Babylon Rising

"Babylon Rising introduces a terrific new hero for our time. "Michael Murphy is a scholar of Biblical prophecy, but not the sedate and tweedy kind. Murphy is a field archaeologist who defies danger to fearlessly hunt down and authenticate ancient artifacts from Biblical times. His latest discovery is his most amazing—but it will send him hurtling from a life of excavation and revelations to a confrontation with the forces of the greatest evil. For the latest secret uncovered by Michael Murphy accelerates the countdown to the time of the end for all mankind." - publisher's book description

The novel centers on Michael Murphy a Christian version of Indiana Jones. It is similar to the Da Vinci Code in that it is a fast paced, puzzle solving story which includes extensive travel. However, this novel also portrays a favorable view of the Church. It is fascinating to read how the Bible fits into history through the eyes of a Biblical archeologist and how archeology continues to uncover things that support what is said in the Bible. The characters travel all over the Middle East and Egypt visiting places that many of us can only dream about. Also threaded into the novel is the story of Daniel which this reviewer expects will become a continuing theme because of the connection to the Left Behind series and the end times as prophesied in the corresponding book of the Bible.

As with the Left Behind series, it is best to tread carefully through any book involving prophecy and the end times. Not everyone agrees that the vision put forth by Lahaye, Dinallo and Jenkins is a Biblically accurate version of events so please look beyond this novel and into the pages of the Bible for the original source.

The series continues with The Secret on Ararat, The Europa Conspiracy and The Edge of Darkness.

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers

"In one terrifying moment, Dynah Carey's perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, and her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life--to embrace or to end the untimely life within her." - Book Description on Amazon

Francine Rivers holds nothing back as she tackles the abortion debate. It doesn't take long for the rape to occur and it tactfully does not go to any detail between a shadowed face and a friendly police man. However, this is only the beginning. A Christian, Dynah soon find herself pregnant. In a Christian school she surprisingly finds a lot of anger and blame rather than support. Many people suggest abortion.

Now this is where you really have to start thinking. When Christians think about abortion likely there is an automatic NO WAY but if any of us were to give exceptions it would be if the mother's life is in danger or in the case of rape. But Dynah (whose name sake in the Bible also suffered rape) must decide if the first violence to her body creating life requires a second violence to her body. Very heavy stuff.

Their is a focus on what the woman goes through and not just on the death of a baby. The loss of the baby in abortion is tragic but after that "problem" is gone the woman is still left with many issues, regret and guilt. Every possible side is also looked at from the woman to the doctor as well as the different situations that often lead to abortion.

This is a tough topic and not one to be taken lightly - read carefully through Rivers' well researched novel and then go out and learn more for yourself!

Experiencing God

Originally released in the early 90's Experiencing God has been revised and expanded in this new edition. Created by Henry and Richard Blackaby with Claude King this 12 week daily Bible study will lead you through the steps of how to become closer to God and His purposes for your life. Also available are a companion DVD and leader's book.

This book requires dedication and a resolve to see it to the end. It is not something to be done lightly. The more you put into it the more you will be able to get out of it. Each week begins with a memory verse to carry you through the week with five days of reading and questions to fill out. There is a LOT of repetition but not in a bad way. The points of the book are explored again and again in a way that really helps the reader to remember it. It is meant to be read in small groups which allow smembers to support each other as they all delve into truly experiencing God!

Two From Galilee by Marjarie Holmes

Two From Galilee: The Story of Mary and Joseph was first published in 1972. It is a beautiful fictional rendition of the love story of Mary and Joseph. It is not meant to be an historical account of what happened in their lives, rather it is a fictional imagining of that it must have been like to experience what they went through. Marojorie Holmes digs deep into the hearts and minds of Mary, Joseph and other characters in the story using vividly detailed language to capture the emotions and provide a picture of this sacred event. If you are looking for a good read to help you reflect upon the true reason for the Christmas season, this novel is an excellent choice. Holmes follows this title with two sequels Three From Galilee: The Young Man from Nazareth and The Messiah. It has also been adapted into a musical.