An Anthology of Scriptural Studies on Church Issues

You bring out several truths and important issues in the church today. These are things often overlooked today in the church. I've backed your book, now I can put the stars behind it. Blessings with your future with this work.

Your book is pretty amazing and i am going to read more as time permits, I not only write but I am a working writer also. so my time is limited, by what i see so far you will have no problem getting to the top. God bless.

Hi,

I am not used to reading this sort of book, but I am glad I gave yours a chance. I have only read chapter 1 so far, but I am enjoying your discussion of Christian fellowship, its origin and its purpose.

I noted a few things as I read. I am not an expert on editing or on essay-type writing, but I thought I would share my comments with you anyway. You are always free to take or to ignore anything I suggest. :)

In the second paragraph of Definitions of Church Fellowship, you write, “Fellowship he says is...” I think for clarity's sake, it would help to add a few commas: “Fellowship, he says, is...” Also, the end of that sentence is basically just a repeat of what was written in the Bible verse cited above. You might want to reword it so it doesn't sound redundant. You might say, “Fellowship, he says, is in the Holy Spirit. It is also communion, which involves Christians sharing and participating with one another,” or something along those lines.

In the third paragraph of the same section, I think you should spend more time developing your terms. Not every one understands the true meaning of grace, for example, so it might be good to write a few lines defining it, possibly adding a verse reference. Also, when you make a blanket statement, or any strong statement that your reader may not agree with or understand (like someone who may be hearing the gospel for the first time while reading your book), it would be important to cite a verse reference to support what you have said. For example, “Jesus didn't criticize or accuse those...Instead, he gave them grace...” (add verse reference).

“God's love is shown through the love of people for one another.” I understand what you mean, but a much clearer and stronger way of saying it might be, “God's love is revealed (or manifested) by the love Christians express to others.” Again, in this paragraph, you are defining your terms and making strong statements, so I think it would be important to cite your references. Especially, since in many cases, the statements are basically taken straight from the Bible.

“Fellowship is in the Holy Spirit. There Christians...” 'There', where? I am not sure what you are referring to. Do you mean fellowshipping together AT church or AT a small group? Fellowship IN the Holy Spirit? Whatever 'there' you are referring to, it would be important to name it.

Over all, I have the feeling that this section of the chapter contains a lot of thoughts that need to be clarified. Some paragraphs could easily be streamlined with some editing and rephrasing. To make the point, I noticed that for whatever reason, your ideas are much more clearly expressed in the later sections, which means I had a lot less trouble following your points and arguments. It seemed like each paragraph had only one main idea, and often, it was backed up by or in response to a Bible verse. Your writing seems to be stronger in that context.

In paragraph 5 of Problems in Fellowship, I think a better way to start it would be, “In the church, this means to bring...” Also, rather than saying, “Be obedient...” ('who' are you referring to?) Another way to write it might be, “It also means that those involved must be obedient to their ruling...”

“...the people are so caught up in the sin that they are proudly on a throne, trying to rule over it.” This sentence does not make much sense to me. It seemed to become a little clearer when I read it in conjunction with the sentence that followed it. I would suggest either combining the two sentences, or just rewriting them both so that one complete, clear idea is expressed in one sentence.

I also agree with one comment from another reviewer, who suggested breaking up the chapter into shorter chapters. It might help focus your ideas.

I am really glad you added a conclusion, as it was a nice, quick way to make sure your reader remembers the most important points of the chapter before moving on to the next one.

So I will move on, as I am curious to see what you have to share in chapter 2.

Nice job so far!

Dyane

It seems to be a very well studied writing. I was interested to hear about the right hand of fellowship. Is it possible that has been at least a factor in the continued use of shaking right hads today? Sorry. Rabbit-trail.

It appears well written, but I'd suggest breaking each chapter up into several shorter chapters. Short enough that each could be used as a lesson in an evening of Bible Study or Small Group. I think that this would be ideal for a group study on fellowdhip. Perhaps a good break would be at each location in chapeter 1 where you have entitled the next section.

I think each section has enough in it to rouse sufficient debate and discussion to fill an evening's study.

Thank you for offering me a chance to look at your work.

I have read a little , I will check back as time permits. placing it on my watch list.

Hi Mary, I commend you for your choice of study - the Bible. Your most controversial chapter seems to be Chapter 3. I agree with Paul and you. Paul said husbands are to love their wives, therefore, if a wife makes a reasonable request, then he must grant her request. All the Best, Bill

Five scriptural studies on fellowship, an active and vital ingredient of the Body sometimes the missing link in accountability and just good old friendship. Its probably the most encouraging part of Christian life. The Lord’s Prayer, taught by Jesus to the disciples, is the most beautiful and simple of prayers but there is so much more to it. You have cleverly taken it apart, piece by piece, peeling away the layers of such a rich and powerful prayer. Christian woman and their relationship to their husbands, their role and purity. This is one of the most marvelous of His works. Although there are some women that may hesitate at the word 'submissive', I love being the 'helper' to my husband's Alpha Dog. Now, I mean't that tongue in cheek guys, but its truly a blessing. My husband is head of household and I love to see him at work, responsible under God. I pray I never step out from under him,and therefore under God. The Psalms which to me recalls some of the most tender moments of David, a man after God’s own heart, and a great teaching tool for all Christians reveals God’s great and gracious qualities. Here we come to understand God and what our pleas (prayers) might also look like. Psalm 139:1-3, O LORD you have searched me and you know me is such a comfort. There is no way I can run and hide and moreover there are no hidden places to Him. And a Chapter titled Love Not the World. WOW, all these are intricately explained and backed-up by the Word of God, a vital teaching tool.

The only suggestion I have is to make bite-sized paragraphs so as not to overwhelm. I say this carefully. It doesn’t take much to throw even the most avid of readers off the message if too much is conveyed at once. And you have some vital material here, beautifully written, not to be missed. I pray that you do well with this book.

God bless you for all that you do. In Him. Claire.

Hi Mary

I agree with the comments above. I agree with James' comment that your good material might need to be reorganised somehow (perhaps as he suggests) to grip the reader's attention more. I would back it, but currently my computer is not allowing me to. regards David

This is an indepth scriptural study on issues of importance in the body of Christ; these issues are not preached (if at all - the peripheral). These are matters that emphasis should be laid on seeing that Jesus Christ is coming soon and you have done a good job by bringing them to the fore.

This is an indepth scriptural study on issues of importance in the body of Christ; these issues are not preached (if at all - the peripheral). These are matters that emphasis should be laid on seeing that Jesus Christ is coming soon and you have done a good job by bringing them to the fore.

Hello Mary:

It is clear that you have put a lot or work into preparing these studies, and this anthology is quite an accomplishment. Since you have pitched this as an anthology of scripture studies, the reader is most likely expecting a Bible study format. You may want to consider breaking down each of the studies into daily/weekly lessons with questions. This will produce more interaction with the reader.

Blessings to you as you equip the Body of Christ for His service.

James Revoir