Audible Book Review: The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within by Mark Hitchcock, Jeff Kinley

These authors present a well laid out argument that we are in “tumultuous days” and experiencing false teachings in our churches.

The Coming Apostasy: Exposing the Sabotage of Christianity from Within
By: Mark Hitchcock, Jeff Kinley
Narrated by: Paul Christy

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins
Release date: 04-11-17
Publisher: Two Words Publishing, LLC
Genre: Apologetics, Eschatology, Non Fiction, Ministry, Social Issues
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
"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)
Jesus 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?
Best-selling 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? Let Mark and Jeff be your steady guides to the difficult days ahead.
©2017 Mark Hitchcock and Jeff Kinley (P)2017 Two Words Publishing LLC

Review:
I am active in Bible studies that include Revelation and “end times”. I have also read (or listened to) other “end times” Christian works so a lot of this material is not new to me. I felt that the information was set forth in a logical fashion with sound examples. Some churches don't address the issue at all and others deny areas of lawlessness as they bend backward to be welcoming and inclusive. Being inclusive is fine as long as the behavior is not contrary to biblical teachings.

The writing is engaging rather than being just a text book format. This work re-enforces the views of an informed believer and I think it would be a good book for an uninformed believer or a non-believer.

Audio Notes: Paul Christy does a fine job of narrating this work. It isn’t overly exciting or emotional, but it is well delivered. I am glad I had this as a free audio.

Source: August 2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Aftershocks: Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis by Jeff Kinley

We may be facing aftershocks as we get closer to ‘the end’.

Aftershocks
Christians Entering a New Era of Global Crisis
by Jeff Kinley

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08SJLFWV2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harvest House Publishers (April 13, 2021)
File size ‏ : ‎ 2307 KB (208pgs in print)
Genre: Christian Prophecy, Social Issues & Christianity, Theological Eschatology
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

In a time of global upheaval and uncertainty, uncover God’s prophetic plan for the ages—and your place in it.
Living in this era of pandemics, economic chaos, natural disasters, and political strife, you may feel tempted to question whether God is in control. Yet when you look to the Bible, you’ll find these events actually signal that His promises will soon be fulfilled.
In Aftershocks, bestselling author Jeff Kinley reveals how current societal and global trends foreshadow the nearness of the end times—and how the prophecies about what is to come should renew your passion to lovingly proclaim Christ to a suffering world. This book will supply you with critical intel concerning how your life will likely change in the years ahead provide you with biblical wisdom that enables you to respond to current events with confidence and grace reveal how recent cultural convulsions on this restless planet play into heaven’s plan for earth Aftershocks unveils the raw reality of these last days while inspiring you to live with hope—a hope that vaccinates you against the ignorance, naivety, and anxiety that plague our world today.

Review:
This title by Kinley is right up to date. He makes interesting points, supported by biblical scripture, noting that events are happening that leave aftershocks but that show we are not at the end - yet. Kinley addresses the past few years of political and societal trends, and particularly the year of lockdown due to Covid, and analyzes them in light of end time prophecies. He reveals the trend toward globalism and discusses the yet to come global world order. Kinley recognizes that the spirit of “global citizen” is gaining momentum while nationalism and patriotism are being frowned upon, demeaned ... or worse.

There is a chapter on Signs setting out Seven solid principles for deciphering biblical signs. In another chapter, Growing Apostasy, Kinley describes the subtle and covert attacks on scripture. He notes that we are living in a “society immersed in idolatry, sexual immorality, homosexuality, violence, slander , hatred of God, destruction of the family, unreasonable and unsupportable belief systems, unloving relationships, unforgiving hearts, and the unashamed public celebration of all manner of deviant sin.” (Location 1490.)

Kinley tells ‘Aftershock’ Christians that we have a “threefold mandate”: pray for the peace of Jerusalem; bless Israel (“support her survival and defense”); and make disciples of Jesus, from among Jews as well as other non-believers. He tells us we are living in the times of the signs and shares what changes he thinks Christians will face in the near future. The descriptions might be frightening to some, but not to those who know the end and know who is in control!

I appreciate how Kinley is willing to dismiss prophesies that are not consistent with scripture and encourages readers to exercise discernment. Christians may not want to see things progress as they appear to be, but we need to understand how the world will change to fulfill the end times as revealed by scripture. This book helps us to understand the aftershocks of historical events and prepare for the changes to come. I recommend this to any person who seeks more information on the progress toward end times.

Source: 2020 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021NetGalley, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis by Jeff Kinley

I really liked the information shared in this.
The End of America?: Bible Prophecy and a Country in Crisis
by Jeff Kinley
Tom Parks (Narrator)

Audio CD
Publisher: christianaudio; Unabridged edition (August 1, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1683667913
Genre: Christian Prophecies, Inspirational, NonFiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Will God’s Wrath Fall on America?
What happens when a country glories in its immorality, turning away from faith in God and obedience to Him?
Jeff Kinley, author of As It Was in the Days of Noah, explores historical and biblical precedents for the demise of a nation and addresses pressing questions such as…
How did we get to this point?
Is America in Bible prophecy?
Will Christians face widespread persecution here?
What effect will the rapture have on America?
How should I respond to the moral decline?
This forthright survey of current events and trends offers valuable perspective on the future of America—along with powerful motivation to embrace the only source of lasting hope.

Review:
Often we wonder how, and if, America fits in End Times. To answer the question Mr. Kinley begins with history. He establishes the importance of prophecy in the Bible. Much of the prophecy has already come true, supporting the reliability of the source. But there is more to come.

The author explores the current state of America by sharing historical detail of Christian roots in its founding. Mr. Kinley then addresses America’s long-time relationship with Israel by discussing the Biblical principle of blessings falling on those who support God’s chosen people, Israel.

There is more historical detail showing the progressive moral decline in especially since God was removed from schools in 1962. Step by step our society has moved away from revering God, to a point of ignoring Him and more recently outright rebellion and rejection of His laws. Soon we can expect to see increased persecution against Christians.

The author spent a long chapter discussing the horrible impact of abortion. The Bible supports the position that life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 44:24, Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15 and more). So does science. God punished His most beloved chosen people, Israel, for worshipping idols and killing children. Do we really think He will let any other nation get away without punishment for the same sins?

The next question is how close to the end are we? Many people speculate and some (always falsely) set dates. There are some clear signs and seasons, but no one knows the date. This is more reason to be ready and to feel the compulsion to share the gospel with others. The final message is that it doesn’t really matter what role America plays in the end times. What matters is if we are ready and if we are sharing the message of salvation with others.

At times the book seemed to go on and on with a couple of the points. Still, I was impressed by the thoroughness of the arguments and information shared. I highly recommend this to readers who are interested in Biblical prophecy, not just America’s place.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Tom Parks. I appreciated that his presentation of the facts and arguments is made with directness and genuine feeling. I am glad that I listened but I ended up buying an extra copy of the book for myself.

Interestingly, my first review draft was 718 words; the second was still 576. It took four drafts to get it under 400.
Source: Print books at discount for book club and I picked up the Audio CD. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.