The Church in Babylon Study Guide

As a study guide, this is great. In regards to the content, this is not really anything new, although especially the chapter on false gospels is very timely

A Timely Reminder and Call to Be Prepared

In a world that seems to be fast spinning out of control, we unfortunately see some churches and people who believe they are Christians that seem to have no moorings to which they are anchored. We live in perilous times, especially for churches that do not hold fast and firm to the foundational truths taught in Scripture.

Pastor Erwin Lutzer has written a new book and study guide, The Church in Babylon. Its message is timely and will hopefully spark a study in God’s Word that will encourage believes to know what God says and choose to live in light of truth found in Scripture.

Topics include Finding God in Enemy Territory, Keeping the Faith in a Hostile Work Environment, Courage to Confront a Deadly Enemy, Calling out the Lies of the Culture, and Prayerless Pulpits, Satisfied Saints and Spiritual Blindness.

The Church in Babylon is thought provoking. The study guide includes some good questions for people to examine their knowledge of Scripture and compare it secular culture’s views. I appreciate that Pastor Lutzer is uncompromising to the truth that God gave us in the Bible and that he reinforces his arguments with Scripture. More and more the church will face pressure and disapproval from a culture that is guided by feelings, not facts. Pastor Lutzer doesn’t shy away from controversial topics that are affecting our culture and making their way into our churches.

Until I started reading the book, I didn’t realize it was just the study guide for The Church in Babylon. Even as study guide, it was very good. I’m sure I would like the book even more.

I recommend Erwin Lutzer’s new book and study guide, The Church in Babylon. I would like to thank Moody Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Church in Babylon Study Guide in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

The Church in Babylon by Erwin Lutzer will be published August 7, 2018.

The Church In Babylon Study Guide is a wonderful book full of incredible information - it gives you such staggering statistics and also it tells you things that just breaks your heart to learn - like it tells you that most Millennials - 30% who where raised in the church turn out to be agnostic or atheistic because of being raised in the church and seeing for themselves how Christians are - gossips - living one way at church and going home and acting another - and so on - I cried with the tears of a broken heart - I could feel the hurt of CHRIST - what HE must think of us when HE sees us acting this way and seeing how our children see us acting this way and leave the church and beliefs because of it. The way the world is today what it needs more than ever is the LORD - and this book talks all about it - something we all need to read about - if you are open to hear what he - the author - has to say. The Study Guide follows along great with the book itself and in itself is almost just like a book.

There are plenty of diseases in the church that create rot; the hollowing out of bible doctrine, the strife between members, and the lack of urgency and failure to feel the weight of the momentous task we have been given. All of this is evidenced by the casualness of many Christians; their stinginess in giving; and their lack of vision beyond themselves. Add to that our self-righteousness and lack of transparency, and no wonder are not having the lasting impact we should.

Ouch! Hard words to hear but a reality that we need to face. I have not read the accompany book to this study guide however, that being said the study guide is helpful and should be read along with the book to deepen the study of the church. The Church in Babylon is relevant to the church today and is meant to be studied together as a church.

The study deals with the reality of the church and I think that is what makes Lutzer such a good teacher. He is not squishy but teaches with authority of the scriptures. Each chapter is in sessions that encourages conversation and digging deeper into the word of God. Starting with a summary of the session into what the word says, ending with questions and prayer.

The sessions are:
Welcome to Babylon
Conflicts of Conscience
When the State Becomes God
The Church, Technology, and Purity
Transgenderism, Sexuality, and the Church
Islam, Immigration and the Church
Five False Gospels with the Evangelical Church
Taking the Cross into the World
Jesus at the Church Door
The Church that will Survive Babylon

Some highlights for me was technology and how we lose our souls to escapism and addiction. Immigration and the role of the church and the state. The state is to protect and the church to minister. We must work together not be pitted against. The five false gospels that undermine the cross and salvation.

A great bible study to further along our faith and to keep our ground in God's word. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review