INTERVIEW: Frank Viola Shares on His New Book 'Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Christ' Available Everywhere May 5th

 

Frank Viola is a best-selling author, speaker, and blogger. He seeks to help serious followers of Jesus to know their Lord more deeply, to gain fresh perspectives on old or ignored subjects, and to make the Bible come alive. His new book, Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Christ, releases Monday, May 5th. 

We would like to thank Frank for taking the time to speak with us. 

 

Hallels: Your book, Jesus Now: Unveiling the Present-Day Ministry of Christ, releases Monday (May 5th), how excited are you for the release?

Frank Viola: "Very. This is a book that I believe is so needed among Christians today. We all know what Jesus did in His earthly ministry while on earth (see the Gospels). And there's a whole lot of speculation on what He will do when He returns to earth. But what Jesus has been doing since His ascension until His second coming? That's a question that gets very little airplay today. Few people talk about it, and I don't believe a book has ever addressed it. That's what my 200-page does. It explores the 7 aspects of Christ's Present-Day Ministry throughout the entire New Testament and explains how it applies to us today."

 

Hallels: This is your 16th book, which is impressive in its own right. How was the writing process different, if any, for this book?

Frank Viola: "It was harder. I had some other projects going on, and so it was difficult to find time. But I feel it reads well. It's short, but packs a lot. One preacher who read it said, "This book has given me 8 months of fresh preaching material!" There are 8 chapters in the book. The Study Guide, which is free if people get the book from Parable.com from May 5 to May 8, has a bonus chapter and breaks up each chapter into discussion and study points. This is great for groups and for people who preach and teach."

 

Hallels: What is one thing about the life of Jesus that stuck out to you personally while studying and writing this book?

Frank Viola: "That He's not on the throne passively waiting for God the Father to send Him back to earth for His second advent. He's very active, doing a lot of things. Also, Jesus is Lord of the world right now, but it doesn't look that way if you check out the news. In Jesus Now, I explain how He is Lord of this world and what must happen for that lordship to take visible effect. This is challenge and encouragement to all Christians."

 

Hallels: Will you be doing any sort of book tour to promote this book?

Frank Viola: "I've been doing many interviews, both print and radio. They will all appear on my blog at frankviola.org - some excerpts of the book appear there also."

 

Hallels: Who are some of your favorite authors and biggest writing inspirations?

Frank Viola: "T. Austin-Sparks and A.W. Tozer are big ones. I list 100 of the favorite books of all time here."

 

Hallels: Do you have a current scripture that has been speaking to you? Or a great book that you are reading currently?

Frank Viola: "I've been reading the book of Hebrews which is all about the High Priestly ministry of Christ, which my book explores in a full chapter. Great High Priest is one of 7 of Christ's ministries today. Right now, I'm reading a book called Free which is about managing your money and time from a Christian perspective."

 

Hallels: If you could each play professionally for any sports team for one day, who would you pick?

Frank Viola: "Baseball!"

 

Hallels: What are your plans for the rest of 2014?

Frank Viola: "Working on a sequel to last year's book, God's Favorite Place on Earth and a complete revision of my book, The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. If people buy Jesus Now from Parable.com from May 5 to May 8, they will get the book at a 50% discount and the Study Guide free." 

 

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