Аннотация

This book narrates the story of a young family that, in the year 1975, made the bold decision to leave the United Kingdom and seek a new life in South Africa. Although intending to stay for just a few years, they only returned some twenty years later. Whilst there, they took the opportunity to visit virtually every town and game park, and five of the neighboring countries. However, this was not just an extended holiday, but an opportunity to study different cultures and customs. Their time there spanned the darkest days of apartheid, through the first signs of change sparked by the Soweto Riots, to the release of Nelson Mandela, the first democratic elections, and beyond. Thus, in addition to this book being partly a travelogue and memoire, it is also an eye-witness commentary on the highs and lows, the good, the bad, the dangers, and the changes that occurred during an eventful time, in that unique country. It should thus appeal not only the general reader who enjoys a yarn about far-away places, but also to those interested in social and cultural history.

Аннотация

Despite its title, this is not a morbid or depressing book, but one that it is hoped will bring encouragement and comfort to all who are experiencing life's difficulties, even to the point of wondering if they wish to continue living. However, the question of whether or not it is morally acceptable for people to receive help to end their lives prematurely is a divisive one, but it is one that cannot be ignored. Some countries have already legalized voluntary euthanasia, whilst others are still wrestling with this ethical dilemma. We all hope that we will never be faced with this situation but, if it does arise, where can we turn for help and guidance? The Bible is one useful resource, as over fifty passages have been identified that relate to coping with desperate life circumstances, along with a few instances where a life has been ended prematurely. In addition to identifying and discussing these passages, this book also provides helpful background on the history of the biblical sources used, along with factors influencing their interpretation. Reading this book should provide strength and courage to persevere through life's adversities.

Аннотация

The Gospel Miracles examines the thirty-five miracles performed by Jesus, as reported in the four Gospels. The objectives are firstly to try and determine what really happened at the time they were enacted and, secondly, to see if it is possible to explain them. This exercise is neither an attempt to deny miracles, nor to blindly accept the accounts as inerrant, but it is an unbiased attempt to arrive at the truth. The findings conclude that sometimes there are possible naturalistic or simple alternative explanations to a supernatural one. However, this does not discount the possibility that Jesus employed natural means at the right time for the right reasons. The Gospel Miracles concludes with a summary of some more modern reports of miraculous events.

Аннотация

Have you ever thought that you have had a previous existence? What if you woke up one day and discovered that you had been transported back 4,000 years to an earlier life? This is what happens to Mel, a modern-day architect who is shortly to be married. He returns to his previous incarnation as Melchizedek, a warrior, king, and high priest briefly mentioned in the Bible. Although he considers himself to be ill-equipped to succeed in this role, guidance is always there when needed. From time to time Mel returns briefly to the present, and eventually has to choose between the two existences.
Very little is known about Melchizedek. But his name crops up in a few ancient texts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Gnostic Gospels discovered in Egypt, The Book of the Secrets of Enoch, and in various Jewish oral and written traditions. Despite the sparsity of information available, the author's intention is always to try and keep the narrative as historically factual and credible as possible.
Readers are free to regard the whole account as pure fantasy–or maybe it will provide some food for thought. Hmm, could it actually have happened?

Аннотация

God has been around for a long time–in fact from the very beginning–but what do we actually know about him? Perhaps this is a silly question, because many people will regard the God of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as unknowable. Nevertheless, this book explores the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) to unearth just what is revealed about the nature and persona of the Deity. Early chapters discuss the first signs of religious beliefs, and the origins of the major religions. Ten chapters are devoted to what the Scriptures reveal about God's origin, attributes, and activities. These include miracles, making laws, punishing, rewarding, answering prayers, and predicting a future Messiah. A final chapter summarizes and draws conclusions. The sheer number of details gleaned from the biblical texts helps the reader to see God as an entity, with a personality who has attributes, likes, and dislikes. He rejoices, but also laments; he has a presence, he is available, he hears our prayers. Those who were a little unsure about the authenticity of God should have their confidence in him strengthened by the amount of information presented. They can then explore this further for themselves.