PRESS RELEASE - RUN! IT'S JESUS CALLING

RUN! IT'S JESUS CALLING: NEW BOOK BY STEVE HUDGIK

Is it Christian or false teaching? Many Christian reviewers have panned the Jesus Calling book as taking an unbiblical approach to presenting devotions. On the other hand, many readers lavish praise on Jesus Calling saying that it has helped them through tough times. The new book “RUN! It’s Jesus Calling” provides an in-depth look at this hugely popular devotional, comparing both the approach that has been taken in writing it, as well as its content, with the truth of scripture.

“I've been surprised that people focus on 'good' feelings they get from Jesus Calling and just soak up the unbiblical teaching.” said author Steve Hudgik. 

When asked to give a specific example Steve pointed out the July 3^rd devotional talks about Jesus acquitting us through his blood. “What does it mean when someone is acquitted?” Steve asked. “It means they have been declared innocent. If we have been acquitted, why did Jesus die to pay the penalty for crimes we never committed? Jesus did not die to acquit us, He died to pay the penalty for our sin—our breaking God's law. We are not innocent. We are guilty, and Jesus' blood redeemed us. He paid our penalty so that we can go free. As Paul states in Galatians 1:8, let the one who preached this false gospel be accursed!”

Steve's new book, “RUN! It’s Jesus Calling” does what no one else has done. It takes a comprehensive look at “Jesus Calling,” comparing it step-by-step with scripture. Is this the real Jesus of the Bible? Are the messages Biblical? Is this a Biblical devotional book or a book we should run from?

“RUN! It’s Jesus Calling” also looks at the unique approach taken in writing this devotional book. For example, it is written in the first person with Jesus speaking. Is this sinful or is it acceptable? How does putting the words of this devotional on the lips of Jesus reflect on the character of God?

Steve pointed out that, “The best way to know the counterfeit from the real, is to be thoroughly familiar with the real. That's why the final third of “RUN! It's Jesus Calling” presents the real Jesus by going through Jesus' words in the Beatitudes.”

Taking a positive approach of showing the true Biblical meaning of each topic, “RUN! It’s Jesus Calling” covers:

• The Presence of God

• God’s Peace

• Trusting God

• Spiritual Leadings

• Is Scripture Sufficient?

• Does God’s Word Change?

• Finding Real Peace

• How To Be Blessed

• Characteristics of False Teaching

• What’s The Big Deal About The Cross?

“RUN! It's Jesus Calling” answers the key questions we should all be asking before reading the Jesus Calling devotional or giving it as a gift.

The author, Steve Hudgik, is the pastor of Cannon Beach Bible Church (www.CBBC.us) in Oregon, and is the executive director of the Move To Assurance ministry (www.MoveToAssurance.org).

Book Information:

ISBN: 978-1517766863

$11.95 Retail
Softbound, approx. 160 pages
Available on Amazon: RUN! It's Jesus Calling
www.NotJesusCalling.com

Continuing the Celebration Of Origin of Species #4

Louis Agassiz, a Harvard University Professor said, "The theory [of evolution] is a scientific mistake."

Pierre P. Grasse, in "The Evolution of Living Organisms (1977 - page 202) wrote:

"Present day ultra-Darwinism, which is so sure of itself, impresses incompletely informed biologists, misleads them, and inspires fallacious interpretations."

"Through the use and abuse of hidden postulates, of bold often ill-founded extrapolations, a pseudoscience has been created. It is taking root in the very heart of biology and is leading astray many biochemists and biologists, who sincerely believe that the accuracy of fundamental concepts has been demonstrated, which is not the case."

Role Of Church and Government - Basics

Let's go back to the basics of understanding the roles government and Christian churches have.

First and foremost, God is supreme. All authority for government comes from God (see John 19:10,11). More than that, all governments come from God (Romans 13:1). Whether we think they are good, bad or evil... all governments are given to us by God and thus should be obeyed when not in conflict with obeying God.

But, government and Christian churches each have a legitimate jurisdiction. Matthew 22:21 makes this clear, we are to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's. But we are also to give to God the things that are God's. Each has it's area of authority and responsibility (2 Chron 19:11 & 26:16-21)

What is the legitimate jurisdiction of government?

There are three areas:

1. Provide justice
2. Provide order.
3. Provide freedom - this means to protect people from interference with their free exercise of their legitimate rights, such as property rights.

What are the legitimate ares of jurisdiction for the Christian church?

1. Defend and spread the gospel
2. Provide for those in need (welfare / healthcare)
3. Education

We'll take a more detailed look at government's role tomorrow.

Other posts about this subject (also see menu to the left):
Government and Global Warming
Your Responsibility vs. Government's Responsibility
Fixing The Problem - Government

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Trillions To Fight Poverty

I was reading a newspaper article today about the trillions of dollars that have been spent on fighting poverty, poor levels of education (and high drop out rates), gang violence, and drugs since the Great Society government programs were started by President Johnson in the 1960's. The author was lamenting that with all the money that has been spent, nothing has changed, and in fact things have gotten worse, particularly in the decline of education. He could not understand why this was. His only answer was that we needed to spend more money and have more government programs.

Do more of what hasn't worked? Does that make sense?

What's has intentionally been left out of these efforts to help people? God, and God's methods for helping people who need help.

Government can never solves these problems.

For example, how does the Bible deal with poverty? Does it say the government should feed those who cannot afford food? No, it does not. Does it say churches should feed those who cannot afford food? No, it does not. The Bible gives the principle of gleaning. People who grow food are to leave some in the fields for those who don't. Do they just give it to those who need food? No. People must harvest their own. They must work for the food they need.

Yes, there are some people who are not physically about to work. But the Biblical principle is that those who are able to should work to support themselves. And the form of charity that we should provide is opportunities for people in need to work.

How does this apply in our situation? We are not all farmers who can leave parts of our fields unharvested so that poor people can gleen. An example of what we can do is: business owners can hire one more person than they actually need. Is this a charity job? No. The person would be expected to get to work on time and do useful work. If they don't show up for work, just like anyone else they get fired. No work. No money. No food. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12) People not only get fed, they learn good work habits and gain work skills.

But more importantly we can not leave God out. People need to know who they are. That they are created in God's image. That means we are not some unimportant bit of random biological stuff that came from swamp goo a billion years ago. You are created in God's image! You are loved by God. God knew you and loved you even before you were conceived in you mother's womb. God even sacrificed His only Son so that you can be saved from God's wrath.

Since you are created in God's image, you represent God to all the universe. That's important. You are important. Are you representing God well? Or are you misrepresenting who God is?

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