Book Review: The Life of God in the Soul of the Church by Thabiti Anyabwile

Thabiti Anyabwile was inspired by Henry Scougal's classic book, The Life of God in the Soul of Man, to talk about the church. Anyabwile said that a Christian's union with Jesus is not individualistic, but should be shared in the life of the local church.

This book was based on a series of sermons that Anyabwile preached at his church, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), back in 2008. He goes on to say, "The burden of the sermon series was to impress upon the saints of First Baptist Church a particular vision of spiritual fellowship centered not on external activities and programs but on our shared life of spiritual union with Jesus the Son of God...Specifically, I wanted us to see that our life together was both rooted in God the Son and grows up into the full resemblance of the Son. Our union with Jesus is both the root and fruit of spiritual fellowship."

This book is divided into 2 parts. The first talking about the foundation of our spiritual fellowship which is union with Christ. The second part deals with applying our union with Christ in the context of the local church. Chapters 3-12 deals with a variety of topics from loving one another to forgiving one another. Anyabwile also deals with worship, suffering, and partnership in the gospel.

As I am reading this book, I couldn't help but think this book should be given to new believers as it discusses the church. This book is perfect to be used in a doctrinal study of the church. Every church leaders needs to read this book as well those who love the church.

Thanks Christian Focus for letting me review this book.