From the Publisher
We are now living in post-Christian times, when Christianity no longer is the prevailing influence on the mind and heart of our culture. But we cannot compromise. More than ever before, it is imperative that Christians understand and embrace the biblical pattern for the church. Philip Graham Ryken knows that the changing face of America makes the need for the church to remain steadfast even more important. City on a Hill will provide readers with a deeper understanding of how to live for Christ in the twenty-first century: go back to the model set out in the first century. Sure to be an encouragement and challenge to anyone concerned about the effectiveness of the church today.
From the Jacket
THE CHURCH TODAY STANDS AT A CROSSROADS. HOW WILL WE FULFILL
CHRIST''S CALLING TO BE A "CITY SET ON A HILL"?
Many sincere and dedicated Christians point to the path of
relevance as a means for enjoying a post-Christian witness. They
want to explore new ways of "doing church"-- ways that focus on
seekers'' needs, that appeal to today''s entertainment-saturated
audiences, and don''t make church "too hard."
Philip Ryken, however, sees danger ahead. Rather than confronting
the relativistic and narcissistic mind-set of our world, this way
may very well accommodate it.
In "City on "a "Hill, "Ryken asserts that the church needs to walk
a different path... a biblical path that leads to exalting God and
Him alone by:
- Proclaiming the saving work of our crucified and risen Lord,
Jesus Christ.
- Focusing on our holy God in our personal and corporate worship.
- Reaching our in Christ''s love to care for one another and share
the Good News with the world.
When the church does what it was called to do, it will give the
world what it needs most--the life-giving message that Jesus Christ
is Savior and Lord.
PHILIP GRAHAM RYKEN (M.Div., Westminster Theological Seminary;
D.Phil., University of Oxford, England) is senior minister of Tenth
Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he has preached since
1995. His published works include "The Heart of the Cross "and "The
Doctrines of Grace "(with James Montgomery Boice), "Is Jesus the
Only Way?, The Message of Salvation, "and "Jeremiah and
Lamentations. "Dr. Ryken lives with his wife, Lisa, and children,
Joshua, Kirsten, Jack and Kathryn in Center City, Philadelphia.