Tedd Tripp Talks about the Lifeline Mini-Books

Help!

Each title in the Shepherd Press imprint, Lifeline Mini-Books, begins with the word “Help!” And helpful is exactly what this series is intended to be.

In an earlier post, December 2014, I mentioned the release of some more titles. Subsequent to that, four more new ones have been published. Their details are linked below:

Help! I’m Being  Deployed

Help! My Anger Is Out of Control

Help! Someone I Love Has Alzheimer’s

Help! I’m in a Conflict

As I have previously expressed, the Lifeline Mini-Books are packed with biblical content, written with feeling and concern for readers in the issues covered (all the authors are in the trenches of ministry themselves–here is no ivory tower, distant academic theorizing!), written with personal application projects to help readers engage practically with the issues concerned, and, especially important, written with a call to turn from sin and trust the Savior. All this in just 10,000 words (that’s 64 pages of small-format reading) makes for an excellent resource to use and give away.

Consider this series of excellent resources in your ministry, your church, for your friends and family, and for your own use!

Two Minutes with Tedd Tripp

You may view a two-minute promotional of video of Tedd Tripp from the Lifeline Mini-Book website here, or click on the screen image below.

 

 

Posted by Jim Holmes in Current Issues, Gospel, New & Noteworthy, Publishing Books Today, Worldview, 0 comments

God’s Lightnings Enlightened the World

Lightning2

His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. (Psalm 97:4)

My son, aged twelve, and I were discussing Benjamin Franklin earlier, and the topic was lightning and why it strikes where it strikes. It led to a discussion on his views.

Matthew writes as follows:

Ben_FranklinBen Franklin, Matthew reports, believed we would be judged by our good works, so he decided to do some good for the town of Philadelphia. He started America’s first library, etc. He decided to try and discover the mystery of electricity, so he performed experiments to see whether electricity could kill a turkey. He observed some similarities in what he observed with lightning, and found that if he put a small metal ball near a metal rod, there would be a blue spark that made a small noise, similar to what happens with lightning (though on a much grander scale in the case of lightning).

Franklin performed an experiment in which he flew a kite on a stormy day to see if he could transfer electricity from the lightning via a key that was tied to his kite and, in turn, to his finger, to be transferred to a jar to be reused.

He published details of his experiment in his almanac that year, and it caused a stir among the clergy because, in their opinion, if lightning is an act of God, then if a person or a house gets struck by it (and you are trying to prevent it by using a metal rod), then you are interfering with divine forces. Ben Franklin argued that, since we put roofs over our heads to protect us from unbearable weather, as well as rain and hail, then why should we not protect ourselves from lightning?

Thoughts and Observations from Jim and Matthew’s Discussion

This led us to look up a few Bible verses on lightning. Ephesians 1:11 makes the point that God is working all things after the counsel of His own will. So that includes lightning as a direct act of God.

Some Bible verses specifically state:

Exodus 9:23-24

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt. So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

Job 37:3

He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

Psalm 135:7

He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries.

As we considered these verses, and the video clip below, we thought of how wonderfully powerful God is, able simply to send millions of volts of power surging through the atmosphere!

To find out more Bible verses on the topic, visit this site here.

Enjoy this two-minute video with HD lightning strikes!

 

Featured image above, www.publicdomainimages.net
"Franklin-Benjamin-LOC" by Joseph-Siffrein Duplessis - Library of Congress LC-USZ62-25564. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Franklin-Benjamin-LOC.jpg#/media/File:Franklin-Benjamin-LOC.jpg
Posted by Jim Holmes in Biblical Creationism, Technology, Worldview, 2 comments

Human Accountability: A Reading from C H Spurgeon

Human Responsibility

Spurgeon_portrait“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” John 15:22

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 24:29-31

The liar, the fornicator, and the drunkard shall have their portion with unbelievers. Hell was made first of all for men who despise Christ, because that is the A1 sin, the cardinal vice, and men are condemned for that. Other iniquities come following after them, but this one goes before them to judgement. Imagine for a moment that time has passed, and that the day of judgement is come. We are all gathered together, both living and dead. The trumpet-blast sounds exceeding loud and long. We are all attentive, expecting something marvellous. The exchange stands still in its business; the shop is deserted by the tradesman; the crowded streets are filled. All men stand still; they feel that the last great business-day is come, and that now they must settle their accounts for ever. A solemn stillness fills the air: no sound is heard. All, all is silent. Presently a great white cloud with solemn state sails through the sky, and then—hark! The twofold clamour of the startled earth. On that cloud there sits one like unto the Son of Man. Every eye looks, and at last there is heard a unanimous shout—“It is he! It is he!” and after that you hear on the one hand, shouts of “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Welcome, Welcome, Welcome Son of God.” But mixed with that there is a deep bass, composed of the weeping and wailing of the men who have persecuted him, and who have rejected him. Listen! I think I can dissect the sonnet; I think I can hear the words as they come separately, each one of them, tolling like a death knell. What say they? They say, “Rocks hide us, mountains fall upon us, hide us from the face of him that sits upon the throne.”

For meditation: What we are going to say about Christ in eternity will be an amplified version of our attitudes towards him in time. In this life we have the opportunity to change our minds and trust Christ; in eternity we will never be able to change our tune (Matthew 25:30,46).

Sermon no. 194
16 May (1858)


365_Days_CHS_1_DS365 Days with C.H. Spurgeon, Vol. 1. A unique collection of 365 daily readings from sermons preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon from his New Park Street Pulpit.

This series of daily readings makes use of Spurgeon’s sermons, edited, prepared and formatted for daily readings, by Terence Peter Crosby.

This book is published by Day One Publications, and is available here at a discounted price and with free shipping.

 


Posted by Jim Holmes in Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Reflections, Spirituality, 0 comments

Holy Violence: A Reading from C H Spurgeon

Holy violence

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12

Suggested Further Reading: Genesis 32:22-32

Frequently complaints are made and surprise expressed by individuals who have never found a blessing rest upon anything they have attempted to do in the service of God. “I have been a Sunday-school teacher for years,” says one, “and I have never seen any of my girls or boys converted.” No, and the reason most likely is, you have never been violent about it; you have never been compelled by the divine Spirit to make up your mind that converted they should be, and no stone shall be left unturned until they were. You have never been brought by the Spirit to such a passion, that you have said, “I cannot live unless God bless me; I cannot exist unless I see some of these children saved.” Then, falling on your knees in agony of prayer, and putting forth afterwards your trust with the same intensity towards heaven, you would never have been disappointed, “for the violent take it by force.” And you too, my brother in the gospel, you have marvelled and wondered why you have not seen souls regenerated. Did you ever expect it? Why, you preach like one who does not believe what he is saying. Those who believe in Christ, may say of you with kind partiality, “Our minister is a dear good man;” but the careless young men that attend your ministry say, “Does that man expect to make me believe that which he only utters as a dry story, and to convince me when I see him go through the service with all the dullness and monotony of dead routine?” Oh, my brethren, what we want today in the churches is violence; not violence against each other, but violence against death, and hell, against the hardness of other men’s hearts, and against the sleepiness of our own.

For meditation: Do you mean business with God or do you just go through the motions? It can make all the difference (2 Kings 4:31-35; Mark 9:28,29).

Sermon no. 252
15 May (1859)


 

365_Days_CHS_1_DS365 Days with C.H. Spurgeon, Vol. 1. A unique collection of 365 daily readings from sermons preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon from his New Park Street Pulpit.

This series of daily readings makes use of Spurgeon’s sermons, edited, prepared and formatted for daily readings, by Terence Peter Crosby.

This book is published by Day One Publications, and is available here at a discounted price and with free shipping.

 


Thomas Watson: A Related Resource

9780979857935Consider the writing of Thomas Watson on a related theme.

Many today believe that the Christian life is rather easy to both obtain and live. But the Puritans saw it as warfare, as wrestling, as “holy violence,” to use their term. The Apostle Paul spoke of beating his own body into subjection. And this holy violence is to be brought not only against one’s self, but against Satan, the world, and heaven too. And in this confrontation, we must use the weapons God has given us—reading the Word, hearing the Word, prayer, meditation, self-examination, and the due observance of the Lord’s Day. The writings of Thomas Watson, replete with sound doctrine, practical wisdom, and heart-searching application, need no introduction to readers of the Puritans. His profound spirituality, terse style, gripping remarks, practical illustrations, and beauty of expression make him one of the most irresistible, quotable, and devotional of all the Puritans. Heaven Taken By Storm is a precious little volume of practical Christian living and is one of our favorites of Puritan titles.

You may purchase this book, shipping free, and at a generous discount, from Cheaper in Dozens.

 

Posted by Jim Holmes, 0 comments

Sleeping Samson: A Sermon by Colin Mercer on Judges 16:19

Surrounded by Enemies in a Philistine Bedroom

colinmercer-03Here is a man who has known the presence and power of God in remarkable ways, now surrounded by his enemies in the shadows of the inner room as he lies asleep on the lap of Delilah. In analogous spiritual terms, this scene is being reenacted by people today–people once living zealously, fervently in holiness, useful in Christian service. How things have changed.

Consider this sermon, powerfully preached and applied, by Pastor Colin Mercer, minister of Faith Free Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC, in which he traces three primary lines of thought:

(1) The pathway that led to it: how this situation came about

(2) The tragedy that accompanies it

(3) The recovery that is possible

 

Posted by Jim Holmes in Current Issues, Gospel, 0 comments

Perpetually in Print

 Perpetually-In_Print_featured_image

Great Opportunities, but Challenges, Too*

“I have prepared a manuscript. I believe it has value, and that it should be in print, but all the publishers I have approached seem to think otherwise. What can be done to get it into print?”

It is not uncommon to hear words such as these. The good news is that it has never been as easy to publish a book as it is today! However, with the opportunity of doing so, there are also challenges that have to be met. It may be relatively easy to rush a book into print, but just as easily, the outcome can be quite unsatisfactory. Often, a well-meaning family member or friend takes care of the editing, and the friend of a friend looks after the cover concept, but the quality standards are just not high enough for professional publication and distribution.

Another scenario involves taking shortcuts with the book’s internal design. Maybe it looks OK on the screen of your computer, but in real life, what you end up with is a disaster in print.

Then there is the matter of the bar-code, Bowker registration, and establishing a realistic retail price. Without these matters being carefully considered and planned, your home-made efforts may just be an accident waiting to happen.

What about warehousing and distribution? Who takes care of that? How does your book get placed on Amazon and into the hands of key vendors such as Ingram? Is there any possibility that your book will make it when it gets out there in the real world?

Are you likely to end up with cartons of unsaleable books in your garage?

Well, here’s a solution you should think about!

Introducing Perpetually in Print©

Perpetually-In_Print_Icon_largeBecause of considerations such as these, we have developed a model we call “Perpetually in Print” or PiP for short. PiP is a unique way that explores, considers and harnesses efficiencies, minimizing all costs, maximizing quality elements, and ensuring a realistic set of production costs to get your book into print.

The PiP model allows you the best of everything. In short, this is how it works:

You present a manuscript or writing idea to us;

We guide you through the developmental aspects of it, ensuring that the outcome is a publication-worthy piece;

We prepare your piece for publication on a perpetually in print basis.

What Do You Get in the PiP© Model?

Typesetting to the highest professional standards

The option of eBooks, too

Cover concept and design from an artist well qualified in the industry

ISBN purchase and registration

Production, including a thorough copyediting and proofreading process of all internal pages and the cover

Placement of your book in a warehouse and distribution supply portal located in Tennessee. At this point, your book is a virtual entity, so the distributor is able to print any number of copies (one is the minimum order; each copy is always at the same cost) and ship them out to the customer in the USA on the same day the order is received. An ONIX feed ensures that your book’s data is always right up to date, and that it reflects as being currently in print

The distributor offers international distribution capability and also takes care of all sales and receipts; warehouse storage charges are minimal owing to the virtual nature of your book until such time as there are specific orders for it

A preferential discount is offered to you as the author; you may order as many or as few books as you wish, whenever you wish. Trade terms are made available to all prospective customers

Support of your own promotional initiatives via a social media and the related construct of strategic activities through other portals associated with Great Writing, including personalized website design and hosting

And here’s the best part of all: You avoid the heavy costs of conventional printing and yet your book never has to go out of print!

What Does It Cost to Be a PiP© Author?

Prices are assessed on considerations such as the scale and scope of the project, the need for editorial intervention, and such related considerations. Contact us to discuss your project, and we will come up with the best possible deal!



*This post is extracted from one of my editorial services websites, Great Writing, and introduces a new concept I am working on.

Are you an existing or first-time author? Is this something that might interest you? Then, why not go ahead and contact me, share your idea, and let’s see if this is a model that could work for you.

 

 

Posted by Jim Holmes in New & Noteworthy, Publishing Books Today, Spirituality, Technology, 1 comment

When the Lamb Becomes the Light

When_the_Lamb_Becomes_the_Light_Graphic

As I was driving…

Serendipitous things can happen when the car radio is on and music is almost subliminal. I was arrested by the thoughts prompted by When the Lamb Becomes the Light, and checked it out on Google. I found something interesting; and I think you may enjoy it, too.

Here are the lyrics. After you have reviewed them, click on the video below and listen to the rendering of one man, Nathaniel Kramer. And enjoy the special effect when he and his other self join with him to sing a well-harmonized trio.

The source citation link below takes you to some other interesting renderings of hymns and spiritual songs.

When the Lamb Becomes the Light

The Spirit showed to John a wondrous vision.

From heaven’s highest realm, a holy city did descend
With its crystal river, gates of pearl, and great celestial chambers.
John saw it, but could scarcely comprehend
This place of perfect peace that’s everlasting
Where death is gone forever, and where no one will grow old.
And the sun is overshadowed by the Lamb in all His glory.
Oh, what a vision we too will behold!

When the Lamb becomes the Light,
And the faith that we’ve held onto becomes sight.
There’ll be no more weeping,
No more sorrow, no more night
When the lamb becomes the Light.

At times our eyes are filled with tears of sadness,
Yet we hold to the promise that these tears will pass away,
And though the world around us now is filled with pain and suffering,
We await that bright and glorious day.

When the Lamb becomes the Light,
And the faith that we’ve held onto becomes sight.
There’ll be no more weeping,
No more sorrow, no more night
When the lamb becomes the Light.

Written by Joel Lindsey and Regie Hamm. Source citation here.

Posted by Jim Holmes in Hymns, Spirituality, Technology, 2 comments

Shepherding and Instructing Hearts

9780981540009

Do Your Children Ever Say Things Like…?**

“I’m really glad Dad spoke to me about that; I really needed his help.”

“Mom, thanks for caring enough to keep me out of trouble.”

The purpose of biblical authority is encourage and build up (2 Corinthians 13:10).  But sometimes our children are last ones to recognize this. Here are three principles to help make the exercise your authority a blessing to your children.

First: Listen well so that you can speak well.

Commit yourself to be a skilled, aggressive listener. Your goal is to be able to repeat the words you hear back to your children in such a way that they can affirm that you really do understand them. You don’t always have to agree, but you must always understand. This attentiveness shows respect for your children and honor for your Lord. It also indicates that you view your authority as an opportunity to be a servant. Answering quickly, without fully understanding the intentions of your children shows a lack of love and respect. Proverbs 18:13 and Ephesians 4:29 teach that you must listen well in order to speak things that will benefit your children.

“Wow, mom, I had no idea you really understood me.”

Second: When you do speak, use language that is pleasant and gracious.

Harsh, frustrated tones and sarcastic answers do not build relationships.

Your goal is to make God’s wisdom attractive.  Sharp language indicates that you are pushing your own agenda rather than God’s.  Pleasant language, even when firm, is needed for growth. Irritation often reveals self-righteousness. A soft, understanding answer spoken with pleasant words will help avert upsets and promote instruction that will actually bless your children (Proverbs 15:1 & 16:21)

Third: Beware of anger. Anger and authority should seldom be seen together.

sach2005.inddAnger is not the tool of a builder. Anger shouts that you, the parent, have been offended. Rather, the focus must be on God.  The problems and struggles your children are having have more to do with God than with you. Your goal is to use your authority to point your children to Christ. Your anger does not make God important, it places the emphasis on  you. Don’t excuse your anger because you think your children deserve it. Anger will drive those close to you far from you (See James 1:19&20).

“It really means a lot that you were not angry even though I messed up.”

These three principles will help make your authority a blessing that your children will love and depend upon.


**This post is reproduced from the Shepherd Press Blog. Shepherd Press produces a fine range of biblically based resources, including two books that should be in every home, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, and Instructing a Child’s Heart.

Posted by Jim Holmes in Current Issues, Gospel, Spirituality, 0 comments

With Casual Sincerity

A Meditation from C H Spurgeon

365_Days_CHS_1_DSThe insights, perspectives and applications of the nineteenth-century English preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, are both remarkable and abiding. Do we speak with sincerity and care as we engage with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and associates in our casual, day-to-day interactions? How easily do we promise to pray for someone and yet within minutes forget what the matter for prayer even was? How unlike the Lord from heaven we prove ourselves to be!

Consider Spurgeon’s brief meditation here. It is from a book of daily readings based on sermons he preached in the earlier phase of his ministry. Readers in the USA may buy the book at a discounted price, shipping-free, here.

 

The Best of Masters

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

It is the same with the world at this day. Everyone greets us in writing with a “Dear sir,” or a “My dear sir,” and concludes with “Yours very truly,” and “Yours sincerely.” We call all “friends,” and if we meet but casually we express the utmost anxiety with regard to one another’s health, and we carefully enquire after each other’s families; when perhaps we shall no sooner have passed by the person than we shall forget his existence, and certainly shall entertain no anxious thoughts with regard to his welfare, nor any loving remembrance of him. The world gives very largely when it gives compliments. Oh, what blessings would descend upon all our heads, if the blessings uttered could be blessings bestowed. Even when the “Good bye” is given, which translated means, “God be with you”—if that could be but true, and if God could be with us, in answer to that prayer, so little understood, how rich might we be! But alas! the way of the world is, “Be ye warmed and filled;” but it has not that which should warm, nor that which should fill. It is a world of words; high-sounding, empty, all-deceiving words. Now this is not so with Christ. If he says “Peace be with you,” his benediction is most true and full of sweet sincerity. He left his own peace in heaven, that he might give the peace which he enjoyed with his Father, to us in this world of sorrow, for thus he puts it, “My peace I give unto you.” Christ, when he blesses, blesses not in word only, but in deed. The lips of truth cannot promise more than the hands of love will surely give. He gives not in compliment. Furthermore, even when the world’s wishes of peace are sincere, what are they but mere wishes?

For meditation: Greetings and best wishes from the lips of a Christian should be modelled on Christ, not the world. Do you go in for the “polite lie” or are your concerns for others genuine (Philippians 2:20; 3 John 2)?

Sermon no. 247
10 April (1859)

Posted by Jim Holmes in Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Reflections, Worldview, 0 comments

Gospel Hero of Hijacked Flight 961

Being Instant In Season and Out of Season

Being ready to testify for Christ is something we should be ready to do, even at a moment’s notice. Who knows when we might be called to a sudden and catastrophic event? How many people on German Wings Flight 9525 were ready and prepared for the sudden end that came upon them?

Titanics_Last_HeroThe story of the Titanic’s last hero is well known. John Harper was a passenger on board the luxury liner who loved Jesus and knew the fear of the Lord. He was also ready to depart this life at a moment’s notice. He gave up his life vest to another passenger floundering in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. And he urged his fellow strugglers, who were battling the waves, to call upon the name of the Lord. Even in those moments, the gospel call was going out! The story is told in the book, The Titanic’s Last Hero, by Moody Adams.

At over 20,000 feet…

Image from http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/

A similar incident came to my attention earlier. A news and prayer update from Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association recounts an incident from 1996 when three hijackers seized control of an Ethiopian Airlines flight, attempting to force the pilots to fly to Australia, notwithstanding the fact that the aircraft, a Boeing 767, had fuel only enough for not more than one or two thousand miles. With the fuel now all depleted, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and glided for between thirty and forty miles. Guided skilfully to an emergency water landing by the captain, Leul Abate, an experienced pilot, the plane came down smoothly at 200 miles per hour, but cartwheeled when one of its engine pods snagged a submerged coral reef off the Comoros Islands. Of the 175 people on board, 125 perished, many of then drowning as they were unable to exit the submerged plane wearing inflated life-jackets.

A Call at the Brink of Eternity

But just before their exit from this world to the next, they heard the wonderful old story of God’s love and grace, recounted urgently to them by a Kenya-based missionary, Andy Meakins, a passenger on the plane. Let Franklin Graham take up the story:

Andy Meakins was a gentle giant of the faith, an Englishman who loved Jesus Christ and served Him in Africa for many years. In 1996 an Ethiopian Airlines flight was hijacked and crashed into the ocean just off the Comoros Islands after running out of fuel—you may have heard the story. The dramatic moment of impact was caught on home video and broadcast around the world. Only later did we learn of something even more dramatic happening in the cabin as the plane headed for disaster.

Andy Meakins and his wife were on that plane, seated together. The hijackers demanded to be flown to Australia even though there wasn’t nearly enough fuel for that distance. As they neared the Comoros Islands in the Indian Ocean, one engine flamed out, and the pilot told passengers that the remaining engine would soon run out of fuel as well. Immediately, Andy’s wife heard the snap of a seatbelt being unbuckled and turned to see her husband stand up.

“Many of us might die in this crash,” he called out, “so there’s something you need to know.” Andy then began explaining the Gospel simply and urgently, moving to each part of the cabin so that everyone would hear. He invited people to place their trust in Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. A flight attendant heard Andy’s words, bowed her head, and asked Jesus to forgive her sins and come into her heart. She watched many more respond and, along with another survivor, later told the story. Of the 175 people on board, 125 died, including Andy, who was still on his feet preaching the Gospel as the plane hit the water.

Source Citation

I appreciate Franklin Graham’s recounting of this incident of a man ready to bear testimony just moments before the end of life. I had never heard of it. What a way to go! It illustrates powerfully how the Lord may call us to an instant and urgent task. Are we walking with Him and ready to do serve Him in ways such as this?


You can view an eight minute video summary of the facts of the incident in the History Channel YouTube video below.

Posted by Jim Holmes in Gospel, Spirituality, Worldview, 0 comments