Strong through the Storm: How to Be a Christian in the World Today

by Jim Cymbala, Jennifer Schuchmann (Primary Contributor)

The Church today is in the middle of a powerful storm, the intensity of which is likely to increase in the future. Many Christians are bewildered and concerned by what they see—a culture that’s become increasingly hostile to biblical Christianity and a church whose vital signs are quickly waning. In Strong through the Storm , pastor and bestselling author Jim Cymbala speaks to every Christian who is concerned about the challenges the church is facing in America today. Using powerful stories of people who have been transformed by Christ, Cymbala offers hope, helping Christians to understand that a life surrendered to Christ will not be easily defeated, even in the midst of growing hostility toward Christians. No matter how much spiritual darkness encompasses the world, the light of the gospel cannot be suppressed. Some churches are coming at the storm with harsh legalism, but Cymbala explains that the message needs to be grace. We need to understand the spiritual battle we are in and use the right weapons against it, says Cymbala. We are not struggling against the leaders of this world or the people in the battle, we are struggling against our spiritual enemy, and we need to fight with the Word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. We don’t need more church growth programs to turn the church around. What’s needed is a transformation so that the gospel is preached, the Holy Spirit is allowed to lead, and lives are changed.

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2017

About the author

Jim Cymbala has been the pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for more than twenty-five years. The author of the best-selling titles Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire; Fresh Faith; and Fresh Power, he lives in New York City with his wife, Carol Cymbala, who directs the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Reviews

[Jamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Cymbala once again summons the church to fervent prayer and submerging in Holy Ghost to prevail and reach the lost in the dark times we live in. He repudiates the impotent American church, challenging legalism, commercialism, prayerlessness, and political allegiance. After reading this books, you will be compelled to pray, to reach the lost, and hunger for apostolic power! The once reason why I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because much of this book is duplication of his 2015 book “Storm.”

[Michael Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

While I don't hold to Pastor Cymbala's theology on many things I do believe He knows and preaches the Biblical Gospel. I try to always read a book that falls outside of my natural leanings or "camp" once a year. This year this was that book. Like I said, I don't agree with him or even everything in this book but his passion for staying true to the Gospel and others to follow suit definitely comes through. Overall I found it to be a refreshing read.

[Phil Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Cymbala's books and this was no exception. His suggestions for what we need to do to get back to the church of the New Testament are both helpful and timely. But as he writes, none of that will happen until we make prayer a more important part of our lives and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

[Patir Hirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to learn more about the Old versus New Testament and Cymbala expertly accomplishes this.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who hungers to be constantly learning more about their Personal purpose in life.

[JD Hormann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Pastor Cymbala. Very encouraging, truthful and direct. We as a church have lost sight of the Gospel that is in the Word. We must return. The testimonies shared in the book are powerful and encouraging.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book characteristic of all that Jim Cymbala writes, teaches, and preaches. Somewhat mistitled.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Cymbala is an excellent writer. As most of his books, God is the hero. Great stories of people turning to God in times of storms.

[Imogene W. Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Christian book. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know and will most definitely read more from this author.

[Toula Tondini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I highly recommend this book to leaders and all individuals that want to see a breakthrough in their church. Powerful!

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a call for churches (thus it is a book for ministers and church leaders rather than everyone) to get back to basics - prayer of desperation, reliance on the Holy Spirit... and a desperation for the Holy Spirit to move I might add; plus an end to hero worship, gimmicks and teasers to make church that is really empty seem successful. To support this there are three long and powerful testimonies included taking a quarter of a fairly short book.

In a sense there is nothing new here and all that is said to be wrong is rather over simplified and superficial, however a call for basics doesn't demand a nuanced analysis of why and what is behind all that is wrong. In fact even the biblical story of Hannah and Samuel's rise, which provide a central thread aren't necessarily treated the way I see things. Nevertheless there are many poignant reminders that can bring us back to the true path - for example the need for ministers to pray for their people, rather than just their ministries.