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Jessica's Profile
Customer Reviews: 22
New Reviewer Rank: 56,490
Classic Reviewer Rank: 14,003
Helpful Votes:
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Reviews Written by
Jessica "pilgrimsprogress dot net" (California)
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
A Glimpse into the Life and Ministry of Dr. Charles Chao, November 24, 2007
I read this autobiography in "one sitting." I was fascinated to learn more of the personal biography of Reformed theologian Dr. Charles Chao - the first man to ever translate Reformed and Puritan works into the Chinese tongue. This inspiring book shares with us the story of Dr. Chao's geographical journey from the East to the West, as well as his spiritual journey from his Christian conversion in China to his ordination as a minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA). We learn of the Lord's providences in crossing his paths with that of other theologians (including Dr. Lorraine Boettner) who were influential in shaping Dr. Chao's theological convictions. In addition, we read of the birth of Dr. Chao's ministry in Reformed Translation Fellowship. In reading this gripping real-life story, we are not only reminded of our need of the Lord's grace in our lives, but also comforted and encouraged by God's faithfulness and mighty power in using Dr. Chao as a vessel to proclaim the good news of His sovereign grace in the midst of sufferings, life-threatening trials, and persecution of communist China.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
A Very Practical & Helpful Guide for Christian Ladies in Various Areas of Her Life, April 6, 2007
Note: To avoid purchasing double copies, this work is actually also available under a different title Young Lady's Guide : To the Harmonious Development of Christian Character by the same author. However, they both have essentially the same content, though.
This 19th century classic has become one of my favorite books. It was originally written as a series of letters from an older brother (the author) to his younger sister, so there is much sincerity in the advice contained in the writings. Though written in 1800's, the wisdom and message contained in this work are timeless and as relevant for Christian ladies today as they were when originally published. It is primarily addressed toward young unmarried ladies, but there's much wisdom that can be gleaned by the other ladies as well. The author points ladies toward developing a virtuous character and aids the reader in cultivating intellectual, social, moral, and religious maturity. To that end, he provides practical hints and directions for them to apply over many various areas of her life.
Some of these areas covered include: the importance and cultivation of sound doctrine, charity, harmony of Christian character, reading and studying of the Bible, prayer, overcoming temptation, self-denial, conduct and attitude in public worship, meditation, bodily health, mental cultivation and reading (I truly love the suggestions in this chapter), improvement of time, Christian activity and duties, dress, social and relative duties (to church, family, friends, etc.), marriage (characteristics to consider in a potential spouse), submission and dependence and contentment, and self-examination. There is also an appendix that lists recommended books for different subjects.
One word to describe this book would be: Practical. It not only emphasizes the importance of godly Christian character, but provides so much practical directions and hints toward the harmonious development of Christian character. The table of contents itself took several pages because it lists an outline of sub-headings under each chapter to allow a quick reference for different topics. It makes such an extremely helpful and descriptive directory.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
A Very Practical and Helpful Guide for Christian Ladies in Various Areas of Her Life, April 6, 2007
Note: To avoid purchasing double copies, this work is actually also available under a different title A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females by the same author. But they both essentially have the same content, though. And for those who may be interested in the paperback edition of this work, its ISBN # is 1932474293.
This 19th century classic has become one of my favorite books. It was originally written as a series of letters from an older brother (the author) to his younger sister, so there is much sincerity in the advice contained in the writings. Though written in 1800's, the wisdom and message contained in this work are timeless and as relevant for Christian ladies today as they were when originally published. It is primarily addressed toward young unmarried ladies, but there's much wisdom that can be gleaned by the other ladies as well. The author points ladies toward developing a virtuous character and aids the reader in cultivating intellectual, social, moral, and religious maturity. To that end, he provides practical hints and directions for them to apply over many various areas of her life.
Some of these areas covered include: the importance and cultivation of sound doctrine, charity, harmony of Christian character, reading and studying of the Bible, prayer, overcoming temptation, self-denial, conduct and attitude in public worship, meditation, bodily health, mental cultivation and reading (I truly love the suggestions in this chapter), improvement of time, Christian activity and duties, dress, social and relative duties (to church, family, friends, etc.), marriage (characteristics to consider in a potential spouse), submission and dependence and contentment, and self-examination. There is also an appendix that lists recommended books for different subjects.
One word to describe this book would be: Practical. It not only emphasizes the importance of godly Christian character, but provides so much practical directions and hints toward the harmonious development of Christian character. The table of contents itself took several pages because it lists an outline of sub-headings under each chapter to allow a quick reference for different topics. It makes such an extremely helpful and descriptive directory.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Unabridged Edition Recommended, November 10, 2006
I'd like to suggest to other potential buyers to check the ISBN number first before purchasing this book since there is more than one edition for this title. The particular edition published by Zondervan (ISBN # 0310333113) is abridged and has been edited into modernized writing. Thus, I'd like to recommend the unabridged version The Power of Prayer and the Prayer of Power printed by Kessinger Publishing (ISBN # 1417916311) for those who prefer to read the complete version of this excellent book on true Biblical prayer.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Banner of Truth Edition Recommended, November 28, 2005
I'd like to suggest to other potential buyers to check the ISBN number first before purchasing this book since there is more than one edition for this title. I recommend getting the particular edition published by The Banner of Truth Trust (ISBN # 0851510914) because it has an easier-to-read print type than the one printed by Sovereign Grace Publishers (ISBN # 1878442287).
"The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" is a classic and "rare jewel" itself especially in our modern time. It's a wonderful treatment on the subject of contentment based on Paul's words in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Burroughs explains the nature of Christian contentment (what it is), the art and mystery of it, the excellence of it, the evils of a murmuring spirit, why we are to be content, what lessons must be learned to bring the heart to contentment, how Christ teaches contentment, and directions for us to attain contentment.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Why Sin is to be Feared, Avoided, and Hated Even More Than Affliction, November 19, 2005
Most people will do all they can to avoid affliction, but do very little to avoid sin. The one recurring theme of this book: it is better to choose affliction than sin. As Burroughs expounds godly wisdom from Scripture, he shows us why nothing is to be more feared than sin, nothing is to be more avoided than sin, and nothing is to be more hated than sin.
He effectively shows that sin is the greatest "evil of evils" by exposing the nature of sin: how it is so opposite to God, wrongs and offends God, most opposite to man's good (and more opposite to man's good than affliction is), takes away excellencies in all things, of the same nature as the devil, a furtherance of the devil's work, fullfills the devil's will, makes man conformable to the devil, etc. Along with pungent analogies, Burroughs opens our eyes to see the ugly heinous nature of sin and exposes sin for what it truly is, so that we may once again have a dread of sin, a hatred for sin, and a love for holiness.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
The Portrait of a Godly Christian, November 19, 2005
With his ability to combine sound doctrine, practical wisdom, and effective illustrations, Watson draws with "a Scripture pencil" a portrait of the godly Christian. He communicates in a pleasant and easy to understand style, making him rightly regarded as the most readable of the Puritans. This book is beneficial to both men and women, as "man" in the title may be used in a generic sense. Watson shows the characteristic marks of a godly person, explains what each trait means and why it is crucial, and exhorts us on how to apply each in different areas of our life. He also prescribes some helps and counsel to persevere in godliness.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
The Best Allegory of the Christian's Life Journey, July 30, 2005
The Pilgrim's Progress is one of my favorite books and was originally written by a 17th-century Puritan, John Bunyan, from his cell prison in a trying time of persecution. Rich in Biblical theology, it is the best-known allegory of the Christian's life. It tells the story of a pilgrim named Christian as he walked a journey from the City of Destruction (where he lived before his conversion) to the Celestial City (an allegory of heaven), sharing with us the many challenges, obstacles, comfort, and encouragement Christian encountered in his long journey. This book reminds me that I, too, am walking in a similar spiritual journey as Christian did.
When I read of Christian passing through the Valley of Humility and falling into the Swamp of Despondence, I'm reminded of those times when I, too, was in such a swamp and valley, and how God graciously used those trials to humble, comfort, and rescue me.
This book reminds and encourages me with the Biblical promise that regardless of what deep valleys I may be in, whatever swamps I fall into, whatever rough roads I tread, whatever rivers to ford, or whichever steep hills I may be climbing in my own life journey ... my Guide is ever watchful, my Deliverer unfailing, and He is indeed faithful in keeping and persevering all of His elect in the faith till they arrive to their final destination at the Celestial City--that glorious, everlasting City that is so different than the one I've travelled from and "built not by the hands of man." Every Christian can learn and be encouraged from the Biblical doctrines taught through this pilgrim story.
This particular edition is written in a more modern English, yet strives to remain faithful in Biblical teaching to the original classic while providing greater understanding to the modern reader. It clarifies historical references, bridges the time gap and language barrier, provides footnotes and additional Scripture references to enhance one's personal study.
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
Five Double Volumes of Sermons by The Prince of Preachers, July 30, 2005
This set is a wonderful collection of sermons of the 19th-century "Prince of Preachers" in five double volumes (originally published in 10 volumes). It's also great that these sermons are purely of Spurgeon and unedited (unlike some of his other works that have been revised or edited by certain publishers).
In light of the set's size as a whole, there is a list of "index to subjects" (located at the end of the last volume) helpful in quickly looking up topical sermons as well as an "index to Scripture texts" for those interested in finding expositional sermon on certain passages of the Bible.
This set has been a wonderful investment to encourage my spiritual walk. Besides his humor, wit, and genius in preaching, I love Spurgeon's ability in using concrete examples to explain the truths of Scripture in a way that his laymen audience could easily understand, yet without compromising the richness and depth therein. He is theological and practical at the same time. His diction and delivery are inspirational; they enhance the beauty and force of his messages. There are plenty of sermons in this wonderful set to occupy the interested reader in godly thought and reflections.
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33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
A "One Sitting" Book, January 23, 2005
This is a "one sitting" book that kept me turning the pages until wee hours of the morning. Few authors possess the keen ability to help readers come into a grasp of the nature of God's holiness, but through this book Dr. Sproul (along with his wits and unique sense of humor) is able to help us understand better and transport the reader into the presence of God.
We often hear many talk about how God is love, yet why do fewer ever speak of His holiness and justice? The Holiness of God reminds me yet again that my salvation (through Christ's propitiatory death) is an act of mercy and grace by God (not an obligation), since His absolute holiness demands only justice for my sins. Dr. Sproul helps readers dig deeper beneath a superficial surface of what it means that God is holy--bringing us into a deeper understanding and love of who God is, a greater awe for His absolute holiness, and reverence in worship. As the famous Reformed preacher Jonathan Edwards once wrote: "A true love of God must begin with a delight in his holiness, and not with a delight in any other attribute; for no other attribute is truly lovely without this."
One of my favorite chapters carries an intriguing title: The Trauma of Holiness. Why and how does holiness invoke trauma? Many other religions have invented god(s) who brought only comfort. Even Sigmund Freud espoused the theory that people invent "god(s)" to help them deal with scary things, to serve as a "crutch," so to speak. In this book Sproul draws a contrast by demonstrating how the one and only true God has certain characteristics distinct from those that would normally be attributed by the common man. Our true God possesses a uniqueness (an awesome "otherness"). After Jesus miraculously calmed the storm in the Sea of Galilee, the disciples felt uncomfortable and terrified (yes, terrified) upon realizing that they, in their sinfulness, were in the presence of the Holy One. What a contrast to those popular man-made ideas of God invented only to bring comfort!
This book helps us to see better the God who is--who not only brings comfort in time of need, invokes our adoration and praise, but also in whose Holy presence drives us to our knees in reverential worship.
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(California)
