The Second Half of the Cross

CLF and CCRG Review

You write like C.S. Lewis, and Lee Strobel combined. There is a lot to take in here. I love how you found principals of God in the movie, ‘Roman Holiday’ and how you relate it to faith in following Jesus Christ, a great parallel. And, yes! Where did the code of moral conduct come, if not from God?

Also, the ability of ours to create and craft these unique plots and material in our writing, must mirror a higher power. Created in God’s image, it’s amazing the capabilities he has given us.

I like how you've called, leaving our self-centered ways and deciding to follow God’s lead instead, 'the second half of the cross'. I think this is the most difficult thing to do, but then it becomes the easiest thing to do, after we make that decision. And the fact that God leads us in his highly creative ways, we wouldn’t have even have dreamed of or imagined, is absolutely amazing.

I loved how you took Bible characters, and showed how they took up the second half of the cross, and what it cost them, but more importantly, what they gained from it. God has given you some powerful words for all who will listen. This book really points to truth, and is amazing. Psalms 139:6 truly makes known the full breadth of what you are saying. This is a book that new Christians or those considering a life with God, or those walking with God, would really benefit from reading. Such wise words and sentiments. I truly enjoyed this read.

Kara
A Gate Called Beautiful

Dear Bart,

I just came across your book in my newsfeed when a friend of mine backed it. After reading your first two chapters, I am amazed with your writing and your message. This is well-worth a read, and I found myself pausing throughout to thoroughly digest your insight.

One of my favorite lines was: "Spirit-led Christians dissent from the conventional self-on-the-throne pursuit of personal validation and acclaim..." Your words are full of wisdom and undoubtedly inspired. This is powerfully relevant for today's market. I am giving you high stars and looking forward to watching this one climb the ranks!

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Bart: I'm probably repeating myself since I reviewed your other book (and haven't re-read the review), but you are a magnificent writer. I'd put your book at the very top 1% of all non-fiction I've ever read and line you up right along with C.S. Lewis in quality and insight and skill in writing.

It's Sunday here, and I'm sick at home (nothing major) and decided to read your book for a devotional time - so if you don't mind, this will not be a typical review, just an observation of your ability to write. I'm amazed at the insight you show and how well structured and written your work is.

I want to just highlight one thing you wrote at the beginning of the chapters (which I copied down because it is so beautiful):

"The right code of conduct, the natural moral law, is separate and distinct from us. Like gravity, it just exists. It is not a person like God, but it is the upper limits of perfection like God. The common phrase, "hey, nobody's perfect" is a response to this natural moral law, because all of us fall short of it. It is one of the strong proofs for the existence of God."

And that moral law is so ignored by so many today!

None of your thoughts come across as "preachy" or narrow-minded, but as deep insights and wisdom that you've gleaned from your study of Scripture. Nor does your writing gets lost in words for words-sake, but it remains clear and to the point.

Your discussion in chapter two is so on-target. Who was it who said, "God is my Co-pilot?", well, I personally want Him to be my Pilot! I loved your discussion of Abraham and God! I also appreciated the points you made about God's work in Joseph's life.

Now, I'm going to have to stop reading but I wanted to let you know what a gifted writer I think you are and that what I've read has provided a few moments of "worship" for me even though I didn't make it to church this morning. I would like a whole shelf on my personal bookcase at home to be filled with your books - and that will be the case once you have papercopies to sell. Please let me know when they're available in print.

With tremendous admiration for your work,
Patricia

The Second Half of the Cross
Bart is not only a skilled and talented writer, he is a man of wisdom and spiritual insight; it is a privilege to read the words he shares with his readers. In the first chapter he so clearly explains what he means by the second half of the cross and contrasts the 'pull of popular culture' and the 'I did it my way approach', to surrending our plans to God as people 'head off in the pursuit of their individual and unique callings.'
Sometimes I read books within the chrisitan genre whereby I have to reread a text to understand the message the writer wants to get across - this is not the case with Bart's writing. If I do stop it is because his words have inspired me and I want to let the thoughts sink in.
Chapter 3 is such a spirit-filled chapter as Bart examines God's work in Joseph's life and I found comfort and strength as I read.
I hope that one day Bart's books are published.
Six stars and future backing.

Maria (Georgina's Family)

Bart—(CCR review)— I like how you write. Sentences are clear and concise. Here are a few more thoughts after reading more.
-The second half of the cross is the hard part for us; the first half is often fairly easy (it wasn’t for Jesus). You probably say all this somewhere.
-2nd chapter—I may be developing a question about your approach to our wills (and I may be misreading you). About Abraham, you write that after God’s call, he was no longer in complete control of his life. I don’t know where you are in relation to Calvinistic thought (and you don’t have to label yourself for me), but my tentative conclusion after about 35 years of thought on this is that God’s will/human will has a big area of mystery right in the middle. I don’t believe you should suggest to readers that when they yield to God, God “takes the controls of the plane.” I see God as the flight-instructor at the radio in the control tower. I can veer off and do something crazy at any moment (and I have). God keeps calling and when I come to my senses God will talk me in for a safe landing.

Your treatment of the interplay between Abraham and God is otherwise very helpful to me.

Best,

Jim

Hi Bart,
This is a tremendous work. I am an ordained bishop and have been in the pastorate for nearly 28 years and I must say your book is spot on. Romans 10:9 states that to be saved a person must accept Jesus as Lord. I love your phrase, the second half of the cross. This phrase is exactly what Paul was saying.
Great job.
Anthony W. Adams,DM

I have added your book to my watch list and have given it 4 stars. (May decide on 5 later). There is some need of editing. For instance, in your chapter on Joseph and his dream, you refer to sheath when you mean sheaf, and sheaths when you mean sheaves. (The prophetic dream of how his brothers will bow down to him.) I hope that this does not seem too niggling! Best wishes, Barbara

Bart,

I was impressed with your book. I found a few errors and listed them as best as I can. It's hard to find them without page numbers or other reference points to help. So, I described the paragraphs as best I can.

Chapter 1 Introduction

I felt this was a bit too long and repeated points too much. I also noted a lack of qualifications for a Non-Fiction book. Most publishers look for your qualifications to make your statements. It gives why people should listen or read you book. It gives where you are coming from. Are you just giving opinions or do you have formal training to show you have a proven and formal background to support your statements. Anyone can write a book and claim to be an expert on a matter, but readers and publishers want to know you are founded in the truth, not self will.

Chapter 2

This chapter sounded like your book is going to be a sequel to some other book.

Paragraph begining with "One of the important points to be made ..." and ends with "Self-Wills to God in ..." The line "Too soon" has a return making a partial sentence a separate paragraph. You need to make the line part of the previous paragraph.

Paragraph "One of the vital features..." "The believer..." "Believer" is normally capitalized as a name.

Paragraph "The leading of God ..." ending "Whatever theater of action ..." Return shouldn't follow leaves "God has placed us in." as a separate paragraph.

Chapter 3

No problems found

Chapter 4

No problems found

Chapter 5

Paragraph "Throughout the gospel of John" and paragraph "The second half of the cross was staring them and is staring us in the face ..." Should read "The secvond half of the cross was staring them and us in the face ..." This reads smoother.

Chapter 6

No errors found

Chapter 7

Second paragraph "Joseph intends to wed Mary ... only to discover before .. Mary is pregnant with child" "Pregnant with child" should read "pregnant" or with child." but never both.

Chapter 8

Subheadiong "God Knows what He is Doing" should be all on one line.

Chapter 9

No problems found

Chapter 10

No problems found

Chapter 11

Paragraph "The real truth..." end with "... and not as a gods." "Word 'Gods' should be singular not plural.

Chapter 12

No problems found

I like your book and thought it deserves a high mark. So I put it on my bookshelf and gave it five-stars. I would like to see it completed.

Best wishes,

Don R. Budd

Bart,

I love this book! I think it is well written and makes the reader consider his or her beliefs on the Bible and what God has really done for us!

This is my CCRG and CLF review of Bart Jahn's The Second Half of the Cross.

I am not normally a reader of non-fiction, unless I am researching for my own novels or trying to learn enough to build or repair something specific. I almost never read commentaries or books that attempt to explain the Bible to me, because I prefer to read my Bible with the hope that the Holy Spirit will explain God's word to me. So, I have been guilty of the very actions that Bart has detailed in his opening chapter with very thoughtful and thought-provoking insights. I have made excuses to myself for not reading this book, and I forced myself to do so out of a sense of obligation to Bart for having read and critiqued my books. The Second Half of the Cross is a very well-written book. I did not notice a single typographical or grammatical error, and I believe this is only the second time I have had that experience on this site. Whether you are looking for a new understanding or simply wish to enjoy a fresh perspective on concepts and characters familiar to you, I can highly recommend The Second Half of the Cross.

Robert M. Starr

CCRG Review

I've had this on my watchlist forever and am finally getting around to it.

First, let me say that you are a very good writer. There is a LOT in your first chapter, but it flows very nicely.

The use of a Hollywood film really does justice here because if the concepts are over the head of some readers, you invite them to discover them in a different way, through watching the film.

I didn't see any nits. The vocabulary is very mature, in keeping with the subject matter. I'm assuming from your discussion of natural moral law and duty that "the other half of the cross" is discipleship. Of course, I'm coming from a Christian worldview -- a worldview that recognizes the natural moral law in "Roman Holiday". I'm afraid many in today's world do not.

I plan to return to read Chapter 2.

Lela Markham - The Willow Branch

Hi Bart,
Just stopped by to check out your book. I started with Chapter 4, and found it very well-written and compelling. I have always loved the story of Joseph, and you certainly have a gift for taking important pieces of the verses and weaving them together in an insightful way. Although I really enjoyed this chapter, I would have liked to see you explore the incident with Joseph and the Pharoh's wife. Nicely done, and I will return for more reading soon.

Bart, I have just finished Chapters 13 and 14 of The Second Half of the Cross. Beautifully writted, honest and written with the authority and conviction that comes from a close walk with the Lord. I love your book.

I do have a query about the opening paragraphs of chapter 13. You say ' If all we do is live, die and be buried, then why care deeply or passionately about anyone or anything? What would be the point? ' This I find difficult to follow. Do we need a strong sense of purpose in our lives to live by the selfish desires of our own heart? Maybe there is a thin line between purpose and desire. Do selfish goals equate with a strong sense of purpose? Many people do believe that this is all there is, and live happy, selfish lives without regard to the consequences of their actions. I have no difficulty in believing that God can weave his purpose into the fabric of any life open to Him, or that we all have within us God given purpose that is waiting to come to fruition. I guess I may have missed the point!

Judy
God an'a Dog
Land of Shadows

I just read through chapter thirteen. I could not agree more with the points you made! More people in the church today need to be hearing this, and I am glad you have written this book. keep up the good work!
I only noticed one spot for you to fix--another unintentional page break about halfway through.
Wishing you the very best with this!
~Hannah

I stopped by to comment on chapter thirteen, as you asked, but wanted to start with chapter one. I really enjoy your style of writing and am glad you asked me to take a look at this. You make some very excellent points in a fashion that is clear and easy to understand yet also profound. I like how you bring into it the effect of true love and the beautiful story of the princess. It reminds me again how much more Christian a nation we were just a couple of generations ago! Using the movie is a great way to illustrate your point.
I only noticed a couple of spots for improvement:
"Favorite stationary" should be "stationery".
"Even the...supportive and affirming": there is a line break here that does not belong. Also, the same thing happens at "in the relations...between people" and "discover together...the elevated" shortly after. Near the same place, there is an unnecessary comma in a sentence; it should read, "...the scandalous nature of their day out in the town in Rome will forever remain a secret..."
~Hannah

I enjoyed reading this book .. The title is very appropriate. I also enjoyed ch 4 and ten. This story is a great translation of how the second half of the cross influences the plans that The Lord has for our lives. Great job... Highly rated and backed ..When you have a chance please tae a look at my book ... Thanks

Oh my goodness your writing is deep. And yet, it isn't hard to understand which is a wonderful combination. This is a great premise and you work through it well. Looking forward to seeing it in print. Blessings.

I have enjoyed the first three chapters of this book and although not my normal read, I really did enjoy it. Your writing style is so cool and something you dont often see much of. I must congratulate on a superb read. Well done.
Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R).... Please consider me for your watch list wont you?

Bart,
I like reading the bios of the writers before I read the books. I enjoyed reading your testimony. I believe in the second half of the cross. So many of us fall short because we get "stuck" in the first half. Your book shows why it is so important for the Christian to move on in their faith. I like the way each chapter talked about a different character and how they moved on in their faith. This is a well thought out and prayed over book. I wish you well.

"My Boy's Daddy" reading to support my wife, Faith Rose and her book, "Now to Him."

So many people have the mantra of "For God so loved the world..." but fail or falter at "take up your cross and follow me'. Your writing is deep and profound and I enjoyed the first few chapters. The call to follow is often unrecognized or even preached upon. This is a subject that needs to be written on again and again and again. Too often people think that going to church makes them a Christian, but that is not the case. If you go into a garage you are not a car. It is the 'follow me' that truly makes a person a Christian. Good work.

CLF and CCRG Review

You write like C.S. Lewis, and Lee Strobel combined. There is a lot to take in here. I love how you found principals of God in the movie, ‘Roman Holiday’ and how you relate it to faith in following Jesus Christ, a great parallel. And, yes! Where did the code of moral conduct come, if not from God?

Also, the ability of ours to create and craft these unique plots and material in our writing, must mirror a higher power. Created in God’s image, it’s amazing the capabilities he has given us.

I like how you've called, leaving our self-centered ways and deciding to follow God’s lead instead, 'the second half of the cross'. I think this is the most difficult thing to do, but then it becomes the easiest thing to do, after we make that decision. And the fact that God leads us in his highly creative ways, we wouldn’t have even have dreamed of or imagined, is absolutely amazing.

I loved how you took Bible characters, and showed how they took up the second half of the cross, and what it cost them, but more importantly, what they gained from it. God has given you some powerful words for all who will listen. This book really points to truth, and is amazing. Psalms 139:6 truly makes known the full breadth of what you are saying. This is a book that new Christians or those considering a life with God, or those walking with God, would really benefit from reading. Such wise words and sentiments. I truly enjoyed this read.

Kara
A Gate Called Beautiful

Dear Bart,

I just came across your book in my newsfeed when a friend of mine backed it. After reading your first two chapters, I am amazed with your writing and your message. This is well-worth a read, and I found myself pausing throughout to thoroughly digest your insight.

One of my favorite lines was: "Spirit-led Christians dissent from the conventional self-on-the-throne pursuit of personal validation and acclaim..." Your words are full of wisdom and undoubtedly inspired. This is powerfully relevant for today's market. I am giving you high stars and looking forward to watching this one climb the ranks!

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Bart: I'm probably repeating myself since I reviewed your other book (and haven't re-read the review), but you are a magnificent writer. I'd put your book at the very top 1% of all non-fiction I've ever read and line you up right along with C.S. Lewis in quality and insight and skill in writing.

It's Sunday here, and I'm sick at home (nothing major) and decided to read your book for a devotional time - so if you don't mind, this will not be a typical review, just an observation of your ability to write. I'm amazed at the insight you show and how well structured and written your work is.

I want to just highlight one thing you wrote at the beginning of the chapters (which I copied down because it is so beautiful):

"The right code of conduct, the natural moral law, is separate and distinct from us. Like gravity, it just exists. It is not a person like God, but it is the upper limits of perfection like God. The common phrase, "hey, nobody's perfect" is a response to this natural moral law, because all of us fall short of it. It is one of the strong proofs for the existence of God."

And that moral law is so ignored by so many today!

None of your thoughts come across as "preachy" or narrow-minded, but as deep insights and wisdom that you've gleaned from your study of Scripture. Nor does your writing gets lost in words for words-sake, but it remains clear and to the point.

Your discussion in chapter two is so on-target. Who was it who said, "God is my Co-pilot?", well, I personally want Him to be my Pilot! I loved your discussion of Abraham and God! I also appreciated the points you made about God's work in Joseph's life.

Now, I'm going to have to stop reading but I wanted to let you know what a gifted writer I think you are and that what I've read has provided a few moments of "worship" for me even though I didn't make it to church this morning. I would like a whole shelf on my personal bookcase at home to be filled with your books - and that will be the case once you have papercopies to sell. Please let me know when they're available in print.

With tremendous admiration for your work,
Patricia

The Second Half of the Cross by Bart Jahn
Excellent opener and first chapter. The use of Roman Holiday really draws the reader in asking 'why is he using this in this book?'
The analogy is very well described and portrayed to put across your point.
It really is thought provoking.
I think you did a very well job crafting this and it adds interest because who doesn't like a movie to interest them.
Splendid work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

This is a very interesting , well written book, God lives within us everyday, it is that influence that creates the people we become, it is in the knowing have faith is just enough. We are the continual seeking, this would do well as a guide to those seeking christianity. Well done Bart. Sharing my inner sunbeam and small pocket book be the human sunshine.

Blessings Clare

This is a very interesting , well written book, God lives within us everyday, it is that influence that creates the people we become, it is in the knowing have faith is just enough. We are the continual seeking, this would do well as a guide to those seeking christianity. Well done Bart. Sharing my inner sunbeam and small pocket book be the human sunshine.

Blessings Clare

Bart
In reading just three chapters I now know why you could see so clearly how God performed such a miracle for me. As with Joseph he didn't reveal his plan for many years. I don't know that I carried my cross wth such unwavering faith as did Joseph but ultimately God revealed his plan. I sometimes wonder how I endured it all yet his hand was in mine even when I was unaware. This is a much needed book and testimony of God in his abundant love. I am often saddened to think so many fail to wait on him and miss the richest of all blessings. God be with you and six stars for this excellent work. God bless Joy

This book seems interested, well laid out and easy to understand, but to me it seems that I started in the middle of something. I see that your premise that there are two sides of the cross. And I can see what you say the two sides are. I don't necessarily agree or disagree, because so far with what I read and I am on one accord with the doctrine. I just think you should ease into, give some background or reason for the discourse. The writing is good. God bless you with this endeavor.

Abby

Bart—(CCR review)— I like how you write. Sentences are clear and concise. Here are a few more thoughts after reading more.
-The second half of the cross is the hard part for us; the first half is often fairly easy (it wasn’t for Jesus). You probably say all this somewhere.
-2nd chapter—I may be developing a question about your approach to our wills (and I may be misreading you). About Abraham, you write that after God’s call, he was no longer in complete control of his life. I don’t know where you are in relation to Calvinistic thought (and you don’t have to label yourself for me), but my tentative conclusion after about 35 years of thought on this is that God’s will/human will has a big area of mystery right in the middle. I don’t believe you should suggest to readers that when they yield to God, God “takes the controls of the plane.” I see God as the flight-instructor at the radio in the control tower. I can veer off and do something crazy at any moment (and I have). God keeps calling and when I come to my senses God will talk me in for a safe landing.

Your treatment of the interplay between Abraham and God is otherwise very helpful to me.

Best,

Jim

The Second Half of the Cross
Bart is not only a skilled and talented writer, he is a man of wisdom and spiritual insight; it is a privilege to read the words he shares with his readers. In the first chapter he so clearly explains what he means by the second half of the cross and contrasts the 'pull of popular culture' and the 'I did it my way approach', to surrending our plans to God as people 'head off in the pursuit of their individual and unique callings.'
Sometimes I read books within the chrisitan genre whereby I have to reread a text to understand the message the writer wants to get across - this is not the case with Bart's writing. If I do stop it is because his words have inspired me and I want to let the thoughts sink in.
Chapter 3 is such a spirit-filled chapter as Bart examines God's work in Joseph's life and I found comfort and strength as I read.
I hope that one day Bart's books are published.
Six stars and future backing.

Maria (Georgina's Family)

Bart--This is for the CCR forum, but also because I owe you!!! I gladly read chap.1 to get oriented and chap.11 because you asked for that.

I completely agree about the two halves, sides, aspects of the cross and also agree that the second half has been neglected. Your emphasis is needed.

Chapter 11 is fascinating with its application of the tight margins of the universe with the tight margins in God's ideals for us. I may have missed a reference to Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. The KJV's workmanship seems to fit your theme. The verse also has your idea of good works that God ordained/planned for us to walk in.

The significant difference between us and sun/moon/earth is our will. Here you could reference the potter in Isaiah. Sometimes the potter has to start over to reach the plan he has for the clay.

It would be helpful to me if you would fill out the picture of God working with us to lead us into his ideal for us. It seems to me that you make the statement without showing how that works.

I also felt that you repeat your points several times. It helps me to print out what I've written with the sole aim of making notes about the flow of thought.

Best wishes,

Jim Workman

This is what both new and old Christians need to hear; especially new. I've seen so many people get saved and wonder, Now What? Where do I go from here?
Your writing is strong and you present this topic very well. Many stars.

Bart,

I hope things are going well for you on Authonomy. I am a Christian - although I am not sure that people will see what I have written as being obvious. I would love to have your feedback as it is written in a somewhat unsual way.

Happy to read and rate in return.

Many thanks

Keith
Peppermint

Dear Bart ,
Well, I have finally made the time to review your book.
I was drawn to it originally because the symbolism of the two parts of the cross is something that I expand at length as well. Obviously we have written our books in very different language for a very different audience. However, it is rather remarkable how many of the same concepts that we have uncovered.
the actual way that you have laid out the horizontal dimension of the cross as a symbol of our death to our self-in-charge mentality and this vertical aspect as being the new life that comes from such a sacrifice is something that I also have empahsised. I am happy to see that you have noted that this is a concept that predates Christianity and, again, I have focused on the fact that there are many perrenial truths in the Bible that were a re-writing and in some ways a revision of older thinking.
What this shows to me is that God speaks to us in a variety of different formats but God's truth is always the same truth.
Where you talk about the human propensity to write fictional stories, I would add that the best of these stories, even some considered to be myth and fairy tale, are also the best and the longest standing because they too encapsulate the truth of God. The death of the self and the renewal of the spiritual life in the personal transformation.
One thing that I would disagree with you is the way that you have described people to have an inherent propensity to serve. I am afraid that I cannot see the example given of the motor mechanic as illustrating that at all. I remember when I started my first business at 21 and I was so struck by how the world is totally wrapped up in selling things. Whether that be goods or services and this is more the context that I see the motor mechanic. In fact I would go so far as to say that the natural tendency for people is towards self-serving and, without the transformation power that we both describe with the symbolism of the cross, this is the main thrust of their lives. This is the reason, for me, that God's influence is so important in people's lives so that they can turn from their pure ego-driven goals to a true life of service.
However, all in all I found the themes in your book and your use of the symbolism of the cross to have an uncanny similarity to my own exposition, albeit from a very different perspective and with different language.
This is because you have chosen to target your books at people who are already confirmed in their Christain faith and I have chosen to write my books for people who are on the periphery or outside of that.
In the end however, this is a testament to the great breadth of God's love that is so large that even some Christians cannot understand it.
kind regards, Steve

I love this book! Six stars and a backing for sure. I especially love chapter 9 about Jesus but the other chapters I read were also excellent. The example of David in chapter 5. 'The reward for David's faith and trust is that he became Israels' greatest king and fulfilled the purpose of his life, and in so doing he came to personally know his Creator God'. As with David, so with us!

Oh how I agree that it is only by allowing God to lead (death of our self-in-control which is such an apt expression) that we can really live life to the full and find fullest blessing.

Thank you for this wonderful book and God bless you

Margaret
How do I know I know God?

Bart Jahn writes, `The leading of God for born-again Christians is always in accordance with the scriptures...'

This position is opposed by such authonomy authors as SteveSeven, the author of `The Purpose of Pain...', who believes the Bible needs to be overhauled and made relevant to our modern world. Those of us who support Bart Jahn in this dispute should realize what it means to live according to the scriptures.

The doctrine that we must never reject the scriptures finds it's genesis in scriptures such as John xiv: 23-26,
`Jesus answered him and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings...But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.'
Matthew xxv. 41-46 says what it says, and there's no sense saying that it says that Christians are smart to horde up piles of cash. Matthew xxv. 41-46 has Jesus saying,
`Then He will also say to them on the left hand, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; naked and you did not clothed Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me." Then they also will answer Him, saying "Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?" Then He will answer them, saying, "Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.'
Jesus says in Luke xvi. 19-31,
`There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom…'

The doctrine that there is equal sharing of wealth among those who work in the True Church - note Acts ii. 44, Acts iv. 32 and II Thess iii. 10 - helps to give the elect some material comfort. If one was always giving one's money away to those in need, one would soon be destitute oneself and reduced to begging.

Malachi iii. 5, though found in the Old Testament, is part of the New Law, because it is consistent with the New Testament. Malachi iii. 5,
`And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and the fatherless, against those who turn away an alien - because they do not fear Me," says the LORD of Hosts.'
Deuteronomy x. 19,
`Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.'
Often enough it is the Born-Again Christians in the USA who oppress aliens, such as Mexicans and Salvadorans by thwarting their entry into the USA, where they hope to escape their hardships in their native lands.
Deuteronomy x. 12
`And now, Israel, what does the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.'
Matthew vii. 13-14
`Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many that go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.'
People are always looking for the easy way to heaven, but St. Paul instructs us otherwise, in Acts xiv. 21-22,
`And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'
Matthew xxii. 14,
`For many are called but few are chosen.'

Dear Bart,

I finally got to read part of your book, and it's going on my shelf with six stars. I like your premise, your style of writing and the balance you give to your presentation. This is good foundational teaching for any Christian. The difficulty with our kind of book is to attract the audience that will benefit from it.

You could try submitting your book to Zondervan, as ministers' resource material. They are receiving submissions for academic reference books only, so I'm not sure that it would qualify, but it's worth a try. I wish you every success.

Kerrie Price
THE GOD PLEASERS 40 day Study Guide

Bart,
Your book inspired and encouraged me in my walk with Christ. I liked the concept of the second half of the cross as I have been a church member all my life and worked through the basic tenants of the church but it was not until I fully gave my life to following Christ without regard for the cost that I found the true Christian life. Now I write books about subjects in the Bible to express my thoughts on following every word in the Bible. God bless you and your book.
MaryBe

Hi, Bart – this is a review from AudreyB, grateful for your backing. I am often accompanied on my reviews by my English teacher alter-ego, The Grammar Hag. If I say anything you don’t like, it was probably her idea.

I began reading your work while at work on Saturday (I supervised detention) so now I’m trying to recall what I had written on my work computer about your book. I remember that I felt your device of the two parts of the Cross made good sense; that your ideas about “the first half” fit with my ideas about ‘Christianity 101’ and that your ideas about “the second half” fit with my ideas about the difficulties we all have actually living as Christians. Our pastor talked about this just today in his sermon about expectations. When Peter is taken from jail by an angel of the Lord, he goes to the place where other Christians are praying for him. They don’t believe Rhoda’s insistence that Peter is at the door. My pastor had us all laughing at the image of those people begging God to release Peter but being unable to believe Peter had actually been released.

One thing I do remember is that I thought some examples from the present might be helpful to readers. Most of your readers will be nearly as familiar as you are with the examples from Scripture. I think they would appreciate examples from modern life as well. I skipped around a bit and did notice that you use some examples in the last posted chapter.

You write beautifully. The Hag has little to complain about and will probably just go to bed early.

“Surrendering our lives to Jesus is not a cop-out.” So very true!

I love the two prayers at the end!

Best wishes to you here on Authonomy!

~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

do more with the long pitch than a toc, please! engage me, grip me and challenge me. draw me in....
j
what every woman should know