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.

Audible Book Review: I Hear You by Michael S. Sorensen

This is a book that could help anyone/everyone!
I Hear You
The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
By: Michael S. Sorensen
Narrated by: Michael S. Sorensen

Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-16-17
Language: English
Publisher: Autumn Creek Press
Genre: Business Management, Non Fiction, Self Help
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
What if making one tweak to your day-to-day conversations could immediately improve every relationship in your life?
In this three-hour, conversational listen, you'll discover the whats, whys, and hows of one of the most valuable (yet surprisingly little-known) communication skills - validation.
Whether you're looking to improve your relationship with your spouse, navigate difficult conversations at work, or connect on a deeper level with friends and family, this book delivers simple, practical, proven techniques for improving any relationship in your life.
Mastery of this simple skill will enable you to:

• Calm (and sometimes even eliminate) the concerns, fears, and uncertainties of others
• Increase feelings of love, respect, and appreciation in your romantic relationships
• Quickly resolve, or even prevent, arguments
• Help others become open to your point of view
• Give advice and feedback that sticks
• Provide support and encouragement to others, even when you don't know how to "fix" the problem
• And much more

In short: this skill is powerful. Give the principles and practices in this book a chance and you'll be amazed at the difference they can make.
©2017 Michael S. Sorensen (P)2017 Michael S. Sorensen

Review:
This important communication skill is discussed, with examples, in an easy, encouraging way. I like how the author stresses listening with a goal of keeping things calm and avoiding arguments and hurt. I try to be a good listener, but Sorenson impresses how to go a step further emphasizing understanding what is being said and giving validation to the feelings of the speaker, whether or not you agree. People don’t always want someone to jump in to fix their problem. First, they want to be heard and have their feelings recognized.

I was reminded of a Transactional Analysis class I took back in my 20s. Just as I learned important life skills then, this audiobook now helped me be mindful of another practical life skill. I am so glad I picked this up as a Daily Deal. I highly recommend this quick book to anyone who wants better relationships in their life.

Audio Notes: The author does a fine job narrating his own work. He is clearly familiar with the material and able to provide the examples with appropriate inflections. This is a worthwhile listen.

Source: 9/16/19 Audible Daily Deal $1.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.