Authentic Christianity
Studies in 1 John
by
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Biblical Christianity brings radical transformation in people’s lives. It ignites love for God, passion for advancing the kingdom of God, and love for people. That’s what this book is about! If you desire a more vibrant relationship with God, you will enjoy Authentic Christianity. It will challenge you and inspire you to pursue deeper intimacy with God and move to higher ground in your walk with Him.
What is missing in our churches today? What is missing in our personal experience? Ironically, as we improve methods and techniques, we are reaching less people with the gospel. Research by the Barna Group reports continued decline in church attendance and small group participation in the American church. Obviously, the core issue is not being adequately addressed. Sadly, some are suggesting that we redesign Christianity to suit the tastes of our culture. This is producing an alarming departure from scriptural truth. In Authentic Christianity Dr. Tow challenges the deceptions inherent in that movement and calls the church back to New Testament Christianity in doctrine and lifestyle. The Christianity Jesus died for works, if we will fully commit to it!
Authentic Christianity is a theologically sound exposition of First John with relevant, practical application. While careful exegesis has been exercised in the preparation, the goal is pastoral equipping of God’s people. Above all else, people need to have eternal life and the assurance of genuine salvation. John’s goal in writing this letter is stated in 5:13: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” Nothing is more crucial than people having eternal life and living in that reality. Throughout the history of the church millions have attended church professing salvation who were never born again. It’s hard to imagine anything more tragic. John’s message in this letter addresses that problem. John provides reliable criteria for knowing we have eternal life and helping those we lead to know that as well. Authentic Christianity is written to bring those truths alive in the hearts of the readers. It serves as a commentary of First John with extensive exegetical comments and support in the notes at the end of each chapter. With a rich bibliography and indexes, this book is a great resource for pastors and Bible teachers. By placing the more technical information in the endnotes, the narrative is a comfortable read for anyone desiring to understand John’s epistle.
Subjects in this book include instruction on enjoying richer relationships with fellow believers, walking in love with one another, overcoming personal struggles with sin, understanding what John refers to as “sin unto death,” avoiding the subtleties of current deceptions, enjoying an effective prayer life, and living with a clear conscience. As a pastor with over 35 years of experience, the author speaks to the heart as well as the head. Pastors and other leaders will find effective illustrations that illuminate and motivate.
With steadfast commitment to the text, Dr. Tow expresses John’s message afresh to today’s church. It is the gospel proclaimed by the apostles that will bring revival. The answer for the Western church is not a new, revised Christianity. It is a return to New Testament Christianity. Hopefully, this book contributes to a fresh movement back to the basics: fidelity to God’s word and renewed empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Authentic Christianity will stir your heart toward those goals.
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“In a time when biblical literacy is waning and values are less than absolute, Authentic Christianity is a helpful and needful book for today’s church. Consisting of thirty chapters, a conclusion, a bibliography, and indexes, it moves through the first Epistle of John segment by segment, mining biblical guidelines and blessings at every corner” (Ben Aker, PhD, professor emeritus of New Testament and exegesis, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary). “I want this book in the hands of every one of my students and ministry leaders. The church is at a crossroads wherein we are teetering along a slippery slope that has ensnared a generation with a gospel unlike that preached by Christ and his disciples” (Pastor Troy D. Bohn, director of Raven Ministries International Training Center). “I highly recommend Dr. Richard Tow’s Authentic Christianity for pastors and anyone serious about studying 1 John in a deeper way. Dr. Tow presents practical ideas and lessons for how twenty-first-century Christians can protect our hearts and minds against modern-day false teachings, how to sincerely and biblically live our lives with love and a clear conscience” (Dr. Donald W. Eubank, chaplain; retired lieutenant colonel, US Army; endorsing agent, military VA chaplains; Foursquare Gospel Church). “This book should be required reading for anyone in ministry. The church is slowly apostatizing due to its ignorance of what constitutes a genuine biblical believer. John’s epistle, more than any other New Testament book, differentiates between the true child of God and those who are merely claiming to be one. John’s bottom line is ‘These things I have written . . . in order that you may know that you have eternal life.’ Find out what John means by ‘know.’ It’s a matter of life or death” (David Ravenhill, author and itinerant teacher, Siloam Springs, Arkansas).
About the Author
Richard Tow, DMin, has pastored churches since 1982 in Texas, Iowa, and Missouri. He is a partner with Hollingsworth, Tow & Associates, LLC, where he provides seminars and consulting for churches. His passion is for church vitality and fidelity to God’s Word. He and his wife, Jeanie, reside in Springfield, Missouri.