Living By the Truth, the Word of God

Let's be honest: Too many Christian books are nothing but fluff or teach a viewpoint that is borderline contradictory of what the Bible actually teaches. Christian publishing appears, to this reviewer at least, to be focused too much on marketing and profits, and not nearly enough on solid teaching for building up the church.

Into this mess, however, comes a breath of fresh air-"Living By the Truth" by Lillian C. Larry. Larry cuts through the clutter of so many Christian books and gives us straight talk, teaching right out of the Bible into our lives.

Over forty-two chapters, Larry touches on the necessity of studying the Bible to what to do when God is silent, from the truth about homosexuality to the importance of Bible school, and many serious topics in between. She even includes the text of scripture for such foundational books as 1 Thessalonians, 1 John, and Revelation.

Larry hits hard, and this book may not be for those accustomed to reading Christianity-lite. But never is she harsh or rude; she simply speaks what the Bible speaks, sharing her struggles and showing us how to overcome challenges and obstacles in our lives, all the while remaining faithful to God.

For example, in "Church Membership," Larry points out the somewhat ridiculous notion of requiring "membership" in a church context. She asks, rightly so, "Why can't I sit amongst the congregation as a sister of the body of Christ? Why do I have to be a member in order to fellowship?" In contrast to this view, she discusses Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 3:17-"?where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (NRSV). Thus, she argues, if we have Jesus with us, it doesn't matter whether we "place membership" or not; what matters is our truly fellowshipping together in the Spirit of Jesus.

Another chapter, "Bible School, Is It Really Necessary," is important also. Larry ponders the attitude that finds Bible study "boring," and laments the sad state of some seminaries, where one can take a class on the Bible and leave wondering if the teacher is even a believer him- or herself. Ideally, we should sit around the Word of God and let God address us. Too many Christians rely on teaching they pay money for (i.e., in a college degree) or on the teaching from their human pastors (i.e., Bishop X or Minister Y) when they should rely more on God himself.

In short, this book was very insightful and helpful, and very true to the Word of God. Read it and learn, and let the words lead you deeper into your relationship with God.

(Contact www.PublishAmerica.com to purchase this book.)

Jeremy M. Hoover is a book reviewer and Christian minister. You may request a review by emailing him at jeremyhoover@gmail.com. He also sells a set of 11 ebooks on prayer, which you can find here.

---

Heads I Win, Tails You Lose

In a time when public scrutiny is becoming tighter and... Read More

Do You Have Disciples?

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."... Read More

Miracle Worker

The power of the Holy Spirit is so profound it... Read More

Why Doesnt God Answer My Prayers?

I heard a story about a girl who wrote to... Read More

Religion has Served Its Usefulness for Mankind

As the world becomes closer and closer together, there seems... Read More

Powerful Powers

Have you ever wondered what is power and where does... Read More

Straight Talk about Homosexuality

In the mid 90's, a Presbyterian minister named Steve Brown... Read More

Seeking after the Knowledge of God

As you will see in the Scripture verses I will... Read More

Evolution Simplified and Factual

The study of evolution puts into perspective our relative insignificant... Read More

Ultimate Truth:The Invitation

Religion is so many things. From what we can see... Read More

War in Heaven

This next event, a war in heaven, will not be... Read More

Moses v. Jesus: Why do Conservative Christians Prefer Moses Commandments to Jesus Beatitudes?

Why are conservative Christians so concerned about displaying the Ten... Read More

Finding God in the Clouds

It was a cool August night during the Summer before... Read More

A Time of Suffering

As the clock ticks down to the fateful day of... Read More

Spirit of Islam: A Primer

Last time I wrote a message on Islam, a Catholic... Read More

We Must Be Ready. But How?

Revelation 19:7 states, "Let us rejoice and give honor unto... Read More

The Warped Psychology of Islam

The London Bombings are just the beginning. Londoners are probably... Read More

The Purpose of Our Being

Most people think that there is a higher meaning for... Read More

Religious Tolerance and the Internet

The internet is a great resource of information on all... Read More

Story of Solomon

Without question, the greatest story in the Bible of someone... Read More

Truth or Consequence

Prime probability:You have been and are being deceived by those... Read More

Conclave: Electing a New Pope

Upon the death of the Pope, a monumental sequence of... Read More

Knowing Hinduism or Hindu Religion

Hindus are concentrated in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and... Read More

Jesus is Lord: Lets Stop Usurping His Roles

In five words Paul enunciates the basic principle of the... Read More

The Tsunami: A Wake-up Call

In looking back on the year that has just ended-a... Read More

Biblical Hermeneutics ? Part 3

Instead of being passive consumers of Biblical commentary, we can... Read More

Anointed versus Talented: Whats the Difference?

Talent is defined as: "Natural endowment or ability of a... Read More

Satan is Let Loose One More Time

After the 1000 years are up in the Millennium Kingdom,... Read More

Moslem America Part 2

2 Corinthians 2:6-2:14Moslem America part 2. Behold, the days come,... Read More

The Moment of Truth

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated to all of Israel,... Read More

Whose Land?

It is interesting that everyone is so hung-up on the... Read More

String of Pearls -- A Call for Intercessors

My wife had a vision recently of a string of... Read More

Hope and Restoration in the Valley

The bible tells a story about the prophet Ezekiel who... Read More