Christianity in the Crosshairs: Real Solutions Discovered in the Line of Fire

After seeing a few half hour programs on T.V. about this guy, Bill Wilson, and his ministry in NYC, I decided I needed to read his book. Wilson is not an ordinary man. He's not the run of the mill Christian, either. He's driven by a calling to serve the Lord by serving the lost. He is the rare Christian who has actually submitted his own worldly ambitions to the will of God. This man's life is true Lordship salvation in action; and therefore, a man I should admire and learn something from about living the Christian life. This guy is a modern day apostle on a mission to bring in the Kingdom of God. At first glance, this book might impress you as just another self help or motivational type book which crowd the shelves. But Wilson is not a writer or psycholologist or motivational speaker. He is in the trenches of street ministry and has paid the actual price of discipleship, having had several close calls over 35 years on his life. In spite of it all his determination is dauntless. He just doesen't quit. His vision of ministry is like the Apostle Paul; relentless unto the end. This book isn't made up of proverbs and quaint platitudes. Wilson uses Bible expository to illustrate the principles to live by. The theme is always the same throughout the book, but is illustrated in various ways. This theme is a single minded pursuit of a goal for his life, which is to serve God through his ministry, relying on God to provide the means and the strength to accomplish His will. I am struck by the authors deep understanding of the apostle's call to encourage and admonish the bretheren to persevere in the faith; all the way to the finish line. Endurance, perseverence, and patience are recurring topics. Engaging in spiritual warfare is also referred to, but is not expounded upon. The value I place on this book is the author's integrity. He doesn't ask for money and the Gospel is always free. His attitude is displayed by always giving humble thanks to the Lord for allowing him the privelege of serving the King of all creation, Jesus Christ, in whatever the calling. Now that is wisdom you won't find just anywhere.

Having met Bill Wilson on a few occasions and having listened to his compelling message of hope, vision and sacrifice, I thought I had figured him out. But after reading this book, I now understand in a greater depth why this man does what he does each week. His message should touch the heart of every children's worker across the world. His commitment to his kids, his bus, his ministry shows each of us what the phrase, "...unto the least of these." really means. After reading this book, I cannot imagine anyone who has a vision to see things change around them not feel compelled to get back on track. Our vision is all we have. To make a difference in one child. Each week. One child. We cannot all be "Bill Wilson", but we all can be who God has called us to be. Read this book and get ready to have the fire kindled again.