Jesus and Faith

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”  “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go your way to your house.”   

Once a man was brought to Jesus by four friends. Since the crowd was too big, his friends took off some tiles on the roof and let the man down. He was too sick to use his faith, so Jesus honored their faith. 

The man still was not qualified to receive healing because of his relationship with God, so Jesus took care of that problem first. Once his sins were taken care of, he was completely healed, see Mark 2:10-12. There may be times in your own life when you are too ill to believe for healing. 

Find someone who knows how to pray, believing for you. Make sure there are no hindrances in your life, by asking the Lord for forgiveness that would stop your healing. Expect the Lord to honor your friend’s faith for your total victory.

The God That Heals

A wonderful book that gives the keys to finding restoration in one’s soul that brings a transformed life, and in turn transformed relationships through forgiveness. Readers will find that broken relationships can be repaired. A CBM Book ReviewS 10.0 out of 10.0

Steven D. Griffin releases The Victim’s Cry: Discovering Hope & Healing Through Forgiveness, An encouraging book that exposes truth from a Christian perspective to help readers find lasting healing and freedom from past offenses, pain and unforgiveness. As the author presents steps to dealing with past offenses, disappointment and deep bitterness, the author writes from his own journey after separation in his own marriage. Offering Biblical knowledge, and additionally sharing some of the reasons why we suffer in this world, the author writes a concise, yet simple book to discover hope and healing through the power of Christ. 

Full of Scripture and Biblical insights on the issues of forgiveness, heart attitudes and judgments are examined that presents to readers refreshment to the soul, giving them practical solutions to seek after God and His plan for healing. 

Readers will also learn from the Introduction that the book is a God-birthed book written from someone who has experienced God’s plan of restoration. As the author highlights this statement from the Lord, “I want you to write a book about My plan of rescue for people who have been hurt. 

Many of my people are bound up, and I will use this book to help set them free.” The author offers hope to those who feel like victims. What is quite unique is that he begins with the definition of a victim. As it turns out, we all have been victims at one time or another. With heartfelt compassion, the author’s hope and prayer in reading this book is that individuals will find lasting freedom in Christ and come to an understanding that they are more than conquerors in Christ. 

Divided into 5 Open and Shut Steps to Freedom, such issues as selfishness, bitterness, anger, hatred, judgments address heart attitudes that help readers identify these feelings and emotions, turning to God for help. Once identified through a godly lens, the truth of God’s Word is applied and a renewing of the mind begins, refreshing and cleansing the troubled heart and emotions. 

I cannot recommend this book enough, in that it gives the Biblical steps to finding restoration in relationships and helps readers take a look at their own heart, inspiring them to look up to God. Reading this book also produce godly character by presenting to readers a practical application of God’s Word. Freedom will be found if the steps are applied and the person submits to God. Increased intimacy with Christ will also be developed and lasting peace, love and joy will be found as people are set free.

Highly recommended for anyone that needs encouragement, understanding and hope to issues that have caused strife, division and separation within their life.  For those struggling with anger, resentment, depression and unforgiveness, this book will help those individuals release these feelings and find relief. I have to say to the author, “Thank You,” for hearing from God and having the courage to follow through. His testimony of how he clearly heard from God and obeyed is inspiring!

You may get your copy of The Victim’s Cry: Discovering Hope & Healing Through Forgiveness at Amazon or in Kindle. Be sure to visit the author at The Victims Cry or at Facebook.
This is a well-balanced read that points to the Bible as the authorative source as to how to live our lives. Divorce is common, but the author warns that this is not the plan of God for married couples. 

The author gives scriptural advice that can help people smooth out such issues as communication, agreement, submission and authority in a marriage, as well as giving a foundational read on the covenant of marriage.

Divorce & Re-marry: Is Man’s Alternative Not God’s Plan by Anthony Onochie Akpati discusses God’s plan on the subject of marriage, divorce and re-marriage. With a dual approach, his book addresses God’s original intent for man in marriage and addresses many practical conflict resolutions that offer solutions, roles and accountability to each other and the Word of God.

Adding that the Church today has a divorce rate over 50%, it is clear, Christians are not exempt from facing divorce. Giving the readers a Biblical platform and view, the author lays out a plan that is much different than the world’s. The world advocates divorce and re-marrying, even in a repeat fashion. As Christians and children of God, the author mentions that we live in the world, but are not of the world as the Scriptures states. With honesty and integrity, the author helps people understand the causes for divorce and offers real solutions for real problems experienced by real people.

Divorce & Re-marry: Is Man’s Alternative Not God’s Plan
By: Anthony Onochie Akpati
A CBM Book Review
9.9 out of 10.0 stars

This book comes highly recommended for couples that are in trouble and considering divorce. Pastors and marriage counselors might also consider having this read in their library to offer to clients. His perspective on accountability on each partner is practical and Biblical.

Fear Factor

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  

Fear can tear down or control you in direct proportion to the problems that come your way. Fear does not have a claim over you. Faith will be built up in your life as you remove fear from your spirit. Fear is the opposite of faith. 

Both are released by expecting something you can’t see. Faith comes from seeing the Word. Fear comes from seeing the problem. Faith is released by the words of your mouth. Fear is also released by the words of your mouth. 

Focus on the answer to the problem, rather than on the problem. When you quote Scripture you are resisting the enemy who is tempting you with a spirit of fear. The more Scripture you quote to the enemy, the more pain you inflict on the satanic forces. The Lord wants to give you total victory over fear, which will be possible as you spend time studying the Scriptures.

The Holy Spirit At Work

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  

A battle starts to take place in your mind as soon as you become a Christian, because the enemy wants to get back what he has lost. The Holy Spirit wants to keep what has been accom­plished. The satanic forces will put thoughts into your mind that are contrary to what the Lord wants you to think. You have to decide whose thoughts you are going to accept. 

The mind of each one of us has a controlling factor, which is the spirit of the mind, and must also be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit, see Ephesians 4:22-32. God wants to renew your mind, to remove the contamination that could have filtered in by being in contact with the world. Allow yourself to be “washed” in the Word daily. The closer you get to Him, the less of the world will stick.

Testing Our Faith

Here is a book that every new Christian should read,  Christian Basic Training by Craig TFeigh helps new and mature believers alike get back to the basics of their faith.  10.0 stars ~ CBM 

As Craig states, “Like fire tests gold and silver, God commands us to test ourselves daily (2 Corinthians 13:5) to be sure that our heart is right with Him and that we can defend and articulate our faith.  

Faith: Testing our faith is essentially getting back to the basics and building for ourselves a strong foundation.” This is the premise of this foundational book that will build faith, instruct believers in sound Biblical doctrine and provide a keen understanding of God, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, one understands that decisions made here upon Earth have an effect on our eternity in heaven. In this book, Craig TFeigh reveals some alarming statistics of Americans polled in regards to their faith. An alarming 66% of the 89% Americans polled are not sure whether they will get to heaven or not. This makes it necessary for Christians to understand the basics of their faith and what the cross did for them.

In addition, the author reveals through scriptural interpretation your identity in Christ. This is a simple way to understand many of the questions you have about the Bible that gives not only firm scriptural truths, but gives a firm foundation to build upon. Whether just coming to Christ, or as a well-seasoned believer, the foundations never change and it almost guaranteed that readers will learn something in this book.

Created for individual use and within a group setting the author offers classes on Christian Basic Training and encourages all to understand the truth of God’s Word. This is a highly recommended read that covers a broad spectrum of the key foundational principles of the Christian faith that enlightens many facets of the Gospel in an easy-to-understand and fascinating read. You may get your copy of Christian Basic Training by Craig TFeigh at Amazon.

Overcoming Depression's Grip

Soul Doubt by Leo J. Battenhausen, as an author and psychotherapist, discusses the overwhelming and detrimental impact that depression and suicide are having upon society in the United States. 

Additionally stating  alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (2016) that suicide and depression are presently at an “epidemic high”. The author also adds that the organization’s prediction is that by 2020 depression will be the most diagnosed disease after heart disease. 

These facts, coupled with society’s views and attempts to “cure” depression with various treatments and drugs, bolster our culture that expresses itself as its own God. Selfishness, greed, media, government, and liberalism’s mantra have taken away from family and marriages like we have never seen before in the United States. 

With this in mind, the author makes an impressive statement – People need God and need to believe in God. With a focus on giving solutions to depression and suicide, intertwined with keen insight, he offers this book to help others recognize and be free in their souls from destructive thoughts and behaviors that are literally killing many.

Giving an overview of healthy parenting and relationships that include marriages, the author explores the human condition and the soul. Offering a laymen’s view of the soul, he explains the doubts we possess in relation to satisfying the deep void within. 

Despite technical advances in this information age, the author shares that we as humans are not developing as we should and have forgotten who we are. Advocating that parents invest in their children in meaningful ways, to include their parenting skills, he also exposes a spiritual side to the issue of the mind, soul and emotions. Offering readers an understanding of the realm of the soul, a secular worldview is also considered. His position is that we cannot ignore our souls, which is the essence of who we are.

Revealing what really wages war against our souls, will and emotions, the author has written a compassionate book that speaks frankly to believers and non-believers alike, sharing that there is hope and a solution to this soul problem. Well-balanced, informative, encouraging, his insight is an important work tackling the woes that plague our society, but more importantly offers real answers and hope that presents truth. The truth that God is real, and that we all need God, is something that the author will not compromise. Stating in his book description, “Soul Doubt breaks through with solution-focused answers and PROVEN ways to battle depression and suicide.”

Truthfully, this is a much-needed book in today’s society. As a skilled professional, he knows the human condition and speaks of the healing of the soul, mind and spirit. Presenting a wealth of knowledge, the spiritual battle, modern-psychology, the author offers real answers to those who are suffering or know someone who is suffering. This comes as a highly recommended must-read for all parents, married couples raising children, teens, young adults and newly married couples.

Title: Soul Doubt
By: Leo J. Battenhausen, MA, LCSW
ISBN #978-1635750737
CBM Book Reviews
10.0 out of 10.0 stars

You may find more information about the author and his books at Author Leo J. Battenhausen.

Christian Fiction Author Jeff W. Horton

If you like Christian Fiction page turners. This book is for you - Heaven’s Oasis by Jeff W. Horton highlights the elements of biblical archaeology, romance, mystery and suspense, thrilling readers with this Christian fiction novel. With the main element as romance, the author combines Kevin Foster’s love for his deceased wife with thoughts and flash backs of Claire, his soul mate.

Kevin Foster a history professor (as the main character), finds himself completely out of his “comfort zone”. Dedicated to a mission to redeem his wife from all the public harassment and slander to her personally and professionally, to a reputation of great honor and integrity, as she deserved. His wife, prior to her death, as a famed Archaeologist, that had been on a lifelong quest to the discovery of a secret gate leading to another place, another world, where the Garden of Eden or Heaven is kept. This place was so incredible that one could never find words to describe the colors, the sights and the vibrant life of this other realm known as “Heaven’s Oasis”. It was this discovery that others were desperately trying to steal, and even kill Kevin for. The dangerous race to the finish line to redeem his wife’s work is almost complete.

The author begins by drawing readers into Kevin’s world with an action-packed scene driving through Iraq’s arid desert. Adding to the validity of the novel, many believable discoveries of recent archeological artifacts confirm the reliability of the Bible as an accurate historical document. As well as mentioning the existence of certain key characters in the Bible, such as Pontus Pilate, merely bolstering the truth of the Bible.

Each chapter flows into the next and there are many mysterious happenings as Kevin remembers his beginning in this mission as he was pursued by mercenaries on a vendetta to stop him. Why are they so interested in stopping this grand discovery of a lifetime? His travels lead him to the Middle East, namely Iraq, as he continues his wife’s life work.  Filled with nuances, Kevin comes to terms with his grief over his wife and reconciles that all things are possible with God.

Encouraging all believers to trust in God on a deeper level, even throughout grief and difficulties, makes this read an inspiring, intensely written Christian fiction novel. Kevin Foster is the great main character, full of integrity, intelligence and a deep love for his wife that is a tribute to the romantic side of men, reminding married couples of the agape love that should be evident between a couple.

A highly recommended read!

Jeff W. Horton is the author of 8 books, Heaven’s Oasis, New Beginnings, Frontiers, Cyber Sp@ce, The Last Prophet, The Way of Nacor, The Dark Age, and The Great Collapse. After retiring as an Information Technology professional for over twenty-five years, author Jeff W. Horton, focused on fulfilling his lifelong dream as a writer. 

Title: Heaven’s Oasis
By: Jeff W. Horton
ISBN #978-1629895925
Christian Book Reviews by CBM
10.0 out of 10.0

For more information about Heaven’s Oasis and other great books by Jeff, visit The Horton Library . You may order your copy of Heaven’s Oasis at Amazon
in Kindle and at other fine online bookstores.

Modern Science and the Christian Faith

Leslie Wickman, Ph.D., writes God of the Big Bang: How Modern Science Affirms the Creator  - an awe-inspiring work that connects modern science and the Christian faith. 

As a Scientist, Astronomy Professor, Corporate Test Astronaut, Rocket Scientist, Hubble Space Telescope Engineer, the author is well-qualified to present the scientific breakthroughs and data that confirm that the Christian faith actually coincides with scientific exploration and discoveries. 

Tackling many difficult questions, such as: Can science and God co-exist? What is our purpose on Earth? Does God really exist? And so much more, this book helps people reconcile science alongside their faith. 

This is an easy-to-read book that is intriguing, encouraging and inspires readers to learn and understand, with wonder and awe, our great universe, giving answers as to why creation and science bow to only One Creator ~ God Almighty.

With such chapters as: Family Star Parties: A Plan and a Purpose, Is God Real? Evidence of His Existence, Approach with Caution: Using the Scientific Method, A Reasonable Faith: Using Logic and Sound Arguments, The Bible’s Message: A Valid Approach to Interpreting the Text, Genesis & Origins: A Spectrum of Views, The Goldilocks Principle: Just-Right for life, Environmental Stewardship: This is My Father’s World, The Universe: Are We Alone? and theConclusion: Our Future and the Future of Science gives readers evidence and science to make an i ntelligent, logical conclusion.

Interwoven with Scripture, the author presents answers for those that question God’s existence due to different theories, beliefs and the modern-day science that is prevalent. Such lingering questions might include: Is there life on other planets? Why is our universe orderly, beautiful and seemingly designed by an Intelligent Designer? How does science intersect with faith? 

Delving into Genesis, the Big Bang Theory, from a plethora of scientists, philosophers, theologians and the Bible, the book gives logical answers. Additionally, the book gives a great deal of researched material, teachings and instruction that affirm God as Creator of the Universe.

This is a highly recommended read for those that have questions, real questions about our Universe and wonder how the puzzle all fits together. This book is for children (of reasonable age) and adults alike that can be used as a study guide for personal use or within a group setting. This truly is an amazing book that fosters great discussions and answers some really “Big” questions about God and our Universe, Jesus and our Creator, God Almighty.

Get it as a download in Kindle.

America’s Beginnings and The Bible


The Christian faith and the Bible

In America’s Founding Fathers and the Bible: A Select Study on America’s Christian Origin, Stephen A. Flick, Ph.D. shares America’s rich biblical history and Christian heritage. CBM Christian Book Reviews ~ 10.0 out of 10.0 stars

Focusing on the American Revolution and afterwards, the author writes that America was founded on Christian principles and biblical practices that our Founding Fathers instituted, stemming from the formation of our government and the Continental Congress. 

Unwaveringly the author also reveals contrary claims by secularists and irreligionists that America was founded and “arose from the barrenness of secularism,” give way to an intriguing book that gives insight into America’s beginnings, formation as a nation and the underlying Christian legacy of America as a nation.

Divided into three sections: The Continental Congress and the Bible, Three Founding Fathers on the Bible, After the American Revolution, Conclusion: American Renaissance and coupled with three Reading Sections -  Defense of the use of the Bible as a SchoolBook, President of Congress Starts Bible Society & By the Bible or By the Bayonet, the author sheds light on the legacy of freedom, commitment to the Christian faith and the Bible, that helps readers understand and presents a brief glimpse into the motivations and truths from which our Founding Fathers relied upon.

With this perspective in mind, this book also provides viewpoints propagated from American Academia, jurisprudence and other disciplines that seem to ignore the facts. Further giving an overview of the initial thirteen colonies that sparked America’s growth and the first decrees of fasts and thanksgivings originally declared, coupled with the ensuing American Revolution, the author shows that America is a country that is nationally based upon the Bible. As the author states,Rather, both private and public writings overwhelmingly demonstrate that America's Founding Fathers intended and did establish American government upon biblical principles and practices.” 

This simple, yet historically accurate read comes highly recommended to all Americans, Patriots, Christians, college students and to the general public that serves as a reminder to get back to the foundational principles our country was founded on. Knowing your heritage and history is important and this book presents a keen understanding of “how” our great nation came to be. 

Concise and to the point, factual information presents and relates the importance of the Christian faith and the Bible in America.  History’s past can be confusing, yet this book is one of those books every American should read, know and understand. It is our privilege, duty and honor to take a stand for what was so costly – our freedom.

A Daily Devotional Style Book

Your Book From God: 366 Days of Inspirations, Spiritual Guidance, Anointed Prayers and Heartfelt Poetry by DaPorscha Rufus

A Daily Devotional Style book, shedding light on God’s truth and Scripture. With compassion and godly wisdom, the author illuminates life and the challenges that present themselves, offering  sound Biblical encouragement and insight on how to handle the various trials of life.

With fresh insight into relationships, the devil’s tactics, our changing emotions, and the human condition within the world, the author helps readers to understand that they are not alone and that God’s love and truth answers many of the problems they might face. 

Bringing keen insight, this little book offers inspiration, spiritual guidance, coupled with famous quotes, anointed prayers and heartfelt poetry that will help bring transformation and encouragement in your life.

Beautifully formatted, readers will find this book a pleasure to read as they delve into God’s prophetic Word and truth over their lives. 

With a resounding theme that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, the author presents topics such as relationships, faith, divine purpose, peace, love, unity, and so much more. Each devotional is uplifting, with many that are thought-provoking, this book helps others to walk and know that this is their book from God.

A highly recommended daily devotional for busy people!

Sins Forgotten

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  

When you come to Jesus and ask Him to come into your life and make you a child of His, He does what you ask Him to. You have now become His child. 

The Holy Spirit, who caused you to come to the Lord in the first place, next bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God. Thoughts that God rejected you, or you are not a child of His, doesn’t come from God, and must be resisted. 

The enemy may remind you of your past, telling you that you were very bad, but remind him of what the Word says. Isaiah 43:25 tells you, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.”  

Start rejoicing that you have been made a child of God, and His divine protection is over you. Expect the Lord to give you guidance, and to direct you all day.

The power of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, accord­ing to the power that works in us.  

Have you tried to overcome difficulties, but seem to remain trapped? It is necessary to replace the old vision in your mind, to one of victory the Lord has for you. God wants to give you a new vision for your faith to work from. 

This new inner image will show you that you are to be free from the problem that has affected you. The prospects of believing it will come to pass, will sometimes be more than you can think that God will supply. 

Expect the promise seen in Ephesians 3:20 to be fulfilled in your life. This power God has for you, is already flowing through you, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Raise your level of faith, then release the words the Holy Spirit wants you to say, which will cause the changes to take place. God is faithful, and will fulfill His Word in you.

Real Life accounts of Heaven

A highly recommended read for those that want to believe God for more, for the impossible and I guarantee you will read this through in one night! ~ CBM 

Miracles: Your Impossible is Possible! By Gary and LeeAnne Dyck give their accounts of God doing the miraculous in their lives and in the lives of others. From a returned earring to multiplied food, from angels transporting lost items back to the authors, to real-life accounts of Heaven, this book reveals realms, miracles and that God is in the business of doing miracles. 

First beginning with a little background on their upbringing, both husband and wife share how God has intervened, revealing that He cares about the little things, the big things and everything in between. The point of writing such a book is so that others would understand that they can believe God for miracles. Even the impossible!

This truly is an amazing book, to hear of such unbelievable miraculous things happening in the everyday life of two believers (and that of other believers and churches), not only stirs great faith, but shows how good our Heavenly Father is. 

These true accounts all come from the eye-witness accounts of the authors. As the book continues to reveal, there are many, even in the Church, that just don’t believe in the miracles after they happen. After reading this book, one just might consider that those “kinds” of miracles only happen to select people. As readers will learn, God gives to all. They include at then end of chapters a quick prayer, simple and to the point. They insist there is no “magic” formula. It is God who does the miracles!
  • Title: Miracles: Your Impossible is Possible!
  • By: Gary and LeeAnne Dyck
  • ISBN#9781498495400
  • A CBM Book Review
  • 10.0 out of 10.0 stars

Be sure to visit Gary and LeeAnne Dyck at Your Impossible Is Possible for further information and some great ministry.