Bonhoeffer; true faith without fear

When I had agreed to review this book I knew nothing about Bonhoeffer.  Focus on the Family did a two day review of this book in a three part series back in the first of May.  http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio.aspx?ID={CED508E8-C5AA-45A7-B14D-E64EC6BC4AC2}

This is a story that needs to be told much more often.  This book tells the tale of an externally brave man who stood up for what he knew was right, against the greatest of odds.  Bonhoeffer stood up for the Jews against the most horrendous evil that the world has ever known.  Through personal letters and detailed accounts the story of Bonhoeffer is told to remind us what power can come from following Christ against anything Satan can conjure up. 

The story of Bonhoeffer reminds me of anther great Christian; Richard Wurmbrand.  Both stories will forever change your faith and stretch our view of the power of faith.  You will find yourself wondering if you have what it would take to do the same thing and take on the same odds as these men.  It will make you realize just how small the obstacles American Christians endure daily.  It will make you bolder in your proclamation of the Lord through your live to others.  I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to stretch their world view and embolden their faith.

I received this book free through Booksneeze.com however my opinions are my own.

With - missing the purpose

This book is like many other coming out now, focus on what the author believes in the newest and more innovative “angle” on religion that they can find.  This is leading Christianity bookstores down the path of carrying any book that mentions God, without actually being Christian.  Always be fearful of anyone claiming to have a new approach or new understanding of Christianity, Christ, or the Bible.  Skye Jethani is one of these people.

With, reminds me of the Seaker-Preacher I had a while back, and also a church I left.  He and this author both talked passionately about God the life partner; the pastor loved the word paracletus.  While this concept is certainly Biblical it isn’t the foundation principle of Christianity.  Faith is where salvation is found and faith should be the focus of our love, admiration, and praise.  Not simply forming a friendship.  Jesus wasn’t interested in peace, love and harmony.  He was interested in salvation of lost souls.  This author is more worried about love, and accepting people that he forgot the important call of believers.

Luke 9;  The Cost of Following Jesus

 ⁵⁷ As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

 ⁵⁸ Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

 ⁵⁹ He said to another man, “Follow me.”

   But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

 ⁶⁰ Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

I am saved by faith, not by works.  “With” chooses to focus on works.  Your works are pathetic and will burn up upon the believer’s judgment seat.

This book completely misses the entire point of the salvation sacrifice and simply what the blood of Christ is, means, and does.

This book was provided to me free of charge by BookSneeze in exchange for my review.  The opinions expressed are my own.