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The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within
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 4:3-4Jesus 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.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2017
83 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hitchcock
115 books116 followersMark Hitchcock was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from law school in 1984. After working for a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for four years, Mark was led to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1991. Since that time, he has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He completed his PhD at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005 and serves as an associate professor of Bible exposition at DTS. He has authored over thirty books related to end-time Bible prophecy that have sold over one million copies. His books have been translated into over ten languages. Mark is a frequent speaker at churches and prophecy conferences both in the United States and internationally. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two sons, Justin (married to Natalee) and Samuel, and two grandchildren..
You can also connect with Mark on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 25, 2017
Excellent
A timely book written especially for this time as apostasy becomes more prevalent in our churches. I believe that this apostasy is one of the main reasons for the growth of home church gatherings instead. A must read for every Christian!
A timely book written especially for this time as apostasy becomes more prevalent in our churches. I believe that this apostasy is one of the main reasons for the growth of home church gatherings instead. A must read for every Christian!
February 20, 2017
Many nonfiction books are just a regurgitation of older books or older ideas with a new, "progressive" face on it. Not so with this one.
I found this book to have so many truths and illuminating facts that I bookmarked the pages with whatever pieces of paper were nearby as I read. With each chapter I was loathe to put this book down. And I felt the desire, the need to share what I learned from that chapter with anyone and everyone.
I never understood the saying about the "fifth column", but after reading the chapter titled the same, the reasoning behind this was made much clearer. Apostasy will come from within, cloaked.
The authors share in each chapter how we have become a "culture of compromise" and when "tolerance is intolerable".
If the reader ever wonders what an apostate is or how to identify one, this book breaks it down easily. And these authors didn't rely on only just one translation of the Bible. They use at least five to make their points, and instead of stating what that particular Scripture reads, they invite the reader to find out for themselves, too.
It's a compelling read that is most remarkable in its ability to lay out the cold, hard truths in a most humble way. And read alongside the Bible, The Coming Apostasy is a good study guide to have handy. I found myself with a greater understanding of some portions of the Bible by reading what the book says and then following it with the Scripture quoted.
And as the book mentions, we are to still fight the good fight because our "orders remain unchanged". Buy this book. Read it and then read it again.
I found this book to have so many truths and illuminating facts that I bookmarked the pages with whatever pieces of paper were nearby as I read. With each chapter I was loathe to put this book down. And I felt the desire, the need to share what I learned from that chapter with anyone and everyone.
I never understood the saying about the "fifth column", but after reading the chapter titled the same, the reasoning behind this was made much clearer. Apostasy will come from within, cloaked.
The authors share in each chapter how we have become a "culture of compromise" and when "tolerance is intolerable".
If the reader ever wonders what an apostate is or how to identify one, this book breaks it down easily. And these authors didn't rely on only just one translation of the Bible. They use at least five to make their points, and instead of stating what that particular Scripture reads, they invite the reader to find out for themselves, too.
It's a compelling read that is most remarkable in its ability to lay out the cold, hard truths in a most humble way. And read alongside the Bible, The Coming Apostasy is a good study guide to have handy. I found myself with a greater understanding of some portions of the Bible by reading what the book says and then following it with the Scripture quoted.
And as the book mentions, we are to still fight the good fight because our "orders remain unchanged". Buy this book. Read it and then read it again.
November 8, 2022
When I hear the word apostate or apostasy, I immediately think of someone who has defected from a cult and is now deemed persona non grata. In this book, Hitchcock and Kinley define the term as "defection or departure from the truth of Scripture", something that is growing more prevalent within Christianity. Kinley is one of my favorite authors, with Hitchcock being one I really enjoy, so unsurprisingly I appreciated and flew through this title on audiobook. While at time it started to veer off course from the main topic, the authors presented a clear picture of the rampant false teaching permeating Christianity, with so many self-proclaimed Christians being oblivious as their own faith isn't backed up in Biblical Truth. As we move closer towards The Last Days and the Return of Jesus, it's important to know what the Bible says about what will be experienced.
March 16, 2017
What is apostasy?
Most of us have an idea of what apostasy means even if we can’t provide a dictionary definition. In a Biblical sense as explained by popular Christian authors Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley in their new book, - “Christian apostasy in its broadest terms is defection or departure from the truth of Scripture.”
To be sure sometimes this departure is can be an overt act of rebellion but often it is a simple and gradual process over time which takes you to a destination which at the beginning of your journey you would not have thought possible.
Here is how the authors explain it: “Apostasy represents an abandonment of faith, and it can happen over time without a person realizing it.”
They go on to explain that there is a flip side to this coin of apostasy. “In fact, just the opposite may occur, as pride mixed with false doctrine leads to an attitude of superiority, complacency, and self-righteousness.”
As Hitchcock and Kinley soberly access, Christianity as it understood by many in western culture today has indeed crossed the threshold of apostasy and taken up residence in the home of rebellion. Rebellion that is against the moral absolutes of Scripture. I must admit it was both challenging and refreshing to read a book which did not apologize for using the “law” of God as guide to moral conduct. In today’s increasingly hyper-grace environment, charges of legalism are more often than not used as a cloak for lawlessness. Hitchcock and Kinley make it clear that salvation is in fact by the grace of YHWH through faith in Yeshua’s atoning blood but once saved we as believers should not abuse that grace by living in a manner which is contrary to the Bible. This is how they explain it:
“Some today argue, “What difference does it make what you believe as long as you love God and others? Aren’t those the greatest commandments?” yes, those are the greatest commandments, but if that were the sum total of all God wanted us to know, believe, and do, the sixty-six books of the Bible would be reduced to two verses. There is a greatest commandment, but it in no way diminishes our responsibility to all the others. “
In ten well written chapters Hitchcock and Kinley explore the devastation apostasy has wrought in the Christian church of our generation. But they don’t leave you without hope nor practical Scriptural advice to counter this evil. Here is a sample of the topics included in this book:
• Chapter 1: God and Ghost Ships
• Chapter 2: The Fifth Column
• Chapter 3: Faith of Our Fathers
• Chapter 4: Culture of Compromise
• Chapter 5: When Tolerance Is Intolerable
• Chapter 6: Moral Freefall
• Chapter 7: The Watershed Moment for the Church
• Chapter 8: Will the Real Jesus Stand Up?
• Chapter 9: Acts of the Apostates
• Chapters 10: Surviving the Last Days of Apostasy
- - - - - - - - - - - -
For clarities sake there were a couple of place where I would like to have a better understanding of the Scriptural basis for the authors interpretation:
Chapter 2 (Kindle loc. 373) the authors describe the ratification of a peace treaty between Israel and the Anti-Christ. This eschatological belief is based upon an interpretation of Daniel 9 which has as it basis a “commandment to restore and build Jerusalem” given by the Persian king Longimanus. In order for this interpretation to work though, Hitchcock and Kinley must stretch the chronology of 2nd temple era by nearly 60 years.
In their new book Charting the Bible Chronologically: A Visual Guide to God's Unfolding Plan, Hindson and Ice explain that after the flood mankind was subject to an exponential decay curve which lowered the lifespan mankind to about 70-80 years. Yet implied in their interpretation, Hitchcock and Kinley’s must maintain a lifespan for Ezra and many of the priests and Levites which is nearly a quarter century older than Moses. This requires some chronological gymnastics regarding the chronology as described in Ezra 1-7, and Nehemiah. I would like to better understand the authors reasoning for the incongruous approach to the 2nd temple era. Hopefully in some future publication they will address this important subject as it has profound implications for our view of the coming tribulation and the return of Yeshua.
In Chapter 1 & 2 (Kindle loc. 142 & 382) the authors briefly describe what may be the precursor to the predicted invasion of Israel by Russia (Gog & Magog). In the authors investigation of the subject I would like to better understand how they arrived at the conclusion that Israel’s dwelling safely (yashab betach) is a condition of Israel which proceeds the Millennial reign of Yeshua.
According to Levitcus 25 & 26 the original promise of Israel dwelling safely (yashab betach) is a promise contingent upon obedience to the Torah. As the Scripture is clear, Israel will not fully turn back to the ways of YHWH until just before the 2nd coming when they acknowledge “blessed is He who comes in the name of YHWH.” (Matt. 23:39) Further Jeremiah 32, Ezekiel 28, 34, and Zech. 14 all congruently describe this yashab betach as taking place during the Millennial reign of Yeshua. Not to be ignored is Rev. 20 where it describes the future millennial reign of Yeshua and Israel dwelling safely in the land. At that time Gog and Magog come up against Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel 38 & 39.
I would like better understand the reasoning the authors use to conclude that Gog and Magog of Ezekiel 38 & 39 refers not to the millennial reign of Yeshua as congruently described throughout the Biblical text, but instead to a period of time preceding the 2nd coming for which there seems to be no clear contextual justification.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
In summary my questions notwithstanding, this book is a much needed exploration of apostasy in the church today. Its sobering message and more importantly its Scriptural solutions are a must read for believers. I’d encourage every Berean to read this book and then open your Bible’s and see if these things be so. In conclusion I leave you with some valuable advice from Mr. Hitchcock and Mr. Kinley:
“When you look at the sources of our faith and why we choose to embrace a certain doctrine or truth as our own, it becomes clear that only one source is 100 percent reliable. The bottom line of any belief is that if it can’t be backed up by Scripture, it’s nothing more than wishful thinking, speculation, or theory.”
Maranatha!
Most of us have an idea of what apostasy means even if we can’t provide a dictionary definition. In a Biblical sense as explained by popular Christian authors Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley in their new book, - “Christian apostasy in its broadest terms is defection or departure from the truth of Scripture.”
To be sure sometimes this departure is can be an overt act of rebellion but often it is a simple and gradual process over time which takes you to a destination which at the beginning of your journey you would not have thought possible.
Here is how the authors explain it: “Apostasy represents an abandonment of faith, and it can happen over time without a person realizing it.”
They go on to explain that there is a flip side to this coin of apostasy. “In fact, just the opposite may occur, as pride mixed with false doctrine leads to an attitude of superiority, complacency, and self-righteousness.”
As Hitchcock and Kinley soberly access, Christianity as it understood by many in western culture today has indeed crossed the threshold of apostasy and taken up residence in the home of rebellion. Rebellion that is against the moral absolutes of Scripture. I must admit it was both challenging and refreshing to read a book which did not apologize for using the “law” of God as guide to moral conduct. In today’s increasingly hyper-grace environment, charges of legalism are more often than not used as a cloak for lawlessness. Hitchcock and Kinley make it clear that salvation is in fact by the grace of YHWH through faith in Yeshua’s atoning blood but once saved we as believers should not abuse that grace by living in a manner which is contrary to the Bible. This is how they explain it:
“Some today argue, “What difference does it make what you believe as long as you love God and others? Aren’t those the greatest commandments?” yes, those are the greatest commandments, but if that were the sum total of all God wanted us to know, believe, and do, the sixty-six books of the Bible would be reduced to two verses. There is a greatest commandment, but it in no way diminishes our responsibility to all the others. “
In ten well written chapters Hitchcock and Kinley explore the devastation apostasy has wrought in the Christian church of our generation. But they don’t leave you without hope nor practical Scriptural advice to counter this evil. Here is a sample of the topics included in this book:
• Chapter 1: God and Ghost Ships
• Chapter 2: The Fifth Column
• Chapter 3: Faith of Our Fathers
• Chapter 4: Culture of Compromise
• Chapter 5: When Tolerance Is Intolerable
• Chapter 6: Moral Freefall
• Chapter 7: The Watershed Moment for the Church
• Chapter 8: Will the Real Jesus Stand Up?
• Chapter 9: Acts of the Apostates
• Chapters 10: Surviving the Last Days of Apostasy
- - - - - - - - - - - -
For clarities sake there were a couple of place where I would like to have a better understanding of the Scriptural basis for the authors interpretation:
Chapter 2 (Kindle loc. 373) the authors describe the ratification of a peace treaty between Israel and the Anti-Christ. This eschatological belief is based upon an interpretation of Daniel 9 which has as it basis a “commandment to restore and build Jerusalem” given by the Persian king Longimanus. In order for this interpretation to work though, Hitchcock and Kinley must stretch the chronology of 2nd temple era by nearly 60 years.
In their new book Charting the Bible Chronologically: A Visual Guide to God's Unfolding Plan, Hindson and Ice explain that after the flood mankind was subject to an exponential decay curve which lowered the lifespan mankind to about 70-80 years. Yet implied in their interpretation, Hitchcock and Kinley’s must maintain a lifespan for Ezra and many of the priests and Levites which is nearly a quarter century older than Moses. This requires some chronological gymnastics regarding the chronology as described in Ezra 1-7, and Nehemiah. I would like to better understand the authors reasoning for the incongruous approach to the 2nd temple era. Hopefully in some future publication they will address this important subject as it has profound implications for our view of the coming tribulation and the return of Yeshua.
In Chapter 1 & 2 (Kindle loc. 142 & 382) the authors briefly describe what may be the precursor to the predicted invasion of Israel by Russia (Gog & Magog). In the authors investigation of the subject I would like to better understand how they arrived at the conclusion that Israel’s dwelling safely (yashab betach) is a condition of Israel which proceeds the Millennial reign of Yeshua.
According to Levitcus 25 & 26 the original promise of Israel dwelling safely (yashab betach) is a promise contingent upon obedience to the Torah. As the Scripture is clear, Israel will not fully turn back to the ways of YHWH until just before the 2nd coming when they acknowledge “blessed is He who comes in the name of YHWH.” (Matt. 23:39) Further Jeremiah 32, Ezekiel 28, 34, and Zech. 14 all congruently describe this yashab betach as taking place during the Millennial reign of Yeshua. Not to be ignored is Rev. 20 where it describes the future millennial reign of Yeshua and Israel dwelling safely in the land. At that time Gog and Magog come up against Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel 38 & 39.
I would like better understand the reasoning the authors use to conclude that Gog and Magog of Ezekiel 38 & 39 refers not to the millennial reign of Yeshua as congruently described throughout the Biblical text, but instead to a period of time preceding the 2nd coming for which there seems to be no clear contextual justification.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
In summary my questions notwithstanding, this book is a much needed exploration of apostasy in the church today. Its sobering message and more importantly its Scriptural solutions are a must read for believers. I’d encourage every Berean to read this book and then open your Bible’s and see if these things be so. In conclusion I leave you with some valuable advice from Mr. Hitchcock and Mr. Kinley:
“When you look at the sources of our faith and why we choose to embrace a certain doctrine or truth as our own, it becomes clear that only one source is 100 percent reliable. The bottom line of any belief is that if it can’t be backed up by Scripture, it’s nothing more than wishful thinking, speculation, or theory.”
Maranatha!
April 24, 2024
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.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
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.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
February 16, 2017
I was afraid when I started this book it was going to be a rather shallow conversational warning about what’s wrong with the church today. How wrong I was! Oh, it’s conversational, but it’s also both convicting and encouraging. Very convicting. And there is nothing shallow about it.
They start by defining apostasy. They carefully demonstrate what God means when He speaks of apostasy. That was convicting. It can be easy to spot apostasy in TV preachers, but after you read this book you’ll see just how far it has crept into your own life.
One of their main examples is the recent acceptance of homosexual marriage. They examine the most often heard excuses for accepting it. Then they show that to accept them is to step out of line with the scriptures, to apostatize.
They don’t leave you there, though. They teach the Biblical remedy. It’s wonderfully encouraging to see that it’s a simple remedy. Return to the Scriptures. Return to Christ as He has revealed himself.
But be warned. Christ told us apostasy would increase just before his return. Are we living through that apostasy? Possibly. They aren’t dogmatic on that point, but they are warning about it so we will be aware of the dangers that are out there.
The only thing I could wish is that he stuck with one Bible version to quote from. Personally, I find it very annoying when an author jumps from version to version. He uses five different versions.
Please let me recommend it to you. It is worth reading.
I received this book as a free ARC from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. No review was necessary, but it was my pleasure to write it.
They start by defining apostasy. They carefully demonstrate what God means when He speaks of apostasy. That was convicting. It can be easy to spot apostasy in TV preachers, but after you read this book you’ll see just how far it has crept into your own life.
One of their main examples is the recent acceptance of homosexual marriage. They examine the most often heard excuses for accepting it. Then they show that to accept them is to step out of line with the scriptures, to apostatize.
They don’t leave you there, though. They teach the Biblical remedy. It’s wonderfully encouraging to see that it’s a simple remedy. Return to the Scriptures. Return to Christ as He has revealed himself.
But be warned. Christ told us apostasy would increase just before his return. Are we living through that apostasy? Possibly. They aren’t dogmatic on that point, but they are warning about it so we will be aware of the dangers that are out there.
The only thing I could wish is that he stuck with one Bible version to quote from. Personally, I find it very annoying when an author jumps from version to version. He uses five different versions.
Please let me recommend it to you. It is worth reading.
I received this book as a free ARC from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. No review was necessary, but it was my pleasure to write it.
May 6, 2017
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
Since Paul of Tarsus Christians have proclaimed this is the End Times. This book is one more to add to this.
Since Paul of Tarsus Christians have proclaimed this is the End Times. This book is one more to add to this.
March 3, 2017
The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley
Every once in a while, something comes along that stops you in your tracks—all surrounding noise fades to a quiet stillness; the sardined space in your mind quickly expands to include long-forgotten memories; and you are immediately transported to that place from whence you came. The Coming Apostasy did that to me.
The book opens with a brief sketch of the “ghost ship” Mary Celeste and the mysterious disappearance of the family and crew which sailed her in 1872. The battered and abandoned vessel provides a convenient analogy to describe the church adrift in the midst of moral and spiritual crises. With vivid apocalyptic imagery, rich symbolism, and a cacophony of current headlines, the authors begin to build their case that we are in the last (final) days of this world. An an impassioned voice sounds the warning siren and cries: "It's almost here! Are you ready?"
I was raised with a “pre-tribulation, pre-millennial, dispensationalist, rapture-oriented” perspective. I cut my teeth on Tim LaHaye’s end times teachings years before he and Jerry Jenkins ever wrote their bestselling “Left Behind” series. And the movie A Thief in the Night had me so freaked out as a child that—for months after I saw it—whenever I found myself unexpectedly alone, I replayed the girl-by-the-stove scene in my head and wondered if I’d been left behind. (I’m not kidding.) It took lots of re-assurances of salvation and mini-theology lessons before I finally let that fear go.
In other words, I was slightly skeptical—especially after the authors set the stage for their thesis by recounting a number horrific current events including everything from the exponential rise in human trafficking across the globe to the blatant barbarism of ISIS and the incessant threats from Iran’s leadership to annihilate Israel.
According to authors Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, we are on a trajectory towards the climax of world history and our velocity has been accelerated. These are the end times. The last days. The time is now upon us when God and His followers are rejected, ridiculed, and relegated to the sidelines of society. It’s a perilous period of time immediately preceding what many expect to be the second coming of Christ—when Jesus stops knocking at the door (Rev. 3:20) and instead busts it down, and everyone on earth will mourn for Him (Rev. 1:7). And then, judgment.
Has anything changed in the last 40 years?
Over the past forty years, the world around us has dramatically changed, and the church has matured in its understanding of end times. We know God has a plan, and He is working it. We know it's not our job to guess when Jesus will return or attempt to accelerate the timeline (as if we could do anything to affect God's perfect timing). We know our job is to share the gospel message (Matt. 28:18-20) and protect ourselves from deception and false teaching in these last days (Col. 2:8).
I LOVED The Coming Apostasy*. The authors have a high view of Scripture and repeatedly steer Believers back to Bible basics. They plead with their readers to avoid tampering with the time-tested teachings of the Bible in order to placate modern masses; to stand for what is right, even when the world says we are wrong; to maintain an attitude of humility; and to put what we’ve learned into practice.
They also warn us to be very, very careful with interpretation: “Sincerity is no substitute for biblical integrity” (pg. 59). I couldn’t agree more.
Kinley and Hitchcock are committed to the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God—authoritative for every issue in our lives. What the Bible says we should do, we do. What it says we should avoid, we avoid. Period. “God’s Word is our source for detecting and rejecting apostasy” (pg. 114). It's important to note that when they are referring to God's Word, they are referring to the proper interpretation of it. And I'd like to clarify something that is mentioned in passing in the book, but could have used a bit more attention: biblical hermeneutics.
The authors at Theopedia.com define hermeneutics as "the science of interpreting what an author has written." They continue:
In other words, there exist guidelines and standards for proper biblical interpretation, and it is when these rules are either ignored or twisted that we end up with false doctrine in the church. The authors of The Coming Apostasy are frustrated with “professing Christians” (especially famous ones like Tony Campolo, Rachel Held Evans, and Jen Hatmaker) who—in their opinion—have “decided to fit in rather than stand out” in society. The authors contend that this “moral freefall” is only possible because of unbiblical compromises and improper interpretation of clear passages.
There's just one problem...
Chapter 8 is entitled “Will the Real Jesus Stand up?”—I loved this chapter!
In it, Kinley and Hitchcock present three popular “Christ caricatures” including: Hipster Jesus, Equality Jesus, and Patriotic Jesus. Each easily recognizable caricature captures a particular part of Jesus' personality and ministry methodology, but none of them is complete on its own. And none of them bear much resemblance to the complete picture of the Savior as recorded in the Bible.
The authors are spot-on theologically when they say, “The portrait of Jesus that Scripture paints cannot be improved upon” (pg. 144). Amen, and amen. “By detaching ourselves from Scripture’s Jesus, we not only end up with the wrong Jesus, but we also short-circuit the very power of the gospel” (pp. 144-145). Can you imagine? May it never be!
One thing we know for certain: the end is coming. God has a plan, and He’s been moving it forward since the beginning of time. His redemption is available to everyone who calls upon His Name. There is forgiveness available to everyone. Every. One. We have all sinned and fallen short of what could have been (Rom. 3:23). And yet, while we were still living in our sinful state—according to our own whims and desires; never giving God a second thought (or third thought); never darkening the door of a church building or even owning a Bible—God became a man and made a way where there was no way. And that way is still available to everyone today. It always will be.
How Should We Then Live?
Having made their case for these being the “last days” and some in the church capitulating to current cultural expectations, the The Coming Apostasy concludes with a four-point answer to the question, “How should we then live?”
Remember ~ We need to remember that we were warned about false teachers and false teachings nearly 2,000 years ago, and the fact that they exist should be no surprise.
Remain ~ We must commit ourselves to spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, obedience, and anticipation of His return.
Reach Out ~ We should reach out with compassion and mercy to those who have been deceived by false teachers while guarding our own hearts with truth so we don’t fall into the same trap.
Rest ~ We can rest knowing that our eternal destiny is with Him.
* I highly recommend The Coming Apostasy to everyone (especially pastors and Bible study leaders) with this caution: BEWARE of Chapter 7. In it, the authors select one sin and focus on it and neglect numerous others which are also clearly prohibited in Scripture. I was mortified at their labeling homosexual behavior as the "watershed of apostasy" in the church. Although the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is wrong, nowhere in Scripture is any one sin singled out as “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” with regards to end times (or any other time for that matter). In fact, Scripture is very clear about what God hates and what sins will be rampant in the last days:
AND
Therefore, when you read Chapter 7, do so with the understanding that the authors have chosen to focus on ONE clearly condemned sin and to ignore others which are also clearly condemned, have been around just as long, and are actually more prevalent in the church than homosexuality.
Because I truly enjoyed The Coming Apostasy, I cannot not recommend it. However, I also cannot recommend it wholeheartedly without addressing the problems in Chapter 7; therefore, I am writing a completely separate review of Chapter 7 which you can read HERE.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”
Every once in a while, something comes along that stops you in your tracks—all surrounding noise fades to a quiet stillness; the sardined space in your mind quickly expands to include long-forgotten memories; and you are immediately transported to that place from whence you came. The Coming Apostasy did that to me.
The book opens with a brief sketch of the “ghost ship” Mary Celeste and the mysterious disappearance of the family and crew which sailed her in 1872. The battered and abandoned vessel provides a convenient analogy to describe the church adrift in the midst of moral and spiritual crises. With vivid apocalyptic imagery, rich symbolism, and a cacophony of current headlines, the authors begin to build their case that we are in the last (final) days of this world. An an impassioned voice sounds the warning siren and cries: "It's almost here! Are you ready?"
I was raised with a “pre-tribulation, pre-millennial, dispensationalist, rapture-oriented” perspective. I cut my teeth on Tim LaHaye’s end times teachings years before he and Jerry Jenkins ever wrote their bestselling “Left Behind” series. And the movie A Thief in the Night had me so freaked out as a child that—for months after I saw it—whenever I found myself unexpectedly alone, I replayed the girl-by-the-stove scene in my head and wondered if I’d been left behind. (I’m not kidding.) It took lots of re-assurances of salvation and mini-theology lessons before I finally let that fear go.
In other words, I was slightly skeptical—especially after the authors set the stage for their thesis by recounting a number horrific current events including everything from the exponential rise in human trafficking across the globe to the blatant barbarism of ISIS and the incessant threats from Iran’s leadership to annihilate Israel.
According to authors Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, we are on a trajectory towards the climax of world history and our velocity has been accelerated. These are the end times. The last days. The time is now upon us when God and His followers are rejected, ridiculed, and relegated to the sidelines of society. It’s a perilous period of time immediately preceding what many expect to be the second coming of Christ—when Jesus stops knocking at the door (Rev. 3:20) and instead busts it down, and everyone on earth will mourn for Him (Rev. 1:7). And then, judgment.
Has anything changed in the last 40 years?
Over the past forty years, the world around us has dramatically changed, and the church has matured in its understanding of end times. We know God has a plan, and He is working it. We know it's not our job to guess when Jesus will return or attempt to accelerate the timeline (as if we could do anything to affect God's perfect timing). We know our job is to share the gospel message (Matt. 28:18-20) and protect ourselves from deception and false teaching in these last days (Col. 2:8).
I LOVED The Coming Apostasy*. The authors have a high view of Scripture and repeatedly steer Believers back to Bible basics. They plead with their readers to avoid tampering with the time-tested teachings of the Bible in order to placate modern masses; to stand for what is right, even when the world says we are wrong; to maintain an attitude of humility; and to put what we’ve learned into practice.
When we pursue knowledge for knowledge’s sake or when we fail to apply what God’s Word reveals to us, we are setting ourselves up to become proud and bloated…The Word of God always leads us to the person of God. It’s never an end unto itself. Truth comes from God to us in order that we may respond accordingly and live that truth back to God” (pp. 52-53).
They also warn us to be very, very careful with interpretation: “Sincerity is no substitute for biblical integrity” (pg. 59). I couldn’t agree more.
Without a clear understanding of Scripture and a constant calibration of our hearts and minds to God’s Word, the truth in us can fade and even morph to accommodate our feelings or the changing times” (pp. 59-60).
Kinley and Hitchcock are committed to the Bible as the inerrant and infallible Word of God—authoritative for every issue in our lives. What the Bible says we should do, we do. What it says we should avoid, we avoid. Period. “God’s Word is our source for detecting and rejecting apostasy” (pg. 114). It's important to note that when they are referring to God's Word, they are referring to the proper interpretation of it. And I'd like to clarify something that is mentioned in passing in the book, but could have used a bit more attention: biblical hermeneutics.
The authors at Theopedia.com define hermeneutics as "the science of interpreting what an author has written." They continue:
In Christian theology, hermeneutics focuses specifically on constructing and discovering the appropriate rules for interpreting the Bible. These methods and principles, however, are often drawn from outside of scripture in historical, literary or other fields. It inevitably involves exegesis, which is the act of interpreting or explaining the meaning of scripture. The goal in applying the principles of hermeneutics is to 'rightly handle the word of truth' (2 Tim. 2:15), striving to accurately discern the meaning of the text." "Hermeneutics," Theopedia
In other words, there exist guidelines and standards for proper biblical interpretation, and it is when these rules are either ignored or twisted that we end up with false doctrine in the church. The authors of The Coming Apostasy are frustrated with “professing Christians” (especially famous ones like Tony Campolo, Rachel Held Evans, and Jen Hatmaker) who—in their opinion—have “decided to fit in rather than stand out” in society. The authors contend that this “moral freefall” is only possible because of unbiblical compromises and improper interpretation of clear passages.
There's just one problem...
** It is at this point that I have to insert a caveat: I HATED the premise of Chapter 7.
In fact, I disagree so much with their decision to focus on one particular sin
that I'm writing a separate review specifically for Chapter 7 (click here to read it). **
Chapter 8 is entitled “Will the Real Jesus Stand up?”—I loved this chapter!
In it, Kinley and Hitchcock present three popular “Christ caricatures” including: Hipster Jesus, Equality Jesus, and Patriotic Jesus. Each easily recognizable caricature captures a particular part of Jesus' personality and ministry methodology, but none of them is complete on its own. And none of them bear much resemblance to the complete picture of the Savior as recorded in the Bible. Thanks to the overwhelming secularization in society, we’re beginning to see a dramatic drop in the most basic biblical knowledge about Jesus…But among those in America with a rudimentary knowledge of Christ, many have rejected long-held beliefs about the Son of God, favoring instead a re-imagined version of Him. To them, He’s due for an upgrade—Jesus 2.0, and new and improved Christ for a new generation” (pg. 139).
The authors are spot-on theologically when they say, “The portrait of Jesus that Scripture paints cannot be improved upon” (pg. 144). Amen, and amen. “By detaching ourselves from Scripture’s Jesus, we not only end up with the wrong Jesus, but we also short-circuit the very power of the gospel” (pp. 144-145). Can you imagine? May it never be!
One thing we know for certain: the end is coming. God has a plan, and He’s been moving it forward since the beginning of time. His redemption is available to everyone who calls upon His Name. There is forgiveness available to everyone. Every. One. We have all sinned and fallen short of what could have been (Rom. 3:23). And yet, while we were still living in our sinful state—according to our own whims and desires; never giving God a second thought (or third thought); never darkening the door of a church building or even owning a Bible—God became a man and made a way where there was no way. And that way is still available to everyone today. It always will be.
How Should We Then Live?
Having made their case for these being the “last days” and some in the church capitulating to current cultural expectations, the The Coming Apostasy concludes with a four-point answer to the question, “How should we then live?”
Remember ~ We need to remember that we were warned about false teachers and false teachings nearly 2,000 years ago, and the fact that they exist should be no surprise.
Remain ~ We must commit ourselves to spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, obedience, and anticipation of His return.
Reach Out ~ We should reach out with compassion and mercy to those who have been deceived by false teachers while guarding our own hearts with truth so we don’t fall into the same trap.
Rest ~ We can rest knowing that our eternal destiny is with Him.
The book ends with a clear, concise, biblical presentation of the gospel message and an invitation to the reader to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Because, when it all comes down, the goal for any Christian is to save as many as we can from eternal separation from the Lord. Though we are living in the end times, we are not alone…and we know how the story ends. 
* I highly recommend The Coming Apostasy to everyone (especially pastors and Bible study leaders) with this caution: BEWARE of Chapter 7. In it, the authors select one sin and focus on it and neglect numerous others which are also clearly prohibited in Scripture. I was mortified at their labeling homosexual behavior as the "watershed of apostasy" in the church. Although the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is wrong, nowhere in Scripture is any one sin singled out as “the straw that breaks the camel’s back” with regards to end times (or any other time for that matter). In fact, Scripture is very clear about what God hates and what sins will be rampant in the last days:
These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren."
Proverbs 6:16-19
AND
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Therefore, when you read Chapter 7, do so with the understanding that the authors have chosen to focus on ONE clearly condemned sin and to ignore others which are also clearly condemned, have been around just as long, and are actually more prevalent in the church than homosexuality.
Because I truly enjoyed The Coming Apostasy, I cannot not recommend it. However, I also cannot recommend it wholeheartedly without addressing the problems in Chapter 7; therefore, I am writing a completely separate review of Chapter 7 which you can read HERE.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”
March 15, 2017
Are we truly living in the Last Days? Is the imminent return of Jesus just around the corner? Is there a road map of sorts we can reference to see if we are and if so, how close? Many would say all the answers we need to know the signs of the end times are right inside the Bible. They are as clear as looking into the sky and knowing if rain is coming or if it will be a sunny day. We know as people living in this world, things are getting worse. They are far worse than they were 50 years ago or even 10 years ago and it would benefit us all to know what is coming next and just how close to the end we truly are.
In the book, The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, they both take us alongside the relevant events that the Bible predicts with 100% accuracy of what is happening now, what is coming and where we stand currently in light of End Times Prophecy. I am not conveying in any manner that a definite day and time are predicted, but if you are a follower of the Bible, Jesus did tell us that we would know the signs of those days drawing closer as well as you could tell spring from winter and I believe we, who are looking, are seeing them coming to some sort of culmination of not getting any better, but instead we have fallen so far from where we used to be and it appears as if there is no going back.
There is a growing apostasy happening within the Christian church and we see more and more signs of those turning from the truth of what the Bible has said, and instead casting aside some of the teachings of condemnation and judgement in light of what will grow their churches inside and satisfy what the the world wants in a church now and not what has always been. We see people accepting that all religions are in fact the same in such worldly signs such as COEXIST. We see Muslims trying to convince the church that we all do in fact worship the same God, but we know that is another worldly lie. We have seen some of the signs prophesied being fulfilled such as the regathering of the Jewish people, the rise of globalism, as well as others that continue to move into a growing culmination of the end such as the ratification of a peace treaty between the nation of Israel and her enemies; rumors of wars in the Middle East, rebellion of apostasy.
I received The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley compliments of Tyndale House Publishers. The purpose of this book is to help the reader understand what apostasy is, to help you understand that it is surging all around us and is a a serious sign of the end times, to guard you from a spiritual shipwreck and the danger of sinking in your own faith, and finally to help you understand the truth so you can stay on course until Christ's returns. Many people pray today for a great revival, and though it may happen, no such revival is prophesied. On the contrary, according to Scripture, a great apostasy is coming and you might just want to pay attention to just how close we truly are. I absolutely LOVE this book and give it a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I believe everyone needs to read this book and understand where we stand in regards to end times events and what are the signs we need to be aware of even in our own lives.
In the book, The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, they both take us alongside the relevant events that the Bible predicts with 100% accuracy of what is happening now, what is coming and where we stand currently in light of End Times Prophecy. I am not conveying in any manner that a definite day and time are predicted, but if you are a follower of the Bible, Jesus did tell us that we would know the signs of those days drawing closer as well as you could tell spring from winter and I believe we, who are looking, are seeing them coming to some sort of culmination of not getting any better, but instead we have fallen so far from where we used to be and it appears as if there is no going back.
There is a growing apostasy happening within the Christian church and we see more and more signs of those turning from the truth of what the Bible has said, and instead casting aside some of the teachings of condemnation and judgement in light of what will grow their churches inside and satisfy what the the world wants in a church now and not what has always been. We see people accepting that all religions are in fact the same in such worldly signs such as COEXIST. We see Muslims trying to convince the church that we all do in fact worship the same God, but we know that is another worldly lie. We have seen some of the signs prophesied being fulfilled such as the regathering of the Jewish people, the rise of globalism, as well as others that continue to move into a growing culmination of the end such as the ratification of a peace treaty between the nation of Israel and her enemies; rumors of wars in the Middle East, rebellion of apostasy.
I received The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley compliments of Tyndale House Publishers. The purpose of this book is to help the reader understand what apostasy is, to help you understand that it is surging all around us and is a a serious sign of the end times, to guard you from a spiritual shipwreck and the danger of sinking in your own faith, and finally to help you understand the truth so you can stay on course until Christ's returns. Many people pray today for a great revival, and though it may happen, no such revival is prophesied. On the contrary, according to Scripture, a great apostasy is coming and you might just want to pay attention to just how close we truly are. I absolutely LOVE this book and give it a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I believe everyone needs to read this book and understand where we stand in regards to end times events and what are the signs we need to be aware of even in our own lives.
March 3, 2017
The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley is a very highly recommended plea to the church to return to sound Biblical teaching.
Apostasy is falling away from the faith. It is the rejection of sound and wholesome teaching that is based on the Bible. The Bible warns that, "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 (NLT)
"Apostasy represents an abandonment of faith, and it can happen over time without a person realizing it. In fact, just the opposite may occur, as pride mixed with false doctrine leads to an attitude of superiority, complacency, and self-righteousness." Authors Hitchcock and Kinley have four purposes for writing this book: (1) to help Christians understand what apostasy is; (2) to help us understand that it’s surging all around us and is a serious sign of the end times; (3) to guard us from spiritual shipwreck and the danger of sinking; and (4) to help us understand the truth so that we stay on course as we await Christ’s return.
Many Christians can see that we are living in a time when sound doctrine is under siege and the Bible is being reduced to an outdated book of suggestions. It seems that people are more concerned with how they feel about whatever moral or theological topic is under consideration rather than what the Bible says. As pride mixes with false doctrine, it "leads to an attitude of superiority, complacency, and self-righteousness." Individuals, churches, and whole denominations are subject to a falling away from sound doctrine. Our guide to what is right and wrong should be the Bible.
The word of God does not change - people do. God does not compromise or rewrite his truth - people do. And in our quest to be relevant and up-to-date we are trying to please unbelievers by compromising the very inerrant and infallible word of God. Bringing home the point that it is currently unconscionable that we are even considering negotiating with a certain ideology that believes they have "holy mandate" to subjugate or kill outsiders. Right now Hitchcock and Kinley are spot on in their observation that: "The war in the East is to establish a religion. The war in the West is to eradicate a religion."
The Coming Apostasy is well written and organized, making it easy for readers to follow and understand the points being made. I agree with everything written in it, although I would prefer one or maybe two translations of the Bible be used rather than five, or at least do a parallel version to see/compare alternate translations. This is just a personal preference, but I also understand why different translations can make points easier to comprehend for a wide variety of people.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.
Apostasy is falling away from the faith. It is the rejection of sound and wholesome teaching that is based on the Bible. The Bible warns that, "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 (NLT)
"Apostasy represents an abandonment of faith, and it can happen over time without a person realizing it. In fact, just the opposite may occur, as pride mixed with false doctrine leads to an attitude of superiority, complacency, and self-righteousness." Authors Hitchcock and Kinley have four purposes for writing this book: (1) to help Christians understand what apostasy is; (2) to help us understand that it’s surging all around us and is a serious sign of the end times; (3) to guard us from spiritual shipwreck and the danger of sinking; and (4) to help us understand the truth so that we stay on course as we await Christ’s return.
Many Christians can see that we are living in a time when sound doctrine is under siege and the Bible is being reduced to an outdated book of suggestions. It seems that people are more concerned with how they feel about whatever moral or theological topic is under consideration rather than what the Bible says. As pride mixes with false doctrine, it "leads to an attitude of superiority, complacency, and self-righteousness." Individuals, churches, and whole denominations are subject to a falling away from sound doctrine. Our guide to what is right and wrong should be the Bible.
The word of God does not change - people do. God does not compromise or rewrite his truth - people do. And in our quest to be relevant and up-to-date we are trying to please unbelievers by compromising the very inerrant and infallible word of God. Bringing home the point that it is currently unconscionable that we are even considering negotiating with a certain ideology that believes they have "holy mandate" to subjugate or kill outsiders. Right now Hitchcock and Kinley are spot on in their observation that: "The war in the East is to establish a religion. The war in the West is to eradicate a religion."
The Coming Apostasy is well written and organized, making it easy for readers to follow and understand the points being made. I agree with everything written in it, although I would prefer one or maybe two translations of the Bible be used rather than five, or at least do a parallel version to see/compare alternate translations. This is just a personal preference, but I also understand why different translations can make points easier to comprehend for a wide variety of people.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers.
February 26, 2017
When was the last time you heard a sermon that really hit you where it hurt?
Like most of us today, we've become desensitized to what the gospel really teaches us. We've had political and societal leaders convince us that it's okay to allow certain things to go on in our world. It's politically incorrect to stand up against the morals, or rather lack thereof, that we see in the world around us. And yet, where are our preachers? Where are those old fire and brimstone Bible thumpers who would shout the roof down when preaching? Where have they all gone?
There are a few around. There are a few good Christians still standing around. Or rather, mulling around. Not really saying much. Why is that? Fear of being turned on?
Celebrities in our country who stand up and proclaim their Christianity are turned on. Sports players are turned on when they are heard to say that they prayed, or trusted in God. Our teachers, the most precious aid in this world in helping to establish our children's morals and belief's, are not allowed to mention God in the classroom. The Pledge of Allegiance can no longer be said in the classrooms today because of the line "one nation under God".
When was the last time you heard a preacher stand up and actually preach against transgender individuals, homosexuals, or abortion? Few do.
This my friend, is called apostasy. And Hitchcock and Kinley are here to guide you through this maze of worldly teaching. The two team up to tear apart the current trend from teachers today. Ministers, laypersons, and politics.
Are today's ministers simply telling the people what they want to hear? Are the "skipping over" all that nasty, politically incorrect "stuff" we find in the Bible?
"The great apostasy is coming, but is it closer than we imagine?", states the back cover of this book.
There are difficult times coming, Hitchcock and Kinley can help keep you on the path that is straight and narrow that leads to Heaven. Don't be fooled. The path that leads to destruction is wide, and many can fit across it's width and length.
We must stand up for what we believe in. And we must face ridicule if it comes. Or even worse. But we must press on, telling the good news, but preaching against what is sending so many straight to the gates of Hell.
I believe every Christian should read this book.
I give this five stars.
A big thumbs up.
And my personal highly recommended award.
Like most of us today, we've become desensitized to what the gospel really teaches us. We've had political and societal leaders convince us that it's okay to allow certain things to go on in our world. It's politically incorrect to stand up against the morals, or rather lack thereof, that we see in the world around us. And yet, where are our preachers? Where are those old fire and brimstone Bible thumpers who would shout the roof down when preaching? Where have they all gone?
There are a few around. There are a few good Christians still standing around. Or rather, mulling around. Not really saying much. Why is that? Fear of being turned on?
Celebrities in our country who stand up and proclaim their Christianity are turned on. Sports players are turned on when they are heard to say that they prayed, or trusted in God. Our teachers, the most precious aid in this world in helping to establish our children's morals and belief's, are not allowed to mention God in the classroom. The Pledge of Allegiance can no longer be said in the classrooms today because of the line "one nation under God".
When was the last time you heard a preacher stand up and actually preach against transgender individuals, homosexuals, or abortion? Few do.
This my friend, is called apostasy. And Hitchcock and Kinley are here to guide you through this maze of worldly teaching. The two team up to tear apart the current trend from teachers today. Ministers, laypersons, and politics.
Are today's ministers simply telling the people what they want to hear? Are the "skipping over" all that nasty, politically incorrect "stuff" we find in the Bible?
"The great apostasy is coming, but is it closer than we imagine?", states the back cover of this book.
There are difficult times coming, Hitchcock and Kinley can help keep you on the path that is straight and narrow that leads to Heaven. Don't be fooled. The path that leads to destruction is wide, and many can fit across it's width and length.
We must stand up for what we believe in. And we must face ridicule if it comes. Or even worse. But we must press on, telling the good news, but preaching against what is sending so many straight to the gates of Hell.
I believe every Christian should read this book.
I give this five stars.
A big thumbs up.
And my personal highly recommended award.
February 20, 2017
About the Book
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 4:3-4Jesus 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? Mark Hitchcock, former lawyer and popular Bible teacher, examines 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?Mark explores the writings of church leaders in America and is stunned by what he discovers. The great apostasy is coming, but is it closer than we imagine? What does that mean for the future? Let Mark Hitchcock be your steady guide to the difficult days ahead.
My Review
The Coming Apostasy is all about the coming "falling away" within the Church. The book exposes what the church is becoming. A lot of compromise. Which we are seeing quite a lot of these days in the American church. I also appreciate the fact that the author isn't just giving his opinion, but he is giving Scripture to prove his points. Not to mention his use of multiple versions of Scripture. If you enjoy books about biblical prophecy and the end times this is a book you'll want to read.
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 4:3-4Jesus 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? Mark Hitchcock, former lawyer and popular Bible teacher, examines 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?Mark explores the writings of church leaders in America and is stunned by what he discovers. The great apostasy is coming, but is it closer than we imagine? What does that mean for the future? Let Mark Hitchcock be your steady guide to the difficult days ahead.
My Review
The Coming Apostasy is all about the coming "falling away" within the Church. The book exposes what the church is becoming. A lot of compromise. Which we are seeing quite a lot of these days in the American church. I also appreciate the fact that the author isn't just giving his opinion, but he is giving Scripture to prove his points. Not to mention his use of multiple versions of Scripture. If you enjoy books about biblical prophecy and the end times this is a book you'll want to read.
May 17, 2025
Christians hating on other Christians. I love it. Because when I was a Born Again Christian, I discovered a great truth:
Christians don't have friends. They have co-conspirators.
According to our foaming at the mouth co-authors, the greatest threat to Christianity is other Christians ... meaning, Christians who do not think exactly the same way they do. Our self-described conservative Christian co-authors:
* Despise homosexuality
* Despise abortion
* Despise women
* Despise New Coke (which apparently was made by Satan himself)
* Despise anybody who does not take the Bible literally (even though they use FIVE different versions of the Bible here, and each one is very different from the other)
* Despises science
* Despise liberals, whether politically or in a religious context
* Despise hypocrites, yet refuse to look in the mirror.
Pages 80 and 81 recall an old story about Tertullian (160 - 240 CE), who found a group of Christians who made their living making idols. When Tertullian admonished them, they said, "There are no other jobs here. We have to make a living."
To which our Christ-like Tertullian replies, "Do you have to live?"
And our co-authors fully agree with him.
That is beyond cold.
And that is why many people have left Christianity. It's just full of self-serving hypocrites. The co-authors could've pointed out real problems in Christianity -- such as no one being serious about acting like Jesus. When Jesus was asked if the locals should pay taxes, Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." And yet churches (and all religions) pay zero taxes.
There's no talk in here about alleviating suffering in the world. It's all about how we're living in the end times (although Christians have been saying that for 2000 years) and that the REAL problem in the world is Rob Bell and Brian McLaren. You're supposed to be giving all of your time and money to the church if you're a GOOD Christian.
Fuck you, Mark Hitchcock and fuck you, too, Jeff Kinley. You're just two scammers who can't hold down real jobs.
Christians don't have friends. They have co-conspirators.
According to our foaming at the mouth co-authors, the greatest threat to Christianity is other Christians ... meaning, Christians who do not think exactly the same way they do. Our self-described conservative Christian co-authors:
* Despise homosexuality
* Despise abortion
* Despise women
* Despise New Coke (which apparently was made by Satan himself)
* Despise anybody who does not take the Bible literally (even though they use FIVE different versions of the Bible here, and each one is very different from the other)
* Despises science
* Despise liberals, whether politically or in a religious context
* Despise hypocrites, yet refuse to look in the mirror.
Pages 80 and 81 recall an old story about Tertullian (160 - 240 CE), who found a group of Christians who made their living making idols. When Tertullian admonished them, they said, "There are no other jobs here. We have to make a living."
To which our Christ-like Tertullian replies, "Do you have to live?"
And our co-authors fully agree with him.
That is beyond cold.
And that is why many people have left Christianity. It's just full of self-serving hypocrites. The co-authors could've pointed out real problems in Christianity -- such as no one being serious about acting like Jesus. When Jesus was asked if the locals should pay taxes, Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." And yet churches (and all religions) pay zero taxes.
There's no talk in here about alleviating suffering in the world. It's all about how we're living in the end times (although Christians have been saying that for 2000 years) and that the REAL problem in the world is Rob Bell and Brian McLaren. You're supposed to be giving all of your time and money to the church if you're a GOOD Christian.
Fuck you, Mark Hitchcock and fuck you, too, Jeff Kinley. You're just two scammers who can't hold down real jobs.
March 7, 2017
I have unreservedly recommended Mark Hitchcock's books for years, and I am unfamiliar with the work of Jeff Kinley. While I recommend this one, I would say that it's audience may be limited. Hitchcock is a favorite on the subject of eschatology, especially for people who are new to Christianity, Similarly, for someone newer in the faith, this book may be helpful to understanding the need for a knowledge of God's word, the practice of discernment and why Christians fight on social media. The first three chapters were a bit redundant, but did include the framework that set up the rest of the book. I appreciated the way the authors made a clear distinction between the behavior and positions of those who are not Christians and those who are. All the discussion of crumbling morality and the worlds anti-biblical views can be a distraction and mask the danger of those same views growing in the church. For someone really entrenched in some of the positions the authors address, I'm not sure their case for inerrancy is strong enough. Chapter 8, Will the Real Jesus Stand Up was a favorite, and I wished that their concluding chapter has been a bit more practical.. Still, this is a solid and readable book on an important topic. I received a copy of this book through Net Galley, supplied by the publisher for the purpose of this review.
March 7, 2017
This is an incredible book to read of the end of the church - and the end times. It tells you of what the church predicted and how they are coming true right now. for example it says in Revelation there will be worldwide famine - well in the book it says, "Imagine the scale of impact when global famine eventually hits the world, as forecast in Revelation. Look around, and you'll see that our world is also facing a number of humanitarian crises, one of which is the more than 780 million hungry people in the world today." This is just the beginning of the book. It goes into a one world economy and we are on the verge of that - and so on and so on - everyone - we are on our way home - I pray - hope - can't wait - Yah hoo. This book is full of information and it is all backed up by Revelation, and that is THE most important thing - please people do not take what someone has to say at face value because they wrote something - a book - a news article - whatever - or even speaks something - always - always - take what they have and if it is not backed up by Scripture then throw it out - take it with a grain of salt - (that is one of the best advise my father gave me, a pastor). I received a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
if you would like to see more of my honest Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to see more of my honest Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
February 14, 2017
The Coming Apostasy
Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within
by Mark Hitchcock; Jeff Kinley
Tyndale House Publishers
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Christian
Pub Date 07 Mar 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing The Coming Apostasy through the publisher and Netgalley:
The authors point out Sound Doctrine is under siege. The authors use the Mystery of The Mary Celeste a ship that in 1872 was headed to Genoa Italy, but when they were long overdue the ship was discovered with no signs of life, nearly a century and a half later the mystery of what happened on the Mary Celeste remains just that, a mystery. The book reminds us that we are adrift like The Mary Celeste.
The book points out that prophecy points out that Russia is poised to be an end times player. The book reminds us too that entire Dominations are on the verge of sinking. But if we hold on to the (anchor) Christ we will not sink.
We are warned too of the great falling away during the last days, many who were once believers will fall away from that faith.
I give The Coming Apostasy five out of five stars.
Happy Reading
March 1, 2017
"The Coming Apostasy" by Mark Hitchcock & Jeff Kinley is about the rot that is inside the church not just from the outside. As Christians we have a tendency to forget that apostasy is going to come from within not from the outside. This book did not hold back on the different ways false people will come in to the church. Which was interesting but my favorite chapter was chapter 8 when the author's discuss the false Christ's people have created. The reason this chapter was my favorite is that it not only brings up a hipster Jesus but the most popular one in conservative circles the American Patriotic Jesus. They don't hold back that there are Christ's created by groups to fit their needs that have similar points to the Biblical Christ but are not the true Christ. I highly recommend this book.
I was given this book from Tyndale Publishers for free and was not required to give a review.
I was given this book from Tyndale Publishers for free and was not required to give a review.
March 10, 2017
It is not a stretch for most people today to look at the world and think it has gone mad. Choose any subject or topic and it appears chaos is ruling and reigning. It is easy to see the seemingly dark times we live in and feel discouraged, frustrated, concerned, and more. Some wonder if we are living in the last days.
In The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, we read about the turmoil of our times from a different perspective as the authors look at the shift in the body of Christ that can be in many churches and believers. It appears that many are nearly indistinguishable from the culture they reside in pointing to the growing evidence of apostasy in the body of Christ. Too often it can be easier to preach or teach a socially popular message or one that only focuses on one aspect of the truth of scripture.
In The Coming Apostasy by Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley, we read about the turmoil of our times from a different perspective as the authors look at the shift in the body of Christ that can be in many churches and believers. It appears that many are nearly indistinguishable from the culture they reside in pointing to the growing evidence of apostasy in the body of Christ. Too often it can be easier to preach or teach a socially popular message or one that only focuses on one aspect of the truth of scripture.
March 19, 2018
Very interesting and worthwhile read given the current sociopolitical climate for those of you who are Christian. Personally, I think this is totally worth the time. This is NOT a politically correct book, and if you adhere to those beliefs, your beliefs will be challenged. Remember that Jesus is God. And He has existed forever and exists in all times simultaneously. His definition of sin does not change and has not changed. Our society cannot understand this and things that are socially acceptable are still dire sin in God's view.
If you're curious about what to expect moving forward in regard the Christian church, this is an excellent place to start. There are so many "churches" that claim to be Christian, but do not teach sound doctrine. This is going to continue to become more and more common, as will the falling away from Christianity of American society.
If you're curious about what to expect moving forward in regard the Christian church, this is an excellent place to start. There are so many "churches" that claim to be Christian, but do not teach sound doctrine. This is going to continue to become more and more common, as will the falling away from Christianity of American society.
January 24, 2024
I picked this up after experiencing a situation in a church where a false teaching was regarded as 'okay'. It has since made me interested in the coming apostasy in our churches, which appears is already here.
Whether it's progressive Christianity, or compromising or even reinterpreting scripture to suit our sinful lifestyles, Christians the world over are at risk. This book may be a few years old now and the culture is changing rapidly, but it's still current and I encourage all Christians to pay attention that they are not deceived, which is a repeated warning in the scriptures.
It makes for a fast read and is not bogged down by "Christian-ese".
Whether it's progressive Christianity, or compromising or even reinterpreting scripture to suit our sinful lifestyles, Christians the world over are at risk. This book may be a few years old now and the culture is changing rapidly, but it's still current and I encourage all Christians to pay attention that they are not deceived, which is a repeated warning in the scriptures.
It makes for a fast read and is not bogged down by "Christian-ese".
December 2, 2017
THE COMING APOSTASY is one of those books that definitely make you stop and think about the things happening in the world today and how much it resembles the warnings gven in scripture of things to come. It's a great book for those interested in prophecy. It shows what is happening in our churches and to those who call themselves christians but haven't really made the committment to Christ.
The authors have given us a call to examine ourselves and to make things right.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The authors have given us a call to examine ourselves and to make things right.
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2018
This is a must read for every Christian. It will open the eyes of the Church to help recognize the signs of our times. The main thing I liked about it is the authors direct the Church members to faithfully read the Scriptures & study them themselves to soak in the truth of God's word. Too often the children of God think a Sunday sermon is enough religious activity. God wants a relationship with His people. All of this is heavily suggested by the Authors. I highly recommend it as a read & a Bible study or discussion topic in a group setting.
December 14, 2018
Excellent resource that explains how the church has fallen victim to compromise and what that means in relation to the "end times." The book also provides support for those wanting to stand firm until His coming.
June 19, 2017
Ugh!!! I do not respect Mark Hitchcock at all!!!
September 3, 2017
Love anything by Mark Hitchcock. Does a great job of helping you understand prophecy in the times we are living.
November 24, 2017
Good but short
It was good as far as it went. I was hoping for a lot more examples and quotes. An eBook should also have live links in the text, pics and videos to show examples .
It was good as far as it went. I was hoping for a lot more examples and quotes. An eBook should also have live links in the text, pics and videos to show examples .
January 4, 2021
Excellent book!
March 9, 2022
Review on Audible
July 22, 2022
Excellent book which challenges the Christian church to stand strong in the current age
December 27, 2023
Solid and unapologetic Biblical teaching on the compromise in our culture and churches and how Christians should respond.
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