review: captured by grace

Johnny Douglas — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:42:54 +0000

Encountering God’s grace changes lives forever, and this beautiful three-part volume is truly a keeper as it consistently initiates a fresh experience of God’s grace on almost every page. It tracks the dramatic stories of John Newton, Paul and the author himself in the freeing power of permanent forgiveness and unending mercy. Captured by Grace drives home that none of us, no matter what we have done, are beyond the reach of grace and forgiveness.

Dr. David Jeremiah’s writing challenges the typical human reaction to the trials and hardship in life. He presented the message of God’s grace in such a way that, the reading of it stirred a longing within me to live a life more deeply immersed in grace, mercy and thanksgiving. He presses this potently in translating our oft asked “Why is this happening?” questions into, “What is God teaching me?” Inspirational and insightful. This is a historically and scripturally deep and challenging read. Grace remains impersonal till it happens to you! This book will undoubtedly will speed that journey on….., a truly compelling read!

*This was a Zondervan, Booksneeze gift! This and all other review of mine are posted on Amazon.

confidence in a chaotic world

Johnny Douglas — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:34:57 +0000

Dr. Jeremiah uses a vast array of biblical passages and principles to resource all that our hope absolutely must lie in Jesus Christ if we are going to have any hope at all. In ten chapters Jeremiah explains Christ’s message of hope in a repeated ‘C’ theme. He stresses the need for Christians to rise above the world spinning out of control and demonstrate the practicality of Christ’s peace. Dr. Jeremiah encourages and challenges the reader to live in a God-honouring way, confident in the Truth that is found in His Word. He breaks down his message this way:

* Chapter 1 – Stay Calm: This current society/culture offers chaos; Jesus Christ extends comfort and victory over anxiety.

* Chapter 2 – Stay Compassionate: This world offers cruelty; Christians should be decidedly compassionate.

* Chapter 3 – Stay Constructive: This world’s message is destructive; the Gospel is life-giving.

* Chapter 4 – Stay Challenged: The world demands a life of ease; Christ offers a cross – let’s be diligent as we bear it.

* Chapter 5 – Stay Connected: The world hides in a social-networking construct; Christ offers the community of the Church.

* Chapter 6 – Stay Centered: The world is focused on self; Christians need to focus on Christ.

* Chapter 7 – Stay Confident: The world skeptical and needy; the Gospel, and God’s Word, offers stabilization and a sure foundation.

* Chapter 8 – Stay Consistent: The world is intolerant and inconsistent; Christ offers in His Word, biblical principles to guide every section of life.

* Chapter 9 – Stay Committed: The world’s nerves are frayed and society is desperate; Christians live confidently in a God-ordered and ordained life.

* Chapter 10 – Stay Convinced: The world offers no hope for the future; Christians live in the hope of eternal life, and the promise of Christ’s return.

I found Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World to be very easy to read and thought-provoking. The book is certainly tied to the circumstances of today, yet offers the confident and eternal truth, applicable to anytime. I liked the vast biblical references and true-to-life stories, firmly grounding it all in the need and confidence of God, in Christ. Yetwithal, this book strays toward being simplistic and formulaic. The book has the feeling of one suggested by the publisher in order to sequel his previous hit, “What In The World Is Going On?”. It feels like Grisham-gets-God! Yet a great easy to read, challenging, and encouraging!

Teapot Theology » David Jeremiah

review: captured by grace

confidence in a chaotic world