A Call for Discernment

Jay Adams' classic book on discernment is hands down the most helpful and insightful study of the subject available. It has long been a favorite resource of mine, and I recommend it heartily to readers who share my concern about the woeful state of discernment among today's evangelicals.

John MacArthur

We live in a contemporary society that has access to a huge depth of information but is increasingly lacking in genuine discernment and wisdom. Educational experts paint morality in various shades of gray. Jay Adam's book, "A Call for Discernment" exposes the need for biblical discernment, clearly delineating between good and bad, right and wrong, wisdom and foolishness, black and white. The practical insight from this book cuts through such moral confusion. I highly recommend it to every Christian! 

Dr. John D. Street, The Master's University & Seminary, President, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)

Adams begins with this observation, "Today, the church is confused...false teaching and heresy abound." What unfolds is classic Adams. Definition of the problem, exegesis, exposition, and then implementation. Adams lays out the biblical basis for his challenge to be discerning. Then he works through a good skeleton of the Old and New Testaments giving an expositional summarization of the craft of discernment. Finally, he provides a model any Christian can follow to develop discernment.

Dr. Howard A. Eyrich, Fellow and Member of the Academy, ACBC, Director of DMin Biblical Counseling, Birmingham Theological Seminary

Scripture underscores the importance of knowing right from wrong and truth from error. We love each other by "speaking the truth" to one another, helping each other grow up in Christ so that we will not be deceived by error. Jay Adams clearly proclaims the sanctifying and life-giving nature of discernment. This is a must-read for anyone who is seeking to love others with truth. 

Dr. Andrew Rogers, Director, Overseas Instruction in Counseling

A Call for Discernment was not merely another "good read" for me, it was life-changing. My journey with that book in hand was one of the richest seasons of growth for me as a young pastor! I cannot recommend it more enthusiastically. 

Dr. William Miller Hill, Executive Director-Equipping Nationals Worldwide

The need for discernment in the church has not changed in the past generation since Jay Adams sounded his clarion cry in this book. Nor has it changed in the past several thousand years. Satan is a liar and a deceiver (John 8:44 2 Cor. 11:3). Jesus warned that false prophets would infiltrate the church and lead many astray (Matthew 24:24). While the names of the deceivers may change from generation to generation, their methods and their lies remain the same. Adams begins by warning about the lack of discernment in the modern church and then gives practical steps by which the reader can grow to be discerning. One of the great strengths of the book is the careful explanation of many crucial passages of Scripture. All who read will benefit. 

Dr. Jim Newheiser, Professor of Counseling and Pastoral Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte NC