Focus Group

Last week I decided to create a focus group for my current book project. I want it to be the best that it can be, so I want feedback from other Christians. My main concern in doing this is that, because this is a book about my faith, I don't want it to become a theological debate. While I value input from other Christians and want it to be as accurate as possible, I don't want to be debating doctrine. Thus, I'm keeping it a small group of people. That being said, I would still like to add a few more people to it - preferably people that I don't personally know. So I am extending an invitation to my followers. I can't allow anyone who asks to become involved, but if you are interested, I would love to see if our beliefs are the same so that I can add you to my focus group. The easiest way for me to do this, is simply to share my belief statement here and if you agree with it, you can send me an e-mail at authorassistant (at) hotmail (dot) com. 

I believe:

• The Holy Scriptures are the True Word of God, and are important in all of life. I believe that the Bible is correct, and that if it says something is wrong then it is wrong. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 19:7, Galatians 1:8, and Romans 15:4)
• Because I believe the Holy Scriptures, I believe in the Trinity. That there is only one God eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1: 26-27, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:7, and Galatians 4:4-6)
• I believe that all have sinned and are in need of a Savior. (Romans 3:23, Romans 5:11-13, Hebrews 9:22, and 1 John 1:8-10)
• I believe that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. (Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Romans 6:23, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
• I believe that as a Christian God continues to work in me. (Philippians 1:6 and Hebrews 12)
• I believe that we are to encourage one another, and treat each other respectfully. Not gossiping or arguing, but controlling our tongues. (Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Proverbs 20:19, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Corinthians 12:20, James 1:26, and James 3:1-12)
• I do believe that there are some issues that Christians are allowed to disagree on. On these issues we are to refer to Romans 12. However, there are many issues that I believe that we are not allowed to disagree on. The Bible makes certain things clear, and I can not compromise on those things.
• I believe that we are to uphold the moral law of God. (Exodus 20:3-17 and Acts 15:28-29)
• I do not believe that it is okay to distort Scripture to please human motives. (2 Peter 3:16)
• I do not believe that it is okay to use Salvation as a sin license. (Jude 4)
• I do not believe that immoral and/or impure people are saved. (Ephesians 5:3-5)
• I believe that there is important balance of truth and grace. (John 1:17) Truth hates sin, grace loves sinners…
• Truth without grace crushes people – judgmental legalism
• Grace without truth deceives people – deceitful tolerance

Faith Talk 101

My new book, "Faith Talk" is coming along great! I finally have a rough outline to share with you as well as the back of the book. Here it is:

We all fall short of being perfect, yet we all long to have true friends. A true friend is often defined as someone who tells you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it. Well, I believe that the Bible is true – the written word of God, and I want to tell you about my faith – My hope is that despite your past experiences or presumptions, that you will at least take the time to listen. 

Rooted in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “Faith Talk” covers why I believe you need to know about the Christian faith, giving details about what it is and how it effects those who believe it.  

 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you

not only the gospel of God but our lives as well,

because you had become so dear to us.

~1 Thessalonians 2:8

Rough Outline:
*Keep in mind that this is a short book written for my siblings. I'm planning on using a small trim size and have it be more of a gift book then a big book about theology.

• Introduction – A True Friend
• Chapter 1 – The Truth of the Gospel
• Chapter 2 – The Gospel Truth in My Life
• Chapter 3 – The Gospel Challenge
• Chapter 4 – The Gospel through the Bible
• Afterward – True Friend Poem and Wrap-up

So what say you? Do you like it? Does it need work?

I'm linking up with Word-Filled Wednesday over at Internet Cafe Devotions. 

Check it out for more Word-Filled posts by visiting: http://internetcafedevotions.com/

Christian Survey

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you

not only the gospel of God but our lives as well,

because you had become so dear to us.

~1 Thessalonians 2:8

While I am a mutlitasking author, when I really get into writing a book, it seems to consume me for a time. Thus, 1 Thessalonians 2:8 has started to become part of me. Am I really delighted to share the gospel with those that I love? What about my life? I know that I desire to, but thus far I know that I have fallen short. I'm praying that this book helps me to change that, to tell others what I have longed to for so long. But I'm also praying that God uses it to change me. To help me delight in sharing my faith and life with others in a whole new way. 

Today I wanted to ask you for some help: In putting together my outline for "Faith Talk" I came up with a few questions that I was hoping to get some feedback on so I created a survey. It's four short questions, that are sadly not multiple choice. If you've got a minute or two, I'd love to hear from you: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DNC33W2

I'm linking up with Word-Filled Wednesday over at Internet Cafe Devotions. 

Check it out for more Word-Filled posts by visiting: http://internetcafedevotions.com/

"Faith Talk"

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

~1 Thessalonians 2:8

I mentioned on Monday that I was working on a new book. In hindsight, that was only partially true. I technically started this book almost 2 years ago, but I finally have the determination to sit down and finish it. I would be honored if you would join me on the journey.

If I could describe my new book in one sentence, it would be 1 Thessalonians 2:8. My working title is "Faith Talk", but let me back up and give you a little bit more history:

A few years back I was talking to my sister on the phone, and she innocently said, “A true friend tells you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it.” I’m sure that she has no idea that such a simple sentence would be the founding for an entire book. I wrote the introduction immediately, and have been working on it on and off ever since. It’s a book that I’m writing mainly for my siblings, but also for anyone who has always wanted to explain their faith to a friend or family member but has never had the words to do so.  Its a message full of love, caring and grace, and intended for Christians to give to those that they truly value.

The bottom line is that I love my sister (and all of my siblings) so much that I truly desire to share with them not only the gospel, but also how it has effected my life. And for anyone who knows me, I am a far better writer than speaker. Every time that I have tried to tell my family about my faith I seem to lack the words, this book is my way of fixing that, because I want them to know the truth of the faith that I live by.

That is the idea and goal of my book all wrapped up in a neat little package. But I am still a long way from being done, and I would love to hear your thoughts on this project.