Grace has been defined in many ways. Grace has been called the prayer you pray before a meal. Grace has been given to many people as a name whether its their first or last name. When it comes to grace, many Christians have different ideas. Some believe grace is given those who follow the rule while others believe grace is unmerited meaning it is something we cannot earn.
Best-selling author Max Lucado, takes a stab at the grace of God in his latest book, Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine.
One thing about reviewing a book by Lucado is where to begin. In this book he has different verses and sayings just before you turn the page and get a quote from the chapter you are about to read and then you get to the chapter. Lucado has a great number of stories that drives his point to his readers.
Now Lucado is a great writer. He is a great story teller. He loves Jesus, loves his wife and loves the church. This book does talk about the grace of God, but in a simple way that I am afraid it waters down the grace of God. There are lot of things he does say in the book that I agree with. For example, Lucado talks about Joseph and how he did not give into temptation with Potiphar's wife. Lucado writes that God's kindness stirred Joseph's holiness. He goes on to say:
God's grace does the same in us. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" (Titus 2:11-12, NIV). A robust grace this is, that both convicts and comforts! Let it convict you. If you ever catch yourself thinking, I can do whatever I want because God will forgive me, then grave is not happening to you. Selfishness, perhaps. Arrogance, for sure. But grace? No. Grace creates a resolve to do good, not permission to do bad.
This book is well written, in the tradition of Max Lucado, but it is not a theological book.
Thanks Booksneeze for letting me review this book.
Grace is the invisible power that teaches us to live a life whom God is in the center. Thank you for sharing your insights to us. My favorite of Max Lucado's books is He Did This Just For You. I also have read many positive reviews of it. Perhaps you can also drop by at http://booksforevangelism.org, it says here that the book is an excellent way to introduce the gospel to your non-believing family members, friends and acquaintances. We are in the business of sharing the Gospel to unbelievers and this book along with many others written by Mr. Lucado can be a great tool in doing this.
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