Synopses & Reviews
Ever since birth we've been told, "e;we're nobody unless we're number one."e; But now that we've so dutifully mastered the ability to defend our self-worth, this book shows why we must learn to forget it and redirect search for significance to the one true source of value: Jesus Christ.
Review
Joe Stowell has pinpointed the heart of modern man's dilemma--obsession with self. An important book by one of our most vibrant and able Christian leaders.
-Chuck Colson, chairman, Prison Fellowship
Some people pursue God with stouthearted allegiance, proudly proclaiming they are "e;fully committed"e; to Christ. But after reading Perilous Pursuits, I'm reminded that our real pursuit means coming to Him in empty-handed despair.
-Joni Eareckson Tada, author, artist and conference speaker
Not many books are really important. This one is. In a culture where finding oneself is applauded as the highest virtue, Joe Stowell calls us way from our well-fed obsession with meeting our own needs to enjoying Christ and advancing His kingdom. And he does so with balance, vulnerability, kindness, and a clear commitment to God's glory as the central value in life.
-Larry Crabb, Jr., Ph.D., author and conference speaker
I can't think of a more important topic for our generation . . . Joe Stowell reveals the ugly drive for pleasure, pride and passion in all of us, and gently calls us back to true significance in the person and work of Christ.
-Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
In our chaotic "e;dog eat dog"e; world, these words are vitally needed. This book should have wide distribution.
-Adrian Rogers, Pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church
Synopsis
How does “being number one” square with being “one with Christ?” We have become so good at defending our self-worth that we may not know where our true value lies. Joseph Stowell helps recapture the vision.
About the Author
JOSEPH M. STOWELL currently serves as the president of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. From 1987 to 2005, Joe served as the president of Chicago¿s Moody Bible Institute, joining the staff of the suburban Chicago Harvest Bible Chapel in 2005. An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has written numerous books including the award winning The Trouble with Jesus, Strength for the Journey, and The Weight of Your Words. Joe and his wife, Martie, are the parents of three adult children and have ten grandchildren. They currently live in Ada, Michigan.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Regret
1. The Pursuit
2. Pleasure, Pride, and Passion
3. Down in My Heart
4. Random Living
5. The Madness of More
Part 2: Reunion
6. Significance Secured
7. Redemptive Restructuring
Part 3: Refocus
8. The Pleasure Pursuit
9. The Fall of Pride
10. Pride Revised
11. Passion in Perspective
Part 4: Response
12. Taking the Initiative: Surrender and Sacrifice
13. Taking the Initiative: Servanthood and Suffering
Epilogue
Notes