How Should Christians View Capital Punishment? Spotlighted Author Sylvia Bambola Responds...

How Should Christians View 

Capital Punishment?

by Sylvia Bambola

This is a tough one.* There are sincere Christians on both sides of this issue. I think the reason is because Christians are generally tenderhearted and believe in redemption. They want everyone to have a “second chance.”

Before diving in, I’d like to share three Scriptures. In Isaiah 55:9 God said, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Our minds are incapable of grasping the mind of God. His way of thinking is not ours and may often seem out of line. But we should understand that God does all things well, and His ordinances, His commands are only for our good. 

The second Scripture is from Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Our job is to trust God and not our own understanding. His is to direct our paths. 

And finally, when we don’t, when we, instead, follow our own inclinations, the path is disastrous. Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

From the above, I think it’s safe to say we don’t always know what’s right or best, but God does. And when we try to figure it out independently of Him, we can get into trouble or make a mess. I believe this applies to the issue of capital punishment. Our opinions will differ because we come from different backgrounds, have learned different life-lessons, and carry our own share of misconceptions and faulty thinking. That’s why it’s always necessary for Christians to defer to the Bible.

So, the important question is, what does God say about this issue? I don’t believe the Bible can state God’s position on capital punishment any clearer than in Genesis 9:5-6. He commands that if a beast or man takes the life of a man, the blood of that man or beast will be required. He then states His reason. “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” Only blood was payment for blood because man was made in God’s image.

But this command is repeated throughout the Old Testament, including in the sixth command which states, “Thou shall not kill.” That word in the Hebrew is ratsach and literally means, “to dash in pieces, to murder, the shedding of innocent blood.” This does not include the killings in war, in self-defense or in an accidental killing (manslaughter). The Old Testament dealt with the last two cases by creating six cities of refuge in order to protect the killer from the “blood avenger”. But in the case of murder--the willful taking of innocent blood--the blood avenger was required to take the life of the murderer.

In Exodus 20:13, Exodus 21:12-15, Leviticus 24:17 and Numbers 35:6-21, God, Himself, gives Moses the ordinances regarding capital punishment. Moses represents authority/the law/the head of a nation/the government. In other words, God is instructing the governmental authority to keep this law. And what He is says is, “he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”

God also warns, in Numbers 35:29-34, what will happen if these murderers are not put to death. “So, these things shall be for a statue of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witness: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die (Here the criteria was set up that it must take at least two witnesses to convict a murderer) Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction (ransom) for the life of a murderer guilty of death; but he shall surely be put to death . . . So, you shall not pollute the land wherein you are: for the blood it defileth the land; and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein among the children of Israel.” So, here we understand that if we don’t put murderers to death, we pollute and defile our land.

God also cautions us in Deuteronomy 19: 11-13 and Deuteronomy 19:18-21,“Thine eye shall not pity him (the murdered—God calls us to walk, not in sentimentality, but in His ways, His laws) but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel that it may go well with thee.” Again, if the murderer is not made to pay with his blood, it will not go well with that nation!

So, we know that 1) God Himself instituted the death penalty. 2) That only blood could pay for the shedding of innocent blood. 3) That if a murderer does not pay with his blood the land becomes defiled and polluted, and it will not go well for that nation. 4) We are not to pity the murderer. 5) A murderer must be convicted by at least two witnesses. 6) If a witness falsely testifies against someone charged with murder, that witness must forfeit his life. 7) The execution of a murderer will serve as a deterrent against further evil.

Ah, but that’s the Old Testament. Surely, Jesus doesn’t expect us to execute murderers today! Well, murder is still forbidden in the New Testament (Matthew 19:18, Romans 13:9, 1Peter 4:15, 1 John 3:15) and since “God changes not”(Malachi 3:6) and Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrew 13:8) and He said that if you see Him you see the Father (John 14:9), we can correctly deduce that God the Father is also the same yesterday, today and forever, and thus assume that the same blood criteria applies to murder in the New Testament.

In addition, Jesus spoke these sobering words in Matthew 5:17-19, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” Oh, dear!

As we delve more into the New Testament, it’s important to remember that the Old Testament Scriptures regarding murder were Scriptures in which God was speaking to Moses—who represented the law/authority/government, and as such He was laying a pattern. In other words, God was establishing national law for Israel and all future Godly nations.

Opponents of capital punishment often use Matthew chapter 5 to build their case. But here Jesus is talking to the multitudes. (Matt 5:1 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain . . . and said”) Jesus is not speaking to the lawmakers, authority, government. He was speaking to the masses, the common man. The substance of what He said also makes it clear that He was addressing two very distinct groups of people: the law breaker or criminal and the victims of crime.

First, let’s look at what He said to the “criminal,” the breaker of God’s law. Jesus said that in the “old time” under the law of the Old Testament, the law says, Thou shalt not kill. However, under the “new” Testament Jesus is now coming down even harder. He said if you’re even angry with your brother without cause or if you speak evil of him, you’re in danger of judgment. Jesus has raised the bar. He is now saying that hatred and slander are akin to murder! He is saying that the standards are even stricter than they had previously thought! Who hasn’t heard an angry person assassinate someone’s character with his words! And 1 John 3:15 further confirms this, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer.”

Now, let’s look at the second group—the victims of crime. He said it used to be an eye for an eye (a punishment that fits the crime). But now He says don’t look for revenge or retaliation, but forgive, forgive, forgive! If someone steals your shirt, give him your coat too (forgive, forgive, forgive) and if someone forces you to go a mile with him, don’t just stop there, go two. Jesus is saying that the victim’s attitude (NOT the state’s attitude or the law’s attitude or the government’s attitude) toward the criminal must now be one of forgiveness, meekness, and forbearance.

Having said that, is there no way out for murderers other than the death penalty? Hasn’t a “new” dispensation come with the “new” covenant? That answer is both yes and no. Here’s why. Remembering that sinners are saved by grace and that the blood of Jesus covers our sins, then one can say with assurance that if someone murders (sheds innocent blood) and comes into the saving knowledge of Jesus and repents and puts that sin under Jesus’ blood, then the blood requirement of the blood avenger is fulfilled. Jesus’ blood, in that instance, is the perfect fulfilling of the law. It becomes the substitute for the blood of the actual murderer. It appeases the outcry of the innocent blood that was shed. And Jesus’ blood appeases God the Father’s sense of justice. 

That’s why I wanted to see Carla Fay Tucker pardoned by then Governor of Texas, George Bush. Carla had come to the Lord (I’m not talking about a shallow “jail-house” conversion that sometimes happens because a prisoner wants the benefits for appearing “reformed” like early parole, etc.). Carla had repented, and she had put her sins, though serious and horrible, under the blood of Jesus. But she was not pardoned and went home to be with the Lord.

However, when a murderer has NOT come to the Lord, has not put his murder under the blood of Jesus, then the blood requirement still stands. That person is, in effect, under the Old Testament law and his blood is required. If that blood requirement is not met, then it contributes to the defilement of the land.

I know our court system is not perfect; that sometimes the poor don’t get the representation they deserve; that mistakes are made; that two witnesses (DNA, eye-witnesses, etc.) are NOT used, and circumstantial evidence will convict someone, which I don’t believe is scriptural. These issues need to be dealt with. However, just because they exist, they do not negate the validity of capital punishment. Capital punishment is an established law of God. A law valid throughout both the Old and New Testament.

Do Christians have a role in ministering to prisoners, even murderers? Yes. We can pray for them and/or minister God’s love to them. And that especially includes ministering God’s word so they can come into the saving knowledge of Jesus, which means that even if they are executed, like Carla Fay, they will be with our Lord for all eternity. But trying to keep a convicted murderer—who has not repented and accepted the Lord and put his sin under Jesus’ blood—from being executed, is not scriptural and is in fact—wrong.

God will never contradict Himself (His Word). If something in His word sounds contradictory the fault lies with us, not Him. We simply don’t understand the Scripture and need to spend time studying it. No one has all the answers, nor will we until we get to heaven and then we can ask the One who does. But knowing the Word of God as much as possible will help prevent us from being misled or deceived.

According to God’s Word, I don’t think we have any choice, as believers, but to acknowledge that capital punishment was instituted by God and is scriptural. Line up a hundred people and all of them may give you differing opinions. But we are not to hinge our convictions on the prevailing opinions of the majority or even our own opinions. In the end, the only opinion that matters is God’s.

~~~

*Based upon her book, which included the issue of Capital Punishment, I asked author Sylvia Bambola to provide a full article on this important issue. Many of us have had mixed feelings about Capital Punishment. I believe this article provides a solid basis to provide God's answer...

Note that the color highlights are mine, inserted as I read her response to my question. For me, it answered all that I needed to know...

And...thank you so much, Sylvia Bambola, for speaking to us through your book and this additional article! God Bless you and your future writings!

Spotlight Author, Sylvia Bambola, Pens First Non-Fiction, Following the Blood Trail from Genesis to Revelation!

Sylvia Bambola was born in Romania but lived her early years in Germany, a Germany still reeling from the devastation of World War II. At age seven she relocated with her adopted military family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in Germany lingered and was the inspiration behind her novel, Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist.
Life as an “army brat” gave her the opportunity to live in several states, including Hawaii. Then came nursing school in New York after which she married and began a family. Raising two children and being the wife of a business executive made for a busy life. So did working in marketing for a telecommunications company, then a medical software company.
Her first novel, A Vessel of Honor, written under the pen name of Margaret Miller, garnered a Small Press Editor’s Choice Award and was seriously considered for production as a television movie.
Bambola is the author of six published novels, lives in sunny Florida and has two grown children. She’s been a guest speaker at Women’s Aglow and various church functions, is a Bible study teacher at her church, and is learning to play the guitar.

Following the Blood Trail From

 Genesis to Revelation:

Why Jesus Had to Die and What it Means for Us

By Sylvia Bambola

We are all living in a timeline, 

a timeline set by God, Himself, 

and one that will last

 only until His full plan is accomplished; 

the plan to reconcile both heaven and earth

 back to his perfect order;

 the plan to uphold His holy name and character.

And it involves blood.

The first nonfiction book by author Sylvia Bambola is more than I could have hoped for. The title obviously gives what will be reviewed. It implies a full scriptural analysis of how Christ came to die on the cross for all of us.

The key difference for me was that, I felt that it was Jesus who had brought salvation to us. That if we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, we would be saved.  As I finished the book and write these words, a scripture came to me:

1 Corinthians 13:11...11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

It wasn't that the book presents new information--rather, what Bambola has done is present the "entire story." As a child I had accepted Jesus...Now I was being led, through Sylvia Bambola's book, to consider and learn God's Full Plan! Wow!  Again, nothing new, except that God had surely inspired the author to tell us the whole story, not just parts that we have heard preached for many years, or not just Sunday School lessons that we studied at various times.

Or, perhaps, for me, it is just that Sylvia Bambola's book was published at a time when there is much chaos and divisiveness--that people are looking differently toward those who we once called neighbors, friends, family.... and are being incited to do so...

Many are now saying what is happening today is part of a plan...and they are working diligently, perhaps without seeking God's  guidance, to ensure that it moves forward...  My first experience with The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey years ago when we were to expect the Second Coming, which never happened, of course, had led me to believe God was the maker of the schedule, not man.  

And I needed to have confirmed that God does indeed have a plan and a timeline for what will happen... But not necessarily that told by some people.

Bambola starts by an overview of the beginning...through Biblical reference and through analysis for context. Although the beginning is provided in Genesis, further reference reveals, as some may have already known, that earth had been populated prior to the story of the Garden of Eden and the creation of Adam and Eve.

Apparently, Satan had charge of the earth prior to his fall. He was the watchman. This may explain why he was still in the Garden of Eden after his fall and after the six-days of creation, and why he wanted to tempt Eve to sin in order to regain his authority.

The author also explores what I learned was called the "Gap Theory" which, essentially, was the conclusion I had long ago reached. Essentially, this refers to the possibility, the probability that time elapsed between various Biblical references; e.g., between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2.  After reviewing various issues, including scientific study of the earth itself, she then states: Based on the Gap Theory, we can understand how both can be true. There is no contradiction. I was feeling better that, perhaps, I really wasn't still in childhood, rather I just hadn't known the words, the whys and how it happened as a complete unique story that...followed...the...blood... My thank you to the author!

Chapter 2 then begins the review of the Blood Trail through both the Old and New Testament, with, I believe, a clear statement that Blood sacrifices must continue, even though Christ died for us. Many of the references will be shown: the Passover, the story of Cain, the sacrifice of Isaac--and many more. Reading them sequentially, to see the trail, is surely a wonderful learning experience revealing the omnipotence of God and His words on the power of innocent blood...

For me, this was an important part of the Trail we followed, because the issue of Capital Punishment came to the forefront. (See additional article by the author, tomorrow, here at BRH.)

You see, I believed in Capital Punishment, but had always heard arguments against that were not satisfactory. How could children and adults be murdered, especially for sexual or human trafficking reasons, etc., and not require that the individual be also killed?  Bambola concludes that it does "involve blood!"

So, we learn in Numbers what happens when we do not put murderers to death. We pollute and defile our land. And Deuteronomy 19:13 warns us that “Thine eye shall not pity him (the murderer) but thou shall put away the guilt of innocent blood..."

This is a book that needs to be on your personal library shelf. It is effortlessly read (and reread) and referenced, providing sufficient information and research to feel confident that the writer has acted to present and support the book on behalf of God's Word. I understand she plans on continuing this effort and look forward to similar reference books, while at the same time, hoping her fictional stories will also continue.  This book has both a glossary and a list of questions for book clubs or study groups!

Sylvia Bambola has proven to me to be an outstanding writer and an individual who I feel truly writes inspired books. If you are looking for an author that effectively and honorably pulls God's words into her writings, do read her books! 

And, for this latest nonfiction book, it is a must-read for those who seek to learn more about the Words of God in the Bible...


GABixlerReviews

Author John R. Tucker Asks the Question, Are You Jesus' Disciple? Based upon Book of Matthew

John R. Tucker, Jr., a devout believer in Jesus Christ, resides in Baden, PA with his wife Bettie. They have two adult children, Eric and Lori, who live nearby, giving them access to their delightful grandchildren, Talia and Pasquale.

The author has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and retired after 34 years of employment with U. S. Steel Corporation. He then wrote over forty investigative Bible studies that are being used for in-depth teachings at various churches. He also taught a local prayer group as a member of a national organization known as Christian Business Men’s Connection which is active in 80 countries and has over 50,000 members.

John felt inspired to write this book because of his personal hunger to know greater details about the teachings of Jesus Christ. His findings gave him the desire to be a better modern-day disciple. The author hopes that readers will have this desire, too.

Book Description

The title of this book asks “Are you Jesus’ Disciple?” It emphasizes the five discourses taken from the Book of Matthew as taught by Jesus Christ. As readers progress through the pages, the words of Jesus seem to come alive in His teachings. The book illustrates that believers and non-believers should ask themselves if they are truly living the life, or want to live the life, that Jesus demands of them. The five discourses include: ethics, missions, the Kingdom, community life and judgment. Within these discourses and teaching, the disciples of that time were instructed how to properly live their lives as Christians and how to reach others with the same message. There were also some believers and non-believers who gathered near the disciples to listen to this intriguing Teacher. Those who did not believe were simply following the crowd. However, some took His words to heart and wanted to hear more. Today, Christians and non-Christians can read the discourses and make a decision as to what they believe or not believe.

~~~

9 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 
10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us today our daily bread. 
12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

...The Lord’s Prayer is like a letter that we send from earth to Heaven. In the beginning words in Verse 9, Jesus is giving the Jews guidance as to the proper way to pray to the Lord. In the remaining words in Verse 9, He is telling the Jews to whom this letter is being 1. To “Our Father” but not to saints or angels. 2. To “Heaven,” the place where it is going. The word “Our” in the words “Our Father” specifies that in addition to praying for and alone, Jews should pray with and for others. The word “hallowed” refers to the nature of our Father who is holy and distinct beyond all mankind...
~~~

It is quite easy to read a book and pick up those thoughts, those principles that mean something to our own lives. Certainly, with John Tucker choosing the Book of Matthew as the central book of the Bible to discuss, he has chosen a selection that many will recognize and know what the book contains... Yes, but... do we really know what the Book of Matthew says about certain topics covered therein?

Some readers may be totally knowledgeable, while others will recognize the conceptual overview but not know the context in which the subject is covered. Tucker has presented an easy-to-use method by which he presents the results of his long years of study and research. It can easily be used for group Bible study or as an independent study guide. Or, simply, to compare your own beliefs with the author and consider how his relates to the book's question--Are You Jesus' Disciple?

I've taken something that most of us will have at least heard in their lifetime--The Lord's Prayer... The format used is as appears throughout the book... Tucker breaks the prayer down into phrases, then moves to explain what the phrase is saying...thus, he goes through the entire prayer, providing guidance, insight, and the setting in which Jesus was sharing His Words...

Consider his discourse... You may remember that the issue came up when Jesus was asked how to pray...The first thing that held true for me was that he instructed us to go into the closet where we can be alone with God...

Are you Jesus' Disciple?

By John R. Tucker, Jr.

Tucker presents an Introduction of his overall plan of presentation as follows:

Five Discourses of Jesus Christ in the Book of Matthew 
Within the Gospel of the Book of Matthew, there are five major sermons or discourses given by Jesus Christ that need to be read and fully understood: 
1. Discourse on Ethics in Chapters 5 through 7 (19 Topics) 
2. Discourse on Missions in Chapter 10 (1 Topic) 
3. Discourse on the Kingdom in Chapter 13 (8 Topics) 
4. Discourse on Community Life in Chapter 18 (4 Topics) 
5. Discourse on Judgment in Chapters 24 through 25 (5 Topics)

He then begins to discuss, explain what was to happen within the Book of Matthew... And then moves directly on to the Discourse on Ethics...

In this case, the Beatitudes fall under Ethics...and the specific scripture to be discussed is included...

Again, an overview is provided of the setting, the audience, etc. and then each of the Beatitudes is studied...

1. Verse 3. Those who are poor in Spirit… The following are examples of groups of people who qualify as being blessed in being poor in Spirit. 

They are contentedly poor, willing to be empty of worldly wealth if God orders that to be their lot. They are humble and lowly in their own eyes, being willing to make themselves humble and minute in order to be good in God’s eyes. They lose their confidence in their own strength so that they may depend only on the merit, spirit, and grace of Christ. Despite the circumstances that all three groups experience, they have a sense of happiness. Be aware that there is a poor-spiritedness that is so far from making men blessed that it is a sin and a trap.

This last part, of course, is what is provided by the author and teacher. He presents his response to the scripture for readers to consider, and as indicated in the book description, leaves it to the reader to accept or reject it; i.e., to believe or not believe that is what was intended by the scripture--by the Words of Jesus. Here's my thoughts on why this is so important...

I wanted to skip forward in the book for another personal reference that has always interested me...based upon this song learned so many years ago...

Note that the singing is joyous and thus sounds like a happy occasion. For some it was...Jesus was coming...But, consider the first part of the song... "Give me oil in my lamp, Keep me burning..." As I grew older, I realized that these were not the words that led to the celebration... Here's Tucker's coverage of that parable...

The Parable of the Ten Virgins— Matthew, Chapter 25, Verses 1 through 13: 1 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 

2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 

3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them, 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 

5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 

6 At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out and meet him!”

 7 T hen all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 

8 The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” 

9 No, they replied, “there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” 

10 But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 

11 Later the others also came. “Sir! Sir!” they said. “Open the door for us!” 

12 But he replied, “I tell you the truth. I don’t know you.” 

13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

It is thought that the foolish virgins in this parable had just enough oil in their lamps to make them burn for a little while in order to make a show as if they intended to meet the bridegroom. Unlike the wise virgins that had the heart to take additional jars of oil for their lamps in case the bridegroom might not come right away, the foolish virgins lacked the heart to do the same. The lesson to be learned here is, when looking forward to an important event, it is wise to prepare for the worst in case a long period of time occurs before its arrival. 

In confirming my thoughts about the song, with just Tucker's reference on this part of the parable, I felt comfortable that the song really did not match scripture correctly, did it? At least that was my conclusion...What do you think? It was the foolish virgins who was asking for oil because they hadn't prepared... And, therefore, it would have been the wise virgins that would be singing hosannah... They don't match in the song's words.

To me this is just one small example how many times some will take a phrase or a thought out of context from the Bible and use it to support their own agenda... A study guide such as Tucker has provided thus becomes an excellent method for learning and absorbing what the Bible is telling us. I've always loved the parables Jesus used, but it sometimes helps to make sure we are understanding and interpreting the parable correctly... Alas the foolish virgins were turned away from the celebration because they had not planned ahead and were now begging for oil...when it was too late...

The book is lengthy, comprehensive and totally ready for study; i.e., all scripture has been included in the book, easily discernible. When references are related to other parts of the Bible, or to another version, such as The Living Bible, those references are also included. Although, of course, it can easily be read from front to back, the author has provided an excellent outline that permits readers to break down the reading and study to be considered at the reader's own pace.

So, does the title of this book bring a touch to your spirit? If so, this book is highly recommended. You may not actively be a disciple of Jesus right now, but if you don't want to be counted as a foolish virgin when the bridegroom comes, you may find you need the teaching and/or confirmation of your own understanding in this book written both as a study guide and as a scholarly discourse based upon study, research, and His guidance...

GABixlerReviews

Review: Guest Reviewer Bettie Corbin Tucker Calls Book "Jesus Help"

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Journal for Spiritual Development

Seven Steps to Discipleship

Anna Marie Eloisa Hernandez

Xulon Press

ISBN: 9781615798063

186 pages (includes front and back matter)




Journal for Spiritual Development: Seven Steps to Discipleship, an inspiring book by Anna Marie Eloisa Hernandez, will take readers on an inner-faith journey that—if persevered through the peaks and valleys—will result in many glorious blessings. Though, in all likelihood, the library would catalog this title as a self-help book, I feel that the words “Jesus-help” would be more appropriate. The author has shown us a Biblical blueprint to follow if we wish to become living witnesses of the Gospel. Just as our mortal development occurs in stages from conception to adulthood, our inner-faith spiritual journey develops in much the same way.

This journey is depicted as having seven steps—a number that symbolizes fulfillment or completion throughout Scripture. As you read this book, you will note that each step is designated as a chapter, and with progression in reading, the Biblical blueprint for spiritual growth becomes evident. The first chapter begins with a Christian receiving a call to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, and in the seventh chapter, he or she becomes a living witness of the Gospel.

The design and formatting of the book is very effective in presenting the life-changing information. Within the confines of each chapter, there are scripture verses, thought-provoking proverbs and sayings, spiritual reflections, study questions, home activities and much practical advice for everyday living. We also meet influential Biblical characters along the way who provide us with living examples of those who interacted with Jesus or followed Him in response to hearing and answering His call. I found it intriguing and helpful the way that the author was able to link the spiritual with the practical as she depicted each step of the inner-faith journey.

Some of my favorite topics addressed by Anna Marie Eloisa Hernandez are personal finances, physical survival, fitness and diet, the reduction of stress, leadership skills, and dealing with the past. Readers who participate with a self-analysis will gain a better understanding of their faults and virtues. They will also learn about making choices, sharing talents, the power of prayer, and how networking with other Christians can make a difference.

In the final pages of the book, the author tells us that we can judge our spiritual progress by how much we love our neighbor and God. She lists the seven different steps of love, saying that when we reach the seventh or self-less step, we walk with the angels. She states, “You become a disciple of Jesus Christ.” (Page 182)

I highly recommend this book. It is appropriate for personal use or for Bible Study groups of any size.

Bettie Corbin Tucker
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers
http://www.bookreviewers.org/