Rev. Gregory Alan Haage
Written in a 'coffee talk'
format, this is a VERY helpful book for both the seeker and Bible student. Pastor Greg writes in a style as if he's sitting across from you, talking one to one, fielding your questions
about Jesus, as well as, controversial topics. A must-read, aid for everyone’s library!
In
everyone’s life there comes a time when they go on a God search, which usually
involves listening to “religious experts.” You watch CNN’s Larry King Live
show and a supposed “religious expert” says one thing about what the Bible really
says and the very next night a different “expert” states just the opposite.
(Most people think, “O.K. What’s up with that?”)
You
read about Christians being put in Roman coliseums with lions because they
refuse to denounce their King, missionaries in third world countries dying for
their faith, study martyrs over the last twenty centuries being killed for “the
cause” only to watch stories of TV preachers living lavish lifestyles of jets,
limousines and mansions and say to yourself, “What’s wrong with this picture?”
The Biblical insights to all these relevant questions, especially in a crazy,
confusing, 9/11, violent world, are in this no non-sense, straight ahead,
“pull no punches” examination of Christianity by Greg Haage, a successful
professional musician and recording artist who’s now in ministry called to
counsel and train others in “the faith” with one goal in mind: Getting people
free from “religious works” or “denominational duties” and pointing them to the
One who made the footprints in the sand.
www.UpFrontMinistries.com
I believe God will use Greg’s book and ministry
to reach those that are badly bruised. In this "labor of love" book,
he is gentle in prodding people to the higher walk with the Lord yet speaks
with authority in addressing things like legalism and "religiousity".
He formulates and communicates very well and always gets to the heart of the
matter.
He’s done us all a great service by including the original words and their
meanings, with the multitude of scriptures he has examined. I believe it’s a
much needed "cutting edge" work for both the seeker and the disciple.
It’s a wealth of knowledge in one book and he always gets to the 'heart of the matter.'
He’s done us all a great service by including the original words and their
meanings, with the multitude of scriptures he has examined. I believe it’s a
much needed "cutting edge" work for both the seeker and the disciple.
It’s a wealth of knowledge in one book.Rev.
Alan Winter, FRONTLINE MISSIONS
Atlanta, GA
We
who call ourselves “Christians” are often found arguing over our beliefs.
Personally, as a Pastor, I find Greg’s insights quite helpful in bringing a
very much-needed balance to today’s communicating of the Gospel and he
delivers this in a very contemporary, palatable literary style. You’ll never
regret spending time learning and applying this “balanced” look, that is
conveyed in Greg’s exhaustive study of our Christian faith, different Bible
translations and the original texts.
Allow “The Real Deal” to aid your walk with the Lord—as I have—so it can
have true substance and not just be a mere religious episode.”
Pastor
Paris Pasch, Christ’s Family Church
Hastings, Minnesota
PREFACE: (To those who
have been traditionally taught and denominationally trained)
We live in an ever-increasing,
technologically evolving, fast paced, computerized, oftentimes stressful world.
There are many diversions, disruptions and distractions available to us. Many
don’t take the time to rest or seek out the deeper things of life
because of the "day timer", job(s), investments, lawn care, etc.
Americans are pre-occupied with "stuff".
One of the greatest enjoyments
in life, for me, satisfies both the rest part and the deeper things of
life "seeking" part, namely spending time in the Bible. Reading the
Word, especially the New Testament (the Gospel of John being my favorite) has
now become my work, passion, ministry and "calling". To read, study
and communicate it, correctly.
If I can use an automobile
metaphor, it’s God’s "owners manual". Looking for God to speak to
you? A "now" word? A heavenly directive? Here it is..."Follow
the instructions and you’ll be alright".
The Real Deal shares my thoughts on the main focus of
the Bible, Jesus, the Messiah, and what it means to follow Him, as a
disciple.
Tough issues can be
uncomfortable, for some, to discuss. They say "Just keep things
light--don’t talk politics or religion". (Personally, I like a stimulating
conversation when the timing is appropriate but engaging someone in a heavy
topic when they’re not ready for it, usually backfires and can be--and
oftentimes is--counterproductive)
So…politics? “I vote for the
person and my convictions agenda.” I’ll discuss issues but I won’t wrangle.
But when it comes to the things
of God--well, you’ll always know where I stand.
My conclusions about Him and His
ways are more solidified since I’ve been called to full time ministry. I’m now
fifty two, been married twenty five years with two great kids and am a former
owner of a successful music business.
Here’s a brief background: I have a Bachelor’s degree in psychology/marriage
counseling, a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Theology, am a Bible college graduate
and an ordained minister of the Gospel. In all that time, study and
preparation, I’ve learned a few things along the way--some things perhaps you
can use and apply. This book is simply one more way that I can
"serve" you because that’s what true ministers and believers are
instructed to do: serve, not dictate to or control.
Originally I wanted to share
these things with people I had worked with in the music industry here in
Minneapolis. The Working Class Musician, my first book, was an overview
of my years with a "how to make it" format in the music business but
more importantly it was designed as an "outreach" to those who are
still working in studios, the club scene and casinos, and are exploring the
things of God.
"The Real Deal"
was written for those of you who are interested in, and inquiring about, the
Lord, the Bible and the life of "walking in the footsteps of Jesus"
but have been, shall we say, tainted by many wolves in sheep’s clothing,
"high profile" Christian leaders or TV evangelists in it for the
money or have been traditionally indoctrinated. (Some of the things done in the
name of God have been embarrassing, detrimental and even destructive) There are
many literalists, legalists and liberalists out there supposedly enlightening
the world.
"Literalists" believe
everything in the Bible is simply to be taken, literally. No, the Holy Spirit
is not a bird, though He is described as "descending like a dove".
Jesus is not a sheep, although He is described as "the Lamb of God".
When the Bible says to "taste and see that the Lord is good", it’s a
metaphor not literal. The list goes on.
The Bible is full of metaphors,
parables and symbolism. That’s why we are to be like the Bereans of old and
take the time to study. (You should always confirm what a preacher says--always. I’m saying that as a preacher myself. You hear me say
something: check it out)
