,
and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee,
and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
And I will bless them
that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in
thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
Read the book.
Pray for the peace of Israel. Read
Psalm 122:6 ---
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they
shall prosper that love thee."
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
March 30, 2004
(Tuesday)
Due to the hours of travel yesterday (7 hours
of driving from Cumming to Greenville, Mississippi) I did not
get the book review posted.
I therefore this Tuesday would like to
recommend to you a volume titled "Four Views of Christ" by an
author named Andrew Jukes. He was born in 1815 in England
and died in 1901. He is an old-fashioned fundamentalist
writer with a love for God.
Sister Norma and I are studying the Gospel of
Mark this March ... and I've used Jukes' book for the first time
in years.
In his work he compares the different
ways the four Gospel writers present Christ. Here's a
beautiful presentation of Jesus as King (Matthew), Servant
(Mark), Perfect Man (Luke) and God (John)! He does as good
a job on this subject as anyone I've ever read.
He also has a book on "The Law of the
Offerings" that's great. In it he analyzes the Old
Testament offerings of Leviticus 1-7.
And (as you probably already know) his work
called "The Names of God in Holy Scripture" is a classic.
If anyone finds a copy of "Four Views" ...
and reads it ... let me know your thoughts!
Go ahead. Discipline yourself.
Somehow make the time. Read a book this week!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
March 22, 2004 (Monday)
Today I'd like to mention a book to you that
I've had for a while. But I just read it over the past couple of
weeks. (I sometimes buy a book that catches my attention
... even though I know I can't read it for a time.)
It is titled "WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE?"
It only has 247 pages but is filled with
interesting information.
Written by Dr. Erwin Lutzer, the book covers
some areas of life that many preachers just won't "touch"
anymore!
Listen to these chapter names:
* Why are we afraid to judge?
* When you judge Doctrine!
* When you judge False Prophets (How to
recognize them)!
* When you judge Miracles (from God or
the devil)?
* When you judge Entertainment!
* When you judge Appearances!
* When you judge Neopaganism!
* When you judge Ghosts, Angels and
Shrines!
* When you judge Conduct!
* And When you judge Character!
Some of his statements in the book are just
classic!
There are also a few little areas where I do
not agree with him completely ... but I still read the book with
profit.
We preachers need to get back to exposing and
rebuking sin!
The ISBN: 0-8024-0943-1
If anyone reads this ... let me hear from
you.
And do remember this ... "READERS ARE
LEADERS!"
Always have a book with you. You never
know when you'll have ten or fifteen minutes of "free" time!
(Or five minutes for that matter!)
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
March 15, 2004
(Monday)
This week's Book: MASTER SECRETS OF
PRAYER
Author: Cameron Thompson
Paperback ... just over 100 pages in
length.
This is not a long or complex book, but is
written by a godly man who practiced the ministry of prayer
every day he lived.
It's full of practical suggestions.
I believe every Christian ought to have
(and read) this particular book.
ISBN: 0-9627630-0-4
My copy came from: Living Light
Publications, 1050 Sunlight Court, Madison, Georgia, 30650.
Chapter titles: The School of
Prayer, The Approach to Prayer, How to Intercede, Hindrances to
Prayer, How to Pray, and Some Biblical Hints about Prayer.
If you get a copy, you will enjoy it.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
March 8, 2004
(Monday)
I am telling you about this book with some
reservations. The author is not a fundamentalist by any
means. But he IS a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And he has struck a chord that is vital to Christian living in
these last days. The book falls into the category of
Christian "apologetics." Now let me explain that term.
"Apologetics" here has NOTHING to do with saying you're sorry or
anything like that. It's a Greek word that basically means a
"defense" of someone or something. Apologetics is that
area of Christian discipline that defends the faith we
all believe!
Now to the name of the book: "Rumors
of another world." It is written by a young man named
Philip Yancey. Subtitled: "What On Earth Are We
Missing?" The work is relatively new. It only has
262 pages of text and helps. It is only available right
now in hardback form. List price $22.99. I bought my
copy on sale at a Christian bookselling chain for $14.99 and got
an additional 20% discount with my pastor's card. (ISBN
0-310-25217-2)
It's labeled in the flyleaf: "For
those who live in the borderlands of belief" The work is
designed to help strengthen faith in these days of unbelief and
apostasy.
The essence of the book is the author's
belief (validated by Scripture I might add) that all of life
draws us pictures of spiritual realities. That again and
again man's existence echoes "rumors" from another world ...
heaven!
Ignore the writer's personal spiritual
"quirks" and read for the principles behind his theses and you
will be profited by the material here.
I especially loved the book because of the
many "word pictures" it contains. (Dozens of them!)
They might be wonderful (spiritual) conversation starters and
give you some great pulpit material when beginning a service or
just making the weekly announcements.
If someone reads the book, let me know
your opinion please.
I don't think I'm heartily recommending
the book to you ... just telling you about it. The Lord
will have to lead you.
But it well may give you pastors some
"help" in dealing with folks who are weak in their faith.
Of course the BEST faith builder I know is
described in Romans 10:17.
"So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
March 1, 2004 (Monday)
Let me recommend to you a book that is
written by a man who was born in London in 1808. His name is
Octavious Winslow and he writes in the old fashioned Puritan
tradition.
The name of the particular book: The
Precious Things of God.
I read this recently and it warmed my heart
greatly.
Each of us should read a book by some great
preacher of the past occasionally. To me they are MUCH
better writers than most contemporary men.
This book has 424 pages.
It may not be in print currently but a copy
could be found through used book sources I'm sure. (Or
remember, your local Inter-library Loan Department can help.)
Here are some of the "precious" things he
discusses: The PRECIOUSNESS of ... Christ Himself!
Saving faith! Our trials! God's thoughts!
The divine promises! Jesus' Blood! Holy Spirit
Anointing! God's Word! And even the Death of God's
saints!
I have learned by using my concordance that
he does not cover every precious thing in the Bible ... but
enough are discussed to make the book a valuable addition to any
library!
The ISBN: 1-877611-99-2
And as usual, if someone reads it ... let me
know what YOU think!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
February 23, 2004
(Monday)
Let me relate to you a "book" event in my
life. It occurred several weeks ago now. As I was
pondering the great "call" to preach that God extends to His
dear pastors and evangelists, I remembered something.
As a young boy (likely 10-12 years of age)
my Grandmother and Aunt gave me a book to read. It was
distributed by Dr. Theodore Epp and a radio ministry then called
"Back to the Bible."
It was written by Bernard Palmer (famous
for his GREAT Danny Orlis series of Christian fiction books for
young people).
The Title of the book I'm mentioning to
you today is just "Parson John." It is subtitled "A
Saga of the Winning of the West." (He is talking about
winning the old West to Jesus!)
This story is based upon the author's
Grandfather who preached in Western Nebraska during the late
1800's and early 1900's.
It relates how the Gospel made inroads and
won victories in the lives of some rugged (and wicked) cowboys
and ranchers and settlers of long ago. In a town that did
not (at first) even want it ... God established a Church!
It is one thrilling story!
Here's why I'm telling you this today.
I believe God used that book to help show me His plan for my
life! I fully intended to be an Air Force pilot!
NOTHING was going to stop me! UNTIL the precious Holy
Spirit said otherwise! God called me to preach! And,
honestly, I could not say no.
I recently re-read that little book.
It thrilled my heart yet again!
Don't YOU have an
old godly book that "moved" you in past years! That drew
you closer to your Lord? That "warmed" your heart?
Get it out! Read it again! Let
your heart be "revived!"
Charles Spurgeon re-read "Pilgrim's
Progress" every year for all his adult life!
Here's the interesting thing about this
book "Parson John." It had been 47 years since I had seen
it! (I still have NO IDEA where my original copy went!) I
did not even remember its name for sure! (I could only
remember the names of some of its characters and the author!)
The local library helped me to find a list
of all Mr. Palmer's books ... and we narrowed it down to two
titles! (They ordered both "guesses" for me. The
books finally arrived and I FOUND IT! Or did the Lord find
it?) Two or three e-mails later I had located a copy for
sale! I now own one (again)!
Books do not lose their message!
Read material that will bring you nearer
to God ... not drive you further away!
Now ... you go book hunting!
P. S. --- Let me tell you about one more
good little book. It is named "As a
Tree Grows" and is by Phillip Keller. While short
(only 94 pages) and simple ... I would still read it FOR SURE if
I were going to preach anything the Bible says about a tree!
(Like one planted by the rivers of water in Psalm 1:3! Or
like a green bay tree in Psalm 37:25! Or like a palm tree
in Psalm 92:12!)
If it is no longer in print you can easily
get a copy through the "Inter Library Loan" Department at your
local public library. It may take them a few weeks to
secure it for you, but it should be free of charge for you as a
citizen of the county where you live!
Happy reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
February 16, 2004
(Monday)
This week I am going to do something
different. I have purchased two or three books ahead of
time ... to read in future days. (I always make it a
policy to have at least one or two ahead!)
I cannot yet guarantee you that they will
provide profitable reading, but so far they are looking good.
Let me share some of them with you today.
Someone may be captivated just by a title
or an author or a theme.
"Pierced by the Word" by Dr. John Piper
(Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The book contains 31 brief chapters ... but it looks good! (139
pages)
"Not Even a Hint" by Joshua Harris
(Subtitled "Guarding your heart against lust!") Every man of God
might want to remember this title. (184 pages)
"How the Clinton Clergy Corrupted a
President" by Evangelist Moody Adams (How liberal
preachers ruin lives!) 233 pages
I plan to read each of these, Lord
willing.
My main goal in maintaining this page is
to encourage you to READ godly literature.
Remember Proverbs 4:23 ---
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for
out of it are the issues of life."
Also I appreciate the response you give me
concerning the books I recommend.
Someone once told me, "Readers are
leaders."
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
February 9, 2004
(Monday)
Occasionally I buy a book even when I know
little about the author! The title and the subject matter
just captivate me. I would not recommend this
procedure for a young preacher, but last week I found a good
little work that spoke to my heart.
It's title: THE PRAYER OF HANNAH.
It is subtitled: Eight Dynamics of
Effective Christianity!
Author: Kenn Gividen
Pages: 127
ISBN (for ordering purposes):
0-9717789-7-3
The content of the book is substantial (by
that I do not mean verbose ... but worth while).
The writer has divided his material into
halves. The first part: Hannah's developing
Christian character! The second part: Hannah's
demonstrating Christian character!
The little book is not expensive: List
price is $12.99
Someone get a copy, read it and let me know
your evaluation.
Remember, readers are leaders!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
February 2, 2004
(Monday)
Occasionally it's good to read a book about
the culture in which we live. Scripture commands us to
"love not the world." All one has to do is look
around a bit and he will know why this Bible injunction is
given! The world system in which we must conduct our
business is growing more and more wicked every day.
I heard about this book some time before
reading it. It is named "SLOUCHING TOWARDS GOMORRAH."
Its author is Robert H. Bork (Judge Bork). It contains 343
pages of readable text (not counting the index).
It catalogues the decline of American society
in a masterful way!
Judge Bork says in the book many of the same
things fundamental preachers USED to say! (Now most
preachers have gotten too modern to preach much against sin!)
The underlying thought of the volume is that
America is in decline. (Perhaps even a rapid decline!)
The book is not easy reading. It is
very possible that your local library may have a copy of this
work. Therefore you could check it out there and decide if
you can handle the text. I believe you Bible students can!
The book (in paperback) lists for $14.95.
(You can buy a copy at bamm.com for $11.14. If you are a
"club" member with Books-a-Million, the price drops to $10.02.)
It should grieve our hearts when we see
what's happening in our nation!
Somebody needs to be concerned!
This week's book is not a commentary on
Scripture. It IS a commentary on our times.
I recommend the book.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
January 26, 2004
(Monday morning)
Title: "Night Shift"
Subtitle: God Works in the Dark Hours
of Life!
Author: Dave Shive, a Pastor and Bible
Professor who lives in Maryland
Publisher: Back to the Bible
Pages: 167
Binding: Paperback
Preacher Shive says that sometimes we
preachers get put on God's "night shift!" That's when we
are going through the "hard times."
He sees the "night shift" as being divided
into seven stages, which he discusses throughout the book.
This is a helpful book for those who are
experiencing difficulty (or know someone who is)!
I believe the book ends up being somewhat of
a commentary on Psalm 40 (at least the first few verses!)
He views the hardships experienced by:
Jeremiah, Moses, David, John, Joseph, Paul and Peter. He
draws valuable lessons from them all.
I believe the book is well worth the reading.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
January 19, 2004
(Monday morning from Cumming, Georgia)
I am going to recommend to you (with a few
reservations) a fairly
new book (October, 2003) this week.
It's written by the godly Dr. Henry M.
Morris. It is titled "The Remarkable Journey of Jonah."
(A scholarly, conservative study of his amazing record)
Of course Dr. Morris presents the account of
Jonah as a true and literal happening evidenced by Scripture.
The work has only 135 or so pages of readable
text ... but it is throbbing with information!
Since not a lot is written about Jonah
anymore ... this one is a MUST for the serious Bible student's
library. (If you order the book you may need the
International Standard Book Number: 0-89051-407-0.)
Sadly Dr. Morris says he's not sure that
Jesus was in the grave a FULL 3 days and 3 nights. (I do
believe He was!)
He also is a little unclear in his
explanation of Jesus being in the "heart of the earth" during
the time of His burial. (Contrary to much contemporary
teaching, Jesus DID NOT go to that part of Hell where He was
exposed to flames and torment! He went to "paradise" or
"Abraham's Bosom," I believe.)
Dr. Morris follows the old teaching of men
like Dr. M. R. DeHaan that Jonah literally died in the belly of
the great fish. Read their explanations. If so ...
Jonah is a true type of Christ in death ... burial and
resurrection!
If you could only buy one book on Jonah and
could find a copy, get Dr. DeHaan's book "Jonah, Fact or
Fiction?"
I appreciate those of you who e-mail me your
"reports" on these books as you read them.
Preachers, you (of all God's people) should
make it a goal to read at least a book a week (if humanly
possible).
You'll be glad you did.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
January 12, 2004
(Monday)
I sensed a need to study the Book of
Judges! It's good for us preachers to survey a book of the
Bible every month or two. It helps keep us "fresh" in the
Word!
I needed something just to help me get a
"overview" (a bird's-eye view) of the whole Book. I used a
little volume named "Be Available" by Dr. Warren Wiersbe.
The material was just excellent.
Dr. Wiersbe has made it a habit for nearly
forty years to "clip and save" every little "interesting" bit of
information he gleans in his omnivorous reading! You can
sure tell it in this little book of Judges!
He says that the accounts in Judges are so
"current" they could have been excerpted from today's
newspapers! (Man kills all his
brothers! Gang rape leads to victim's death and
dismemberment! Girls at party kidnapped and forced into
marriage! Travelers no longer safe on highways!
Woman appointed to judgeship! All these events
occurred in Judges!)
The author says the book can be outlines
in three short words: Disobedience! Discipline! And
Disorder!
It's a paperback book and has just under
200 pages.
(There are many of these books in the "Be
..." series. My favorite of all time is "Be Joyful" on the
book of Philippians. That's a classic!)
The International Standard Book Number:
1-56476-319-6
Happy reading! (If that's possible
in a book where the key phrase is "Every
man did that which was right in his own eyes!")
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
January 5, 2004 (The
first Monday of 2004)
I see a whole "explosion" of books today
on the subject of leadership! And I do realize that
preachers must be leaders by virtue of their call. And it's
certainly good for us to want to learn certain qualities that
perhaps can contribute to our leadership abilities. BUT I still
have a bit of a problem here.
So much of what's in those "leadership"
books is just "psychology." (The "How to Handle People"
kind of thing) It almost seems to me like it's sort of
trying to "out-think" someone or "trick" them into a certain
kind of action.
I view godly pastoral leadership through a
"shepherd-sheep" window! I think that's very Biblical!
Also this whole area of psychology can so easily ignore the work
of the Holy Spirit of God.
I just read this week where a preacher
said that he thought that perhaps the best way to become better
leaders was NOT to read books about leadership ... but to read
the lives of men who were great leaders! Now it IS
spiritually profitable to read biographies of great men like
Charles Spurgeon or John G. Paton (the most thrilling missionary
autobiography I've ever read) or G. Campbell Morgan, etc.
This is an idea you might want to consider.
Having said all that, let me recommend to
you what I believe is the single BEST book of leadership I've
ever read. (And notice: it is on "spiritual"
leadership!)
Title: Spiritual Leadership
Subtitle: Principles of Excellence
for Every Believer
Author: J. Oswald Sanders
International Standard Book Number:
0-8024-6799-7
Number of pages: 189
Listen to some of these chapter titles (of
the book's 22 chapters): Insights on Leadership from Paul!
Insights on Leadership from Peter! The Master's Master
Principle (of Leadership)! Prayer and Leadership!
The Leader Nehemiah!
If anyone is interested and reads the
book, let me know how you evaluate it.
List cost: $12.99 (Do
not pay list cost for any book unless you need it badly!)
Men, set some kind of reading "goals" for
your life and ministry this new year!
Paul did tell the young preacher Timothy,
"Give attendance to reading."
(1 Timothy 4:13) That advice is given in a PASTORAL
Epistle!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
December 29, 2003
(The last Monday of 2003)
Good books on total dedication to the Lord
are hard to find! (Especially by authors who are still
alive!) However I believe I've located one. While
browsing in a Christian book store recently I saw this week's
book! I actually believe the "Table of Contents" made me
want the book. (I came home ... ordered it ... read it ...
and now am recommending it to you.)
Its Title: "SET APART"
(Subtitle: Calling a worldly church to a Godly life)
Author: R. Kent Hughes
Publisher: Crossway
Date: 2003
Pages: 176 (in paperback)
International Standard Book Number:
1-58134-491-0
As you would assume, the book is about
sanctification. (Living the godly life!)
He discusses the following subjects in the
light of God's Word: Materialism, Hedonism (living
only
for pleasure), Sensuality, Violence and Voyeurism (sexual
stimulation by visual means), Modesty, Pluralism, Marriage,
Church and the Lord's Day plus wrapping it all in two
interesting opening and closing chapters!
Sounds pretty thorough, doesn't it?
If anyone buys the book and reads it ...
please let me know. I like to hear your "reviews" too!
Happy reading! Remember, readers are
leaders!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
December 22, 2003
(Monday of Christmas week)
Let me introduce you to one of today's
great "defenders" of the faith! Dr. Henry Morris is a
brilliant man who specializes in the subject of "science" and
the Bible. He's one of the best at fighting the evil doctrine of
evolution.
The only problem with Dr. Morris is that
he's a little hard to read. In the battles he fights, one
has to be quite "technical" at times. The best book I've
ever read on evolution he wrote. It's named "THE LONG WAR
AGAINST GOD." Every preacher should read it sometime in
his ministry.
Let's start with something easier that Dr.
Morris has written. And it's a relatively new work of his
(2002). Name: GOD AND THE NATIONS. Subtitle:
What the Bible has to say about civilizations --- past and
present. Number of pages: 176. Number of chapters:
13. For ordering purposes, the book's International
Standard Book Number (ISBN): 0-89051-390-9. It's a
great reference work to add to your library. List price:
$10.99
Dr. Morris has also a tremendous little
commentary on Job. (I would recommend it even more highly
than this book on the Nations!) If you're interested, ask
me about it sometime.
Keep reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
December
15, 2003 (Monday)
I recommend to you a little
book today that is a pretty good reference tool. You may
not want to sit down and read it word for word, but you need to
have it for those times when you are ministering to the hurting!
It is entitled ALL GOD'S
COMFORT. It was written by Herbert Lockyer before he died
in 1985 and has been edited by his son. It was printed in
2001.
It is subtitled "A Thorough
Look at the Ways God Comforts Those in Grief." (However it
gives lots of information that will work to comfort those in all
kinds of discouragement, depression and sorrow.)
It has 153 pages and is a
paperbound book. It is not too expensive either. Its
ISBN is 1-56563-602-3.
All God's people need to be
able to comfort others when the need arises. The Bible is
the greatest Tool we have for this purpose. Paul mention
in Romans 15:4 the "COMFORT" of the Scriptures!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
December 8, 2003
(Monday)
I have just finished reading this little book
and found it very interesting! It is entitled "WHEN GOD
PRAYS." The author is a pastor in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The book is a brief commentary on the seventeenth chapter of
John. (Jesus' High Priestly prayer) As you well know John
17 is the longest prayer we have in Scripture prayed by our
Lord.
The book has only 215 pages and does not take
long to read. It consists of 17 chapters and is divided
into four parts. A Look Upward! A Look Outward!
A Look Inward! And a Look Forward! (He also divides the
chapter or prayer into four headings: The Father
Magnified! The Believer Sanctified! The Church
Unified! And the Inglorious Glorified! I particularly
enjoyed the book because of the author's unique ability to
illustrate his material well. He is a master of word
pictures!
I read the book the last day in the motel in
Mount Vernon, Illinois, and then at the airports in St. Louis,
Chicago, and Cincinnati! (I sure beat anything for sale to
read in those places!)
It is not an expensive book to buy. It
is beautifully bound. It would be a lovely addition to any
preacher's library. Its International Standard Book Number
is 0-8423-3724-5.
If anyone purchases and reads the book, let
me hear from you. I'd love to know what you think!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
December 1, 2003
(Monday)
Briefly this week I want to ask you to do something. I would
like to introduce to the writing of Dr. Harry A. Ironside. Dr.
Ironside was born in 1876 and died in 1951. He lived 74 years, 3
months and 1 day. He pastored (back when it was fundamental) the
Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois. He wrote about 80 books and
pamphlets! Not much of his work is still in print, but it can be
found at used book stores and with on-line used book searches.
Find one of his commentaries ... and buy it! Read it and see if
it does not minister to your soul!
As a young teen-age preacher I read Dr.
Ironside's commentary on Philippians! I'll never forget it! How
it spoke to my heart! (He is not ultra "deep," but he sure did
feed me!)
If any of you older preachers feel you have
"outgrown" Dr. Ironside and you would be willing to share a copy
of something by him (with a younger preacher) ... just let me
know. I'll try to help you with that!
PERSONAL AND PRECIOUS NOTE: My Mon and Dad
bought and gave to me a set of Dr. Ironside's commentaries when
I was 15 or 16 years old! I still treasure those books! (Now
more than ever!)
After you have read Dr. Ironside please let
me know what you think!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
NOVEMBER 24,
2003 (MONDAY)
Today I
want to mention a book by the late Dr. John Walvoord. It
has the title "Every Prophecy of the Bible." It is not
really a book one would probably sit sown and read from cover to
cover. (Although it would be spiritually profitable to do
so! It is just filled with Scripture!) But it IS a
book the preacher will reach for again and again as he studies
Bible prophecy!
In these
last days it is wise to have a good pre-millennial commentary
available on future events! The book has been recently re-issued by a
division of David C. Cook publishers. It has a lovely new
cover (paperback) and contains 685 pages. In spite of all
that, it still is not too expensive! It lists for $17.99
but I bought min on-line (BAMM-COM) for just $12.06! (And since
I had a $25.00 order that day, shipping was free too!)
Remember so far internet sales have no taxes charged against
them either! That's a good deal!
The book is subtitled" "Clear
Explanations for Uncertain Times by One of Today's Premier
Prophecy Scholars." Dr. Walvoord went home to be with the
Lord recently! Now he knows the answers to even more of
our Bible prophecy questions, doesn't he? But I don't
think he yet knows the exact hour of the Lord's return!
Happy reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
Remember, readers are
leaders!
MONDAY,
NOVEMBER 17, 2003
Yesterday I wrote 2 book
reviews, and the Lord would let me use neither this morning!
I believe He had something else in mind. He has now
strongly impressed upon my heart the following book.
"The King of Love" is a
book that discusses the 23rd Psalm. It is written by John
Daniel Jones, a great preacher of by-gone years. (Born
1865. Died 1942.) It is subtitled:
"Meditations on the 23rd Psalm."
I believe it is wise (as God leads) to preach
on the 23rd Psalm every couple of years anyway! It is so
filled with encouragement for today's Christian!
(If you younger preachers have not read
Phillip Keller's book on the 23rd Psalm, do so this week!
It is a classic! It's called "A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd
Psalm." Sell your car if you have to, but buy this book!)
Now Dr. Jones does not take the same view as
Phillip Keller did. In some ways I like Jones' approach
better.
If you read this you are going to get into
some preaching of an earlier generation! The book is well
worth your time and money.
I'll say no more. The Psalm speaks for
itself ... and I've now introduced you to the book.
(158 pages ... paperback ... published by
Ambassador Press of Greenville, SC)
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
NOVEMBER 11, 2003 (TUESDAY)
Today I believe that instead of
recommending just a book, I will suggest a couple of authors who
are basically expository in their approach to Scripture.
The first
is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He is an English preacher with
much still in print. He was associated with Dr. G.
Campbell Morgan for years! My advice to you in reference to Dr.
Lloyd-Jones is to buy maybe one book of his. (A number of his
sermons are now being issued in paperback.) Read that
single work and see if he feeds you and blesses you by his
preaching. (If not, move on to another expositor!)
I find that the writer who blesses my
preacher friend ... may not necessarily bless me as much!
And the writer that thrills me ... might not move my friend at
all! (That's just the way the Holy Spirit works
sometimes!)
The second writer today is Dr. Alexander
Maclaren. His work is still in print as "Expositions of
Holy Scripture." It is a multi-volume set and can be
expensive. If anyone ever decides to buy it, let me know
and I'll help you price shop! Maclaren is a verse by verse
man ... but the set does NOT cover every verse of Scripture.
He is often very good with word pictures!
Now, listen to me. I am NOT saying that
I (nor would you) agree with everything these men preached in
every small detail. But they were great preachers and have
a lot to say to the men of God today! Get acquainted with
them!
Happy reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
NOVEMBER 3, 2003
(MONDAY)
This week's book is by Ravi Zacharias.
Have you ever read anything by him? He's a little hard to
comprehend. Sometimes I have to go over one of his
paragraphs a couple of times, but it's worth it! (It's
also good "preacher" discipline to read something a little
difficult at times!)
The name of the Book is "Recapture the
Wonder!" It is for folks who might just be losing a bit of
the excitement of the Christian walk! (No one will admit
that, but it happens!)
The book's ISBN (International Standard Book
Number) is 1-59145-018-7. This will help if anyone wants
to order the book.
In his very dedication page, the author calls
Jesus Christ, "THE SOURCE OF ALL WONDER!"
The book is well worth reading. It has
only 166 pages and will not take long to consume. Mr.
Zacharias has a brilliant mind and he seems to have dedicated it
wholly to the Lord!
This book just might be used of the Lord to
really encourage some dejected preacher! If so ... my
telling you about it by writing this little paragraph will be
well worth the time!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
OCTOBER 27, 2003
The book reviews are posted on Mondays.
This week's book is simply a Bible study aid.
It is entitled "God's Unfaithful Wife." It is written by
Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., who was Professor of Old Testament at
one of our nation's seminaries. He has a Ph D from a
university in Scotland. The book has just under 200 pages and is in
paperback form. It is in the series "New Studies in
Biblical Theology." It is published by InterVarsity Press
of Downers Grove, Illinois. It has the subtitle: "A
Biblical Theology of Spiritual Adultery." Its ISBN
(International Standard Book Number) is 0-8308-2614-9 and (in
this case) 0-8398-2600-9. (It has two numbers because it
was previously published alone before being included in the
series.)
The author studies Biblical marriage ... then
shows how God through the Prophets accused His people of
committing spiritual (and at times literal) adultery! The
book does a fairly good job surveying the pertinent passages in
Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel! He closes the
book with a refutation of certain "feminist" accusations against
the Biblical "adultery" motif.
It's both a good review of the preaching of
the prophets ... and a pretty good manual on the Christian
marriage!
I believe it would be a good addition to any
serious preacher's library. Again I suggest that it would
be wonderful for someone to order the book ... and give it to
your pastor! YOU will reap the benefits on down the road!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
OCTOBER 20, 2003
This week I am
reviewing a little book about prayer. (I try to read a book on
the subject of prayer 2 or 3 times a year.) I think we all can
learn to pray more and better. The title of this book caught my eye.
Its name: "They Knew How To Pray" Its author:
Tom Carter Number of pages: 205
Publisher: Kregel Publications
It is a paperback volume and is rather inexpensive as books go.
The book gives 15 "secrets" from the prayers
lives of Bible Heroes! It discusses the prayer lives of great
characters of Scripture such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon,
Hannah, Samuel, David, Elijah, Jehoshaphat, Nehemiah, Daniel,
Jonah, Paul and of course, Jesus. The book ends with a chapter
on "Your Prayer Life!"
I recommend the book to you. It is full of
ideas and sermon "seed thoughts" to help you in your Christian
life. The author, Tom Carter, is a Pastor (First Baptist Church
of Dinuba, California) who has written a couple of others books
also.
If anyone buys and reads this work, be sure
to let me know what you think!
And, remember, READERS ARE LEADERS!!!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
October 13, 2003
This week I am excited about a book that
speaks to one of the greatest needs in our churches today!
The title of the book is "Famine in the Land." It's
written by Steven J. Lawson, a Pastor. (In fact, he's the
founding Pastor of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile,
Alabama.) The book has the subtitle: A Passionate
Call for Expository Preaching. It contains 134 pages and
is in hardback form. The author alliterates his material
under the headings: The PRIORITY of Biblical preaching!
The POWER of Biblical preaching! The PATTERN of Biblical
preaching! And The PASSION of Biblical preaching!
I believe the book contains some of the most
stimulating "Preaching" statements I've ever read!
After a brilliant introduction, the author
gives four chapters (probably sermons he's preached to his home
congregation) that are true to his point ... expository
preaching!
My favorite chapter is called: "Bring
the Book! The Pattern of Biblical Preaching!" It is
taken from Nehemiah 8, one of the greatest revival chapters in
the Old Testament!
If anyone buys and reads the book, let me
know what you think!
This would be a great gift for your Pastor!
(I have always thought that a Bible related gift to one's pastor
would always yield future spiritual fruit to the glory of God!)
Happy reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
September 22, 2003
This week's book is titled: THIS GOD
IS OUR GOD. Its author is Clifford Pond. It is
published by Grace Publications in London, England.
The book is subtitled "Enjoying the
Trinity!" It is well named!
This is a delightful little volume
(only 155 pages of text) and is issued in paperback (less
expensive)!
I heartily recommend it to you.
He discusses the Trinity from nearly every aspect and viewpoint
possible. I enjoyed it particularly because it enlightened
me to a number of passages concerning the Trinity that I had
just missed.
Any book that further drives you into
the Word of God is GREAT!
Preachers, get a copy and read it!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
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