Part one: Pilgrim's Progress was enthralling as Christian made his way along the journey. Part two: Christiana and here children's journey was arduousPart one: Pilgrim's Progress was enthralling as Christian made his way along the journey. Part two: Christiana and here children's journey was arduous, laborious, and brutally dissatisfying to read. By the time Stage 8 rolled around, Bunyan had apparently adopted the ancient version of cut/paste version of hack writing - importing material as filler from Part one and outright c/p'ing the calling of each character across the river to the Celestial City.
Part one is most definitely worth the read. However a signpost needs to be established warning wary pilgrims about part two: Beware all who proceed; you'll never regain the time you're about to lose.
Five stars for the original Part 1. Three stars at best for the 'tacked on' Part 2. Average to four star rating. ...more
Very interesting book: defining, comparing, contrasting, and eternally linking the two titled covenants.
As a source of authoritative doctrinal teachinVery interesting book: defining, comparing, contrasting, and eternally linking the two titled covenants.
As a source of authoritative doctrinal teaching, I found Mr. Chantry's efforts at dismantling the subject of dispensationalism bordering on rude, and unsubstantiated. Crucial to the discussion of the two covenants, the topic of dispensationalism had to be broached. However, Mr. Chantry seemed to take deep personal swipes at the doctrine and those who hold fast to it.
That said, the covenant discussion is well worth the read. It is informative, intriguing, and challenging to the mind of one who truly wants to understand the greatness that is God and his grace toward sinful man....more
Great booklet highlighting one specific characteristic found in the life of several biblical characters that reflect the character of Christ. All is wGreat booklet highlighting one specific characteristic found in the life of several biblical characters that reflect the character of Christ. All is wrapped up neatly in highlighting our creation in the image of God. What an encouraging little book; what a challenging little book. Great read and a great guide to developing Christ in you....more
Well written descriptive of the life, times, and geography of Christ. The Kindle version does have numerous electronic conversion errors - typos, formWell written descriptive of the life, times, and geography of Christ. The Kindle version does have numerous electronic conversion errors - typos, formatting, punctuation errors and dropped words. But, that being said, context and logic make working past those faults possible.
Chapter headings: 1. The Preparation 2. The Coming of the Lord 3. The Baptism 4. The Early Judean Ministry 5. The Beginning of the Galilaean Ministry 6. The Period of Popularity 7. The Turning Point 8. Jesus as Messiah 9. The Prediction of the Cross 10. The Last Journeys 11. Teaching in the Temple 12. The Crucifixion 13. The Resurrection 14. The Beginnings of the Christian Church
Well written book: loving, insightful, and challenging to church leadership of today.
Chapter headings: 1. Gospel 2. Heart 3. Change 4. Bible 5. Labels 6. CeWell written book: loving, insightful, and challenging to church leadership of today.
A+ material written by an openly gay member of the Christian community. Theologically and doctrinely sound presentation that should come off as non-ofA+ material written by an openly gay member of the Christian community. Theologically and doctrinely sound presentation that should come off as non-offensive to everyone who dares read this short five chapter 'pamphlet'. Mr. Allberry's presentation is based on the assumption that all scripture is inerrant, infallible and irrevocably the word of God.
Chapter headings: 1. Getting started: the Bible, marriage and sex 2. The Bible and homosexuality 3. Homosexuality and the Christian 4. Homosexuality and the church 5. Homosexuality and the world
Underlying Mr. Allberry's argument is the belief that marriage and sex are meant to reflect something of God's nature, be a method of fulfilling his command to 'be fruitful and multiply and fill the Earth', as well as reflect the grace he shows toward his people. Having lain that theological framework, he proceeds to examine homosexuality biblically, treating it as the the sin that is is, but also treating it as sin - the product of the fall which we all deal with in our lives whether it be same-sex attraction, pornography, alcoholism, or tipping too often into the cookie jar.
All in all, Mr. Allberry argues for the need of a Savior for the homosexual and heterosexual alike.
I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who truly wishes to better themselves in their treatment of the subject. ...more
Glimpses into the duality of man's spirit: of good and of evil. Jekyll hits on an element of spirituality on page 80 when he questions whether he had Glimpses into the duality of man's spirit: of good and of evil. Jekyll hits on an element of spirituality on page 80 when he questions whether he had lost his identity beyond redemption.
As antiquated as the story may be, it rings true to today's high-tech voyeuristic existence as on-line evil becomes more and more prevalent. As Jekyll discovered, it has become all too easy and all too commonplace to hide behind the anonymity of an on-line screen name and operate 'as an ordinary secret sinner', falling 'before the assaults of reputation.'...more
Rand's visionary progression toward utopian society is portrayed in a manner which mirrors biblical account of Lucifer's fall and subsequent fall of mRand's visionary progression toward utopian society is portrayed in a manner which mirrors biblical account of Lucifer's fall and subsequent fall of man. I, me, and my have had our run at utopian existence; decision, pride, and ego have forever razed that city and condemned humanity to the city of the damned.
Good read if kept in perspective. Nice progression of realization throughout this short 48 page anthem (Amazon advertises a page count of 96)....more
Dave Riggler has had his (un)fair share of hard luck stories; ROLLED continues that line in Dave's life. Unable to get over his ex, as evidenced by hiDave Riggler has had his (un)fair share of hard luck stories; ROLLED continues that line in Dave's life. Unable to get over his ex, as evidenced by his need to still change his cell phone wallpaper - an image of his ex, Dave rolls down to a local bar in search for solitude amidst the din of crowded humanity. What Dave finds is strength to stand up for a pretty girl being manhandled by a drunk which leads to a sense of hope on his part. Hope and anticipation fuel his solo roll home at the end of the evening - only to be brought back into perspective.
Being familiar with Dave through his other stories, this reader truly feels for him. I want him to have joy in his life. I want him to be at peace with where his life has taken him. I feel his pain and disappointment.
Dave's last name is not mentioned in this short story, but is well known from his other adventures in Brian Hartman's DAVE RIGGLER series....more
Insightful glimpse, albeit brief, into the life and times of Pastor Paul Schneider. The book is logically outlined and presents Schneider from searchiInsightful glimpse, albeit brief, into the life and times of Pastor Paul Schneider. The book is logically outlined and presents Schneider from searching youth, to questioning adult, to compassionately convicted martyr. Schneider is shown to be willing to, and effective in, challenging the leadership of the church as well as the leadership of the nation - standing in the gap for truth for truth's sake with total disregard for either personal reputation or safety. ...more
THE SHADOW PATROL has been my first experience with the John Wells series [#6 in the series] of fictionalized modern-day war stories - this based in ATHE SHADOW PATROL has been my first experience with the John Wells series [#6 in the series] of fictionalized modern-day war stories - this based in Afghanistan and features the CIA working to break a heroin smuggling ring operating through Kandahar. Fun, quick page turning story. Never over the reader's head. Never under the reader's expectation. I will recommend to my circle of war fiction friends....more
Chock full of cliches, racial type casting, and what I assume to be dry 'Jewish' humor; tries too hard to fit into the classic noir niche. I had the wChock full of cliches, racial type casting, and what I assume to be dry 'Jewish' humor; tries too hard to fit into the classic noir niche. I had the who guessed from the get-go, and was only slightly off on the motive/driving force behind the crimes at the end. A VERY quick read that was worth the dollar I purchased it for at the local 'dollar store'. I don't think I'll recommend this to any of my fine goodreads friends. ...more
A truly magnificent life journey. Quirky to begin with to think you're reading anthropomorphicly as you see reality through the eyes of ctitters. MoviA truly magnificent life journey. Quirky to begin with to think you're reading anthropomorphicly as you see reality through the eyes of ctitters. Moving at the end as you realize you've been made to truly care about these characters, their life stories and journeys; and maybe even see a bit of yourself in their reflection....more
Marvelous portrait of the Man, the Minister, the Preacher that was and still is JOHN CALVIN.
Chapter headings: Preface: standing on holy ground 1. CalvinMarvelous portrait of the Man, the Minister, the Preacher that was and still is JOHN CALVIN.
Chapter headings: Preface: standing on holy ground 1. Calvin's life and legacy 2. Approaching the pulpit 3. Preparing the preacher 4. Launching the sermon 5. Expounding the text 6. Crafting the delivery 7. Applying the truth 8. Concluding the exposition Conclusion: we want again Calvins!
Dr. Lawson has brought to life Calvin's convictions - those deep rooted, heart-felt beliefs that fueled and focused his everyday life. Calvin's method and purpose for preparation are explored. Calvin's sermon structure and delivery method put on display as motivation and encouragement for those who follow in his footsteps.
The Expository Genius of John Calvin is itself a genius work which I found enlightening, encouraging, and convicting.
I recommend this for anyone who desires to know to hon their service to the Lord, whether from the pulpit, the pew, or on the pavement. ...more
I see a spark of the old television program QUANTUM LEAP in this series plot device. Aided by Angelic informants, Cara, and in this case her GrandmothI see a spark of the old television program QUANTUM LEAP in this series plot device. Aided by Angelic informants, Cara, and in this case her Grandmother, works to solve and stop murders before they occur. An interesting twist is that this is done not so much on the behalf of the intended victim, but more so on the part of the perpetrator: saving a soul from the penalty of having committed a wrong.
In this particular story I see an homage to Agatha Christie and two of her early great titles: THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD, and MURDER ON THE LINKS.
DONALD'S DEATH has an ending twist that even Dame Agatha would be proud of....more
Clean, cozy who-done-it packed full of romance, greed, and mystery. The characters are a little one dimensional, but the plot is well thought out and Clean, cozy who-done-it packed full of romance, greed, and mystery. The characters are a little one dimensional, but the plot is well thought out and cleanly laid out. I unraveled the mystery half way through and enjoyed seeing the answer become clearer and clearer in my mind as the story progressed to the denouncement.
The fifth, and most recent to date, in a series. Ms. Larkin's creation has comfortably settled into my collection of cozy mystery sleuths. ...more
Very short story about an historic flight into space, and one Terrestrial hero's return in an unlikely manner. Just the thing good folk tales are madeVery short story about an historic flight into space, and one Terrestrial hero's return in an unlikely manner. Just the thing good folk tales are made of. Unfortunately, this tale doesn't stand the test of time, nor the scrutiny of today's technical astrophysical evaluation. That said, I can easily see this story bringing starry eyed grins of glee to the youth of the day as they read and dreampt of adventuresome days to come. ...more
"What a fantastic book exploring Agatha Christie's notebooks and her development of story plots. Fascinating insight in to Mrs Christie the person, as"What a fantastic book exploring Agatha Christie's notebooks and her development of story plots. Fascinating insight in to Mrs Christie the person, as well has her works. I'm being tempted to reread her material following some of the chapter groupings and discussions as a reading guide.
Completed the book's analysis of Christie's notebooks. Now: two bonus unpublished works!!"
Expert analysis of probable dates for the writing of the two bonus titles that had, until now, gone unpublished.
Both bonus shorts are wonderful. I personally prefer this variation of the twelfth labor of Hercules to the one that was published in 1947. It's been forever since I last read DUMB WITNESS, so comparison of it to the purported original short-story version will have to wait for another time.
Overall, an magnificent publication: full of analysis, biographic and fictional fact, and has inspired lots of rereading combination possibilities. ...more
I'm picked up this book for two reasons: I want to read and become acquainted with more of the classic literary detectives, and because it is written I'm picked up this book for two reasons: I want to read and become acquainted with more of the classic literary detectives, and because it is written in the first-person narrative, the same style as one of my favorite Agatha Christie novels - THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD.
On the first point, the novel[ette] was somewhat successful. I had a decent introduction to Albert Campion. Now, to read a few more of her Margery Allingham's acclaimed novels to firmly cement my opinion of the man, his style and his flare. Any suggestions?
On the second point, THE CASE OF THE LATE PIG is a fail. I was distracted. I didn't follow the flow of the story or the case well. Narrative involving simpleton speak in the vernacular makes for very difficult reading in my opinion. It's a technique Agatha Christie employs, but her use is not as 'thick' as in this case; It's the difference between Louisiana Bayou and Kentucky Blue Ridge.
Good plot. I enjoyed seeing it all unravel at the end. The plot certainly is not the element that cooled me to this work.
[Kindle edition review] PLEASE edit this and reissue it to those of us who spent money on it. Granted, there is 'simple speak' narrative which mandates improper spelling. However, when hideous misspellings occur apart from the vernacular, something is definitely wrong. There is even a case where a character's name is broken with a space in the middle of it. Seriously, we expect better, especially from classic literature. ...more
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