Description: Imprisoned by Herod, John the Baptist struggles to understand a Lord who did not meet his expectations--a dramatic account offering insight into the ways of God.
Details: The book entitled The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards is an elaboration on John the Baptist's apparent confusion during the ministry of Jesus. I read the book after hearing passages I found offensive. What I found was a combination of Bible and fiction made into a complete story, and a perspective confined to that of a popular sovereignty doctrine. This doctrine seems to assume that God is responsible for everything that happens to us in life.
I believe the heart of this book is good--although it may be a paradox. The heart of the book is that God loves his people dearly. He hurts when they hurt and wishes he could explain himself to them. It is a paradox, though, for God to be in control of everything but not have the ability to communicate. It is also wrong to attribute all the tragic circumstances in life as being part of God's mysterious perfect will.
When I complained to one of my pastors about this book he said that he would listen to a CD if I had one. After a few weeks I found one that articulated what I wanted to say. It is a free MP3 download called The Word of God Made Flesh part one at http://www.awmi.net/tv/2008/week21 .
Gene Edward's book is short easy reading, and my mp3 discovery consists of free easy listening. This is a painless opportunity to research a thought provocative subject.
Review Summary: a must read
Date: 2008-09-07
Details: I was kept spellbound as I read and could not put down this great story. Written in play-like form it presents a whole new viewof the Apostle Paul.
Review Summary: Great book - it will change your lilfe
Date: 2008-09-04
Details: This was a great book and makes you think about the tragedies in life and how to reconcile them with who God is.
Review Summary: A must read for any Christian
Date: 2007-12-28
Details: A great work of fiction, this dramatic story give us a look at John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod and awaiting death, as he struggles to understand a Lord who did not live up to his expectations.
It gives a whole new perspective on what faith means. John's struggle to understand the whys of his situation echoes our own. When it turns to Jesus' POV and how He wanted to reveal things to John, it's one of those "wow" moments that give you some understanding of God's ways.
It's a book of comfort and an eye-opening look at what this thing called faith is all about. A book all Christians should read. It adds foundation the great words of Charles Spurgeon: "When you can't trace God's hand, trust His heart."
Review Summary: The Prisoner in the Third Cell
Date: 2007-01-11
Details: This is a very thought provoking book, especailly if you focus on each of the characters in the beginning of the book and then follow their lives, where their choices lead and what causes ended up with them in prison.
But when you get to the prisoner in the 3rd cell there is such revelation and the light really goes off--
I would recommend this book to every one to read, it is just awesome.
out of 19 Reviews
