Chuck Smith (1) (1927–2013)

This book was a disappointment. I like Chuck Smith, the writing style is easy to understand and covers most of the points and arguments that are typically given for belief in a pre-tribulation rapture. That is fine for a reader who knows little and does not care to know much about that position, but the book has no solid refutations of other positions, and offers no real, compelling evidence that a person who knows the topic well from a biblical perspective, would find that convincing.
So, I show more would say that the book is fine for the uninitiated who just wants an overview of the position and some of the reasons people have for it, but it is pretty useless for the serious bible student or one who is very interested in eschatology. If one is a believer in pre-tribism, and is looking for help in defending that position, don't look here, every point made in this small book is easily shown to be either sloppy exegesis, if not readily refuted by the bible.
Mr. Smith was a fine teacher and a good man, and deserves recognition for his advancement of the Kingdom of God and much fine teaching, edifying the saints over many decades, but he always had a blind spot on this topic, and it shows in this booklet.
If one is looking for some more challenging scholarship from a pre-trib perspective, I would recommend checking out John Walvoord. show less

This is a book for both new Christians who want to learn about grace, as well as for any believer who wants an encouraging read. I was especially interested because Chuck Smith was the pastor of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, the first church I attended as a new Christian back when the church didn't have a building, but met in a circus tent in southern California. My only complaint is the scripture verses quote the King James version, which is difficult to understand and off-putting for many. show more This book was originally published in 1994, and most likely the material was from Chuck's earlier sermons of the 1970's because there are several examples and phrases from that time period. I liked that his personality shines through in his stories, and the book is as timeless as the bible. show less

"I'm no longer condemned by the Law of Moses, because the new law of faith operates in my life. I enter this new relationship with God through Jesus Christ and experience the life of Christ, which sets me free from the old Law. This new law of faith in Christ overcomes the effects of the old Law of condemnation."

"For enduring the reproach of Christ, we'll be glorified together. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be show more revealed in us" (8:18). Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Notice the contrast between "light affliction" and "eternal weight," affliction for a "moment" and "eternal…glory." Our present sufferings aren't worth comparing with the glory to be revealed."

I really enjoyed this devotional about Romans. Reading it with new eyes, it gave me a better understanding of what God wants from me as a believer. God sets a high premie on my conduct and behaviour, and through grace it is attainable. There were times in my life that I have dismissed myself, thinking that I would never come close to do what God expects from me. But once you understand grace then it becomes it clear it is not because of me but because of Christ's offering and example that I can.

I found the teaching sound and to the point and would definiedtly recommend this as part of a daily biblical study. show less

I believe I downloaded this e-book from Amazon when it was a free book. I'm not sure if I expected it to be a commentary or a study guide or something else. What it seems to be is a gathering together of notes made for a sermon series or group study the author did. For me, I think I might have gotten more out of it if I'd listened to the entire sermons or been a participant in the group study.

Did I learn some things from the notes? Yes. Do I feel I got everything out of it that the author show more meant us to? No. Am I sure that everything in this book is Biblically correct? No. I'm not a Bible scholar. I do usually take most studies with a bit of a grain of salt--with the feeling that the interpretations may be those of the author. show less