Saturday, May 18, 2013

'Cross Currents: Making Sense of the Christian Life' by Harry James Fox


Church leaders today, whether in full-time ministry or not, realize that Christians face a culture war involving every aspect of society. People of faith are becoming increasingly marginalized. Part of the problem is the pace of change caused by the flood of information now available through various media, including the Internet. How do we find the time to keep abreast of these issues? Where can we find a summary of the challenges, a clear analysis of the erroneous teachings, and a roadmap toward a consistently Christian worldview?

CrossCurrents -- Making Sense of the Christian Life gives a fearless critique of modern errors, showing how a diminished view of God is the inevitable result. Issues are pinpointed in clear and easy-to-understand language, so as to equip thoughtful Christians with the tools they need to confront error and to equip others. Beginning with simple difficulties, the book fearlessly scales the heights, considering topics like open theism, Molinism, and the age-old tension between Arminian and Calvinist theology. The book concludes with a ground-breaking discussion that clarifies critical issues concerning salvation -- issues that have long divided the people of God.


Read an excerpt:
I agree with part of the message of Kushner's book. I think God did love Bill and Lyn, but I disagree with Kushner's answer that God was not able to stop the tragedy, even though he was also grieved by it. I don’t think the blast took God by surprise. I think God had known since before the foundation of the world what would happen that day. Just as God knew that Bill's Lord would be betrayed by Judas and sent to the cross, God knew the Muslim bomber would murder Bill and the others. So Bill was martyred as God had foreknown, and we who are left behind can know for certain he did not die in vain. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Bill and the others did not die because God's arm was too weak, or his foresight failed. Bill went to be with the Lord that March day because it was part of God’s perfect plan of the ages. Finally, we know that Bill was on the right side. God will ultimately defeat evil and will wipe the tears from every eye that sees heaven. 


~~Available on Amazon: Paperback \ Kindle ~~

Review

Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite

... Readers of "Cross Currents" will be intellectually and/or spiritually challenged.

..."Cross Currents" is complex and deep. It is controversial and incendiary. Although Fox wrote it in layman's terms, the breadth and depth of the subject makes it the kind of book you have to read at least twice. ...it had stories about his journeys with his wife Carroll.  ...You can feel Fox's conviction and appreciate his Ph.D. in theology. ..."Cross Currents" is highly recommended.

About the Author

Harry James "Jim" Fox has a Ph.D. in Theology, and has served as Elder, Pastor, Missionary and Seminary Teacher. He currently serves as an Elder of Calvary Baptist Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Jim was raised a Christian in western Colorado. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1949 (age 7) at an old-fashioned tent revival. A few years after his marriage to Carroll, his wife of nearly 44 years, both became active in a small church in Arizona, and have actively served Christ together ever since.

After serving in the US Army and after he left active duty, he was hired by the Bureau of Land Management, a federal conservation agency. He served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon in seven different Baptist churches.

They have two boys, Tim and Mark, both committed Christians. Mark and his family are missionaries to an unreached people group.

The Christian living book, CrossCurrents - Making Sense of the Christian Life, by Harry James Fox, gives a bold critique of contempory acceptance of the declining Christian ethic which has given way to a lower standard for Christian scripture and understanding of God from a Biblical point-of-view instead of man's interpretation.

The issues James addresses are pinpointed with clarity in order to provide Christians with a great  understanding in those areas of their lives where they need to strengthen their relationship with God. Tim and his family are planning to leave for the mission field in 2014.

Jim was licensed to preach in 1996 and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1997. During this time Jim received a Master of Ministry (Theology) Degree (1995), and a Ph.D. in Theology from Greenwich University School of Theology, UK, in 1997. Jim also served as an interim pastor for a Baptist church in England for six months in 2010.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Meet Sharon Srock, author of 'Terri'


Please give a warm welcome to author Sharon Srock as she shares with us more about herself and her latest book Terri.

What was the inspiration behind 'Terri'?
Terri’s story was the natural progression after first in the series. Handsome single man looking for a second chance. Who could it be except my only single character?
What message do you hope readers take from your book?
That even when it seems like God is taking us in the wrong direction to fulfill a promise, He knows best. If we are patient and obedient we’ll end up where He wants us.
Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?
Terri. Her Journey in finding God’s will for her life mirrored mine in finding His will for my writing.
Which scene is your favorite?
The proposal scene.
This book is the second in the series. Please tell us more about the first book, 'Callie.'
Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.
Do you anticipate there being more books in this series?
The third book, THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: PAM Is contracted. I’m hard at work on the fourth. I anticipate six books.
You also write a lot of poetry and short stories for science fiction magazines. Do you prefer one style or genre over the other?
The Star Trek poetry and short stories seem like a lifetime ago. I’d have to say that what I’m doing now is my favorite.
On what other projects are you currently working?
I am about half through with THE WOMEN OF VALLEY VIEW: SAMANTHA
How does your faith shape your writing?
I don’t think I’d have writing without my faith. I enjoy using my women to share what I believe.
How does writing fulfill you?
It gives me a chance to use my imagination. I finally feel like I’ve found my calling.
What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?
My favorite pet of all time was an iguana.
Thank you so much for your time!

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s debut novel, The Women of Valley View: Callie released in October 2012. The second in the series, The Women of Valley View: Terri releases in April 2013.

Connect with her here:

Website: Sharonsrock.com






Terri
by Sharon Srock

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Despite a bustling day care center and a new foster child, Terri Hayes hungers for a family of her own. Then a plumbing mishap leaves her homeless and questioning God’s plan. Steve Evans’s gracious offer of his basement apartment as a temporary solution is an answered prayer.

Steve is a successful writer and a good father, but Terri is horrified when Steve’s book research leads him to a harsh confrontation with the parents of her foster child. She needs to distance herself from Steve, but her efforts fall short as his two scheming daughters plot to make Terri their new stepmother.

Will harsh words and sneaky plans drive Kelsey’s family further apart and put a wedge between Terri and Steve? Or does God have another plan in store?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Read an excerpt:
Sean watched from the landing as Ella hauled an over-loaded laundry basket up four flights of stairs. He swallowed back the automatic urge to help. He’d learned his lesson earlier in the day when his normally mild-mannered wife refused his offer in words he hadn’t known she knew. Well, maybe knew, but never used.

He trailed her to Kelsey’s empty room, leaning in the doorway. Was there anything he could say that he hadn’t already said? Nope.

Ella sorted out the neatly folded clothes. Her hands hesitated over a pink top with a purple princess silk screened on the front. Kelsey’s favorite shirt. Ella picked it up and sank to the side of the bed, clutching the shirt to her heart. She began to rock as fresh tears streaked her cheeks, tears he would have sworn were all cried out.

Her voice was a broken whisper. “Oh, baby. What have we done?”

“Ellie, please don’t cry anymore.”

Ella met his gaze from across the room. Wet, narrowed eyes and continued silence were the only acknowledgement she offered. She used the shirt to dry her face then slipped it over the head of her daughter’s favorite stuffed bear. She propped the bear on Kelsey’s pillows and walked from the room with no further recognition of her husband’s presence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Buy links: Paperback \ Kindle
 
Sharon will be awarding an e-Book copy of Callie, the first book in the series, to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop, plus a grand prize of a $20.00 gift card to the Pelican Book Group website to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Meet Eddie Santiago, author of 'Through the Valley Love Endures'


Please give Eddie Santiago a warm welcome today, as he tells us more about himself and his story.

What was the inspiration behind 'Through the Valley Love Endures'?
When death came for me I wasn’t ready. I feel God gave me yet another chance to tell my story and that final confirmation came for me when an angel visited me in a dream. The beginning chapter of my book highlights the innocent lives that are taken from us every day, the ones with no voice, so I reach out to them to come out from the darkness and back into the light. There are also the bystanders who don’t know what to say or do, so I pray my book inspires them to take action and help those who are hurting, but also to remember the power of loving all people through their valley.
What message do you hope readers take away from it?
Every day people are faced with two options. To either love them or become them. To ignore them because they’re difficult to love; is like expecting the world to get better while remaining part of the problem. You start to love them, then God will find them and transform everyone; love causes you to get out of the way of that life changing reality! Why would you ever want to stand in the way of that? Revival means restoration not retaliation.
How did writing this book help you to grow spiritually?
Writing my book allowed me to grow spiritually by letting go and letting God. I was able to finally allow God to fully heal me. I started to walk in serenity, but also the unmistakable love that can only be given from the Father to love those who have wronged you. I am finally living my faith with no guilt nor condemnation because Christ’s blood washed over all my sins. I am a free man.
What prompted you to start in the mental health field as soon as you were 18?
When I found Jesus at 17 years of age, I knew then I wanted to help people. I wanted to give back what Christ had given me, unconditional love that never gave up on me. I was able to start in a two year program in human services with a substance abuse counseling concentration and I never looked back as I continued on with my education and helping people. I feel truly blessed to have met so many amazing people that God was able to help through me.
How does working in the mental health field fulfill you?
I feel that by helping others in such a capacity, that I am answering a calling. When I see people transform and step into new life, there is not greater feeling than to know you helped someone else. I will spend the rest of my life fighting to make the world better, not out of obligation, but because I know we are all called to.
You have been writing for a long time, though this is your first book. What inspires you to write?
Writing has always been a release for me. It helped me to escape the pressures of everyday life and enter into a realm of hope. Writing is a gateway to see into one’s soul, so I started writing at an early age to help get me through the hard times. Writing also gave me a voice, which I hope to help inspire others to find theirs.
Do you have any other projects in the works?
Right now I am working on getting my book into prisons. It is my desire that no one shall perish without knowing the hope I write about in my book. I am looking for people to team up with me to help me do that. Right now I am working with Hayson Publishing with how to setup the best avenue to help do that. People can stay up to date with this information by visiting my facebook page or website: https://www.facebook.com/EddieDavidSantiago OR http://www.eddiedavidsantiago.com/
You wrote the first book to be published by Hayson Publishing. What an honor! How do you feel about that?
There are no words that could capture how blessed I feel. I am so thankful for all Hayson Publishing has done for me. They are a publishing company that truly treats you like family. What sets them above the rest is that they are after the readers’ hearts with no strings attached, so I can’t say enough positive things about them. I strongly believe that God put Hayson publishing in my path because He knew they would love on me throughout the entire process. I am honored, humbled, and forever grateful for the amazing staff at Hayson publishing. Thank you!
What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?
I believe there are going to be a lot of surprises for people. With everything that happened to me in my life, I didn’t feel comfortable letting people in. However, what some readers may need to realize, is that there are many people who hide their brokenness because they believe there is no one brave enough to love them through it. That will be the biggest challenge for the bystander because my book will attempt to inspire them to rise up to the challenge and answer the call. In addition, I would say the reader that is going to struggle most is the reader who had no clue on what was going on and wished they did because they would have done something. This brings us back to the beginning of my book where I talk about the tragic lives lost without warning and people wishing they would have known. This brings two challenging surprises to the reader. First, for the person who is broken to realize that God put people in your path that would love you, but you must continue to reach out until you find them. Second, to the bystander to seek out and help the broken before it’s too late. My book is a supernatural rollercoaster, but I am not trapped in a supernatural nightmare. I try to highlight to the reader early that I only highlight the part of my life that kept me broken and away from God. Today I live a spirit filled life, full of joy, peace, and healing. I walk by faith and completely consumed by the awesomeness of God.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I really want to encourage the reader to endure to the end of my book. If you can endure through the valley with me, then you will know why I wrote it. Even when all feels lost, there is always hope. I ask that you share in the love that has saved me over and over again, so that we can stand together with one hope, one dream, and one voice. To God be the glory!
Tell us more about your organization L.E.A.D. (Love Endures And Delivers).
I didn’t have the heart to turn people away who couldn’t afford counseling. I spent so much of my career giving away literally thousands of dollars in free counseling services because it broke my heart knowing I could help if money wasn’t in the way. I continue to provide services based off of donations, but the majority of my clients can’t afford to give anything. I work full-time in the counseling field in order to provide for my family, but I picked an agency that doesn’t charge the client directly as we receive financial support through other means. My organization is my other part-time job and I pray one day I can give 100% of my time and energy to it. In the meantime, my family has sacrificed with me, knowing that it is helping people who can’t afford services. We have learned to get by and we find complete peace in knowing in knowing we are doing our part to make the world better.

My organization provides strategies for mental and spiritual health. Through love, we will process tough topics together. In doing so, we will have open discussions exploring strategies and ideas to overcome the barriers we all face. From bullying and harassment, addiction, suicide, mental health, spiritual health, emotional health, and everything in-between; we believe love endures and delivers. People can participate by visiting my organization facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/LoveEnduresAndDelivers

In addition, this organization offers Interactive Group Trainings, Seminar Topics, Book Related Speaking Topics, General Speaking Topics, and Crisis Counseling Sessions. If any agency, school, business, church, or organization is interested in any of these services, please email the following email address for more details: LoveEnduresAndDelivers@gmail.com

I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story. I greatly appreciate the love and support. Bless you….
Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your story with the world.

Through the Valley Love Endures

What if death came for you today? Would you be ready?

Forced to face his own mortality, Eddie Santiago fought to stay alive in a broken world. His incredible journey through heartbreak, abuse, and adversity left him with one truth: every life makes a difference.

This is the true and compelling story of his supernatural quest through the valley of death, doubt, and darkness. Eddie provides a passionate story that will capture the attention of even the toughest skeptics.

Angels, demons, heaven, hell, Jesus and the devil: are they fiction, or are they more real than anything else in the world
 

**My thoughts**

Eddie is one of those people who has been blessed by being able to spiritually connect to powers greater than himself. Even when he tried to turn away from them, they were persistent and kept trying to pull him back. It took dramatic events to make him realize his gift, which is somewhat an unfortunate blessing in disguise.

He shares his experiences like telling a story, instead of a more preachy fashion that could turn people off from listening to him. When he tells his stories, you may find yourself relating, because you were once in a similar situation. If not you, then perhaps a friend or family member has been involved in a similar situation.

Some of the language may be offensive to some people, especially in regards to the racial slurs and namecalling that Eddie endured. To change it, though, would detract from the pain being expressed in the story. That is the way that people talked in those situations. It lends more credibility to his stories.

Eddie is a very powerful and motivating speaker. I hope others who read this can take away something out of it in a way that is meaningful to them. 


Buy links: CreateSpace \ Kindle


About Eddie David Santiago


Eddie David Santiago has worked in the mental health/substance abuse field since he was 18 years old. He holds bachelor degrees in both psychology and religious studies and has provided counseling related services for multiple mental health, substance abuse and human service agencies. In addition, he earned his master’s degree in counseling along with certification in educational administration.

With over fifteen years of counseling related experience, Eddie founded the organization L.E.A.D. (Love Endures And Delivers) which offers interactive group trainings, seminar sessions, speaking opportunities for groups of all ages and crisis counseling sessions.

THROUGH THE VALLEY, LOVE ENDURES is based on Eddie’s early collection of writings, through which he found his voice. He seeks to inspire others to find their voice and share their own stories. Eddie resides in the Midwest with his beautiful wife Sarah and their three amazing children, Faith, Isaiah and Makaylah.

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