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Books by Rick and Gwen Shorter
Order all the books on this page from Homeward Publishing Ministries.com
Thy Nakedness - $14.00 plus shipping and handling Jewelry - The Spiritualism Connection - $15.00 plus shipping and handling
About the Authors: Rick and Gwen met each other in a nightclub off 42nd St. in New York City many years ago. Both were pursuing a career in show business. Rick was working as musical coordinator of the Broadway show, Hair. He was also managing, writing and producing on major recording labels as well as pursuing his own musical career. Gwen was a professional actress, recording artist and a model with one of the top Black modeling agencies in New York City. She was also pursuing a Masters Degree at New York University. Rick and Gwen were both in the "fast lane"--determined to "make it big"--when, through a series of providential interpositions they found themselves in church listening to evangelistic meetings. They both said "Yes" to the Lord Jesus Christ and their lives made a decisive turn around. They have never been the same! Thy Nakedness; Lord, What Shall I Wear Preface for "The Nakedness" by Joe Crews After spending so many years in the wasteful cause of worldly entertainment, the Shorters are the perfect team to prepare this exhaustive study on the subject of dress reform. By doing so, though, they expose themselves to the usual attacks of liberal critics who delight in labeling all reformation work as "legalistic" and "fanatical." It is for this reason that so few, even among those who hold convictions about modest dress, are willing to put their feelings into print. Rick and Gwen have proven beyond question in their massive compilation that Ellen G. White did indeed believe that obedience to fashion "is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God." 4T 647. If her statement was true a century ago, no one can doubt the urgent need for Seventh-day Adventists to restudy the inspired principles which she poured on to so many pages of her testimonies to the church. Shining through her concerned counsels over hoops and flowery hats are hundreds of references to twentieth century living. Her examples of immodesty and pride may appear outdated and prudish to those who have been steeped in the vulgar lifestyle of a decadent society, but the principles are even more relevant for us just because we do live in such a flesh-oriented and thoroughly polluted generation. I beg that you do not make the mistake of rejecting out of hand her impassioned appeals for reform just because the culture has moved us from bustles to minis to midis. The real problem lies deep within the self-nature of Adam's fallen children, and the prophetess addresses that problem in words that should strike conviction to sincere hearts everywhere, regardless of the day, year, or century in which they lived. Table of Contents
What Readers are saying about "Thy Nakedness" "In regard to your book, 'Thy Nakedness; Lord What Shall We Wear?', I personally have found the book very insightful and spiritual in its content. I have given or sold more than 100 copies of this book. People have been blessed, and lives have been changed. May God continue to be with you." Pastor James Clark - Greater New York Conference "Reading your wonderful book has directed my thoughts and desires to pleasing my Saviour. I am more committed than ever to living and dressing in a way that will bring glory to Him. 'Thy Nakedness' has been a special blessing to me. Thanks!" Judy Kemberling, Publisher of the Journal of Health "The book, 'Thy Nakedness; Lord, What Shall I Wear?', is a broad volume dealing with the issue of jewelry, neatness and order in our dress, as well as the distinctive role that men and women are to fulfill in home and society. I find the material very valuable and would recommend it as an essential resource. Today we are living in a flood of sexually oriented graphics and lyrics. It is time to study the Biblical counsel on dress and modesty so as to keep ourselves and our families 'unspotted from the world'." {Pastor David Stramel - Michigan Conference "Very informative. Gently encourages you to study the urgent need of SDA's to follow the inspired guidelines given to Ellen White." Judy Shewmaker - Adventist Home Educator "Dressing for optimal health is being neglected by almost everyone, even those who are desiring to improve or maintain their health. Many of the patients I see are suffering from a variety of diseases caused by long term habits of improper dressing. This book, 'Thy Nakedness', comes like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room, providing the encouragement you need 'to dress for success', both in this world and for the next." Dr. Philip J. Collins - Marshall, North Carolina "In my practice, (doctor of clinical nutrition) I meet many people who suffer from ailments directly affected by failure to dress properly. Children are especially susceptible to debilitating diseases brought about by unhealthy, as well as immodest, styles of dress. I commend the Shorters for addressing two very important issues: the effects of dress on both spiritual and physical health." Cliff Kemberling, Ph.D - Norway, Maine "When I drew the illustration for 'Thy Nakedness,' I wore jeans and T-shirts. But the Lord had other plans. Years later these illustrations came back to mind. It is then, after much study, that I understand the issue of dressing healthfully and modestly. This book has since been a source of inspiration and a valuable guide to help me and my wardrobe reflect more of Jesus than self. My thanks to Rick and Gwen Shorter for publishing this book." Daniela Di Giuliomaria "I want to praise the Lord for your excellent book on dress. It has been well researched and the pictures are very helpful....I love the content!" BM "I deeply appreciate the principles you have out lined in the book. They are powerful!" HJ "We have many friends and some family I especially want to share your book with....I would be interested in up to ten or so, (more if I can afford it). I need help explaining - and the quotes and photos are so helpful." VK "Congratulations on a beautiful, truth-filled book. May the Lord be praised!" Anon "The Lord is really blessing and interest in the dress message is finally coming alive in this area. Thanks to the Lord who moved you to write the book. It is really doing a good work here." BK "Words fail me in trying tell you how much I appreciate your beautiful book. Only the Holy Spirit could have illumined your minds to bring together such a clear-cut compilation of truths on this very controversial subject. Thank the Lord, and thank you for allowing Him to use you this way. I am absolutely overwhelmed." HM "Your book..., 'Thy Nakedness', represents a great deal of careful, prayerful study and research. You have done well....I am sure the Lord is pleased with your work and will bless your labors of love." BR "This book has truly been a blessing to me, and all the ladies with whom I have shared it. We have a group of about 30 ladies who meet on Sabbath afternoon to discuss dress and modesty. We were so excited when we received our books, as 'Thy Nakedness' has answered every question we ever had on dress and right from the Bible." Sister Gloria Duckett "A friend gave me the book, 'Thy Nakedness.' It sat on my shelf for two years. I was afraid of the changes I might have to make in my life. Finally I was ready to read the book. I found the rewards of obedience more blessed than I ever expected. It has affected every area of my life giving me peace of mind and the power to live a consistent Christian life." Marla J. King, Heir to Eden Music Ministry "Thank you for writing such a wonderful book on such a delicate yet important subject. The illustrations were excellent. I'm sure you were inspired to write this for the times we are now living. Everyone should not only read this book, but also put into operation the truths presented." Harold M Cherne, M.D.
Jewelry, Ornaments, Personal Decoration and More... The Spiritualism Connection Preface of "Jewelry, Ornaments, Personal Decoration and More...the Spiritualism Connection" Among all the ancient societies, Israel alone defines the values of the true and living God. He had especially chosen them to be a "light" and bring salvation to all peoples of the earth. See Deuteronomy 32:9; Acts 13:47, 48. This light included His laws, statutes and the testimonies of His prophets. Since God does not compel obedience, the Israelites were free to make their own choices, but God articulated and delineated His will to them. He said to them, “If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people ... a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation." Exodus 19:5-6. The Israelites were always surrounded by heathen nations who not only sought their destruction, but countered and opposed the plain "thus saith the Lord." Under a theocracy, God taught them how to live among pagan societies. The pagan societies worshipped Baal (who actually was Satan) under different names. The worship of Baal consisted of various “sexual preferences," including premarital, extramarital, homosexual and bestial. Among all ancient societies, Israel alone banned bestiality, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, cross-gender or unisex apparel, nakedness, and the wearing of ornaments—jewelry! Leviticus 18:23, 20, 22, 24-30; Deuteronomy 22:5; Genesis 3:7,11, 21; Mark 5:1-5; Exodus 33 :4-6; Isaiah 3:17-26. This was not by accident; but by design the Creator gave to humanity, via the Israelites, its values and morality. This is detailed in the oldest written document in the world, the Bible. For thousands of years the Bible has shaped civilizations, and has been the most influential book in modern times affecting the core values of Western civilization. The Israelites were sent prophet after prophet who were rejected (2 Chronicles 24:19), and God Himself pleaded with them to obey Him and live and turn from their wicked ways. Hosea 11:8 and Ezekiel 33:11. But the Israelites chose the worship of Baalim (plural for Baal) (Jeremiah 9:14) and worshipped golden calves made by their own hands instead of the worship of the true and living God. 1 Kings 12:25-33. These pagan influences and life styles must have appeared at that time quite ordinary and common. These pagan "sexual preferences" and sins were so rampant even in the young Christian church at Corinth that the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul to all generations of Christians, warning them, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,. . . shall inherit the kingdom of God. . . . Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 6:9,10; 7:2. In this modern Western society we are not tempted to worship images of Baal; however, the same "sexual preferences" and "sins" seem ordinary and even common—not only among those who do not profess Christianity, but among professed Christians and church-goers. How has the devil succeeded in undermining the truth, debasing characters and destroying homes? We believe there is a connection—a spiritualism connection—between what we wear, what we think, and who we love and worship. We believe that modern dress and fashion is designed to break down the barriers of modesty and morality. Modern fashion and dress are also deliberately designed to excite sexual thoughts and actions. Modern fashion and dress which expose the person, confuse the identity, invite sexual advances and excite admiration, all lead down the road to "sexual preferences" and "sins." Why do we dress the way we do? Why do we paint our faces, decorate our bodies or wear certain styles of dress? Does God have dress standards? Does the devil have dress standards? How does my dress affect my spirituality—or does it? It is our earnest prayer that some of these questions may in some small way be answered for you, the reader. There are literally hundreds of texts in the Bible referring to dress. What is God trying to tell us in these verses? Over thirty years of research on these topics have brought us to the foregoing conclusions. We realize the dress issues are sensitive and controversial, so we have presented our research with as little of our comments as possible to provoke thought and let the Lord lead. May we invite you to be a "Berean" and see if these things are so. Acts 17:11. The Authors (Rick and Gwen Shorter) Table of Contents
What readers are saying about "Jewelry, Ornaments, Personal Decoration and More...The Spiritualism Connection” by Gwen and Rick Shorter Gwen & Rick Shorter have done an excellent job in putting their book "Jewelry, Ornaments, Personal Decoration and More...The Spiritualism Connection” together. Much time and research have been put into this book; it is definitely an A to Z fact finding book connecting all the dots about how jewelry, make-up, hair-coloring, hair-styles and body-tattoos, etc. are interconnected with spiritualism. I highly recommend that everyone read this book. We are living in times when so many pagan customs are coming back and much of today's population is unaware that these customs are creeping back into our everyday lifestyles—even including many Christians' lives. Thank you Gwen & Rick. --K.C., Grants Pass, Oregon Rick and Gwen conversationally refer to this book as the Jewelry Book. It may have started out to be a book on jewelry but it ended up being so much more! Beauty is big business and the Shorters expose the dangers and history of many fads and commonplace practices that we use and do without realizing their harmful effects upon us physically and spiritually. There is power in knowledge and the enemy of our souls is out to deceive the masses.... not just a few. Ignorance is not always bliss, therefore I recommend this book as a must read for every serious minded Christian. FL As a new convert to Bible-based Christianity, I had a strong sentimental attachment to several beautiful pieces of jewelry as these had been given to me by close relatives and friends. I considered jewelry as 'works of art' which certainly enhanced the appearances of those who would wear them tastefully. However, after reading Gwen Shorter's book on jewelry, I was strongly convicted to let go of this earthly attachment. Not only is the book written well, but the questions posed allowed me to think through the issues and prioritize. I now eagerly look forward to being a 'jewel' in heaven one day. As for now, I wish to be an adornment for Christ Jesus and my fellow Christian sisters and brothers right here on earth! To God be the glory!!! --Sister Frances A unique book, filled with intrigue, presents an intensely interesting history of ancient use of talismans, amulets and adornments of all types. The authors trace from the earliest recorded times through to our present time the practice of wearing ornaments of gold, silver, precious gems, various metals and wooden objects, The question of why the attraction for men and women to such objects in the past and now is answered from many sources. It exposes spiritistic connections and pagan concepts that are often tied into the purpose for wearing of talismans, amulets, crystals and precious gems. The book contains a wealth of knowledge scripture related as to how we should relate ourselves to these practices. The book is well researched, organized for easy understanding, yet challenging at the same time. There is something in it for every person whether a wearer of jewelry or not. I dare you to read it.--Edwin A. Noyes. M.D. MPH, author of Spiritualistic Deceptions in Health and Healing . With the steady erosion of the teaching of this issue on dress reform, this book provides the answers that many are looking for and also providing additional information that may have not been thought of. I have utilized a lot of the information of this book as I teach the truth to others. Excellent book!----I.O. (Huntsville, AL) "I really appreciate the work that has gone into making this book available. It contains a wealth of information about jewelry and ornaments, and their connections with spiritualism. It has definitely broadened my understanding of what is at stake. We are told that just prior to the Second Coming of Christ, spiritualism would become rampant. That is certainly being fulfilled before our very eyes today." --Vi Vis If you have ever wanted to trace the roots of today's fashion industry, if you have felt that there was a link between our personal and spiritual attire but weren't exactly sure how so, if you have ever wondered whether or not it really mattered to God how dressed up (or dressed down) you are, then you will find the answers in the well-written expose', " Jewelry, Ornaments, Personal Decoration and More...The Spiritualism Connection”. This informative, insightful, interesting, illustrated, Bible-based look at the fashion industry retraces the steps to mankind's fall from grace, and it exposes mankind (and womankind's) “fig leaves” that we have turned to in our mistaken efforts to cover our nakedness. Whether or not you agree with the author's conclusion, this book is well worth the read. As one who came out of the music industry addicted to the gods of fashion, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry, furs and expensive clothing, I praise God for His deliverance and I can testify that the message found in this book (and its earlier companion, Thy Nakedness) has changed my life through the power of the Holy Spirit. --Yolanda Innocent-Palmer
Recommended Books by Other Authors Homeward Publishing PO Box 357 Yorba Linda, CA 92885 1-800-823-0481
Creeping Compromise by Joe Crews $10.95 - order from Homeward Publishing Preface by Rick and Gwen Shorter It was a hot summer day under a large canvas tent at a campmeeting in the State of Maryland. We were newly baptized Christians who on that day, found ourselves seated on the platform under that tent where we had been invited to give our testimony and special music. Seated beside us on the rostrum was the principle speaker for the camp-meeting. And, speak he did! In a tactful and gracious way, he presented cutting truths entreating the listener to come up to a higher Christian standard, mentally, physically and spiritually. He spoke as one sincerely concerned about the eternal salvation of each one within his hearing. This was our first introduction to Joe Crews. There are so few strong men today who not only see the evils and abominations of the time but can present them fearlessly, tactfully and lovingly to God's people. As the opportunity was given to us to publish our own book, Thy Nakedness; Lord, What Shall I Wear?, we wanted someone to review it and write their comments for the back cover. Joe Crews graciously accepted. Over the years he has been an inspiration and encouragement to our ministry. He pastored, taught and personally evangelized by television, radio, the writing of books and the Amazing Facts Study Guides (1-14), always giving very pertinent information to the last days in which we live. The various facets of his ministry have been instrumental in introducing thousands to Jesus Christ. By no stretch of imagination, while sitting under that campmeeting tent, could we have ever dreamed that years later we would be afforded the privilege of having a small part in continuing the Joe Crews legacy by being the publishers of one of his first and most important books, Creeping Compromise. The principles and good "common sense" presented in Creeping Compromise have strengthened and encouraged us to stay on track as we have read and re-read the godly counsel on its pages. We pray that you, the reader, will have the same experience.
Reaping the Whirlwind by Joe Crews $9.95 - order from Homeward Publishing If you appreciate Creeping Compromise, this book is even more powerful! "Written almost three decades ago, Reaping the Whirlwind speaks with compelling eloquence to the compromising trends in today's church. Pastor Crews sees these compromises as signs of a gathering storm that ill soon test the spiritual foundation of everyone. he calls upon the readers to avoid building upon the shifting sand, and instead, to dig deep and lay their foundation on the Solid Rock. "Reaping the Whirlwind warns about the storm that is now gather in God's church, a "shaking' process that is already underway. Soon, a tsunami-like hurricane will sweep through the church, leaving devastation in its trail. To ignore the message in this small volume is to do so at our own peril."--Written by Samuel Koranteng-Pipim, PhD.
Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard $7.95 - order from Homeward Publishing Introduction by Douglas W. Phillips The author, Jeff Pollard, is a brave man. He has dared to tackle one of the great sacred cows of modern Christianity, and in so doing he has risked censure, disapproval and subjecting himself to the inevitable cries of "legalism." To this I retort, "Thanks be to God for raising up men who will speak the truth in love," which is exactly what Jeff does. With winsome gentleness, but uncompromising boldness, Jeff Pollard helps modern Christians to understand the historic origins of our modern trend toward nakedness, and the implications of these trends on the people of America. This is a critical book for any parent who hopes to raise his sons and daughters to remain morally pure in a culture that worships the flesh.
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