In the Shadow of the River Book Review

In the shadow of the river book coverI am a fan of Ann H. Gabhart’s historical fiction, however, In the Shadow of the River left me disappointed.

Set in 1881 In the Shadow of the River takes place on a showboat floating down the Ohio River. It begins with the foiled kidnapping attempt of 5-year-old Jacci, and follows up 15 years later with her still in danger.

There are likable characters, friendship, an interesting setting, mystery, and danger. Nevertheless, I found the retelling of the same information about Jacci’s history by multiple characters unnecessary. I realize this is a work of fiction, but there are too many coincidences for me to believe.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

I wish you well.

Sandy

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From Saul to Paul

light at end of roadFrom Saul to Paul

Saul. Pharisee of Pharisees. Jew among Jews. Thoroughly trained in the law. Zealous for God. Roman citizen. Persecutor of Christians. Blinded by the Light of Jesus on the road to Damascus. A road he traveled to arrest Christians, take them back to Jerusalem, and persecute them.

Paul. Apostle of Jesus Christ. Missionary to the Gentiles. Wrote thirteen books of the New Testament. Escaped death by being lowered in a basket through a wall. Stoned in Lystra. Left for dead. Imprisoned and beaten. Tried before governmental leaders. Shipwrecked. Bitten by a viper. Appealed to Caesar. Beheaded.

Transformed by Christ

After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul changed. Not only did his name eventually change, but more than merely a name change, Paul’s identity changed when he became grounded in Christ.

Paul chose to let go of his past identity and fully embrace his new identity. He became completely committed, devoted, and invested in advancing the cause of Christ.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:12-16 NLT)

Convincing Others

Although Paul had a new name and a change of direction, convincing others his intentions were honorable was another thing. Church leaders were skeptical. They knew Saul persecuted Christians. They feared this change of heart was deceptive.

Fortunately, there was one who believed a true conversion happened in Saul’s life. That man was Barnabas. The encourager. Barnabas presented Saul to the Church leaders as one who could be trusted with the message of the Gospel.

Upon arrival in Jerusalem he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They thought he was faking! (Acts 9:26 TLB)

Learning to Be Content

We see Paul and Silas chained up in prison. Yet, instead of grumping and complaining, these two prisoners sang praises and worshiped the God who held their lives in his hands.

Throughout his many, many trials, attacks, imprisonments, and beatings, Paul LEARNED to be content in all circumstances. He learned to be content wherever Jesus chose to place him. He learned to be content with whomever Jesus chose to partner him with.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 TLB)

Sufficient Grace

Although there were many accomplishments Paul could boast in, he chose to boast in his weaknesses, knowing that when he was weak, that’s when Christ’s power shined the brightest through him.

 Three different times I begged God to make me well again. Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10 TLB)

Your Turn

There is much we can learn from Paul’s life. After he met Jesus, Paul’s life changed radically. He let go of the past and embraced his new life in Christ.

He was on fire for the Lord. Paul made it his life-long mission to advance the Kingdom of God and spread the Good News of salvation through Christ everywhere he went.

What about us? Is there evidence of a changed life after we meet Jesus? Is our life goal to tell others about Christ?

We all need encouragers in our lives. Sometimes we need a Barnabas. Sometimes we need to be a Barnabas for others.

When we see someone who could use a bit of encouragement, are we willing to be a Barnabas?

Learning to be content is a process. However, one very important aspect of contentment is praise in all things. The good, bad, and the ugly, realizing God allowed us to be right where we are.

Is contentment something you find easy to rest in, regardless of what life throws at you?

In his transformation from Saul to Paul, I believe one of the main things Paul’s life teaches is that whatever we are going through, God’s grace is sufficient.

Do you find that to be true in your life?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 (NLT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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Remember on Memorial Day

Memorial Day History

On May 29, 2023, the United States of America will observe Memorial Day. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country.

According to the US Memorial Day history page on the Memorial Day site, Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. Memorial Day was established after the Civil War. Its purpose was to honor those who died during the War Between the States.

On May 5,1868, in his General Order No. 11, Army General John Logan, officially proclaimed:

“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Because the day wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle, the General called it, Decoration Day.

On the first Decoration Day, 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery.

States Recognize the Day Differently

New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. It was recognized by all northern states by 1890.

However, the South refused to acknowledge the day. Choosing instead, to honor their dead on separate days.

This practice continued until after World War I. At that time, the holiday changed from honoring only those who died fighting in the Civil War, to honoring all Americans who died fighting in any war.

With the Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971, Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday in May by almost every state.

History of Red Poppies on Memorial Day

In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrae, Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers. The money she earned from the sales went to benefit servicemen in need.

Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later, their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans.

In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement, by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

National Moment of Remembrance‍

In December 28, 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution passed. At 3 p.m. local time, the Moment of Remembrance resolution asked all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence, or listening to Taps.”

Your Turn

Last year my brother observed a Moment of Remembrance by playing taps at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day from his front porch.

Is a Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day something you’ve observed?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. John 15:13 (GNT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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A Blessing in Despair – Psalm 3

PsalmsToday’s guest post, A Blessing in Despair – Psalm 3, written by Anthea Kotlan first appeared on antheakotlan.com.

How can I find a blessing in the midst of despair?

Amid the Covid 19 pandemic, in the Fall of 2020, discouragement began closing in on me. Numerous cancellations and endless disappointments piled high. My father, a nursing home resident, had been placed in hospice care. For the first time in my life, none of my family in England could visit, nor could I travel there.

The heavy load of grief threatened to capsize me.

Death

Days after he died, I felt desperate to be with my British family. However, none of that was possible. Regular visits to see my family in England were a fixture in my life. For the first time in my life, going home was no longer possible.

Sadness, grief, disappointment, and fear weighed me down. Would I ever be able to see my extended family again? Looking back now, this seems absurd but at the time, so much in my life felt uncertain. As my father’s only surviving child, I longed to sit with his siblings and share stories about his life.

“The Blessing”

About a week later, I scrolled across a video (“The UK Blessing”) of a group of singers from all over the United Kingdom performing a cover of “The Blessing.”  This song, written by Kari Jobe (and others), struck a deep chord inside me.

The Lord bless you

And keep you

Make His face shine upon you

And be gracious to you

The Lord turn His

Face toward you

And give you peace

Amen, amen, amen

Amen, amen, amen

I must have watched and listened to this song on repeat for days. Different groups of people from all over the British Isles sang different portions of the song. Hearing the variety of accents felt deeply meaningful as my family of origin represents people from all over the UK. Seeing the name of each church and recognizing the locations brought back so many memories of home.

He is for you

One verse of this song strengthened my weary heart.

In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you, He is for you

“He is for you.” This truth I needed to hear on repeat.

Surrounded

In Psalm 3, I read about David being surrounded by his enemies. I picture him on the battlefield dodging an oncoming swarm of invaders. Somehow, they slip around and begin threatening him on every side. He cries out for rescue because he knows the Lord is for him.

I am not, and was not, on a military battlefield.

Were David’s enemies found only on the battlefield?

The enemy of my soul would prefer for me to believe David’s opposition was primarily military. Still, time spent in the Psalms reveals how David struggled with various enemies.

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Spiritual

Enemies ambushing my heart can be just as dangerous as a physical threat.

Unseen enemies of my soul can wreak havoc on my spiritual life.

Soul Tending Checkup

Perhaps a soul tending check-up is in order today?

As I examine my heart, what is troubling me?

In this season of my life, who are my enemies?

What strategies does the enemy of my soul use in my life?

  • The harsh voice of my inner critic speaks loudly in the dark of isolation.
  • Temptations to take shortcuts, try quick fixes, and participate in gossip sneak up.
  • My perceptions or snap judgments (this is not fair, they don’t like me, no one is giving me that opportunity) provide a chorus of discouragement and dissatisfaction.
  • Challenges of daily life: missed calls, unexpected repair bills, medical diagnoses
  • Fear, anxiety, and endless uncertainty in a post-pandemic world.
  • Mushroomed misunderstandings start small and rapidly network into a wall of offense built up brick by brick.

How about you?

When I feel surrounded, Psalm 3 can be a powerful prescriptive prayer to examine my soul. A prayer like this can re-align my heart with God’s truth.

1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;

2 many are saying of my soul. “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

(Psalm 3:1-2 ESV)

When I feel surrounded, I lose sight of God’s abundant provision, especially the precious gift of my salvation.

Prayer

Lord, help me to turn to you when I feel surrounded. Please help me to hear your voice and silence the voices of those who accuse me.  

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.

(Psalm 3:3-4 ESV)

Prayer

Thank you, Heavenly Father, you hear me and protect me. You can lift my head and allow me to gain renewed perspective I don’t have without you. You can always see and hear me from your holy hill.

5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. (Psalm 3:5-6 ESV)

Prayer

Lord, I can rest and sleep knowing you are watching over and protecting me. It is far too easy to count up the agents of opposition, but even if a thousand come against me, You are always so much more.

7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

(Psalm 3:7 ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank you for doing battle for and in my place.  I don’t have to figure out how to fight because You do it for me and have such effective battle plans.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah

(Psalm 3:8 ESV)

Prayer

Lord, you have given me the gift of salvation. You have put your blessing on me.

In the final two verses of the song, “The Blessing,” says,

May His presence go before you

And behind you, and beside you

All around you, and within you

He is with you, He is with you

In the morning, in the evening

In your coming, and your going

In your weeping, and rejoicing

He is for you

Prayer

While I may feel surrounded by the enemy of my soul, I am surrounded by God’s presence all day and all night, wherever I might go. He goes before me, beside me, and behind me. For this truth, I give thanks today to the Lord. Amen

Here’s the link to listen to the “UK Blessing” on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U&ab_channel=TheUKBlessing

 Anthea KotlanFor over thirty years, Anthea Kotlan has served as a women’s ministry leader in the church and community. She has a passion for discipleship and encouraging women to walk confidently in their God-given calling. She designs women’s retreats, teaches Bible studies, writes, and enjoys speaking at events. Recently, she began serving on a church plant team in Conroe, Texas with her husband, a bi-vocational priest. Every chance she gets, she spends time laughing with her two adult daughters or snuggling her two grandchildren. Check out Anthea’s blog for weekly soul-tending devotionals from the Psalms. antheakotlan.com 

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

I wish you well.

Sandy

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Pause for Poetry — I Will Not Doubt

meadow lake courtesy pixabayThe following poem, I Will Not Doubt, was written by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, and is found in Streams in the Desert.

I Will Not Doubt

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I shall believe the Hand which never fails
From seeming evil worketh good for me:
And though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered,
I trust in thee.

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, white Realm above;
I shall believe it is an all-wise Love
Which has refused those things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive;
I shall believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and tremble with my crosses,
I yet shall see, through my severest losses,
The greater gain.

I will not doubt; well anchored in the faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale,
So strong its courage that it will not fail
To face the mighty unknown sea of Death.
Oh, may I cry when body parts with spirit,
I do not doubt, so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

I wish you well.

Sandy

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Good Catastrophe Book Review

blue tree Good Catastrophe cover Good Catastrophe by Benjamin Windle combines the biblical story of Job with contemporary illustrations, to emphasize the importance of hope in our darkest challenges and struggles.

Written in a conversational tone, the author ponders what would happen if we reframed how we see hope amidst life’s challenges. He says hope is for the present. In the midst of the storm. Not just for some future day.

By the end of the book, he states that when we can’t understand what is happening, we can put our trust in God. Like Job, that is where our hope rests.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it? I wish you well.

Sandy

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A Mere Dot

dot on a pageA Mere Dot

So small, I almost missed it. It’s there, though. Not just one, but several scattered throughout my book. Put there by an ancestor I never met. Camille Fitzpatrick Jacob. A great-grandmother whose bloodline runs through my son’s veins.

I first mentioned an antique book I inherited that belonged to Camille, written by J.R. Macduff, in my February 2, 2023 post, God Knows Our Need.

You can find another post I wrote inspired by Rev. Macduff’s devotional book, The Words and Mind of Jesus, here.

An Identifying Dot

Between February and March, I noticed something intriguing as I read this small book. Occasionally, in this  devotional packed with a mountain of wisdom, Camille placed a tiny, pen point dot on devotions she wished to identify as meaningful. A mere dot to identify words that spoke to her at the moment she read them.

A Dot of Insight

That mere dot tells me that while the entire book may have been important to Camille, she signified which ones were especially meaningful to her. That pen point dot gives insight into what she thought worth remembering.

Reading the devotions with the mere dot, the tiny, almost imperceptible mark, helps me understand the woman I never met. It offers a window into what she considered important.

The Dot Caught My Eye

Perhaps it is because a fellow undergrad called me the Queen of Highlighting long ago, that I noticed the small dot. If you were to look at my Bibles or numerous books, you would see why my friend gave me the nickname.

I like to highlight passages and verses I find significant. Those I want to easily refer back to. And that’s why I believe Camille placed a mere dot on some of the pages she read.

I believe, like me, she wanted to have that dot as a reminder of something significant.

What kind of dots are we leaving behind?

When we leave this life, what will our family discover was important to us? What will they find we viewed as significant?

Will those who never met us gain a glimpse into our lives through what we own or how we spent our time?

If they scrolled through our social media posts would they get a clearer picture of what we thought or how we said it?

What is our impact?

What is the impact of our influence on the people in our lives?

I never met Camille Fitzpatrick Jacob, but I knew four of her children. They were people whose lives she influenced. I knew what they valued as important. I saw how they treated people. Camille’s children were witnesses to her life.

As I read through this book of hers, I look for those dots. I try to imagine what she might have felt or been going through to cause her to pick each specific devotion.

I look to see if the devotional thoughts I find significant, were ones she felt significant as well.

I also wonder. What will those who come behind me think of the things I have highlighted throughout my life.

Your Turn

Do you have an heirloom you treasure for the person who owned it? Does the item give you insight into what they felt was important or meaningful?

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Luke 12:37 (NKJV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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(The dot Camille placed on the devotion in the picture above is from a devotion based on Luke 12:37, although the book reads Luke 12:35. Typos even in the 1880s. 🙂 )

Mother’s Day Wisdom

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Days to all those who are either mothers or mother figures. Being a mom is hard work. I know. At times, you may feel like a giant Gumby doll stretched in all directions at once. There have certainly been times I felt that way.

A Brief Mother’s Day History

Mother’s Day is celebrated every year in the United States of America on the second Sunday of May. It originated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. From there, she began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the United States.

On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation asking Americans to give a public expression of reverence to mothers through the celebration of Mother’s Day.

Ms. Jarvis’ efforts to establish Mother’s Day became a reality in 1914. However, by the 1920s, it is said she was already disappointed with its commercialization.

Spiritual Responsibility

Moms have a lot of responsibility. One of the greatest  responsibilities, I believe, is to train up a child in the way he or she should go. And when they are old, they will not depart from it. This training is based on Biblical principles, not on our opinions.

If we expect to know what Biblical principles to teach our children, and those under our influence, we need to study the Bible first. We can’t teach something we don’t know.

We need to teach by example. Not just by word. There is no place whatsoever in the spiritual training of our children for an attitude of Do as I say, not as I do.

If we expect our children to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and their neighbor as themselves, then we must do likewise.

Motherly Wisdom

Another side of what I believe is a mom’s responsibility, is to pass down wisdom in the form of what we tell our children in the everyday moments.

For instance, how many of you have heard, If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?

It wasn’t just Walt Disney’s Thumper who said this. Many mothers have told their children the same thing.

One of the things I remember my mom saying, which until the day she died at 95-years-old, believed to be truth was, Don’t go outside with a wet head. You’ll catch a cold, or pneumonia, or get sick. Anyone else ever hear that?

Here are a few other things I remember her saying.

How many times do I have to tell you?

Well, obviously, at least once more.

Get that hair out of your eyes. Do you want to go blind?

No, but I’m not sure my hair will be the cause if I do.

Get down from there before you break your neck.

Now, given my adventurous bent, this bit of wisdom held the most validity.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times!

That was probably not an exaggeration.

I asked Pie what bits of motherly wisdom he remembers me telling him. Here’s what he said.

Don’t sit so close to the television. Clean your room.

Direct, and to the point.

Your Turn

So, what about you? What is some everyday motherly wisdom you remember your mother telling you?

What are some things you remember telling the children in your life?

I’d love to hear.

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.

Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NLV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!

Gluten-free Crispy Lemon Chicken Fingers Recipe

crispy chicken stripsThis delicious gluten-free Crispy Lemon Chicken Fingers recipe is adapted from Busy Family Favorites.

  • 1 (10 ounce) jar lemon curd
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
  • 1 cup gluten-free Bisquick mix
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken strips

In a small sauce pan, combine the lemon curd, broth, gluten-free soy sauce, and the ginger. Cook and stir until combined and heated through. Keep warm.

In a shallow bowl, combine milk and lemon peel. In another bowl, combine gluten-free Bisquick mix and cornstarch.

Dip chicken in milk mixture, then coat with flour mixture.

Heat oil in skillet. Fry chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side or until no longer pink.

Drain on paper towels.

Serve with lemon sauce.

Enjoy!

I wish you well,

Sandy

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Body of Proof Book Review

Body of Proof book coverBody of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus–and Why It Matters Today by Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD, is not a light read. It is a book steeped in scholarly research to prove the case Jesus Christ rose from the dead.  

While setting out to prove we can be sure Jesus physically rose from the grave, Dr. Johnston laments his belief most followers of Jesus have a “woefully inadequate understanding” and says few are able to articulate the evidence that supports their belief in Jesus’ resurrection.

Body of Proof offers what Dr. Johnston believes are seven best reasons to believe in the resurrection:

  1. Society is transformed everywhere Christianity is introduced and embraced.
  2. Jesus called it.
  3. Jesus demonstrated resurrection power.
  4. No motivation to invent Jesus’ resurrection narrative is evident.
  5. Written and archeological sources overwhelmingly support the Gospel’s resurrection narrative.
  6. Only Jesus’ resurrection convincingly explains the conversion of people not previously his followers.
  7. Jesus’ resurrection is the only basis for making sense of suffering.

After he discusses his seven reasons, Dr. Johnston concludes his final two chapters by going deeper into scholarly research of ways to argue the authenticity and historicity of Jesus’ resurrection.

If you enjoy in depth scholarly research, Body of Proof may be the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest review, which is exactly what I gave.

Have you read this book? If so, what was your impression of it?

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please enter your email address on the form located on the right sidebar to sign up to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!