Book Review: Recovering Redemption by Matt Chander and Michael Snetzer

When it comes to redemption, some Christians have the idea they have to redeem themselves by some external activity. We have the tendency to focus on what we can do better as a Christian if it were some kind of job evaluation. When employees get an evaluation from their employer, it is always about what they are doing what right and what areas could use some improvement. Other evaluations go so far as the employee feels like he/she will lose their job if they do not do better.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about what you can do to get better. The gospel is about what God has done through Jesus because you will never get better on your own. Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer discuss the changes the gospel brings in their book, Recovering Redemption. The book begins with the beginning. In other words, we have to go back to the book of Genesis to see why mankind is so screwed up. The Fall of man shows us why we can never get better. We can never get better because we look inside ourselves not outside for redemption.

Of course what book about the change the gospel brings if you do not write about the gospel. Chandler and Snetzer devote one chapter explaining the gospel to their readers. The rest of the book deals with struggling with sin, the benefits of our faith in Jesus, and fighting fear. The epilogue of the book deals with the call that every Christian is called to do: make much of Jesus. That is not just inside the walls of a church, but that is also in our day-to-day lives. Our marriage should be all about Jesus as well as our finances. Our lives should not be one that worships and adores God, but also be on mission for him.

Every time Matt Chandler writes or speaks, I listen. He has incredible boldness and heart for the gospel that he is not afraid to address issues that will make most preachers blush. Michael Snetzer adds incredible insight as well as his own story of grace. This book should be read by every Christian whether you have been a believer for 1 month or 50 years. This book is a top contender for my top 5 list of 2014.

Thanks Broadman & Holman for letting me review this book.