Synopses & Reviews
All of us have felt the impact of disaster in one way or another. Whether it is the horrific, catastrophic images we've seen on the evening news or we've weathered the storm ourselves--each of us has been affected by the reality of pain, suffering, and death.
The universal language of pain and suffering moves total strangers to give generously to make the lives of others more bearable. It motivates thousands of volunteers to put their lives on hold, often at great personal sacrifice, to help those who are suffering. Working together in hard circumstances, rescue workers and volunteers bring rescue and hope to those who are desperate, helpless, and often clinging to life.
Though we may avoid destructive disasters, we know that we cannot escape the personal disasters of life. An auto accident, a major illness, a divorce, the death of someone close to us, the loss of a job... these also come with pain, suffering, and--very often--personal devastation. Assessing risks
Disasters remind us that life is fragile, the future is unpredictable, and many things are beyond our control. When we realize how vulnerable we are, we need to know there is hope. We want assurance that others care what happens to us, and that they will make an effort to help us survive and recover.
Amazingly enough, the greatest impending tragedy people face isn't one we give much thought to. Yet it poses the highest degree of danger and has the most lasting consequences. That disaster is entering eternity separated from God. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, the Bible says in Romans 3:23. And by falling far short of God's standard of goodness we earn a disastrous paycheck: The wages of sin is eternal] death (Romans 6:23). It's a disaster that we can't rescue ourselves from.
Because God wanted to do something about the pain and suffering that sin causes, he sent the ultimate volunteer--his Son, Jesus Christ--to free us from sin's power and eternal consequences. At great personal sacrifice, Jesus voluntarily became one of us to set the rescue plan in motion.
For over 30 years he withstood the same kinds of temptations and hardships we face, but without ever once sinning. Then, having lived a perfect life, Jesus allowed his enemies to crucify him on a Roman cross. In his death he took upon himself the punishment of the sins of the entire human race. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree cross] (1 Peter 2:24). Christ... suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18) Accepting rescue
Our rescue has everything to do with our relationship with God's rescuer--Jesus. The Bible says that There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It also says, God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son to die in our place], that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Thanks to the completed work of Jesus for us, the rescue plan is clear: Admit that your own sinfulness has created a spiritual disaster. Then agree with God that the only way you can be rescued from the judgment of your sins is to believe that Jesus paid the punishment for them on your behalf. Believe that what Jesus did long ago makes your spiritual rescue possible today.
Do you want hope? Jesus is the greatest giver of hope He didn't stay dead, but rose from the grave three days later. And though Jesus told those closest to him, In the world you will have tribulation (John 16:33), he also assured them, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). He wants to begin making a difference in your life now
We were not meant to survive independently from God. He created us to be in relationship with him. When life is full of uncertainty and more than a little disaster, there's nothing like having God say I'll never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5), and Fear not, I am the one who helps you (Isaiah 41:13).
Would you like that kind of relationship as you face whatever is ahead for you in this life... and to be prepared for eternity, as well? Are you willing to accept God's rescue plan?
If you are, you can put that desire into words like these: Dear God, I do believe that Jesus took my place and died on the cross to save me from the punishment of my sins. Because of what Jesus has done for me, I trust you now to forgive me of my sins and give me eternal life. Thank you for rescuing me from eternal disaster. Amen.
Synopsis
Truth is being attacked by an opposing mind-set that is unable to come to any final conclusions regarding the state of reality. Truth has been robbed of its surety and has been weakened to the point of deniability as absolutes have been left by the wayside. Postmodernism rules our day, and therein lays the state of crisis for finding absolute truth. The contributors to this book tackle the issue at hand with vigor and creativity. We are taken on an exploration of what Scripture has to say about the nature of truth by wrestling with Pontius Pilate's infamous question What is truth? An eye-opening diagnosis is given of the devastating effect relativism is having on our culture. The very philosophic foundations of postmodernism are shattered as they are shown to be weak and faulty. This book helps show us how a correct mind-set on truth will best enable us to understand the tenets of the Bible. This book offers hope and steadfastness by reminding us of the irreplaceable value of truth. With exceptional scholarship and powerful arguments, truth is upheld throughout the pages of this clear and thoughtful work.
Synopsis
Here is an anomaly: Christians outside the West dying becausethey believe their faith is true and Christians inside the Westdoffing their hats to the idea and then looking the other way Thisbook explores what it should mean to say that Christians know thetruth, doing so in ways that are searching, sure-footed, biblicallyconvincing, and intellectually satisfying.
-David F. Wells, Andrew Mutch DistinguishedProfessor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Gordon-ConwellTheological Seminary
Truly a treatise for our times Not only do we learn wherecontemporary discourse is truthless, we are given tools to reclaimtrue understanding to redeem our minds and our age. In the end thisbook points to God's Word of truth, the Scriptures, and God'sincarnate truth, his Son. Read, and be renewed in hope and wisdomfor the holy and fruitful pursuit of truth to which all who knowChrist are called.
-Robert W. Yarbrough, Associate Professor of NewTestament, New Testament Department Chair, Trinity EvangelicalDivinity School
Four widely read evangelical scholars have crafted a superbexpose and antidote to the mind-set and cultural ills ofpostmodernism and those who accommodate it, while issuing a clarioncall to remain vitally committed to the truth of God's revelationin Christ and the Bible. The original lectures, both stimulatingand refreshing, were masterfully delivered to large audiences. Now, having them in hand allows even greater reflection and absorptionof the truths they expound.
-James A. Borland, Professor of Biblical Studies& Theology, Liberty University, Secretary-Treasurer, Evangelical Theological Society