Category Archives: Books

Books, Current Affairs, Recommendation, Studying the Bible, YouTube

Health Update & Enduring Word Study Bible

Leave a comment

I’m super excited about the Enduring Word Study Bible because I know David Guzik has a solid theology. He’s a Calvary Chapel Pastor so I have a peace recommending him to the congregation, he’s going to be safe in his theology – in his teachings on the doctrines of salvation, the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, the church, leadership, Israel, and especially eschatology.

WHAT A BLESSING TO HAVE ANOTHER STUDY BIBLE FROM A CALVARY CHAPEL PASTOR! OF COURSE I HAVE MY WORD FOR TODAY BY PASTOR CHUCK SMITH. BUT THIS IS THE NEXT STEP.

As a pastor one of the things that concerns me most is that people will be swept away with all the different teachings out there that are not Biblical. They listen to podcasts and watch videos and are swept away with people telling them what they want to hear. Be careful beloved – get rooted in sound doctrine.

Paul wrote to Timothy and warned him about damning doctrine spreading like cancer (2 Timothy 2:17). He even said that they’re doctrine overthrew the faith of some in the church.

If you can swing it, check out the Study Bible, available at our Calvary Chapel El Monte bookstore, and anywhere Bibles are sold.

Books, Passages of the Bible

Nehemiah 8:8

Leave a comment

Today in my devotional reading I was blessed and reminded of the simple-fearful responsiblity we as Pastor-Teachers have, in handling the Scriptures and handing the Scriptures, to the people God loves so much.

The background to Nehemiah 8:8, was a revival that was going on in the hearts of the people; the primary reason for that revival was the return of the people to the Word of God (the Bible) - something Ezra was instrumental in bringing about.

"So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading." They just read the Bible (for 6 hours), made it clear, and gave the meaning to the people so they could understand what was being read.

My prayer, hope, ambition and passion, is that I would do the same. That this church, and all of God's church, here, there and everywhere, would let God speak; would rightly divide and rightly declare the Word of God, to the people of God, for the glory of God. If you come to Calvary Chapel El Monte, bring your Bible, maybe a notepad, but especially come with an open heart, cause we're going to do our best to give you God's Word.

(Here's some further Scriptures to ponder on this topic – Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; 119:9, 105; Ezra 7:10; Amos 9:11-12; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12)

Books, Coronilla Clan, Current Affairs, Modern Miracles, Passages of the Bible

Finally Finished – Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman

Leave a comment

Mary beth chapman choosing to SEE Although I don't read too many modern day auto-biographies, I must say, I really enjoyed this book, Choosing to See, by Mary Beth Chapman. Of course a huge contributor would be the fact that I am so appreciative of the music ministry of her husband, Steven Curtis Chapman. God has definitely used this brother in my life, to change my life and draw me closer to the Lord, as Steven has offered up his gifts for the glory of God and the good of the people (like me).

Some elements that made this book such a good read was the absolute and unhindered transparency of Mary Beth. Some might not like her transparency, or even disagree with some of the decisions in the lives of the Chapmans, but the rest of us sinners actually find it very refreshing, and remember, it's pretty important to know that even the best of men are men at best. The basis and backdrop of much of the book is the passing of their little girl Maria – and it was for that reason that I cried a lot in reading this book. It might sound weird, but I actually found myself laughing frequently as well (a good mix – don't you think?). Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." And so the question is, do you know? Do you know that all things work together for good? And are you the "called" – are you saved, are you a Christian? (This promise is to them/us).

In this book, I read about a modern-day-living-illustration of Romans 8:28. God has taken this tragedy, and through all the tears, trial, hurts and heartaches, He has transformed it into triumph. Does that eliminate the pain? Oh no – the pain is still deep and real and devastating – a 10 on the richter scale of pain; but what we learn is that there is great purpose for the pain, God is glorified, His little girl is home where she wanted to be, in God's big, big house, and one day, by the grace of God and the cross of Jesus Christ  - we will join her in the true and tangible Kingdom of God.

May God help us in our Choosing to See Him and His ways, in all of our life, and all of our days. (Let me know if you want to borrow the book 🙂