Heads on Straight

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

(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