Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
Above, Alex McFarland
April 2018 – “Instead of proofs for God’s existence, what we really need are compelling reasons to want to know Him,” Alex McFarland told AFA Journal. “And those reasons are more personal than we sometimes think.”
McFarland’s observation is intriguing, as it comes from one of this generation’s premiere apologists. He has spent much of his writing, teaching, and speaking ministry helping students, congregations, and conference attendees better defend the Christian faith and its rock solid truths.
Yet he recognizes that the yearning for truth requires not only a grasp of how to defend the gospel, for in every heart is a deep desire to know a personal God who gives meaning to life. Hence, McFarland’s book The God You Thought You Knew.
Milestone potential
“I knew we wanted to do something with this book as soon as we became aware of its focus,” said Jeff Chamblee, director of AFA’s American Family Studios. What better way to spread its message than an audio book with the author himself reading his text. No analysis or explanation needed – the message is clear in the author’s incisive words. The audio book is about five hours of great listening and spiritual encouragement.
Chamblee added, “This book can be a milestone in the faith journey of those who read or hear it. Adults of all ages will be encouraged by it.” It will help readers/listeners conquer the common misconception of today’s culture – even among Christians – that God is somehow far away and unapproachable.
McFarland says there’s a challenging cliff that Christians and unbelievers alike must determine to climb. They must desire to reach the plain where they can rest in a personal relationship with the God of creation through His Son Jesus.
“Straightforward, honest, and compelling,” observed Tony Perkins of this book. President of Family Research Council, Perkins continued: “Believers who care about reaching the next generation with the best news of all history will profit not only from the content of this book, but by the spirit of love and hope in which it’s written.” (See below for order information.)
One for Ripley’s
McFarland is well established as a leading speaker at church revivals, university campus events, and national conferences, including his own Truth for a New Generation. He talks to all ages. It’s a gift he’s been exercising for decades. He has preached in 1,500 churches and hundreds of other venues. He spent five years as president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Like a Ripley’s Believe It or Not feat, he once barnstormed cross country in a Tour of Truth, preaching in all 50 states in 50 days.
One might say “He’s a man on a mission.” It’s a cliché, but it describes Alex McFarland perfectly: a man on a mission to make Jesus real to everyone he can reach. 
Dig into Genesis
Who did Cain marry? Who were the giants in Genesis 6:4? Creation, Judgment, Redemption is a collection of eight CDs with 16 30-minute sessions offering listeners an engaging, in-depth look at the book of Genesis. The series was first heard on Exploring the Word, a weekday show airing on American Family Radio (M-F, 3:00 p.m. CT). As co-host, Alex McFarland teams up with Bert Harper, AFA director of marriage, family, and pastoral ministries.
Not a series of lectures, these teachings feature Harper and McFarland in their conversational radio voices. The God You Thought You Knew audio book and Creation, Judgment, Redemption CDs are available at afastore.net or 877-927-4917.
