I've read a few books by Mark Hitchcock before that have related to prophecy or current events; however, when I saw this title, I was intrigued about this topic from an ecclesiastical perspective. The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley is an unapologetic look at the teachings within the church and what believers need to be vigilant about in our culture today.
Book Synopsis
Are we on the verge of a great apostasy in the church?
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” ―2 Timothy 4:3-4
Jesus Christ is coming back. It is certainly a Christian’s greatest hope during these difficult times. The Bible warns us that the last days will be tumultuous―wars and rumors of wars will spread (Matthew 24:6). In our age, the world seems to be spinning out of control, creating fear, confusion, and uncertainty. In addition to violence, pestilence, and epidemics, the Bible predicts a great “falling away” from God in the end times. Bible teachers call that “the great apostasy.” Are we seeing evidence today in the church of this massive rejection of sound and wholesome teaching? Bestselling authors Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley team up to examine the evidence from the teachers of our time. Are today’s teachers allowing people to follow their own desires by telling them what they want to hear, as the Bible clearly predicts? Are major portions of the church ready to abandon sound and wholesome teaching?
Together, Mark and Jeff explore alarming trends among today’s church leaders and they are simply stunned by what they discover. The great apostasy is coming, but is it closer than we imagine? What does that mean for the future? Let Mark and Jeff be your steady guides to the difficult days ahead.
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
While I've traditionally thought of apostasy as a great falling away from the faith, this book changed my perspective on how apostasy can infiltrate biblical doctrine and ultimately lead people astray, even if the apostasy is not immediate. This is a book that does not mince words as it sounds the alarm for Christians to be alert, of sober mind, and to resist the enemy (1 Peter 5:8-9). I appreciate that this message is timely and that Christians cannot plead ignorance when there are so many concerning things taking place within the church that can easily be researched. I was struck by the authors' comments about revival and how the Bible actually references the proliferation of false teaching instead. It's not to say that we can't pray for God's movement in this world; however, it is certainly understandable that humanity is hurtling toward deviancy at a rapid pace. Since the church is not exempt, I found this book to be a helpful resource for ministry leaders and congregants who are wrestling with how to be a biblically faithful body amid popular unsound practices and teaching.
There were a few things that I had to stop and think about further; however, they do not detract from the overall message of the book. Mentions of specific sins being linchpins for the end times and a few details around prophecy added a little bit to the primary message, but overall, I found this book to be both an encouragement and a warning that I need to stand firm and hold fast to the teachings passed on to us in the Bible (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Readers looking for a book that stands for truth while pointing out the sins and falsehoods of our culture and church will find this to be an aid in spiritual discernment.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 🎧
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
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