Roger Carswell

I picked up a copy of Roger Carswell's new book, (2015) Evangelistic Preaching at a conference. It is a beautifully produced book - hardback in a lovely blue colour with a few graphics and clear print. The print could have been slightly bigger perhaps but they wanted it short which it is - only just over 70 pages. In five chapters Carswell the evangelist simply urges and encourages more evangelistic preaching inside our buildings and out with lots of helpful advice and quotations on the way show more (from Wiersbe, Stott and others). After speaking of the need he looks at preaching Christ, manifesting love, being creative, connecting and expecting results. Good stuff. I was slightly surprised but pleased to find this quotation from John Stott on pages 28 and 29.

I constantly find myself wishing that we twentieth century preachers could learn to weep again. But either our tear-springs have dried up, or our tear-ducts have become blocked. Everything seems to conspire together to make it impossible for us to cry over lost sinners who throng the broad road which leads to destruction. Some preachers are so preoccupied with the joyful celebration of salvation that they never think to weep over those who are rejecting it. Others are being deceived by the devil's lie of universalism. Everybody will be saved in the end, they say, and nobody will be lost. Their eyes are dry because they have closed them to the reality of eternal death and outer darkness of which both Jesus and His Apostles spoke. Yet others are faithful in warning sinners of hell, but do so with a glib and even a sick pleasure, which are almost more terrible than the blindness of those who ignore or deny its reality. show less

Felt less like a book and more like a long string of sermon illustrations. Final chapter is quotable and disjointed.

This book has been around for a while now. It is often used as a giveaway during evangelism or on Christian book tables. It has some helpful answers to some of the questions that non-believers may ask and also clearly explains aspects of the Christian faith. There are better books and this is quite lengthy for a read through. It is more likely to be used as a reference tool in which case, the questions may be better divided into smaller booklets. It is unlikely that someone reading this will show more be seeking the answer to every one of the questions so some of the material will be wasted. However, at £1 a pop or even free, it's worth getting hold of! show less

This is a useful book similar in style to Grill a Christian which is also by Carswell. He provides an overview of all of the key aspects to Christian faith and life covering the available evidence supporting the truth of Christianity. I enjoyed the quotes from different scientists and atheists demonstrating their admiration for those that sincerely hold to their Christian beliefs. Due to the decline of real Christians that are willing to stand up for what they believe, a person of no faith show more or even someone antagonistic may still respect and admire someone they recognise as genuine. A person who practices what they preach in all areas of their life and not just when it is convenient.

Carswell particularly emphasises the importance of the decision a person makes about God

There are bigger issues than who is at the top of the charts or Premier League. Celebrities, politicians, film stars, come and go. The biggest issues are not always the obvious ones. Surely, if there is a God, the most important thing in life is to ensure we are in a right relationship with Him. If God says, as He does, that sin is serious, then it is vital that our sin is forgiven.

He addresses a lot of the common questions people ask and the common arguments that are verbalised. This would be a good book to give to a sincere seeker or someone who wants to reject Christianity completely. As the title suggests "Before you say, I don't believe.....read this!"

Recommended as an evangelistic tool or for Christians who want to firm up their faith and prepare for evangelistic discussions. show less