When Christ Comes: The Beginning of the Very Best [Abridged, Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Max Lucado (Author), Chris Ruleman (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 1999

Would you like to discuss the end of time?

And feel better because of it?

Life with no end? Space with no bounds? And what about Armageddon, The Lake of Fire, The Mark of the Beast?

Am I supposed to feel good about all this?

If these words could be yours, you aren't alone. There is much about the end of history we don't understand. But while thoughts on the final day will stir our questions, they needn't stir our fears. Regarding that day, Jesus urged, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me" (John 14:1).

Max Lucado believes the day Christ comes will be the "beginning of the very best." Our primary task is to be prepared and peaceful while we wait.

If you have some questions about the end of time ...

If you have concerns about what will happen to you ...

If you like to look to the end of times as a source of comfort and not chaos ...

You are holding the right book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In When Christ Comes, bestselling Christian author Max Lucado uses common stories, often drawn from his own life, to explore the challenging question of the Second Coming of Christ. Lucado's primary concern is not theological but practical: how should we respond? And what should we do in the meantime? His answer is clear, if paradoxical: "wait forwardly," he writes. Be "patiently vigilant." Live in expectation even as you live fully in the present.

Lucado's strength lies in his ability to stay close to his own story, which includes a life-changing realization of God's mercy, and in his ability to stay connected to his Church of Christ congregation and his readers. He keeps these parishioners clearly in mind as he preaches and as he converts his sermons into bestselling books. Designed to be read in about 10 minutes, each chapter emphasizes mercy and pardon rather than judgment and suggests, as the book's subtitle affirms, that Christ's return is "the beginning of all good things."

Those looking for theological explorations or complex eschatology are advised to look elsewhere. For thousands of the evangelical faithful, however, Lucado is the Billy Graham of the '90s. --Doug Thorpe --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

For many Christians, the end of the millennium represents the time of Christ's Second Coming, which will usher in a "new heaven and a new earth." Of course, there are as many interpretations of the book of Revelation as there are Christians. With his characteristic humor and relaxed style, popular author Lucado (Just Like Jesus) offers a brief survey of the various opinions related to the Second Coming. There are some Christians and many non-Christians who fear the Second Coming because of the biblical and popular images of separation and destruction. Others are so obsessed with the Second Coming that they have tried to pinpoint the exact date on which it will happen, so that they can be ready. Still others wonder if they will be turned away at Heaven's gate, if they will be humiliated when God reveals publicly all their sins, or if anyone will recognize them when they get a new body. In each chapter, Lucado interprets various scriptural passages on the Second Coming. Based on his interpretation of Revelation, Lucado contends that the day of Christ's coming will be one of reckoning, redemption, rejuvenation and rewards. A study guide to the many questions and biblical passages raised in the book is included as an appendix. Lucado deals with some difficult questions in a warm and engaging manner that has broad appeal. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Word Audio; Abridged edition (August 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849963028
• ISBN-13: 978-0849963025
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,519,338 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Books on Cassette > Authors, A-Z > ( L ) > Lucado, Max

More About the Author

In just under two decades of writing, Max Lucado has accomplished more than most writers hope for in a lifetime. Most of his books have appeared on one or more best seller lists, including those published by the "New York Times," "USA Today," "Publishers Weekly," and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA). Aside from hardcover books, Lucado's writings have also been published as children's books, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, music CDs, mass paperback booklets, apparel, giftware, bookmarks, calendars, study Bibles, workbooks, curricula, and plush products. In spring 2003, Hallmark/Dayspring Cards launched a new gift card line featuring excerpts from Lucado's writings--and has already sold more than one million cards.

All this success has drawn more than a little attention to a previously low-profile Texas author and minister. Lucado has been featured in a wide range of media, including "USA Today," "Larry King Live," and "NBC Nightly News." He has spoken at the National Prayer Breakfast before the President of the United States. He has traveled with internationally renowned musicians as a special speaker on their music tours, such as the highly successful "Come Together & Worship Tour" (sponsored by Chevrolet) with Grammy Award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Third Day.

Journey to the Top
Lucado was born in 1955 in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, Texas, the youngest of four children. His father was an Exxon oil field mechanic who, Lucado remembers, always smelled of grease cleaner. "It makes it easy for me to see a God who is loving and kind--because my dad was," he says. His mother was a nurse who grew up working in the cotton fields.

Lucado went through a period of rebellion against his parents' values and their God during his teens and into college. But it wasn't long before he found himself drawn back to his roots, back to God. He married, spent time serving as a missionary in Brazil, and returned to the States, where he began working as a church minister and writing on the side.

Secret to Success
From all accounts, Max Lucado is not a man consumed by sales, awards, and achievements. He often turns down media interviews since they impede on family and ministry commitments. He spends the bulk of his week serving as senior minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. And he is truly surprised by his own success--more impressed by his one-in-a-million wife and three amazing daughters than by his successful writing career.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want to see Jesus!, December 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: When Christ Comes (Hardcover)

Reading Max Lucado's book "When Christ Comes - The Beginning of the Very Best" was some of the best time I have spent this year. His insights into the word of God concerning the Second Coming of Christ were heart-searching, dream-launching, and understandable! Full of truth, and current life application, I would recommend this book to EVERYONE. I so much look forward to seeing Jesus; more than ever before.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His "Very Best" Yet, December 27, 1999

By 

Kathy Craig - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Christ Comes (Hardcover)

I've read almost all books by Max Lucado and he outdid himself on this one. They keep getting better. Any time you want to be uplifted or need to feel closer to God, just pick up a Max Lucado masterpiece. His writing is so mellow yet his teachings are adapted perfectly from the Bible. I could write 5,000 words and not be finished. P.S. If you are a new convert to Christ, Lucado's books will help you understand lots of questions immediately!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Most Powerful Books I've Ever Come Across, January 14, 2000

By 

franklin robertson (On the narrow road toward the Lord) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Christ Comes (Hardcover)

All of us have faced death in one way or another. All of us have come across grief, a simple sad rainy day, or a pure agony that seems to go on for months...maybe years...Even when our bodys don't seem hurt, we all have felt our hearts, our souls, bleed...

How are we freed from this? Can we ever truly be freed in this body? Not in this world, a truthful answer to both questions. Will we actually be free one day...a most definate YES! if we live in the glory and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Life is harsh, can be cruel, life is painful, can be sinister...oh but God...God is so glorious... He sent his Son to die for us...because he did that...we are changed...

How are we to live? Are we suppose to live for just today? No! Christ will return to us someday...whether it is on our death bed...or the beautiful Rapture of the Church...

Max explores our lives in living and serving for Christ...how we are able to change lives...like the idea of the butterfly whipping its wings... causing a tornado across the world...

We might not be saints...But Max explains how we influence others, how we influence ourselves... how we are able to help bring people to the glory of God...how we are able to bring ourselves up to Christ so that he may say with love "Welcome Faithful Servant..."

This book is so important in our lives, in our witnessing, in our private pains, in our most glorious moments...when we seem to be atop the world...

It puts it all together...I thank Lord for Max, he is a hero...