Reviews by Steven Ruff
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The Lamb's Agenda
On 5/1 Steven Ruff wrote: It is not difficult to see political agendas at play in our world today. Each party has their own platform, or set of values and priorities they choose to filter their decisions through. Each one also has a list of actions they would like to take and reforms and programs they would like to institute. ... The Lamb's Agenda
Persecuted
On 3/16 Steven Ruff wrote: Western Christians enjoy many freedoms when it comes to their freedom. They are free to assemble in the houses of worship unhindered and free from the threat of physical harm. Christian radio, television, and publications stand beside mainstream secular media and is enjoying success and influence. Christians ... Persecuted
Pursuing Justice
On 2/16 Steven Ruff wrote: We hear the word justice thrown around in our world today. Often it is simply presented as a settlement of an offense or crime. It is often seen as a person getting what is coming to them. We have entire state and government agencies that are devoted to justice and making sure that victims find satisfaction ... Pursuing Justice
Next Door Savior
On 1/23 Steven Ruff wrote: A great portion of society views God as distant, removed, uninvolved, and personally unknowable. And His son Jesus Christ, even more so. Is it possible that Jesus is not that distant? Is it possible that He cares and wants to be involved in our day to day lives? In his book, “Next Door Savior”, Max ... Next Door Savior
Dirty God
On 12/22 Steven Ruff wrote: I am intrigued by the titles of books given by authors today. Some let you know exactly what you are getting. Others are less clear, but draw you in closer to discover what the author has tucked inside the covers. Such is the case with Johnnie Moore’s new book, “Dirty God; Jesus in the Trenches”. ... Dirty God
Jesus
On 11/3 Steven Ruff wrote: Do we really need another book about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ? Is there really anything new to be said that has not been said already? I believe that another book was needed. I believe this book was needed. Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola have come together to write, “Jesus; a Theography”. ... Jesus; A Theography
Grace
On 9/17 Steven Ruff wrote: Grace is one of those things that we want, but don’t fully understand. It is one of those things that we want shown to us, but fail to return to others. Grace is a verb as much as it is a noun. It is as much something we do as it is something possess. Grace stoops. Grace saves. Grace rescues. Grace ... Grace
Running for My Life
On 7/31 Steven Ruff wrote: Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games is the autobiography of Lopez Lomong. At the age of six, Lopez was part of a large group of children kidnapped by the Sudanese militia in 1991. These children were trained and forced to become soldiers in ... Running For My Life
The Searchers
On 7/6 Steven Ruff wrote: In “The Searchers: A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt” professor and historian Joseph Loconte takes his readers back in time and joins the two travelers on their journey down the ancient road to Emmaus. Using the crucifixion of Christ as the backdrop of his story, Loconte chronicles for us, ... The Searchers
1,000 Days
On 4/14 Steven Ruff wrote: Jonathan Falwell, son of the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, has written a new book entitled, 1000 Days; The Ministry of Christ. This book takes a chronological look at the three and a half years of Jesus’ earthly ministry leading up to His death and resurrection. The focus of the book is more than just the ... 1000 Days
The Founders' Key
On 3/3 Steven Ruff wrote: There is a great deal of discussion and debate across the emotionally charged political landscape of America today in regards to the Constitution. Should it be changed? Should it be thrown out? Should it be amended regularly to accommodate the ever-changing fabric of society? Is it still relevant? Is ... The Founders Key
The Coming Revolution
On 2/18 Steven Ruff wrote: In Dr. Richard G. Lee’s new book “The Coming Revolution; Signs From America’s Past That Signal Our Nation’s Future”, Lee reveals through past history and present circumstances that our country is on the verge of another revolution reminiscent of 1776. This coming revolution is not one of bullets ... The Coming Revolution
Nearing Home
On 12/12 Steven Ruff wrote: I recently finished Billy Graham’s new book, “Nearing Home; Life, Faith, and Finishing Well”. Billy Graham has been one of my favorite preachers, authors, and examples for many, many years. “Nearing Home”, in my opinion, was primarily written for, and directed toward, older adults. This is ... Nearing Home
Where Has Oprah Taken Us?
On 10/3 Steven Ruff wrote: I believe that most everyone has heard of Oprah Winfrey. Over the past twenty-five years, her daytime talk show has been wildly successful, while at the same time a roller coaster ride at best. In the beginning it was one of negativity, trash, filth, and the very worst of societal topics, thus earning ... Where Has Oprah Taken Us?
Our Last Great Hope
On 9/16 Steven Ruff wrote: For Evangelical Christianity, the Great Commission represents the very heartbeat of our Savior Jesus Christ. For in its’ words and commands we find, with absolute clarity, the mission that we are to devote our lives to. In his new book, “Our Last Great Hope; Awakening the Great Commission”, Dr. ... Our Last Great Hope
Has God Spoken?
On 9/1 Steven Ruff wrote: In our day, critics continually and consistently launch assaults on the validity, accuracy, reliability, and sufficiency of the Bible. Their thought seems to be that if the Bible can be reduced to just simply a collection of fables and stories, then there is no need for faith, repentance, Christianity, ... Has God Spoken?
Why God Won't Go Away
On 7/14 Steven Ruff wrote: I have just finished Alister McGrath’s new book, “Why God Won’t Go Away; Is The New Atheism Running on Empty?” In this book, scholar, historian, and theologian McGrath introduces the reader to a group of anti-theists known as “New Atheists”. New Atheism is defined as “an enthusiastic advocation ... Why God Wont Go Away
Surviving Your Serengeti
On 6/25 Steven Ruff wrote: I tend to shy away from books that are written and labeled as fables. I took a chance on Stefan Swanepoel’s latest book, “Surviving Your Serengeti; 7 Skills to Master Business and Life”, and am glad that I did. The book’s subtitle reads “A Fable of Self-Discovery”. In this work, Swanepoel ... Surviving Your Serengeti
Be the People
On 6/15 Steven Ruff wrote: Whether everyone acknowledges it or not, our country was founded upon the morals and principles of the Judeo-Christian faith. This clear conviction is obvious in the attitudes an writings of our founding fathers. Over time however, there has been a foundational shift to the left. In her new book, “Be ... Be The People
The Book that Made Your World
On 5/2 Steven Ruff wrote: In his new work, The Book That Made Your World; How The Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, Indian Christian Vishal Mangalwadi has written an impressive and relevant book that I believe settles the age old question that the Bible is simply a collection of stories and fables with no value ... The Book That Changed Your World
No He Can't
On 4/6 Steven Ruff wrote: No He Can’t; How Barack Obama is Dismantling Hope and Change is the newest book syndicated radio talk show host Kevin McCullough. In his book, McCullough takes an honest, factual, and hard-hitting look at the presidency of Barack Obama and how it matches up to the campaign platform of “hope and change” ... No He Can't
The Fight of Our Lives
On 3/16 Steven Ruff wrote: The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 will be forever etched into the memory of all Americans. It was a day of tragedy, hate, loss, and outrage. It was also a day that propelled the United States into a war with an unconventional enemy. The outrage and anger that Americans felt that day fueled ... The Fight of our Lives
The Band that Played On
On 3/4 Steven Ruff wrote: I enjoy reading book that are inspired by true stories. One such story that has had much written about it is the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912 as a result of striking an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City. There have been many different approaches taken ... The Band That Played On
The Jesus Inquest
On 12/31 Steven Ruff wrote: In his latest book, “The Jesus Inquest”, British lawyer Charles Foster puts forth an in-depth, scholarly, and virtually exhaustive study of the events surrounding (tomb, death, burial) and finally the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Putting his trial skills on display, Foster puts the resurrection ... The Jesus Inquest
Slave
On 12/9 Steven Ruff wrote: In John MacArthur’s latest book, “Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ”, he takes the reader back to the first-century concept of slavery. Through detailed research throughout the Scriptures and outside sources, MacArthur shows that in his studies the word for “slave” in the ... Slave
Start! The Bible for New Believers, NKJV
On 11/18 Steven Ruff wrote: I was recently introduced to a brand new resource for new believers in Christ. “Start! The Bible for New Believers” edited by Greg Laurie, is a Bible designed with the new believer in mind. A new believer who has just given their life to Christ cannot be expected to know how to live for Christ immediately. ... Start!
The Grace of God
On 10/19 Steven Ruff wrote: In his latest book, “The Grace of God”, Andy Stanley writes about a subject that many people today, including Christians, want to understand better. God’s grace. In his usual engaging, witty, and thought-provoking manner, Stanley aids the reader in better understanding the gift of God’s grace. ... The Grace of God
The Gospel According to Jesus
On 9/24 Steven Ruff wrote: As a pastor, I try to do as much reading on the subjects of the gospel and the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as I can. So, when I saw the title of Chris Seay’s book, “The Gospel According to Jesus; A Faith That Restores All Things”, I was interested. I had really high hopes for this book, but ... The Gospel According to Jesus
Seeds of Turmoil
On 9/8 Steven Ruff wrote: It is very unusual these days to watch the evening news and not see a news item related to the conflict in the Middle East. Many ask themselves, “Why can’t they get along?” or “What is all the fighting about?” We heat names like Jerusalem, Israel, Palestine, West Bank, the Golan Heights and ... Seeds of Turmoil
Lee (The Generals)
On 8/23 Steven Ruff wrote: I enjoy all things Civil War. So, for me to have the opportunity to read about on the period’s greatest generals was for me a no-brainer. John Perry has written a compact biography entitled, “Lee: A Life of Virtue”. He has given the reader a comprehensive portrait of General Robert E. Lee. Perry ... Lee: A Life of Virtue
Cast of Characters
On 7/6 Steven Ruff wrote: There is a tendency for us to read the Bible and presume that the people of the Bible were flawless and obedient. We tend to say things like, “If I were like David I would have no problem serving God”. Or, “If I had the opportunity to have walked and talked with Jesus in person, I would be far ... Cast of Characters
Lead Like Ike
On 6/22 Steven Ruff wrote: I enjoy reading books dealing with military history. When I read the background for this book would be the D-Day invasion at Normandy, I was intrigued. Lead Like Ike: Ten Business Strategies from the CEO of D-Day by Geoff Loftus gives a detailed look at the leadership methods of Dwight D. Eisenhower. ... Lead Like Ike
Jesus Manifesto
On 6/1 Steven Ruff wrote: Modern Christianity has an image and idea of who Jesus Christ is. Sadly, that image does not match who the real Jesus is. Along the way we have lost the reality of the person of Jesus Christ while striving to follow and be like Him. This is what Frank Viola and Leonard Sweet write about in their new ... Jesus Manifesto
Change Your Church for Good, Revised
On 5/8 Steven Ruff wrote: Across America today, churches are dying and they shouldn’t be. In some cases it is the fault of the congregation. In some cases it is the fault of the leader. Regardless of who is at fault, churches should be alive and thriving. Brad Powell has written a great work called Change Your Church For Good. ... Change Your Church For Good
The Sacred Journey 2
On 3/31 Steven Ruff wrote: There is a statement made in today’s culture that goes something like this, “getting there is half the fun.” In The Sacred Journey: The Ancient Practices Series by Charles Foster, getting there, wherever “there” may be, seems to be the most important thing in life. Foster sets out to show that ... The Sacred Journey
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
On 3/18 Steven Ruff wrote: How many times have you connected with the person to whom you were listening? Perhaps it was a teacher who made a difficult subject interesting and fun. Maybe it was a conference speaker who provided the motivation you needed to keep going in a less-than-glamorous job. What was it that moved them from ... Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
A Century Turns
On 2/25 Steven Ruff wrote: I was a sophomore in high school in 1988. It was about this time I began to follow and understand politics and pop culture. It seems strange to refer to this period of time as “history”. Books written about history often have a disconnect with the reader with unrelatable places and unrelatable people. ... A Century Turns
Free Book
On 1/26 Steven Ruff wrote: “Free Book” by Brian Tome is a book about the freedom that an individual can find through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Tome, in a very animated and excitable fashion, encourages his readers to live this free life to its fullest. I had an immediate interest in this book due to the subject. ... Free Book by Brian Tome
Where is God?
On 1/8 Steven Ruff wrote: “Where is God?” Arguably the most often asked question of the day in our world of terrorist attacks, divorce, child abuse, economic hardships, layoffs, sickness, and depression. In his latest book, Dr. Townsend tackles this age-old question. This is the first book of Townsend’s that I have read ... Where is God?