Audible Book Review: The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within by Mark Hitchcock, Jeff Kinley

These authors present a well laid out argument that we are in “tumultuous days” and experiencing false teachings in our churches.

The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within
By: Mark Hitchcock, Jeff Kinley
Narrated by: Paul Christy

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 04-11-17
Publisher: Two Words Publishing, LLC
Genre: Apologetics, Eschatology, Non Fiction, Ministry, Social Issues
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Jesus Christ is coming back. It is certainly a Christian's greatest hope during these difficult times. The Bible warns us that the last days will be tumultuous - wars and rumors of wars will spread (Matthew 24:6). In our age, the world seems to be spinning out of control, creating fear, confusion, and uncertainty. In addition to violence, pestilence, and epidemics, the Bible predicts a great "falling away" from God in the end times. Bible teachers call that "the great apostasy". Are we seeing evidence today in the church of this massive rejection of sound and wholesome teaching?
Best-selling authors Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley team up to examine the evidence from the teachers of our time. Are today's teachers allowing people to follow their own desires by telling them what they want to hear, as the Bible clearly predicts? Are major portions of the church ready to abandon sound and wholesome teaching?
Together, Mark and Jeff explore alarming trends among today's church leaders, and they are simply stunned by what they discover. The great apostasy is coming, but is it closer than we imagine? Let Mark and Jeff be your steady guides to the difficult days ahead.
©2017 Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley (P)2017 Two Words Publishing LLC

Review:
I am active in Bible studies that include Revelation and “end times”. I have also read (or listened to) other “end times” Christian works so a lot of this material is not new to me. I felt that the information was set forth in a logical fashion with sound examples. Some churches don't address the issue at all and others deny areas of lawlessness as they bend backward to be welcoming and inclusive. Being inclusive is fine as long as the behavior is not contrary to biblical teachings.

The writing is engaging rather than being just a text book format. This work re-enforces the views of an informed believer and I think it would be a good book for an uninformed believer or a non-believer.

Audio Notes: Paul Christy does a fine job of narrating this work. It isn’t overly exciting or emotional, but it is well delivered. I am glad I had this as a free audio.

Source: August 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible book Review: Commune: Book Four by Joshua Gayou

This story kept me up when I should have been sleeping.

Commune: Book Four Commune Series, Book 4
By: Joshua Gayou
Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 05-03-19
Publisher: Joshua Gayou, Blue Heron Audio
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The philosopher asks: "Faced with the mutually exclusive choice between moral principle and the survival of your family, which is the correct path?"
Philosophers love to pose such questions, and in the day-to-day struggle, such thinkers rarely attain to a level of relevance rivaling that of the simple hunger pang. Their careful considerations dissipate under the leveled gun.
We do not feel their disapproving gaze when The Others draw near.
When the world sends doom, the survivors do not hesitate.
The survivors do what is necessary.
©2018 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio (P)2019 Joshua Gayou and Blue Heron Audio

Review:
Although Brian, a member of the Jackson Commune, continues his character interviews in this episode, there is much more action. The military group that visited and helped the Commune has moved on. The Commune has set aside enough reserves to survive the winter and do the spring planting. Life has settled into normal work routine as the Commune looks forward.

Beyond the state, there is a group of misfits that has grown to a large community. They are under the leadership of Clay who struggles to maintain loyalties and control as the group grows and factions form. Some of the factions are more brutal and devious than others. Ronny, Clay’s second in command, had a bad encounter with Jake’s team and knows that they have a “home base” near Jackson. He is intent on moving the group to Jackson and finally convinces Clay to move on as the food stores are becoming scarce.

The Commune occupants quickly learn that a large group has moved into Jackson. It is very unclear if the group is friendly or intend harm. Gibbs and a few other leaders go to the edge of town to meet and attempt to find out the intentions of Clay’s group. They step back in order to regroup.

Jake instructs the Commune members to begin to prepare for an attack. They do not have enough food and resources to share, and they must protect the new home they have established.

There is still a misguided member of the Commune who thinks it will be possible to negotiate a fair exchange of information and resources. He sneaks off to town starting a stream of violent events.

This particular book has a lot of brutality and, unfortunately, a lot of foul language. The language is a bit distracting to me, but I was able to push through because I like the characters and the action. I truly did stay up too late into the night listening. I recommend the series to those who like rough post-apocalyptic survival and don’t mind rough language.

Audio Notes: R.C. Bray continues to deliver wonderful narration. Bray provides clear and distinct voices. As before in this series, I was engaged and my enjoyment of the story was enhanced by the narration.

Source: 11/18/2021 Audible October Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post September 11, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 12 2022

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I still have no internet at home. I have ordered new service and will get the new modem on Tuesday. It has been exceedingly frustrating and I have stayed at the office till past 8 every night.

We are still working on unpacking and organizing. I have made some progress with client files too.

I have not seen too many images today, but then again I have limited internet access.
But I do not forget what happened on September 11.

I continue with my previous prayer lists.
Our temps are predicted to be even a little cooler this coming week at high 70s to mid-high 80s. We are still getting regular summer downpours in the afternoons. 

I enjoyed three more audios (plus hours into another).  I was able to post a couple of reviews and my memes while at work this past week.

I visited 16 blogs again last week.
No Shout Out today.

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were the posts last week:

• Sunday Post September 4, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 5, 2022.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Bargain for A Bride by Amelia Rose; Genre: Historical Romance, Western Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Marked in Flesh, The Others, Book 4 by Anne Bishop; Genre: Alternate History, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 9, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/15/2022.

• ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Road to Paradise A Vintage National Parks Novel by Karen Barnett; Genre: Christian Romance, Christian Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 11, 2022 - The Anointing.
  

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

After The Ending
The Ending Series, #1
By: Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue
Narrated by: Natalie Duke
Series: The Ending Series, Book 1
Length: 18 hrs and 10 mins
This is teen angsty but holds interest due to supernatural abilities of the survivors.
Source: April 2014 Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. NetGalley App on Smartphone (NGA2022)

Until Someone Listens
A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl's Mission
by Estela Juarez; Lissette Norman
Narrated by Estela Juarez
Listening Length: 11 minutes
This is sad but I appreciate the determination this young woman describes in light of a difficult situation.
Source: NetGalley August 2022.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Aesop's Fables
By: Aesop
Narrated by: Jonathan Kent
Length: 2 hrs and 22 mins
I had started this during the summer, listening with the kids.
Since it was already in my downloads, I decided to finish. Lots of wisdom!
Source: 1/27/18 Audible Sale for 2017 Daily Deals $.99.
Publisher's Summary
By their nature, "fables" are "fabulous", larger than life, the characters often using wit and guile to save themselves from circumstances. Thus Brer Rabbit is more than a bunny in a briar patch, just as Mowgli is more than a wolf child.
Aesop, an ancient Greek poet who was sold into slavery in the early sixth century B.C, relied on animal stories to convey his key points to his masters in court. Aesop's Fables are now classic, memorable morality plays in which amusing animal characters drive home thought-provoking morals to generations of listeners and modern day readers. They illustrate what was fundamental to Greek culture yet their appeal lies in logic we still understand. Fables from different cultures frequently overlap in the lessons they teach. If we would only stop to listen, there is an important lesson for us to learn from these fables; mankind is one, not several. Public Domain (P)2005 Tantor Media, Inc.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Fear the Sky
The Fear Saga, Book 1
By: Stephen Moss
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Length: 20 hrs and 17 mins
I chose another long book to last the week.
I am glad I picked this. I have less than three hours left in this excellent, engaging story.
Source: 3/14/2020 Two For One Credit Sale at Audible.
Publisher's Summary
"Real science in Science Fiction. This is a must read for fans of SF." >(John S. Gertsch, Amazon Reviewer)
Perfect for fans of Peter F. Hamilton, Iain M. Banks, and Orson Scott Card, Fear the Sky is a hard-hitting sci-fi thriller that will have you looking at the stars in a different way.
In eleven years' time, a million members of an alien race will arrive at Earth. Years before they enter orbit, their approach will be announced by the flare of a thousand flames in the sky, their ships' huge engines burning hard to slow them from the vast speeds needed to cross interstellar space. These foreboding lights will shine in our night sky like new stars, getting ever brighter until they outshine even the sun, casting ominous shadows and banishing the night until they suddenly blink out. Their technology is vastly superior to ours, and they know they cannot possibly lose the coming conflict. But they, like us, have found no answer to the destructive force of the atom, and they have no intention of facing the onslaught of our primitive nuclear arsenal or the devastation it would wreak on the planet they crave. So they have flung out an advance party in front of them, hidden within one of the countless asteroids randomly roaming the void. They do not want us, they want our planet. Their Agents are arriving.
©2014 Stephen Moss (P)2015 Podium Publishing

2. Audio Chirp App Smartphone (ATBR)

Act of Mercy
Written by Mandy M. Roth
Narrated by Mason Lloyd
Run Time 4h 53min
I like werewolves and PSI so I'm looking forward to this.
(I'm still downloading at work so picked a Chirp title in case I finish the Audible.)
Source: 4/24/2021 Chirp Deal $.99
Publisher Description
From NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Mandy M. Roth
Book One in the Immortal Ops Series World spin-off the PSI-Ops series.
Paranormal Shifter Military Special Ops Romance
Paranormal Security and Intelligence Operative Duke Marlow has a new mission: find, interrogate and possibly eliminate the target—Mercy Deluca. He knows looks can be deceiving, but it’s hard to believe the beautifully quirky woman running around in a superhero t-shirt is a viable threat. The little biomedical engineer quickly proves she is more than he bargained for and Intel has it all wrong—she’s not the enemy. Far from it. Intel also forgot to mention one vital piece of information—she’s Duke’s mate. And this immortal alpha werewolf doesn’t take kindly to her being in danger.
When Mercy accepted a position within Donavon Dynamics Corporation, she thought it was to help cure disease and to make a difference for mankind. She had no idea what her new career path truly entailed—monsters masquerading under the guise of scientific research. Unable to stomach the atrocities she’s uncovered, she reaches out through what she hopes is the proper channels, asking for help. Mercy gets more than she bargained for when a team of paranormal hotties show up on her doorstep ready to take down the Corporation. One, in particular, is able to get under her skin, both aggravating and exciting her in ways she can’t explain.

I am sure I will get to another audio but -again - I haven't decided yet.

September 11, 2022 - I am two days behind as I haven't been listening at home because of no internet. I have read only one passage each day. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. It really soothes me to read the pieces each day.
No new study this week.

I reviewed three but read three so I still have 8 books to review plus 7 children's books. I don't recall being this far behind before.

NETGALLEY STATUS-- Nothing new.
My NG shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(Plus a few that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No new review title this week.
I got one Plus audio which I will list next week.
No free Kindle titles this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?
***ATTENTION: Mailbox Monday is looking for a new host! If you’re interested, please email savvyverseandwit AT gmail ***

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

(One Plus audio to list next week.)

No titles added to Kindle library. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement September 11, 2022 The Anointing

Our Sunday School shared a video of Tim Shultz speaking of the fact that God has created and ordained each believer for this time, this place, and His (this) purpose. The believers of a generation ago, in the 1950s and 1960s, lived in a society that still respected the church and its moral teachings. Not so much today. We are to stand against obvious lies that try to silence and suppress the church and God’s creation. Our trust must not waiver, we must let God define us, not the enemy.

The Church is, by definition as an ‘ecclesia’, involved in public and society issues. We need to stand against threats and bullying. Do not accept lies and hypocrisy. Fight for God’s right, not the world’s definition of right – which is currently upside down.

Pastor’s sermon was titled “The Anointing” and based on 1 John 2:18-21 and 26-27. It went well with the Sunday School message.

Anointing is defined as “smearing or rubbing”… typically with oil as part of a religious ceremony. The point is that we are touched, made special, or set apart. We are dedicated for a purpose useful to God. When we accept Christ as our savior and receive the spirit, we become purified, sanctified, holy.

We should desire and seek God's anointing touch and transformation initially and then daily.
Jabez asked for God's hand to be on him, and God granted the request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
We should be living with our anointing day to day. There is a balance, and we should be living in both the natural and supernatural.

We can use gifts and not be spiritually directed. There are carnal substitutions of Godly gifts. But we should not abandon the anointing for fleshy, worldly gifts.

We live rightly only by the hand, touch, of God. Being anointed with oil is only a symbol of His touch. We need to spend time with Him, and in His word, to receive a fresh touch regularly.

The anointing comes from God and we are to abide in Him. 1 John 2:27. The anointing abides in us as we allow the Holy Spirit to reside in us. Then we live set apart. We are a chosen people, “God’s special possession” 1 Peter 2:9. We are to let our light shine. Matthew 5:16.

When we are called out by the Spirit, we don't worry about worldly appearance. We want to be salt and light. Matthew 5:13-15.

The anointing convicts us and others. And we need to remain in the Spirit and be refreshed.
The spirit may respond to the teaching and messages we hear. We can become excited! We should pray for God to lead us in truth.

We must be careful as we live in times of lawlessness when men are slanderous and without self-control, “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

The supernatural anointing is not emotional frenzy. Believers need to live by faith with the anointing, especially in the last days. Though we don’t know when that is so that means every day.

We are:
Anointed to live each day.
Anointed where we work.
Anointed in retirement.
Anointed to live and reflect the Power of God.

I found this song for today’s message: Anointing.

Verses for today:
1 John 2:18-21 and 26-27
18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.

26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.


Lord, I pray for You to anoint me, touch me with Your Hand and lead me in truth!

Audio Book Review: The Road to Paradise A Vintage National Parks Novel by Karen Barnett

This is nice Christian fiction with gentle romance and just a little suspense.
The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
Written by Karen Barnett
Narrated by Ann Richardson

Run Time 10h 9min
Release Date: March 4, 2019
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Christian Romance, Christian Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
It’s 1927, and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow. But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.
When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

Review:
In 1927 women didn’t have open career paths. They were expected to marry well and take care of the family. Margie, a senator’s daughter, is an idealist who is an avid naturalist. She is excited to get the chance to work alongside the park rangers at Mount Rainier, not knowing that her father has paid a significant contribution to the park.

Most of the rangers are very skeptical. Chief Ranger Ford took over his father’s job managing the park when his father died in a mountain climbing accident. Ford is filled with anger and bitterness. He doesn’t expect much from Margie and is reluctant to watch over her. As he begins to train her on basic survival in the woods, he is surprised when she brings distinct botanical knowledge and a unique skill of communication to the ranger team. Their friendship slowly grows.

Margie is happy with her progress but gets alarmed when her former fiancé shows up at the lodge. He exudes privilege and is proud, vain, and overbearing. He announces that he will develop the Paradise Inn and its park trails to include a tourist lodge and elite housing. And he also doesn’t want to let Margie go and is willing to threaten her father as well as the park. Margie and Ford are horrified, and it looks like Margie may have to compromise if she wants to save the natural lands. Margie accepts a challenge that will put her life in danger. As she and Ford come to a point of recognizing their feelings, their relationship is tested by the secrets that have been kept. Can they save the park and their relationship?

This is a sweet historical romance with a touch of suspense and danger. I enjoyed the characters and really liked the setting and history of the park rangers. I recommend this to fans of historical romance with a touch of mystery.

Audio Notes: Ann Richardson does a fair job with the narration. She doesn’t quite manage the male voices but she still delivers a decent performance. I did enjoy the audio as the story moves easier for me than a print or kindle reading.

Source: 9/5/2021 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.