Sin. It's not a popular subject. It's such an old-fashioned term that we find it rather embarrassing, but not Wayne and Joshua Mack. They've written a whole book on it called A Fight to the Death.
They define sin as "any failure to conform to God's holy law. We are talking here about action and attitude. The apostle John puts it like this: 'sin is lawlessness' (I John 3:4). Therefore, we sin when we do, say, or think anything that God commands us not to. Likewise, we sin when we do not do, say, or think what God commands us to." (26)
They explain why sin is so serious, why God hates it so much, and how deceitful it is. Then they delve into killing sin in your life with practical steps and encouragement. They give a powerful warning to Christians about the dangers of prosperity in the western world. The Macks then provide hope that the areas of sin that we struggle with daily can be put to death.
Unlike many books written on a theological subject, A Fight to the Death is easy to read while not being simplistic. Average readers do not have to fear being lost in theological jargon and complex sentences as the Macks encourage them toward a closer walk with God. Nor is it boring as their anecdotes, quotes, and direct prose lend interest and immediacy to the subject.
The book is suitable for private study, Sunday school classes, and Bible studies with questions at the end of each chapter. The authors include a Scripture index also.
Dr. Wayne Mack teaches biblical counseling in South Africa part of the year and helps train pastors in Arkansas the rest of the year. He has written several books and sits on the board of several organizations. His co-author and son, Joshua Mack, pastors a church in Pennsylvania and has co-authored two other books. Debbie W. Wilson, Christian Book Previews.com
