12 Truths & a Lie: Answers to Life's Biggest Questions

by J.D. Greear

Life is full of difficult questions and many of them often seem impossible to answer. In 12 Truths & a Lie , author and pastor J.D. Greear confidently tackles some of the most perplexing questions that Christians face. It’s not unusual to have questions about life. In fact, many of us have the same questions. How do I know if I’m going to Heaven? What’s my purpose? Why isn’t God answering my prayers? In his latest book 12 Truths & a Lie , author and pastor J.D. Greear offers scriptural insights and practical advice to help readers navigate life’s toughest challenges. Unafraid to approach areas of doubt and uncertainty, Greear welcomes even the most challenging questions with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and scriptural application, leading readers into a more intimate relationship with Christ. 12 Truths & a Lie includes questions such Whether you’re a new Christian or someone who has walked with God for a lifetime, 12 Truths & a Lie is an invaluable guide for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of God and explore how He meets us in the midst of our most soul-stirring questions.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

J.D. Greear, Ph.D., did his degree work in Christian and Islamic theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He is Lead Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC. The Summit’s vision is to plant 1,000 churches in by the year 2040. Currently, they have planted 11 and have several church planting teams stationed around the world.

Reviews

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

My study group and I were just talking about churches and how they should collectively invite more questions from the people that attend their services. My church does this annually as they invite questions from the collective congregations and try to answer them during the Sunday morning worship services. Our author has taken the bull by the horns and put at least 12 of these questions into this book and answer them from the basis of the Bible and God's Word as the absolute truth. But he does it in a very readable, non-offensive way that should appeal to many. His humor and "soft" sarcastic comments permeate throughout the book which makes it an enjoyable read but also a very important and meaningful one.

[Jacob Bonesteel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Community Group, we read through 8 of the truths. Greear has a very personable, humorous writing style. "Creepy fellers, those zombies" will live on in my head for a while.

[Mariah Akinbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's an easy read! it felt like JD was just talking casually, no flowerly language, no esoteric theological terms thrown around. I feel like the last 60% FLEW by, but I was reading on my Kindle so it may have just been the Kindle experience that made it feel like it was moving quickly.

The book started out with A LOT of jokes (which I loved and they made me LOL multiple times). There were a few inside jokes for The Summit Church community. It dies down once you get past the intro, but I can see how the intro might be a bit off-putting if one is not familiar with JD's preaching and joking.

The questions are great questions. It would be a book I'd come back to, but I can't say that I'd read it again every year (like some other christian & non-fiction books). JD is very clear in his delivery and in answering the questions.

I'd recommend this to anyone who is new to the faith, or is engaging with someone who is seeking or new to the faith, or even to anyone wanting a quick, easy, Biblical read for some solid answers to common questions.

Note: I read this on my Kindle and the formatting was terrible. Truly, I've never had a Kindle experience like that. I'm hoping it's because it was an ARC and that I was not reading the final formatted version.

Publication Date: December 5, 2023
Writing: 4
Stars: 3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, Edelweiss, and K-LOVE Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Erin_boberin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian and believer has had their doubts and questions sometimes mere humans cannot answer, but this book discusses a lot of ones that are frequently wondered.

I want to start with, both beginning and end of this book starts with a lie: you are a bad Christian or maybe not even a Christian at all if you have doubts or questions. That is the one lie in this book of truths. Everyone has doubts and questions, but it’s never anything to be ashamed of—even the disciples had questions for Jesus!

This was a great book covering an array of topics from assurance of your faith, political differences, anxiety, evil and suffering in the world and more. Even for the well seasoned Christian with a lifelong walk, this is a great book to pick up and read. Sometimes, we all need the little reminders this book offers.

Whether you’re already a Christian, a new Christian or wanting to learn more about God, this is a wonderful book to read. I’ll end this review with one more quote that stood out to me as I finished reading the epilogue, one that I loved so much and one I know I’ll take to heart.

“Christianity should be a college of constant learning.”

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian, I've had more questions than answers and reading this was comforting in the sense that I could relate to the fact that I am not the only who has at one point asked, if God exists then why does He sit back and watch bad things happening to good people? And in how the author explores these questions, was totally opposite to what my Mom would tell me- she approached the Bible more like Literature and at one point, she even told me 'If God could watch mere mortals whip and nail his son to the cross, how can you compare that to a few fights or theft or crimes? Think about it, he's a parent and he let his son die to prove a point..' and she would go on and on. I am certain that anyone who is curious about these, or has at some point found themselves at a crossroads in their faith could learn a thing or two from this book.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars
12 Truths & a Lie: Answers to Life's Biggest Questions
J.D. Greear

I had such high hopes for this book. But sadly, it was a disappointment. I am not a fan of all the pop culture references. Why is it needed in a book about faith? Point me to Jesus not Lord of the Rings or any of the other random references used. I finally gave up about 40% in.
I was looking for real answers to the questions he said he was going to ask and answer; however, this one just missed the mark.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.D. Greear is a solid teacher of God's word. This book takes some basic but gnarly questions that disciples of Jesus ask as they strive to walk the Christian faith and provides biblical insights that help unknot some of these difficult worldview inquiries.

I liked this book's honest style and down-to-earth approach. The explanations were not clouded by deep fifty-cent theological terminology but rather explored the real issues with common vocabulary and logical reasoning.

[S Woodlief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical book that helps answer some common questions asked amongst Christians and non-Christians. Thought provoking chapters with a sense of humor mixed in that makes it both a solid and enjoyable read. J.D. is transparent about his own life as he answers some of these questions which I very much appreciate.

[Christian Jessup]

May feel a bit extraneous to Summit Church members who have heard J.D. speak on these subjects in sermons, often at greater length than he has a chance to do in a single chapter. But regardless, a good overview of Christian topics on which J.D. has established himself as a thought leader. Glad I gave it a read.

[Debra Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this book and it’s outstanding!
Not only is it exceptional for those who are needing answers for tough questions about God but is also soul searching and growth provoking for Christians. This is a must read for everyone who has breath!

[Kyrillos Helmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really is a great book. What I like about JD’s books is that they aren’t hard reads but still very insightful! He really knows how to insert his jokes and charisma into his writing, and it makes the text flow very well! Overall a pretty solid book!

[Trey Rule · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy to read in JD’s typical style of writing. He makes things relatable and helps answer some of those tough questions we don’t always have the answer to. I really appreciated each of the truths mentioned in the book as well as the lie that he fleshes out for the reader at the end.

[Wendy Blankinship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read book covering many of the questions folks have aboutChristianity. JD‘s writing style is conversational and often includes analogies or cultural references to help unpack a larger idea. 3.5

[hannah bauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

not really what I was looking for.