Author: jlschock

Three questions that are on the minds of all believers at one point are “Is the gift of tongues for today? Does God want me to have this gift? and Should I ask for it? These three questions are what author Robert Henderson asks on the back cover of his book “The Gift of Tongues: What it is, What it isn’t and Why You Need it” I find it interesting that Bill Hamon wrote the forward because Bill Hamon’s book is what I read when I had those exact questions. Robert Henderson’s book starts by answering the question “Why the Debate?”. Robert Henderson continues the book by educating and encouraging readers through scripture and personal experiences. This book is broken into thirteen chapters plus the forward by Bishop Bill Hamon and a Scripture Index at the end of the book. Chapters include: Why the Debate?, The Person of the Holy Spirit, The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, The Filling of the Holy Spirit, New Tongues, A Sign to Unbelievers, A Personal Prayer Language, Partnering with Our Intercessor, Defeating the Three “ads”, Mysteries Unveiled, Giving Thanks, The Interpretation of Tongues, and Proper Protocol.

I recommend this book for everyone interested in the gift of tongues.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House/Chosen Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Light in a Dark Place: The Doctrine of Scripture by John S. Feinberg is what I would consider deep and inspiring reading. This book is part of the Foundations of Evangelical Theology Series. It surprised me how much could be written about one word. It is insightful to read The author uses scripture to explain light and revelation. This book would be a great reference for any study of the names of God or how the term “light” is all through scripture from Genesis through Revelation. The book is broken up into four parts and a conclusion. Part one is entitled “Creating Scripture”. it discusses light unveiled and light written. Part two is entitled “Characteristics of Scripture”. It discusses true light and divine commanding light, Chapter three is entitled “Setting the Boundaries” it talks about light canonized. Chapter four is entitled “The Usefulness of Scripture”. It talks about Light embraced, clear understandable light, living powerful light, light enough, and enduring light. The conclusion leaves the reader with the argument “Light in a Dark Place, Does it make a difference?

I recommend this book for anyone wanting a deep study on light. It would make a great addition to any theological library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Crossway’s Blog Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From the back cover:
You have the authority and mandate to destroy the works of the devil! Satan prowls the earth unleashing his wicked spirits against all who call on the name of Christ. He wants to destroy as many as he can — and take us to hell with him. Now more than ever the Church must rise up and confront the devil head on.
In this handbook of militant prayers, evangelist John Ramirez helps you prepare for and move into advanced combat. He teaches you to open your spiritual eyes, strengthen your position as a warrior, release the thunder of God against the devil, loose God’s blessings and more!
With holy anger you can defeat the enemy’s plans against you, your loved ones and your church. It is time to battle with all your heart.

My review:
The one thing that impressed me about Combat Prayers To Crush The Enemy by John Ramirez is that it is simple. It is full of short prayers that are powerful. Its not overwhelming in content but small sections that could easily be carried throughout the day. Each prayer is partnered with a scripture verse. Combat Prayers To Crush The Enemy by John Ramirez is broken up into 12 chapters plus an introduction and “A Final Word”. Each chapter has a note page, a short one page introduction and then about 10-20 prayers and verses. This is a powerful book that I recommend for all believers wanting to overcome the evil in this present age through Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House/Chosen Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The names of God are powerful because each name describes a different aspect and characteristic of God. Our names identify us but even more powerfully our names are also a prophetic declaration of what the name means. Parents have the job of naming their children. This is not a job to take lightly. When Adam names all the animals he spoke into their destiny of their identity and purpose. Each name of God is unique because each name also relates with us. We call God “Creator”because we are part of His creation. We call Jesus “Savior” because He saved us. We call Him “Redeemer” because He redeemed us. Jesus called the Holy Spirit “Counselor” because He counsels and teaches us as we grow in our relationship with Jesus. The names of God help us understand Him and how He works in and through us.
The Power of Jesus’ Names by Tony Evans is a book that goes over 12 names of Jesus separated into two parts. The first part, Power in His Positions, cover the names Immanuel, Alpha and Omega, King, Lamb of God, Great High Priest, and Sovereign. The second part, Power in His Person, cover the names I Am, Lord, Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Son of Man, and Word. The introduction caught my attention. I loved a paragraph so much that I wanted to quote it here in my review. “Yet there is one name which has never passed and will never pass into oblivion—and that’s the name of Jesus. He never published a book, and yet there are more books written about Him than on any other subject. He never wrote a song, and yet there are more songs written about Him than any other person who lived. He never physically traveled more than 300 miles from the place of His birth, and yet there is virtually no place on earth you can go where people do not know His name. Our calendars are set by His entrance into human history. His notoriety only increases with time, although He’s been physically gone from earth for more than 2,000 years.” This describes Jesus with such a passionate love and truth. Tony Evans explains how Jesus Immanuel is with us. He is the complete revelation of God. Jesus is how God relates completely with humanity. Tony Evans describes thirteen names of God beyond just their definition. It is a book I highly recommend to anyone wanting to study the names of God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review program. https://www.netgalley.com/ I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Gospel of John – Finding Identity and Purpose is a Bible study including video teaching and a course questions that cover the book of John. Each chapter had bullet points from the video to guide the participants along with the video ending in a few questions. Then there is a “Your life today” section that has questions relating biblical culture to today’s culture. Each chapter ends with five days of personal reflection. The study has a lot of personal and life application questions to help relate to the study. I did not have the all the video to review but I found a sample session on Rose publishing’s YouTube channel along with a preview of the entire 12 session study. I like the depth of this study of the gospel of John. The video really adds to the study.

I would recommend this study for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the Bible.

https://youtu.be/0sXbToBT0YQ preview

I’ve read They Shall Expel Demons by Derek Prince many times. I think it is a great book on real life spiritual warfare that many Christians try to ignore. Deliverance should be a normal part of the Christian life not something for specific ministries. It should be a part of everyone who believes in Jesus. The title of this book is explained in the gospel of Mark. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark‬ ‭16:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬. I was excited to see how this classic book has been updated and expanded. In the expanded version, each chapter has several questions relating to the chapter making a study out of each informative chapter. Some examples of questions asked are Why can’t demons be fallen angels? What was Jesus’ one requirement for those who minister deliverance? What are four simple conditions people must meet to receive deliverance? To what areas of our lives must the Holy Spirit have access in order to indwell us? After the study questions there is a life application. The life application is further questions and activities to apply what the reader has learned to their own experiences. After the life application, there is a memory verse like Galatians 5:1 and 2 Corinthians 2:14. Each chapter ends with a faith response. The faith response is a prayer or declaration for the reader to walk in greater freedom through Jesus. I think that the expansions of this classic deliverance book will help many people in greater ways because it gives further insight and help. I encourage every believer to read this book because it’s a part of what all believers should be able to walk in. Now more than ever our walk as a believer in Jesus needs to be normal to walk in the supernatural.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House/Chosen Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Destroying Fear by John Ramirez was published just in time for the world to see fear manifest through the earth during the lockdown of the Coronavirus. Fear has been a tactic of the enemy in every generation since the fall of Adam and Eve. In Destroying Fear, John Ramirez explains how fear and worry prevent us from walking out the calling that God has created us to do. When we live free from fear and worry and we walk out the calling that we were created to do, we are dangerous to the enemy and his kingdom of darkness. Each chapter has stories of experiences from around the world and throughout history to show the reader that they are not alone in this spiritual battle. He explains how rejection, lowlifes, sickness, unworthiness, inferiority, failure, self-pity, guilt, shame, disgrace, suicide and isolation are all voices from fear. The most powerful part of this book is the pages of prayers and spiritual declarations that are found in every chapter. These prayers will help every reader become confident in their purpose in their life and their place in Gods Kingdom. I recommend a lot of books but this is the first book that I’m whole heartedly asking everyone to buy. Reading and praying through Destroying Fear by John Ramirez will change your life!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House/Chosen Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Where is Wisdom by Scott James is a children’s book inspired by Job 28. I don’t think Ive ever studied Job 28 until I got this book to review. I don’t really like children’s story books that simplify the Scripture but I think that Scott James did a good job making Job 28 relatable to children. I love the vivid colors in the illustrations. On the darker pages where there is a cave or dark room, the illustrator uses the light to pop out of darkness and making the entire picture light. The only thing I could say negative about this book is that I think if the illustrations would be of people wearing modern clothing would make the reader realize that wisdom can be found today not just in the days of the Scripture. I love how the book points to Jesus. On the last page are three resources. First to remember the main Scripture verse Job 28:23,28. Second to encourage the reader to read Job 28 for themselves and see how it relates to the book by Scott James and then relating to Colossians 1:15-20 and Colossians 2:3 and how Jesus is our greatest treasure. Third, there are questions to think about to have a greater understanding of God and the treasures that He has hidden for us to find. I recommend this book to anyone with a child or a children’s library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BH/Lifeway Bloggers program. https://www.bhbloggers.com/ I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

90 Days with THE GOD WHO speaks, is developed from “The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide”, copyright 2012, by Lifeway Christian Resources. I wish they would have given credit to their team of authors because I like looking up other works of authors and following different ministries. With that being said, I love books about how God speaks, and is still speaking to today’s generations. The table of contents captivated me. Each title reveals a different thing to reflect about how God speaks. The book is laid out as a devotional is meant to be used in any way that would best add to your current study. I like how each devotional starts with scripture and has scripture reference throughout the story or explanation. Each devotional ends with questions to ponder, or things to do, like reading specific scripture, or praying about specific things related to the day’s devotional. I think that this is a good beginners guide to hearing God’s voice. I am disappointed that this book only talks about God speaking in Scripture. I’m also disappointed that it leaves the reader more hesitant about prophecy, because the only mention of prophecy, is of a prophecy that was wrong. The book says nothing about learning to hear God’s voice to the specific individual through the Holy Spirit.

          There is no mention about God speaking through dreams today, or to the people through scripture. I have researched dreams in Scripture, and learned that there are about 90 times that the word “dream”, can be found in scripture. My favorite is found in Job, (Job 33:14-18 NASB Indeed God speaks once, twice, yet no one notices it. In a dream, a vision of the night, sound sleep falls on men, they slumber in their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, seals their instruction, That He may turn man aside from his conduct, keep man from pride; He keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from passing over into Sheol.) There is no mention about how our own voice is powerful. God created everything with His voice, and He created us in His image, so our voices are also powerful, and have the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21 NASB Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.) We need to be careful with our words, because we will be held accountable for what we say. (Matthew 12:36 NASB But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.)

          I would recommend this book to specific denominations that tend to believe that God does not speak through prophets or dreams today. I feel that the book could be much more encouraging and impactful in the reader’s walk, if it covered how God not only spoke through scripture, and to the people of those times, but how God still speaks today.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BH/Lifeway Bloggers program. https://www.bhbloggers.com/ I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Discernment by Jane Hamon is a must have for anyone wanting to grow in their ability to discern the spiritual and understand the things that God is showing us in this day and age. Jane Hamon uses personal experiences and stories to draw the reader into the concepts and how they still take place today. The book begins with explaining how to hear the voice of God. The rest of the book goes through various things that we need to discern today like the times, anointing, hearts, to lead, to build, the Spirit of God, angels, demons, the human heart, spiritual warfare, intercession and strongholds. The book ends with explaining how to have eyes to see and ears to hear. I enjoyed reading this book. I like how the author continually backs up what she is saying with scripture. I love how descriptive this book is. There is so much to gleam on with many activation activities that you could easily turn this book into a group study. I love the personal stories shared throughout this book. My favorite chapters are the chapters about discerning angels, discerning demons because of the testimonies in these chapters. I liked the chapters about discerning and identifying strongholds because of the detail in the definitions of each of the different characteristics of spiritual strongholds. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to grow in their spiritual discernment either as an individual or in a group setting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House/Chosen Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”