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Vital Resource: Stranger on the Road to Emmaus The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus
By John R. Cross GoodSeed International 318 pages 1-888-654-7333 I first heard this book mentioned in the context of missions. Missions groups such as New Tribes Mission were finding it effective to devote time to laying a chronological/historical understanding of the plan of redemption as a foundation for presenting the gospel. Here in what some are terming the ‘post-Christian’ culture of America, there is also a need for a good foundation of God’s redemptive work. Despite the proliferation of Christian TV and the ability to buy a Bible at your local Wal-Mart, there are many Americans who are growing up with an absence of understanding biblical concepts which used to be ingrained in the culture. So in a strange way, the American mission field finds itself with some of the same needs as those of foreign missions. The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus is basically the panoramic story of redemption presented in an easily accessible form for an English-speaking audience. It is a tool designed to be placed in the hands of the seeker. As I said, I heard this book mentioned in the context of evangelism and missions. Being the cyber-nut that I am, I hopped into my Netmobile and zipped over to GoodSeed’s website (www.goodseed.com). Browsing the site piqued my curiosity more, and when I read an endorsement by Elizabeth Elliot (whose opinion I respect), I decided to purchase a copy and evaluate it. When it arrived in the mail. I knew I should have ordered more. Four key principles in the approach of the book make it a resource which is being widely used: 1. Chronological. It tells the story of redemption. The big-picture, panoramic view unfolds to the reader. 2. Simple to Complex. A firm foundation for understanding is carefully built. 3. Major on the Majors. It focuses on significant events, in logical order. 4. Single Theme. It covers many topics, but integrates them as they relate to the overarching theme of God’s plan of salvation. A lot of quality planning went into the production of the book. It is heavily illustrated with beautiful pencil drawings. Small maps throughout show the current locations where the biblical events took place. Also, helpful charts and what I call “concept icons” (little picture-buttons that represent theological truths) provide extra impact. The book is divided into fifteen chapters which are subdivided into sections. The writing style is conversational and very accessible. A big plus is the book’s non-sectarian approach. It sticks to its main task, and does it well. This means that the book will be useful with a wide number of denominational backgrounds. We have given a number of copies to new believers and have received positive feedback. I now keep several copies on hand, because I believe it is a great tool to give converts a grounding in the word of God. I sent a copy to my brother to evaluate. He had it at work, and co-worker (with no religious background) picked it up on break and started reading it. He then made the comment “This is pretty cool, I never knew what the Bible was about before,” and asked if he could take it home to read more! For people who don’t like to read, Goodseed is putting out an audio cassette version which is now available for free listening through their website. I have used the book primarily as a tool to put in people’s hands. Although I have not yet used it to teach from, the format of the book would easily lend itself to a small-group ministry setting. I would encourage you to check it out for yourself, and see what a great asset it can be to your own ministry. |
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