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Right now, truth is under attack, and much is at stake. Perhaps no one in America is more passionate than John MacArthur about exposing those who are mounting this attack?especially those bringing the assault right into the church. There is no middle ground?no safe zone for the uncommitted in this war. The battle for truth is raging, and this book reveals: The pitfalls of postmodern thinking Why the Emerging Church Movement is inherently flawed Past skirmishes in the Truth War and their effect on the Church The importance of truth and certainty in a postmodern society How to identify and address the errors and false teachings smuggled into churches "[The postmodern age] is the age of no truth, an age that has reached a point of deadly fatigue when it comes to facing the truth?a generation that no longer believes truth can be known. Dr. John MacArthur knows better, and he is armed with the courage to confront this age with a bold defense of truth. . . . His argument is compelling, his defense of truth is brilliant, and his concern for the church is evident on every page. The evangelical church desperately needs this book, and it arrives just in time." ?R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary… (more)
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Our culture presently dictates that each of us “tolerate” the idea that all beliefs are subjective and that anything believed, or said to be believed, is acceptable and therefore legitimate as truth; and further, that there need be no substantiating evidence concerning any belief because truth itself, concerning God, is now said to be an individual matter. Except, that is, the general public specifically orders that there be zero tolerance for the fact that Christ Jesus is the Truth, the Life, and the only way to God (John 14:6). Many have gone so far as to simply create invisible friends, i.e., personal super-heroes created in their own likenesses to whom they refer to as their gods. Is it remotely possible that our one true living God, Maker of heaven and earth, might actually be subject to human imagination? It is clearly Dr MacArthur’s intent to provide factual history, dispel myths, and present the saving knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He accurately reports (p132), “Those who are being deceived can be rescued only by the gospel.”
Although Dr MacArthur’s identified text is Jude, throughout this book he presents reference after reference to multitudes of substantiating scriptures. If you have any question concerning legitimacy of scripture, ask God. He will answer (Jas 1:5). He has already revealed to you that He is (Romans 1:20); He has already revealed to you his will (i.e., desire) concerning your eternal life estate (1 Tim 2:4). Ask Him, He will answer (John 15:16). Although the mystery of the totality of God remains, God has, without reservation, clearly identified Truth.
I recommend this book for anyone desiring understanding and clarity concerning the attempts at confusing the gospel. Keep your Bible next to you; read the cited scriptures as you progress through this book. Christ alone is our only Savior from the consequence of sin (Col 1:14). Apart from faith in Him, there is no hope (Eph 2:12). God’s will is that none perish (2 Pet 3:9). As we must wait for Him, He has left us with knowledge (Heb 10:16); with hope (Rom 15:4); and with promise (John 14:3).
False teachers in the Church are nothing new; they have shown up all throughout history.
Among the lesser-known, and shorter, Books in the Bible is the Book of Jude (not Judas). Originally, it was going to be all sweetness and light, but Jude turned it into an alarm against false teachers and heretics in the early Church. The author spends considerable time talking about the Evangelical movement. He has no problem with churches occasionally bringing outside trends into the Church. But, a church that jumps from pop culture trend to pop culture trend, forgetting what "church" is supposed to be all about, should be viewed with great alarm.
Christians should learn to pick their battles; don’t engage in a life-or-death struggle over every little religious disagreement. But, when the stakes are big enough, don’t be afraid to fight back, hard. Which is worse, ruffling some feathers and damaging some egos, or losing the Word of God?
For anyone in the evangelical church, pastor and churchgoer, this book is very much recommended. Those in mainline churches should also read it, and keep an eye out for false religious teachers.