Book Description
Giants. We must face them. Yet, we need not face them alone.
This profound look at the life of David digs deeply into the defeats he suffered, and the victories he won, as he faced the giants in his life. When David focused on God, giants tumbled. But when David focused on giants…
he stumbled.
Goliaths still roam in our world. Debt. Disaster. Dialysis. Divorce. Deceit. Disease. Depression. These super-sized challenges swagger and strut into our lives, pilfering our sleep, embezzling our peace and robbing us of our joy. And while these giants try to dominate our lives, we know what to do! We've learned what David learned, and we do what David did. We become God focused. We pick up five stones. We make five decisions. And we take a swing.
Customer Reviews:
Overcoming circumstances.......2007-09-29
I was given this book, it was a good read, but the information wasn't anything new, nor was it very impressive. It was a smooth reader, but almost to the point of beating a dead horse. Now, I am not putting down the work of the Cross or Jesus or the Holy Spirit or even King David. It's just the same ole story with a different author. I did find some of Max's antedotes and case histories of his own family interesting and the view of the Rainbow, that was most interesting.
Would I buy the book, no. Would I recommend someone else to buy the book? Not really. There are better books for the money.
Here are some examples: They Smell Like Sheep by Dr. Lynn Anderson
True Discipleship by Kossler, The Holiest of All by Andrew Murray, Power Filled Living by R.A. Torrey. These are just a few.
I've found when we are facing the giants, if we focus on God, Center ourself on Him, in Him and then look outside the box, so-to-speak and allow the Spirit of God to lead us to someone else that is hurting more than ourselves, God will work out our problems usually by the interaction of our neighbors.
In Christ we pray. Amen.
Learning from David's Triumphs and Mistakes.......2007-09-21
Max Lucado is known for his encouraging books, and this book is no exception. Here, he studies King David, both the good and the bad, to show us how to face the giants in our lives.
The ultimate lesson is simple, when your focus is on God, giants fall. Yet he uses stories from first and second Samuel, both the good and the bad, to show us how this played out in David's life.
The book works as a biography, showing us the events in David's life as they happened. While most chapters are a self contained lesson, it does allow us to see how one event often led to another.
Obviously, we see David fighting Goliath. But we also see him hiding from Saul, his friendship with Jonathan, hiding with the enemy, keeping his promises, falling into adultery and murder with Bathsheba, and watching his own children spin out of control. From this we learn the importance of friends and family, but ultimately the importance of putting our focus on God.
Max Lucado very rarely brings anything new to the table. That's certainly the case here. There is very little I haven't heard before. But he always puts such a fresh, encouraging spin on things, I always see things in a new light. And even when admonishing us, he still does it gently.
I set this book down reluctantly when I finished. My heart was encouraged, and my focus was where it needed to be, God. If you need some help remembering where your focus needs to be, this book is for you.
Max's Best .......2007-09-17
This is absolutely the most enlightening and funny book I've ever read from a Christian author.
This wonderful book is deep enough for an elephant to swim in, yet shallow enough for a child to wade in.
That describes Facing Your Giants to a T.
Like all Lucado books, awesome.......2007-09-06
An insightful tie to old testament events around Davids life and life for us today.
Wonderful book!.......2007-08-26
Story of King David's successes and failures confronting the giants in his life, and how we can learn from them. Many challenging question in study guide at the end of book.
Amazon.com
Brennan Manning wrote The Ragamuffin Gospel "for the bedraggled, beat-up, and burnt-out," the marginalized folks to whom Jesus ministered: the children, the ill, the tax collectors, the women. In other words, the ragamuffins. Manning understands better than most that behind our facades of order and self-assurance are inadequacies that can find healing only in Jesus. While the powerful and religious elite challenged him, Jesus embraced and healed and fed the needs of the ragamuffins. Jesus delivered love, healing, and, most of all, grace.
Grace is defined as "the freely given and unmerited favor and love of God." But, as Manning points out, we have "twisted the gospel of grace into religious bondage and distorted the image of God into an eternal, small-minded bookkeeper." In reality, God offers us grace immeasurable. Brennan Manning gently encourages us to embrace that grace in the face of our greatest needs. And Manning certainly knows whereof he speaks, having taken a journey from priesthood and academic achievement through a collapse into alcoholism. Manning came face to face with his need, finally abandoning himself to grace. And he invites us now to join him in a life of grace.
Manning is without doubt one of the most eloquent writers on the subject of grace because he openly shares his own pain and struggle to help readers deal with failure and inadequacy. And he sweetly challenges them to do the same. --Patricia Klein
Book Description
A Furious Love Is Hot on Your Trail!
Many believers feel stunted in their Christian growth. We beat ourselves up over our failures and, in the process, pull away from God because we subconsciously believe He tallies our defects and hangs His head in disappointment. In this newly repackaged edition—now with full appendix, study questions, and the author’s own epilogue, “Ragamuffin Ten Years Later,” Brennan Manning reminds us that nothing could be further from the truth. The Father beckons us to Himself with a “furious love” that burns brightly and constantly. Only when we truly embrace God’s grace can we bask in the joy of a gospel that enfolds the most needy of His flock—the “ragamuffins.”
Are you bedraggled, beat-up, burnt-out?
Most of us believe in God’s grace—in theory. But somehow we can’t seem to apply it in our daily lives. We continue to see Him as a small-minded bookkeeper, tallying our failures and successes on a score sheet.
Yet God gives us His grace, willingly, no matter what we’ve done. We come to Him as ragamuffins—dirty, bedraggled, and beat-up. And when we sit at His feet, He smiles upon us, the chosen objects of His “furious love.”
Brennan Manning ’s now-classic meditation on grace and what it takes to access it—simple honesty—has changed thousands of lives. Now with a Ragamuffin’s thirty-day spiritual journey guide, it will change yours, too.
Starburst:
Includes New 30-Day
Spiritual Journey Guide
****
“ Brennan Manning does a masterful job of blowing the dust off of shop-worn theology and allowing God’s grace to do what only God’s grace can do—amaze.”
Max Lucado
Bestselling author of The Gift for All People
“I found deep comfort in realizing that Jesus loves even me, a ragamuffin, just as I am.”
Michael Card
Musician, recording artist, and author of A Violent Grace
“This is a zestful and accurate portrayal that tells us unmistakably that the gospel is good, dazzlingly good.”
Eugene Peterson
Author of The Message
Story Behind the Book
The world assigns value to people using measurable standards. Someone is a successful student if she receives As. Someone is a strong athlete if he runs five miles a day. The Lord, however, knows nothing of standards. The Ragamuffin Gospel was inspired by Brennan Manning after he discovered firsthand what it means to live by grace instead of performance. His words bring new life and sweet refreshment to Christians who are tired of never measuring up.
Customer Reviews:
And oft-quoted master of reality.......2007-10-14
For many years and up until just recently, all my emails would go out with this signature attached. "The greatest cause of atheism in the world today, is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. This, is what an unbelieving world, simply finds, unbelievable." I wrote that entirely without looking it up, so much has it become ingrained in my thoughts. Some of you will recognize this quote, especially if you like Christian rock/hiphop group DC Talk as they use this quote on the start of one of their songs. It wasn't until about 2 years ago someone emailed me and corrected me about it's origin. Turns out it was actually Brennan Manning that first penned it. So the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel has been having an impact on me much longer than I have known about him or his books. Well as I have said last week, I am now listening to far more books in audio rather than reading them. And as you can see from the reviews I have been able to do, it really does enable me to "read" far more books than I normally would. The bookmarking feature of Apples iPod just makes it so versatile. The computer will keep playing from where I last stopped on my iPod and vice versa.
The Ragamuffin Gospel. Brennan Manning. So who is this book for? It's primarily for new believers, Pastors, and anyone else who has a heartbeat. If I had a name, I would write a book like this myself, for without wanting to sound conceited Brennan echoes the cry of my heart. I have been in ministry a long time. Long enough to have seen the incredible injustices so many suffer at the hands of those who hold title and position in the body. I am not sure they'd like to meet Brennan Manning in a dark alley, but then again, I am not sure anything but grace would flow from Brennan at that time. I do not see how this book could have been written without many a tear having been spilt. He so perfectly pictures the problems of our current fascination with turning Church into businesses, and contrasts it with the way of Jesus. Here, Brennan says, is a Church for ragamuffins, misfits, outcasts, delinquents, rejects, etc, this is the Church of Jesus Christ. But look, in today's Churches, we reserve the front seating for the Pastors and Elders, or the big givers. It is business as usual. The former are not welcome. They may be put up with, but hardly welcome. With gentle elegance, Brennan lifts the shroud from our eyes and shows us a picture of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
A Pastor I knew in New Zealand once objected when I told him that I don't think the Church in its current state is what Jesus really wants us to have. Ironically he calls himself a reformer. If it's ok, why reform it? Of course he would object, he was a Pastor. Not so fast. Today, many leaders in the Church are seeing the light. It's easy to point fingers at the likes of Rob Bell, he's young, but when Brennan Manning who has more memories stretching back longer than the road is stretching ahead, someone who has walked the talk the better part of half a century, we need to take notice. The Church is not where it needs to be, and that is plainly clear to any honest Christian leader. It is after-all, PLAINLY obvious to those outside of the Church. This book helps us. It's not just cute pop psychology, it's a clear view of how things are and how we can change them so the ragamuffins, the ones Jesus spent his time with, once again become the ones we spend our time with.
Grace over judgment. Grace over dogma. Grace. As I have discovered first hand on my own journey, grace is like a four letter word in many ministries. For those that have been hurt, are being hurt, or have been accused of being the hurter, The Ragamuffin Gospel will bring a much needed clarity of vision. To those who are ragamuffins and know it, and want to see Christ's vision of the Church come to fruition, this will be like rocket-fuel for your soul.
Amazing, Grace defined!.......2007-09-23
Manning simply and eloquently defines and describes the Amazing Grace of God's salavation that is available to all of humanity...
Amazing Grace.......2007-07-23
So often Christianity is viewed as judgmental and legalistic and the heart of Christianity is lost. Jesus was the friend of sinners and accepted and encouraged the downtrodden and those rejected by the religious elite. Manning so eloquently brings to life the meaning of Grace. He paints numerous word pictures to help illustrate what Grace really means.
Reading this book was like taking a fresh breath of air. I would recommend it to anyone, especially anyone struggling with believing that God truly loves them just as they are, in spite of all their terrible sins.
Always Good News.......2007-07-08
Brennan Manning does an excellent job of reaching out to those of us who feel we have so miserably failed to live up to our calling. He vividly demonstrates the good news once again that Jesus came to save sinners and reflects the incredible, unconditional love of his Father. For anyone who needs to hear the good news again, this is the book.
Re-Luthering.......2007-07-04
In the epilogue to Ragamuffin Gospel, "The Scandal of Grace," Manning informs the reader that one of his Roman Catholic critics told him that he "had out Luthered Luther." I don't know that you can "out-Luther" Luther --- but Manning is at least close here.
If you let it, this book will take you through a path that not many people go on. You'll go to Spiritual AA.
Manning, a recovering alcoholic himself, describes the faith life of a Christian as really only a recovering sinner ever could. He is upfront about his disease. He knows that he isn't God. He knows that He doesn't even deserve to sneeze in God's direction. He shows the most comfortable Christian that they are still a sinner even though they have a nice family and go to church every Sunday. He goes even farther. He makes sure that you know that if you're not actively involved in being empty, in being a ragamuffin, that you're not living the Christian life as it was intended to be lived.
In short, he tells you what a Ragamuffin is - it's a sinner-saint. It is someone who has no right, no claim, and no worth who is passionately and wildly embraced by a savior.
The book is a great choice for a devotional read. It will bring not only a new perspective on your current place before God, but it will show you that your ultimate place is with God, singing in the joy of His free grace.
It is a message of grace for anyone brave enough to consider themselves one of God's ragamuffins.
Book Description
Why Everyone Will Be in Heaven
Two pastors present their controversial belief in eternal salvation for all through God's perfect grace. Long disturbed by the Church's struggle between offering both love and rejection, they discover what God wants from us and for us: grace for everyone.
Customer Reviews:
Persuasive, Joyous, Enlivening.......2007-10-11
Although this book is written by two authors, it is written in a "unified" first person---which works for me.
"I believe God will save every person." This sentence is the first one in each chapter. You can't miss the thrust of this book. Through personal anecdotes, quotes from scripture, and persuasion -- the author(s) makes this view very reasonable and yet kept my interest ongoing in the book.
It was good to find a book like this which expresses a point of view that many of us share -- and that more would share -- if they can overcome the ideology drummed into them through their "religious" upbringing.
Read with an open mind, PLEASE.......2007-09-28
I have already come to a point in my life where I dismissed tired church doctrine of manmade origins such as the trinity, blood sacrifice, once saved always saved, eternal damnation, virgin birth and all other such paganism repackaged as "Christianity". I no longer celebrate Christmas and Easter. I have been ridiculed by family and my old pastor and dismissed by friends but I have stuck to my guns. Having an open mind while reading this book was EASY for me. But for those of you still holding on to the blended religion of Christianity and paganism, which comprises most if not all denominations today-you will have a hard time accepting the ideas presented in this book.
I had already deduced a long time ago that my own experience with God was far more important than reading a book by someone who has translated the Dead Sea Scrolls backwards and forwards or someone who has rigidly and scholastically combed over the Scriptures with a fine tooth comb and can be considered an "expert" on the word of God. But are those people more of an expert than God himself? Can they give you forgiveness in your darkest hour? Will they stand face to face with you when your life is over? I already know that reading the word of God, or reading interpretations of this verse or that verse- is in addition to my personal walk with God-and does not replace it or even come close.
If you walk away with one thing from this book let it be the belief that God is not found in the Scriptures alone, nor is he found in a church pulpit or pew, nor is he found in a book. He talks to you when you listen, he walks with you when you invite him and he hears you when you call out to him, even if it is in just your darkest hour. He never abandons you. If you have ever called out to God in your darkest hour of pain and self loathing, after you had done something so hideous and despicable or someone has done similar to you, and felt him embrace your very soul and scoop you up in his arms and take over the burden of your pain and help you to move forward-then you know that of which I speak and you ought to know those moments shape your faith more than any translation of the bible, any single verse, any sermon, any doctrine or any book chalk full of so called exegesis.
Who are we to limit his love for ALL humanity? Who are we to dictate to him who he will save? Who are we to demand or even suggest that some of his own children suffer eternal damnation? Would you allow someone to tell you how to punish your child? Would you allow someone to tell you to murder your own child and leave them to suffer in a firey pit of hell for all eternity?
I find it increasingly arrogant that so many so called Christians think they can speak for God day in and day out and use Scripture to support this behavior. I really don't care how many verses in the bible contradict eachother and how many support your view or the author's view or a combination of both. I'm tired of the verse gymnastics so many Christians feel compelled to thrust at you everytime you have a differing theological opinion from them. All that time arguing and bickering and shoving your nose in some self righteous book put together through "scholarly exegesis" would be better spent in quiet reflection with God and "listening" to Him and loving him with all your heart as a child would-with an open mind, open heart and no preconceived notions and hang ups and personal biblical translations. God is not the bible and the bible is not God.
In summation this book is an excellent reminder to those of us that cherish our personal experience of God in our lives more than we do alleged biblical inerrancy or the supposed divinity of Christ, fear of hell or even the enticing though that our enemies will suffer one day. It is a reminder that only God has the power to forgive and give his grace and nothing we can do will ever cause us to lose that grace. Our relationship with God is one of mutual and unconditional love, not based on fear of eternal damnation or rejection. True obedience to God and faithfullness to him is born of the love you feel from him, not from the threat of a buring fire pit and eternal suffering. God does not coerce you to come to him, but once you come out of love you are less likely to stray than one who comes from fear of the unknown. We no longer fear God and because of that we can open our hearts more deeply to him and accept his grace, even if we have trouble reconciling it with how evil the world is today. Enjoy the book for what it is-an affirmation of God's limitless love, forgiveness and grace. Like the author's say, you will not be punished for overestimating God's love!
If Grace Is True.......2007-08-29
This book is brilliantly written and truly expresses the good news of God; all men will be saved. The authors give some good bibical and rational reasons for this belief. I was awestriken at the thinking that went into the writing of this book and how logocal and reasonable their main thesis is. Read the book; the worse that can happen is that you overestimate God's grace.
Everybody should read this book.......2007-03-11
It provides a common sense approach to salvation. Some who cannot think in other than King James English may find it unconvincing, but anyone who can say "I believe in a loving God. Is eternal damnation loving?" may find their answers in this book.
A Challenging Read.......2007-03-09
This book will not appeal to those whose theological views are fixed and who do not wish to entertain any deviation from what they have come to regard as the "truth" of scripture. They will find the views expressed in this book heretical and blasphemous. However, for anyone who is willing to allow new challenges to our customary way of thinking and who is willing to seriously and thoughtfully consider a different point of view, this book is provocative and thoughtfully composed.
It has been written as a first person singular autobiography through the cooperative efforts of the two authors. This is not only a convenient style to avoid the awkwardness of having to identify the experiences of one or the other, but it also represents the fact that their experiences, though not identical, are similar enough to agree on the matters discussed. One quickly forgets (or ceases to care) that there are two authors instead of one.
The subtitle of the book is "Why God Will Save Every Person." Each chapter starts with the confessional statement: "I believe God will save every person." After the first chapter, which gives an overview of how this belief began to break upon their consciousness, each subsequent chapter puts an emphasis on a different word of that statement, e.g., I believe God . . . ; I believe God . . .; I believe God will . . ., etc. There are good scriptural bases for these statements, but the authors acknowledge that not everyone will agree with their understanding. The strength of their conviction is summed up near the end of the last chapter. "The triumph of grace is not complete. It cannot be complete until every last person has been redeemed. Some are experiencing redemption in this life. Some will experience it after their death. But grace will triumph."
In the "Note From the Authors" as a foreword to the book, they say, ". . . we invite your thoughtful response to the issues we've raised. Though we might not be able to respond personally to every contribution, we will take it seriously." This is not an idle offer. I have corresponded with them and received an almost instant response.
Those who enjoy this book will probably want to read their sequel, "If God Is Love." It is a further defense of their views, based to some extent on feedback from readers of this book.
Book Description
By following the dramatic story of the "Amazing Grace" hymnwriter John Newton and the apostle Paul's own encounter with the God of grace, Jeremiah helps readers understand the freeing power of permanent forgiveness and mercy.
Customer Reviews:
Grace undeserved benefit, Wretch deserves punishment.......2007-09-07
Grace is a gift; Grace is undeserved; Grace is unmerited; Grace is received. Grace is illustrated through the lives of individuals who have received forgiveness and undeserved salvation. Amazing Grace tells about the love received when Grace is given; that love is defined through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The doctrine of Grace is given in Paul's epistles. Capture by Grace written by David Jeremiah defines Grace received through the lives of John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace and the Apostle Paul. This book will give the reader greater understanding of God's wrath, God's judgment, God's mercy, God's Grace, the atonement, God's forgiveness, God's provision for sinners and God's love. David Jeremiah explores the words of the song Amazing Grace and applies them to the lives of John Newton and Paul. The author details scriptural backing for the lyrics of Amazing Grace by quoting Paul's epistles. This book is an argument against sentiment or to diminish the song's meaning through the changing the word wretch. Both John Newton and Paul knew they deserved hell; both men knew they deserved damnation. No man should demand justice, but praise God that Grace can be received.
Grace available to all.......2007-09-06
"[T]hat saved a wretch like me" is a key phrase in the hymn "Amazing Grace." We are all familiar with the song from either church or television. I remember them singing it on an episode of Little House on the Prairie as well as an episode of Cheers. If I remember correctly, it is also the hymn of choice in funerals when bagpipes are playing. That phrase of the song highlights a key focus of this book, the gift of God's grace to everyone, including the least likely.
To highlight this focus, Dr. David Jeremiah breaks the song into parts to explain what it means biblically. To illustrate, he gives us the life of John Newton (who wrote "Amazing Grace") and the apostle Paul. Both men were some of the least likely of people to be given this gift of grace. Paul persecuted the early Christians, and John Newton was a slave trader.
The book's intent is to instruct us, so the author has broken this down into sections so that the reader can think about each part of the song. In this way, the book is more interactive. The reader will get more from the book if he or she takes a moment in reflection.
The book provides information about the hymn that may not have been known by most people (and I found very interesting), as well as some information about John Newton. The focus of the book, however, is Christian instruction.
Truly Inspirational.......2007-04-07
Weaving the two stories - the author of the beloved hymn and St Paul show that grace is truly AMAZING!
I am captured and love it!.......2006-10-21
What can I say that has not been said! WOW! I thought I knew the whole story of the song, I was wrong. I love getting the rest of the story!This book is a blessong!
Sola Fad.......2006-09-20
Promise Keepers, Prayer Of Jabez, Purpose Driven,...Captured By Grace. How many of these Band Wagons are we going to jump on ?
How about the GOSPEL !!!
Book Description
This book helps us accept and understand God's grace so we can live with the freedom of not having to measure up.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read..........2007-07-13
...for any Christian. It doesn't matter which way you lean on the doctrines of grace (Calvinist, Arminian), this book clearly and concisely articulates the power of grace in the Christian's life. Bridges' writing style is very reader-friendly, and he can make even the most difficult concepts easy to understand. Highly recommended.
Do NOT miss this book!.......2007-06-21
This is the single greatest book I have EVER read concerning the Grace of God. Never have I seen grace explained so clearly or explored so thoroughly and accurately. My walk with Christ and my relationship with Him have been transformed by reading this book. I didn't want it to end. Buy one for yourself and then buy one for your Pastor and friends. I cannot say enough about it other than: "Absolutely do NOT miss this incredible book!!" Might I also recommend The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God. This book by Lee Stroebel is the best book in print regarding the evolution vs. creation debate. Don't miss this one either!!
Excellent in-depth analysis of what the Bible says about God's grace.......2006-08-24
As a believer in Christ for many years, I thought I had a fair grasp on the biblical concept of God's grace. Then I read this book and realized just how little I know. Jerry Bridges does an excellent job, born of many years of ruminating on the subject, of helping beleaguered Christians wrap their minds around this frequently misunderstood teaching. He strikes a delicate but scripturally sound balance between law and liberty, license and legalism, dependence and discipline.
We are at the same time commanded to work out our own salvation and to depend utterly on God's grace to do it for us. Whatever good we are commanded to do, we are able to do only because God is working in us both to desire and to be able to do what is pleasing to Him. The Bible teaches both our personal responsibility to pursue holiness, and our utter dependence on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to make it happen. Jerry Bridges does a great job of reconciling the biblical tension between these two seemingly inconsistent doctrines.
Also of great value are the latter chapters on how to appropriate the grace of God to effect change in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Bridges shows how we must move beyond "grace" as merely a religious buzzword, and actually do the things to lay hold of grace in our daily lives and difficult struggles. Finally, the book concludes with a chapter on the "garments of grace", that is, those aspects of Christian character that should be increasingly evident in our lives as we avail ourselves of God's grace. These including things like gratitude, humility, forbearance and forgiveness, all of which will characterize a person who regularly approaches God's throne of grace with boldness.
Thanks to Jerry Bridges for this insightful and helpful work. I commend it to the reading of all believers for their edification, and ultimately for their ability to revel in God's transforming, empowering grace.
The context and content of the concept of Grace.......2004-10-06
One can read a book about a topic, but it may seem all to academic unless there is something related to the content of that book that you yourself have had to wrestle through. I do not endorse Jerry Bridges' "Transforming Grace" because it tickles my academic theological fancy. I endorse this book because I've "Been there... Done that... Got the t-shirt..."
Jerry Bridges articulates conclusions and thoughts I have come to regarding the Biblical concept of grace in the life of the believer; conclusions and thoughts I came to after wrestling with the issues of law and grace in the context of a former church characterized by a sophisticated subtle legalism founded in a scholastic pseudo-Puritanism; thoughts and conclusions forged in the fire of painful experience, the study of Scripture, and prayer. Bridges has not only articulated many of the same thoughts and conclusions I had come to regarding a Biblical concept of grace, he has expanded on them.
I also saw in "Transforming Grace" some of the principles and concepts set forth by Francis Schaffer in his seminal work "True Spirituality". The advantage of Bridges work is that it articulates those things from "True Spirituality" on a more popular and understandable level.
The Apostle Paul very clearly states in Titus 2:11-12 that it is Biblical grace that teaches us how to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly and righteously and godly in the present age. It is a focus on grace that teaches these things, not a focus on the law or duty or scrupulosity. It is not that there is no place for law and duty, but that place is subordinate to grace, not equal to, above, or apart from it. This truth is a foundational principle to what Bridges is saying in "Transforming Grace".
The grace that is spoken of in this book is not some vague concept of "grace" that has no content or context. It is the grace of God as exhibited in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is in the context of the Gospel that grace has content and meaning. Bridges clearly articulates the great cost of grace from God's perspective in the work and suffering of Jesus Christ. It's through the payment of that great cost by Christ Himself that grace becomes free, unearned, and un-conditional not just for lost and bankrupt sinners, but also for forgiven sinners living their Christian lives in response to the grace and love God has shown them. "Transforming Grace" clearly sets out that Biblical grace is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense."
Nor is Bridges pulling his view of grace out of a hat. This book looks at Scripture and expounds relevant passages.
"Transforming Grace" exposes the latent legalism that still afflicts the Evangelical church at large. But neither is antinomianism spared. Both legalism and antinomianism share the same basic fundamental flaw. Both are the result of an insufficient view of what the Gospel is, and what the grace of God in the Gospel does. It is a focus on the grace of God in the Gospel that will keep us in the way that leads to life, will keep our life in Biblical balance, and is the basis of all true Biblical spirituality.
If you are looking for a well-balanced presentation of what Biblical grace is, I highly recommend "Transforming Grace".
Now I Understand!.......2003-03-25
I never understood God's grace and what it meant until I read "Transforming grace". I have spent years trying to earn what God had already given to me freely- eternal salvation. I no longer see God as a task master ready to step on me for the smallest infraction. I now see him as the God who loved me even when I was at emnity with him. Thats grace! I see God as a holy,gracious,generous,loving, and good God.
If you've been feeling like the life of the believer is more of a burden than a blessing, then you need to read this book. I promise that you won't feel like that after reading this book. You will be walking once and for all in the light of God's wonderful grace.
I really recommend this book. It's an easy read, and Jerry Bridges keeps it real and biblical.
Book Description
Paul's life was never dull. First appearing in the New Testament as a violent enemy of Christ, Paul later went on to not only put his faith in the risen Lord but to pen thirteen letters of the New Testament--in the midst of being beaten, shipwrecked, snakebitten, imprisoned, and chased out of town. Let Charles Swindoll be your guide as you travel down the road to Damascus with Paul and discover the passion for Jesus that drove this hero of the faith.
Customer Reviews:
Paul: A Man of Grit and Grace.......2007-02-16
Charles Swindoll, gives an exellent expose' of the man Saul of Tarsus. His conversion and the affect it had on him, that lasted for the rest of his life. The continual conflicts, trials, and troubles he endured.
Swindoll, also does a great job of filling in between the lines, from other text, and how we can learn from the examples of Pauls great, faith, strength and courage.
A Thoughtful Presentation of Paul .......2006-08-25
Chuck Swindoll is one of my favorite writers, though I am not in agreement with all of his theology. But this work on Paul is outstanding.
Before reading this work on Paul, I had read several other volumes on Paul, and Swindoll gave me another perspective on Paul that I have greatly appreciated--the devotional touch to this work. As a pastor, I find this work to be encouraging. Swindoll writes with a pastor's pen. And I love that.
I especially recommend this work to all conscientious pastors.
Yo, Dear consumer, Fellow.......2005-02-05
oh yeah, this book is wonderfull. Turned me into something like a Pauline. It gives great illustrations and its quite a good read; what I really got out of it was how Swindoll shows you a real person. Not just Paul the Apostle, not just him as one of the sons of judaism of that time, no beyond that. The man that we read about that filled his letters with so much understanding and knowledge, to be flesh. You read this book and I guarantee you, it will change how you look at him and Christ, and especially what kind of peoples Christ uses. from a man you read of in Acts through Philemon as a character into a man that struggled with his faith and had to take a shower at the end of the day just like all of us. Oh yes, it is really great, I encourage anyone to tear into this mug, and I hear its one of many books- so I really am encouraged to pick up one of Swindoll's other books. Hes a magnificent writer. 5 starsies all the way.
Paul: A Man of Grit and Grace.......2005-01-29
The author is probably a great guy personally, but his writing falls very short. The book does not even address Paul's views on the role of women, or on homosexuality--two areas where people of our times need guidance. It seems as if the author wanted to be "politically correct" and not offend anyone.
He doesn't even address, with any authority, the conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. He just basically says they should have worked it out. I was completely disappointed in the book.
Another Masterpiece by Swindoll!.......2004-07-08
Swindoll's book on the Apostle Paul is the 6th in a series of Bible characters and in my humble opinion, the best character study so far.
Among the important points Swindoll covers include:
1. Biblical examples of people who waited long period of time before being used greatly by God.
2. An independent spirit does not please God - He much prefers the humble and broken-hearted.
3. Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting and 4 principles for trusting God while waiting in the shadows (this alone was worth the price of the book).
4. While boasting about our weakness is not popular in today's culture, life is about God, not us!
5. 3 perspectives to have when in a strong disagreement.
6. Sometimes turnmoil, hardship, and persecution means you are in the middle of God's will.
7. 4 excellent points to consider for powerful preaching.
8. Be careful of letting your subjective experiences be your ultimate guide in life - God's Word is much more reliable!
9. Effective ministry and opposition go hand in hand.
10. Patterns of behavior and observations about heroes who stand up while everyone sits down.
11. 4 anchors to hold on to during stormy times.
12. 7 exhortations for faithful service.
The points above are only a few of the many encouragements you will get from this gem of a book! Having read several of Swindoll's books, this one may be my personal favorite!
Read and be encouraged in the Lord and hang tough like the Apostle Paul did!
Highly recommended.
Book Description
This book is a collection of over twenty essays on issues relating to making art from a Christian perspective. The volume is filled with color artwork from Michelangelo to Makoto Fujimura and from Rembrandt to Tim Hawkinson.
Customer Reviews:
A Blessing.......2001-03-05
"It Was Good-Making Art to the Glory of God" brings forth many struggling topics and themes that Christian artists are challenged with. These essays are writing by some of the most important Christian artists today (i.e. Makoto Fujimura, Theodore Prescott, and Edward Knippers.) The book discusses issues looking at our fallen world with a realistic point of view. It teaches to face evil head on and to point towards the grace, the hope, and the glory, namely Jesus Christ. As God's children it explains our need for art in the church and in our communities. It also depicts the problems of Christian art, with topics such as GOOD, ("The efforts of most artists who attempt to present a picture of `good' tend toward dishonest, sugary sweet propaganda. They ignore the implications of the fall and paint the world as a shiny, happy place." -Ned Bustard, "Good"), EVIL, and IDENTITY. It is hard being both Christian and artist. It seems no one understands you in the art world and no one understands you in the Christian world. This book praises our gifts of creativity and imaginations, in which we learn to integrate both our faith and art, and return these gifts to praise Our Father. "It Was Good..." should be essential to your book collection. I once had a discussion with a friend of how we can meditate on a single passage for hours. These essays have been so inspirational that I have spent some nights restless, because I could not wait until the next day to work on my own art. It is such a blessing to know, in this generation (so full of narcissistic and meaningless art,) that this book is out there to help other Christian artists. I personally feel doubly blessed because I am still an undergraduate in art school. I feel a great comfort to apply and develop these ideas into my own critiques. But this book goes way beyond the ordinary art school critique and grows toward my relationship with God and towards his people.
Book Description
Grace and Divorce, written by noted author and psychotherapist, Dr. Les Carter, provides sound theological thinking on divorce and wise and compassionate suggestions for reframing and deepening our understanding of this difficult and controversial topic. Using stories from his practice as a therapist, Dr. Carter offers healing to both those who divorce and those who know and love them. He explains that Jesus never intended us to be so fixed about right and wrong and so judgmental that we lose the ability to love those who do not meet His perfect standards. With kindness and love, he shows that the wonderful gift of God’s grace is the best way to respond to people facing this trying life challenge.
Customer Reviews:
Don't shoot the wounded.......2007-08-26
Dr. Carter provides great encouragement for those of us that are divorced by reminding us that God's grace in there for us, too - just like it is everyone else. Sometimes, in the midst of the turmoil, it is hard to remember that and, unfortunately, it is ofter hard for others to remember that about the divorced folks as well. This is a great book to encourage the divorced and would also be a great book for a pastoral staff member to read.
Answers I've been looking for.......2006-07-19
This book helped me to resolve questions and fears regarding the shame and guilt of divorce in my life. Coming from a Christian background and having a desire to do the right thing, even after four years of recovery, this was not fully resolved with me, especially in the area of remarriage. Les is able to explain God's grace and where divorce fits in there, in a way I never fully understood before.
This is a great resource of understanding and empathy for anyone who has not experienced divorce in dealing with anyone who has. This book sheds light on this often avoided subject and often neglected action in Christian churches today. This book is a MUST HAVE for Christian lay ministry and pastors.
Book Description
Most Christians believe that the Bible holds the answers to their questions about daily living, and that reading the Scriptures will show them good examples to follow for their own lives. Think for a moment and try to list a few examples of healthy families in the Bible who are ideals worth emulating. Having trouble? The families of the Bible were far from perfect, and not so different in that regard from our imperfect families today. In Flawed Families of the Bible, a New Testament scholar (David) and a professor of social work (Diana) take a real and close look at the actual families of the Bible. This honest book will inspire and encourage readers with its focus on the overarching theme of hope and grace for families, showing that it is in the ''imperfect places'' that we can catch a glimpse of grace. Perfect for pastors, counselors, and anyone in a flawed family.
Customer Reviews:
Much Needed Book.......2007-09-06
In a world of books that presents ideal Christian families as the norm, it's easy to forget that God's plan was realized through a lineage of flawed families! This book is a refreshing change and a source of hope for all broken and flawed families!
Excellent work.......2007-07-25
What the previous reviewer has labeled fluff is generally regarded by scholars as "close reading" of the text, paying attention to details in the text which we might otherwise ignore. Granted the Garlands go beyond the text on (rare) occasion, asking questions the text doesn't seem particularly interested in asking. But this does not detract on the whole from what is otherwise a careful, insightful project.
This readable book is easy to read and is for anyone interested in the Bible, especially those struggling with family problems or suffering because of relationship difficulties or traumatic life events.
For example, the chapter on Michal provides insight into her shame at David's dancing, insight which most readers (including the present reviewer) tend to miss without special attention to her story elsewhere in Samuel. We miss such insights because of many factors, but particularly due to failure to read the Bible closely and our cultural assumptions which may reflect Hollywood more than the Holy Book (i.e., that Bathsheba seduced David, an assumption the authors rightly refute). There are two antidotes: going back to the text to see what it really says, and asking careful questions to ensure that the text is saying what we think it's saying.
As the Garlands note, when we pay careful attention to those who are "damaged goods" in Scripture, the simple act of hearing that one's trials are also found in Scripture provides enormous encouragement to the suffering. For those of us who live around others who are suffering, hearing oft-ignored stories from Scripture helps us hear the cries and needs of those who suffer in the present. The Bible isn't just about heroes, and it's certainly not about perfect families and lives--it's about people in need of mercy and grace and restoration.
Well done, Garlands!
Too Much Fluffing Out.......2007-04-15
This was a good book with lots,well some, pretty good life lessons (forgiving pages 151-152 ). But there could have been more examples of flawed families and way less fluffing out of the few examples they did include in the book.It was nice to know that Biblical families are as dysfunctional as 21st century families. Would I buy it again? Absolutely just so I could refer back to the passages I underlined.
Average customer rating:
- Giants of the Faith
- Outstanding book, outstanding series!
- Listen to the voices of Christian history...
- Concise but comprehensive
- Inspiration for New Christian Leaders
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The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God's Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin (The Swans Are Not Silent)
John Piper
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ASIN: 1581348134 |
Book Description
We admire these men for their greatness, but the truth is Augustine grappled with sexual passions. Martin Luther struggled to control his tongue. John Calvin fought the battle of faith with worldly weapons.
Yet each man will always be remembered for the messages he declared—messages that still resound today. John Piper explores each of these men’s lives, integrating Augustine’s delight in God with Luther’s emphasis on the Word and Calvin’s exposition of Scripture. Through their strengths and struggles we can learn how to live better today. When we consider their lives, we behold the glory and majesty of God and find power to overcome our weaknesses.
If ever you are complacent about sin, if ever you lose the joy of Jesus Christ, if ever you are dulled by the world’s influence, let the lives of these men help you recapture the wonder of God. Book 1 in The Swans Are Not Silent series.
Customer Reviews:
Giants of the Faith.......2007-08-19
The books in the Swan series are taken from a conference for pastors, where Dr. Piper presents these biographies. The biographies are never meant to be exhaustic treatment, but tailored to encourage pastors.
I find these brief biographies to be so wonderful and often whet the appetite for more. One can only be encourage and motivated to do more for the Lord, having bathed the soul in these well-written, tailored sketches.
Outstanding book, outstanding series!.......2007-04-05
Incredible. This is the first book of a series of four that Piper wrote to expose this generation to some of the great saints of the past. I started by reading book three, moved to book four, just completed the first and am looking forward to diving into the second book to finish the series. This book was very powerful, enlightening and challenging. As a Reformed believer, I've grown up with a tremendous appreciation of Luther and Calvin, but knew little about the incredible influence of Augustine. As I've matured in my walk and the more I read, the more I see the fruits of Augustine's thoughts in the works of so many great thinkers and writers that followed. Piper's expose on Augustine gave me an even greater appreciation for God's sovereign grace in the life of Augustine and for how God used him like the source lake from which mighty rivers of knowledge and grace have flowed down throughout history.
I think what I enjoyed most about the book is the concept that the central theme that connected these three men was their love for God's Word - they digested it daily, they wrestled with it, they sought to squeeze out every truth that could be known about God Himself from His divine and inspired Word. Their lives were devoted to the study of Scripture and to the accurate and passionate teaching of God's Word to the people. While each lived in tumultuous times, it was amazing to read about how diligent they were with their time and how much they accomplished without any of the modern conveniences that we enjoy today.
I would highly recommend this book and the entire series to all followers of Christ to gain an even greater appreciation for God and how He has used ordinary men throughout history to accomplish extraordinary things. The books are easy to read and relatively short, but are packed with great encouragement for every believer.
Listen to the voices of Christian history..........2006-04-16
The Legacy of Sovereign Joy is Book One of John Piper's series The Swans are Not Silent. Each book of the series (of which there is currently four) collects three of the biographical lectures Piper gave at the annual Bethlehem Conference for Pastors over the past two decades. When Augustine resigned as Bishop of Hippo it was said that the "swan is silent." Piper aims to show that the swans, those in our heritage of Christians throughout the centuries, are in fact not silent.
This book expounds on the lives and thoughts of Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin. It begins with an introduction about "savoring the sovereignty of grace in the lives of flawed saints." Piper explains that each of these men "had this in common: they experienced, and built their lives and ministries on, the reality of God's omnipotent grace." (18) Noting some of the flaws of each of these men, Piper believes that "the glory of God, however dimly, is mirrored in the flawed lives of his faithful servants." (37)
Each chapter is about half biography and half theological survey and averages 34 pages. There is a pattern to each chapter: after a brief introduction John Piper provides a biographical sketch and then brings out a prominent theme from author's theology. For Augustine, the theme is sovereign joy, for Luther it is sacred study, and for Calvin it is the divine majesty of the Word.
After these chapters, Piper concludes with four lessons we can learn from the "flawed saints." "1) Do not be paralyzed by your weaknesses and flaws... 2) In the battle against sin and surrender, learn the secret of sovereign joy... 3) Supernatural change comes from seeing Christ in his sacred Word... 4) Therefore, let us exult the exposition of the truth of the Gospel and herald the glory of Christ for the joy of all peoples." (143-148)
It is evident throughout the book that John Piper has done his homework; quoting often from primary texts and secondary sources. While there may be some over simplification in regard to the theological themes, Piper's points are nonetheless insightful and practical. Each chapter serves as a great introduction to the lives and thoughts of these Christian men. The Legacy of Sovereign Joy provides a stimulating resource for those looking to discover some of the motivating themes of the Reformed tradition.
Concise but comprehensive.......2005-09-15
Concise but comprehensive might sound like a contradiction but I couldn't think of any other way to describe it. John Piper really introduced me to Jonathan Edwards, and between the two of them I would say that no other author has had as much of an impact upon me in the last few years as these two. Now Piper introduces us to Augustine, Luther, and Calvin also. This is the first book in a series of three and well worth the investment. I read it in my spare time in just 1 week, have the second book ready to go, but regret not purchasing the third at the same time. Piper's strength is not only in presenting one very compelling argument about the triumph of God's grace (or "Sovereign Joy"), but to do it by presenting numerous facets of the work of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, which are easy to follow and understand, gives an excellent overview of their lives and ministries, and which leaves you wanting to (and feeling confident of being able to) read from the original sources. Every page was a gem. Be warned though, I got about 10 pages into the book then realised my mistake ... I should have read this book with a pencil and note pad in hand! There are so many great quotes from Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, not to mention Piper himself that you'll want to write some of them down to chew over later (or file away for sermon illustrations). This is an easy read and a great introduction the some major figures in church history, not to mention excellent food for the soul. In a day when people are so biblically illiterate as well as ignorant (or contemptible) of church history, this book demonstrates that our impoverishment is foolish and unnecessary. We need more books like this! I would have given it 6 stars if I could, simply on price, readability, and content alone.
Inspiration for New Christian Leaders.......2005-04-16
As you can see by the book's subtitle, this little book has three biographical pieces on well known historical Christians. Though most Christians know the names of these men, few know any more than that. So this book serves as a useful introduction to their lives and work.
But this book offers more that just a general introduction. These essays were originally conference talks given by the author to an audience of pastors. So there is a specific theme and purpose to them beyond summary historical information. Lessons from the lives of these men are drawn out to inspire and equip a new generation of Christian leaders.
I was personally most inspired by the chapter on Martin Luther. I was greatly convicted to be more diligent in the study of God's word. But all three essays were interesting and provoked personal reflection.
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