At the same time, during the last two hundred years we've developed a distinct identity. Like other tribes, we've accepted ways of thinking and speaking that we're comfortable with and that define us as a group. These don't always stand up under scrutiny in light of what Scripture teaches. One of these ideas, frequently heard in evangelical circles, is that "God has a wonderful plan for your life." It may be shocking for evangelicals to learn that this is not a biblical idea and is fraught with difficulty. Among the themes addressed in this book are forgiveness (we set unrealistically high standards); evangelism (we often do it for the wrong reasons); preaching (we confuse it with teaching); healing (actually, it's very rare); and prayer (will God really change the weather for the church picnic?). The book is warm and positive but challenges many of the ingrained truisms prevalent in evangelical circles.]]> | Does the Bible Really Say That ? by Mark Woods, Paperback | Indigo Chapters