Turning the Tide: Real Hope, Real Change

by Charles F. Stanley

There is a wave sweeping our nation with dire consequences that is changing the way we live in America. Dr. Charles Stanley knows that the only way the tide will turn is if we as Christian citizens take action. Insisting that we are not powerless and that we can make a difference, Dr. Stanley encourages readers to get down on their knees to pray, then get up on their feet and become involved. We must take action to turn our country away from one

· Is headed for financial bankruptcy
· Views a sinless, peace-loving, benevolent Jesus as one to be vilified
· Is becoming more and more taxed, so that the government builds programs that benefit only those in leadership positions
· Is negligent in the handling of Israel, as well as unaware of the danger to any nation that challenges Israel’s God-mandated right to exist
· Has little regard for the innocent, especially the rights of the unborn, the elderly, and the handicapped

This call to action has never been more needed, and in this inspirational and motivating book, bestselling author Charles Stanley offers practical steps Christians can take to turn the tide. He challenges readers to pray that God will change the direction of our country from one that is blind to the negative impact of socialism to a nation that looks to God for guidance. It’s time, Stanley says, that we take responsibility for the direction of our country and become involved both at a civic level and through fervent prayer.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Christianity

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 28, 2011

About the author

Dr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.

However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”

Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.

Reviews

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Charles Stanley and this book is very unique. This is a book that encourages Christians to get involved in politics. You don't see many books whose main theme is to get involved in political theatre. I recently went to a Bible study where one member was arguing in a similar vein to Dr. Stanley and he was looked at kind of funny. I think both Dr. Stanely and the guy in my Bible study were right. It is uncomfortable though when a Christian is pushing a view that isn't supported by God's Word though. You see that too. In fact, I left a church recently that was supportive of social practices that are not supported by God's Word.

Stanley argues that our country is in deep trouble and is sliding downhill. He encourages Christians to pray for our leaders and get involved in politics to stop the downhill slide. This book was written in 2011. I would think Dr. Stanley would think it is even worse now. Dr. Stanley argues that we are headed for an economic disaster due to our debt. It is even worse today. Dr. Stanley warns against our country heading toward socialism. That concept is blatantly encouraged by candidates today. We are losing our personal freedoms (free speech, freedom of religion, etc) today as the government takes them away because it is "what's best" for us.

Stanley doesn't tell you what party to choose and support. He encourages the reader to pray for our country and our political leaders. In fact, there is a 20-week prayer plan at the end of the book which will lead you to do so.

Our country needs your prayers even more than it did in 2011. We need a revival in our country today. God can bring it about. I hope He does before it is too late for the United States.

[Barb Olt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even more applicable today than when it was written.

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning the Tide, Real HOPE, Real CHANGE, by Dr. Charles F. Stanley, Howard Books, 2011, 288 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1439190623, $24.99

In Turning the Tide, Charles F. Stanley inspires Americans to “get down on their knees…then get up on their feet and become involved,” first with prayer, then with “civic involvement.” Otherwise, he argues, the political and economic storm’s plaguing our nation will “destroy… [America’s]… peace and security.”

Stanley’s practical “call to action” comes from a burdened heart, caused by catastrophic natural and manmade waves of change he sees threatening our nation. From natural storms that prompt newscasters to report, “Nothing of this magnitude has ever been experienced here before.” To the collapse of the United States housing bubble in 2008 caused by adjustable rate mortgages (ARM’s) and subprime lending practices that resulted in financial chaos not seen since the Great Depression.

That financial chaos caused…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/696l4jg

[Dan Muscatell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dr. Stanley. It is because of his clear teaching on salvation that I am saved. I have been to First Baptist in Atlanta. I agree with most of what he says is this book, and this is hard for me because I have NEVER disagreed with him. However I do not believe the United States is on a path to socialism but it is the greatest of all republics and democracies which incorporates a degree of social programs in order to promote the general welfare.
Dr. Stanley prevails upon the reader to guard his faith and to protect his constitutional rights as he explains that these rights do not come from any proclamation of state but from the hand of God. With this I heartily agree.

[Esther Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a pretty good book. He calls people to spend 20 weeks in prayer for the nation and various aspects of national life. I think it would be a good project for churches to do as a congregation. I remember when Stanley did this last year. It's exciting to see God at work this way.

[Johnvano]

Read an in-house manuscript. Available street date 6/28/11.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Eye opening.