Posted on 12/03/2022 3:42:28 PM PST by OneVike
I've been a Freeper for 25 years come next February, and I must admit that my knowledge and understanding of things has been immensely effected by the many great minds who are part of this great forum. Whether it's about politics, science, history, or religion, FreeRepublic has been to me, what many Colleges used to be. I have witnessed many a great mind debate other great minds, and I have witnessed my share of knock down, drag out, leave no prisoner, fights between Freepers who would die on their cross of beliefs. Probably the biggest was the battle of the long-knives. This is not an insult, but rather a compliment to the way this forum has truly effected me, and many like me, in our understanding of the world throughout the last 25 years.
It's been an somewhat unorthodox education, but it has enabled me to gain the knowledge, experience, and courage to write the book I published this past week. My book is titled, “Sleuthing The Scriptures.” It is a Christian book that contains many commentaries I have written over the years. Most deal with topics I have dove deeply into for the purpose of helping others understand GOD’s Word. It has long been my passion to open up the Scriptures and explain them in a way most Christians can understand. Too often theologians write in a way than only seminary students and other theological professors can grasp.
Many who have read my work, understand that I try to write in such a way that it makes it easier for Christians who are still drinking milk to understand. I try my best to explain things in a way where the reader will not need a lexicon or dictionary handy to understand what I am conveying. If something needs a deeper explanation, I will do so with proper notes to help bring the point to a solid understandable conclusion.
As I do with all my writing, I try to emphasize the importance of doing one's own investigation by reading the Word to be sure I am not taking Scripture out of context just to force a point I wish to make. I'm only human, so I pray for guidance to keep me humble, and above all, I fear leading others astray more than I desire recognition for my writing. Too often wolves in sheep’s clothing will twist Scripture to sway gullible young Christians away from Christ, because they are children of the devil who only wish to destroy one’s faith.
In the book I just wrote I have added some devotional Psalms I have written over the years along with a short story I pray will bless the hearts of those who read it. As a bonus, I have included something I have never published before. It is a theory I have pondered for many years about the day our Lord visited His father’s House when He was 12 years old. If I am correct on my theory, then this a portion of Jacob’s was fulfilled on that very day Jesus was baffling the religious scholars in HIS Father’s House.
This theory is one I have been working on for 35 years. I do plan on writing a separate book on this, but I offer my theory as it is in a 29 page chapter near the end of my book. There are a quite a number of good friends I have shared my theory with, some are Freepers, along with some pastors from various different denominations who have weighted in on my thesis. Its these well respected men who have suggested I expound upon my thesis in a book so I can offer a more in depth explanation than a mere chapter can offer. Which I am in the process of doing.
I share the information below as a way to thank FreeRepublic and my fellow Freepers for my success, because if FreeRepublic never existed, well then I never would have reached the point where IU could write, let alone get a book published.
As of this morning when I woke up, my current paperback book was ranked #34, while my Kindle e-book was ranked #17 on Amazon's New Releases for Christian Education. They were ranked lower at #9 and #13 respectively, but Amazon numbers change quite frequently, and the sale of one or two books can make a big difference in the ranking of the competition. When I consider the millions of books listed by Amazon, I will accept my ranking in this category. Over all on the actual best seller list, I have been as low as 145,000, and as high as 490,000 . This only 5 days after I published my book, a new book is eligible to be ranked in the new release categories for 30 days, so that's free advertising as long as I can stay in their top 20 list which is on their first page. True, it's a niche category, but hey, I get the free advertising.
Well, God bless you.
I have also been a Freeper for about 25 years and feel the same way. I have felt challenged to support and coherently rationalize what I believe and it has been a great learning experience.
I now feel like I am on the teaching side of things on FR although I’m always open to learning here.
Life is a learning experience but also a giving and teaching experience as well.
God bless you.
Congratulations 🎉!
Good luck with the publishing!
Looks interesting. I went and read the preview-—hoping that p. 29 would be included as you sparked my interest. I’m still curious.
Yea, After publishing, I though maybe I should have made that the first chapter to help push more sales with a tease.
These numbers don't check out.
Jim W N Since Oct 6, 2004 |
Well put.
In my case, the student, has become a teacher. At least in my field of Christian theology.
You are sleuthing the sleuth.
Congratulations. That’s yeoman’s work. Hope it does well
Perhaps he lurked for those other years
The Mind of God.
Fascinating!
.
He likes His creation
and He wants FRiends.
.
Outstanding!
Good work Scooby!
Some people are reroles or retreads or whatever they’re called when they start a new account.
The fields are ripe, Chuck, and the Lord loves those whose hearts are fully committed.
Congratulations! We need more authors like you!😊
he doesnt think that far out...
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