The Ever-Loving Truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture?

by Voddie T. Baucham Jr.

Voddie Baucham has a message for Christians in today’s culture—it’s time to take a stand for the truth. In The Ever-Loving Truth, this powerful preacher and teacher addresses the cost of being a twenty-first century Christian and helps adults apply the unchanging truth of God’s Word to contemporary life issues.

The Ever-Loving Truth draws parallels between committed Christians in our society and the New Testament writers, Peter and John, as followers of Christ who proclaimed and stood for truth in their non-Christian environment. Participants will find this compelling study leads them to evaluate what it means to be a Christian today and how to apply God’s unchanging truth to a variety of circumstances.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Voddie Baucham wears many hats. He is a husband, father, pastor, author, professor, conference speaker and church planter. He currently serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX. He has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX, and Union University in Jackson, TN. He has also lectured at Southern Seminary.

Voddie makes the Bible clear and demonstrates the relevance of God’s word to everyday life. However, he does so without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear him preach find themselves both challenged and encouraged.

Voddie’s area of emphasis is Cultural Apologetics. Whether teaching on classical apologetic issues like the validity and historicity of the Bible, or the resurrection of Christ; or teaching on biblical manhood/ womanhood, marriage and family, he helps ordinary people understand the significance of thinking and living biblically in every area of life.

It is impossible to understand Voddie’s approach to the Bible without first understanding the path he has walked. Raised in a non-Christian, single-parent home, Voddie did not hear the gospel until he was in college. His journey to faith was a very unusual and intellectual one. Consequently, he understands what it means to be a skeptic, and knows what it’s like to try to figure out the Christian life without relying on the traditions of men. As a result, he speaks to ‘outsiders’ in ways few Bible teachers can.

Voddie Baucham holds degrees from Houston Baptist University (BA in Christianity/BA in Sociology), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.), an honorary degree from Southern California Seminary (D.D.), and additional post-graduate study at the University of Oxford, England (Regent’s Park College).

Voddie and his wife, Bridget have been married since 1989. They have six children, Jasmine L. Holmes, Trey (Voddie, III), Elijah, Asher, Judah, and Micah. They are committed home educators.

Reviews

[Angela Blount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cultural apologetics commentary from a Christian worldview.

I've listened to Voddie Bauchman preach, but this is the first bit of his writing I've experienced. This book sometimes feels part memoir, as Bauchman consistently references important aspects of his past to explain his development into his faith. It's interesting to hear his perspective as someone who -wasn't- raised in the Christian faith (his mother was Buddhist) and came to his conclusions through many trials--his faith more than surviving the pressures and presumptions of academia, even into his post-graduate studies at Oxford.

Bauchman covers a lot of ground, and he does so in the same style as his speaking voice: contemplatively intelligent, and warmly approachable. He could easily go over readers' heads, but he chooses to remain accessible--even conversational in tone. (I would have loved to have him as a professor.)

This was my first book from him, but it won't be my last.

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by the late Voddie Baucham. Baucham stands on truth and preaches a message that says we all need to stand upon it and live by it and tell others of it. This updated edition from when it was first published around 20 years ago continues to fight back against the cultural tides that would see Christianity removed from the public square. Baucham provides easy to follow and understand truths to hold to that can be easily shared with others that brings glory to Christ and if by His will, see others come to Christ as well. Great book, miss Baucham, but give glory to God that he is at rest.

[Chris Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baucham is one of my favorite preachers, and this book merely reinforces my admiration for him. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the beliefs and methodology of the postmodern worldview.

[Julie Ruch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening!
Very helpful for understanding how nonbelievers think in today's culture. Well organized so that it's easy to understand and easy to remember.

Among other things, Dr. Baucham lays out the three cornerstones of present day culture, then proceeds to show the fallacies of each. By the way, I am reading this 15 years after publication, but his prognosis is still completely accurate.

Here is an example, showing how well he explains things.

Tolerance is the virtue that trumps all others in our culture. It is more important to be tolerant than it is to be honest, loyal, or trustworthy.

I believe I am now much better prepared to engage in dialogue than I was before reading this.

This book is biblically sound. I would recommend this book for high-school and above.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. A Voddie blend between Tactics by Greg Koukl and Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

[MaryLucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compelling! Practical advice that can be read and understood by all about basic theology and the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Voddie makes the Bible clear and demonstrates the relevance of God’s word to everyday life. However, he does so without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel.
“I am convinced that the mountaintop is the place we celebrate, but the valley is the place we learn.”
“God is in the business of turning our trials into testimonies.”
“All of us crave truth. In fact, we were designed to crave it. We also know what it tastes like. That’s why a half-truth is far worse than a whole lie.”

[Caitriona Riding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic book.

I love Voddie’s writing. This is the second book I’ve read from him and I look forward to reading all that he’s written. Biblically sound. Solid truth. Easy to read. Very applicable to our culture now.

I would say this is a must read for all christians.

“God’s truth is not dependent upon the changing of time! Not is God subject to the whims of lawmakers.. Our goal is to be right with God.”

“ Christ had shed his blood for me to no less degree than he had for them. We were standing at the feet of the cross and the ground was, indeed, level. “

“How dare we look down on another because of the category of his or her sin! “

“I am convinced that the mountaintop is the place we celebrate, but the valley is the place we learn. “

[Joe Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Ever-Loving Truth, @voddieb provides a practical volume for understanding our post-modern culture and how Christians can thrive while walking out our faith.

In Part 1, he explains how we have become a post-modern and even post-Christian culture and how the Truth of the Gospel is under attack. In Section 2, he details what it will take to take a stand for Christ. In section 3, Voddie reminds us of the confidence we can have in the Bible and how to practically share the Truth.

I recommend this for any Christian. It's a good reminder for those who have been walking with Christ for a while and a good primer for new believers.

[Shelley Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a faithful and attentive shepherd sitting down with you and spurring you on. I was so encouraged to continue living differently than the world, defend what is true while speaking in love, share the gospel, rejoice in suffering, and the list goes on. I wish I had taken notes to go back to in the future.
Yes, faith can thrive in a post-christian culture!

Also, he really got me when he quickly addressed the seeker-sensitive church model. All that work for a group of people the Bible says doesn't exist. 🫣 Romans 3:11

[Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book that I could certainly use for my own future research. He lays out a lot of information really well. Some of it is information that I've read in other works, but in other aspects there was a lot of information that I hadn't thought about. As he does in his preaching, Voddie does a great job capturing the reader with examples through stories. It is also worthy noting that Voddie ties the whole book essentially to one passage of Scripture throughout.

[Duk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve listened to and read a great many books on Christianity and faith searching for.. well, I don’t know what. Affirmation? Information? Justification? I don’t know. Something that speaks to my soul, I guess. Something that would point me back to my Bible and the Word and our Lord in a meaningful, faith based way. This is that book for me. I loved every minute of this and will treasure it in my library for many years to come.

[Peyton Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. I highly recommend everyone read it! It doesn’t matter where you are on your walk with God — this is straight up fascinating. Bauchman tells it like it is and keeps you engaged throughout the entire novel. He sticks to the scriptures and doesn’t add “fluff” to make you “feel good.” He makes you question things and he makes you laugh. I’ve already purchased my next Bauchman read and I’m excited to get into it!

[Mike Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Read

I would highly recommend this book for you personally and for your church. Don’t bypass this book. It speaks to our present darkness and weak church. Culture is rearing up to make an assault on the church. It is expected. We can’t depend on politics and politicians to change society. It mush be the Church of Scripture. It must be the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Baucham does this in the book. You will not be disappointed!

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer on Relativism or the idea that all religions/ideas have the same truth content. Overall, it was great and covered some very good ground. Enjoyed his discussion on Truth & Relativism and particularly edified by his discussion on how our approach to apologetics should be. Though I wish more objections would have been examined, I guess this is a beginner's guide to the subject.

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prophetic word for a post-Christian era

He got most of his predictions right on how these attacks will continue against the church. The only thing he missed was how tolerance has now given way to cancel culture, and how that effects the church’s message much differently.

[Joyce Stahle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a believer in Christ. It will encourage you in your faith and possibly convict you; it sure did me. As Christians we have lost the courage and boldness that Peter and John had.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It falls right in line with the apologetics training we have been doing with MA. I especially like the chapter at the end addressing the “how” we need to present the Gospel message!

[Carly Leigh Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very difficult to read at first but as I persevered and read more of this book I actually found it very informative and helpful for me as a Christian as it showed me practical ways I can express my faith and evangelise effectively in today's modern society!

[Sean Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid read overall. Personal, balanced. Good reminder to know the truth and hold to it in a pluralistic society.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good popular level book on defending the Christian Faith.

[Dwain Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction into our culture’s relativism and the Christian response.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book, both for its readability and for its exhortation to believers. I found it convicting and encouraging at the same time.

[Annediaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by my husband. Very good!

[Valerie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

this could be 3 books. excellent... broad truths and specific details and examples.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Felt like an easy intro to theology, apologetics and sharing your faith. Lots of stories and humor.

[Courtney Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Voddie Baucham since I read his book Family Driven Faith. This is another excellent work from a brilliant man. All Christians should read this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and practical teaching as expected from Voddie.

[Renee Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voddie Bauchman is as great at writing as he is at preaching. Great book filled with learning to spread God's Word.

[Devan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of Voddie Baucham's books to-date. This was my least favorite of them all. Honestly, I do not think the "updates" and "revisions" have helped this book at all. It combines an early 2000s commentary on culture and an early 2020s commentary on culture. While I think Baucham thought that the issues discussed are "timeless," that is not how they read. The early 2000s stuff seems out of place next to 2023 social commentary.

Moreover, in stark contrast to his other works, much of that commentary feels very shallow in this book. His source text is Acts 4, and when he is expounding on that, the book is quite good with some very good points about evangelism and counting the cost. Nevertheless, married to the commentary, the main point is often lost. Honestly, if you want to know the content of this book, I recommend just watching the talk where I picked up my copy. He is far more succinct and makes his point much more strongly (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT9pe...). I think that this is because he brings twenty more years of wisdom and experience to the subject in this talk. It is unfortunate that he did not also bring that to the book.

[Carter Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love cultural apologetics. In a world full of bad ideas and bad philosophies, we have solid rock to stand on in The Word of God. As believers, we need to equip ourselves with what we believe & why. A lot of Americans unknowingly adopt a postmodern, Marxist worldview that is antithetical to the Christian worldview.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV

“so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭ESV‬‬