Scandalous Grace: A Book for Tired Christians Seeking Rest

by Preston M. Sprinkle

In the first century, Rome ruled over Israel. This would be equivalent to, say, Iran, North Korea, or China fighting against, conquering, and then continuing to rule over and oppress America. So imagine that you work hard all day and barely make enough to live on. Still, much of your money goes to fund Iran’s development of nuclear weapons so it can continue to rule over and oppress you. Your taxes go to help build beautiful mosques around your town, paper walls with pictures of Iranian leaders, and pay the salary of the abusive soldier who just slapped your wife and kicked your kids because, well, he simply felt like it. And Matthew—the kid you grew up with, used to play ball with—has betrayed America by working for Iran. They hired him out to be the one who would collect your money. But he’s not working just for them. He’s the one who is physically taking your money. Not only is your former friend and patriot helping to fund those oppressing you, but he’s also skimming off the top of your paycheck to line his own pockets. You see him daily in the local restaurant, laughing with his new friends, eating expensive steaks, and tossing back exotic drinks as you watch your kids spend night after night doubled over with hunger pains and shame. And bruises from the back of Matthew’s hand. Matthew is the visible extension of everything you hate, and everything that hates you.