The Bible Says

Draining Up The Ocean Music CD by My Kings Ransom

I had never heard of the band My Kings Ransom until I received their CD Draining Up The Ocean. And I am glad I received the CD and gave it more than one good listen.

From the first upbeat rock styled note of their song The Banner, which is the first song on the CD to last the well written and stylishly performed rap song Hope Has Wings, this CD is pure Christian music pleasure. 

With each song having its own very unique style and sound the CD is never boring and always edifying and uplifting. The second song on the CD Turn Your Eyes is a musical call of action for us to turn our eyes upon Jesus. The raw, emotional spiritual passion of Jason Robeck, the lead vocalist for the band, comes through loud and clear in the song. Song 4 on the CD, Draining Up The Ocean is an enjoyable jamming rock-styled song that is one of my favorites on the CD. As with all the songs on the CD, Jason Robeck does not disappoint with his vocals but rather always delivers a solid and memorable performance. But to the band each song is more than just a musical performance…each song is about their message…the message about the life, hope and the spirit that is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The other 3 songs on the CD, Waiting For Me, Calls To Deep and Empty Room are all equally as enjoyable as the other 5 songs are to listen to.

I enjoy listening to this CD when I need a spiritual pick up – a lifting up of my mood and spirit – sort of like the caffeine jolt my body experiences from the 2 cups of coffee I drink every morning. The only difference is the jolt that I experience from the music of My Kings Ransom not only affects my body in a positive way as it gets my toes tapping to the beat of each song but it also affects my emotions and spirit leaving me feeling the better for having taken the time to listen to the CD.

To learn more about the music of My Kings Ransom visit the Tate Music Group Website at www.tatemusicgroup.com.

I received a complimentary copy of the CD Draining Up The Ocean by My Kings Ransom from the Tate Music Group for reviewing it.

My email is haroldcameron562gmail.com.

"And miles to go before I sleep"

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep
Robert Frost - Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

And as I sojourn here on earth living in the woods of NEPA as a pilgrim whose citizenship is in a distant and eternal kingdom that is not of this world, I know I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. At 56 years of age many people tell me that I am young which I means I guess I have a lot of years left to live before I sleep my final sleep this side of Heavan's golden shore. I'm not sure how I feel about that. After all, many of our lives today are in some way touched or impacted by suffering, human misery, affliction, loss or pain. Some more than others but none the less, everybody hurts sometime. Isn't that right?

The band REM captured the thought of it all in their song, "Everybody Hurts"
"When your day is long and the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go
Everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes."

There is a difference though between people and how hurting, suffering and pain - either their own or others - affects them. Some handle it better or maybe I should write differently than others. Some play the role of perpetual victims and others are overcomers and thrivers. Some wallow in the mire of self pity while others forget about themselves and their pain and suffering and do something good to help someone else out who is in greater need than they are.

The Christian thing to do is to love and worship our God and Creator with gratitude - for both the sunshine and the rain, the good times and the times of pain, in times of loss or in times of gain and serve others joyfully and sacrifically with whatever good gifts the Lord has given us. And we do so as not to curry any favor or a better standing with our Lord for we are already as loved and as accepted as we could possibly be. No, we do what we do out of love for our Savior as well as love for the other person.

So as my day has been coming to its end I have been contemplating the matters of affliction, suffering, the love of God and the Sovereignty of God and how it all works together in our world. And I can only share with you that I am no closer to finding all the answers now then I was when I began my contemplation an hour or so earlier. But truth be told, none of us will ever fully figure it out will we? Oh we might have an answer or two or a thought that seems to answer a question about some facet of  human hurting, suffering and afflication but in the bigger scheme of things we are no closer to figuring it all out than we are to sending men in a spaceship to the sun. I don't see that happening any time soon nor do I see our figuring out the conundrum concerning suffering and why people suffer out totally any time soon either. But there is no harm in contemplating and wondering now is there?

And so, this morning here in NEPA the woods are lovely dark and deep, (one reason being is that it is night time here), and I do have some promises to keep and now finally no more miles to go before I sleep. I have come to the end of the journey anticipating that a new day will be dawning soon and there will be new promises to make that need be kept and more miles to go before I can sleep again.

So to all, a good night or good morning.

God bless!

Just a pilgrim,

Harold
Philippians 1:21
haroldcameron56@gmail.com

Captivated by Nicole C Mullen (A Captivating CD You Are Sure To Enjoy)

From the moment her CD started playing on my computer, I was “captivated” by the music, voice and the message of Nicole Mullen on her CD, Captivated. The first song on her CD appropriately titled, “Holy Captivated,” wholly captivated my attention and caused me to immediately lift my heart to the Lord in worship, praise and adoration of him and his Holy name. The beauty of her rich and powerful voice in the song "Holy Captivated" accompanied by a very unique melody line delivers up a delightful rendition of praise to our God that is sure to please the most discriminating Christian Music audiophile.

“I Can Do” is an enjoyably spirited song with a memorable melody and rhythm that will make you want to get up out of your seat and lift your hands and heart up to the Lord in praise celebrating the fact that indeed we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. “I Need You” (As The Deer) is a sweetly melodic and rhythmically appealing song encouraging our hearts to realize that we need the Lord and to diligently seek him.

The next song on her CD is “Kingdom Come” which is followed by “My Shepherd,” an upbeat reggae styled song that reminds us that because the Lord is our Shepherd we shall not want or lack or do without any good thing. Nicole’s rhapsodic vocal on this song perfectly suits her vocal range and shows off the true dimensions of her vocal talent. I think of the line that I’ve heard from the panel of judges on American Idol when they have told some contestant that they could “sing the phone book” and it would sound incredible. That’s just how incredibly good Nicole Mullen is when it comes to singing any of the songs on her CD regardless of the style or genre.

“Forgive Me” is a heart touching song of a penitent sinner seeking forgiveness for sin from the Lord. And Nicole delivers the song in such a moving way that we as the listener find ourselves examining our hearts and singing along with her confessing our sin to our Savior. Next on the CD is her song “Lead Me” and then follows a stirring rendition of the songs My Tribute/Redeemer. After that she sings “A Song For You” and then the first song she wrote when she was just 12 titled “I’ll Praise Your Holy Name” which is a thoroughly enjoyable song of praise and adoration to the Lord. The three remaining songs on the CD are extended versions of “Holy Captivated,” “I Can Do,” and “I Need you.”

I had not heard of Nicole Mullen before I had the privilege and joy of listening to her “Captivated” CD. And I believe that her CD came to me for such a time as I am going through right now in my life...a season of struggle and affliction to which her CD most definitely ministered grace and healing to my heart and life. I am glad that I had a chance to listen to "Captivated" by Nicole C. Mullen and look forward to hearing much more from the talented, spirited and spiritually devoted artist in the future.

To learn more about the CD Captivated by Nicole C Mullen or about her personally visit her website at www.NicoleCMullen.Com.

To order a copy of the CD Captivated by Nicole C Mullen click on the link below:

I received a complimentary copy of The CD Captivated by Nicole C Mullen from Maranatha Music for reviewing it.

Loved into the Light by LaVonne Earl

“Shining the Light on Mormonism”

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Loved into the Light by LaVonne Earl. Although an unrecognized author as compared to bestselling authors such as Max Lucado, Chuck Swindoll, John MacArthur, Joyce Meyer and others, her book is worthy of a read and all due consideration as in it she not only shines the light on the darkness of the damning doctrines (teachings) of the Mormon Church but she very clearly shines the light on Jesus Christ, the Cross, the True Church and living the Christian Life.

One of the aspects of her book that I was most blessed by was her frequent use of the Word of God to prove her points concerning the errors in the teaching of the Mormon Church. But her use of Scriptures were of far more value than just exposing the darkness of the errors of the Mormon Church …her appropriate and helpful use of the Scriptures were also to teach us truths as revealed in God’s Word that would enable us to live lives pleasing unto our Lord…lives of holiness, joy and freedom which is what God desires for us as his people. She uses the liberating truths of the Word of God along with the sharing of her own personal experiences to inform us as her reader that we can be free from man made religions such as Mormonism, churches and church doctrines that are enslaving as well as from behaviors and sins that keep us from being all that God has saved us and desires for us to be.

Author Earl’s book consists of 19 easy to read and understand chapters of material that is so important to anyone wanting to find and experience true spiritual freedom in life; whether it is freedom from a false religion such as Mormonism, or freedom from sin to live for and glorify the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In her book she writes in sound doctrinal fashion offering an abundance of Scripture references about such teachings and issues as “Who is to Blame for the Fall of Mankind?” in Chapter 1. “Can We Trust God’s Word?” in Chapter 2. “What is the True Church?” in Chapter 3. She writes about “The Dangers of Polygamy” in Chapter 5. In Chapter 7 she shares invaluable insights concerning “Rules, Rules, Rules” and “Losing the Connection.” She writes,” The Bible is not a set of rules; it is a love letter from a Creator to His creation. The reason you or I follow any commandment is because we get to, not because we have to. If you take away the relationship, the ‘rules’ are meaningless.” She is so right on about that point. Many times even those of us who are professing believers in Jesus Christ forget her point and are trying to follow a bunch or rules – trying so hard to do just the right thing or things – to gain favor with our Heavenly Father when we already have it.

In Chapter’s 8 and 9 author Earl shares about the matter of Baptism and the Temple Ordinances of the Mormon Church. In Chapter 10 she addresses a very significant question that has hugely life altering ramifications if we do not know the proper answer to the question from God’s Word…”Who Can Be Forgiven?” She answers that question in a solidly Biblical manner and encourages us that if we will embrace the truth of God’s Word regarding the issue of forgiveness our lives will never be the same and our impact in the lives of our families and the people we love will be nothing short of amazing. In  Chapter 11 she writes to our hearts regarding “Do You (We) Trust God?” Then in Chapter 12 she writes concerning “Freedom versus Control” and how God wants to set us all free. Something else I really like about her book is that she begins each chapter with appropriate Scriptures from the Word of God and then concludes each Chapter with a powerful healing prayer. And there is nothing “magic’ about the prayers; however, by our praying them with a sincere heart open to the ministry and healing of the Holy Spirit in our lives, God can and will use them to help us experience the healing He desires for us to receive.

In Chapter Thirteen author Earl writes about “Transparency” and what it means to be transparent in our lives. In Chapter Fourteeen she shares helpful information about the concept of “Identity” and how important it is to know who we are and whose we are. In Chapter Fifteen she asks and answers the question, “Does God Love Everyone the Same?” She asks a very provocative question and then provides us with the answer from the Word of God in Chapter Sixteen where she asks, “Is the Church Safe or Judgmental?”

In Chapter Seventeen she writes about “Your Calling and Outreach,” in Chapter Eighteen Will I Ever Be a God? And then in Chapter Nineteen she finishes her book writing about “His Great Love.”

This book is a must read for anyone who is enslaved to the false teaching of the Mormon Church; however, it is also a very helpful read for people who are Christians and are seeking to be more like Christ experiencing a greater measure of freedom, joy and healing than ever before in their lives.  

For more information about Loved into the Light by LaVonne Earl visit the website. 
 www.yourkingdominheritance.com
https://www.faithfunder.com/uproject.php?fpv=MjcxNzI4.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author for reviewing it.

I'm Not That Man - Transformation (an original poem)

I'm not that man that I once was,
Because,
Experience has changed me,
Wisdom has taught me,
God sought me and changed me within,
He made me a creation new,
Something only he could do.
But I am not yet what I am going to be,
Because God has not finished his work in me,
I'm still human in a robe of flesh I dwell,
Here on Earth, being tested and tried,
Afflicted - Sometimes from every side,
The trials and struggles come they do,
But God in his grace and power brings me through,
Each and every one I do endure,
For God's provision is miraculous and sure,
And because of Him recreated and alive today I stand,
Praising him and rejoicing that I'm not that man!
Harold Cameron (c) April 2012

haroldcameron56@gmail.com

Limited and Limitations - Life 101 With 2 Brain Tumors

I can't write much these days as for some reason I am experiencing limits and limitations on my ability to be in front of my computer and writing. I try to think of what to write but the words all seem to flow from my brain so slowly and only as a result of great effort unlike in times past where the words and thoughts seemed to flow effortlessly and easily. And then there is the occasional myoclonic jerk that happens which afterwards causes me to feel drained and tired. This is not what I want but it is what it is and I know it is what God wants for me right now because He being the Sovereign Lord and Mighty God and MY God, He can make whatsoever He wants to happen.

I meditate.

I pray.

I read the Word of God every day.

I listen to spiritual music - hymns and psalms.

I take my medications - all of them as directed by my doctor who is just the greatest; (Lithium - for treatment of my Bi-Polar Condition, Klonopin - to help control my mild seizures, Remeron - for Depression, Simvastatin -for high cholesterol, Prozac - For Depression, Temazepam - for my unexplained yet bothersome Insomnia, and an enteric coated Aspirin). And I rest whenever I need to. (Something I am not accustomed to doing or enjoying). I am all about being busy and doing things.

And so here I am. Stuck as it were somewhere in the middle of my mind and thoughts, longing for the freedom of expression again but only sensing a profound intra-cranial pressure in my head that grows worse with the more thinking I do and the more time I spend on the computer or telephone. And if I am stubborn and do not listen to my brain and body then I experience a dull pain along with the pressure that is so very uncomfortable at times it just makes me want to die. And no I am not suicidal. Far be it for me that I would ever even seriously contemplate or entertain such a thought and do something so wicked and selfish as to take my own life. It is just that the physical experience overwhelms me sometimes and crazy thoughts (that seem to come from out of nowhere) just enter and fill my mind. But when that happens I am reminded "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (of a sound mind)." (II Timothy 1:7 ESV and KJV). And so I persevere...keeping on keeping on.

And this past week my youngest son who like me has a high threshold and tolerance for pain suffered a severe sinus infection that caused him to experience excrusicating pain and pressure in his head. It sent him to the ER room 3 different times - the first time being by ambulance because he was in such pain. His pain was so severe that he would cry in agony and that is not my son. But it was not him. It was the effect of how he was feeling. And we have talked about it and he shared with me how he now understands a little bit as to why I feel the way I do sometimes and just wish the pressure and discomfort would end. He agreed...it just makes you want to die. BUT WE CHOOSE GOD WAY AND WE CHOOSE LIFE!

I do not feel sorry for myself and I do not seek pity. So, don't feel sorry for me please for among men I am most truly blessed. This is the season of my life that I have come to realize I must not seek the blessings but rather seek the blessor - that is seek after God, ("As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God." Psalm 42:1 ESV). I must no longer look for quick fixes to life's problems or issues but rather look to the one from whom all blessings flow, the fountain head of my life and my blessings and be delighted and contented in Him...and I truly am. I turn all that I am, think and feel over to God for his gracious response and loving and abundant provision.

So I rejoice! In Christ my Lord I rejoice. I may not be able to do much as I used to in my life but God's Word reminds me that it does not matter. The chief end of man and main purpose of life is to love God will all my heart, soul mind and strength and to love my neighbor as myself. And it is to worship God and to love and serve him forever. Something I am most happy and contented in doing.

So pray for me as I pray for those of you the Lord has brought and brings into my life. Our God not only hears our prayers but also answers them in his own good time and according to that which is his good and perfect will.

So, from time to time you will see me online - posting a book or CD review here, a tweet there, or a post to my blog but just not as frequently as in the past...at least for now.

So God bless. May your week be filled with the love of God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of family and friends, good health and abundant success in all that you do.

As for me, I'm just a pilgrim sojourning here on my way to Heaven! Come quickly Lord Jesus!

Love you all!

Harold
Philippians 1:21
haroldcameron56@gmail.com

Living With 2 Brain Tumors And Being Bi-Polar (Never A Dull Moment Clinging To God!)

"There is no other method of living piously and justly, than that of depending upon God."
JOHN CALVIN

Depending on God, oh what a delightful and glorious liberating experience. One might think that if a person is dependent on someone or something outside themself then they are not truly liberated but in the matter of faith and living for Jesus Christ, it is a true statement. The slave of Christ is the most free person on earth. It is a paradox to be sure and a fact not easily grasped by many so called professors of the faith today. They may be "in Christ" but they are not his slave and thus are not truly free to experience all the blessings of knowing and loving him affords us.

And besides we should live not for the blessings only for if we do, we may feel as though we have been short changed by God at times in our lives. How could that be you might ask? Well, if we only live for the blessings and the good things that knowing God affords what do we do during those times in our lives when it seems that the well of blessings has run dry and our souls are parched from thirst and we fear that we are going to perish without water to sustain us? Well of course, we then turn to Him from whom ALL the blessings flowed from the first place. We turn to him of which it is written, "but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:14). See, it is not the blessings we should seek. NO! A thousand times no. Dear saints of God I implore you do not seek the blessings but rather seek the blessor - seek God himself and his Son Jesus Christ and for a living, vibrant and abundantly fulfilling relationship with them and what you need shall always come to you in due season.

And so for me as I live in this robe of sinful flesh and live through the days and nights of my life with a variety of physical and emotional struggles I am aware of the fact that my only real hope and help is from the Lord who sustains me and upholds me in my weakest moments. And he is also sustaining and upholding me when I feel the strongest.

My medications are a necessary part of my life although I hate taking drugs (there are side effects but the side effects are not nearly as bad as living life without them). And I don't spend nearly as much time on the computer as I used to because it burns me out, (and my not doing so sort of bums me out but it is what it is); however, at the end of the day, what matters the most...that is what has made all the difference to me is that no matter what I said or did during the day or how I felt, God was with me. And that is always awesome!

It is hard for me to wrap my arms around the thought that the one true God, the Sovereign, Powerful, Holy, Majestic...Indescribably awesome God was and is with me from the rising of the sun to the setting of the same and then all through the night. And it is that thought that provides me the greatest comfort and assurance when the way for me gets confusing, my thoughts get jumbled and all the pieces of my life just won't connect like a puzzle that has been put together.

So, it is the end of another day for me for which I am grateful to God for. And I am also grateful for the loving care and concern of my youngest son as well as for my many friends who checked in with me throughout the day to see how I was doing.

God bless!

My email address is haroldcameron56@gmail.com.

Free Book Friday! How To Win A FREE Copy Of Book - The Things That Matter By Dr. David Jeremiah

Today is FREE book Friday! I am going to give away a copy of the book, The Things That Matter - Living A Life of Purpose Until Christ Returns by Dr. David Jeremiah today...at no cost and with no obligation to one blessed person.

All you need to do to enter to win is:

Send me an email with "Free Book Offer" in the subject line.

Also, please include in your email your favorite Bible Verse, and a quote or story that has touched your heart. And be sure to include your mailing address in the event that you win. This offer is only valid for people residing in the United States.

Send your email to me at haroldcameron56@gmail.com. I will announce the blessed winner tomorrow.

Thanks so much for reading my blog and for following me.

I love and appreciate you all!

Amazed by His Grace,

Just a Pilgrim,

Harold Cameron
Philippians 1:21

For I AM NOT Ashamed of the Gospel! (Romans 1:16) What It Means To Believe The Gospel & Follow Christ!

"For I Am NOT ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16 NIV )

Oh the glorious life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ...IT IS the good news of salvation, of hope, of eternal life through following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. AND...The gospel is Jesus Christ.  "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 ESV). The Gospel is believing in Christ as well as believing what has been written about him and then confessing him as our Lord and Savior before men. The Gospel is ALL ABOUT JESUS and who you believe HE is and what he did!

We like to break the Gospel down and compartmentalize it into our own neatly compacted and formulated theological positions, (our theology); our doctrinal statements, (our doctrine), and denominational affiliations,  (our church affiliations); arguing amongst ourselves ("our Jesus and Salvation is better than your Jesus and Salvation"); or ("We live for the correct - REAL- Gospel and you don't")...and while all this goes on precious souls perish into a Christless eternity, forever to suffer in Hell without any hope of relief...EVER! Refer to Matthew 5;22; Matthew 10:28; Mark 9:44; Luke 16:19-26; II Thessalonians 1:9; Revelation 20:9-15.

WAKE UP OH CHRISTIANS! PLEASE!

Jesus IS the Gospel. We need to be preaching Jesus Christ and his Word and living our lives in such a way as glorifies and honors him - in a way that lifts him and his name up for it is written in the Word of God that "as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3;14-15. ESV). So just as the Son of God/Son of Man was lifted up on the cross that whoever believes in him may have eternal life - we need to lift him and his name up preaching him - Christ crucified - so that those who believe on him and his name may have eternal life. Do you want to know what the gospel truly is and have real eternal life? Then read THE Gospels - Start with the Gospel of John 1st, then Mark, Luke and finally Matthew. Read what Jesus taught and see how he lived and then do what he says to do...

THIS IS THE MESSAGE WE NEED TO LIVE OUT AND BOLDLY DECLARE TO THE LOST...

Repent (Matthew 3:2, 4;17; Mark 1;15, ) - See your yourself and your sin as God sees you and your sin which is that he sees you as unrighteous, unclean, defiled and wicked and that any good works that you do are like filthy dirty rags to him (Isaiah 64:6), and that because of that fact you are deserving of the full wrath and punishment of God for all eternity in Hell. Some people in Christian circles refer to this as "The Total Depravity of Man" - And on this point I agree with those who hold this position. Then change your mind about yourself recognizing that you are a sinner deserving all of the punishment of Hell, that God is Holy. Refer to I Samuel 2;2; Psalm 145:17; Isaiah 6;3; I Peter 1:16-25.

Believe and Confess With Your Mouth Jesus is LORD - "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9 ESV) Also refer to Matthew 10:32; Romans 1:10 and I John 4:15).

Follow him - "Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24 ESV). Also refer to Matthew 10:38; Luke 14:27; John 21:19, 22 and I Peter 2:21.

Be Baptized as a way of showing your identification with Christ. Christ was baptized by John as is written in Mark 1:9-11. Also refer to Matthew 28:19, 20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:35-38; Acts 16:31, 33.

And then Follow and Imitate Christ. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12 NIV). Also refer to I Corinthians 11:1; I Thessalonians 1:6. Live as Christ lived and love and Christ loved. You will note in the life of Christ that he quoted the Word of God so having a knowledge of God's Word is important. So read the Word of God. Also Jesus spent time in prayer to his Heavenly Father. So too, we should spend time in prayer with our Heavenly Father. And Jesus ministered to and served others in a variety of ways. So following Christ means that we are called to a life of service for and to others...and not out of a sense of obligation, but rather out of a sense of love for Him who loved us so much that he gave his only beloved Son to die for us.

If you are a Christ Follower other than the Word of God there are a few books I would suggest you read and read prayerfully:

Radical by David Platt - Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
Crazy Love by Francis Chan - Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Unashamed To Bear His Name by Dr. R. T. Kendall - Unashamed to Bear His Name: Embracing the Stigma of Being a Christian
Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian - Jesus + Nothing = Everything

If as a result of reading this post you have decided to follow Christ as Lord and Savior of your life or you have decided to get serious about living for God and want to share your decision with someone please email me at haroldcameron56@gmail.com. I will rejoice in hearing of your decision and will be happy to minister to you and serve you in any way that I can.

Unashamed To Bear His Name by Dr. R. T. Kendall (Are You Ashamed of the Gospel?")

“Embracing The Stigma of Being A Christian”

Author, speaker and at one time the senior minister of Westminster Chapel in London, Dr. R. T. Kendall has written a book about a subject matter that tragically is foreign to most so called professing “Christians” in America today…and that is “embracing the stigma of being a Christian.”  In other parts of the world such as the Horn of Africa, Turkey, China and other third world countries there is a “stigma” attached to a person who openly and unashamedly is a Christ follower. And their taking on that designation…that of being a “Christian” for them can mean their being forever separated from their families, the loss of their jobs and all that they own and even the loss of their lives, but they claim Christ joyfully knowing that God has a better plan and a better place prepared for them. I am glad Dr. Kendall wrote this book for it is a message that desperately needs to be heard and embraced by professing “Christians” in America today.

The book is made up of 15 Chapters. In Chapter 1 Dr. Kendall shares is personal life story – that he how he got to be where he is today. In this Chapter he shares the three important principles that he wants us to get as a result of reading the book. They are: “First, it is a privilege to be scandalized or stigmatized for following Christ.” Second, author Kendall wants to “help us see the utter folly of being concerned with a diminished reputation – if that comes about because of your obedience to the Lord Jesus. And third, “the benefits that come from bearing the offense are incalculable.” “Welcome the Stigma” he encourages us. In sharing his personal story he relates how being pastor of the world renowned Westminster Chapel is a most prestigious position and just how much he enjoyed his ministry there yet as the pastor of that church he experienced the “stigma” for being a Christ follower. In June of 1982 the Lord led him to begin a ministry called “Pilot Light” which was a ministry where he and members of his church passed out tracts and witnessed to people, (conducted evangelistic outreach), in the area of the church. The people who lived near the church and even some of the people who attended the church were quite upset with him and the ministry thinking it to be quite a disgraceful thing that a man of the stature of Dr. Kendall as the pastor of the world renowned Westminster Chapel would do such a demeaning thing. But he informs us at the end of the Chapter that all he and his people went through for doing that ministry was worth it. It was worth bearing the shame of the name so that souls could be saved…and saved they were.

In Chapter 2 titled “The Gospel” author Kendall asks, “Whatever happened to the Gospel?” He then in direct fashion answers that question while also explaining just what the true “Gospel” is. He writes before we embrace the scandal of Christianity we “should know what we are embracing,”  “Why there is such a scandal,” and “What is at the heart of it.” And he writes that the heart of the scandal “is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” He then writes to explain just what “the Gospel” really is. In Chapter 3 Dr. Kendall asks what is the most important question for every person alive to ask of ourselves and that is “where will we be 100 years from now? Will we be in Heaven with God, or in Hell?” He then writes how we can know the answer to the question for our own life personally which is found in where we stand in regards to the Gospel. Dr. Kendall pulls out all the stops with his book being very clear as to what the Gospel really is and what it means to truly be a “Christian.

In Chapter 4 he writes about the offense of serving God as revealed in the Old Testament…how many people from the Old Testament we consider to be “giants” of the faith were stigmatized because of their faith in God. He refers to Abel, the first martyr for the faith; Moses who chose “to be mistreated along with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” David, and the Prophets and how because of their being willing to be known as people of the faith and people of faith, they suffered.

In Chapter 5 Dr. Kendall encourages us…yes encourages us to “welcome” the stigma of following Christ. It is in this chapter that he writes about the Anointing of the Holy Spirit and the role that suffering plays in the lives of believers in regards to the Anointing by the Spirit of God. He Writes, “the greater the suffering, the greater the anointing, the greater the anointing, the greater the suffering.”  And the suffering he is referring to is the suffering that we experience because we are “Christians” living Christ-like lives in this world. He challenges us to welcome and embrace such suffering for the cause of Christ and the Gospel. And the Holy Spirit will anoint us and empower us so that we can live for Christ as well as suffer for Christ, being bold in our sharing of the Gospel.

In Chapter 6 author Kendall addresses the issue of “Name-Calling” and how Christians have suffered through the centuries being called names that were unflattering and even degrading as well as the use of names that we as believers should never call one another. His answer to the issue of “name calling” is total forgiveness, just as Christ as totally forgiven us. Easy to read about or think about but harder to do, however, it is essential to our Christian lives to be a forgiving people when we are called names and “scandalized” because of being Christians. Chapter 7 is a must read for all Christians as in it Dr. Kendall addresses the very important issue of what he refers to as “Unnecessary Scandal” which is where we as Christians cause scandal because of our words or our actions and not because of our sharing of the Gospel. He gives a few good examples of how we create unnecessary Scandal.

In Chapter 8 Dr. Kendall writes about the issues that we should “go out on a limb for” as Christians. In this chapter he hits the proverbial nail right on the head by writing that there are some issues that we as Christians should be willing to live and die for and there are others, though important, are not issues we should divide the church over and have animosity exist between each other because of them.

I wish I could write more about the powerful and life changing message that is contained within the pages of Dr. Kendall’s timely and important book for Christians living in our age but space will not allow me to. I will share with you the titles of the remaining Chapters in his book and I think from reading them you will get the gist of what he writes about in the Chapter. Chapter 9 is titled, “The Reason the Jews Missed the Messiah;” Chapter 10, “The Stigma of No Vindication,” Chapter 11, “The Stigma of Suspicion,” Chapter 12, “The Stigma of the Holy Spirit, Chapter 13, “Manifestations of the Holy Spirit,” Chapter 14, “Embarrassing Truths,” and finally in Chapter 15, “Outside the Camp,” which I believe every minister of the Gospel should read.

He concludes his book with a charge to us…that as a result of reading his book and understanding what the real Gospel is, it should affect…no, it must affect how we think and live and what we do as Christians living in this world while being citizens of another place called Heaven, where God by God’s grace we shall end up one day in the future.

For more information about Unashamed To Bear His Name by R. T. Kendall visit the Chosen Books website. http://www.chosenbooks.com.

I received a complimentary copy of Unashamed To Bear His Name by R. T. Kendall from Chosen Books for reviewing it.

To order a copy of Unashamed To Bear His Name by R. T. Kendall click on the link below:

My email address is haroldcameron56@gmail.com.