Review of "Thriving Through the End Times"
Just two weeks ago today, Dr. Neil Anderson spoke to about 700 people at the American Association of Christian Counselors World Conference. It was an hour and fifteen minute master class on how to have a biblical worldview and live free in Christ. He got everyone laughing by opening with this statement: “I know you might be thinking, is he still alive?!” He went on to poke fun at himself and his 81 years of age.
All in all, it was truly one of the best presentations I have heard in a long time. Full of insight and helpful illustrations, the time flew by as each point built upon the previous one. Amens and affirmations flowed from the people as they listened, evidence of their engagement showing on their faces the entire time.
Dr. Anderson’s pastor’s heart flowed through his talk, and everyone sensed that he cares deeply about the Church and the spread of the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And right at the end, Neil paused and announced, with tears in his eyes, “This is my final public speaking event. I’m retiring.”
After a moment of pause, and with many others expressing their gratitude with tears, Neil received an extended standing ovation.
In his brand new book, Thriving Through the End Times, Dr. Anderson offers both encouragement and warning to the Church today.
Neil writes in his introduction, “If we are approaching the end times, the only pertinent question is, “What sort of people ought you to bein holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11). The fundamental question is not what we should do, but who we should be. Nobody can keep us from being the person God created us to be, and that is God’s will for our lives. What it takes to stop us is the test of our character. “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” (Matthew24:11, 13).
Though our world is experiencing “difficult times” (2 Timothy 3:1), we have a tremendous opportunity to grow in unity as we pursue Christ as the center of our faith and practice. The circumstances of our world, the emotional turmoil of the past few years, and the openness people have toward spiritual reality provide the Church with abundant opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the hope of the world.
At the same time, we must be on guard and practice great discernment because the enemy of our souls is subtle and crafty (Genesis 3:1). In addition, “the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars…” (1 Timothy 4:1-2a, NASB 2020)
Dr. Anderson reminds us that there are very real dangers that we must guard against, even within Christian culture (or sub-cultures). And yet, our hope is secure. We are free to walk by the Spirit and grow in intimacy with the Father! He states, “It is our responsibility to actively use our minds to know and choose to believe the truth” (Thriving Through the End Times, p. 72).
This causes me to reflect on my own calling. As I teach people the truths of who we are as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians5:17), how to fight the battle for the mind (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), and how to walk by faith in repentance (Jesus’ first command), I get to witness the eagerness with which people connect with God the Father through faith in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, the Son. It is wonderful to see the Holy Spirit bring conviction and cleansing through confession and repentance. And then see these men and women positively impact their friends, family, church, and community!
In Thriving Through the End Times, Neil gives us clear guidance and abundant hope that we can live as God’s people and point others to the Father by the power of the Spirit and the truth of God’s Word.
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12, NASB 2020).
I highly recommend Thriving Through the End Times for your own encouragement and growth—or even better, as a small group study for mutual encouragement!