Book Review: A Sobering Read with a Chance for Hope

     Recently I was given  a complimentary copy of Implosion:Can America Recover from its Economic and Spiritual Challenges in Time? in exchange for an honest review. Author Joel C. Rosenberg begins to dissect the gloomy state of affairs that are currently befuddling the American climate. Rosenberg addresses both the political and economical hardships that America has endured, particularly in the last decade, with sobering clarity. Subsequently, he turns his attention to what he calls the "third lens," that of biblical Scripture. Does the Bible forecast such dissent among the people and what are the end results forecasted? Implosion encourages readers to look at the issues for themselves, while presenting very biblical-guided reason to draw conclusions.
     With that in mind, he goes on to look at Israel, as a nation and people, who have been punished and blessed by God throughout the ages. What are the reasons to support the state of Israel as a Christian? Rosenberg does not hold back and concludes that with the changing weather in America and around the world once can surmise the End Days are approaching. Different scenarios are presented and walked through including financial implosion, war and terrorism, natural disasters and the Rapture.
      Where is the hope you ask? Implosion brings in the historical accounts of the First and Second Great Awakening. This is where we can begin to see that revival among the nations is possible as it has been done before. This is where believers can choose to live in hope and let His light shine through them. Rosenberg is not naive or ignorant. He knows it will take work and a great faith to overcome the present-day challenges in the United States. Yet, if we give up now, what will carry us forward? Hope and faith have carried many people and nations great distances.
     As I read Implosion I was hit with an array of emotions. Looking back, what I remember most is the urgency I sensed. As a Christian I have hope in the Lord. However, it is not just about the individual believer nor the nation; it is about the world. It is interesting to realize the hope we need for the world begins with each person. The last few chapters give the reader applicable steps to take to help calm the impending storm.
     I enjoyed the book as it was enlightening, though it is a little heart-breaking at points. Rosenberg engages the reader with clear, understandable writing, even though the material is anything but light-hearted. Implosion is a work full of passion and depth. For every Christian believer who loves their nation and wants to witness change Implosion would be a great starting point. We can either watch the storm brew or hope to see the barometric pressure drop.

Book Review: There Could be a Blessing

     Worthy Publishing allowed me to review a complimentary copy of John Hagee's latest work, The Power of the Prophetic Blessing: An Astonishing Revelation for a New Generation. In The Power of the Prophetic Blessing Hagee sets out to share with the reader the blessings they may be missing out on from God due to a lack of spiritual ignorance. What is the Prophetic Blessing? It is the proclaiming of God's Word over a fellow believer. These blessings can be in the form of faith, growth, healing, prosperity and beyond. God wants to bless every follower according to their faith and belief therein.
     The  word prosperity put my mind on guard as I am completely opposed to the "prosperity gospel." Hagee quickly abated my fears as he dug into the Bible laying out the groundwork for the Prophetic Blessing. Pastor Hagee defines the Prophetic Blessing, gives a lengthy historical account of the blessings upon Israel and then, finally, gets to the pragmatics. Frankly, I was a little lost from the beginning as he was discerning the Priestly Blessing, Numbers 6:22-27, from the Prophetic Blessing. It was not necessarily because it did not make sense, but it all seemed a bit blurred. It could be I just needed a concrete definition a little sooner and the following content would have followed more cogently.
     I did enjoy some of the presented history and value of Israel to Christians. Hagee does expound their cause and purpose as God's chosen people. He eventually looks at the Beatitudes in the New Testament asserting God's blessings are intended for His people in all times. The chapter containing the Beatitudes was my favorite by far as it brought Jesus' earthly life into the picture.  By the last third of the book Hagee then shows how to give the blessings and to receive them. Abraham did not receive his blessing with disobedience brewing in his heart neither should we.
     The Power of the Prophetic Blessing left me ambiguous and uneasy. There were aspects I enjoyed and I rather give an outstanding review than a mediocre review. I realize John Hagee puts his heart into his work as any author does. However, I found this book in many ways just that, mediocre. I would have preferred a more extensive section on the application of the Prophetic Blessing. With that said, in every book I read I try to find the very best of it and apply it to my life and/or thought process. So, it isn't entirely impossible that I have gained something from this volume. Maybe it is in ways yet unseen. Who knows I may just reread it to find another glimmer of His light someday. It very well could be in this case that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To every reader (and author), to each his own.

 

Check out The Power of the Prophetic Blessing here.