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Irresistible

Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World

Andy Stanley author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Zondervan

Published:25th Jun '20

Should be back in stock very soon

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Irresistible cover

This book explores the compelling nature of the early Christian movement, examining what first-century believers understood and practiced, and how modern Christianity can reclaim that transformative faith in today's world.

In Irresistible, author and pastor Andy Stanley explores the transformative impact of Jesus's arrival and the essence of early Christianity. He posits that the Old Testament laws culminate in a single command: to love—directed towards God, our neighbors, and even our enemies. Stanley challenges readers to consider what it truly means to follow Jesus’s example of radical love, emphasizing that while the answer may be clear, the execution is often difficult.

Stanley reflects on the compelling nature of the early Christian movement, questioning why contemporary Christianity lacks the same allure. He investigates the foundational elements that made the faith of the first-century Christians so appealing and resilient. Through a series of probing questions, he seeks to uncover what early believers understood about God's Word, their lives, and love that modern Christians might overlook. He also examines actions taken by those early followers that are often absent in today’s practice.

Addressing the reasons many individuals turn away from faith, Stanley urges a return to the roots of Christianity. He emphasizes the need to embrace the original version of faith that sparked a remarkable cultural transformation, despite the challenges faced by early Christians. By revisiting this foundational perspective, Irresistible calls for a revitalization of the Christian message, encouraging believers to become a source of light and flavor in a world that increasingly lacks both.

'Andy Stanley believes that the gospel of grace is an irresistible message. So why do so many resist it, reject Jesus, and rebuff the church? Perhaps the fault lies not with Jesus but with a burdensome set of rules and regulations that have been added to the simple ethic he taught in the great commandment: love God and love others (Matthew 22:36-40). Biblical in its basis, provocative in some proposals, convicting in its challenges, this book makes an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the mission of the church, as she seeks to reach a pluralistic culture with the good news of the gospel.' * Glenn R. Kreider, professor of theological studies, Dallas Theological Seminary *
'For years Roma and I have endeavored to be noisy Christians. Noisy, but thoughtful. Andy has captured both ideas with a single word, 'irresistible.' But as you are about to discover, he's done more than that. In Irresistible, Andy reacquaints us with the original version of our faith. The version that was irresistible indeed! We love this book!' * Mark Burnett, television and film producer *
'I've been a Christ follower for more than thirty years and perhaps no other book I've ever read has caused me to wrestle with the very foundations of my faith like this one. In Irresistible, Andy Stanley challenges us to rediscover the gospel and reclaim the version of faith that ultimately transformed our world. This provocative book could potentially disrupt the core of your theology. And when it does, it may very well change how you read the Bible and live out your faith forever more.' * Tony Morgan, founder and lead strategist at The Unstuck Group *
'Irresistible is like a once-in-a-generation shot across the bow. Andy Stanley takes a lifetime of accumulated insight and wisdom about the Christian faith, history, and why the church isn't connecting with our current culture, and combines them together in a masterpiece work. Succinctly, powerfully, and convincingly, Andy shows us how so many Christians have misunderstood what Christianity is and helps us recapture what Christianity originally was. I pray we have the courage to live out the ethic of the early and accurate Christian faith Andy so capably describes. The world just might come running if we do.' * Carey Nieuwhof, author and founding pastor, Connexus Church *
'It's time for the church to rethink how it presents a timeless gospel to this generation. In Irresistible, Andy Stanley challenges us to make sure we handle the Scriptures with the kind of integrity that compels everyone to seriously consider following Jesus. Any Christian who reads this book will suddenly find themselves embracing the mission of Jesus with a new passion.' * Reggie Joiner, author; founder and CEO of Orange *
'More than any other book I've read in years, Irresistible has stretched my view of Scripture. I can't hear or read a passage from the Old or New Testaments without thinking about Andy's provocative insights. If you and I take this book seriously, our lives and our churches will never be the same.' * Kara Powell, PhD, executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute and coauthor of Growing Young *
'People rarely reject Jesus as he truly is. Instead, they reject a distorted view of who they think he is. In his new book, Irresistible, pastor Andy Stanley takes you on a historic journey to rediscover the first-generation passion of what it means to faithfully follow Christ. This book will knock you off center, push you out of complacency, and reawaken an unshakable faith that cannot be ignored.' * Craig Groeschel, pastor of Life.Church and author of Hope in the Dark—Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not *
'This book challenged me to rethink my thoughts about the Old Testament, discuss with fellow believers what I was learning, do more connecting and less correcting of others, and be salt and light, making things better and brighter. I love how Andy loves people . . . ALL of them.' * John Maxwell, author of The 360 Degree Leader *
'Warning: This book will set you and your ministry back--back to the first century and the approach to advancing the gospel modeled by Jesus and the apostles. Andy reminds us that the resurrection was at the center of the first-century apologetic. Then he challenges twenty-first century believers to reclaim it as the center of ours as well. I agree with Andy--this approach changed the world once. I'm convinced it could do so again. Read and apply now!' * Frank Turek, Christian author, public speaker, and radio host *

ISBN: 9780310114062

Dimensions: 212mm x 138mm x 27mm

Weight: 321g

352 pages