This book is a call for God's people to return to God's word. We have "change-agents" in the Church of Christ that are saying we must change our worship and theology in order to grow. But, the author takes strong exception to this viewpoint. Dr. Hobbs and his wife have helped five churches grow. These churches did not grow because ungodly changes were initiated into the worship. They grew because the Word was taught and preached, people were loved and invited into our home, and we visited the vistors and newcomers in the community. God's word clearly teaches the gospel message must not be changed. The apostle Paul said "Hold the pattern" (2 Tim. 1:13) and "Hold the teachings" that come through the written Word (2 Thess. 2:15). We are "not to go beyond what is written" ( 1 Cor. 4:6). One day we will be "judged out of the things which were written in the books" (i.e. the books of the Bible--Rev. 20:12). Jesus said, "The word which I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48). It is absolute and total foolishness to depart from the word of God.In 722 B.C. North Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians. Around 627 B.C. Jeremiah is called by God to preach to Judah (southern Israel). Jehovah said in Jeremiah 6:16, "Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein." How sad and tragic! Because of their sin and disobedience, God destroyed Judah in 586 B. C. Many died from the sword and famine. We will be wise if we learn from their sins (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:1-11).God's people must learn that just because something is appealing to the unchurched--this does not make it acceptable to God Almighty. God must be worshipped "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).Just like Josiah initiated a restoration movement, we need to do likewise. We must return to God's word and follow the pattern set forth therein. Without apology Dr. John Hobbs believes in the authoritative word of God!
Dr. John Hobbs has five Masters degrees (four in religion and one in math education), and two Doctor of Ministry degrees. In 1990, he graduated from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee with a degree in Church Growth. In 2004, he graduated from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana with a degree in Theology. He has also graduated from the Sunset School of Preaching Extension Department in Lubbock, Texas. As of 2015 including graduate audit, he has 604 college hours of biblical related courses. All of Dr. Hobbs preaching has been in Texas. He preached in Hamby (1970-1973), Loving (1974-1979). Lakeview in Grand Prairie (1979-1982), Cold Springs in Lancaster (1982-1996), Lawn (1996-1998), Hillcrest in Coleman (1998-2002), Ninth and Main in San Angelo (2002-2005), Cottonwood in Wylie (2005-2007), and Sachse (2008 to present). Dr. Hobbs has also taught math in public schools for 39 years. He has coached ten state middle school championship teams. He has received several teacher awards--1991 Outstanding Teacher, 1995--Texas House of Representatives, 1996--Teacher of the Year in Grand Prairie ISD, 2002 and 2004--Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 2001-2003 nominated for the Outstanding Teacher Award at Abilene Cooper HS, 2007--Professional Service Award from Highland Park ISD, 2010--Inspirational Teacher, and 2010--finalist for the Garland Educator of the Year Award. Dr. Hobbs has written twelve books--The Word Was God, Searching for Biblical Truth, Building Our Most Holy Faith, Seeking Spiritual Strength, The Compelling Power of the Cross, The Ten Commandments, Advanced Bible Study, Greek Notes over 1-3 John, the Sermon on the Mount, Never, Never, Never Give Up! and Number Sense Makes Cents.
