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Always Be Ready: A Call to Adventurous Faith
Get ready to experience an adventurous faith!
Few books on faith-sharing lead you down a path of adventure then invite you to become a part of it. Hugh Ross does exactly this in Always Be Ready. Using personal stories, reflecting on Scripture, and sharing amazing “coincidences” in his life, Hugh brings together the thrills and challenges of sharing your faith. He offers practical advice and powerful motivation to always be prepared to point someone toward Christ—with confidence and compassion.
“This valuable book will lift the lid on how a serious Christian, who is equally a scholar and a student of life, has learned how to engage carefully, lovingly, and practically with people from a variety of backgrounds. . . . You will be enriched, encouraged, and helped by this latest offering from one of our gifted veterans of the faith.”
–Stuart McAllister
Global Support Specialist, RZIM
“What a great book! Seldom do you find a book that is both highly instructive and truly inspiring at the same time. World-renowned scientist Dr. Hugh Ross tells his own inspiring story of how God helped him triumph over learning differences. He then gives extremely practical advice for using science to defend the veracity of the Christian faith.”
–Dr. Richard Land
President, Southern Evangelical Seminary
“Part personal testimony and part apologetics primer, Hugh Ross’s new book, Always Be Ready, will inspire you to act as you become the kind of Christian ambassador who can make the case for God’s existence and the truth of Christianity. Unlike any other book Hugh has written to date, Always Be Ready will give you a peek into Hugh’s personal journey as it equips you to share the reasons you have for your hope in Jesus.”
–J. Warner Wallace
Author of Cold-Case Christianity, God’s Crime Scene, and Forensic Faith
Few books on faith-sharing lead you down a path of adventure then invite you to become a part of it. Hugh Ross does exactly this in Always Be Ready. Using personal stories, reflecting on Scripture, and sharing amazing “coincidences” in his life, Hugh brings together the thrills and challenges of sharing your faith. He offers practical advice and powerful motivation to always be prepared to point someone toward Christ—with confidence and compassion.
“This valuable book will lift the lid on how a serious Christian, who is equally a scholar and a student of life, has learned how to engage carefully, lovingly, and practically with people from a variety of backgrounds. . . . You will be enriched, encouraged, and helped by this latest offering from one of our gifted veterans of the faith.”
–Stuart McAllister
Global Support Specialist, RZIM
“What a great book! Seldom do you find a book that is both highly instructive and truly inspiring at the same time. World-renowned scientist Dr. Hugh Ross tells his own inspiring story of how God helped him triumph over learning differences. He then gives extremely practical advice for using science to defend the veracity of the Christian faith.”
–Dr. Richard Land
President, Southern Evangelical Seminary
“Part personal testimony and part apologetics primer, Hugh Ross’s new book, Always Be Ready, will inspire you to act as you become the kind of Christian ambassador who can make the case for God’s existence and the truth of Christianity. Unlike any other book Hugh has written to date, Always Be Ready will give you a peek into Hugh’s personal journey as it equips you to share the reasons you have for your hope in Jesus.”
–J. Warner Wallace
Author of Cold-Case Christianity, God’s Crime Scene, and Forensic Faith
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
87 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Ross
141 books312 followersAstrophysicist Hugh Ross is founder, senior scholar, and former president of Reasons to Believe (RTB).
He earned a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Toronto. He continued his research on quasars and galaxies as a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech. In 1986, Ross launched RTB to research, develop, and communicate the harmonious relationship between science and Christianity.
Ross has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Rescuing Inerrancy, Designed to the Core, and The Creator and the Cosmos. He has also presented his testable creation model in countless interviews, peer-reviewed articles, videos, and podcasts, as well as at hundreds of speaking engagements at venues around the world.
He earned a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Toronto. He continued his research on quasars and galaxies as a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech. In 1986, Ross launched RTB to research, develop, and communicate the harmonious relationship between science and Christianity.
Ross has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Rescuing Inerrancy, Designed to the Core, and The Creator and the Cosmos. He has also presented his testable creation model in countless interviews, peer-reviewed articles, videos, and podcasts, as well as at hundreds of speaking engagements at venues around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 6, 2018
Hugh Ross has been a controversial figure over the years, enduring strong criticism from both sides of the creation debate – from philosophical naturalists and young-earth creationists alike. It’s likely that most people would characterize Ross as a scientist. And that he is. Typically, his books are saturated with scientific detail and many, many pages dedicated to the citation of referenced publications.
This book is different.
Indeed, he could not resist including a summary of what he considers to be the most important scientific evidences of the Christian faith; however, most of the book is about a side of Hugh Ross that gets less public attention. He is, in fact, a pastor, and in Always Be Ready we learn how he has applied the rigor of the scientific method (not just scientific facts) to his evangelistic efforts.
Remarkable stories result.
We find that Ross is an evangelist who was never evangelized. Rather it was science that introduced him to his loving Creator, and it was the Christian Bible that stood out among the world’s other holy books to woo him towards a consummating commitment to Jesus Christ. In addition, he is a communicator who overcame communication challenges associated with autism. The stories that emerge are nothing short of miraculous and many of them qualify as full-fledged adventures.
If the following questions pique your interest, then you will want to check out the Ross’ new narrative:
-What happened when the president of a school’s Atheist Club converted to Christianity one-the-spot during a science apologetics presentation?
-Can door-to-door visitation be successful?
-Is it too late to share Christ with someone in a coma?
-How can a church respond to the presence of an adult bookstore in the neighborhood?
-What questions regularly invite meaningful and respectful dialogue?
-What role does hospitality play in apologetics?
At this point, a warning is warranted. Something happens to the reader of this book. You read along effortlessly for a while…then you begin to get a bit uneasy. You start to question, “Why do I not have amazing encounters like this on a regular basis?”
Ross gives some very practical advice about how to improve your own ministry to those around you in a winsome way. Some of his ideas and approaches might be new to you, but by the end of the book you realize that he does many things that are not new at all.
He believes that God is already at work in the lives of those he encounters.
He welcomes questions from skeptics.
He joins together with other Christians.
He uses his strengths and learns from his weaknesses.
He fasts and prays.
He simply takes 1 Peter 3:15 seriously.
Read this book if you are a skeptic of Christianity who wants to better understand its attraction. Read it if you are a Christian who wants to be simultaneously encouraged and challenged.
(Early rating and recommendation were provided after reading pre-release manuscript.)
This book is different.
Indeed, he could not resist including a summary of what he considers to be the most important scientific evidences of the Christian faith; however, most of the book is about a side of Hugh Ross that gets less public attention. He is, in fact, a pastor, and in Always Be Ready we learn how he has applied the rigor of the scientific method (not just scientific facts) to his evangelistic efforts.
Remarkable stories result.
We find that Ross is an evangelist who was never evangelized. Rather it was science that introduced him to his loving Creator, and it was the Christian Bible that stood out among the world’s other holy books to woo him towards a consummating commitment to Jesus Christ. In addition, he is a communicator who overcame communication challenges associated with autism. The stories that emerge are nothing short of miraculous and many of them qualify as full-fledged adventures.
If the following questions pique your interest, then you will want to check out the Ross’ new narrative:
-What happened when the president of a school’s Atheist Club converted to Christianity one-the-spot during a science apologetics presentation?
-Can door-to-door visitation be successful?
-Is it too late to share Christ with someone in a coma?
-How can a church respond to the presence of an adult bookstore in the neighborhood?
-What questions regularly invite meaningful and respectful dialogue?
-What role does hospitality play in apologetics?
At this point, a warning is warranted. Something happens to the reader of this book. You read along effortlessly for a while…then you begin to get a bit uneasy. You start to question, “Why do I not have amazing encounters like this on a regular basis?”
Ross gives some very practical advice about how to improve your own ministry to those around you in a winsome way. Some of his ideas and approaches might be new to you, but by the end of the book you realize that he does many things that are not new at all.
He believes that God is already at work in the lives of those he encounters.
He welcomes questions from skeptics.
He joins together with other Christians.
He uses his strengths and learns from his weaknesses.
He fasts and prays.
He simply takes 1 Peter 3:15 seriously.
Read this book if you are a skeptic of Christianity who wants to better understand its attraction. Read it if you are a Christian who wants to be simultaneously encouraged and challenged.
(Early rating and recommendation were provided after reading pre-release manuscript.)
September 1, 2018
This book is intended as an exhortation to Christians to live the words of 1 Peter 3:15-16 "...always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience..." The book is autobiographical, giving the inspirational story of a child afflicted with autism, unable to speak or write in the first grade, but filled with an insatiable curiosity, who forces himself to speak and write in the second grade, and achieves eventual scholastic success, earning a PhD in Astronomy and doing post-doctoral research at Caltech. Meanwhile, although growing up in a nonbelieving family, he realizes at age 17 that scientific evidence shows that the universe began to exist at a point in the distant past and that this implies a supernatural force of creation outside of time and space. He studies the holy books of the eastern religions, noting that none of them bears any scientific credibility, finally reading the Bible and discovering its creation story exactly matches the scientific evidence. He commits his life to Christ, based entirely on the match between scientific evidence and the Bible, without ever having had a meaningful conversation with a Christian or attending a Christian church service. At Caltech he finally meets other Christians, becomes involved in a Christian ministry, and abandons his scientific career to devote his life full-time to the ministry, eventually founding Reasons To Believe, a ministry devoted to showing that the latest scientific advances provide more and more reasons to believe that the God of the Bible exists and is the answer to the problems that the world faces.
Dr. Ross chooses in this book to limit his discussion of scientific evidences for the God of the Bible to a single chapter, with just four sets of discoveries which he has found to be the most convincing in his discussions with skeptics and nonbelievers: a cosmic origin and features, fine-tuning evidence, life's origin and advance, and humanity's origin. His many other books go into much deeper scientific detail, but that is not the purpose of this book.
This book is laden with personal anecdotes of Dr. Ross's many encounters with scientists, other Christians, skeptics, and unbelievers, providing abundant justification for the idea that as Christians prepare themselves to "always be ready", God will present them with increasing opportunities to share their faith with others.
Although this book is targeted towards Christian readers, exhorting them to deeper commitment and outreach, I believe Dr. Ross's personal example could also be a powerful testimony to seekers who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, but who can see that scientific evidence clearly does not exclude God, and who want to learn more about whether a good case can be made that science and the Bible are actually consistent with each other.
This review appeared before the book was released because I received an advance copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Dr. Ross chooses in this book to limit his discussion of scientific evidences for the God of the Bible to a single chapter, with just four sets of discoveries which he has found to be the most convincing in his discussions with skeptics and nonbelievers: a cosmic origin and features, fine-tuning evidence, life's origin and advance, and humanity's origin. His many other books go into much deeper scientific detail, but that is not the purpose of this book.
This book is laden with personal anecdotes of Dr. Ross's many encounters with scientists, other Christians, skeptics, and unbelievers, providing abundant justification for the idea that as Christians prepare themselves to "always be ready", God will present them with increasing opportunities to share their faith with others.
Although this book is targeted towards Christian readers, exhorting them to deeper commitment and outreach, I believe Dr. Ross's personal example could also be a powerful testimony to seekers who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, but who can see that scientific evidence clearly does not exclude God, and who want to learn more about whether a good case can be made that science and the Bible are actually consistent with each other.
This review appeared before the book was released because I received an advance copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
September 1, 2018
This is the kind of book that can't easily be put down without finishing it, as you can tell by the fact that I literally read it in 3 evenings. One of the great characteristics of the book is that it is accessible to non-technical people because it is primarily about Dr. Ross' life experiences, though it is also extremely interesting, informative, and inspirational to technically-oriented readers as well such as myself (physicist). If you know Dr. Ross and his writings, you know that most of his books are fairly technical, but this latest book is an inspirational autobiography, with input also from his wife, Kathy. One can easily discern in this book that God has made Dr. Ross into a wise and caring person, as well as a brilliant astrophysicist. You will not be the same person after reading this book as you were before you did so.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 16, 2018
Always Be Ready is by far the most readable of Hugh Ross's books thus far. I made the mistake of opening it up in the middle out of curiosity and not being able to put it down. Like many of Ross's books, it ramps up a little slow, but this one walks through a VERY layman friendly set of reasons to believe in Christianity. Then chapters 4-11 are an event filled life memoir of Hugh that will inspire you, make you wanna cheer, or cry. He gives first hand accounts of many of his encounters in presenting the Gospel via his expertise and leading many to Christ. Some of the mini-stories are gripping, especially the ones on him in Russia during the Cold-War. I love this book.
September 5, 2018
A must read for pastors, church leaders, and everyone else. A reminder that we are called to always be ready to share the hope that is in us.
At the same time the church stands wondering why approximately 70% of proclaiming Christians lose their faith during their freshman year of college, it frowns upon apologetics, reasoning that no one is argued into an eternity with their creator. This book shows how apologetics and evangelism are often one unit.
In a season of life with limited reading time, Always Be Ready by Dr. Hugh Ross and Kathy Ross, proved impossible to put down. For decades Dr. Ross has shown the compatibility between the record of nature and Scripture. This particular book is not loaded with scientific data; it contains a brief overview of some of what God reveals about Himself in nature and is followed by personal stories from Dr. Ross, a very humble ambassador of Christ. From seeing eye dogs, to INS, and soviet scientists, his stories make the reader stand in awe of God´s work and encourage us to reflect on whether we are ready to effectively share the Gospel when the opportunity arises. This book shows us the ways in which God intertwines the lives of his followers with those of His people yet to be called. I strongly urge everyone to read this book and when you´re done - give it to your pastor....or buy one for him now so he can immediately be reminded of 1 Peter 3:15 as he shepherds those around him.
At the same time the church stands wondering why approximately 70% of proclaiming Christians lose their faith during their freshman year of college, it frowns upon apologetics, reasoning that no one is argued into an eternity with their creator. This book shows how apologetics and evangelism are often one unit.
In a season of life with limited reading time, Always Be Ready by Dr. Hugh Ross and Kathy Ross, proved impossible to put down. For decades Dr. Ross has shown the compatibility between the record of nature and Scripture. This particular book is not loaded with scientific data; it contains a brief overview of some of what God reveals about Himself in nature and is followed by personal stories from Dr. Ross, a very humble ambassador of Christ. From seeing eye dogs, to INS, and soviet scientists, his stories make the reader stand in awe of God´s work and encourage us to reflect on whether we are ready to effectively share the Gospel when the opportunity arises. This book shows us the ways in which God intertwines the lives of his followers with those of His people yet to be called. I strongly urge everyone to read this book and when you´re done - give it to your pastor....or buy one for him now so he can immediately be reminded of 1 Peter 3:15 as he shepherds those around him.
February 3, 2019
Dr. Hugh Ross, a prominent astronomer, tells of his conversion to Christianity through his study of science and then his study of the Bible. He was surprised to read the accuracy of Genesis 1 compared to the history of the earth.
Along the way, he describes his life living along the autism spectrum, how he learned to cope with it, thanks to his agnostic parents. They were quite surprised when he became a Christian and even more when he became an evangelical pastor.
Dr. Ross mixes self-deprecating humor with his serious subjects. He covers his marriage to his wife and co-author Kathy and his child-rearing experiences.
Christians seeking to enhance their evangelistic efforts will benefit reading 'Always Be Ready'. Skeptics and scientists will be curious to find out how Dr. Ross reconciles modern science with the Bible.
I highly recommend the book to all.
Along the way, he describes his life living along the autism spectrum, how he learned to cope with it, thanks to his agnostic parents. They were quite surprised when he became a Christian and even more when he became an evangelical pastor.
Dr. Ross mixes self-deprecating humor with his serious subjects. He covers his marriage to his wife and co-author Kathy and his child-rearing experiences.
Christians seeking to enhance their evangelistic efforts will benefit reading 'Always Be Ready'. Skeptics and scientists will be curious to find out how Dr. Ross reconciles modern science with the Bible.
I highly recommend the book to all.
October 11, 2018
I buy every book published by Reasons to Believe in the fall to give to my husband for his birthday.
Every year we're so thankful for the intelligent, well-written and insightful books he receives and we both read.
As the non-scientist in the family, I'm grateful when we get a book that isn't quite as technical as my nuclear engineer follows, but touches a spot in both of our hearts.
Hugh Ross' story of how evangelism worked and did not work in his life is a great one. We appreciate, too, his own stories of how God takes our personal expertise and matches us with seekers looking for answers to that specific question.
What a relief that my husband gets the technical questions--and can answer them--while mine fall in different areas.
God is good and we're always thankful for books that challenge, charm and teach us from Reasons to Believe.
Every year we're so thankful for the intelligent, well-written and insightful books he receives and we both read.
As the non-scientist in the family, I'm grateful when we get a book that isn't quite as technical as my nuclear engineer follows, but touches a spot in both of our hearts.
Hugh Ross' story of how evangelism worked and did not work in his life is a great one. We appreciate, too, his own stories of how God takes our personal expertise and matches us with seekers looking for answers to that specific question.
What a relief that my husband gets the technical questions--and can answer them--while mine fall in different areas.
God is good and we're always thankful for books that challenge, charm and teach us from Reasons to Believe.
September 18, 2018
Astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross is a well-known voice in the scientific and evangelical Christian communities for his scientific defenses of the Christian worldview. Over the last few decades, he has written incredible books powerfully defending the arguments for God's existence from the beginning and design of the universe. A few of my favorites have been:
The Creator and the Cosmos
Why The Universe Is The Way It Is
Improbable Planet
The primary focus of these books (and many of his others) have been on developing the arguments, presenting the evidence, and answering challenges from skeptics for the truth of Christianity. All these books contain pastoral elements that show how nature can be used to discover much about God's character and His purposes for His creation. They all provide Christians with the content to follow Peter's command in 1 Peter 3:15.
"Always Be Ready: A Call To Adventurous Faith" is Dr. Hugh Ross' latest apologetics book. Usually, Dr. Ross' published work focuses on the scientific evidence for the truth of Christianity, but this time he decided to do something different. In this book, he decided to focus on the apologetic influence of the evidences not only in his own life but in the lives of those he's evangelized. In this book, he takes stories from his decades of scientific research, evangelistic efforts, and pastoral experiences to show to the reader the breadth and depth of what Peter's command to "always be ready" means. Speaking primarily from his heart for those who are lost without Christ, Dr. Ross presents an engaging, encouraging, and essential book for those who wish to follow Peter's command to always be ready.
"Always Be Ready" was an exciting, engaging and encouraging read. I can never get enough of hearing how God works through the Body of Christ to build His Kingdom. Dr. Ross' stories not only speak to the power of the Christian always being prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have, but it demonstrates powerfully how God is sovereignly working through those who make the decision to strive for that preparation. It is amazing how God works through the people and the circumstances to bring these Christians in contact with those who hunger for salvation and a personal relationship with their Creator. I not only enjoyed the stories but I garnered much wisdom as to how to cultivate my own preparedness for the use of our Savior. Our God is truly an awesome God with an awesome plan, and it is exciting to see how He works out this plan through the evangelistic efforts of His faithful children. This book serves as a tremendous encouragement to all Christians to wish to see how God uses evidence from His creation to work in the lives of the unbeliever and the believer. The evidence of God's work presented in this book will, no doubt, bring much joy to the Christian's heart and get you excited to be used by your Creator and Savior for an eternal purpose. For every Christian who is passionate about completing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), "Always Be Ready: A Call To Adventurous Faith" is for you.
If you are interested in my full chapter-by-chapter review of the book, check it out on the Faithful Thinkers blog:
https://lukenixblog.blogspot.com/2018...
The Creator and the Cosmos
Why The Universe Is The Way It Is
Improbable Planet
The primary focus of these books (and many of his others) have been on developing the arguments, presenting the evidence, and answering challenges from skeptics for the truth of Christianity. All these books contain pastoral elements that show how nature can be used to discover much about God's character and His purposes for His creation. They all provide Christians with the content to follow Peter's command in 1 Peter 3:15.
"Always Be Ready: A Call To Adventurous Faith" is Dr. Hugh Ross' latest apologetics book. Usually, Dr. Ross' published work focuses on the scientific evidence for the truth of Christianity, but this time he decided to do something different. In this book, he decided to focus on the apologetic influence of the evidences not only in his own life but in the lives of those he's evangelized. In this book, he takes stories from his decades of scientific research, evangelistic efforts, and pastoral experiences to show to the reader the breadth and depth of what Peter's command to "always be ready" means. Speaking primarily from his heart for those who are lost without Christ, Dr. Ross presents an engaging, encouraging, and essential book for those who wish to follow Peter's command to always be ready.
"Always Be Ready" was an exciting, engaging and encouraging read. I can never get enough of hearing how God works through the Body of Christ to build His Kingdom. Dr. Ross' stories not only speak to the power of the Christian always being prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have, but it demonstrates powerfully how God is sovereignly working through those who make the decision to strive for that preparation. It is amazing how God works through the people and the circumstances to bring these Christians in contact with those who hunger for salvation and a personal relationship with their Creator. I not only enjoyed the stories but I garnered much wisdom as to how to cultivate my own preparedness for the use of our Savior. Our God is truly an awesome God with an awesome plan, and it is exciting to see how He works out this plan through the evangelistic efforts of His faithful children. This book serves as a tremendous encouragement to all Christians to wish to see how God uses evidence from His creation to work in the lives of the unbeliever and the believer. The evidence of God's work presented in this book will, no doubt, bring much joy to the Christian's heart and get you excited to be used by your Creator and Savior for an eternal purpose. For every Christian who is passionate about completing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), "Always Be Ready: A Call To Adventurous Faith" is for you.
If you are interested in my full chapter-by-chapter review of the book, check it out on the Faithful Thinkers blog:
https://lukenixblog.blogspot.com/2018...
October 18, 2018
What a beautiful book this is from Dr. Hugh Ross and his wife, Kathy! Dr. Ross is known as a brilliant apologist and scientist, but most people probably don't know how passionate he and Kathy are about evangelism and the Great Commission. As much as he loves to share scientific evidence for the God of the Bible, I would say he loves to share the good news of Jesus Christ even more that lost souls would come into a saving and eternal faith in Jesus. I was gripped by the amazing stories of God-ordained encounter after encounter, many of which were truly miraculous. Through a bold, adventurous faith bathed in relentless prayer, many souls across the planet now have a saving, eternal relationship with Jesus Christ due to Dr. Ross' faithfulness in providing reasons followed by sharing the Gospel. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he truly embodies 1 Peter 3:15. And, he dearly wants us to embrace and believe in that same empowerment.
Over the years, my faith (and my family's faith) has been tremendously impacted by the books, podcasts, and publications from Reasons to Believe starting with my first read of Creator and the Cosmos in 2000. Now, Always Be Ready, has impacted my life yet again in stirring in me a new passion and eagerness to be prepared to share my faith in Jesus Christ at every opportunity, and to do it with gentleness and respect. The Holy Spirit may decide to move the seemingly most hardened hearts to surrender, using us as the imperfect vessels for the knowledge that brings about that transformation.
Thank you Dr. Ross and Kathy!
"14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:14-15, ESV
Over the years, my faith (and my family's faith) has been tremendously impacted by the books, podcasts, and publications from Reasons to Believe starting with my first read of Creator and the Cosmos in 2000. Now, Always Be Ready, has impacted my life yet again in stirring in me a new passion and eagerness to be prepared to share my faith in Jesus Christ at every opportunity, and to do it with gentleness and respect. The Holy Spirit may decide to move the seemingly most hardened hearts to surrender, using us as the imperfect vessels for the knowledge that brings about that transformation.
Thank you Dr. Ross and Kathy!
"14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:14-15, ESV
September 4, 2018
Science Apologetics for the Sake of Evangelism
I recently received an advanced copy of the new Reasons to Believe (RTB) book, Always Be Ready, by Hugh and Kathy Ross. To my surprise, this book stands apart from other RTB books that I've read. I've been reading RTB books and materials for over 25 years, since I first discovered the Fingerprint of God while I was a young Physics grad student who was also a Christian. Over the years, the detailed scientific and theological content of these books has challenged and encouraged me, but from most of them I never really got a full picture of the heart behind the ministry. This book changes that!
Always Be Ready gives a glimpse into the life journey of Ph. D. astronomer Hugh Ross, the founder of Reasons to Believe. In the book, we see example after example of what happens when you prepare yourself and then ask God to provide opportunities. Hugh Ross clearly has a heart for ministry and evangelism, and has overcome many challenges along the way. In his own unique way, he shares how current scientific discoveries provide support for the God of creation. While this book only provides a summary of these evidences, there are many resources provided in the end notes and through the http://reasons.org website for those interested. Through various personal accounts, Dr. Ross shares how time and time again people positively responded to the gospel message because of the evidence that he shared with them from nature and the manner in which he interacted with them.
In this book we get to see what can happen when we take both God's World and God's Word seriously. People are hungry to have answers that satisfy both their minds and their hearts. I would highly recommend this motivational book to anyone that wants to be prepared to give answers to a seeking world. Expect to be encouraged, I was.
I recently received an advanced copy of the new Reasons to Believe (RTB) book, Always Be Ready, by Hugh and Kathy Ross. To my surprise, this book stands apart from other RTB books that I've read. I've been reading RTB books and materials for over 25 years, since I first discovered the Fingerprint of God while I was a young Physics grad student who was also a Christian. Over the years, the detailed scientific and theological content of these books has challenged and encouraged me, but from most of them I never really got a full picture of the heart behind the ministry. This book changes that!
Always Be Ready gives a glimpse into the life journey of Ph. D. astronomer Hugh Ross, the founder of Reasons to Believe. In the book, we see example after example of what happens when you prepare yourself and then ask God to provide opportunities. Hugh Ross clearly has a heart for ministry and evangelism, and has overcome many challenges along the way. In his own unique way, he shares how current scientific discoveries provide support for the God of creation. While this book only provides a summary of these evidences, there are many resources provided in the end notes and through the http://reasons.org website for those interested. Through various personal accounts, Dr. Ross shares how time and time again people positively responded to the gospel message because of the evidence that he shared with them from nature and the manner in which he interacted with them.
In this book we get to see what can happen when we take both God's World and God's Word seriously. People are hungry to have answers that satisfy both their minds and their hearts. I would highly recommend this motivational book to anyone that wants to be prepared to give answers to a seeking world. Expect to be encouraged, I was.
August 22, 2019
This is the first book on evangelism that I have really enjoyed. In fact I finished it in 2 days. Compared to Hugh Ross' other books it is a very quick read with the exception of chapter 2 which gets into the scientific evidence and took me a little longer to read. I Peter 3:15 is the overall theme "always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you".
Hugh's idea is that if we are prepared with the defense of our faith, God will bring people to us who need to hear the message. This is a different approach from the other books on evangelism I have read. His airport conversations are some of the best examples of his "always be ready". I believe all who are involved in evangelism are needed to spread the gospel no matter what their method. Some are evangelists who go to foreign countries to live and minister to the people one to one or smaller groups, Some hold crusades and speak to thousands, some minister to people in the midst of disasters and so forth. Hugh's area is speaking to the scientific community and helping those not trained in the sciences to be able to answer the scientific questions that come up in talking to people about God. His website is a wealth of information for those who don't have the scientific training to answer those questions without help.
I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to improve their witness to others of the hope we have as Christians. I recommend his website 'reasons.org' to those who want to investigate the scientific reasons for our faith.
Hugh's idea is that if we are prepared with the defense of our faith, God will bring people to us who need to hear the message. This is a different approach from the other books on evangelism I have read. His airport conversations are some of the best examples of his "always be ready". I believe all who are involved in evangelism are needed to spread the gospel no matter what their method. Some are evangelists who go to foreign countries to live and minister to the people one to one or smaller groups, Some hold crusades and speak to thousands, some minister to people in the midst of disasters and so forth. Hugh's area is speaking to the scientific community and helping those not trained in the sciences to be able to answer the scientific questions that come up in talking to people about God. His website is a wealth of information for those who don't have the scientific training to answer those questions without help.
I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to improve their witness to others of the hope we have as Christians. I recommend his website 'reasons.org' to those who want to investigate the scientific reasons for our faith.
October 23, 2018
One of the best ways to instruct someone about something is to do it through personal examples after telling them what they need to know. Hugh Ross’ book, “Always Be Ready”, is a marvelous conglomeration of who he is in the secular world. Hugh Ross is both an astrophysicist and an evangelist who uses his knowledge of both in his methodical arguments for the Christian faith. While the book is an uplifting renewal reading experience of their faith for believers; it’s also serves as a highly inspirational one for non-believers so they can begin to walk and follow the faithful to the house of the Lord.
I believe the author’s intention in writing this educational, evangelical, and instructional book can be found in:
PSALM 32:8 Contemporary English Version
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.”
The path to and finding the Lord can be an extremely adventurous, one which is fraught with awe-inspiring insights, both of which might be quite reflective on those who read this book. For wanting to provide this book to those who decide to read, it’s only proper that I give Mr. Ross and this book the 5 STARS it’s gotten from this reviewer.
NOTE: I won a KINDLE copy of this book through the giveaway the author had on GoodReads and the above has been my honest opinion.
I believe the author’s intention in writing this educational, evangelical, and instructional book can be found in:
PSALM 32:8 Contemporary English Version
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.”
The path to and finding the Lord can be an extremely adventurous, one which is fraught with awe-inspiring insights, both of which might be quite reflective on those who read this book. For wanting to provide this book to those who decide to read, it’s only proper that I give Mr. Ross and this book the 5 STARS it’s gotten from this reviewer.
NOTE: I won a KINDLE copy of this book through the giveaway the author had on GoodReads and the above has been my honest opinion.
April 24, 2023
An awesome, clear book on evangelism. In many ways this book is an autobiography of Dr. Hugh Ross, but he uses his life as examples on evangelism. The emphasis on evangelism is done in a way that is gentle and respectful of people that Dr. Hugh Ross interacts with. Dr. Hugh Ross is the founder of an organization called Reasons to Believe. The organization continually stresses the importance of gentleness and respect in evangelism.
November 3, 2018
Not what I was expecting. I love RTB and the contribution of Hugh Ross. While this goes some way I’m encouraging evangelism, I thought it would be more of a toolbox, a guide in evangelizing. This is part biography, part sharing of opportunities he’s had to evangelize.
October 21, 2019
Highly Recommend!
Interesting and educational information for witnessing to others. Dr. Ross is a breath of fresh air in the scientific community! Looking forward to reading more of his material.
Interesting and educational information for witnessing to others. Dr. Ross is a breath of fresh air in the scientific community! Looking forward to reading more of his material.
January 2, 2020
This book is not only inspiring but also full of helpful information. For me it has been a lifechanger, even though I would dispute the author on certain points.
I am aiming to review it on my blog in 2020.
I am aiming to review it on my blog in 2020.
December 18, 2020
Extremely helpful...
A great starting point (effectively decluttering my mind) before diving headlong into waters of evangelism. Thank you Hugh Ross! I will reference this book again and again.
A great starting point (effectively decluttering my mind) before diving headlong into waters of evangelism. Thank you Hugh Ross! I will reference this book again and again.
September 18, 2021
What a concise and compelling description of how the universe began and how to apply faith. My greatest takeaway is that we're all flawed humans, but this shouldn't stop us from respectfully reaching out with love and truth. Follow Jesus's example of how to treat others and let God do the rest.
August 1, 2024
A devotional book centered around science and faith, but also very autobiographical. I prefer the author's more scientific works, but it was nice to seen his human side here, also as an evangelistic encouragement.
November 6, 2018
A great book on apologetics and evangelism!
September 3, 2021
What all churches need to hear instead of being divided over petty things.
December 26, 2021
A beautiful life story of how unique opportunities came for Hugh Ross to share the gospel. Not over technical and full of love
May 15, 2019
Dr. Hugh Ross is an astronomer, pastor and founder of Reasons to Believe an organization dedicated to Evangelism using the latest findings in science. Dr. Ross has written many excellent books of a more or less technical nature but this is by far the most accessible to a general lay public as it deals with his life story and his approach to Evangelism. Written in conjunction with his wife Kathy and peppered with many wonderful stories of real life events by the friends they encountered along the way; I found it hard to put down and often thoroughly emotionally engaging. Highly recommended.
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September 14, 2018I was delighted to read the newest book of Hugh Ross, which he wrote together with his wife Kathy. The book talks about an extraordinary life story of a rational man whose intense search for meaning and understanding drove him from an atheist family to pursuing physics and astronomy, to eventually become a believer and a pastor.
Lead by his inner calling, and admired by his loving wife, Hugh launched a ministry researching how to successfully harmonize the record of nature with the record of the Bible.
While doing his research Hugh meets numerous people searching for answers to some of the most penetrating questions. The amazing thing is that Hugh is ALWAYS READY to answer, his answers are revealing, motivating, and… amazing.
The life story of Hugh and Kathy Ross is incredible, but what amazes me most is that it is true, and it is filled with reverence and glory for the Creator.
This book is perfect for everyone who is searching for answers about science, philosophy, and the Bible. Whether you are high school student or a mature person it is an eye opener and motivator for a seeker of truth and meaning in life. And above all - it is fun to read!
Lead by his inner calling, and admired by his loving wife, Hugh launched a ministry researching how to successfully harmonize the record of nature with the record of the Bible.
While doing his research Hugh meets numerous people searching for answers to some of the most penetrating questions. The amazing thing is that Hugh is ALWAYS READY to answer, his answers are revealing, motivating, and… amazing.
The life story of Hugh and Kathy Ross is incredible, but what amazes me most is that it is true, and it is filled with reverence and glory for the Creator.
This book is perfect for everyone who is searching for answers about science, philosophy, and the Bible. Whether you are high school student or a mature person it is an eye opener and motivator for a seeker of truth and meaning in life. And above all - it is fun to read!
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