The Return

Review: Exploring Christian Theology Nathan D. Holsteen & Michael J. Svigel, General Editors Bethany House Publishers 2014 The strength of this book was identified by the endorsement written by Darrell Bock where he says that this book “combines biblical texts, what people have said across history, and that alludes to contemporary culture…”     Bock’s description is quite accurate.   With the help of a glossary the person just coming to theology can obtain a helpful overview a range of topics that involve the church, spiritual growth and end times information. The presentation of material is even handed when different positions exist.   The positions are not debated happily, and the information supplied helps to differentiate the various opinions.   A very good and concise church history that points up some of the major doctrinal decisions from the earliest times forward is the best I have read.   The section on end times is equally a...

Review: A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days Jonathan Bernis Chosen Books 2013 To read this book is to step into another world that is largely unfamiliar to the average Christian reader or believer.    And that is a good thing to do.   The Rabbi in the title is a Messianic Jewish believer and his perspective is very different from the teachings I had received.   Yes, I know Jesus was a Jew by birth and practice, but I hadn’t given that much thought to be honest.   This book serves as a good starting point to examine my mindset and how that differs from his.    He explores history, heritage and the role of Jews in history.   Then and now.   Some very good information here.   He also see the end times as dependent on the evangelization and redemption of the Jews.   He interprets some of the passages in Romans (among many others) from a different slant and one that has given me pause to consider more closely what he has wr...