Strange Fire Review
John MacArthur wrote this book with an amazing amount of passion. There are countless references he uses throughout the book to prove the truth he feels so strongly about. When I started reading, the introduction felt very harsh. How should one teach on the holiness and reverence due to our God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit? How should we act towards false prophets and their prophesies? After much thought, I discarded my emotions and fears of what I’ve been exposed to and really tried to look at this biblically. This book took a lot of courage to write and will challenge the way you think and act toward the Holy Spirit.
Quotes:
Speaking of Nadab and Abihu:
“These men certainly seemed to be godly, trustworthy spiritual leaders and faithful servants of God – young men of renoun. No doubt virtually everyone in Israel esteemed them highly.”
“The real Holy Spirit is not an electrifying current of ecstatic energy, a mind-numbing babbler of irrational speech, or a cosmic genie who indiscriminately grants self-centered wishes for health and wealth.”
“In 1 John 4:1-8, the apostle outlined a strategy by which believers can become skilled at differentiating between the true work of the Spirit and the counterfeit ministries of false prophets. Though written in the first century, the principles presented in these verses are timeless.”
“A true work of the Spirit convicts the heart of sin, combats worldly lusts, and cultivates spiritual fruit in the lives of God’s people.”
“…a true work of the Holy Spirit does not tempt people with empty pursuits or the lusts of the flesh; rather, it promotes personal holiness and resists worldly desires.”
A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
On
a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of
poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come
to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a
fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must
scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear
“family.”
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach
Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy
named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself
surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As
obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to
question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the
mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary
challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the
aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his
hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more,
especially a relationship with a loving God?
This book was such a beautiful story of faith, friendship, and forgiveness. Christina Williams is a woman who is in charge of running a poor house. She is a kind leader who shows such love and devotion to the people in her care. When there is a fire that leaves them homeless, she tirelessly finds everyone a temporary home. While worries seem to overwhelm, she contacts the mission board in hopes they will provide funds to rebuild the home. The board adds to her worries when their decisions are not what she has in mind.
Ms. Williams prays throughout the book while facing difficult people and unfair situations. She grows more and more into a loving Christian though all the hardships. The author Kim Vogel Sawyer did a wonderful job with developing Christina's disposition through trials and using all of the other characters in the book.
What Once Was Lost will uplift you. I believe it is possible for fiction to bring you closer to God and rethink how you treat other. This is a five star book.
Priscilla
Shirer interviews Beth Moore Friday on her new Bible study, Children of
the Day! The show starts at 6:30 p.m. CST, and you can watch it here: http://thechatwithpriscilla.com/thechat/
