Looking from the Precipice: Reflections from Nazareth of a Palestinian Christian Evangelical

by Botrus Mansour

Overview

A view from Nazareth for the future of Christianity.​

In our deeply troubled times, a message of hope comes from the tiny village of Nazareth . . .

Botrus Mansour, lawyer, writer, school administrator, church leader, Palestinian, Israeli, and Jesus follower in Nazareth, offers a unique and compelling call to turn our hearts toward God in a deeper way.

He sheds light on what is happening now in the Holy Land, and shares an urgent message for the global church to return to the transforming power of the Gospel that gives sustainable hope for the future.

He speaks boldly on issues ranging from a personal relationship with God, denial of self, worship, and the church year, to the most troubling threats to Christianity.

From a minority perspective, he models respectful dialogue and Gospel-based engagement with the hottest of hot-button issues—racism, politics, love, faith, environment, and community.

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640606555
Publisher:	Paraclete Press
Publication date:	03/23/2021
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Botrus Mansour leads the only K-12 Evangelical school recognized in Israel and serves as an elder in a Baptist Church in Nazareth. He writes in Arabic, Hebrew, and English on matters of faith and life in the Middle East, in Christianity Today and Haaretz.

Table of Contents

Foreword Timothy C. Morgan 7

Preface 11

Part 1 Seasons in the Life of the Church

How do we make ourselves accountable for a new year? 17

How to wish a happy holiday season 20

Valentines and Divine love 23

A stream of love springs on Golgotha 26

No matter how they diminish Easter 28

The story of wondrous Love 31

Contradictions from the Annunciation to the Resurrection 34

The dawn of the third day is coming 37

A week in Jesus's life if he lived in today's world 40

Terror did not pass on the first Easter 44

An inseparable crimson cord between the cradle and Calvary 47

The paradox of the Day of Atonement and cycling 50

Our day of atonement 54

Set me free from Black Friday 57

Jesus's diary of a quick visit to Nazareth on Christmas Day 60

Some aspects of the Incarnation 62

Unlike any other birth 64

Memories of a sheep from Bethlehem 67

Part 2 The Inner Life

Our courage 73

Thank you that I am not like other people 77

The Divine fingerprint 80

The revival we need 82

Then sings my soul, how great thou art! 85

Denying of self-a missing element in modern Christianity 87

Between yesterday's kingdom and tomorrow's 90

The work of the Great Physician 93

The effect of distorted thoughts on worshipers 96

Evangelical and proud 99

Part 3 Challenges to Faith

An indifferent intellectual 105

You've turned your back on God; don't be surprised by the result 108

How dare you be an atheist! 111

The "enlightenment" of some, and their ignorance of what's crucial 114

Be careful what you believe 118

University campuses and vanity of vanities 121

Between the iPhone and the Nobel 124

Theology and politic 127

Part 4 The Work of Church

Youth are the future-so how do we reach them? 133

A prophet is needed for the people of the prophets 135

Do we need constitutions in church? 138

Truth for me is being astray from you 141

Autopilot and Christian thought 144

RIP, may you have long days! 146

The new Evangelical rituals 150

Lest we lose compassion 153

Loving the neighbor in the Holy Land 156

Hidden fundamentalism is ravaging our message 159

Unhidden camera 162

Six results of church isolation 164

Beware of money 166

Ten questions on being subject to governing authorities 169

God saw what he had made wasn't "very good" anymore 173

Listen to the beat of the street 176

John Calvin and personal responsibility in our country 179

Will the Eastern Church survive the European fate? 182

A calling to be an Arab 185

Acknowledgments 188

About the Author 189

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Looking from the Precipice
 
“In a world of conflicting identities, Botrus Mansour reflects as an Arab-Palestinian Christian Israeli citizen living in Nazareth. This book comes from a genuine ambassador of reconciliation, encouraging not only individual reflection but motivating meaningful dialogue within the family and among friends, even unlikely ones.” —Dr. Nina Balmaceda, Associate Teaching Professor of the Practice of Reconciliation,
 Duke Divinity School
 
“My dear friend and brother Botrus offers deep and rich insights into the scriptures. This is a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the life of Jesus of Nazareth.” —Rev. Ray Bentley, Senior Pastor of Maranatha Chapel, San Diego, California
 
“As a lawyer, Mansour’s legal mind is brought to bear on the challenges that both the church and the community has struggled within this context. He raises your sight and energizes you to think afresh; it is a must-read.” —Godfrey Yogarajah, Deputy Secretary-General, World Evangelical Alliance
 
“Simply fascinating. Very few people have such an amazing ‘front-row seat’ of one of the most complex cultures on the planet. Enjoy the journey and get ready to evaluate your own heart as you travel down life’s road with a trusted guide.” —Dr. Danny Sinquefield, Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Bartlett, Tennessee; past President of the Tennessee Baptist Convention
 
“It is my privilege to recommend this book of wise reflections and insightful commentary.” —Dr. Gary Cook, Chancellor, Dallas Baptist University
 
“Mansour does not only write from a complex context, but skillfully weaves together biblical concepts with contemporary practical issues that the global church is facing. This is an authentic voice out of Nazareth.” —Rev. Riad Kassis, PhD, International Director, Langham Scholars Ministry, Langham Partnership
 
“Botrus Mansour does not shy away from difficult questions but urges us to find faithful ways to live together, to combat religious and political fundamentalism, foster peace, justice, and reconciliation. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn from a present-day Christian of Nazareth who follows in the footsteps of the Nazarene today—and how that might inform our own walks of faith.” —Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, Honorary President of Religions for Peace, Jerusalem
 
“Mansour’s unique insights help break down barriers and remind people not only of the Good News of the Gospel, but also how the realities of the Christian faith give us hope in the midst of oppression, injustice, and brokenness in this world.” —Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Executive Director, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 
 
“Political and spiritual, challenging and warming, insightful and revealing, all delivered from a delightful Middle Eastern, Palestinian, Christian perspective.” —David Kerrigan, Former General Director, Baptist Mission Society World Mission, UK
 
“Mansour’s witty and thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone who would like to learn more about Israel, but especially the Palestinian Christians who are a vital part of the Holy Land.” —Brent McBurney, President and CEO, Advocates International
 
“I have known Botrus for five years and have found him to be a man of great faith, intellect, and wisdom. His new book gives an insight into the Arab culture and beyond. It dives deep into topics such as racism, politics, love, faith, church, and community. I highly recommend it to you.” —Rev. Dr. Jeff Moes, Senior Pastor, Sunnybrook Church, Sioux City, Iowa
 
“Mansour writes for Christians who want to be global citizens.” —Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President, Bethlehem Bible College

From the Publisher