The Best Book I’ve Read for New and Renewed Followers of Jesus

With new believers, or persons needing renewal, it’s imperative to keep them drinking from the Scriptures.  But such persons need guidance in the Scripture and a sense of the whole of the Bible.  Smallman accomplishes that by placing in each chapter 2-3 places where persons have to put down his book to pick up God’s Book.  The Walk takes the reader through the Gospel of Mark, the book of Romans, and parts of Acts.  With the Gospel of Mark, Smallman focuses on “the beginning of the gospel”, it’s definition, and the basics of discipleship.  With Romans, Smallman explores the benefits of the gospel: justification, sanctification, adoption, and glorification.  Also, Smallman uses Romans to explore the “obedience of faith” the gospel requires before moving to Acts to consider our calling to be disciples who make disciples.  By the time the reader or small group finishes the 12 chapters of The Walk, if they’ve been faithful with the assignments, they’ll have read through Mark and Romans several times, being helped with the discussion in the chapter. Read the whole review HERE

THE OLD GOSPEL COMPARED WITH THE NEW...discerning what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ

Adapted from J. I. Packer -
on the gospel according to John Owen


Introduction:
by S.J. Camp

The debate of late has been on the content of the gospel and the call of the gospel. Some want to make the assumption that any kind of gospel presented is acceptable no matter how lacking in substance of message for God will use anything in bringing salvation to lost people. One writer claims that a beloved evangelical leader was converted by one obscure verse from the book of Ecclesiastes. Listen, no man is converted by such whimsical, romantic notions or casual verse reading that have nothing to do with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul says, "The gospel is the power of God unto salvation..." It must be the gospel proclaimed -unadulterated and unfettered - to bring Christ to men. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ..."

We have a charge beloved to proclaim the gospel by the whole council of God and that we must. Fear no man; pay homage to no man, be swayed by no man; but let your conscience and heart be governed by the Lord Jesus Christ alone. Let not your tongue be muzzled by those who seek to control you, rather than serve you. The Word of God is like a fire... and here, it will not be quenched. The Word of God is also a hammer; and may we pound it aloud for all to hear! Read the rest HERE