The Trouble with Jesus

by Joseph M. Stowell

Our pluralistic society accepts all... all except Jesus. Joseph Stowell brings to light our need to be undaunted advocates for Jesus in a world that has no tolerance for Him or His followers. How do you reach those who do not have a churched background, or are openly hostile to the good news of Jesus Christ? Would you miss church to go fishing with your colleague at work? What should or would you do when golfing with three non-believing friends, and they want to play for 'prize money'? Joseph Stowell's style is biblical and insightful, but always within reach of today's reader.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity, Church

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the 11th President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Comprised of approximately 2500 undergraduate and graduate students, Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel. The University is committed to creating an environment where students thrive both spiritually and intellectually as they prepare themselves to influence our world as followers of Jesus.

An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, The Upside of Down" and "Eternity." Joe also serves with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, writing, and outreach to pastors. His "Strength for the Journey" web ministry, www.getmorestrength.org, features daily devotionals, weekly messages and commentary, downloadable Bible study curriculum, and an audio library of his most requested messages. Joe serves on the Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College, and has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership.

From 1987-2005, he served as the president of Moody Bible Institute, and as teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago from 2005 to early 2008 prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone University. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Trouble with Jesus" was written a couple of years after the 9/11 attacks, and it was influenced by that event. What Joseph Stowell, then president of the Moody Bible Institute, noticed was that in the faux revival after the attacks, the name of Jesus was largely excluded. In the effort to encourage both diversity and unity, a message featuring absolutes such as "no one comes to the Father but through me" was seen as problematic.
That, in turn, presents a problem to today's Jesus followers, writes Stowell, who cites an article in World Magazine by Gene Edward Veith:
In this environment, Veith said, "Christians will find themselves demonized as 'intolerant,' perhaps our culture's worst term of abuse." He concluded by asking this question: "Christians have endured martyrdom, but can they endure unpopularity?"
Stowell spends the rest of this short book offering ideas for how Christians can continue to be salt and light in a resistant culture. He writes as he speaks: in a plain, straight-forward way that makes it easy to get from Point A to Point B. When he uses theological terms or New Testament Greek, he carefully defines and illustrates his terms. It makes for a read that is easy but profound, and imminently practical.
He urges Jesus followers to get away from our cloisters:
We stay in our safe, comfortable clusters and resist opportunities to interact with our pagan world. We pass on office parties. Invitations to dinners or events where we may feel a little uncomfortable are often refused. Our neighbors see little of us because we find it easier to spend more time at church and with "friends" than engaging the guy next door. It's hard to be effective as light when you spend most of your time in the lighthouse with lightkeepers.

[Laverne Byas-smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love Joe Stowell. He's so readable. He's always so grounded in the Word. Having just studied James, this book really resonated, with it's emphasis on living the gospel, not just knowing it, believing it, and enjoying the personal salvation and freedom that it brings. Jesus called his people to be conduits of the gospel to the world -- to let Jesus live through you, to let him be visible in you. That's what this book is about. A great quick read as Stowell's book always are. thanks Joe!!

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Stowell points out that "All our 'gods' are to be equal...it is difficult to include the One who has claimed to be the only way to God when a diversity of paths to God is being celebrated." "Jesus is exclusive in his claim that He is the only solution for our sin problem..." therefore, Jesus must be crowded out and a diversity of ways to God must be presented. As Christians we know that only Jesus offers a way to God. All other 'gods' are false gods.

[Michelle Jones Urfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book. I liked this so much I'm going to go out and buy myself a copy (I had checked it out from the library.) Very easy to read, but very very thought-provoking - every Christian should read this book!!

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read by Christians living in today's world. It not only points out how many Christians are compromising God's truth, but also how to turn around our lives and live out that truth.

[Jan Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely read. I especially enjoyed the explanation of the difference between kilos and agathos. This is one quote that stood out — “Authentic Christianity, the real deal, is about embracing all of these important elements and using them as a resource to actively and intentionally engage your world with acts of love that show of
Jesus. “

[Denelle Bratcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of it is good, but he included a story that is meant to indict the church as a whole that I flat out reject. It is misguided, misplaced, hyperbolic, and missed the point. Other than that, the author made some excellent points, especially about not compromising on the exclusive claims of Christ extended to include everyone.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, very inspiring/convicting. Makes you want to be a better follower.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good evangelical Baptist stuff on why Jesus needs to be part of our normal everyday speech. Written in the interfaith atmosphere right after September 11, 2001. It has a lot of Bible, and lots of quotes from all over evangelical Christianity. Fun to read.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stowell offers a critical examination of the world that seeks to embrace God while excluding Jesus. He also offers some practical suggestions for how Christians can engage an increasingly hostile and "non-Jesus" world.

[John Malsch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joseph Stowell brings to light our need to be undaunted advocates for Jesus in a world that has no tolerance for Him or His followers. How do you reach those who do not have a churched background, or are openly hostile to the good news of Jesus Christ?

[Desiree]

This book was an awesome read as it repeated the heart of the faith with no show boat. Just pure repetition of what is supposed to be the function of the body of Christ. Easy worth while read.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought this was great!