A Must Read Book For Everyone
Highly Recommended Reverend Matthew Hogan writes, How to Be a Christian in Today’s World, is aptly subtitled, Shame or Fear of Failing vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love. This sets the stage for his book that blends his own upbringing and life to shed light on ultimately God’s Word, as he and his wife came together in their faith. Growing up in the early 60’s presents an era gone by as he segways into advocating an understanding of God’s love. Admittedly, no one is spared trials and tribulations of life, as he shares intense family hardships and deaths that shaped his young childhood. Coming from a place of deep trauma experiencing the loss of his brother and the further dissolution of his parent’s marriage, he writes a book that presents a Biblical way to understand trials, maturing in Christ, and overcoming by the Spirit of God. Full of compassion and true to Scripture, readers will find his book refreshing. Separated into four categories such chapters as: Baby Steps, I am Loved! Churchese vs. the Word, and Walk it Out. With a Workbook section with questions in the back (6 sessions), which can be utilized as an at home personal study guide, or even within a close group setting. He addresses real life issues, feelings, and behaviors bringing a deeper faith, and reliance upon God, His Spirit, knowing we are loved by God, as he delves into the truth of the Word of God. This is one of those books that doesn’t smooth over subjects, but helps readers understand the immensity of God’s grace and love, offering solutions for the person that has been wounded and that has dealt with trauma. He has known this all too well in his own life, and he presents an easy read that is full of encouragement. In his last Chapter (p. 102), He states, “Like love, we can see that the ability to live a Godly life comes from God.” Further stating, “Everything about the Spirit will free us, guide us, and teach us, providing for Godly living.” He gives further instruction to readers that summarizes and shows readers the “how-to” relying on God by and through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. It is his firm belief that we cannot do “Christianity” by ourselves, but we “love” because God has loved us first. A Wonderful, well rounded Biblical guide to navigating life in culture that is against “walking in the light.” Highly recommended for all, new or mature believers, also to those who want to deepen their faith. Living as a Christian requires growth, maturity, and then full reliance on God. Title: How to Be a Christian in Today’s World Reverend Matthew Hogan A CBM Christian Book Review 10.0 out of 10.0+ stars You may get your copy of How to Be a Christian in Today’s World at Amazon or in Kindle as a download.
0 Comments
One of my first readers after the book, "How to be a Christian in Today's World" came out, asked me, is there going to be a workbook? That made me look back, and sure enough, I was able to come up with six sessions with questions that should be good for individual or small group use!
It feels appropriate to share this now.
My wife was born at 28 weeks. 50 some odd years ago that should have been a death sentence. Instead, her symptoms were always extraordinarily mild. A little over a year ago, she had been through 28 surgeries since we married almost 32 years ago. But a little over a year ago a doctor that we trusted botched 2 surgeries in a row. She spent 5 months (roughly) in a trauma hospital with about 2 1/2 weeks in ICU. Including the botched surgeries, she had 7 more. This included 3 brain surgeries. Now, mind you, we've always had the brightest house at Christmas. The year that included a shooting victim is a separate story. But a few years ago, our daughters were all excited about decorating. Despite my wife's admonitions that neither she nor I could help, the decorations had to come down in a timely manner. Understand that by this time, she was a triplegic and I had a neurologic disorder that prevents me from doing much. The decorations were finally put away in March. We haven't put up anything since. Well, living in the high desert, it hasn't "felt" like Christmastime since we left the Midwest. So, after last year as I watched for her to live or die and trying to keep the family together around all our traditions, this year is different. This year her folks will be with her sister in Illinois and our biological daughter (we've been mom and dad to many young people) will be on shift as an EMT (in training to be a paramedic). So, we will likely have frozen foods and stay in pajamas all day. In this family, we have learned how important family tradition is, even if it means spending the morning in a hospital next to your wife as she is unconscious before driving 2 hours home to insist on a "family dinner". Yes, we all know the reason for the season is Christ. But from one who almost saw everything change, I want to encourage all of you to hold your loved ones and your family traditions near as we celebrate the coming of our Lord. You can have one without the other, but I can tell you from reading from Luke at my grandmother's deathbed to splitting the day between my wife's bedside and family dinner, that maintaining family traditions and remembering our Lord go best together. I only had a few opportunities where I preached several weeks in a row. So, normally, by the time my next turn to preach came around, I had a message that God had definitely put on my heart. In writing a sermon, I would blend using my education and abilities in addition to the Spirit's leadings.
Some preachers prepare outlines only then fly by the seat of their pants, allowing the Spirit to lead. I was trained to wrote your message then practice it until you could reduce your notes to a single 3X5" card. I was never good at that and like a friend of mine (whom I won't call out) I essentially read my messages. Some felt like that was inhibiting the Spirit where I felt like the Spirit lead me in the original writing of the message. Indeed, there were Sunday mornings that I got up and tore up my sermon for that evening knowing that wasn't what God wanted me to preach. But, one of the things that I was taught was to watch my congregation, maintain eye contact, and try to keep everyone engaged. As a result, I often gauged how good a job I did by how many people seemed moved or contemplative not by how many times I heard, "Great message Pastor." As a matter of fact, that almost became a worrisome sign. If too many people said, "Good message Pastor," then how many hearts were touched? The counseling relationship is much like the pastor/congregation relationship except that I can get to know what someone does or doesn't understand and different ways to approach an issue. When you preach a sermon, you have to try to get the message to everyone in one hour and rarely is that a recipe for universal success. But the counseling relationship also allows me to make sure that what we cover is exactly what that person needs. Writing "How to be a Christian in Today's World" was like a mixture of both. God developed the message over a 3 or 4 year period independently in my wife and myself, so I knew what I had to write on. Then, just like a sermon, I had an idea of the direction that I wanted to take, but as I studied and prayed, and listened, the message developed beyond anything I would have planned. Like a sermon, it may not be perfect for everyone. But, like a counseling session, I was able to go much more in depth than a short sermon. It is my sincere hope and prayer that you will benefit from the book and share it with others. And most importantly for the book to spread, please write a review. Thank you, Matthew Hogan I'm happy to announce that "How to be a Christian in Today's World" is going to be revised! It will be coming out shortly with a subtitle of "Shame or Fear of Failure vs. Living Confidently in God's Love." But even better than that, it will include a workbook. It is this author's hope that it will be perfect for small group discussion.
|
AuthorRev. Matthew Hogan has 30+ years of experience in ministry and is now bringing God's messages as an author. Archives |