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The Wager
God and Satan have made a wager. Now it's up to Michael Steele to determine a winner. Michael T. Steele has been nominated for an Academy Award, but his most compelling performance has just begun. He has been cast unaware as the lead character in a supernatural drama between good and evil, heaven and hell. Claiming that the Sermon on the Mount is an impossible standard, Satan has chosen Steele to prove his point in a wager with God. God agrees to the choice, insisting that Michael can live out the truths of Matthew 5, 6, and 7 in the ten days before the award ceremonies.
The Wager follows Steele as he copes with his career, his crumbling marriage, and his struggles with his faith---not to mention a few diabolical tricks and temptations by Satan and some guidance and encouragement from heaven. All this as Steele probes the depth of the Sermon on the Mount and how one man might follow it. Part fiction, part Bible study, The Wager is a powerful parable examining the Sermon on the Mount and how to live it in today's world.
The Wager follows Steele as he copes with his career, his crumbling marriage, and his struggles with his faith---not to mention a few diabolical tricks and temptations by Satan and some guidance and encouragement from heaven. All this as Steele probes the depth of the Sermon on the Mount and how one man might follow it. Part fiction, part Bible study, The Wager is a powerful parable examining the Sermon on the Mount and how to live it in today's world.
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2003
1 person is currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Bill Myers
332 books394 followersBill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 27, 2022
The Bible is full of great stories and wonderful wisdom, but easily one of the most powerful passages in the entire Word is the Sermon on the Mount. Not only was it spoken by Jesus himself, but it challenges conventional “wisdom” that still permeates our society today. Basing a novel on such a message is tough, but, if anyone can do it, it’s Bill Myers. Whether it’s his kid-friendly, Nickelodeon-style comedic adventures, his teen novellas on the topic of spiritual warfare, or his allegories for adults, Mr. Myers has a way of making you think…and that’s definitely the case here. If you’re expecting a lighthearted, Hallmark-channel-style romance, look elsewhere…but, for those who like stories with impact, this is worth reading.
April 12, 2024
The author clearly indicates in the forward that this is a hybrid book--part novel/part Bible study, and that's key to enjoying and getting the most out of it. Similar to a business novel (but better).
April 27, 2020
every christian should read this story the characters are very relatable i wish someone wouldd turn this into a movie !
December 11, 2025
I liked the premise of this story and the characters. I didn't care so much for the writing style. It never drew me in emotionally.
July 14, 2015
I love how Bill Myer wrote this book based on the Sermon on the Mount.
Michael T. Steel has been nominated for an Academy Award but his most compelling performance has just begun. He has been alst unaware as the lead character in a supernatural drama between good and evil, heaven and hell.
God and Satan have made a WAGER. Now it's up to Michael Steel to determine a winnger.
Claiming that the Sermon on the Mount is an impossible standard Satan has chosen Steel to prove his point in a wager with God. God agrees to the choice, insisting that Michael can live out the truths of Matthew 5,6, and 7 in the ten days before the award ceremonies.
The Wager follows Steel as he copes with his career, his crumbling marriage, and his struggles with his faith - not to mention a few diabolical tricks and temptations by depth of the Sermon on the Mount and how one man might follow it.
This book has been made into a movie that is just as moving. Staring Randy Travis.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Michael T. Steel has been nominated for an Academy Award but his most compelling performance has just begun. He has been alst unaware as the lead character in a supernatural drama between good and evil, heaven and hell.
God and Satan have made a WAGER. Now it's up to Michael Steel to determine a winnger.
Claiming that the Sermon on the Mount is an impossible standard Satan has chosen Steel to prove his point in a wager with God. God agrees to the choice, insisting that Michael can live out the truths of Matthew 5,6, and 7 in the ten days before the award ceremonies.
The Wager follows Steel as he copes with his career, his crumbling marriage, and his struggles with his faith - not to mention a few diabolical tricks and temptations by depth of the Sermon on the Mount and how one man might follow it.
This book has been made into a movie that is just as moving. Staring Randy Travis.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
May 27, 2009
Excellent book. I didn't want to put it down and finished it in one day. I'm not sure though how some of the questions in the back fit with the story.
Michael is a famous actor and a Christian. He is put to the test in his career as well as in his personal life. There are examples of how things aren't always as they appear and people especially the media, twist events and words to ruin a person (for example, with Charlie; in the television interview; and regarding the poison oak episode).
Michael thinks as a Christian he has to "do, do, do" and he tries to obey those things in the Sermon on the Mount, symbolically throwing up his hands in frustration knowing he can't live up to it. No way. No how. His sister explains what a relationship with God should look like in the wonderful example she uses of the apple tree. So when the author asks some of the questions at the end of the book such as regarding Chapters 6 and 9, I'm not sure I'm tracking with those (questions). The story says one thing but the questions seem to be agreeing with the "do, do, do."
Michael is a famous actor and a Christian. He is put to the test in his career as well as in his personal life. There are examples of how things aren't always as they appear and people especially the media, twist events and words to ruin a person (for example, with Charlie; in the television interview; and regarding the poison oak episode).
Michael thinks as a Christian he has to "do, do, do" and he tries to obey those things in the Sermon on the Mount, symbolically throwing up his hands in frustration knowing he can't live up to it. No way. No how. His sister explains what a relationship with God should look like in the wonderful example she uses of the apple tree. So when the author asks some of the questions at the end of the book such as regarding Chapters 6 and 9, I'm not sure I'm tracking with those (questions). The story says one thing but the questions seem to be agreeing with the "do, do, do."
April 1, 2010
Very good story. God and Satan Wager that Oscar Nominee Mike Steel can't "Live" by the Sermon on the Mount before awards night.
In the Introduction to this book Author Bill Myers says that it should be used as a bible study tool rather than read as a novel.
But he is wrong. I personaly think that Myers is underselling the entertainment value of this novel. It was very interesting with a swiftly moving plot and a very deep main character that the reader easily grows close to.
The Bible study in the back of the book is completely usless being composed of questions that seem geared more towards checking your comprehension of the novel rather than encouraging further study of the Sermon On the Mount.
My best advice to getting the full use out of this book is to study the Sermon On the Mount before reading this book and let this story serve as an illustration of how the biblical truths can be applied to real life.
In the Introduction to this book Author Bill Myers says that it should be used as a bible study tool rather than read as a novel.
But he is wrong. I personaly think that Myers is underselling the entertainment value of this novel. It was very interesting with a swiftly moving plot and a very deep main character that the reader easily grows close to.
The Bible study in the back of the book is completely usless being composed of questions that seem geared more towards checking your comprehension of the novel rather than encouraging further study of the Sermon On the Mount.
My best advice to getting the full use out of this book is to study the Sermon On the Mount before reading this book and let this story serve as an illustration of how the biblical truths can be applied to real life.
June 3, 2016
Myers states that this book was intended to be more of a Bible study than a novel, and people who approach it as a novel only are bound to be disappointed. But it was mostly a novel with a few pages of (kind of generic) Bible study questions at the end. I don't fully understand the disclaimer.
March 30, 2011
This book made me think about not just the events around us that we can see, but also what is happening all around us in the spiritual realm. This modern day story of Job was a challenge to see the "bigger picture" of what is really going on... there is a battle for our soul and we can not win on our own, but must seek God's strength.
April 18, 2011
I think Bill Myers did a great job of illustrating the supernatural events that surround us even when we are oblivious to them. I also think he illustrated modern responses to the the commands and blessings given to us by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount. The book did not necessarily sweep me off my feet, but I do think my time was well spent. I would still recommend it to others.
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April 13, 2016If you like the story of Job in the Bible then this might be a good book for you. It's a current and worldly version of Job. It is very good to read. The author is a Christian. He has other books also . Some are Eli and The Face of God. Those two are Christian fiction and thrillers. While The God Haters is science fiction Christian fiction.
March 28, 2011
Great book! Excited about discussing at book club! Myers kept me in suspense as Michael Steel went through so many trials.
So thankful that my God never leaves me, even through the toughest times of my life.
So thankful that my God never leaves me, even through the toughest times of my life.
April 11, 2011
this book was really awesome to think that he could put into publication what most wonder about with God and Satan. It's a modern day Jacob story a must read for all.
February 25, 2014
A very thought provoking look at the Sermon on the Mount. It is an entertaining read as well. You don't often find that type of book!
September 4, 2014
Another awesome story by Bill Myers. Is it possible to live the sermon on the mount in 2014? I really enjoyed this short book.
September 1, 2017
This is an excellent book to read especially if you want to get a grasp for the Sermon on the Mount. It really brought the life lessons to life by what the main character was undergoing in his personal life.
Oscar R.
Oscar R.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews