New Book - Gomorrah Was Religious Too by Chris Surber

July 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Energion Publications announces the release of a new book, Gomorrah Was Religious Too, by author, former Marine, and currently a pastor in Suffolk, VA, Chris Surber. This is his third published book and contains all the passion for Christ that is characteristic of his previous works. "I write for all those who desire to follow after Christ sincerely, no pretense, no dishonesty, no self deception, and no duplicity. I wrote this book for me."

The impetus for this book came as he was reading some of the works of Dr. Leonard Ravenhill, evangelist and author of many books, including Sodom Had No Bible. "His words, etched in paper with quill and ink, speak to me on a deep level because I am, as I suspect he was, weary of religion and deeply desirous of the revelation of God to spark revival in the Church. After less than a decade in the Pastoral ministry, I have experienced, witnessed, or seen firsthand the spiritual, emotional, familial, social, and even financial havoc that religion is wreaking on the revolution that Jesus inaugurated in His own blood."

The goal of the author is not to rebuke, but encourage the Church to rebuild. He wants not to condemn for religious idolatry, but encourage to escape from the trap of religion and pick up the Cross.

"The writing of Ravenhill has greatly fueled my imagination,” says Surber, “concerning what the Church can be if she will open her Bible in honesty, pray with penitent sincerity, strap on her sandals, pick up her walking stick, and follow after Jesus, rather than to sit comfortably in her pews, happily trading in the revelation of Jesus for the religion of man."

Gomorrah Was Religious Too (http://energionpubs.com/books/1938434048/) is available at major online retailers and through the publisher's direct retail site, Energion Direct (http://energiondirect.com).

Some praise from readers of advance copies:

“If Christians are the salt and light of the world, then why is the world still such a tasteless and dark place? Perhaps it is because the church, the body of Christ, has obsessed itself with "religious rules and practices," while the world needs the "reckless love" demonstrated on the cross. Chris Surber's indictment of modern Christian religion compels those who have received God's abundant grace to smash the idol of religion and replace it with the transformative grace of Jesus, rooted in an abject acknowledgement of our own sinfulness and God's call for repentance. Without that foundation, churches have become impotent tools, and Satan's work is half done.”
Res Spears
Editor, Suffolk News-Herald
Suffolk Living Magazine
Suffolk, VA

“Chris Surber is a prophetic voice issuing an urgent and passionate wake-up call to the Church. Like the late Leonard Ravenhill, Surber's clear message drives a stake into the heart of religion masquerading as true faith, drawing adherents but never satisfying God's heart–or man's need–for the life-giving walk of a true disciple. Insightful, penetrating, and prayer provoking.”
Dr. Harvey R. Brown, Jr
President, Impact Ministries

About the Authr:

Rev. Christopher D. Surber, M. Div. is currently the pastor at Cypress Chapel Christian Church in Suffolk, Virginia.  With a B. S. degree in Religion from Liberty University and Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (Cum Laude), Rev. Surber has a passion for preaching and teaching the Bible with a focus on discipleship, evangelism, and outreach.  While on active duty in the United States Marine Corp (1995-2003) and the Minnesota National Guard (2003-2004) Chris was active in leading Bible studies, conducting chapel services, and serving in local church ministry.

Rev. Surber's previous works include The Sacred Journey (Energion Publications, 2010) and Sweet Potatoes in My Coffee (2008).  Chris and his wife, Christina, have four sons and a daughter.  His many interests include Holy Land Studies (making his first pilgrimage in 2009), Biblical History, and American Church History.