Vince Deagler

we have come to the last chapter, entitled ”the end is here”.  i would describe it as classic rob.  he shares a bit of his own personal journey, how he prayed in his bedroom as an elementary aged little boy, with his parents, to receive christ.  he affirms this as a life changing moment, but also offers some critique as this is some what what he has been writing against throughout this book.  but then goes on to show how christ is able to take us…warts and all…and make us new.  and he does a wonderful job, as he usually does, describing that work.  he really is a good communicator.

the only struggle i have with this chapter is i am not real clear how it fits into some of the things he has been saying.  a few examples may be helpful.  on page 196 he says jesus calls us to repent.  but earlier he said some may come to christ without even knowing it.  on pages 196-197 he shares several stories which he describes as “strong, shocking images of judgment and separation…”  he points out is is vitally important we take our choices seriously here and now.  that we are to live as if the end is here.  but he has spent most of this book writing against the idea of judgment, separation, and for the idea of infinite second chances that really do minimize the importance of making wise choices right now.  other than that, this chapter is classic rob…and that means it is creative, inspiring, and passionate.

all in all, i’m glad i read the book.  i found it mentally stimulating.  i think it would be really cool to sit down with him and talk through these issues…i think that would be a very interesting discussion.  i can’t buy into the concepts he presents.  i think they are distorted in some places and ambiguous in others.  i would offer a word of caution.  he is a great writer.  that means if you are not familiar with scripture, you may not detect where his thinking strays off track.  if that describes you, i would encourage you to read elsewhere to get that foundation underneath your beliefs that would allow you to read something like this, be inspired and encouraged where that is available, without being led off course.  if nothing else, a conversation has taken place where heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who ever lived has begun.  and guess what, god can use that conversation.  so even if i can’t buy in, i’m glad it was written, and i am the better for having read it.  rob tends to have that effect on me.  thanks for reading.  blessings, vince.