Extravagant Grace by Barbara R. Duguid

This is a book for Christians about sin that contains some insights and conclusions I have not seen before. It is a book full of amazing encouragement. It is written from a Reformed viewpoint, recognizing the finished work of the cross.

Barbara experienced that endless cycle of sin, conviction, repentance, efforts to change, defeat. The victorious Christian life seemed to be a goal out of reach.

Then she asked, “Perhaps our greatest problem is not the reality of our sin, but our unbiblical expectations of what Christian growth should look like.” (18) She explores a biblical theology of sin and sanctification in this book, liberally using the writings of John Newton.

She asks a foundational question: Do you believe Christians should go from strength to strength and live victorious lives, or remain in a state of great weakness and utter dependence on God for every good thought? How you answer matters immensely, she says. It reveals what you believe about yourself, about God and what He expects from you, and what you believe about the Holy Spirit and what He is doing in your life.

What I found so revolutionary in this book is Barbara's suggestion that the true goal of sanctification is actually growing in humility and a greater dependence upon Christ. She writes, “...true sanctification is all about growing in humility, dependence, and gratitude.” (32)

She suggests God is sovereign over our sin. “God thinks that you will actually come to know him and love him better as a desperate and weak sinner in continual need of grace than you would as a triumphant Christian warrior who wins each and every battle against sin.” (30)

If you are open to a new understanding of the role of sin in your life, I highly recommend this book. It is written from a very Reformed viewpoint, emphasizing that God is completely sovereign over all, even our sin. Sin has a definite function in our spiritual life. God uses it to teach us more about ourselves and more about His grace. (61) That is certainly food for thought.

She includes questions for reflection at the end of each chapter so this would make a good book for personal journaling or group discussion.

Barbara R. Duguid is a counselor and ministry assistant at Christ Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Grove City, Pennsylvania. She is a pastor's wife and the mother of six children. She holds an advanced certificate in biblical counseling from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation in Glendale, Pennsylvania.

P & R Publishing, 240 pages.

52 Lies Heard in Church Every Sunday by Steve McVey

Sometimes we hear a word from the pulpit that sounds so good but is, oh, so wrong.

Steve says he knows about these lies because he used to preach them himself. That was before he truly understood grace. His desire is, “...that all of us would embrace and express the true grace of God.” (8)

Lie #1 Salvation is giving your life to Christ. No, says Steve. “Grace revolves around what He has given us, not what we give to Him!” (9) “Salvation is God's work. Our response to Him is because He initiated the whole thing.” (10,11)

Other lies include, the abundant life, rededication, how to rightly pray for unbelievers, being out of fellowship with God when we sin, finding God's will for your life, revival, being depressed, Lordship salvation, being disqualified by sin, positional righteousness, and being blessed because you tithe, to name a few.

I really appreciated his comments on the proper rules of biblical interpretation. Some claim that the hearts of all people are evil, even Christians, citing Jeremiah 17:9. Steve notes that this is from the Old Testament. “While the whole Bible is written for us and is profitable for our study, not every word can be accurately applied to new covenant believers.” (158)

Elsewhere he writes about the sayings of Jesus. “Not everything Jesus said it to be applied to you personally. That's because everything changed at the cross.” (192)

One of the lies in this book is that God will not forgive you if you don't forgive others (based on Matt. 6:14,15). Steve writes, “The idea that if you don't forgive others God won't forgive you is an old covenant teaching, even though we hear it from the lips of Jesus.” (195)

I like what Steve says. He has certainly stimulated my theological thinking. In my view, he is pretty much right on! I would encourage you to read this book and compare what you've heard from the pulpit with what the Bible really says.

Steve says there are actually 101 lies he has identified but that was too many for this book. If you would like to see them all, go to www.gracewalk.org. You'll also find other resources, like the video series that covers all 101 lies.

Harvest House Publishers, 245 pages.

Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel

Craig is convinced many Christians are living in a dangerous environment with their spiritual health. We sense that something is not right in our spiritual life. We know we are not growing closer to Christ nor following Him as we would like. Perhaps we can't put our finger on it.

Craig believes the enemy is blinding us with a smokescreen of poisonous distractions, like living with a heavy smoker. We are not aware of what is stunting our spiritual growth. We think the way we live is fine, normal. Years ago we didn't realize the dangers of breathing second hand smoke. Now we don't realize the harm of our toxic culture. Like a frog in a warming kettle, we have become acclimated to our poisonous environment. Craig reminds us that everything we allow into our minds has an impact on how we grow spiritually.

If you want to detoxify your soul of the impurities that pollute your relationship with God, this book is for you.

He examines the pollutants that corrupt our spiritual desire to know and serve God. Some can be removed, some must be managed. We are asked to take an honest look at ourselves and to understand the battle in the mind. He looks at the power of words. He deals with toxic emotions like bitterness and fear. He looks at the toxic influences of our media and gives a plan for discernment. He also addresses toxic relationships and how to deal with people. And lastly, he exposes toxic religion.

He leaves the reader with these questions: What does God want different in your life? Why?

Craig takes the Bible seriously. Peter wrote that we should keep away from worldly desires (1 Peter 2:11) and Craig is convinced we are falling short of that command. Reading his book helped me see how accustomed I have become to our godless culture. This book is not only an eye opener but a call to detoxify my environment.

Craig Groeschel is the pastor of LifeChurch.tv, a church launched in 1996 and now having many campuses.

Zondervan, 240 pages. Go here to see the publisher's product page, inlcuding the DVD series and other resources.

Watch videos from Life Church here.

Go here for an interview with Craig about Soul Detox.

To listen to the first chapter of the book here.  

http://www.lifechurch.tv/

I received an egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Constantly Craving by Marilyn Meberg

Humanity (Eve) once had perfection and wholeness. It was lost and now we long for it. We think we can find it in romance, accomplishments, possessions, etc. Maybe it is just a restlessness, an itch for something more. We are just not satisfied.

Marilyn identifies that longing in this book. She names it so we can understand it and investigate its possible fulfillment. She looks at how the cravings express themselves and how we can better understand them.

First is romance and its stages. She looks at how our cravings (for touch and others) affect the marriage relationship.

Next is our longing for contentment and how Paul learned to be content. After that, Marilyn writes about happiness and enlarging our capacity for happiness (developing an attitude of gratitude). She explains our need for intimacy, how friendships include our willingness to help in time of need, and how we can mentor others.

And who doesn't want more time? She encourages us to take the time to do the right thing, including time with the Creator.

We crave meaning for our life. We will only find ultimate meaning by placing our hope in God. “He is our inner significance that provides meaning for all we do.” (87) Knowing God and loving others gives meaning to life. Marilyn gives suggestions for clarifying your sense of purpose. She reminds you that ultimately only God can satisfy your craving for meaning and purpose.

And what about craving revenge? An unforgiving spirit is a heavy load. Confession is a necessary practice.

Sometimes we long for the familiar, the comforting, the security of what was.

Ultimately, Marilyn says:

“Why do we have cravings? We're homesick.

Homesick for what? Heaven.

Homesick for whom? God.” (132)

Only God will totally eliminate all our cravings and only when we're home with Him in heaven.

Should we just give in to our cravings? It's easier. Marilyn reminds us that as long as we are still on this earth, we will be faced with cravings and the temptation to take the path of least resistance. Don't forget how much the Father loves you and encourages you to do.

I was a little surprised by this book. I guess I was expecting something humorous (as some of the Women of Faith books are). But this is a serious topic and I can tell Marilyn feels deeply about it. This is not a book with “how to” suggestions. Only God can fulfill our longings and we are encouraged to trust in Him.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 240 pages.

I received an egalley from the publisher for the purpose of this review.