The Passionate Believer

John Bevere's books are all masterpieces and this one is no exception. As the title suggests we all have potential gifts that can be multiplied and be a blessing to others.  Each chapter flows into the next and it wouldn't be fair to any reader looking at the contents page and jumping into any specific chapter. The book should be read as a whole to glean on the principles of scripture. He systematically lays out the foundation of explaining what 'gifts' and 'talents' are by using parables from the scriptures. He does so masterfully intertwining personal experience and holds nothing back in speaking about fears and failures but more so in finding the resolution to those mistakes that he speaks about. This book isn't a sad and dreary book about Christian motivation and theology. It is so much more. Bevere ignites passion in his readers as can be seen in the passion with which he writes. It's a page turner and doesn't belong on a shelf somew...

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross The emblem of suffering and shame And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain So I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross) Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown To the old rugged cross I will ever be true It's shame and reproach gladly bear Then he'll call me some day to my home far away Where his glory forever I'll share And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross) Till my trophies at last I lay down And I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown I will cling to the old rugged cross And exchange it some day for a crown ¹⁷"For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. ¹⁸Christ the Wisdom and Power of God For the word of the cross is folly...

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."  (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)  From several passages, we read Paul the apostle reminding the saints about important truths and traditions the church should jealously guard. Sometimes it is not a reminder but a charge. The church today must take heed of these things also. He sent Timothy to remind the Corinthians of his “ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17) .  He also reminded Timothy who at one time was at Ephesus to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on...

Dr. David Jeremiah is one of those teachers that captures the heart with thorough Biblical teaching unlike any other. In this book he covers the armour of God based on Ephesians 6. He uses the illustration of the armour to prove the endurance of the one who would believe in the Scriptures more than anything else. Each chapter begins with a heart warming and sometimes emotionally fuelling tears true life story, that fits in perfectly with the teaching of the specific part of armour that he talks about. He engages every part of the mind of the reader and allows the reader to become encapsulated through his every word by leading them deep into the scriptures. There is a difference with Dr. David Jeremiah when compared to other Bible teachers. (In fact, he is only one of two preachers that I would prefer to watch on Christian television, the other being Dr. Charles F. Stanley). There are only a handful of Bible teachers in my personal opinion that teach accurately and Dr David ...

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, ESV)  There comes a time when one has to make some hard decisions in life; look at the big picture and choose to do that which is most important. One would think it would be easy for believers to make decisions that are aligned with the purposes of Jesus. Yet what we see on the ground is that there are some Christians who are more inclined to seek the very things that the world is seeking. These Christians are read everything about their life, economics, health and wealth using world lenses. While those in the Wes...

This God is so Magnificent, why do we choose to not Believe ? This God who in such Power was born in a Manger. This God who raised the dead by name  And heals the sick, the lame, the deaf and the blind.  This God who speaks to the natural elements and calms the storm. This God who Walks on Water and pulls you out from under the crushing waves, can any other god accomplish this?  This God who gives Peace that Surpasses all human Understanding and both Knowledge and Wisdom comes through reverent Fear of Him who can Destroy both body and soul. This God who in such Bountiful Love Gave of Himself to this Wretched world. He gave us His Son! This God who's Joy becomes our Strength. But do remember this, we have to bring Him Joy in order for that same Joy to return to us as Strength. This God who through Grace accomplishes in our weaknesses that which we can never even do through our own Strength! This God who Inhabits the Praises of His people simply because He enjoy...

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake" [Phil 1:29] Part 2 We saw from part 1 of this series that many people have not only designated themselves editors of God’s word but that this editing ill-prepares them and the churches they lead for hard times. But how can one escape the teaching about suffering from Genesis through to Revelation? Which of God’s servants has not been through difficult times? Which of them has not endured hardship like a good solider of Jesus? The greatest of them went through thick and thin, and though they may have failed at some stage in life, their hearts were fully given to the Lord nonetheless.  People love the success of Abraham, Joshua, Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, the apostles; John, Peter, and Paul to name a few of God’s servants but they do not want to look at what they went through for them to be victorious. How I wish everyone had a copy ...

The best parts of this book is the personal testimonies and personal stories that Robert Henderson shares, especially around finance. There's something about personal and intimate tellings that grab your attention.  To be quite honest I was abit sceptical at first about reading this book. Or any book concerning finance. You can't just pick up anything and read. But this one's alittle bit different in comparison to others. As much as Henderson shares his life in these pages, he doesn't only speak about giving as others do. He talks much about sin and how certain things are held back because there's no repentance. He goes into pain-staking detail describing the principles laid out in the scriptures. He does cover the areas of giving but the gist of the book deals with the legalities intertwined with our understanding of finances from a Biblical perspective. For example, because of unrepented sin the enemy can and will devour us but with a heart of humilit...

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake" [Phil 1:29] Some people are financial gurus, others business moguls and professional motivational speakers. I am none of those. I have written a little and taught much about suffering, but I am again not an expert in suffering. Most assuredly I have suffered but only a little such that I do not have the right to claim on suffering during this short lifetime I have lived. I have also lived among many people who have generally suffered a little. At least not for the gospel of Jesus.  Christians are ill-prepared for suffering. They are being prepared for wealth and success but not much has been taught them about suffering which is clearly spelt out as a promise in the word. The message from many pulpits is that suffering is a direct result of one’s little or lack of faith, and many have been made to believe that. But according to the Bible, suf...