Magnify Almighty God Again

Restoring Moral Foundations for a Stronger Nation

In recent times, the socio-political landscape has been marked by fervent movements and fervid debates, each striving to shape the narrative of our nation. Amidst these clamors, one resounding call emerges—a call to “Magnify Almighty God Again.” This echoes a sentiment of rekindling the divine virtues that once guided our nation’s principles.

The acronym “MAGA,” often associated with a political movement, holds a different connotation here. Rather than emphasizing a partisan stance, it champions the reclamation of ethical and moral values that have been eroding in our society. It underscores the urgency to return to the higher ideals and standards that foster unity, compassion, and respect for one another.

A Glimpse into the Current State

Over the past decades, statistics from various institutions, including Focus on the Family, highlight concerning trends in societal dynamics. Crime rates, rioting incidents, civil unrest, and assaults have seen fluctuations, with certain periods witnessing an unsettling rise. However, the emphasis isn’t solely on these statistics but on recognizing the underlying factors contributing to such turmoil.

Prominent figures, some identifying strongly with their Christian beliefs, have voiced concerns about the deteriorating moral fabric of our society. Their advocacy for upholding ethical standards aligns with the fundamental teachings of scripture that emphasize compassion, justice, and love for one another.

Scriptural Perspectives on Restoration

Scripture itself echoes the call to magnify the Almighty. The Bible speaks of love, kindness, and righteousness as pillars that support a flourishing society. Psalms 34:3 reminds us to “Magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” This resonates with the need to come together, regardless of differences, to uplift values that unite rather than divide.

The essence of “Magnify Almighty God Again” lies not in divisiveness but in unity, not in exclusion but in inclusivity. It champions a moral resurgence that transcends political boundaries, focusing on the shared values that elevate humanity.

The Path Forward

Addressing societal challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach. While statistics can illuminate trends, the solution lies in nurturing hearts and minds towards compassion, empathy, and ethical conduct. It’s not merely about highlighting the problems but actively participating in solutions.

To propagate this message of restoration and moral rejuvenation, a symbolic gesture emerges—a T-shirt that boldly proclaims “God is the Answer.” This isn’t just a garment; it’s a statement—an affirmation of faith and a call to action. Proceeds from this T-shirt campaign aim to support initiatives promoting community engagement, compassion, and ethical education.

Conclusion

Amid polarizing narratives, “Magnify Almighty God Again” emerges as a beacon of hope—a call to transcend differences and embrace the timeless virtues that foster societal harmony. It’s a reminder that the strength of a nation lies not only in its policies and structures but in the morality and ethical standards upheld by its people.

The choice to magnify God again isn’t just a slogan; it’s a commitment—a commitment to steer our nation toward unity, compassion, and ethical resurgence. As we navigate the complexities of our time, let us heed this call, for in magnifying the Almighty, we find the compass guiding us toward a better tomorrow.

Embracing the Divine Identity: Finding Joy as a Child of God

In a world where identities are often tangled in labels and definitions, there’s a singular truth that transcends all—our identity as children of the Most High God. It’s a revelation that echoes through the ages, a truth captured in the essence of the latest Legacy Teez T-shirt: “I Took a DNA Test, Turns out my family tree’s got divine roots. Yep! The ‘Big Guy’ IS my Father!” Inspired by Isaiah 64:7, this statement tee is more than just fabric and ink; it’s a celebration of an eternal truth.

Imagine peering into the mirror of your existence and recognizing divine lineage woven into the fabric of your being. This tee serves as a tangible reminder that our family tree stretches its roots far beyond earthly bounds; it’s entwined with the divine, rooted in the Creator Himself.

Scriptures resound with the melody of our divine heritage:

Romans 8:16-17 assures us that the Spirit bears witness that we are not merely individuals lost in the world’s chaos but God’s own children. As His children, we inherit the richness of His grace.

1 John 3:1 paints a vivid picture of the extravagant love lavished upon us by our Heavenly Father, a love so profound that it identifies us as His beloved children.

Galatians 4:7 speaks to our liberation from the chains of a lesser identity, declaring our status as heirs of the divine kingdom.

Consider John 1:12, extending an invitation to everyone willing to receive and believe in Him—a proclamation that we can all claim the title of God’s children.

Ephesians 1:5 illuminates the divine plan of adoption, where we are welcomed into God’s family through the sacrifice of Christ.

1 Peter 1:3 heralds the new birth we experience, igniting within us a living hope through Christ’s resurrection.

Psalm 139:13-14 beautifully portrays the intricate craftsmanship of God in forming us, emphasizing our worth as His unique creations.

Wearing this shirt extends beyond fashion—it’s an embodiment of joy, peace, and confidence. It’s a declaration that resonates in the heart, celebrating the most intimate relationship one can ever fathom—a relationship with the Almighty.

It’s a privilege to belong to the divine lineage, a lineage not bound by human limitations but soaring in the limitless expanse of God’s love. It’s an identity that shapes our perspectives, anchors our souls, and empowers us to tread life’s path with unwavering assurance.

Let this tee serve as a beacon, inviting others to join in this celebration of divine kinship. Wear it proudly, not just as a garment but as a testament to the unfathomable love that surrounds and defines us.

As we embrace our divine heritage, let us carry forth this message of love, hope, and belonging. For in knowing ourselves as children of the Most High, we find the ultimate fulfillment—the joy of being known, cherished, and loved beyond measure.

So, join the movement, embrace your divine roots, and spread the message of God’s love wherever life takes you. After all, being a child of God isn’t just an identity—it’s a joyous celebration of divine kinship!

The Power of S.W.A.G.

In a world packed with challenges and uncertainties, there’s this epic force called grace—God’s favor and compassion that flip life’s script. It’s the ultimate game-changer, offering comfort, redemption, and a roadmap to a life packed with meaning.

Picture this: a tee shouting “SWAG – Saved With Abundant Grace.” Beyond a catchy line, it’s a daily nod to God’s boundless love for His squad. That tee? It’s more than threads; it’s a shoutout to grace that can light up every nook of our lives.

The Bible? It’s the plug for wisdom, and it’s all about grace’s epic perks:

Ephesians 2:8-9: “Saved by grace, not by your hustle—it’s God’s gift, no boasting!” Grace isn’t about what we do; it’s about what God gives.

2 Corinthians 12:9: “When you’re feeling low, grace’s got your back.” It’s power in your weakest moments.

Romans 5:20: “Sin’s got nothing on grace—it’s always got your six.” No matter the mess-ups, grace is bigger.

Titus 2:11: “Grace is for everyone, no VIPs.” It’s a worldwide invite to grace’s game-changing party.

James 4:6: “Stay humble, get more grace.” Being real opens the grace floodgates.

The Bible’s stacked with stories showing grace in action. Like Saul becoming Paul—from Christian-hater to grace preacher. That’s a whole 180!

Rocking that “SWAG – Saved With Abundant Grace” tee? It’s more than a style move; it’s shouting out the real deal. It’s a convo starter, a chance to share how grace flips lives and gets people curious.

So, when you rock that tee, remember the crazy amount of grace we’ve scored. Let it spark a fire to spread that same love around. It’s a shoutout to being thankful for the love we don’t deserve and spreading that game-changing grace vibe.

In a world itching for hope and a comeback story, let’s rep our “SWAG” and show how grace can turn lives around.

NEW RELEASE: Living Loved

Ryan Bruss brings the truth of the Father’s love to us…

~ John Arnott

Awakening Your Heart to The Father’s Love

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The Father’s Love is Real

God is not withholding His love from you! He loves you. He really, really loves you. He loves you with joyful, deep, and everlasting love. Here’s the problem: it’s one thing to talk about Father’s love, yet it’s an entirely different thing to live loved—to live daily feeling the sweet and strong embrace of Father God’s love.

Ryan Bruss

Most Christians will tell you that they believe that God loves them. However, when it gets down to it, they have trouble defining what His love looks and feels like. Father’s love is meant to be experienced and enjoyed. I want to help you know this love—the Father’s love. I want to help you live loved.

We are all on a journey to the center of the Father heart of God. And everyone has a divine opportunity to know His love. My prayer is that your heart awakens to the Father’s love so that you will live loved every single day!

This book was talked about on an international Christian television program called, It’s Supernatural with Sid Roth.

NEW RELEASE: Everything Happens for a Reason

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  • Everything Happens for a Reason
    by Keith Butler

In an attempt to give meaning to what appears to be inexplicable circumstances in life, many people say, “Well, everything happens for a reason, you know.” The truth of the matter is that everything does happen for a reason!

In this book, Bishop Butler explores the truths found in the Parable of the Sower, uncovering the secrets God has hidden for you, including the following:

  • What God does, how he does it, and why
  • What Satan does, how he does it, and why
  • What you should do and why

These truths will give you tools for avoiding self-inflicted wounds and strategies to use to deflect the five tools Satan uses – affliction, persecution, the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things – to try and keep the Word from becoming deeply planted in your life.

You can live a lifestyle that pleases God! The Word gives you an answer to overcoming every problem you face in life! You can live a life of victory!

©2015 Keith Butler (P)2020 Harrison House Audio

Rave Reviews: The Christian Moral Life!

A Great Study For Seekers of the Truth in Morality

Let’s start off with a bit of information. This book, and therefore I assume John Rziha, is based on Catholicism. For the average “non-denominational” Christian this might be perceived to be a problem. It should not be. I found very little to object about and nothing in the realm of the moral philosophy this book is presenting to its readers. To say it another way, The Christian Moral Life is for everyone looking to improve themselves, their relationships, and all aspects of life.

This book is not a “story” to listen to. Some authors use stories to get there message across. This is not one of those. This is a study and should be treated as such. This would be great companion audio to the written textbook. It is very well-spoken and presented in a format to keep your interest and to help you understand the topic. But you should be prepared to put some thought into the words you are hearing. On that basis, this is not a background to listen while you are doing other work. Pay attention. You just might learn something.

Mr. Barnes does an excellent job presenting the material for your ears. Pauses in all the right places let you feel like you can see the text and the breaks in the subject that are built into the written word. Many narrators could learn something from the presentation of this book.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

CLICK ON “WRITE A REVIEW” TO GET A FREE COPY OF
THIS BOOK WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

Pick of the Week: God Longs to Heal You

Your time for wholeness has come!

God can heal what we reveal.

Powerfully anointed Bishop T.D. Jakes calls you to courageously confess every layer of superficiality, religious reasonings, and pious pretending to your Lord. His gracious love and forgiveness will free you and heal you.

God Longs to Heal You provides inspiration from a man who shares his personal struggles to help those desperate for the Lord’s loving touch. You, too, can find peace in today’s troubled world by understanding God’s desire to heal your body, mind, and spirit.

“O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”

~ Psalms 30:2

T.D. Jakes believes this is your important first step to true freedom and progress in every part of your life. When you reveal what God longs to heal, you and those around you will experience the life-changing presence of God bringing joy and wholeness.

©2012 Destiny Image (P)2015 Destiny Image

God Longs to Heal You audiobook cover art

NEW RELEASE: THE CHRISTIAN MORAL LIFE!

CRITICAL REVIEWS

“Eminently readable and enlightening.” (Leon Suprenant, Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas) 

“Dr. Rziha’s book exemplifies true Christian and Catholic humanism at its finest.”
(Michael G. Sirilla, Franciscan University of Steubenville)

“A sound introductory textbook on the complexities of moral theology.” (Catholic Library World)

  • The Christian Moral Life: Directions for the Journey to Happiness

SUMMARY

To take a journey, travelers must know where they are, where they are going, and how to get there. Moral theology examines the same three truths. The Christian Moral Life is a guide for moral theology that uses the theme of a journey to explain its key ethical concepts. First, humans begin with their creation in the image of God. Secondly, the goal of the journey is explained as a loving union with God, to achieve a share in his eternal happiness. Third and finally, the majority of the audiobook examines how to attain this goal. Within the journey motif, the audiobook covers the moral principles essential for attaining true happiness. Based on an examination of the moral methodology in The Bible, the audiobook discusses the importance of participating in divine nature through grace in order to attain eternal happiness.

The entire project builds upon the insights of great Christian thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas, Thérèse of Lisieux, and John Paul II, to uncover the moral wisdom in scripture and to show people how to be truly happy both in this life and the next. This audiobook will be of great interest to undergraduate students of moral theology, priests and seminarians, parents, and teachers seeking to raise and to form happy children, and anyone interested in discovering the meaning of true happiness.

The book is published by University of Notre Dame Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.©2017 University of Notre Dame (P)2020 Redwood Audiobooks

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Pick of the Week: Manifesting the Blessings of God

How do you watch invisible promises become visible blessings in your life?

Many people have prayed for miracles and breakthroughs, but they are still waiting to see these prayers get answered. What is the key to receiving answers from heaven?

Christians are taught a great deal about how to receive entry into God’s family: by grace, through faith. The problem is that many are only taught how to enter the Kingdom; they are not given practical, Bible-based strategies on how to live victoriously in the Kingdom of God.

The revelation of our inheritance in the Kingdom determines how we approach God in prayer and ultimately how we receive every promise and provision he has made available!©2017 Steven Brooks (P)2017 Destiny Image Publishers

REVIEWS

JOURNAL REVIEW: The Christian Moral Life

Kinghorn, Kevin.Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies; Pasadena Vol. 31, Iss. 1/2,  (2019): 195-196.

John Rziha’s The Christian Moral Life offers a Christian overview of the good life for which God created us, along with the virtue-forming habits through which we may attain it.

The theology is faithfully within the Catholic tradition, and the use of terms and concepts is decidedly Thomistic. The book is divided into two parts. In Part 1, Rziha outlines a framework for thinking about the Christian moral life. Using the analogy of a journey to God, he points out the travelers must know three things: (1) their beginning point; (2) where they are going; and (3) how to get there. Our beginning point is our human nature and the subsequent inclinations we all experience.

Part 2 covers the three theological virtues – faith, hope, charity – and four cardinal virtues – produce, justice, temperance, fortitude. Each chapter on an individual virtue includes a discussion of sub-virtues, which are aspects of the broader cardinal or theological virtues under consideration. And here, there are some especially thoughtful connections. Yes, fortitude obviously requires patience and perseverance; but it also requires meekness.

As we practice justice, we will of course be aided by gratitude and honesty, but also be aided by industry and stewardship. By bringing out the connection points among all the virtues, Rziha helps reinforce a central theme of the book: that the virtues are all intended to serve the ultimate purpose of cultivating our love of God so that we may enjoy eternal fellowship with Him.

Throughout the book, Rziha offers a framework for moral theology that is unswervingly teleological (as opposed to deontological). While most discussions of justice focus on respect for others’ rights, within Rziha’s teleological framework, “the most important aspect of justice is that it perfects the ability of humans to love others” (224). In his discussion of Natural Law theory, the “eternal law” is simply God’s “plan directing all things to their proper end” (102). I myself find it a great merit of Rziha’s book that he frames his discussions in these terms. It is a sad fact that moral theology over the past few centuries has in may quarters not wanted to start with the kinds of questions Aristotle and Aquinas saw as central: what the good life consists in for humans, and how we may achieve it. Yet, it is the book’s staunch commitment to this tradition of Aquinas – including his terms and concepts – that potentially leads to certain types of difficulties. We are quite far removed today from Aquinas’ metaphysical commitments. Medieval scholars spend years studying how Aquinas and others would have understood such claims as the objects “tend toward” their natural ends. To those who are not Medieval scholars, can we retain Aquinas’ terms and categories, and still understand most of what he intended to convey? I am not sure.

This problem arises mainly in Rziha’s discussion of human action and decision-making, which would largely be covered in modern curriculum by courses in philosophy of action and the philosophy of mind. For those with backgrounds in these areas, it may prove frunstrating to read antiquated statements such as that “The will is naturally inclined to love the true good” (20). Or, it may seem too artificial to claim that prudence “perfects the intellect,” with justice “perfecting the will,” and temperance and fortitude “perfecting the emotions.” So, there may be a trade-off between a faithful recapitulation of Aquinas and a serious, modern proposal of the processes of human decision-making and intentional action. Nevertheless, Rhiza’s discussions do serve as a spiritual formative way of looking at the human condition and God’s resources for leading us to the good life of communion with Him.

COMING IN JUNE 2020

In sum, Rziha offers an extremely detailed, and laudably systematic, look at the connection points within moral theology: between one virtue and another, between virtue and the sins that undermine it, between virtue and the actions that cultivate it, between virtue and the grace that perfects it. These are faithful summations of the rich Thomistic tradition. Each topic presents the reader with challenges if seeking a deeper life with God. And if readers are indeed seeking to be spiritually formed, they will embrace these challenges, given the continuously attractive way Rziha presents the end of our journey: perfect happiness found in God. The book will work well as an introductory text for undergraduate students. More widely, for those interested in understanding the Catholic, Thomist tradition in moral theology, as well as for those already in that tradition who would like a framework for understanding how familiar themes of human telos, grace, law, and virtue all fit together, this book would be an excellent choice.

~ Kevin Kinghorn, Asbury Theological Seminary

REVIEW: The Christian Moral Life

Rasmussen, Hans C.The Catholic Library World; Pittsfield Vol. 88, Iss. 2,  (Dec 2017): 113.

An academic textbook promising “directions for the journey to happiness” must be an odd outrider in a genre that typically explains bland technical subjects with dispassionate, often tedious prose. Such is the peculiar case with this introduction to Catholic moral theology from John Rziha, professor of theology at Benedictine College (Atchison, Kansas).

While it exhibits all the formal organization, diligent comprehensiveness, and (at times) even plodding language of a common school textbook, the attainment of both natural and eternal happiness really is the unerring focus of this book. Rziha defines moral theology as “the study of how humans attain eternal happiness through loving union with God by performing their proper actions with the aid of God’s grace” (2). So, throughout his nineteen carefully argued chapters, Rziha never loses sight of this ultimate goal of happiness or the essential human need for loving relationships with God and other people.

AUDIOBOOK COMING IN
JUNE 2020

The text is organized into two parts with the second building upon the first.”Moral Theology in General” covers the subjects essential to the discipline: human nature, sanctifying grace, the four types of laws, the practice of virtue, the nature of sin, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and other salient points.

“The Individual Virtues and Laws” takes a deeper look into the three theological and four cardinal virtues, including specific sub-virtues, related gifts of the Holy Spirit, relevant commandments, and sins that oppose each virtue.

Rziha always writes in accessible language to convey deep philosophical and theological ideas to the uninitiated, as well as explain a handful of unavoidable specialized terms. He also fills the text with friendly illustrative examples of fictitious men and women facing moral dilemmas over commonplace issues with school, work, family, faith, and vocation.

The Christian Moral Life is a sound introductory textbook on the complexities of moral theology. Despite its relatively simple language and unwavering focus on human happiness as the central subject of moral theology, the text can understandably be difficult to follow at times.

“…humans attain eternal happiness through loving union with God..”

JOHN RZIHA

The complex interrelations among various steps of human actions, virtues, laws, gifts, and beatitudes can be challenging to piece together properly. This is, after all, a text on moral theology and not a self-help book, so readers must be ready to slow to a crawl at times to comprehend the richness of Catholic moral thought.

COMING IN JUNE 2020

The Christian Moral Life will be a valuable textbook for libraries and teachers educating undergraduate and graduate students in theology, but its many grammatical errors will need to be corrected if it ever goes into a second edition.

Hans C. Rasmussen

Pick of the Week: Unleash Your Purpose

Unleash Your Purpose by Myles Munroe
Narrated by Andrew L. Barnes

Do you know your purpose in life? Are you living up to your full potential?

You can do both successfully and powerfully by learning how to unleash the plan your Creator designed especially for you! When nations and individuals lose their sense of purpose and significance…confusion, frustration, disillusionment, and corporate suicide – whether gradual or instant – will most surely follow.

Dr. Myles Munroe’s personal experiences and stories are balanced with a solid biblical foundation to help you regain your sense of purpose. You can unleash your God-given talents and skills, and benefit from your potential – every joyful day of your life!

©1992 Destiny Image (P)2015 Destiny Image

“Andrew has a great understanding of how to covey the heart of the author.”

~ Philip renner
ceo