By This Name
In today’s world, many adopt their own brand of spirituality to make God out to be anything they want. Others consider God to be an impersonal force. By This Name utilizes a seldom-used but solidly biblical method to set apart the God of the Bible from other forms of spirituality, all the while answering two questions: “Who is Jesus?” and “What are the cross and tomb all about?” It establishes the authority of Scripture and gently compares the biblical worldview with other worldviews in an objective, non-arm-twisting way.
By This Name is GoodSeed's premier resource that explains the Bible’s core message to people who have no knowledge about the Bible. Using the architecture of the gospel of John, the book clearly sets apart the God of the Bible from all other gods. It establishes the authority of Scripture and gently compares the biblical worldview to eastern worldviews. It ties together key Old and New Testament stories to reveal the identity of God and the nature of sin, with the aim to answer two questions: “Who is Jesus?” and “What is the story of the cross and the tomb all about?” It helps a person understand clearly what the Bible is all about.
FEATURES
Age: For adults and teens.
All Worldviews: Engages those who adopt their own spirituality, making God out to be whatever they want. Also for those who think of God as an impersonal force or for those with post-modern, post-Christian and secular mindsets. Addresses questions arising from polytheism, pantheism, animism, agnosticism and atheism.
Assumptions: Assumes readers have little or no knowledge of the Bible.
Chronological: Begins with the creation of the universe and then, progressing sequentially through key Old Testament stories, moves into the New Testament to reveal the meaning of the cross and the tomb. The main story of the Bible is tied together into one universal, all-encompassing drama.
Based on the gospel of John: Uses the gospel of John as a template; at the same time, provides necessary background stories to give the gospel context. It assumes the reader knows very little, if anything, about the Bible.
Sets apart the God of the Bible: Answers the question, “What makes your sacred book better than mine?” It addresses what makes the God of the Bible unique from all other gods or spirits.
Peels religious tradition off the Bible: Introduces readers to the Bible without the trappings of religion.
Objective: Allows the Bible to speak for itself in presenting the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no arm-twisting to believe. The message is presented objectively; the decision to believe or not to believe is left to the reader.
Bible verses: Told as a story, weaving 1570 Bible verses throughout the narrative. The reader engages with the text of the Bible for himself.
Illustrated: Uses over 100 drawings, maps and diagrams to help explain the story.
Designed to give away: The book can be passed on like a gospel tract. People can then learn the Bible's message for themselves.
Designed to use in a course: The book is the student's coursebook in Worldview Rethink.
INSIGHTS
These articles give an inside view on the structure of By This Name and how it breaks through confusion in our diverse society, bringing clarity to the message of the gospel.
- Why use the name YAHWEH?
- Why focus on Egyptian religion?
- Using tables to contrast God’s way and man’s way
- Why talk about other “gods”?
- How to identify the Promised Deliverer?
- Why deal with syncretism when sharing the gospel?
- Why talk about prophecy when sharing the gospel?
- Why use the concept of a global classroom?
ENGLISH
DOWNLOAD E-BOOK
By This Name
English
382 pages
66 clips (2 hours, 40 minutes)
Also available as a free download
As a non-profit ministry, sales revenue is used to provide resources to people around the world who have no access to them. If you cannot afford this ebook, we would still like you to read it. Use this coupon code on the GoodSeed store to get the ebook free: GOODSEEDFREE
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By This Name Interactive DVD
English
Optional DVD - supplement to the book. Same video clips as online.
66 clips (2 hours, 40 minutes)
All Regions
By This Name Leaders Guide
English
446 pages
Works as part of the Worldview Rethink Curriculum Box.
Comes with a DVD (All regions).
66 clips (2 hours, 40 minutes)
TRANSLATIONS
Guide de l’animateur pour
Par ce nom
French
Download and print
ความจริงที่โลกต้องรู้
Thai
443 pages
REVIEWS
Powerfully written with a Refreshing Presentation of God's Story
This book is powerfully written telling the stories of Scripture in a unique and creative way. It chronicles the timeless stories of the Bible with a narrative that is both personal and convincing. Like its title, it's intriguing in its format, matching scientific facts, archaeological findings alongside Scriptures that reveal truth with up-to-date facts and contemporary figures. This is one of the most unique commentaries of the Bible for those who want to know truth and are looking for the answers to life. Fascinating, compelling and accurate.
by Skip Ball on Feb 8, 2016
Great book
I'm reading it now and understanding a lot of the things I could never understand before. Understanding the culture and traditions of that time helps to make sense of what was written and why. I highly recommend it.
by Deborah Hall on Jun 12, 2016
Excellent overivew of Christian beliefs
Excellent overview of basic Christian beliefs, and the reasoning behind the beliefs. It lays out the entire message of the Bible linearly, in an easy to follow way. This is the best book of this type that I've found.
by Konrad Mast on Aug 21, 2015
Outstanding book
I loved this book. It brought me new insights into the bible and helped me to understand it better. I feel an even stronger love for God and Jesus as my savior. I've saved this on my Kindle so I can refer to it on an on-going basis. Excellent book. I highly recommend it.
by Vickie Ward on Jan 31, 2014
A must read for every person on earth
This book reaffirmed my faith in the Lord and I recommend this book for everyone. Explained how the Bible was written.
by Dorothy E. Ksenich on Jan 29, 2014
A 'powerful' book!
This is one of the best books I have ever read on evangelism! I actually got to attend the recent seminar in India by John Cross & the team. The Gospel is so very well explained right from Creation to the Cross.
This book is unlike other books in the market which says10 steps to salvation or 15 steps to pray for your neighbor. It is a step-by-step approach—through the Bible, laying the essential foundation of God’s attributes, offerings in the OT, Ten Commandments, etc., before a person is introduced to Jesus Christ as the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world!
I love this book for its Bible-centeredness! No concept from the Bible is ever diluted or reduced, but is stated as it is.
It is a great tool for evangelism and I fully recommend it!! You will be convicted and challenged like never before to take the Gospel beyond your doors!
Truly, “an ‘understood’ Gospel is a ‘powerful’ Gospel!"
by Raju on Apr 19, 2012
A must read
This book has definitely inspired my life and it has strengthened my faith. It is inspired by the Word of God and hence free from errors. It explains terms like justification and sanctification very clearly. It is not just a great evangelistic tool but also helpful to every believer in Christ as it helps you to understand the importance of teaching God’s Word clearly so that more may put their trust in Christ and be set free from the vain belief systems of the world.
by Samantha on Apr 19, 2012
It brought me to God
Just returned home from a seminar with John Cross, the pieces of the puzzle were finally put all together for me. I went through many emotions while sitting in a room of thirty people. But noticed no one around me, it was like everything had come to a stand still in my life, except for the words on the pages… It was a 32 hour study of the book, and it brought me to God. This morning in church I raised my hand, stood up and told the people around me what an honor it was to have been invited to attend the seminar put on by “GoodSeed” and that I had given my life to the Lord… God bless you John Cross… Amen.
by Colken on Nov 1, 2009
Divine Appointment?
I sold an old Suburban more than a year ago, but a few weeks ago I received a call from a guy who now had the Suburban, but did not have a bill of sale from the guy he got it from. So he came over to my office to talk and see what we could do to get the title transferred to him, since the guy I sold it too never transferred the title. After a short while we began to talk about spiritual things and he mentioned that he has been looking into all sorts of religions, because he had a heart attack recently. I gave him a copy of By This Name, as it is the best book I have seen for helping people to understand that the God of the Bible is the one and only God. This books shows how God proved himself above all the gods of Egypt and every other god. I think this was a divine appointment, otherwise I would never have met this guy and I don’t know where he would have got questions answered.
by RussellJ on Oct 2, 2009
Incredible
Incredible! I’ve been a Christian for 23 years, but had my eyes opened to the most wonderful way to share the gospel, in a non-threatening way, that was simple and chronological. I have struggled with too many words, (that have confused the listener, who stares at me with a glazed look in his eyes), when trying to share the gospel. I feel confident with this material, because it’s a straightforward account of the Bible, with enough extra info thrown in to clarify key points to the one who is seeking.
All I can do, is stand amazed, once more, at God’s perfect Word, and a grateful heart to those on the GoodSeed team that have made this material available to all who are interested in sharing their faith, and to provide it at such a reasonable cost.
Thank you, Thank you!! And may the Good Shepherd continue to grant his blessing on all that you do…
by Susan on May 6, 2009
Meeting the need of the hour
With America ever becoming a secular society, the time proven, old "Romans Road" and similar approaches to evangelism that worked so well in the '50s, '60s and '70s no longer get the job done so the age-old biblical GoodSeed approach is fast become my chief tool in evangelism.
by Jon E. Wall on Dec 23, 2015
A book everyone should read
I used this book in a small group with three women who were "on the fence" with their faith. The author has done a marvelous job of clearly laying out God's plan for our lives. It was an enormous blessing for me to watch as these ladies began to understand and grasp a clearer understanding of the Bible.
It does an amazing job of tying the Old Testament in with the New Testament and what the new covenant means for us today. I can't think of a book, other than the Bible itself, that I would recommend more strongly. A great book to read for yourself, one-on-one mentoring or a small group. Once you read it you'll see what I mean! The study guide that is offered is also a nice addition to reiterate what you have read and facilitate further discussion.
by Audrey on Nov 25, 2010
Great book to help with questions of Christian belief
When I was exploring Christian beliefs and looking into churches to learn more I was given this book. I was intrigued and wanted to read more. It brought together common mis-beliefs and what the Bible teaches and lets you make your own decisions. This was the start of the change in my beliefs and would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to learn more about the Bible or who is exploring their own faith.
by Anonymous on Sep 24, 2010
A book that changed my mind, for the better
My colleague gave me this book to read. Without saying much about it. And as soon as I started, I couldn't let it go. I was reading it day and night and on the bus.
It peels open layer by layer about the Bible, and explains factually why Bible, is a unique book that tells nothing but the truth. And why it is so important that we should understand the Bible BEFORE we make a decision whether we want to believe in God and Jesus. Making a decision without knowing the truth fully, is irresponsible to our self. while reading this book, I also read the Bible, and it is all become very meaningful and I could understand it much more. And God's words truly delights my heart.
I would recommend this book to any friend or family members who are not aware of what bible is about.
by Xiaodan on Apr 7, 2009
God's Word
Learned so much. I had no idea where to start in the Bible so I used this book and started in the beginning and I now have a much clearer understanding of God's word. Makes me want to learn more.
by Eileen Matthews on Aug 5, 2013
Want to know? Here's the book for you
A terrific book, a must-read for anyone who wants to understand and know the Lord. Well written and engaging.
by S. Gerhatz on Oct 3, 2013
Love this book!!
I have now read this book twice and I'm sure it won't be the last!!!!! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the bible as a whole!
by Stef on Aug 27, 2013
Nothing better for a home Bible study tool!!
The group that met for the start of our home Bible study was a diverse group. Of the dozen people the ages varied, the marriage status covered all spectrums. There were "seasoned" Christians, new arrivals, and those who were still "seeking". As the leader/teacher of the group, the question was: Where do I start? I decided to use By This Name by John Cross. It claimed to be a book that would give an objective overview of the main theme of the Bible's message. Did it deliver?—YES, more than I would have ever imagined. In fact last night after completing the final chapters of the book together as a group, we sat around late into the night, each person expressing personal testimony of how they now understand God's message to them in a way they never have before. One lady (who started the study in the "seeker" category) exclaimed with exuberance, "Now I see that Jesus is God's answer for man's sin debt—that's what the Bible is all about—it ALL points to Jesus! This is the best news I've ever heard!"
Through the course of By This Name, there was no religious arm-twisting or emotional coercion... just a rational, objective look at what God has to say for himself. The response last night was proof that a clear Gospel is a powerful gospel! Needless to say, I HIGHLY recommend this book... GET THIS BOOK, READ IT AND SHARE IT WITH ANYONE ELSE YOU CAN.
by Just a Carpenter on Jan 8, 2009
Extremely valuable resource
By This Name by John Cross, is an extremely valuable resource for both believers and non-believers alike.
The manner in which the author presents the concepts - one building upon the other - exhibits his master-teaching ability.
For those that have already accepted Christ as their personal Savior, this book takes the reader on a wonderful journey enabling a much deeper, logical understanding of God's Word.
If one has the desire to ponder what God's Word (Bible) contains, in an effort to seriously consider the possibility of a Creator, then this book is a valuable resource for your consideration.
by J. Bubb Jul 19, 2009
A new way to read the Bible
This book opens up the Bible in new ways helps you to understand it. Children will like it as well as adults , makes the Bible come alive.
by Stef on Aug 27, 2013
Must read
Everyone must read this book. This will show you the steps in God's grace. Every Christian beginning or veteran needs to read.
by Anthony on Aug 28, 2013
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