JANUARY 15, 2007:
I was browsing
in a Christian bookstore.
There it was.
It caught my
eye, but aroused my spirit as well!
The title is
"Deceived On Purpose."
It is
subtitled "The New Age Implications Of The Purpose-Driven
Church"
The book is
authored by a man named Warren Smith, who was converted to
Christ Jesus out of a New Age background.
The little
volume only contains 211 pages including the index.
It was
copyrighted in 2004 and reprinted again that same year with
subsequent printings occurring in both January and September of
2005.
The attitude
of the whole work is not one of ugliness or bitterness, but it
sure is eye opening!
Bold!
Frank!
Christian!
You just would
have to read it to understand it, therefore I am highly recommending it
to my Preacher friends.
It is worth
your time.
For those of
you who want to order a copy, the ISBN is 0976349205.
Its list price
is $12.95 but can be purchased on-line for less.
For a long
time I've been concerned about certain New Age terms and
expressions working their way into our Biblical vocabularies.
This author
documents some of those terms and gives us their origins!
To any
Preacher sincerely desiring to warn his people about wolves near
the pasture, take note!
This is the
next book you will want to read.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
AUGUST 14, 2006:
The book is NOT published by a religious
organization.
It is not written by a preacher.
In fact, it is written by a woman ... who
happens to be saying some things that preachers lost the courage
to say a long time ago!
I realize that I recommend this book at
some risk. A few of you will strongly disagree with my
selection. But the essence of what is said in this text is so
valuable to today's "culture wars" that I must suggest it to
you.
I believe it's the author's best book yet.
The title is "Godless" and the
author is Ann Coulter.
Now don't let recent (liberal) news
commentators deceive you concerning this young lady. Read what
she says in context, not when twisted by some spin doctor!
She makes a strong case that liberalism,
that mind-set, that world-view, is indeed a religion!
Their soft stand on crime, the love for
abortion, their radical feminism, their senseless approach to
education and unquestioned support for godless teaching
platforms, their mockery of true science (when it opposes their
political and social agendas) and their rabid devotion to
evolution, denying the Creator God ... all are "targets" of this
book!
Preachers, while not one of us will agree
with everything she says ... the book is worth your time. In
some areas she is wrong, like some of her statements regarding
evolution. Yet she fights Darwinism tenaciously!
But in most areas she is right,
"gun-barrel straight" as the old-timers used to say!
Buy the book.
Read the book, all 281 pages.
It will stir your soul.
The only sad thing is that this author is
having to say things that the pulpits of our land used to
thunder forth week after week!
Where has "preaching against sin" gone?
Why have we become so fearful?
We're indeed in a spiritual battle!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
JUNE 5, 2006:
Finally, another Monday Book
Review!
I heard about this volume driving home
from a Revival Meeting recently. I was listening to the radio.
It is written specifically for men who
have been tempted in the area of pornography. I mean on the
internet or via books and magazines or even in real life.
Even the author is a former "addict" whom
God has delivered.
Delivered many years ago.
Preachers, you well may have men in your
church who are fighting this battle right now. It is one of the
"secret sins" of our day!
The Book's Name: The Game Plan
Author: Joe Dallas
ISBN: 0-8499-0633-4
It has thirty chapters, a total of 224
pages, and a lot of practical step-by-step ideas for overcoming
that wicked stuff.
It is subtitled "The Men's 30 Day Strategy
For Attaining Sexual Integrity."
As usual, I do not agree with every
premise in the book. But ... it's worth the purchase price!
It well could help some godly Preacher
encourage a struggling brother in the church.
If anyone buys it ... let me know your
evaluation too!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MAY 26, 2006:
This book is not perfect, but I do
recommend it. It fills a void that Christian literature seldom
addresses.
The title: The Universe Next Door
Subtitle: A Basic Worldview Catalog
Author: James W. Sire
Pages: 259, including index
Chapters: 10
ISBN: 0-8308-2780-3
This text is a summary of today's popular
philosophies.
It's an exposition of worldliness!
Without giving dangerous details, the
reader here will learn the fundamentals of nihilism or
postmodernism or naturalism, philosophies that we need to be
able to combat!
And one of the things I like best about
this work is how it links these false beliefs, showing how one
develops from the failure of its predecessor.
Deism is a weakened form of Theism for
example.
And its conclusion is not bad either! This
old world system, without an intervention from Heaven, is headed
for chaos!
Mankind is loosing his ability to think
logically, and is proud of it!
Don't expect to agree with all you read In
Universe Next Door, but do expect to learn a lot!
Preachers, there is ammunition here with
which to fight the devil!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MAY 15, 2006:
I still read regularly. At least one book
a week, often more! But Books one can fervently recommend are
becoming scarce!
However, this one I must mention.
"Witchcraft Goes Mainstream" is a
frightening piece of literature. It is written by a man, Brooks
Alexander, who has given his born-again life to studying the
occult and other false religions.
I do not agree with everything he says,
but he does show why paganism and witchcraft and wicca are
making such an astounding comeback in America.
It's worth your time ... preachers
especially!
Harvest House Publishers ... Copyright
2004 ... ISBN 0-7369-1221-5
Seven chapters ... 284 pages
Some of its chapter titles:
What exactly are
we talking about?
The Halloween
witch is dead!
Witchcraft in
popular entertainment!
Three myths about
modern witchcraft!
*And ...
Witchcraft, Christianity and cultural change!
That last section, the one I marked with
an asterisk (*) is worth the book!
The appendix article about witchcraft in
the military is very enlightening too!
Some reading is not a delight ... but a
duty!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
OCTOBER 17, 2005:
Yes, I still try to read at least one book
per week. Often I get two or more, depending on my travel
schedule.
Then ... why no Book Reviews for so long a
time?
Well, much of what I read in refuting
error just can not be recommended!
Especially to younger preachers!
Also ... I believe not as much really good
material is being written today!
Most of the real "digging" a preacher has
to do now MUST come from mines opened long ago! There the
real "nuggets" are found!
So, Brethren, I just suggest that you look
in old bookstores everywhere you go!
I view each such trip as a "fishing"
expedition!
Fishing for gold!
I recently learned that an old writer, Dr.
Herbert Lockyer, has a host of smaller books that used to be in
print!
Dozens of them!
I've obtained a few lately (via the
"Inter-Library Loan Program" at my local Library) and they have
been particularly good!
Go to a book search location and type his
name "Herbert Lockyer" and you will be surprised at the results!
Of course we all know Dr. Lockyer for his
famous "All ..." Series. Titles such as "All the Promises
of the Bible."
Now enjoy the "hunt" for his little books
and booklets as well!
They are good too!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MAY 9, 2005:
I bought the book just to "sample" it.
I am extra careful about "reconstructions"
of Bible history.
But ... I was pleasantly surprised!
This little title is a re-telling of the
story of the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey.
It is both true to the Bible text and
accurate in the historical data it incorporates into the story.
In fact, it's almost like reading a
smoothly flowing commentary in some ways!
The name: The Silas Diary
The author: Gene Edwards
The ISBN: 0-8423-7162-1
What an interesting way to brush up on the
details of that part of Luke's account from the book of Acts!
What a "vessel of honour" Paul was!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
APRIL 26, 2005:
For years I have tried to make it a habit
to read at least one book per week. Some weeks, depending
on the schedule, I get in more.
Yet when it comes to recommending
books ... especially to Preachers ... one has to be careful.
That's why lately I've not had a
suggestion each week.
In that dearth of good reading material
... I offer one idea. It's a little booklet written years
ago by a Preacher named Dr. M. R. DeHaan.
The work is titled "The Blunders Of Paul!"
(I wrote the Radio Bible Class, the
ministry which Dr. DeHaan founded and led for many years ... and
they told me they did not even have a single copy of the book
... not at all! I had lost mine years ago, yet the Lord
had brought the subject to my mind in recent days!)
Our local librarian (at the public county
library) found me a copy through a computer book search they can
now do. It was in a library in Louisville, Kentucky.
In fact, this is the only copy in any library in the nation ...
at least as best we can tell!
The Seminary there would not ship us the
book ... but they did let me pay them to copy it! No
problem ... it is only 32 pages! They made me a
photostatic copy and mailed it! I paid them and have
enjoyed the booklet very much!
I recommend it highly to Preachers!
The main premise of the book (boldly)
asserts that Paul was not perfect! (No, the Pope isn't
either! Nor the Virgin Mary! Only Jesus is sinless!
Otherwise, "All have sinned and come short
of the glory of God." Romans 3:23)
Now I'm preaching when I'm supposed to be
reviewing a book!
Dr. DeHaan shows how Paul failed to heed
warning after warning God sent him about that last trip to
Jerusalem. The one in which he got arrested and hauled off
to Caesarea and then Rome!
Paul just may have missed God's Will on
that one!
I think the book is great in that it shows
us that even the great Preachers can make mistakes ... and still
be used of God!
God turned Paul's "error" into a great
preaching and writing opportunity!
"Where sin abounded Grace did much more
abound!"
The problem is that I doubt you can get a
copy of this anywhere ... unless you know an old saint who
collected those booklets years ago. Dr. DeHaan died and
went to Heaven in 1965.
However, if you really want one, write me.
I have an idea or two to help you.
If someone is "hungry" for a good study on
Paul ... this is it! What an unusual but kind view it
presents of the Prince of Apostles!
Isn't it sad that today one has to read
old books to get help? The new ones often are lacking
in real spiritual meat!
Folks, do remember ... "Readers are
leaders!"
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
APRIL 5, 2005
(TUESDAY), FROM MEREDOSIA, ILLINOIS:
I read this book last week. It
certainly had a message for me. It brought me to a fresh
appreciation of the amazing Grace of God!
The title of this volume is "The Religions
Next Door."
It's written by a brilliant author, Marvin
Olasky.
The premise of the book is that Americans
more and more have neighbors who are not necessarily fundamental
Baptists!
Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims (among
others) are entering our Country en masse.
This book reviews (two chapters each)
these religions, giving the essence of their beliefs.
It is an eye-opener for sure!
Then an interesting little twist comes ...
Mr. Olasky in closing surveys how the American Press treats each
of these so-called faiths ... in comparison to how it treats
Christianity!
I can guarantee you that it will be hard
to put the book down once you've started it.
You will easily learn enough through its
pages to justify the reasonable cost of your investment!
And ... as I often ask ... if someone buys
and reads it, let me know your opinion too!
And do remember ... readers are leaders!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MARCH 28, 2005:
I heard this author being interviewed on a
Christian radio station driving home late one night. I had
preached ... was very tired ... and longed for some spiritual
fellowship on the way back to Cumming!
God provided it!
Every Christian should (and ever Preacher
must) constantly be on guard ... "redeeming his time!"
It's so easy to waste an hour! (Some even waste
days!)
Enter this week's Book: "How the
News Makes Us Dumb!"
Author: a Christian history
professor who is named C. John Sommerville.
This little paperback volume is filled
with wisdom about one of our greatest "time-killers!" That
is ... the constant sources of daily (even hourly now) news!
One can invest (no, make that waste) a lot
of time in front of a television!
The Book is subtitled "The Death Of Wisdom
In An Information Society!"
It's 155 pages have some "golden nuggets"
to quote ... when tempted to watch an hour or two of news!
The so-called "news," as it is packaged in
America today, is no friend to Bible believing Christianity!
For sure!
This writer is not recommending
that we stay ignorant! However, he's sure got a "better"
idea than CNN or CNBC or even FOX (which is not nearly as
"balanced" as they might say!) In fact, I think they are
all getting more liberal and anti-Christian as the months pass!
Preachers, all I know to tell you is buy
the Book (rather inexpensive) and read it!
I think you will end up with more time on
your hands as a result of your effort!
Spend it ... studying your Bible!
The Book's ISBN: 0-8308-2203-8
If someone reads this one ... I'll be
getting a note of thanks one of these days!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
MARCH 10, 2005:
This is an unusual little Book.
I saw it years ago and have read and
re-read it several times.
It covers a topic no one else will even
"touch!"
It's an analysis of the Imprecatory
Psalms!
(The Psalms that pray God's Judgment upon
the unrepentant wicked!)
Most folks just ignore these chapters of
God's Word ... explaining them away with some flippant "grace"
comment.
Well, I'm not going to scrap whole
chapters of the Bible!
I believe it's ALL inspired of God.
WAR PSALMS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE is the
Title of the Book I'm discussing today. It is subtitled
"Lessons From The Imprecatory Psalms."
First published back in 1991, it still has
a message for this hour ... maybe even more so!
Its author is a man named James E. Adams.
He is a Pastor.
The Book has only 126 pages and is still
available.
Its ISBN is 0-87552-093-6.
I like the way he handles his material.
As we live in ever increasing days of
wickedness and hatred of the Church (and Israel), we just may
need these Psalms more than ever!
Some of you order the book ... read it ...
and, as God leads, preach one of those Imprecatory Psalms!
You will still be proclaiming the Word of
God!
Help your people prepare for the time when
the enemy may "come in like a flood!"
Read Isaiah 59:19 --- "So
shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his
glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in
like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard
against him."
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
FEBRUARY 21, 2005:
This book I've known most of my life.
My Uncle, who was an Evangelist, loved it
dearly!
He even had several thousand copies of it
reprinted for distribution among the people of God!
The title: The Glories Of The Cross
The author: A. C. Dixon
Dr. Dixon pastored the well-known
Spurgeon's Tabernacle in London for several years (Metropolitan
Baptist Tabernacle).
In this book he just magnifies our dear
Lord Jesus.
It has short chapters, each dedicated to
some lovely aspect of the old rugged Cross!
I do not think it's any longer in print.
I can't even find an ISBN for it.
But this morning I did find
a couple of copies of it on google.com, one for $1.99 and the
other for $7.50 ... not bad prices!
Also e-bay listed one ... although I've
never bought anything through them and cannot comment on their
efficiency.
But, if you can find it ... buy a copy.
If not ... let your local library get you
one for a few days (free) via the Inter-Library Loan Program.
I believe you'll treasure it.
Happy reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
FEBRUARY 1, 2005
(TUESDAY):
I read the book some time ago.
I think a lot of you will really
appreciate it.
It is named "My Plea For the Old Sword"
and is written by Dr. Ian Paisley.
It is an appreciation of the old
"Authorized Version" of the Bible, the King James Version.
Published in 1997, its international
standard book number (ISBN) is 1 84030 015 9. This information
helps if you want to order a copy.
In the Book Dr. Paisley covers such
subjects as the text upon which the KJV (King James Version)
rests! He teaches us it is a superior text!
He even discusses the saintliness and
scholarship of the KJV translators!
He praises the translation techniques
which the men employed.
He mentions the pristine language and holy
chastity of the old Book too!
And of course the Preacher "hits" the way
the KJV so reverently handles the great fundamental doctrine of
the Faith! (For example, it exposes sexual perversion as
the horrible sin it truly is! It does NOT water it down to
a mere indiscretion!)
Now you may not agree with every word of
the book ... but you will respect its main thrust! It is
certainly what its name implies --- a plea for the Old Sword,
the English Authorized Version of the Bible.
Publisher: Ambassador Press
Length: 111 Pages of text
May the Lord bless your reading time ...
when spent on the holy themes of godliness and not in the
garbage of this world!
Remember ... readers are leaders!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
JANUARY 24, 2005
(MONDAY):
It's a short book with only 112 pages.
And, as with most books today, I can't recommend everything in
it. But this title is well worth reading.
It teaches us Biblically how to handle
hard times, the difficult areas of life.
It is named "The Red Sea Rules."
Its author is Robert Morgan.
Its ISBN (for ordering purposes) is
0-7852-6649-6.
It is an exegesis of the 14th chapter of
Exodus, the miracle of the Red Sea!
It has 10 chapters, each describing the
next move God had his people make in crossing that seemingly
impossible obstacle!
The book is inexpensive and should be read
by any preacher who longs to help folks in "tight" spots!
(Or get ready for his own coming difficult area in life!)
After all ... Paul taught his converts in
this manner: "Confirming the souls
of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the
faith, and that we must
through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
Acts 14:22
Preachers, God may give you some useful
"thoughts" as you read this text.
It's worth adding to your library.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
JANUARY 17, 2005
(MONDAY):
I read the Book last week.
I am not saying that I agree with every
sentence in its 207 pages of text.
But it has plenty of helpful material on
the superiority of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Title: Christ Among Other gods
Author: Erwin W. Lutzer
Publisher: Moody Press
Subtitle: A Defense of Christ in an
Age of Tolerance.
In this work Dr. Lutzer proves that our
Saviour is unique (The God-Man) in the areas of His Virgin
Birth, Sinless Life, Powerful Word, Vicarious Death, Literal
Bodily Resurrection, Miraculous Ascension, and Future Return!
The gods of this world are sort of "left
in the dust!"
You should have no trouble finding a copy
of the book. It's been around since 1994 and any library
can easily get it for you for a week or two. Use their
"Inter Library Loan" Department. Also copies may still be
bought (new or used).
Remember, "Readers are Leaders!"
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
DECEMBER 11, 2004
(SATURDAY):
No, I have not quit reading.
I still try to complete at least a book a
week ... but ... I have not come across anything outstanding
lately.
The book I finished Wednesday was an old
one. The Library found it for me using their inter-library
loan program.
It is entitled "The Star of the Wise Men"
and is written by R. C. Trench.
(The same R. C. Trench who is known for
his word studies and lexicons. "Synonyms of the New
Testament")
The book is especially appropriate at
Christmas.
It only has 118 pages or so.
It is an exposition of Matthew chapter 2.
In this work the author does a good job
explaining the wise men and the star and the birth of Jesus.
Your heart will be warmed as your read of
our dear Saviour.
This volume handles Him reverently and
with honor.
If you can get a copy, your time (and
money) will be well invested.
Christian friends ... especially you
Preachers ... keep reading!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
NOVEMBER 19, 2004
(FRIDAY):
As is my usual method, I first saw the
book in a Christian Bookstore. I thought about it for a
week or two ... then ordered a copy.
Even upon receiving it, I didn't read it
right away. Too many commentaries and technical works to
study I guess.
But a few days ago I started it.
About half way through, I knew I was going
to recommend it to you.
The title is "The Way of the Shepherd."
The authors are Kevin Leman and William
Pentak.
The book is in essence a review of the
Bible traits of a good shepherd.
But it applies those Scriptural principles
to leadership roles in almost any area of life.
You Pastors will especially enjoy it!
You lead a "flock" weekly.
And you businessmen who employ folks (a
few to a good many) will benefit from this tremendously!
It could be life-changing!
It is not a commentary ... but will help
you better love and care for those whom God has called you to
serve!
Every "Daddy" ought to read it too.
(We men are to shepherd our wives and children to the glory of
God as well!)
It's short (120 pages or so).
It's inexpensive.
But it's good!
It is told in narrative form ... but you
will get the message!
Read it!
Remember, although this week's book would
not necessarily agree with me here ... readers are
leaders.
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
NOVEMBER 1, 2004, ON
A BEAUTIFUL FALL MONDAY FROM A MOTEL ROOM OVERLOOKING AN
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY (I-85) IN SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA:
It's just a little book. I probably
would not even mention it except that it treats such an unusual
aspect of our Lord's life and ministry.
Title: The Silences Of The Master
Author: John Walker Powell, Jr.
Published in 1904
Several times during our Lord's earthly
sojourn He refused to talk to people or declined to answer a
question from someone! This little volume catalogues those
events and makes an interesting Bible Study! This author
says that 6 times in the Gospels this happened! He talks
about Jesus before Pilate and then again before Herod during His
trial. Then it happens a second time before Pilate!
(Jesus is silent!) The writer even includes the account of
the woman taken in adultery where Jesus "
... stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the
ground, as though he heard them not." (John
8:6) He lastly discusses the Syro-Phenician woman who seems to
have been so rejected by our Lord ... yet who by faith
prevailed! (Matthew 15 and Mark 7).
It only has 62 pages and is not hard to
read at all.
I just thought some of you might be
interested.
Of course this good book (along with
thousands of others) is no longer in print. You will have
to search for it ... but copies are available.
If you can't get access to one anywhere,
let me know. I'll be glad to offer you a few suggestions.
(Caution: Don't pay over $15.00 or so for this book.
It is possible to get a copy through your local library system
and you can then study it a few days for free!)
Keep reading!
Study the Word!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
OCTOBER 26, 2004
(TUESDAY FROM CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA):
I found the Book is a used bookstore
during a Revival week in Missouri.
It captured my heart.
I love to preach about the Blood of Jesus
anyway!
The Title: THE DYNAMIC OF REDEMPTION
Subtitle: The Blood of Jesus
Author: A. Paget Wilkes (Of
whom I know absolutely nothing except that he honors the Blood!)
Caution: Because I recommend an
author or a book ... that does not necessarily mean that I
endorse EVERYTHING the man says! Even this Blood book
contains some paragraphs with which I do not agree. He
seems to endorse infant baptism, for example! I do not
believe in that at all. But this is
what I do. I accept the truth he gives (rejoicing in the
Blood of Jesus) ... and I reject the error. You must do
the same ... or forget the book immediately!
I happened to get a fourth edition copy
(published in 1954) ... though other editions are available (if
that matters to you).
It was published by Christian Literature
Crusade in London.
It has 160 pages of text ... all about the
Blood of our Lord!
Think of it: Sixteen (16) chapters
on the Blood!
Here are some of his main points:
Revelation through
the Blood!
Conviction through
the Blood!
Propitiation through
the Blood!
Peace through the
Blood!
Forgiveness through
the Blood!
Regeneration through
the Blood!
Sanctification
through the Blood!
Redemption through
the Blood!
Consecration through
the Blood!
Access through the
Blood!
Assurance through the
Blood!
Victory through the
Blood!
Life through the
Blood! And ...
Condemnation through
the Blood!
Wow!
Men of God, that could be the foundation
for a great series of sermons!
During the past few months ... you all
have gotten better than me at locating these old treasures!
If someone finds a source for this one ...
e-mail me and I'll gladly pass it on. I sometimes use a
source called
alibris.com for my used book
searches.
This is a good book! (I paid too
much for mine ... $15.00 ... but just had to have it!)
Preachers and teachers, remember ...
readers are leaders!
--- Dr. Mike Bagwell
OCTOBER 18, 2004
(MONDAY):
This book will be hard to find.
I wouldn't even recommend it but it is
just precious!
Our local librarian looked long and hard
to locate me a copy to use for a couple of weeks.
We had to use the "Inter-Library Loan"
System to do that.
The title is "Sunsets on the Hebrew
Mountains."
Its author is a man named J. R. MacDuff.
The book was published in 1867 ... but a
few libraries in the nation still have a copy.
(Emory University here in the Atlanta area
does, for example.)
The book studies 17 "death scenes" of
Scripture.
And each chapter is beautiful!
Gather around and glean spiritual nuggets
of gold and silver (not to mention diamonds and rubies) from the
death accounts of men like Abraham, Jacob, Joshua, Eli, Samuel,
David and many more!
He even includes some lesser known people
of Scripture: Barzillai, Hiel (a classic), Jehoiada and
even Manasseh!
Plus some un-named folks like the widow's
son at Nain!
And Jesus' death of course is not
overlooked!
It has 317 pages of great reading!
If you have questions about the book ...
or trying to get a loaned copy for personal use ... let me know.
I will answer your inquiries if I can.
Good News: It's Tuesday around noon
and I've received an e-mail from a Brother in North Carolina who
has found this book on the Internet! Go here and enjoy:
www.gracegems.org (then look for books ... then for
MacDuff ... then for "Sunsets on the Hebrew Mountains!")
