In a world that seemingly denies "truth," this book is a must read. Steven Lawson does a great job at showing us the real truth as it comes from the cross. Full of self-examination and moments of questioning...this book is just what I needed at the time I read it.

I learned of this author within the last 18 months when I heard a presentation he delivered at a conference. What I enjoyed most were his clear communication style and excellent development of the topic. This style is also present in his writings. In this book, Mr. Lawson handles the question: What is truth? His answer is clear and well-developed. In our current environment where many will seek to manipulate their version of truth and form a “new truth”.
The author develops the topic of truth so well that the serious reader will be able to dissect what they are being told and discern what is true.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the thoughts expressed are my own

A thorough indepth book on what constitutes Truth. A very challenging read prompting self examination.

Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" (John 18:38). I am sure if we asked that question to many in our culture, you will get different answers. Some will say that truth is whatever you think is true. Others would say truth is what we see and touch while others will say there are is no absolute truth.

Truth is under fire in our church especially in the church. Some will question the truth of God's word in various forms. There are some churches that do not even believe in the truth of God's Word. Can we have truth in this fallen world? Where can we find absolute truth. All of this and much more is what Steven Lawson covers in his latest book, The Moment of Truth.

Lawson reflects upon the very question that Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" Lawson points out that absolute truth can only come for God Himself which He has revealed to us in His Word. Whenever God speaks, He is speaking truth. Notice I mentioned absolute truth meaning is it an unchanging truth yet our culture, as Lawson points out, is tolerant of anything expect someone who claims to have absolute truth.

Lawson continues on to address the beauty of the truth that comes from the Word of God and even how the gospel is absolute because of God's declaration of a promised Messiah. Lawson then addresses our culture's war with the truth. Our culture cannot stand because it is not what they want to hear. They want truth that conforms to them. They do not want truth which calls them to conform.

Lawson then exults the church to press on with the truth. Churches must preach the truth even when it is unpopular to do so. Pastors need to preach the whole council of God and stop nitpicking the verses they only want to preach. We must be people of truth who are guided by the truth. In the end, we will all be judged by the truth.

To be honest, my review of this book will not do it justice. I ask you to pick up a copy of The Moment of Truth and be ready to be challenged, equipped, and encouraged.

The idea of absolute Truth is seen as inconvenient (at the least) these days and possibly fundamentalist (in a negative way) at the other end of the scale. The rejection of a God with absolute moral standards means people can invent their own truth - 'it's my truth, you have yours' - which leads to dysfunction and unhappiness when a person's truth turns out to be a lie. This book The Moment of Truth is like dash of cold water in the face - a bit shocking at first - and then you realise that you were actually in a boiling room and really needed it!!
I doubt this book will be popular but it calls those of us who believe in the Word of God to accept no quarter in watering it down.
I was firmly challenged by this book and I'm still reading and thinking about it. I think it's quite important to read and consider where you are at in your belief in scripture. Did Jesus cast out demons or were people just misunderstanding mental illness? Does the Word say certain lifestyles are wrong or should we 'update our intolerance' ( I exaggerate for effect). The only criticism I have is that, at times, the author who writes about absolute truth seems to claim his understanding of the scripture is absolutely right -perhaps an effect of writing such a focused and hard-line book! For example, and forgive me if I misunderstand him, but to me the scriptures clearly say that the Holy Spirit comes to people during baptism and while it is not baptism (getting wet) that saves you it is an inseparable part of the salvation process. Acts 2:38-40, the Ethiopian Eunuch, the thousands of people being saved (and being baptised straight away) seem to bear this out and if thousands of people were primarily being saved with this as part of the process - why is it heresy to believe so? Plus there are a reasonable set of arguments for universal salvation in the scriptures (when the Bible is translated minus some of the errors common to translation). I studied the subject for years, rejecting that conclusion, until the arguments became reasonable enough for me to reconsider. If I can be shown this is wrong I will reconsider again but it doesn't mean I am at the bottom of a slippery slope of easy believism! I have well-reasoned arguments for believing so and so did many of the early church fathers.

I do believe in the inerrant nature of scripture 100%. But there must be room left for us to debate what that Truth means when there is room to do so. In conclusion, I'm extremely glad this book is on the market and I hope it wakes true believers up.

This is an excellent and very timely book on truth. The first section examines what truth is and then he discusses the need for truth and what truth is in us, in the church and in the world.
I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of review.

Nothing is more important than contemplating the truth. Each person has a specific way of approaching the truth. For example, the Sophists did not believe in absolute truth – they were relativists. Protagoras said, “Man is the measure of all things.” Socrates believed that everyone could find the truth by looking within. “Know thyself,” was his mantra. Plato struggled in his quest for the truth is reported to have said, “It may be that someday there will come forth from God a Word (λόγος) who will reveal all mysteries and make everything plain. In our day, many people influenced by postmodern thought reject the very notion of absolute truth: “Nothing is certain, nothing is absolute,” they reason, failing to realize the built-in contradiction they suppose.

Jesus Christ was born to bear witness to the truth. “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice“ (John 18:37). Even though Pilate stood face-to-face with the Truth, he willingly suppressed the truth (Rom. 1:18). He exchanged the truth of God for a lie (Rom. 1:25). And he refused to listen to the truth (John 8:43, 47).

Steven Lawson unveils the importance of this vital subject in his new book, The Moment of Truth. Lawson invites readers to examine Pilate’s repudiation of the truth and contrasts his hostility with the crisis of truth in our generation. “The downward spiral always begins with the rejection of the truth,” writes Lawson. He continues, “This all-out refusal to recognize truth is hitting our society like a tsunami, and its breakers have submerged the majority of modern minds.” So the stage is set for what will prove to be a very important book.

Part One: The Reality of Truth
The first section contains foundational aspects of truth including eight distinguishing marks of truth:

Truth is divine
Truth is absolute
Truth is objective
Truth is singular
Truth is immutable
Truth is authoritative
Truth is powerful
Truth is determinative
The author underscores the reality of truth in the inerrant Word, which builds the confidence of people and demands total submission to a truth-telling God. Aspects of biblical revelation are explored and readers are drawn into an important discussion to focuses on the reliability and historicity of Scripture and the important dimensions of the cross.

Part Two: The Rejection of the Truth
The second section is a sobering look at the widespread repudiation of the truth, beginning with Adam and Eve. Lawson also reveals how truth is rejected by atheists and compromised by the church.

In what proves to be one of the most helpful chapters is a discussion on how truth is marginalized. Lawson writes, “Any disobedience to the truth of God’s Word must be treated as a serious encroachment against His holy name.” But in an unexpected turn, the author focusses on seemingly unimportant sins that prove to be devastating, in the final analysis. The sin of discontentment, impatience, envy, and the sin of the tongue are presented and readers are urged to mortify these sins by the power of the Spirit.

Part Three: The Reign of Truth
In the final section, Dr. Lawson presents four powerful expressions of truth – preaching the truth, living the truth, truth in worship, and the reign of truth in the final judgment. Each of these chapters are packed with God-centeredness as the truth of God’s Word comes to light. Readers will walk away humbled and encouraged as they are affirmed in the truth.

Summary and Commendation
The Moment of Truth is an explosive book that will encourage Christians from all walks of life and backgrounds. Pastors who have been beaten down and discouraged will walk away from this book with new resolve and energy. Teachers of God’s Word will be motivated to remain faithful. Compromisers will be encouraged to repent. And unbelievers will come face-to-face with the truth of God’s Word. Like Pilate, each reader will be forced to rejoice in the truth or reject Him. My prayer is that every reader will choose the former; that many will be compelled to live the truth, proclaim the truth, and defend the truth.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

I received a free copy of this book to review courtesy of NetGalley.

What a book this is, in an age where truth is relative and to be debated, Steven Lawson reminds us that there is only one standard of truth and that is God's word the bible. When we remember that all of the other truth claims are put into perspective.

This book is split into three equal helpful sections with the first stating the reality of truth, reminding us of the truth of God's word. The second entitled the rejection of truth which helps us understand how we got to where we are today and the final one entitled the reign of truth.

The book is worth reading for the last chapter alone speaking of the final judgement day when others books will be opened, a truly wonderful chapter.

First sentence: “Does absolute truth exist?” The question is often asked by many today. We live in a generation that denies any such notion of truth. The only absolute seems to be there are no absolutes, and the only truth that there is no truth.

Steven Lawson's newest book, The Moment of Truth, is a wonderful read that I highly recommend. The topic is TRUTH and the fundamental importance of it in our lives. He begins by defining what truth is: " Truth is not how things may appear to be. Nor is it how we want things to be. Neither is it what opinion polls say something is. To the contrary, truth is the way things really are."

The book has three parts: "The Reality of Truth," "The Rejection of Truth," and "The Reign of Truth."

Lawson's book is clear, logical, practical, persuasive, compelling, but most of all biblical. Every chapter is packed with Scripture and he seeks to unpack the meaning of the Word of God clearly and carefully for readers.

Each chapter is a gem. For example, in chapter one Lawson shares EIGHT reference points to help believers distinguish "true truth" from "pretenders to the truth." 1) Truth is divine. All truth originates with God. 2) Truth is absolute and reigns as the highest authority. " Truth has the first word and the final say in every matter." 3) Truth is objective. "Truth speaks with specific words that have a definite meaning. It is concrete, black and white, and narrowly defined. It never blurs the lines of distinction." 4) Truth is singular. "Truth is never true for one person, but not true for someone else. Truth is always truth for every individual." 5) Truth is unchanging. "What is truth today never becomes untrue tomorrow. Right is always right, and wrong is always wrong." 6) Truth is authoritative. "Truth has the right to make assertive demands upon our lives. Truth necessitates something from us. When the Bible speaks, God Himself speaks and summons us by His truth." 7) Truth is powerful. "Truth cuts to the bone. When we are pierced by the truth, it opens us up and allows us to see ourselves as God sees us. Truth is so powerful, that it alone can save us from the wrath to come. Truth can sanctify us into the image of Jesus Christ. Truth has the power to strengthen the weak. It encourages the downcast. It guides the lost. It challenges the sluggish. It comforts the discouraged. Truth does what only God can do because it is the truth of God Himself." 8) Truth is determinative. "Your relationship to the truth charts the course of your life in this world. Ultimately, truth will have the say on whether you spend eternity in heaven or in hell."

In Chapter five, Lawson examines Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the fall of mankind. He argues, "The war on the truth that began thousands of years ago in the garden of Eden continues to be carried out today against God Himself. First, the devil began this combat by casting doubt upon the Word of God. A careful study of Genesis 3 reveals a clear progression in Satan’s strategic attack against the truth in which the first attack was meant to create doubt in the mind of Eve."

Not only is every chapter a gem, the chapters just seem to get better and better. There isn't a weak link in the book. From cover to cover, this one is worth your time and effort. It should be read and reread.