First Book of the Year, Audible Book Review: The Return of the Gods by Jonathan Cahn

WOW! Want to know why America is so divided today? Read this book.

The Return of the Gods
By: Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by: Lawrence Richardson

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 09-06-22
Publisher: Frontline
Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
In The Return of the Gods, Cahn takes the listener on a journey from an ancient parable, the ancient inscriptions in Sumer, Assyria, and Babylonia that become the puzzle pieces behind what is taking place in our world to this day, specifically in America.
The mystery involves the gods. Who are they? What are they? And is it possible that these beings, whose origins are from ancient times, are the unseen catalysts of modern culture?
Is it possible that these gods lie behind the most pivotal events, forces, and movements taking place in our nation and around the world at this very moment? Are the gods at this very moment transforming our culture, our children, our lives, and America itself?
Could this mystery have even determined the exact days on which Supreme Court decisions had to be handed down?
What is the Dark Trinity?
Is it possible that what we in the modern world take as nothing more than ancient mythology could actually possess a reality beyond our fathoming?
Who is the Possessor? The Enchanter? The Destroyer? And the Sorceress?
Could a sign that has appeared all over America and the world be linked to the gods of Mesopotamia? And if so, what does it actually mean?
Could the gods have returned to New York City and an ancient mythology played out on the streets in real time?
Is it possible that the gods lie behind everything from what appears on our computer monitors, our televisions and movie screens; to the lessons given in our classrooms; to the breakdown of the family; to wokism; to the occult; to our addictions; to the Supreme Court; to cancel culture; to children's cartoons; to every force and factor that has transformed the parameters of gender; to that which appears in our stores, on our T-shirts, and on our coffee mugs—to that which is, at this very moment, transforming America and much of the world? Is it possible that behind all these things are ancient mysteries that go back to the Middle East and ancient Mesopotamia? This and so much more, most of which we can't even reveal in this description, will be uncovered.
Is it possible that the gods are even affecting your life right now? How can you recognize it? And what can you do about it?
The Return of the Gods is not only one of the most explosive books you'll ever listen to but also one of the most profound. It will reveal the most stunning secrets and truths behind what is happening before your eyes in America and the nations. You will see things, even in your world, in a whole new light. With such chapters as “The House of Spirits,” “The Avatar,” “The Masters,” “The Deep Magic,” and “The Day of the Goddess,” The Return of the Gods will take listeners on a fascinating, unforgettable, and mind-blowing journey that will leave them stunned and with the ability to see the world as they never have before.
Be prepared to be blown away as you open up Jonathan Cahn's most explosive book ever, The Return of the Gods!
©2022 Jonathan Cahn (P)2022 Frontline

Review:
This book presents many details from Israel’s past that relate to America’s history and current events. Jonathan Cahn explains how America pushed God away (removing prayer from schools and the ten commandments from public buildings) and allowed the ancient gods Baal, Molech, and Isis/Ishtar to move into the ‘house’. Cahn outlines how the move toward these demon gods brought an opening to sexual promiscuity, open sex (on media), and also the ‘sacrifice’ of babies by the method of abortion. More recently we have seen an increase in identity confusion, denial of reality, censorship, and cancel culture. Cahn ties these all to the movement away from the Christian Judaeo God towards these lesser, pagan gods.

I am a firm believer of one true God and have always chosen to say there are no other gods. On the other hand, I do believe in spiritual beings and recognize that there are demons of greater and lesser standing (thanks to Frank Peretti novels that made this clear to me and Ephesians). I am always awed by Cahn’s books by reason of the matching elements he shows between the past of Israel and the present of America.

Cahn may do massive amounts of research, but I believe that his insights are aided by the inspiration of God. There are too many parallels and coincidences to be nothing less than God incidences in my opinion. There are some repeated lines in the book which made me feel like someone rushed the editing. That is unfortunate but didn’t detract from the powerful impact of the work.

In the epilogue, which was added due to an event that occurred shortly before publication, Cahn notes there may be some turning points for America. I don’t think that Cahn can give a strategic plan for how to accomplish that in such a divided society. But he does encourage Christ followers to pray and live their lives in a fashion that shows God’s love and grace. If we want to save the America we have known and loved, the one that was founded on Christian values, we may have to stand and fight while we also kneel and pray. I highly recommend this book and author.

Audio Notes: Lawrence Richardson does a very fine job of narrating this work. I have listened to Cahn’s preaching and sharing and I really felt like Richardson captured the same intensity. I appreciated the audio experience.

Source: 12/31/22 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and 2023Alphabet goals.

First Book 2022 Audible Book Review: The Case for a Creator By: Lee Strobel

This is an informative work, full of scientific analysis.
The Case for a Creator
By: Lee Strobel
Narrated by: Lee Strobel

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 10-05-04
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Apologetics, Spiritual Growth
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Discover the astonishing evidence for intelligent design in this New York Times best-selling book by award-winning journalist Lee Strobel.
"My road to atheism was paved by science...but, ironically, so was my later journey to God," Strobel says.
During his academic years, Lee Strobel became convinced that God was obsolete, a belief that colored his journalism career. Science had made the idea of a creator irrelevant - or so Strobel thought.
But today science points in a different direction. A diverse and impressive body of research has increasingly supported the conclusion that the universe was intelligently designed. At the same time, Darwinism has faltered in the face of concrete facts and hard reason. Has science discovered God? At the very least, it's giving faith an immense boost, as new findings emerge about the incredible complexity of our universe.
Join Strobel as he reexamines the theories that once led him away from God. Through his compelling and highly readable account, you'll encounter the mind-stretching discoveries from cosmology, cellular biology, DNA research, astronomy, physics, and human consciousness that present compelling evidence in The Case for a Creator.

Review:
Lee Strobel has done a long series on “The Case for…” related to Christ and Christian faith. I am a strong believer in creation by design with God as the intelligent and creative designer. Accordingly, I was expecting to like this book, and I was glad to be impressed with the extent of science shared in support of an intelligent creator. Using the skills of a serious journalist, Strobel reaches out to experts in six scientific disciplines: Cosmology, Physics, Astrology, Biochemistry, Biological, and Consciousness. The interviews are presented in a clear fashion with the author raising challenges in each field.

This presentation might be a little dry for some readers. There is more scientific technical detail in this work than I have used in my study lessons fifteen years ago. I am curious to see if the companion study series uses the same interview format or adds more visual imagery.

I have a soft spot for Lee Strobel from my journalism days. Some part of my brain remembers when he changed from an atheist to a Christ believer. After providing solid scientific basis to support Theism, Stobel concludes with some wonderful Bible verses that show God's handiwork and declaration of creation. 

I am glad I chose this as my first book of 2022 as I learned a lot of science while reinforcing my faith. I recommend this to Christ followers who would enjoy the depth of scientific data to support their faith. I also recommend this to readers who are skeptical and are open minded to hear the scientific evidence that overcomes Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Audio Notes: Lee Strobel does a fine job narrating his own book. He brings his open-mindedness and confidence into the reading. I am glad I had the audio although I would like to have a print copy as well.

Source: May 18, 2021 Purchase at $2.99 with Whispersync. This is 2022 First Book and qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

First Book of the Year 2022.

Book Review (First Book 2019): The Prayer of Jesus by Kevin Jackson

This is a fine book to learn, or remember, the power of The Lord's Prayer.

The Prayer of Jesus
by Kevin Jackson

File Size: 2047 KB
Print Length: 146 pages
Publisher: The Association of Christian Businesses (May 13, 2014)
ASIN: B00KC8FVWC
Genre: Christian, Spiritual Growth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The Bible contains over three hundred references to prayer, and yet, eighty-five percent of believers are dissatisfied with their prayer lives. In The Prayer of Jesus, pastor, teacher, and author Kevin Jackson bridges the gap between the responsibility of prayer and the dissatisfaction we experience in prayer. He explains and applies the simple model for prayer which Jesus taught His original disciples. If you want to have a better, more consistent prayer life, then The Prayer of Jesus is the book for you.

Review:
I chose this book as my First Book of 2019 because I felt the need to strengthen my prayer life. As often is the case it is a good thing to go back to basics when you need a refresher.

Kevin Jackson doesn’t use a new prayer, but he uses the best prayer example: what most of us know as The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13. He separates the prayer into eight distinct petitions and then expands on the depth and import of each line. He shares other supporting scripture and attributes of God.

I liked how the study was set forth and I appreciated the questions at the end of each section. These give the reader the opportunity for self-examination and response to make sure the importance of the lesson has been absorbed. The end of each chapter also shares scripture references for added depth and then some example prayers using the petition.

After completing the study of the eight petitions, Mr. Jackson shares other prayer guidelines that can be used to add focus to daily prayers. Although I might not use the technique shared in this book for long stretches, I will implement it for a time to remind me of these petitions and the correct focus: getting to know God more deeply, not seeking things from Him. I think I might also find it helpful to include this prayer in my daily prayer time.

I was raised in a liturgical church where we said The Lord’s Prayer every Sunday. Perhaps that became a bit routine but for me it always had power to it. I have been in more evangelical, fundamental churches for the past 33 years or so and realize that I miss the power of saying The Lord’s Prayer and a few other choice prayers that I have in my childhood confirmation gift book, In God's Presence. I have started keeping that book with me. Now I just need to open it more often – maybe daily!

I appreciate this study by Kevin Jackson and recommend it to those who may not be regularly familiar with The Lord’s Prayer and also to those who need to be reminded of the purpose and power in prayer by looking at the Lord’s own example.

This is my First Book of 2019 title.
Source: 2014 Kindle TBR. This qualifies for TBR and Alphabet Challenge.