New Surviving Life Episode 128

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Episode 128

Testify Youth Choir Songs

The Testify Youth Choir was here this past Sunday at The Key to My Father's House Church.  I was thinking that maybe some people missed it, or maybe you were there and wanted to hear those songs later in the week.  I have tried to compile a list of the songs and links to Youtube of the songs.  Enjoy!

You Are Good - Israel Houghton

Funky Jesus Music - Toby Mac

My Generation - Starfield

Absolute - Thousand Foot Krutch

Stand in the Rain - Superchick

City on Our Knees - Toby Mac

Who I Am Hates Who I've Been - Reliant K

Rebirthing - Skillet

Strong Tower - Kutless

Diverse City - Toby Mac

Testify to Love - Avalon

Good Enough for?

Since Nobody's Perfect.... 
How Good is Good Enough?


By Andy Stanley


As a pastor, I talk to people.  Two questions seem to pop up in my discussions with them: 1. Don't all religions worship the same God?  2.  Don't good people go to heaven?  Andy Stanley sets out to answer the second question (and subtly answers the first) in this book Since Nobody's Perfect... How Good is Good Enough?


In this short book (90 pages) Andy Stanley tries to ask poignant questions about a common misconception.  If you look at most of the religions of the world you realize that there is a common thread holding them all together.  All religions seem to base their core beliefs on whether someone does the right things or not, all religions except one of course.  Doesn't matter if you look at Islam, Mormonism, Buddhism, or Hinduism their basic premise is focused on doing certain things or enough things to appease god(s).  So according to these leading religions if you're good enough you could make it to heaven, nirvana, the next level or where ever else is the ultimate goal.  Christianity is different.  It isn't necessarily about what you do, it's about your acceptance of what Christ did on the cross. According to Christianity good people and bad people will be in heaven, and good people and bad people will be in hell simply based on their decision about Christ, which the author suggests is really the fairest way of all.


Likes:  This book is super short, 90 pages, so that anyone could spend an hour and read the entire thing.  I also like that it not only answers the question of 'How good is good enough' but also focuses the reader on the gospel of Christ, making sure to present the gospel by the end of the book.  Lastly I liked how the question of goodness and fairness were handled, making sure to try and deconstruct those beliefs through logical dialogue.


Dislike:  Since it is short this book is overly simplistic.  Unfortunately I think people from the religions discussed (Mormonism, Islam, etc.) could be repulsed at the simplicity described of their beliefs, even if they were represented correctly.  Also because of its' simplicity, the gospel loses some of its' life changing attributes, and seems just like a prayer that is spoken rather than a life changing decision.


Overall though I think I would recommend this book, especially for churches that want to use it as a giveaway for visitors in the church, but with one stipulation:  Make sure this book leads to relational conversation rather than individual consumption.  What I mean is give it to someone to read and follow up with them on it.  The simplicity is perfect for people unfamiliar with the gospel, but make sure they don't have to sort through it on their own, walk through the gospel with people, isn't that what Jesus did?


4 out of 5 stars.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Surviving Life Episode 127

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Episode 127

"Fearless" Book reveiw

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team Six Operator Adam Brown.


By: Eric Blehm


Ever since I saw the movie 'Navy Seals' with Charlie Sheen I have been curious about the Navy Seals and what they do.  Because they are created to be secretive in nature it's difficult to really get an idea of what these brave Americans do, we only have Hollywood to get any clue.  One of the secret units in the SEALs, one of their elite units is named SEAL Team Six, which has only recently been confirmed by our government because of the raid on Osama Bin Ladden.  Incredibly these soldiers continue to take on the most difficult job, without much recognition or reward for risking their lives.  Eric Blehm's book Fearless dives into the life of one such Navy SEAL who has given his life for our freedom.


Adam was something special from the moment he was born.  He had no quit in him, was fearless, and basically immune to pain.  Throughout his high school and college career he lived his life on the edge of crazy from jumping out of moving vehicles over bridges to standing between his friend and loaded a shot gun.  Adam demonstrated his character through adversity, going from warrior to joker in seconds, getting hurt on missions, losing his eye to training exercises and of course, his dark battle between college and the Navy with drugs.  Adam Brown was a warrior and ended up laying down his life trying to protect his friends. 


Overall this is a great story about courage, honor, and faith.  I highly recommend this book to anyone that serve or served in the military, anyone that is trying to climb out of the darkness of drugs, or anyone who likes a good story.  This book is a great reminder of those soldiers who willing give up their comfort, families and lives to protect our freedoms.  If you read it you will love it!


Five out of five stars.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review