Take Heart - Softcover

Matt Chandler; David Roark

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1784983160 ISBN 13: 9781784983161

Publisher: The Good Book Company, 2018

Synopsis

Christendom is dead. And that's a good thing.

The Christian culture that has underpinned Western society for centuries has been eroded. We're now at the point where to disagree with people on issues such as marriage and sexuality, is seen as hateful. Christians are no longer seen as honorable, but as bigots. But history testifies that the more people try to destroy Christianity, the more it grows. So we are entering an exciting period of time because we're back in the place where Christ's church can thrive - at the margins of society.

In this stirring, passionate book, Matt Chandler shows us we need Christian courage like never before, and how to live with compassion and conviction, able to look around positively and reach out confidently.

It encourages us not to be thwarted by fear, but to depend on God and have confidence that Christ will build his church, despite continual marginalization. A must-read for any Christian who wants to understand how to stand firm and walk forwards in an increasingly secular culture.

About this title

About the Author:

Matt Chandler is the Pastor of The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. The author of Explicit Gospel, Take Heart, and The Mingling of Souls, Matt also serves as President of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network. He is married to Lauren and they have 3 children.

Review:

This is a much-needed reminder that gospel Christianity thrives when it is out of power, and that Christian courage comes from trusting not in cultural power but in God's power and grace.
--Timothy Keller, Founding Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Manhattan; author of Making Sense of God

We live in an age of increasing hostility toward Christianity in the west. These are days that will require courage, conviction, and clarity of vision. Matt Chandler's new book, Take Heart, is a thoughtful, pastoral, and brave call for faithfulness in a trying time. These pages are filled with practical wisdom and sound theological principles that fuel courage in the face of opposition.
--R. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Matt is a voice I trust. In times of significant cultural shift in the world, we need courage. Instead of walking in fear and making false proclamations about the church's mortality, we must brace ourselves for a deeper sense of commitment to courageous engagement. Pick up this book to get pointed in the right direction, and walk in commitment to strategic courage in this time of shifting uncertainty.
--Eric Mason, Founder and Lead Pastor, Epiphany Fellowship, Philadelphia

Matt Chandler is a man of courage and conviction. He is gifted with a prophetic voice, pointing the church and the world toward the beauty of the gospel, and calling upon Christians to live faithfully in the world. is a sign of that message that Christians can live courageously because Jesus is alive.
--Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention; author of Onward

As Christians, we are defined not as a people of fear but a people of hope. Matt Chandler has written a timely book that encourages, inspires, and equips believers to walk in that hope in our current culture. This is an excellent resource for every believer desiring to live as 'salt and light' in today's world.
--Matt Carter, Pastor of Preaching, The Austin Stone Community Church, Austin

How do we engage a culture steeped in secularism? A fear-based operating system invoking a fight-or-flight response has proven to be historically insufficient. Instead we need a cohort of winsomely courageous Christ-followers to show us the way forward: the kind of person Matt Chandler has proven himself to be, and that he writes about in.
--Bryan Loritts, Lead Pastor, Abundant Life Church, Silicon Valley; author of Saving the Saved

For many of us, these seem hard days indeed to be a Christian. But by reminding us of the church's long, rich history and of God's strong, constant love, shows us that even in this difficult age, believers have every reason for courage and to be of good cheer.
--Karen Swallow Prior, Author of Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist

In Take Heart, Matt Chandler offers both challenge and comfort to Christians in an age where both are desperately needed. He speaks with both a prophet's urgency and a pastor's heart, and this book will serve all Christians who are wondering how we navigate the troubled waters of our present age.
--Mike Cosper, Executive Director, Harbor Media; author of Recapturing the Wonder

Countless Christians today have simply given up or lost hope. If that sounds like you, Matt Chandler has a word to speak: it's a great time to be a Christian; be courageous; take heart. If that sounds hollow and naïve, you need to read this book. Matt is keenly in touch with the troubles we face but even more so with the Lord of the universe, who ultimately wins. What he advocates isn't a fleshly triumphalism but a courageous faith in a really big God. Take Heart speaks a hopeful and thoroughly biblical word that all of us need to hear. Highly recommended!
--Sam Storms, Lead Pastor, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City; President of the Evangelical Theological Society

Do not be dismayed, for this is not the first time the very heart of God's plan for his people and his world has been questioned, assaulted, and pushed to the margins. This is the central message of this timely book by my dear brother Matt. Yet there is more. Within these pages you will be challenged to think critically about where your hope is actually invested, how you view the church's role with respect to the state, and if you indeed love you neighbor as yourself. Take heart: you are alive in an age ripe with opportunity and you can actually be integral to changing the world!
--Leonce B. Crump Jr., Founding Pastor, Renovation Church, Atlanta; author of Renovate: Changing Who You Are by Loving Where You Are

What a wonderful, inspiring work! In a time where Christianity is said to be losing ground in the culture, our impulse may be to panic. But what if this were actually our most opportune moment to experience renewal, and to become the kind of life-giving, world-changing disciples Jesus has always intended for us to be? In characteristic fashion, Matt has done a terrific job of laying out such a vision. In so doing, he has gotten me excited about the many things God still wants to do in the world, and the part we can all play in his plan.
--Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nasvhille; author of Jesus Outside the Lines, Befriend, and From Weakness to Strength

Fearing, agonizing, retreating, embracing. These are a few of the responses we see and might be experiencing in a 'post-Christian' culture. Chandler knows how many of us feel in our current cultural moment in the West. Through biblical truth, Chandler helps redirect our eyes to the One who can strengthen and encourage us so we might have courage.
--Trillia Newbell, Author of God's Very Good Idea and Enjoy

This is a deeply encouraging book. I mean that literally: it brings courage to the reader. It is also enjoyably punchy, readably short, practically wise and pastorally insightful, with a warmth and winsomeness that books on this subject sometimes lack. Get hold of a copy, and be en-courage-d.
--Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor, Kings Church London; author, The Life We Never Expected

About this edition

• Publisher: The Good Book Company
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1784983160
• ISBN 13: 9781784983161
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Number of pages: 128