Book Review: The Truth War.

I recently finished reading John MacArthur’s The Truth War, and I highly recommend it to the readers of this blog. It will help you to understand why this blog does what it does and it will give you a proper understanding of the role of the Christian in the defense of the truth of the Gospel.

Whether you agree with this blog or not it will certainly give you a better understanding as to why we do what we do! And for all those engaged in the Truth War, this is one book that you must have in your library.

I also highly recommend MacArthur’s book Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World.

3,913 documented changes to the “most correct” book on earth.

Joseph Smith called it the most correct of any book on earth. He said it was the keystone of the Mormon religion, that it contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel and a man would get nearer to God by abiding its precepts than by any other book. Yet, the Book of Mormon has undergone 3,913 documented changes, alterations, and corrections since its first printing.

These changes to the most correct book on earth can be reviewed in the book 3,913 Changes in the Book of Mormon published by Utah Lighthouse Ministries. This book reproduces (via photocopy) the 1830 Book of Mormon page-by-page along with the modern version showing all the changes. This is a must-have for those serious about studying Mormonism.

 

 

The Book of Mormon can and should be tested. It invites criticism. Hugh Nibley, An Approach to the Book of Mormon, Page 13

 

This book [Book of Mormon] must be either true or false. . . . If false, it is one of the most cunning, wicked, bold, deep-laid impositions ever palmed upon the world, calculated to deceive and ruin millions who will sincerely receive it as the word of God. Orson Pratt, Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon, Page 1

Book Review: The Road to Reality by K.P. Yohannan

After reading K. P. Yohannan’s book Revolution in World Missions, I was really impressed on how he grasped the realities of the lukewarm Church in America.

I just finished reading his follow-up book to that one: The Road to Reality. If he hit a home run with the book Revolution in World Missions, then he hits a grand slam with this one!

In this book he provides a scathing indictment of the lukewarm church and calls the Christian to quit living the lukewarm life. The book flows well and is a page turner. K.P. knows how to communicate well and gets his points across that will certainly leave an impression on you.

Here’s an excerpt from chapter 21:

The streets of India–especially in our bloated, overpopulated cities like Bombay and Calcutta–are maddening to Western visitors. Millions of homeless people are born, live, and die in them. Part toilet, part barnyard, part roadway–they are also the bedroom, living room, and marketplace for the poorest of the world’s poor.

In summertime’s furnace heat, the dust of centuries rises from them to fill your eyes, choking your mouth and nose. In the monsoon rains, the streets turn into vast seas of mud and sewage. In winter, the freezing pavements bring disease and death to those who have nowhere else to rest their starving bodies.

It was one of these nightmarish streets of Bombay that I was surrounded by an army of begging children. Already late and on my way to an important meeting, I tried to ignore the pleading children as I waited for the light to turn green.

Suddenly from the sea of hungry faces I heard a voice so distinct from the rest that I was paralyzed. In crystal clear tones I heard her speaking in plaintive Hindi, “Sir, my father died three months ago of tuberculosis. My mother is too sick to beg anymore. My little brothers and sisters have not eaten for two days. Please, sir, they are hungry and crying. Can you please give me a few pennies so I can buy some bread?”

The light turned green. But I couldn’t move. I was arrested by the image of this little girl who must have been about 9 years old. Her face was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, perfectly shaped with big brown eyes and long black hair.

Through the tears on her cheeks, the dust and the sweat, I could see that in different circumstances this desperate little waif could easily have been a princess. Her filthy hair had obviously not been washed or combed for weeks. She was barefoot and dressed in rags. But I’m still sure she had the potential of being a winner in the Miss World beauty pageant.

Then something else happened. It was as if another face came before my eyes right beside hers. It was another child, about 8, also with big brown eyes. But she had long, clean hair and a shining face. Her clothes were fresh and colorful–and she wore nice socks and tennis shoes. I knew her. She was the best student in her class. Each night she said her prayers and read the Bible. Her parents loved her. She had a comfortable home, air-conditioned from the Texas summer and heated in the cold winter. She had a comfortable bed with clean sheets every week. I didn’t know the name of the dirty little beggar girl, but I did know the name of the girl beside her. It was Sarah, my own darling daughter.

Then I heard a supernatural voice beside me ask, “What is the value of this beggar girl? Is she of less value than your daughter, Sarah?”

To read more, you’ll have to get the book, and I highly recommend that you do. The book can be purchased at Gospel For Asia by clicking here.

Book review: Winning the Witnesses by Daniel Rodriguez.

I just got through reading the brand new book Winning the Witnesses by Daniel Rodriguez (Evangelist to Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 22 years). It was a very good book; quick and easy read. This 107-page book deals with evangelizing Jehovah’s Witnesses using an entirely different method than suggested previously by such men as Walter Martin and Bill Cetnar.

In this book, Daniel Rodriguez explains why the old approach of throwing Scripture back and forth is mostly ineffective by outlining why no matter what verses you quote, the JW is conditioned to not accept what you’re saying. This is because they consider it to be your interpretation, not the Watchtower’s. And since you are viewed as a pagan under the influence of Satan, you can quote Scripture all day long to no effect because they will refuse to accept what you say, even if it’s printed in black and white in their own Bible.

The author’s approach is to sever the JW’s lifeline, the source of all their “truth” and understanding: Their utter dependence and blind obedience to the Watchtower Society. Rodriguez says that if you can help the JW to see that the Watchtower Society is not inspired, you can begin to make great progress with the JW. Rodriguez then provides simple insight on how to show them that the Watchtower Society is not only not inspired, but that they’ve never claimed to be and why they never can claim to be.

For those who want help in their evangelism efforts to JWs, this book is a must-have in your library and makes a great resource for future quick-reference.

I would love to put this author’s evangelism technique to the test, but unfortunately my house has been red flagged by the JWs.

Underground Reality: Vietnam.

I am disappointed to report that Voice of the Martyrs is no longer offering Underground Reality: Vietnam. However, I am pleased to announce that it is now available for rent here from Netflix.

I highly recommend this video. This is a must-see video and it should be shown in all youth groups.

The DVD describes itself as follows:

See what happens when eight ordinary teens set out on a mission to meet the underground church in Vietnam. Travel with The Voice of the Martyrs and a group of American and Australian teenagers as they journey through cities and jungles in order to witness the everyday life of the Vietnamese underground church.

These teens come from the nominal, lukewarm Christian churches so common in America, Europe, and Australia, but by the end of their journey (which includes smuggling Bibles) you see their lives transformed by the realization of what it truly means to be a Christian when your life and liberty are at stake.

The two hour DVD is broken into four half hour episodes and will keep the attention of even its younger viewers.

Book review: Holiness by J.C. Ryle.

I recently completed reading this powerhouse book Holiness by John Charles Ryle. This is one of those books that every Christian should have on their bookshelf next to their Bible and Pilgrim’s Progress.

This book is a collection of Ryle’s sermons and he conveys his messages clearly and bluntly. He’s very direct and pulls no punches when it comes to sound doctrine and defending the faith (many times from the heretical errors and influences of the Roman Catholic Church). Ryle’s contention throughout the book is that holiness should be one of the major components of a Christian’s life.

It’s very hard to find a good, biblically sound book that was written within the last century. They are out there, but are not so common. (Error and compromise is pervasive in our time). Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you want good, solid teaching you have to read books from the 19th century or earlier. This book is one of those shining examples that lends support to my theory.

I firmly believe that if more Christians read books like this instead of the junk they read today (and the copious amounts of television to boot) they’d have a greater growth in their walk. And if more pastors preached like this, their church numbers might become smaller, but they would be making an actual impact on the world.

Book review: Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur.

I just finished reading John MacArthur’s book Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World. I swallowed this up and enjoyed every minute of it.

In this book (written in the early 1990s) MacArthur parallels the compromise in the Church that Charles Spurgeon dealt with in the 19th century with the compromise that we are dealing with in the Church today. MacArthur also deals heavily with the “end justifies the means” approach to evangelism that’s plaguing Christianity today.

The book is well written and an easy read. I highly recommend it to anyone who is concerned with the state of the Church today. I even recommend it more urgently to those who see no problems with the state of the Church today.

John MacArthur definitely hit a home run with this book. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner.

Movie review: Amazing Grace.

I just got to see the movie Amazing Grace. It was very well done and the acting was compelling. (There are several instances in which the “N-word” and “bloody” is used. The words “hell” and “damn” are also used but not in their Biblical context).

While watching the movie I couldn’t help but be constantly reminded of the parallels between the abolition movement and the pro-life movement. The same tired excuses used to continue in the sale of humans back then are similar to the same tired excuses used to continue in the slaughter of humans today. And both of them were done for money.

I’m interested in hearing from anyone else who has seen the movie and came away with the same haunting realization.

Joseph Smith: The Enchanter

I just received a copy of the brand-new, full-color, 32 page comic The Enchanter produced by Chick Publications. The comic is on the life of Joseph Smith and I was very anxious to read it.

After reading it I was very disappointed on many levels. Although the design, layout, and artwork are good, it failed to touch on the many problems with Mormonism that it could have.

The story starts with a modern-day crime scene and cover-up. The Mormon Doctrine of Blood Atonement is exercised and the Mormon-run police force conclude the murder was a suicide. The victim’s wife seeks financial help from some men in another city to flee the town of Mormons. The two gentlemen who send this lady money to help her, have their curiosity piqued and seek to know more about Mormonism. Another man meets with them and the rest of the book is their conversation with illustrations of Joseph Smith and early Mormonism. The story never returns to the woman who lost her husband.

I have to admit, in my years of studying Mormonism, this comic alleged several things I never came across in my studies (not saying that they’re not true, I just never heard of them). Almost all of the other errors and lies of Mormonism were neglected.

I feel that Chick completely dropped the ball on this one. They missed so many grand opportunities and focused on matters that had less of an impact.

Additionally, I did not like the lack of documentation. If you’re going to make the allegations that this comic did, it only stands to reason to footnote where this information came from. This way when Mormons charge that you are lying and made this stuff up (like Jim did in this post) they can research the information for themselves; if they dare.

After reading this comic, I felt more like it was designed to just bash Joseph Smith and Mormons, not intellectually examine the facts and point the reader to the true Christ. Although the gospel message is included, it gets lost in all the drama.

In conclusion, I feel this comic may do more harm than good in sharing the Gospel with Mormons and enlightening those who are unfamiliar with the organization and its gross errors.

I think that many times Christians in their zealousness to share the truth do much damage. That’s why I cannot recommend this comic. Its attempt to cast Mormons in the light it did, does not sit well with me. Just the other day I was listening to Issues Etc on Pilgrim Radio on the topic of Jehovah’s Witnesses. One caller referred to the Mormons by saying something to the effect “when talking to the morons, uh I mean Mormons . . .” which he did intentionally. This grieves me and angers me at the same time. People who would say that does not have the Mormon’s best interest in mind (their eternal soul) but are just trying to win arguments.

I have yet to meet a Mormon I didn’t like. It’s their false doctrine I take issue with, not the individual Mormon. I get falsely accused all the time of being anti-Mormon and being a Mormon-basher. It usually comes from Mormons who can’t engage in the debate because they know that the Truth is not on their side. In reality, I love the Mormon people. I want to see them saved from the eternal fate they are in, (the deception and the lies which will lead them to Hell), and come to a true relationship with the Jesus of the Bible.

** UPDATE **

It has been brought to my attention by OB Server (thank you) that Chick Publications has referenced the material in this comic on their website. You can see it by clicking here. I wish they had put the references in the book, not everyone will have the opportunity to refer to the website.

Movie review: Most

I just got the opportunity to watch the Academy Award Nominee short film entitled Most. (Thanks Tom for letting me borrow it). It was a great movie. If you haven’t seen it I recommend you do. Here’s a review from Christianity Today: People who have seen this film count it among the best and most powerful movies they have ever seen. Some say it’s been life-changing.

It has easily become one of my top five favorite films. A parable for our time.

“Most” is Czech for the bridge. It’s the story of a bridge tender and his young son. A tragedy occurs one day at the bridge which causes the father to have to make an eternal decision: save the life of his son and allow numerous people to die, or sacrifice his son so that those people may live.

Check out more about the film and view the trailer by going to the Most website. I’ve also provided this short video below for you to view.

Movie review: Thou Shalt Laugh DVD. Fun for the whole lukewarm family.

Consider this post a public service of sorts for those of you who have not seen the “Christian” stand-up comic DVD Thou Shalt Laugh. The DVD is marketed at Christians but I’m not sure why. Of course, everyone in it professes faith with their mouth, but the content of their comedic material leaves me wondering. I’ve decided to post a review that I wrote for this DVD from last December. If you’ve seen this video I invite your comments. If you haven’t seen it yet but plan on it, please use caution. Not everything that glitters is gold.

December 03, 2006:

For comedy, it’s ok. For cleanliness it’s better than MOST comedy out there. To call itself “Christian Comedy,” however, I beg to differ! Here’s a quick run down:

1. One comic relates how he was talking to his son about a woman’s breast.

2. One comic used the Lord’s name in vain, not once, but twice. (”OMG”)

3. One comic made several references to him and his wife having sex.

4. One comic told a story of how he tried to kiss a girl that didn’t want to be kissed and when she asked him why he thought she wanted him to kiss her, he said because she “took off her blouse.”

5. One comic makes several references to Voo Doo.

6. In the “outtakes” one comic walks up to a guy on the street and asks him if he’s ever used the Lord’s name in vain, when they guy replies that he’s not sure, the comic kicks him and the guy utters a profanity. (It is bleeped out but it is obvious what he said).

If you are a true Christian who hungers and thirst for righteousness, you will not agree with the DVD claiming to be “Christian.” If you’re a Sunday-only or holiday-only Christian, you’ll see no problem with the above mentioned material, and instead call me a zealot… thank you! Evidently none of the reviewers I’ve read, including mainstream Christian reviews, sees any problem with the material contained in this DVD carrying the name “Christian.” No wonder why Rick Warren is so popular. Tis a shame!

I wonder whatever happened to the pursuit of holiness?

“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” REVELATION 3:16

Book review: K.P. Yohannan’s book Revolution in World Missions.

I recently finished reading K.P. Yohannan’s book Revolution in World Missions (1.5 million copies in print). I have to admit that, although I had seen in numerous times before, I had no intentions of reading it. But after my wife kept telling me about it as she read it, I picked it up when she was done and was very glad that I did.

This is a fantastic book, easy to read, and a page turner. Yohannan speaks of recent drastic changes in World Missions in light of today’s political and social climate, and he pulls no punches when it comes to the state of the Western Church. He steps on lots of toes in his examination of our comfortable Christianity in light of those truly suffering for the sake of Christ. And best of all, you can order this book absolutely free from the Gospel For Asia website.

Here’s an excerpt from the forward of the book by David and Karen Mains:
“. . . Those evangelists traveling into the unreached villages of Asia have more heart, more fervor, more passion to spread the Gospel of Christ than most of us who are surrounded by the comforts and conveniences of our Western world. We know because we have seen them and talked with them, and they have put us to shame.“

Not a book for the satisfied with the status-quo, don’t-rock-the-boat, nominal professing Christians, but definitely a book for those who have a heart for God, a heart for the spreading of the Gospel, and a heart for their neighbor… even if that neighbor is on the other side of the world.

Book review: John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.”

This classic should be on every Christian’s bookshelf. Do I need to even recommend this book? Well I wish someone had for me. I didn’t even know this book existed till last year. Fifteen years in the Charismatic-style church will do that to you. If you are interested in purchasing this book, check it out at Bridge-Logos Publishing.

Book review: The Triumphant Church featuring Richard Wurmbrand, John Piper and Milton Martin.

This book, compiled and produced by the Voice of the Martyrs, is a three-part study from the writings of Richard Wurmbrand, John Piper and Milton Martin. An easy read, this book explores God’s perspective of the persecution of His Church. It not only offers first hand accounts of persecution and torture for the sake of Christ, but it also encourages Christians in how to face it. This book is only four dollars and can be ordered by clicking here .

Movie review: Time Changer.

This is a fantastic movie that I recommend all Christians to see. Time Changer is a challenging film and very entertaining. It is a well produced movie that the whole family can watch.

I highly recommend it; giving it five out of five stars.

I welcome your comments from those who have seen this movie.

The official song of Reformation Nation: At The Crossroads by Sam Cintron.

Here’s the official song of Reformation Nation.

Listen to it now by clicking: At The Crossroads

From the album Songs From the Secret Place by Sam Cintron.

Lifting the Veil on Polygamy

Click on the picture to the left to watch the trailer, or watch the complete video Lifting The Veil on Polygamy below. The latest documentary from Living Hope Ministries.

Movie review: September Dawn (The Mountain Meadows Massacre)

Anyone like myself who has studied Mormonism has been anxiously awaiting the film September Dawn. Not so much to learn something new about the horrific event that transpired on September 11, 1857, but to see how the historical truth would be depicted in this film. Well the wait is finally over. My wife and I went to see the movie opening day! I rarely ever go to the movies, since Hollywood only knows how to produce trash nowadays, and I haven’t been to the theaters since Narnia, so this was an all around treat: an anticipated movie and hot buttered popcorn.

The comes out of the gate swinging! No holding back. Not only does the movie pull no punches regarding the doctrine of Blood Atonement that contributed to the murder of the 120 men, women and children, but it also highlighted polygamy and Joseph Smith’s demise in a gunfight (where he also shot and killed two men). The movie even shows the very reason Joseph Smith was shot and killed while being held in the Carthage Jail; for having the Nauvoo Printing Press burned because the paper dared to print information about Polygamy in the Mormon Church. This movie even shows part of the secret temple ceremony (yes, I said secret, not sacred) in the Mormon Temple.

Another pleasantly shocking surprise is that there are those in the movie that are Christians and are depicted praying, wearing crosses, etc. but here’s the shocking part: They’re pictured in a neutral if not favorable light! That’s right, you heard me correctly. The Christians in this movie are not depicted as crazed child molester like is so often the case in Hollywood movies.

Now bare in mind, this movie was done in “Titanic” style. It combines a love story with an actual historical event as the backdrop. It all flowed together splendidly.

One of my favorite parts is when the main (Mormon) character calls the main (Christian) character a Gentile. She questions him about why he says that when he’s not even Jewish. (Gentiles are what Mormons call all non-Mormons).

The movie has an R rating for violence, although there is one scene in which the main male character enters a tub. His unclothed backside is exposed. And because this movie is interwoven with a love story, there is a moment of sensuality where the two main characters run into each other at the river at night, which ends up in them kissing fully-clothed while sitting atop a horse. Aside from that, there is no sex or profanity in this movie (outside of the words “damn” and “hell” used in their proper context).

Those who are interested in the history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre will enjoy this film. And allow me to go out on a limb here, but I don’t think the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is going to be promoting or even encouraging the viewing of this movie.

I invite your comments.

September Dawn Theatrical Trailer (1:44)

Behind the scenes of September Dawn ( 5:44)

I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands.
Brigham Young
Journal of Discourses
Volume 3 Page 247

A Distant Thunder.

My wife and I just watched the movie A Distant Thunder. When it ended we were both kind of speechless. Partly because it was powerful and partly because we were lost. When it ended, we knew something big had just happened, but we weren’t quite sure what it was. It wasn’t until after we perused the directors commentary that we better understood the film. It is a short movie that in 35 minute covers a courtroom drama, a prosecutor dealing with uncontrollable visions, partial birth abortion and then it’s all wrapped up with a twist in the end. I recommend this movie but with a caution. The movie should be viewed by mature audiences only due to the subject matter and intensity of some scenes.

The DVD allows two viewing options: The edited and unedited version. I recommend the edited version for everyone, especially for younger viewers and those who wish to lead pure lives. One of the two scenes removed from the edited version includes a shower scene where the frosted silhouette of a nude female is observed. There is no actual nudity and the scene is not essential to the plot of the movie so missing it won’t change the impact of the film. Viewing the edited version is my suggestion. Furthermore, neither version contains any profanity but there are moments throughout the movie (i.e. the main character’s visions) that can be frightening to younger viewers.

In all, it was a profound film that reveals the horrors partial birth abortion. I give it three out of five stars.

If anyone has seen this movie, please feel free to comment on it. I’d love to hear your opinions. If you want to view the trailer, click here.

The Pilgrim for The Pilgrim

I wanted to share with you what has been a source of growth, learning and inspiration for me through the last few years. Pilgrim Radio has proven to be invaluable to my growth with great teachings and great music. If you’re tired of the be-bop, hip-hop, entertainment-driven “christian” radio stations that flood the airwaves and the internet streaming waves, then this station is for you. Sound Biblical teachings and God honoring music. Check them out by clicking on the above picture. You can listen live on your computer from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

The Bible vs The Book of Mormon

Click on the picture to the left to watch the trailer or watch the entire video The Bible vs the Book of Mormon below. This video is produced by Living Hope Ministries.

DNA vs The Book of Mormon

Click on the picture to the left to watch the trailer, or watch the complete video DNA vs the Book of Mormon below. This fascinating and informative DVD is produced by Living Hope Ministries.