HEAVEN

We never know what we truly believe until it’s a matter of life and death. Billy Graham, along with a firefighter and a young woman forced to face the reality of death, share the Gospel message, and what really happens when we die.

*****

As a young man or a child I could never just sit there for any sermon, even at church. It was as though it was being shoved down my throat. As I have grown older, and perhaps obtained a modicum of wisdom, I can listen much more intently. Primarily because there must be something to it all. Those questions that remain unanswered in science are answered in God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit. Worthy of your time to watch this and the promises of God.

Godspeed & Veritable Views!

Doc Murf

Knowledge Unto Relationship: A Biblical Destiny by Jeffrey L. Romine

We live in a day of advanced technology, but what lies behind it is applied knowledge. Knowledge is a sweeping term, serving as a common denominator under-girding science, philosophy, theology and the list goes on. It speaks to the condition of learnedness as opposed to merely opinion, or its absence, ignorance. Christianity is knowledge based too. Like pursuing a philosophic line of reasoning, this book engages the biblical trajectory that follows from the Tree of Knowledge. Drawing upon the great thinkers, topics such as the great debate over faith and reason, postmodernism, law in the in the confines of covenant, justice in the context of dominion, and the role of the Holy Spirit are addressed, distilling out key components related to knowledge, showing how the path forward leads into covenant-relationship.

******

I am connected through GoodReads to the author. He asked if I would like to read his book. I am truly glad I said “yes.” This is one of those  books that I didn’t know I wanted, but truly needed.

“…knowledge is more than understanding is apparent in the student who gets it and then forgets it before the exam.” ~ Dante Aligheri, THE DIVINE COMEDY

This book was a whirlwind of information, which gave a great basis, in my opinion, for greater understanding of the Bible and the plethora of knowledge which exists upon the pages of all it’s books. Which, by the way, will require me to read it again. Due to the vast array of knowledge, I am certain that I did miss somethings.

I am truly grateful to Jeffrey L. Romine for entrusting to me such a book! Thank you, dear sir…I have been greatly blessed through your book.

This book is well worth the time to read, great knowledge stored within which can, and assuredly will, open the floodgates of understanding.

Godspeed & Good Reads!

Doc Murf

Know the Words of Jesus in 30 Days: Discover the Real Jesus and the Timeless Truth of His Words by J. Stephen Lang

This ultimate guide to knowing the real Jesus offers his words — still as relevant and piercing today as they were in biblical times. In the tradition of Know the Bible in 30 Days, bestselling author Stephen Lang now offers a new and insightful 30-day guide, Know the Words of Jesus in 30 Days. Go the extra mile. Turn the other cheek. Lord it over someone. Practice what you preach. Eat, drink, and be merry. All over the world, millions of people quote the words of Jesus without realizing their origins. These and other sayings of Christ, including parables, conversations with his disciples, miracles and scuffles with the Pharisees, will bring us all closer to the heart and mind of Jesus. Lang also sheds light on hard-to-understand sayings and provides cultural insights, character close-ups and did-you-know facts. Know the Words of Jesus in 30 Days will inspire each of us to reflect on the meaning of Jesus wise words in our everyday lives.

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I will not lie about it, I was very skeptical about reading this book (as a study or just for the sake of reading.) I found it to be a great book of knowledge, or overview. It is an excellent reference and guide over much of what Jesus had to say, or teach us, throughout the Gospels. I was so pleasantly surprised I also got the book of prophecies of the bible, figured why not? Anything that can help me understand the bible and it’s teaching better…is a book and reference worth having in my hands!

Well worth it to have in your library for self study or for family time. It is well worth it to have just for the Appendices and the information they provide!

Godspeed & Good Reads!

Doc Murf

Mary Poppins Returns

In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives. Written by Disney

******

I took my granddaughters and daughter-in-law to see this. I loved the old Disney movies of Mary Poppins, Bed Knobs & Broomsticks, and a plethora of others. I was quite taken aback to discover that the return of Mary Poppins held closely to the original, at least in my opinion. Songs, laughter, dance, and other touch backs to the grand old days of Disney. I was not disappointed and I would suspect neither would you.

Godspeed & Veritable Views!

Doc Murf

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Why did he have to fight his battle, not against his enemies, but against those who needed him most, and his hardest battle against the woman he loved? What is the world’s motor — and the motive power of every man? You will know the answer to these questions when you discover the reason behind the baffling events that play havoc with the lives of the characters in this story.

Tremendous in its scope, this novel presents an astounding panorama of human life — from the productive genius who becomes a worthless playboy — to the great steel industrialist who does not know that he is working for his own destruction — to the philosopher who becomes a pirate — to the composer who gives up his career on the night of his triumph — to the woman who runs a transcontinental railroad — to the lowest track worker in her Terminal tunnels.

You must be prepared, when you read this novel, to check every premise at the root of your convictions.

This is a mystery story, not about the murder — and rebirth — of man’s spirit. It is a philosophical revolution, told in the form of an action thriller of violent events, a ruthlessly brilliant plot structure and an irresistible suspense. Do you say this is impossible? Well, that is the first of your premises to check.

******

I liked the 3 part movie, but ruly thought it would have been better as a 10 or 12 part mini-series, and then I read the book. BIG MISTAKE! As usual, the book was far and away better. However, I also found the reason I dislike reading novels…the dialogue and constant breaking up of the ability to speed read through. Regardless of my feelings, as such, I believe this was by far my favorite novel to have read. The symbolism and the application of philosophy was both intriguing and impressive. This is one of those MUST READ books, in one’s life.

Godspeed & Good Reads!

Doc Murf

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, of studying biblical teaching on centrally important doctrines such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. Wayne Grudem’s bestselling Systematic Theology has several distinctive features:

• A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine
• Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum
• A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today
• A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect
• Frequent application to life
• Resources for worship within each chapter

 

Bibliographies in each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies.

******

This was an awesome book, one that should realistically be in the hands of anyone who studies the bible and the theologies that are discussed, therein. A must have reference! Even if it is an older version just to aid you in the understanding of the underlying theologies. While this volume took me almost a year to read at 1 chapter every week or two, it was very enlightening. Also, I believe I will be using it to delve even deeper into biblical theology.

Godspeed & Good Reads!

Doc Murf

I AM David

I am David is a 1963 novel by Anne Holm.It tells the story of a young boy who, with the help of a prison guard, escapes from a concentration camp in an unnamed Eastern European country (according to geographical clues, probably Bulgaria) and journeys to Denmark.Along the way he meets many people who teach him about life outside the concentration camp. A gripping novel of a young boy’s grueling experience during the Holocaust. David, the protagonist, has been in a concentration camp in Eastern Europe for his entire twelve-year old life.

******

I had seen this movie quite some time ago; however, I found it to be one of those movies which morally crushed you and eventually lifted you back up to life, again. I thought it was an excellent movie, besides I happen to be a Jim Caviezel fan. This is one of THOSE movies that the whole family should watch. Well worth the time and perhaps, even, some discussion afterward.

Sorry, it would seem I do not have as much time for movies as I would prefer. Hopefully I can get more down time for such things.

Godspeed & veritable Views!

Doc Murf