Book Review: The Grace of God by Andy Stanley

Book Description: (from the publisher)

Learn how God's grace can and will transform you.
None of us deserve what God offers, a life free from sin and hope for a glorious future, but unbelievably it's ours for the taking. Why? Because of God's grace. The unmerited favor, the lavish love and kindness he pours out on us, and has, since Creation.
But if it's so available then why do we live a grace-less life? Why are our churches filled with disillusioned Christians, weary of religion's demands, struggling with personal defeat because of issues or behaviors?
Join pastor Andy Stanley as he traces grace through the Old and New Testament, observing God's grace at work in the lives of some of the best, and worst, characters. He also uses personal stories from his own life to reveal how grace is not a natural response but is the most essential one. Together these stories unravel the mystery of grace and tell of its transforming power to set us free.

MY REVIEW:
In just 13 chapters, Andy Stanley gives a tour of the bible through the lens of grace.  Beginning in the book of Genesis, he shows that grace has been the basis of our relationship with God from the very beginning of creation.  He continues through the old testament and then the new testament retelling the stories that have become so familiar to us.  But instead of a familiar rendition, we get a fresh telling from the viewpoint of unmerited grace.

This book will go on my shelf as one of my all time favorites.  I loved Andy Stanley's writing style. One of my favorite chapters was the first one where he explained the grace involved in creation.  I had never thought of it that way before so it was a new revelation to me.  Grace is a tough subject to tackle.  So many believers have become unbalanced in their view of grace.  I believe Andy Stanley handled a difficult topic while remaining scripturally sound and balanced.  I would recommend this book to any believer wanting to be encouraged.  For a seeker, this would be an awesome introduction to the God of grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”