2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"The final folly of evil was its attempt to destroy the good,...", Feb 5 2006
By Scamp Lumm "Littlesorrel/christian zionist" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Resist the Powers--With Jacques Ellul (Paperback)
"...only to find itself robbed of its power."-Charles Ringma
Evil robbed of power? HALLELUJAH! But how would or did G-d do it? The answer is to be found on the devotional for July 18, the caption entitled "The Ultimate Gift".
I love this devotional and I've only had it for two days. Each page contains words to ponder for that calendar day, a scripture reference, and before Ringma's sage advice, a quote from Jacques Ellul, famed christian writer, French sociologist, professor, lawyer. The book quoted from is to be found at the back in Ringma's "Endnotes". In skimming through this yesterday, I almost instantly opened the book to a message I love so much that on July 18 from Ellul's Violence: Reflections from a Christian Perspective. The message for that day is about how good battles evil and what G-d's answer to evil is. Ringma first quotes Ellul, "it is because the world is radically, totally evil that nothing less would do than the gift of G-d's Son." From there, Ringma elaborates: "Christ triumphed over evil through the mystery of the Cross. Life triumphs in death. Victory emerges in the shame of Golgotha. G-d's power is displayed through weakness. This form of ultimate giving and its triumph over evil is a model for our action in the world..." I wish I could quote the whole day's message. On the opposite page is a message regarding holiness, how G-d impresses Himself on ourselves, the process of sanctification. It's a struggle to be sure, but an inner struggle within oneself battling selfish desires and greed. It's this inner struggle and self-correction done only through the holy spirit that distinguishes true christianity from other religions. This devotional is excellent! Move over Oswald Chambers!
"G-d's strategy in depowering evil is significant and illuminative. In Christ, all that was holy and good was clearly displayed. Consequently, all that was evil was decidedly exposed." The "Reflection" for that day is: "Evil cannot triumph in the face of the demonstration of the good in Christ".
5.0 out of 5 stars
Guide to Gospel Centered Living, May 14 2011
By Justin - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Resist the Powers--With Jacques Ellul (Paperback)
This devotional is amazing! Charles Ringma does an outstanding job centering each day on prayer and reflection in the realms of our modern world all the while keeping in mind the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Each entry I've read in this devotional is challenging, inspiring, and true. I have given it to a number of pastors and colleagues and they have all responded back with excitement and conviction. If you truly want to grow spiritually and build your faith on Christ's justice, compassion, and truth I highly recommend this devotional to you.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent devotional, Oct 11 2010
By stealthismatt - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Resist the Powers with Jacques Ellul (Paperback)
This devotional book could easily serve as an introduction to Ellul's thought process and theology. Ellul writes heavily on a Christian's role within society, keeping the faith, and how Christians relate to society. The book provides an Ellul quote, the author elaborating on the quote, a reflection, and a Bible verse to match the theme. This is a nice devotional for short meditations.