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Kirby Dees

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Kirby Dees is currently reading

Praying the Bible

by Donald S. Whitney

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Oct 25, 2024 06:44PM

Kirby Dees is currently reading

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unleash A Revolution In Your Life in Christ

by Peter Scazzero

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Kirby Dees said: " Honestly, how did this man sell 500,000 copies? When reading a book that is by a well a pastor, there are a few things that you need to look for. The first thing is, is there a clear representation of the Gospel presented. Second, does he clearly exp Honestly, how did this man sell 500,000 copies? When reading a book that is by a well a pastor, there are a few things that you need to look for. The first thing is, is there a clear representation of the Gospel presented. Second, does he clearly explain what it means to repent of sin and what salvation means and three, does he clearly describe what it means to be a true follower of God. This book lacks clearly defining these three statements. On page 67. Scazzero claims the greatest gift we can give the world is “our true self living in loving union with God.” No, the greatest gift we can gift we can give the world is the Truth of the Gospel and who Jesus Christ is. We do not owe the world anything else. We only owe Jesus to them. Continuing in the next sentence on the same page. “In fact, how can we affirm other people’s unique identities when we don’t affirm our own?” If you are a true follow and believer of Jesus Christ know your identity is in Christ Jesus. Your Identity is not your last name passed down from your earthly fathers’ side of the family. Its not the “Artist inside you that you don’t know about” which he mentions at the top of page 67. If you are not in Christ, your identity is a sinner and slave to this world. He clearly gets it wrong in his statements here.
Defining a true follower of Christ is essential when you clearly claim it is one thing and you have a miss understanding. Look at this quote on page 54 “The tragedy is, that for the Christian, years of following Christ did not change her false self. It remained deeply entrenched and untouched by the power of the gospel.” The second sentence in that quote answers the first. This she Scazzero is talking about is NOT a True believer and follower of Christ. She is not a Christian. The Gospel is the power that radically changes lives. If your life is not changed by the Gospel, then you are not saved, and you will spend eternity in hell. The Gospel changes you. You die to your old self and you are born again to a new life with Christ. He never mentions repentance in his book. Repentance means that you turn and run from your sin never to go back. “Our debts (sins) are canceled.” P. 82. This is only though repentance. He never mentions repentance on this page or in the next following pages. He hints at repentance with a twisted definition of discipleship. “Discipleship, then, is the putting off of the sinful patterns and habits of our families of origin.” This is an incorrect definition of discipleship. Discipleship is living life with fellow believers and walking though a biblical lifestyle with them. You help them understand the word of God. Yes, discipleship is part of your sanctification process (becoming more like Christ.), but discipleship should not be defined as repentance. You can repent on your of through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but you can not be discipled on your own. Does Scazzero know what it really means to be discipled? Does he even know a true biblical definition of a Christian is? These questions need to be asked when reading this book.
The book had to have been written to make himself feel better about his life and the mistakes he made. Pages 86-88 he uses the word I over 40 times, and again on pages 105 and 106 over 20 times. There was an issue going on in his life that he could not manage on his own, obviously. He was an emotionally messed up man, who needed to man up and take responsibility for his actions, and learn how to make better decisions. This comes from being transparent, open, and honest about struggles and failures. It also comes from biblical discipleship and having good solid mentors who advise you on your spiritual journey. He seems to have lacked these leaders who should and could have helped him before it was too late. He lacked biblical discipleship.

Opinion
I personally struggled reading this book. I must honestly say I put it down so many times and even told my wife that I just have a hard time reading it. I did not read the last two chapters. I just couldn’t. I couldn’t read anymore. I can’t say I would recommend this book to anyone. I found very little in this book that I could just say wow to, and it changed my opinion of the author. He even quotes a known heretic of the Gospel Richard Rohr.
And, the wall, well he never mentions the wall had different heights. It is not the same for everyone. For some, the wall could just be a rock the person stumps his toe on. ...more "

Oct 10, 2021 05:47PM · see review

Kirby Dees is currently reading

Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible

by J. Scott Duvall

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— Apr 08, 2020 02:08PM

Apr 08, 2020 01:48PM

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Kirby’s Quotes

“It is often best to win a person’s confidence and respect before bringing up the subject. It is good to select someone and then make your plans to win him to Christ. Get to know him better, pay attention to his interests, be kind to him, and when you have the right opportunity, talk with Him about his soul.”
― R.A. Torrey, How to Bring Men to Christ: What the Bible Tells Us About Fruitful Evangelism to Unique Individuals

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