I've read many books regarding 'Grace', but this one truly touched my heart.
Although I was not sure about the concept of exploring 'Grace' through the "Lineage of Christ", I realized that 'Grace' is for everyone. I had not thought about some of the individuals listed in his genealogy, but it was a collection of the good and the not-so-good and shows how everyone can be used by God. It was through the unlikely ones in the lineage that I understood that God's grace is for all and that all can be used.
I also appreciated the three sections: Receiving, Possessing and Extending God's Grace. I had never really taken into consideration the extension of grace to others. "Grace Made Flesh" was a very powerful chapter that truly opened my heart to Grace. The book is easy to read and very enjoyable as well as being a great teaching tool.
Review by Alicia Farage, Net Galley on September 3, 2013
This is a wonderful book, written so everyone can understand the awesomeness of God. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Review by Beverly Schreiner, Net GAlley on October 6, 2013
Extraordinary Grace: How the Unlikely Lineage of Jesus Reveals God’s Amazing Love by Gary Chapman and Chris Fabry (Moody, 2013) is very different from the previous book, but no less edifying. The book is, according to the authors "a study of God at work among ordinary people." It is an exploration into seven characters in the genealogy of Jesus. It brings OT figures like Abraham and Rahab to life with descriptive prose and imaginative descriptions of their thoughts and emotions. These are characters who "failed, fell or chose badly."
The effect of the grace of God in the lives of these Bible characters, we are told, is not that we will be compelled to please God with a holy life but that we allow the holy life of Jesus to live in and through us. This allows us to become an agent of grace to others.
Chapman and Fabry tell these stories to remind us that it is only by God’s grace that we are forgiven and accepted. Rating 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Mark Farnham, Net Galley, October 14, 2013
I've read many books regarding 'Grace', but this one truly touched my heart.
Although I was not sure about the concept of exploring 'Grace' through the "Lineage of Christ", I realized that 'Grace' is for everyone. I had not thought about some of the individuals listed in his genealogy, but it was a collection of the good and the not-so-good and shows how everyone can be used by God. It was through the unlikely ones in the lineage that I understood that God's grace is for all and that all can be used.
I also appreciated the three sections: Receiving, Possessing and Extending God's Grace. I had never really taken into consideration the extension of grace to others. "Grace Made Flesh" was a very powerful chapter that truly opened my heart to Grace.
The book is easy to read and very enjoyable as well as being a great teaching tool.
Rating 5 of 5
Review by Alicia Farage, Net Galley, October 16, 2013
