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Muscle And A Shovel

M

Mark1616

Member
Recently, I finished reading a book called "Muscle And A Shovel" by Michael Shank. It woke me up out of my spiritual sleep. It was not a gentle nudge either. It violently shook me awake! I had spent a lifetime thinking that certain beliefs I had were Biblical, and had spent the past 3 years thinking I was saved when I really wasn't. This book is a true story about a guy named Mike (the author) who went on a 7-month journey of re-thinking everything he had been taught about God, Christianity, salvation, etc.......in light of what the Bible actually says (as opposed to what he had been spoon-fed by his pastor while growing up). This is an absolute must-read for EVERYONE, believer or atheist, Catholic or Protestant.......everyone will get something out of this book! Here's the link to order a copy of it:

http://michaelshankministries.com/
 
I will be looking to see if this book will be allowed to be linked here.... I my view it violates ToS
 
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reba said:
I will be looking to see if this book will be allowed to be linked here.... I my view it violates ToS
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I understand, Reba. Issues like these aren't very pleasant to talk about sometimes. But it's the most unpleasant conversations that are usually the most important (if conducted with gentleness and respect, of course). This book addresses vital, life-or-death, Heaven-or-Hell issues. And the intent of the author, as you'll see if you read it, is NOT to condemn anyone, or judge anyone's soul (it explicitly says that!). This book is to point us to the Bible, and what it says.......and if someone is in Biblical error, we want to HELP them get to Heaven, not condemn them to Hell.

I sincerely hope that Michael Shank's sincere, honest, non-judgmental, genuine attempt to help people get to Heaven by pointing them back to the Bible........will not be considered a violation of this forum's ToS.
 
Mark1616 said:
I understand if you don't want to read it. I'll just say that if you DO read this book in its entirety, then you'll have a better understanding of where Michael Shank is coming from with his replies in this link.
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You are probably right. I wasn't just referring to his replies in that link, but those on Amazon as well. Also I've heard him speak at the Harding lectures.
 
The reviews on Amazon from what I could see were excellent 5 stars.But why am I getting negative vibes?
 
I sincerely hope that Michael Shank's sincere, honest, non-judgmental, genuine attempt to help people get to Heaven by pointing them back to the Bible........will not be considered a violation of this forum's ToS.
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As i sincerely hope honest, non-judgmental, genuine attempt to help people get to Heaven by pointing them back to the Bible.. and the Bible says:

Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

With in a forum this is one of the topics that go round and round. We at CFnet are welcome to share our views and thoughts... Let be careful we dont use our words attempting place condemnation on our brother and sisters in the Lord...
I am not the same Christian i was 50 years ago but i am just as saved.... This little piece of the TOS has deep value...

2.4: ..... Respect where people are in their spiritual walk, and respect all others in general. Respect where others are in their spiritual walk, do not disrupt the flow of discussion or act in a way that affects others negatively including when debating doctrinal issues, in the defense of the Christian faith, and in offering unwelcome spiritual advice.
 
reba said:
As i sincerely hope honest, non-judgmental, genuine attempt to help people get to Heaven by pointing them back to the Bible.. and the Bible says:

Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

With in a forum this is one of the topics that go round and round. We at CFnet are welcome to share our views and thoughts... Let be careful we dont use our words attempting place condemnation on our brother and sisters in the Lord...
I am not the same Christian i was 50 years ago but i am just as saved.... This little piece of the TOS has deep value...

2.4: ..... Respect where people are in their spiritual walk, and respect all others in general. Respect where others are in their spiritual walk, do not disrupt the flow of discussion or act in a way that affects others negatively including when debating doctrinal issues, in the defense of the Christian faith, and in offering unwelcome spiritual advice.
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Good advise... :)
 
Shakes said:
I haven't read the book, but the author's replies to negative reviews has turned me off of the book. Here is a link to a negative review
http://oneinjesus.info/2013/10/muscle-and-a-shovel-by-michael-shank/
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Shakes said:
You are probably right. I wasn't just referring to his replies in that link, but those on Amazon as well. Also I've heard him
speak at the Harding lectures.
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Dear brother Shakes, I'm truly sorry that my response to the negative on the blog oneinjesus.com has turned you off. Here was my response:

Michael Shank says:
October 27, 2013 at 1:22 am
I am Michael Shank, the author of the book. First let me express my sincere apologies to Jay for the poor editing and proofing. I promise that this response won’t find improved editing, grammar or capitalization.

I also would like to tell you how much I appreciate the time you’ve taken to read the book. Friend, we’ve heard of over 3000 baptisms in this past 6 months, along with an untold number of restorations. Is this not incredible new that we, as Christians, should be rejoicing about? Does God not receive all of the honor, credit, and glory?

There’s no doubt in my mind that when the church’s zeal and enthusiasm is restored and the gospel is being spread in a manner not seen in decades, the Adversary will certainly attempt to discredit, impede, and/or destroy that which is responsible.

Friend, this honest story is simply my account of searching for Truth, and a true, first-century Christian leading me to the Truth in the most kind, loving, and meek way.

Critical reviews rarely bother me, due to the fact that the vast majority who assail disparaging remarks about the story haven’t actually read it. However, Mr. Fudge’s comments have hurt my soul and spirit – IF his comment was directed at my work. He wrote, “Thanks, Jay, for not beating around the bush on this horrendous false gospel.” False gospel? Is he speaking of my book? Has he read the book?

If the answer is no (he hasn’t read it), then how and why would Mr. Fudge make such incendiary remarks? If the answer is yes (he has read it), Mr. Fudge would have seen the over 1000 scriptural references within the story that are planted directly within context, with no private interpretation.

Randall simply pointed me back to the Bible. Therefore, how could this be a “horrendous false gospel?” Wow, I’ve been a fan of yours for years, and am truly taken back by your remarks. I’m also very disturbed over the lack of genuine Christian love. I assume that all who have commented consider themselves “Christians,” yet, Christians with this type of attitude, tone, and lack of love?

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

Mr. Guin, if this was an effort to criticize a work that is doing so much good for the kingdom toward conversions and restorations to the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, I must say that you have succeeded. If those who’ve commented sought to hurt a brother, they’ve been successful, as well.

And the irony? I’ve never been hurt by the world like I am hurt by my own “brothers” in Christ. Yes, Satan is surely winning in this regard.

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift (Matthew 5:23-24).”

If this response offended you in any way, I hope that you will forgive me. Christian love and seeking reconcilation is critical to our faith. You heard me speak at Harding? Did I offend you when I spoke there? God bless you, my brother. Sending my Christian love, mike

Michael Shank
 
I used the Kindle lending library to read this and I was very disappointed although I wasn't surprised. I'm glad that some people are getting something out of it, but the author portrays every preacher outside the CoC as misguided, dumb, or greedy. There are some weird things in the book that I can't tell if the author believes them or if it is just the guy who is talking to the author believes them. For example - the gift of the Holy Spirit referred to in Ax 2 is eternal life. I'd advise folks to stay away from this book.
 
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