I just read this book, and I couldn't put it down! I found myself opening my Bible constantly to read the scriptures mentioned. On top of that, it was a very entertaining read.
Book
Jacket description:
Muscle and a Shovel is a raw, gritty, true story about a pair of
young newly-weds who move to the city to chase the American dream. In the
process they are befriended by a man who turns their belief about God, their
church, and their faith upside down.
Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Catholics, the Community
Churches - none are spared when Truth is at stake and their new friend Randall
isn't about to "candy-coat" God's Word for the sake of
"political correctness" or "religious tolerance."
This raw, uncensored story grabs you and doesn't let go. Prepare
to have your intellect, emotions, and existing beliefs set on fire!This is a book that will challenge you in ways you may never have been challenged before. All pointing to the Word of God. It's not a "light" read, and I have to say, I LOVED IT!
If you want an honest look at God's word, be noble-minded like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), double-check the scriptures Mr. Shank uses and read them in their contexts (from the beginning to the end of the chapter or the book, if necessary). After all, we can't just pull out one verse and say it means so-and-so without reading the verses before and after one particular text. This book will teach you to do that! And it will teach you how simple it is to understand the Bible by just reading it and not adding our own interpretations, what others "tell us" it means, or leaning on "traditions of men," etc. Simply read the Word and see what it has to say for itself.
Having grown up in both the Pentecostal (Dad's side) and Baptist (Mom's side) churches, I found this book to be an eyeopener and a HUGE encouragement to my faith.
Here's what others are saying:
ONE BAPTIST PREACHER'S RESPONSE: This story provoked me on
spiritual levels I didn't know existed! Everyone who reads this story should be
prepared to "fight or flee" -- MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL is one of those
rare books that will raise your blood-pressure. You'll either give it to
everyone you know or put it in a shredder -- there's no middle ground. This
book just might turn the religious world on its ear!
--name withheld by request (Baptist Minister of 18 years,
Nashville, TN)
N.B. HARDEMAN'S NEPHEW SAID:
Timely and MUCH needed -- this is a book you'll read over
and over! It's a perfect gift written by an exquisite talent for simplicity,
and direct enough to touch the heart of every reader. It is a storehouse to
treasure. Every Christian should have a copy of this book in their home!
--Dan Webb (Educator, Author, Gospel Preacher)
About the author:
MICHAEL SHANK earned his Bachelor of Science in Management
Communications at Southern Christian University. He serves the Lord through
preaching, teaching, and full-time ministry work. Michael, his wife Jonetta,
and their four sons live in rural southern Illinois.
Mr.
Shank, why this book?
MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL is a unique, real-life conversion story that is written
in a story (novel) form. The book contains over 1,000 Bible references,
and also reveals how I fought the Truth! This story should not
only be a great tool to teach the lost, but is should also serve to encourage,
strengthen, and edify every New Testament Christian that reads it!
Muscle and a Shovel is a true story, and accurate in every sense, which is one of the reasons why the story is so compelling. Mr. Shank hopes you'll read it and share it with your family and friends. And so do I!
MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL -- OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
If you want to win a copy of this book, leave a comment and your email address like so: sandirog at gmail dot com. May the person who can take an honest look at scriptures and has a true love for TRUTH win!!!
I enjoy authors who aren't 'politically correct' when it comes to the Word of God. I would definitely love a chance to win this book!
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Hi Linda! I had to laugh when I read your comment because this story is so far from being politically correct with the Bible! I'd love to hear from you after you read it.
DeleteIt is a wonderful book! Everyone who wants to please God needs to read it!
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you so much. What an encouraging thing to say. Your words humble me.
DeleteSandi, when you said you'll either love it or hate it, I was thinking...Wow what a way to start a review! After reading further, this book sounds like an awesome read. Sounds like a good one for my new book club.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy, a friend of mine made this statement. He said after reading it, "Mike, some people will eat this story up, and the ones who don't will want you burned at the stake!" I hope you'll tell me what you think after you read it?
DeleteYou're right, Stacy! your book club will devour it! :-)
DeleteHi Sandi, Muscle and a Shovel sounds like a great book and one that I would love to read. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
ReplyDeletemisskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Hey Miss Kallie, I really appreciate your interest and hope you'll get to read it!
DeleteWould love to exercise my spiritual muscles.
ReplyDeleteMikendy at sbcglobal dot net
Hi Kendy, your interest encourages me. Thank you!!
DeleteSandi, mine is supposed to be here tomorrow. Believe it or not, but Michael Shank lives about 30 miles from me. I'm so impressed! Can't wait to start reading. Thanks for telling me about it.
ReplyDeleteHey Kathy, can't wait for you to get it! You and I are that close? What town do you live in? "And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see (John 1:46, KJV)." Hey - can anything good come out of Metropolis? Haha! Can't wait to hear from you.
DeleteDear Sister Sandi, I am so grateful to God that this book has found its way to you, and for your willingness to share it with your friends, fellow Christians, and readers via your blog! I pray that our Lord will bless you and your work greatly - your friend and brother, Michael Shank
ReplyDeleteI'm completely intrigued. It sounds as if God's word is woven throughout this story.
ReplyDeleteHi Pam! This is a story of our conversion to the Truth. We were "hardshell" Baptists, but what's so interesting is how "Randall" taught us the Truth. I must tell you that I fought and wrestled with him, but in the end the Bible won! It's written in a "story" and/or "novel" format. I truly hope you'll enjoy reading it and hope you'll let me know!
DeleteLooking up all the scripture used in this book sounds like a unique Bible study endeavor. I would enjoy the challenge. I would warm my heart with the story, spark my brain cells with the reading from God's Holy Bible and exercise my hands by looking up all those verses. Sounds like a win/win/win situation to me...speaking of win, I hope I do win this book!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors and the watercolor blending used on this website. Lovely!
Blessings, Janice jsmithg at hotmail dot com
Hey Janice! I LOVE your attitude!
DeleteOne of the things that your readers need to know is that I wrote this from the true perspective of my life as a Baptist believer at that time. I reveal all of my flaws (smoking, drinking, partying, cursing, etc.) It's a true-to-life story which reveals a worldly couple searching for the Truth, and eventually "finding" it! However, the story is "raw" just as it states. Meaning, I edited very little. This story is as practical and "real life" as it gets. Some Christians can't handle reading about the kind of person I was before my conversion. I pray that you will be able to forgive my sins, my cursing, and my worldly attitude (in the book) at that time in my life.
ReplyDeleteMike, that's one of the things that makes your book so GOOD. Not that there's swearing and drinking, but because it's HONEST. We don't have enough honest, true-to-life accounts out there, and because this is a TRUE STORY, it makes it all the more compelling and encouraging. None of us are perfect, even after we're saved (of course). That's the whole reason we need to be saved! But to see that we're not alone in our imperfection gives us hope and courage to grow and to work to become better for our Lord. And really in the end, it's only Jesus that can make us better. Anyway, I certainly forgive you! I mean, who am I not to forgive after God has forgiven? Also, my readers here have also read my books, and they're not "light" reads by any means! :-)
DeleteHi my name is ron odell I have read this book it the 2ed best book I have seen. only book that's better is the Bible .that been said l' m trying to let the world know about it .I was a babest years ago until I met the church of Christ. they had a hard time to get me to see the Truth .know I 'm a member of is church. It would have been easy for me with this book
DeleteReligious truth and God's truth can be two different things. Religion is based on man's interpretation of the Bible. That' why we have so many wars over religion. Good job we nee a book like this.
ReplyDeleterainbowsong@mail2sky.com
It's interesting what the world has done with the term "religion." I think the scriptures define that word quite clearly in James 1:27: "This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." And yes, too many men have twisted scripture and its true meaning to suit their own desires. Lots of scripture warns of that: 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Peter 3:16, and Galatians 1:6-10. Thanks for sharing. xxx
DeleteThis has certainly piqued my interest. Would love to win a copy. Otherwise, I guess I will just order it from Amazon. :)
ReplyDeleteHi KQ, I would love to get your feedback after you read the story if you get a chance!
DeleteThis book certainly has me very curious and would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Blessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
Hey Jo! Hope you read the book - let me know what you think!
DeleteWow! I want it! I want it! this sounds like a fantastic book to be included in church libraries. Please enter me:
ReplyDeleteDena at: brucedenakiri@aol.com
Hello Dena, What a pleasure it is to read your post! I'm excited that you might read this story!
DeleteI am intrigued but also a bit fearful of your story Michael, since I was in a cult for twelve years.
ReplyDeleteSo I won't enter the contest, but I am thinking of buying your book. I will ask the Lord if He wants me to read it or not.
Hi Sharon! What a blessing and opportunity to speak with you. This story, in my opinion, is about the farthest thing from a cult (or any cult influences) that you'll find! Your words reminded me of the words found in Acts 17:11, "These [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (KJV)." You and I seek a noble mind in the eyes of the Lord, right? Well, the inspired writer made a solid, common-sense statement about the Bereans - they listened to the preaching with readiness of mind, but they didn't accept what was told to them at face value. They "searched the scriptures" everyday to find out for themselves whether or not the preaching they heard was "of God" or if it was not. They heard the lessons, then dug through the Old Testament scrolls to confirm everything said! That's my only plea - if you decided to read the story, search the Bible for yourself! Fair enough? your new friend, mike
DeleteI can't wait to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteclSwalwell@gmail.com
In Him,
Cheri :)
Hi Cheri! Can't wait for you to get it! your friend, Michael Shank
DeleteSandi, I love reads that aren't "safe". Go big or go home and it sounds like this book does that. Please put me in the drawing. Great to see you blogging again and I'm praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHey Nancy,
DeleteYour words are truly encouraging!
Michael Shank
Anticipating reading "Muscle and a Shovel" Praying for Sandi
ReplyDeleteksucindy(at)excite(dot)com
I hope you'll let me know what you think of it! My email is mikeshank.62960@gmail.com
DeleteI would love to read Michael's book, Muscle and a Shovel. First I have heard of book. Great post. Thanks for this opportunity to enter giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling great Sandi.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Hi Kallie! I hope you get a chance to read the story and tell me what you think!
DeleteEXCELLENT BOOK MIKE!! Thanks for takin the time to write your story down!!! More folks need to do this very thing. I came from a Catholic background. Our stories are similar in many ways, I pray that we will one day work together face to face! I will be using this book in our Bible class at Media. May the Lord continue to bless your efforts to get the TRUTH OUT!! (2 Tim. 2:2) In Him, Russell DiGiorgio
ReplyDeleteThank you Russell! It's such an encouragement to receive messages like yours, and I'm grateful to God that you've been able to use the story in some way for the Lord and His church!
ReplyDeleteI've never read a novel so fast in my life! I became a member of Christ's church in 2007. I saw myself while reading this book. Sadly, my parents, siblings, well... all my family are not members of the Church. I will share this book in hope to be an eye opener for them or anyone for that matter! Recently, I've been accepted to the Memphis School of Preaching. My goal is to have the Bible knowledge and be a "seed planter" like Randall.
ReplyDeleteThere were two personal hits on me in this book as well. One, I currently live in Pulaski, TN. When this town and Lawrenceburg were mentioned, naturally, I swollen with a sense of pride. Two, the one, who began Bible study with me, was a man named Randy.
Thanks again, Mike!
g dot brandongrieves at gmail dot com
Hello Brandon, I'm so happy to hear about your acceptance to MSOP and will be praying for you. Brother, you can become a seed planter! God bless you richly my brother!
DeleteI have been referred to this book twice so far this month, so thought it must be something work looking up. The first Sunday in August we visited a church for worship that had used it to convert a couple who were their newest members. I also participate in a Bible Study one of whose members is the sister of a member of that same congregation, and last week she shared more with us about the actual content of the book, which she had also read. I was looking for discount sources from which to purchase one when I found your website. Sounds like you've done a great job telling your story, and I look forward to getting to actually read it myself and share it with others!
ReplyDeleteRita Barnett
barnettrjt@gmail.com
Hi Rita, can't wait to know what you think of the story! We've heard of about 1000+ baptisms from the book in the past 6 months - God receives all of the honor, credit and glory! Thanks so much for your love and encouragement!
DeleteA friend loaned me her copy of Muscle and a Shovel. WOW! Loved it. I would love to win this book so I would have a copy of my on.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry! The giveaway was over a year ago. But you can order the updated copy. It's even better! :-)
DeleteHI everyone! I was introduced to this book tonight before church started. I went to the web site to see what all the interest was about and read a couple of what was on the site.I canot wait to win this book or buy it! The Adairsville Church of Christ has a video entitled, "WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CHURCHES?" This has caused such curiosity in the community and questions. I would love to have this book to add to my witnessing to those wanting to know what is the church of the Bible. It is in Acts the second chapter! The one Christ died for and will come back to get!
ReplyDeleteThis book was referenced and highly recommended from our church pulpit last Sunday evening. Again, on Monday evening a friend stated she had read it and could not put it down. I am very anxious to receive my order. I plan to share it with other family members. Anita
ReplyDeleteThere is no water mentioned in Romans 10....This is how one is saved by calling on the name of Jesus! For WhoSoEver.........................
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I agree. There is no water mentioned. But there's also no calling on the name of the Lord mentioned in Acts 2:38. We need to take the Bible as a whole. Not leave any verses out. Acts 22:16 describes/defines exactly what "calling on the name of the Lord" is. It's an "appeal" for a good conscience and happens only through obedience/baptism. Plus, keep in mind, Romans was written to the "Christians" in Rome. ~Blessings, Sandi
DeleteSandi: Thanks for your reply. The book has made me dig and question what I believe... It is hard to wrap my mind around a great man like Billy Graham and picture him going to hell along with the thousands he had brought to Christ through a prayer that is made up of confession and repentance.
DeleteEddie, Satan is very clever. He's no fool. Of course, he's going to delude us all on what SAVES us. Yes, why not get us where it "counts." As for Billy Graham, members of the Lord's church studied with him, and he agreed about baptism, but he said that message wouldn't be as acceptable, so he couldn't teach it. Sounds crazy, I know, but that's what happened. It's a shame, really. Imagine all those souls he could have reached with the truth. As for judging who is going to heaven or hell, it's best to leave that up to God. ~Blessings, Sandi
DeleteEddie, this article also might interest you: http://www.biblebb.com/files/tonyqa/tc00-105.htm
DeleteKeep in mind that Jesus says no man can come to the Father but through Him/Christ.