Comic Book Review: 101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity Vol.1

Late last month, I reviewed my first ever comic magazine “The Book of God”, available from CLC Philippines. Today, as the first month of 2015 ends, I will share to you my review of another comic magazine from CLC Publications called “101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity Vol.1”.

Written by Art Ayris, and illustrated by multiple graphic artists, “101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity Vol.1” tackles 15 of the most asked questions by many unbelievers and also believers. Amazingly, those questions can all be answered by the Holy Scriptures, and are all well-answered and illustrated in this comic mag. This comic book from Kingstone Comics is a brilliant question and answer book in Apologetics like no other. It discusses topics on the existence and nature of God, Angels, Demons, Resurrection of Jesus, even Aliens and UFOs. This book is a must have not only for Christians but also to skeptic unbelievers.

If you haven’t read my review of “The Book Of God” yet, I mentioned there that it is a book of facts; and I must say “101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity” is a perfect complement to it. A book on Bible facts, and on question and answers are a good combination. These comic books remind me of Pastor Emilio A. Ballesteros’ Important Questions And Answers, also available at CLC Philippines.

Honestly speaking, I am not really fond of reading comics, but it has changed after seeing and reading these comics from CLC Philippines. Very good graphics, interesting topics, and enjoyable content await those who will grab a copy.

Overall, “101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity Vol.1” is a very good resource and timely. I strongly recommend it. Needless to say, future volumes should be watched out for.

Disclosure: A review copy of 101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity Vol.1 was provided for review by CLC Philippines, from whom you may purchase the book.

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#BookReview: The Book of God

Recently, CLC Philippines has published a series of comic books from Kingstone Comics. Today, I want to share to you my review of “The Book of God”, one of those titles, written by Ben Avery.

Truthfully speaking, I am not fond of reading comics. Actually, this is my first comic magazine ever, and I’m serious. I have never owned one since my childhood. What I love most about “The Book of God” is the author’s presentation of facts and ideas. He began by introducing the Bible, how it was written, how its books was selected, how it spread, how it survive the time, and its trustworthiness. Even my sister liked and enjoyed it.

The good thing about “The Book of God” is its entirety is a presentation of facts about the Bible. It is, I must say, one of the important aspects of the book, especially for the children and for all the people who have limited resources. You might think that it can be overwhelming, but since it’s a comic magazine, the facts were laid in a vivid, light, orderly and most of all, in an enjoyable way.

My favorite thing in the book is, it tells us that the Bible is trustworthy, not because it was taught to us, not because of tradition, but because it is the truth. We are living in a world that says Jesus never existed, and the Bible is just a book of fairy tales. See how Satan has distorted the minds of people. That’s why the world needs it more than ever. Though everyone knows of this book, not everyone knows what it’s about.

Overall, “The Book of God” is a brilliant book for all ages; a very good introduction to those who don’t believe in the Bible; and for those who just want to learn facts. I am telling you, you will enjoy and learn while reading. Do yourself a favor, grab a copy now.

“The Bible is not a man’s account of his efforts to find God, but rather an account of God’s effort to reveal Himself to man.”

– Dr. Henry H. Halley

Watch out for more comic book reviews in the coming year! Blessings! Jesus be revealed!

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Book Review: A Better Way to Think

There is always a battle happening inside us. There is a battle field in our mind. Our behavior and actions are being filtered by our thoughts; and sometimes our mind is being clouded by negative thoughts which produce bad results. H. Norman Wright’s book “A Better Way to Think” is a very good resource to change that negativity in our thoughts to positivity.

As the book tells, research indicates that as much as 75 percent of everything we think is negative. Based on my personal experiences; I know it is a fact. Most of the things that I did in the past which made me feel so regretful are products of my negative and counterproductive thoughts. There are times I’ll just hear in my mind: “You can’t do it”, “You’ll always be a failure”, and I know I am not alone. Wright says these things are the voices of the enemy—deceitful lies that distort our thinking; and he says, we could control it!

“A Better Way to Think” is not just a simple guide. Each topic found on its pages will give you an opportunity to a better way of thinking. Most of the things Wright addressed on this book are the common issues people are dealing with. Imagination, Self-talk, Beliefs, Emotions, even Marital issues are here, to name a few.

What I love most about this book is, it was written by a Christian author; and so, all of the principles and insights found in it are biblically-based. Aside from this, the book also has a ‘reflect and remember’ portion after each chapter which gives the reader a chance to reflect and assess oneself.

This book really helps, but still at the end of the day, the greatest peace of mind can only be found in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. A regular consultation by prayer and meditation of His word is the best and proven method to a better way of thinking.

Get your copy today, available at CLC Philippines Stores nationwide.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

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Book Review: Prepare For Rain

One of the churches I know that has become iconic because of their films is Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. I have watched all of their masterpieces including Facing the Giants, Flywheel, Fireproof, and Courageous. But one of the questions left in my mind is, how did SBC come up with this, producing Christian Films? Then, there’s the book “Prepare for Rain” authored by SBC’s very own Senior Pastor, Michael Catt which answers it all.

What I enjoy the most in this book is that it is more on conversational approach; as if Pastor Catt and I is in a room and he’s just speaking to me. With this, I didn’t notice the time as I read. The entirety of the book is so light yet so profound on its message. So relax yet so filled with wisdom, and pure biblical.

I adore the heart of Pastor Catt for leadership, revival, for the church and for the people and specially his full-submission and obedience to the call of God. It is so much manifested in this wonderful book. He don’t need any flattery, his fruit speaks for himself.

I like how he started the book by asking four “how” questions. It stirs up the thinking and the curiosity of the reader to read on. The story goes on. It is amazing to know how the Sherwood Baptist Church has become one of the most influential churches today, and it is all because they BELIEVED God for the impossible.

The journey which Pastor Michael and SBC have taken before they become who and what they are now isn’t easy. From their organizational formation, to conquering legalism and gossips inside the church. From the worship songs they are going to sing on Sundays, to having a Christian School, and even to the issues on clapping, they have overcome it all by the Grace of God. Truly, to have a pure gold is to refine it by fire.

My favourite part in the book is chapters four and five, which is about the importance of prayer and focusing on the vision in leadership. I will never forget what Pastor Catt said: “The prayer ministry is the heartbeat of who we are as a church. If it weren’t for the prayer ministry, the rest of this book would be little more than a flesh-peddling and bragging for who we are.” His humility speaks to the heart and it points you to seek more of Jesus.

I love everything about this book. It inspires me to live a life of obedience and full trust in the Lord whatever He has prepared for me. The revival which has taken place in SBC could also take place in you, in me, in our churches. Indeed, there is no such thing as victory apart from God. The life of Pastor Michael Catt and the people in Sherwood Baptist Church, known and unknown are clear and living testimony of God’s wonderful plan and work. Like them, we should know how to prepare the fields of our hearts, for God will send and out-pour the rain when He is ready. Learn to trust in Him, even in the times we think He is not around; and believe Him for He is going to do the impossible!

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! I hope to see it also in theaters!

“In a prayer environment God can make the impossible possible…” –Pastor Michael Catt

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Book Review: Important Questions and Answers

A month ago I received a pack of books from CLC Philippines. One title translated to Filipino and Cebuano, focused on Apologetics. Though I haven’t heard of the author before (please support Filipino Christian Authors), this book have something to say. 

“Important Questions and Answers” (Mga Mahalagang Tanong at Sagot in Filipino, Mga Mahinungdanong Pangutana ug Tubag in Cebuano) is not your typical book. As many Christians have settled to “prosperity gospel”, it’s time to get up and be geared up to truly witness for Christ. Indeed, this book is very extensive and effective. So relevant and excellent tool for any Christian.

More than just a Question and Answer book, its main purpose is to equip and raise up vigilant and effective witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we have no exemptions. You don’t have to worry about being overwhelmed by its content, each questions on this book was given a straight forward and biblical answer by author Emilio Ballesteros; which makes it an easy, practical and insightful reference.

One of the highlights that can be found in this masterpiece is its defense against the cults (including Ang Dating Daan, Iglesiani Cristo, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism), how to recognize them and how to get out once you’re entangled.

Many Christians might say that they’re too old, too young, too busy, too stressed to defend Christ in this insane world, but I am telling you, God has given us each and every opportunities to be the salt and the light  of this world whatever the circumstances we’re situated. May we act like the Bereans:”They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

–Acts 17:11

Strongly recommended! A must and a great necessity to any Christian! So timely! Grab a copy now, be equipped and be ready for defense!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emilio A. Ballesteros, Jr., Th. D., BTh, BSE, has been in a fruitful ministry for over thirty years as a pastor, church planter, lecturer, facilitator and writer. He served as a short term missionary to Bangladesh and Venezuela with the International Comission. While in college, he was involved and trained under the Campus Crusade for Christ International and Christian Growth Ministries. He is an author of three books.

"Jun" is the founding President of the Resources for Evangelism, Apologetics and Leadership (R.E.A.L.). He served as trainer-facilitator on call with the Trainers of Pastors International Coalition (TOPIC-PCEC) and an international facilitator of the HAGGAI INSTITUTE. He's been an invited facilitator for Faculty Development Seminars of the PHIAA and a seminar speaker on the Biblical Mandate of Evangelism, Cults and Apologetics, Conflict Prevention and Theocratic Church Governance both here and abroad (including US mainland, Hawaii and Singapore). He also serves as President of the PHIAA-Metro Pangasinan Chapter. After serving as the Executive Director of the Luzon Convention of the Southern Baptist Churches 2010-2012, he now serves with the Federation of Southern Baptist Conventions in the Philippines as the Director of Training.

He and Ting (CEd. D, MA.Ed., BSE) are blessed with three children and five lovely grandchildren

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Book Review: The Joyful Heart

One thing that a Christian should always prioritize is his daily Bible reading and meditation. As a Christian we should always crave for the word of God. As in the book of Joshua, he was commanded to meditate in it day and night (Joshua 1:8) and so are we. Through this our faith will be strengthen, our spirit will be rejuvenated so we can fight all the schemes of the devil.

Watchman Nee’sbook: “The Joyful Heart: Daily Meditations Through the Year” is a very good help in doing your daily meditations. As the title describes itself, it’s for 365-day use. However, the writings on the book were not specifically written for this purpose, all of its content were taken or just an excerpt from Nee’s collection of writings, works and devotional gems which makes them short. Each day on this devo book is composed of two paragraphs, those are short but meaty, straightforward and effective; every page is full of wisdom and great insight. With this, I recommend it for students and those who are in the work field with very tight schedules; and for those who are new to devotional.

Each day you’ll spend with this book will surely make an impact to your life, and will gear you up for the day.

“Some of us force ourselves to do things we don’t want to do and to live a life we cannot in fact live, and think that in making this effort we are being Christians. That is very far removed from what God offers us in Christ. The Christian life is lived when [we] receive the life of Christ within [us] as a gift; to live by that life.” –Excerpt from The Joyful Heart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Watchman Nee 
(1903-1972) is remembered for his leadership of an indigenous church movement in China, as well as for his books, which continue to enrich Christians throughout the world. Beginning in the 1930s, Nee helped establish local churches in China that were independent of foreign missionary organizations and were used to bring many into the Kingdom of God. 

ABOUT THE CLC PUBLICATIONS:

CLC Publications (formerly Christian Literature Crusade) is the English language publishing house for CLC Ministries International. Headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, CLC has published books for the Deeper Christian Life for over 50 years. Our focus has been to publish books by trusted authors with a clear and timeless message. Some of our better known authors from the past include Watchman Nee, Corrie ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, Andrew Murray and Roy Hession. Today we are also publishing books by well known authors like Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt.

Many of our books are influenced by the message of the Keswick movement starting in 1875 in England and therefore some of our older authors have British origins or spoke on the Keswick stage at one time or another. While we do not limit our publishing to the theology of this movement, we are certainly excited to be able to convey the message of the Victorious Christian Life to a new generation.
As a part of CLC International, our books are sold and distributed in countries all over the world including but not limited to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, the West Indies, and the Philippines. We are committed to being a significant part of fulfilling CLC’s international purpose of making evangelical Christian literature available to all nations so that people may come to faith and maturity in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book is provided for review by CLCPhilippines

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Book Review: What Shall this Man Do?

I've been serving in the ministry since I was in second year High School. That’s almost seven years. Through the years I've seen lots of people who come and go and seem confused of their fit or their place in the ministry. I've seen people who hop in and out of different ‘groups’ or so-called ‘church ministries’ and ended-up being a regular churchgoer/ member. The all-time questions are: Where is my place in the ministry? How will I know where God is calling me? What is my role in being saved?

Collected and translated by Angus I. Kinear, this collection of writings of Nee To-Sheng, best known as Watchman Nee will help you find your ‘perfect fit’ and place in the ministry of God. “What Shall This Man Do” gives you deep insights on knowing God’s calling for you. The book specifically focuses on the three essential elements of the Christian ministry through the lives of Peter (Way), Paul (Life), and John (Truth). Through this, Nee reveals how they heard God’s calling, how did they responded to the call and how did they impacted God’s ministry in their response. He also shows the uniqueness of God’s calling to each man, which is more on personal rather than general.

This book is very relevant in our time. Knowing that time is fast approaching, more and more workers and skilled craftsmen are in need for the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth—preparing the way for our coming King Jesus. All the thick insights filled with great biblical reference will help you know your place in God’s kingdom where He has intended you to be.

Hear God’s voice, and as He calls you, respond and discover your place in the Ministry! I strongly recommend this to anyone who is seeking a deeper life to live with Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Watchman Nee 
(1903-1972) is remembered for his leadership of an indigenous church movement in China, as well as for his books, which continue to enrich Christians throughout the world. Beginning in the 1930s, Nee helped establish local churches in China that were independent of foreign missionary organizations and were used to bring many into the Kingdom of God. 

ABOUT THE CLC PUBLICATIONS:

CLC Publications (formerly Christian Literature Crusade) is the English language publishing house for CLC Ministries International. Headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, CLC has published books for the Deeper Christian Life for over 50 years. Our focus has been to publish books by trusted authors with a clear and timeless message. Some of our better known authors from the past include Watchman Nee, Corrie ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, Andrew Murray and Roy Hession. Today we are also publishing books by well known authors like Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt.

Many of our books are influenced by the message of the Keswick movement starting in 1875 in England and therefore some of our older authors have British origins or spoke on the Keswick stage at one time or another. While we do not limit our publishing to the theology of this movement, we are certainly excited to be able to convey the message of the Victorious Christian Life to a new generation.
As a part of CLC International, our books are sold and distributed in countries all over the world including but not limited to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, the West Indies, and the Philippines. We are committed to being a significant part of fulfilling CLC’s international purpose of making evangelical Christian literature available to all nations so that people may come to faith and maturity in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book is provided for review by CLCPhilippines

For more info. visit: http://www.clcphilippines.com/

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Choosing Happiness Even When Life is Hard {Book Review}

Softcover: 176 pages 

Language: English 

Product Dimensions: 7.00 X 4.25 inches 

ISBN-13: 978-971-789-272-6 

Yes, I know, I've been so inactive and busy for a very long time, and I haven’t written any blog within that time. Due to some reasons, I have to temporarily refrain from blogging to prioritize my studies. To end this year, I’d like to leave this book review to all of you; for you to secure a copy of this life-changing book, available at CLC Bookstores.

Written by a Doctor of Medicine, Frank Minirth has written this wonderful piece that really changed my outlook in life. After the success of his best-selling book Happiness is a Choice, I must say that this too could reach the top. Noted that it was written by a Doctor, my first impression is it's less of Biblical content.

All around the world, many people commit suicide to ‘resolve’ or ‘end’ their problems. Many people lose their contact with reality in their grief. Knowing that life is sometimes rough and hard, can we really be happy in the midst of it all?

After I finished the book, I was so inspired by everything the author has shared, his insights and stories are so light as if you are having a hand to hand talk with him. I just felt that it really touches the inner being.This book is filled with so much useful insights and even facts. From discouragements to stress, to anxiety and anger, to loneliness and grief, Minirth has so much to say. Never miss any single chapter; His advises are not just biblically based but also medically. His experiences and years of being a doctor is very much manifested in this book, that he always include medical terms (which are not confusing) for illnesses and disorders that will enlighten you to live a physically-healthy life (have a free doctor consultation with it!). This book will help you discover how to start over to live a joyous life. At the latter part of it you’ll find very useful resources including bible scriptures for encouragement (what an awesome add-on!), and a Glossary full of theological, physiological and psychological terms (a medical dictionary at the same time, just WOW!). To sum it all, an emotional, spiritual, and physical guide book in one.

Lasting happiness is within your reach. As John 10:10b Amplified Version declares: “I [Jesus] came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full till it overflows!]” So this life was meant to be a joyous journey. Certainly, you could choose happiness even when life is hard.

Indeed, your happiness depends on you, simply the decision is yours! Decide now and grab a copy of this life changing book! Your life might never be the same again!

For more info, visit: www.CLCPhilippines.com

Have a #HAPPY, blessed and Jesus-centered 2014! :)

+++

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Frank Minirth, MD, is president of the Minirth Clinic in Richardson, Texas, and one of only 122 doctors in the U.S. and Canada certified by the prestigious American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. He is the bestselling author of Happiness Is a Choice and can be heard weekly on both local and national radio. 

ABOUT THE CLC PUBLICATIONS:

CLC Publications (formerly Christian Literature Crusade) is the English language publishing house for CLC Ministries International. Headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, CLC has published books for the Deeper Christian Life for over 50 years. Our focus has been to publish books by trusted authors with a clear and timeless message. Some of our better known authors from the past include Watchman Nee, Corrie ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, Andrew Murray and Roy Hession. Today we are also publishing books by well known authors like Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt.

Many of our books are influenced by the message of the Keswick movement starting in 1875 in England and therefore some of our older authors have British origins or spoke on the Keswick stage at one time or another. While we do not limit our publishing to the theology of this movement, we are certainly excited to be able to convey the message of the Victorious Christian Life to a new generation.
As a part of CLC International, our books are sold and distributed in countries all over the world including but not limited to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India, the West Indies, and the Philippines. We are committed to being a significant part of fulfilling CLC’s international purpose of making evangelical Christian literature available to all nations so that people may come to faith and maturity in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book is provided for review by CLCPhilippines

Continue reading »