Grace by Max Lucado, A Book Review

What is grace? More specifically, what is the grace of God? Grace is a fundamental doctrine of Christianity, yet it defies clear explanation. Max Lucado adds his voice to a multitude of authors making the attempt to explain grace in his book: Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine.

Grace, So Many Questions

Here are more questions concerning grace:

• Do we really understand it?
• Have we settled for wimpy grace?
• Do you believe in grace?
• Have you been changed by grace?
• Are you softened by grace?
• Has grace snatched you by your neck and shaken you to your senses?

Author Max Lucado, in his unmistakable, methodical style, makes his case answering these and many other questions to assist the reader in understanding grace. Each chapter of Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine begins with an illustration from the Bible and follows with a real-life illustration from Lucado's experience.

A Review of Grace

I enjoy reading the writings of author Max Lucado. He writes in a loose, easy-to-read manner. He presents his thoughts and concepts in words that are understandable. You don't need a doctorate in theology to understand what he is trying to say! Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine is no exception. It is interesting, engaging, and even entertaining.

This book didn't wow me. It didn't open any new revelation for me on the subject of grace. But then maybe that is the point of this book. Is the grace I have personally experienced wimpy? Have I been changed by grace? Am I softer in action and reaction because of grace? Have I been awakened by grace? The more I study about grace the more I am convinced that only I can answer these questions for myself.

In Conclusion

It's my conclusion that understanding grace comes with having knowledge of who and what God is. The more we know of God the more we will understand his grace. The more we understand grace, the more we will love God for who and what he is. Books by Max Lucado are always good reading and thus I can recommend Grace, More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine for a personal library.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com review program. I'm not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Journey by Jason Anderson; A Review

It is said that living the Christian life is a journey. It is said that the Christian life can be a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, highs and lows.

The title, The Journey, intrigued me as I pulled this book from the shelf at my local public library. I read the description of the author, Jason Anderson, and decided to check out the book.

I like to go straight to the introduction, or preface, of a book when I start reading a book. This one makes a huge promise. It says it's not just a book about embracing positive change but it's a book about direction and a destination, a journey. Not any journey mind you, but my journey.

Anyone offering to enlighten me about the direction and destination of my life is making a huge promise. Does The Journey live up to it?

LET'S TAKE A TRIP TO THE PROMISED LAND

The Journey is about exodus, breaking free from the captivity of sin and embarking on a trip to a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey. It's about crossing a wilderness of education, coming to know who God is.

Jason Anderson takes the biblical encounter of the exodus of Israel from Egypt and does an excellent job of paralleling it to our journey from sin to the promise of rest. He expounds on the trip through the wilderness and the traps one will face. He gets you into the promised land and what is expected of you to dwell there. And lastly, the author deals with the much-desired rest.

WHAT DO I THINK ABOUT THE JOURNEY?

This is a fascinating book about a fascinating subject. Jason Anderson goes into tremendous detail describing each phase of the journey which is the Christian life. Many books dealing with Christian living can be "cut and dry." This one is full of humor! Because each concept builds upon the previous one it could be said that this book is a journey in itself.

I found The Journey enjoyable to read. The author presents a lot of information in a language and a tone which is easy to understand. I appreciate the author stating the views he presents are his views and he calls them his opinions. I found the parallels the author makes to be interesting and thought provoking. I was pleased that Jason Anderson takes and makes a solid case for feasting on the Word.

DOES THE JOURNEY KEEP ITS PROMISE?

It's my opinion this book does keep its promise to help me to understand my journey from sin to salvation, from earth to glory. While I don't agree with everything in the book, it does open the door of thought as to where I am and where I want to go. It also opens the door of thought as to what may have gone wrong, a wrong turn, a hill to high, and how to find the way back to the right path and conquer the mountains. I don't want to rate it 4 out of 5 but it is better than 3.5 stars, so let's call it 3.95 stars.

I Want To Become A Man Alive

"I'd estimate that 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, stagnant, defeated lives... And they hate it."

"No man should have to settle for half alive. You can become the man God created you to be. I'll show you how (Patrick Morley)."

These are the words of the author, (Patrick Morley), from the back cover of his book, Man Alive, Transforming Your 7 Primal needs Into a Powerful Spiritual Life.

The Primal Needs of Men

Man Alive is built around the premise of seven primal needs of a man. The author gives us a listing of them as:

1. To feel like you don't have to do life alone
2. To believe that God loves and cares about you personally
3. To understand how your life has a purpose, that your life isn't random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging you down
5. To satisfy your soul's thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place

Author Patrick Morley devotes one chapter per primal need in living up to his promise, "I'll show you how," from the back cover of Man Alive. The book digs deep into the heart to address the primal needs of men. The how-to answers are provided through an abundance of stories and real-life examples.

I Will Become A Man Alive

My introduction to the writing of Patrick Morley was when I picked up a copy of his book Man In the Mirror. His passion for men's ministry poured from every word of the book. Man Alive resounds in the same easy-to-read style and the author's passion for men flows freely throughout. Each chapter is followed by questions that will make you think.

I look intently at the primal needs this book addresses because each one of them applies directly to me. Often I feel as if I am living life alone. I do believe God cares about me personally and loves me. I am sometimes concerned that life is random and purpose is evasive. I do feel bound and desire to break free from destructive behavior. I do thirst to go beyond my limitations, to be amazed, to enjoy intimate communion with God. I want to love and be loved. I want to make a mark on this world.

I like the manner in which each need is discussed and the how-to is answered with Scripture. I like how the author continually points the reader to the Word. Reading the words of Man Alive will do nothing to help if the words aren't put into action, just as we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).

Primal Needs, God's Gifts to Men

I must conclude with a quote from the end of the book:

"So here's your challenge. Instead of ignoring your primal needs, or letting them drag you into a wasted life, claim them as God's gifts to you."

I love it! Patrick Morley does not disappoint in his promise "I'll show you how." This is a great book for any man searching for answers to many of the questions he must deal with.

I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I wasn't required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."