5 Stars Out Of 5
A Fresh Breath of Grace
March 14, 2014
Age: 35-44
Gender: female
Quality:
5
Value:
5
Meets Expectations:
5
Author and Bible teacher Ruthie Delk introduces the Gospel 8 diagram in her book Craving Grace: Experience the Richness of the Gospel. She says that while the concepts are not new, the diagram, birthed out of her own journey, helped take her from a head knowledge of the gospel to a heart knowledge.
Delk says that we must continue to preach the gospel to ourselves, and her Gospel 8 diagram provides an easy platform for remembering and recounting the gospel. In the first chapter of Craving Grace, Delk gives a brief overview of the diagram, and the remainder of the book fleshes out in more detail each section of the diagram. She says that the diagram illustrates the process of becoming more like Christ, and that no matter where we are on the diagram, God's grace always propels us, moving us back into relationship with Him.
My favorite parts of Craving Grace include the sections on identity and truths that transform. In the identity section, Delk gives a wonderful equation, God is ____; therefore, I am ____. She even includes a table with examples of how this works, such as: God is Redeemer; therefore, I am redeemed. The truths contained in that section are some I know I need to rehearse over and over, and the table gives me user-friendly tool for that.
Just as practical is the section on truths that transform in chapter six. Delk shows readers how to discover lies we've believed and then replace them with the truth. She even includes another helpful tool--the Truth Chart--with one completed as an example. She helps readers identify life patterns when they don't believe a truth about God's character and how it would change the way they lived if they did believe that truth.
I found Delk's manner to be engaging, warm, and personable, almost as if we were sitting down to coffee together. The truths she presents are valuable and needed by so many followers of Jesus today. The "Digging Deeper" sections at the end of each chapter provide individuals or small groups a chance to dig into God's Word, discover truth for themselves, and begin applying that truth. The questions are deep, introspective, and meaningful.
Craving Grace is small and easily fits in a purse or small tote bag so you can take it with you on the go. The cover's clean, simple design beckons readers to pick it up. Besides that, the book features the Gospel 8 diagram, charts, and tables for the visual person, and it shows readers how to draw and explain the Gospel 8 diagram.
This is a must-have book for any woman who disciples other women. It's also the perfect read you feel you're in a spiritual rut or you are tired of feeling you have to earn the approval of God and others. You're Craving Grace and you just don't realize it! Pick up a copy of the book for a breath of fresh grace!
Learn more about author Ruthie Delk and find videos and book resources and more at www.cravinggrace.org.
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for this review. However, the opinions expressed in the review are my own.
About the Author
RUTHIE DELK'S passion is to help women embrace the Gospel in such a way that it captures their hearts and not just their minds. She enjoys teaching, watching movies, drinking sweet tea, riding her bike and eating any assortment of cheap chocolate. Ruthie grew up in Europe as a missionary kid and met her husband David while at Furman University, where she graduated with a degree in Special Education. She and David have been married for 24 years and live in Orlando, Florida where he is President of Man in the Mirror. They have three children.
