People have honest doubts and questions about God that deserve solid answers. How do we explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way we can all understand? Ray Pritchard has updated this best-selling presentation of the gospel in a clear, straightforward way using simple language and clear Scripture references. An Anchor for the Soul is written with doubters, seekers, and skeptics in mind. In a clear, straightforward presentation, he answers questions such What is God like? How can I know Him? Who is Jesus and what did He do? What does it mean to be a Christian? Through stories and illustrations, Pastor Pritchard very personally, yet gently, challenges his readers with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Ray Pritchard serves as president of Keep Believing Ministries. He has ministered extensively overseas in China, Bolivia, Columbia, Paraguay, Belize, Haiti, Nigeria, Switzerland, Russia, India and Nepal. He serves as a regular co-host on "Today's Issues" on the American Family Network. He has written 27 books, including Stealth Attack, Fire and Rain, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, An Anchor for the Soul, The Incredible Journey of Faith, The ABCs of Wisdom, Leadership Lessons of Jesus (with Bob Briner), Why Did This Happen to Me?, and Credo: Believing in Something to Die For. For 26 years he pastored churches in Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. He is a graduate of Tennessee Temple University (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and Talbot School of Theology (D.Min.). He has been married to Marlene for 39 years. Their three sons (Josh, Mark and Nick) have spent time in recent years teaching English in China. Josh and Leah were married in July 2006. They have one son (Knox) and a daughter on the way. Mark and Vanessa were married in July 2007. They have two children (Eli and Penelope). His hobbies include biking, surfing the Internet, and anything related to the Civil War.
i did not expect for this book to be as inspiring as it was. i am somebody who has struggled with my faith and just really feels awkward about it. i haven’t built it into my life and i feel super odd taking about it, although i have felt the Holy Spirit move in my life countless times. the tone of this book was not preachy but just matter of fact. in fact it emphasizes you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian. it’s comforting to know that all of my reckless perfect sins are ultimately forgiven through Jesus Christ’s love.
I received no compensation for the review listed below. I was sent a digital review galley from Moody Publishers using the program Netgalley to read and write an objective review.
This is the first time I've done a digital galley review. I recently joined Netgalley. Netgalley is a global publishing service company. NetGalley is an innovative and easy-to-use online service and connection point for book publishers, reviewers, media, librarians, booksellers, bloggers and educators. After some technical difficulties I think I figured it out for the most part. I was not able to read my digital galley on my Barnes and Noble Nook, I've emailed Negalley to find out why, but in the meantime, I was able to read it directly from my laptop.
The above is no reflection on Moody Publishing or the author Ray Pritchard.
"An Anchor for the Soul" by Ray Pritchard. Published by Moody Publishing 02/01/2011. An Anchor for the Soul is written with doubters, seekers, and skeptics in mind. In a clear, straightforward presentation, he answers questions such as: What is God like? How can I know Him? Who is Jesus and what did He do? What does it mean to be a Christian? Through stories and illustrations, Pastor Pritchard very personally, yet gently, challenges his readers with the Good News of Jesus Christ. An excerpt from Netgalley digital press kit.
"When you hit rock bottom, you can only look up." Is a quote from the beginning of the book from a prisoner in Pennsylvania who read the book. How that quote rings true. Until you hit the bottom, you won't look up. I hit the bottom 12 years ago. Actually I was so low that I became part of the bottom. The Lord found me and He lifted me high above the shadows, so far from the bottom. I am forever grateful for His love and mercy.
I wish I would have had "An Anchor for your Soul" when I first came to know Jesus. It is an awesome guide-book for any Christian no matter your maturity level, baby Christian, mature Christian. This book is very easy to understand, it starts at the beginning and takes you all the way to accepting Jesus Christ as Your personal Lord and Savior. But the most amazing part about this book, is the way it answers questions that come up in your Christian walk. Ray Pritchard speaks to you in his book from his heart. You can tell he has walked the same road that you are on and he shares his personal experiences and the experiences of others who have gone before you.
The book is a short but concise guide-book that will be an asset for any Christian library. It is a great book to share with new converts and can also be used as a witnessing tool.
You won't regret this read, it definitely is an Aplus in my book.
I had picked this book up at church either as a free book they handed out or at a table of books someone was giving away, I can't remember which. The title to me implied it would be good and cover a topic that interested me at the time. I had gained a fascination and love for the scripture verse Hebrews 6:19; "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast..." and I was excited to read this book. It was only today as I got to page 44 that the author quoted from another author, Philip Yancey, of whom I read the book entitled "What's So Amazing About Grace?" and had given 1 star for it's lack of scripture as well as other more minor things. Often those we quote are those we admire...So I looked through this book and realized that yes, NOT ONE Scripture passage was shared within it's pages, just as in the Amazing Grace book!
Though very sound in it's doctrine, and very well written with pleasing quoatable passages, such as Philip Yancey's writings, I cannot abide a book that does not back up what it speaks of with God's own Word from the Bible. There is sufficient reason for that found in Scripture:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" - 2 Timothy 3:16
"Every word of God is pure...Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." - Proverbs 5-6
"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 2:13
We must not rely on our own words, or quote from others and leave out God's Word entirely! :( Therefore my reasoning behind giving this such a low rating. I chose 2 stars because at least it was good that it *was* sound doctrine so it was not a total loss.
A simple outline of the faith. My only knock is that it focused so much on the individual salvation of people that it almost entirely leaves out the corporate aspect of being part of the body of Christ.
Excellent resource to share with those open to receiving the good news of Christ. Pritchard explains God's plan of salvation so clearly. I bought two extra copies to have on hand for those interested in learning more.
A thought provoking read. Good analagies for some tougher concepts. Each chapter provides good questions to ask yourself and others to strengthen and test your beliefs.
I got this book at a Bible conference as a free handout. I preread it in hopes of sharing it with unsaved friends and family. It is a great gospel primer.