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Do I Make My Case about Sober-Mindedness?

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  I just finished reading my own book (again). Yes, I do think it's a great book, if I can say so as the author. The study I put into it was hugely beneficial to me on a personal level, and I hope that comes through to readers, and proves beneficial to them as well. Real sobriety is not what our present moment fosters. Instead, we live in a world, and age, that is more and more out of it's mind, like someone intoxicated and staggering about. And that inebriation has poured into the church where we speak and write and act in destructive, drunken ways. And especially pastors and elders, who should be leading soberly from the front, are leading with flailing arms swinging this way and that, with their hair on fire. But God has not given us a spirit of fear. Rather, he has given us a Spirt of power, love, and sober-mindedness (2 Timothy 1:7). Pick up the book, work through it, work it over, and see if I have made my case that Sober-mindedness is a forgotten Christian virtue. And in
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Endorsements for "Our Heads On Straight"

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  What are people saying about "Our Heads on Straight: Sober-mindedness - A Forgotten Christian Virtue"? Take a look: We live in the time of plague. A coronavirus has sickened and killed millions. But spiritual plagues—polarization, conspiracy theories, hatred, and violence—have taken their toll on us as well. Philliber’s fine book delivers a challenge and an opportunity for the church to be sober minded in this unstable world, to stand apart from the mayhem, and to point the way to Christ. William Price, PhD In a world that seems “out of its mind,” Dr. Philliber’s book comes at the right time! In an overly anxious culture, a bit of sober-mindedness would go a long way. Dr. Philiber takes what we already know (what Scripture says) and reminds us that its power, principles and practicality can help lead the way for us to find a richer trust in our storm-calming savior, thereby finding that desperately needed sober-mindedness. Paul G. Rebelo, Pastor, Chapel Hill UMC We live in
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Book Proposal

Book Proposal: Our Heads on Straight: Sober-Mindedness, a Forgotten Christian Virtue by Michael W. Philliber 9724 Berkley Circle Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73162 405.698.8312 michaelphilliber@sbcglobal.net mphilliber.blogspot.com 1.      Proposed Title: Our Heads on Straight: Sober-Mindedness, a Forgotten Christian Virtue 2.      Author: Michael W. Philliber 3.      Submitted: 2 January 2020 4.      Format: Book 5.      Topic: The importance and place of Sober-Mindedness. 6.      Target Audience: Church leaders, pastors, and congregants of varied Christian traditions. 7.      Felt Need: Our present day is highly charged. Many Christians are on edge and anxious. Social media is aflame with vitriol. Countless numbers assume that others are guilty until proven innocent. Of all people, Christians who believe in Jesus, and trust that the Scriptures are the final rule of faith and life, should be
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Stormy Sea and Stormy Soul (Chapter 1)

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(You can get the book here: Our Heads On Straight ) 1.    Stormy Sea and Stormy Soul: Shape of Sober-mindedness Lord, this I ask, O hear my plea, Deny me not this favor: When Satan sorely troubles me, Then do not let me waver. O guard me well, My fear dispel, Fulfill Your faithful saying: All who believe By grace receive An answer to their praying (Preussen 2006 (1554)) . These two are striking episodes in Jesus’ life. Or more specifically, they have arrested my perception of what it means to be sober-minded. These true, factual accounts are full of hope and good news that no matter the storms one is slammed with, Jesus’ “Peace! Be Still!” can really liberate the fearful and fettered. I’m referring to the stormy sea and stormy soul in the Gospel according to Mark 4:35 through 5:20. Open a copy of the Bible or Scripture app and take a moment to read this segment before you go any further. These two scenarios go together to give listeners and readers a solid sen
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