Grace. A simple word (with incredible implications) that has become unnecessarily complicated. Grace is the offer of exactly what we don’t deserve. It is something that we all want to receive when we have blown it but it the last thing we want to give when someone has hurt us or the ones we love. That’s the struggle of grace.
Over the last while, I have been thinking a lot about grace. Every time I think I have a handle on grace, I realize that I am not even close to fully understanding it. Recently, I just finished reading Andy Stanley’s book “The Grace of God.“ Wow! What a powerful book! The book has expanded my view of grace once again!
In ”The Grace of God.“, Andy Stanley shares the story of grace by starting at the beginning, that is the literal beginning, creation. He demonstrates how the creation of the universe was a marvelous act of grace. Stanley asks the question: “What did we do to deserve this incredible, pristine abundance? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. That’s grace” (pg. 8).
Throughout the rest of the book, Stanley shares the story of grace by looking at a broad range of characters who were at a time in their lives when his or her future hung in the balance. Some of these characters are: Adam and Eve, Abraham, Judah, David, Jonah, Rahab, Matthew, Paul and a host of others. Stanley demonstrates that for them all, it is God’s grace that tipped the scale in their favour.
Throughout the book, Stanley helps the reader to discover that in some ways these stories of grace are our stories as well. For just like everyone who is mentioned in the Bible, we too, need grace. But according to Stanley, “not just any grace. The grace of God” (pg. xv).
Once I started this book I found it very hard to put down. Each chapter revealed to me a whole new dimension of God’s grace. Each character mentioned demonstrated the powerful and incredible grace of God in a fresh and new way. This book has definitely expanded my limited understanding of God’s grace and has led me to having a whole new appreciation of grace.
I want to giveaway a copy of this excellent book!
Here’s how you can win a copy:
1. Leave a comment telling why you want this book.
2. Tweet this: @KevinMartineau is giving away a copy of @AndyStanley’s book “The Grace of God” Details: http://su.pr/6ZSXRN #giveaways
3. You get 1 entry for your comment and 1 entry for every tweet that you make.
3. For bonus entries: you can digg, like on Facebook, share on Reddit and/or stumble this post. You get 1 entry for each (let me know in the comments what you have done).
****************
Contest is now closed.
The winner is Jason S. Please e-mail me your address Jason. Congratulations!:)
***** Book has been provided courtesy of Baker publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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1. i want the book because i love to read books about faith and Christianity.
My recent post The Bridge
2. tweeted from LIGHTEDPEN
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I would love this book because 1) I love Andy Stanley's teachings and books, 2) I don't think we can ever be reminded too often of God's grace, and 3) would love to hear about this topic through Andy! Thanks for offering the giveaway!
I would love a chance to win this book because I think we can always stand to learn more about God's grace. Plus I know that Andy Stanley is one of the most respected Christian authors out there. I am retweeting and liking this on Facebook. Thanks!
WOW! What a review; thanks for sharing! GRACE has been on my heart ALOT these days too…I would love to learn & understand more…Expanding my understanding of God's Grace would give me a deeper appreciation as well since the majority of my life I have spent striving…the song by Tenth Avenue North could have been my theme song for some time…
"Why are you striving? Why are you trying to earn grace?"
By Your Side ~ Tenth Avenue North
[youtube J95rAr0gOFU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU&feature=related youtube]
As soon as I heard about Andy's new book, I put it on my wishlist to read!
I would LOVE to win this book because it's been a LONG time since I have heard someone share about a book that they have started reading & then found it hard to set it down.
Even if I don't win, this book is staying on my wishlist until I read it. Sounds like a keeper to me!
Thanks so much for your feedback! Appreciate you sharing your heart!
Hi Kevin, happy to be here today.
I pray whoever gets this book will be opened and aware of God's grace in our daily lives.
Thank you for your service, you are a blessing to us all.
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Thanks for participating!
My recent post Living the life of faith is like walking on a tightrope
Thanks!
My recent post 3 attitudes that steal away our gratitude
Thanks for participating Erin!
My recent post Living the life of faith is like walking on a tightrope
Thanks Kissie! I am glad you stopped by today too!
My recent post Living the life of faith is like walking on a tightrope
Thanks for participating Becky!
My recent post Living the life of faith is like walking on a tightrope
Thanks for sharing that video Karla! It is awesome!
Definitely keep this book on your wish list whether you win it or not. It is definitely worth reading!
My recent post Living the life of faith is like walking on a tightrope
Retweeted again today and shared on Facebook! Thanks
This is a wonderful book and I know it has touched so many people's lives. You should join his facebook page too: http://on.fb.me/cYTDHs
Yes it is indeed Alice!
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