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Featured The best books for False Converts

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by evangelist6589, Jun 19, 2014.

  1. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    I have a relative whom is serving time in prison for the third time in the last 10 years. It seems as if each time he gets let go, he steals, does drugs and ends up in there again. He came from a easy-believism church and I am not sure, but I believe him to be a false convert, yet I can't say for certain. Perhaps he has heard too many self-esteem messages and weak presentations on sin, hell, and repentance so he sees no need to change his life. You can't recommend the Bible because all seeker friendly, easy believism, and such churches with false converts use the Bible but fail to interpret it properly. This is why a good book or books would be good as the author can communicate the Bible well and hit on sin. I had thought about getting him the Gospel According to Jesus but its an academic read and needed something simple. Paul Washer's books would have the same problem.

    So I bought him Hard to Believe and the Vanishing Conscience which may be the best for laymen whom are or maybe false converts. Did I get the best books? Calvinist that are well educated in books can tell me if I missed a hidden gem by a good author.
     
    #1 evangelist6589, Jun 19, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 19, 2014
  2. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    Would say that he needs most a primer on the Gospel itself, so a short book on just that issue will do...

    And no, it does NOT have to be reformed/calvinistic at this point, as he really needs the basics!
     
  3. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    It is not all that academic nor is it a difficult read. However, you might try to send him "Not a Fan"
     
  4. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    My church recently went thru a 6 week course in our cell groups on that book!
     
  5. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    How did you all like it?
     
  6. SolaSaint

    SolaSaint Well-Known Member

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    You may want to try another MacArthur book, "Saved without a Doubt" it definitely assures the genuine believer but I would imagine it will convict someone who is lost.
     
  7. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    The best book to hit on sin is the Word of God. I don't think any book can beat it. I don't care that people misinterpret it - it is God's Word. In saying "No Bible because a book is better" is showing him that God's Word is not sufficient for him and he needs to seek out man's interpretation in order to believe it. Dangerous stuff there.

    Now if you want a book to go along with the Word of God and encourage him to spend time in the Word and give him a few books to help him study, then that's a different story but that's not what it sounds like to me.
     
  8. SolaSaint

    SolaSaint Well-Known Member

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    :applause: Good advice Ann.
     
  9. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    The beat goes on...

    The best book is the Bible. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
     
  10. Scarlett O.

    Scarlett O. Moderator
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    Your relative is not in prison - literally or sin wise - because of the Bible.

    I understand the power of a good commentator or author, but your paragraph here sounds as if you trust man's "proper interpretations" more than God's actual Word. I know that's not what you meant, but it comes forth like that.

    He should have a Bible that he can read and DOES read first - and a book of interpretations second.
     
  11. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    "The Bible...Take it or Leave it." wait... no...."The Bible" - take it or leave it.

    I typically suggest John. Not only because it is my name (and your's) but because the Gospel of John helped me understand the gospel (the wonderful name being a benefit).
     
  12. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    What do you suggest brother?
     
  13. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Hmm never heard of that one. It looked like an easy read and certainly easier than Mac's books which are more academic.
     
  14. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    I forgot about that one. I do not have a copy. But thanks..
     
  15. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Then why ddi you recommend a book?
     
  16. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    I never once said a book is more important than the Bible. What I said is that a book can better communicate the Bible and make the Bible and its teachings come more alive. There is a reason God gave teachers to the church. If what you say is true then there certainly is no reason to attend church and listen to sermons.

    If the author says something the Bible does not say then he is wrong.
     
    #16 evangelist6589, Jun 19, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 19, 2014
  17. SolaSaint

    SolaSaint Well-Known Member

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    Evan I agreed with Ann for there is no better book than the Bible, I didn't take her post as saying one shouldn't recommend a book, just that the Bible is the best one, that is all.

    Maybe you should set the cup of coffee down and back away slowly....lol
     
  18. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    Hmmm - I guess you missed the end of what I said - and you quoted:

    "Now if you want a book to go along with the Word of God and encourage him to spend time in the Word and give him a few books to help him study, then that's a different story but that's not what it sounds like to me."
     
  19. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Yes I agree with that! But books help one understand the Bible and get to the teachings.
     
  20. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Well first he needs an interest and only saved have that. But as for saved then yes I agree with you. There are lots of books for that. Which ones do you recommend? But first I want to see him saved, or if he is saved, mature in the Lord and get interested in the Bible.
     
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