The Genius of One: God's Answer for our Fractured World - eBook

Jesus prayed for his disciples and followers (for us). What did he pray? He prayed that they would be one. He prayed for unity. (John 17) We are called to be ministers of reconciliation, not destroyers of oneness or unity. (p. 24) "Interdependence is very clearly Paul's main point with this talking anatomy lesson [in 1 Corinthians 12]. But implicit in it is the need for every part to actually do what it is supposed to do, whether it be a prominent and highly visible part or not." (p. 98)

"What if there were some aspects of the incarnation--God being in the world in a physical, flesh-and-blood way that applied to us? (p. 138)

"The Church is his body, it is the physical form of his presence on earth. Touch the church and you touch the body of Christ, which means you touch Christ. That also means that when the body of Christ touches the world, so too does Jesus. It is one of the ways he comforts people in troubles."(p. 139)

2 Corinthians 1 - He is the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

"One of the ways God comforts his people in their troubles is a flesh-and-blood presence. (p. 140) The genius of God is this: we are to share what we've gone through with one another. This is how we embody the very presence of the god of all comfort. We are again in the mystery. But god will use the pain that left a scar on ones heart to now strengthen another. Hope flows ever so slowly from one to the other. And yet God points comfort in both directions. Now the one with older, partially heard wounds find meaning in what happened all those years ago. Not a reason - but now something redemptive is finally happening." (p. 146)

"In a world splattered with hate, the body of Christ must now move - dripping with grace and veined with love." ( p. 190)

Philippians 1:27 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

We need this book at this time in America. We Christians in all of our churches need to be united and do ministry in oneness. It is not a competition between Christians or churches. We are all on the same team. Backed by scripture for spiritual oneness, Greg gives many examples and possibilities of what this may look like. He encourages us to find creative ways to work in unity toward the common goal.

I was tempted to skip the last chapter of this book, but having pressed on I must now appeal to you DO NOT SKIP THE LAST CHAPTER! Such great content and real life examples!

Each chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion so I recommend you read this with at least one other person to discuss and share and collaborate.

A copy of this book was provided for review.

This non-fiction book about church harmony and unity is excellent! I needed to read it just at the point I received it, and the message came through in an easily read writing voice. You want to listen to Holder's points because he's genuine and fun and passionate about his topic.

I do feel this is a topic every church attendee ever should read and consider. We all need to be reminded, encouraged and challenged to work together, and to love each other.

The Genius of One, written by author and Pastor Greg Holder, is a book that looks at the biblical design of community, while offering leadership and guidance on how this community can be a reality for each of us.

I had never heard of Greg Holder before reading this book, but immediately enjoyed his writing style. He teaches clearly using interesting illustrations that connect with the reader, he's personal and humorous, and the book flows well and makes sense.

The book is balanced. He doesn't suggest community is following strict guidelines or that it has to look a specific way. He realizes we are all gifted and wired uniquely, and that we each have an essential part to play. Everybody that reads this book will come away with applications unique and personal to them.

I would recommend this book to anybody that wants to see greater unity and intimacy in the church, among Christians, and in the world as a whole.

It's a great book that really does apply to everybody.

*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. The review was my honest opinion. No compensation was received.*

No spoilers here... but The Genius of One might just become my most recommended book of 2017.

To anyone that looks around it's no surprise that our world is imperfect and broken. So what are we supposed to do? What are Christians supposed to do? Greg Holder takes the reader on a wild ride (including shark diving and a scary train station in India) that connects to deep biblical truths. In The Genius of One you'll hear about a different way of living. A way that heals, protects, unites, and restores communities and relationships. I can't imagine a more timely book that this.

Brutally practical. Emotionally stirring. Unforgettable.

This is a book I will need to read again and again.