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Three Free Sins: A New Perspective on Sin and Grace
“Hilarious, honest, and full of the hard-won wisdom...At its core is this real change only happens when we realize God loves us whether we change or not.” —Susan E. Isaacs, author of Angry Conversations With God
From a popular pastor and radio host— Three Free Sins teaches that the only people who make any progress toward being better are those who know that God will still love them, regardless of how good they are.
This book is about the misguided obsession with the management of sin that cripples too many Christians. It’s about the view that religion is all about sin…about how to hide side sin or how to stop sinning all together.
In the Introduction , the author toys good-naturedly with an agitated caller on his radio program, teasing him in a segment where he offers three free sins. The offer is real. Not that Steve has the power to forgive sins, but he wants to make the point that Jesus has made the offer to cover all of our sins – not just three.
Chapter one, titled “Teaching Frogs to Fly,” is even better. The gist of this chapter is that you can’t teach frogs to fly, just like you can’t teach people not to sin. Steve tells a story about a guy who has a frog, and he’s convinced he can teach the frog how to fly. The man keeps throwing the frog up in the air or up against walls – all to the poor frog’s demise. The message is that even though people can be better, they can never not sin—just like a frog can never learn to fly, no matter how much pressure is put on it.
Steve continues through the book to show readers that while they can never manage sin, they can relax in knowing that they are completely forgiven—not just of three, but of all.
From a popular pastor and radio host— Three Free Sins teaches that the only people who make any progress toward being better are those who know that God will still love them, regardless of how good they are.
This book is about the misguided obsession with the management of sin that cripples too many Christians. It’s about the view that religion is all about sin…about how to hide side sin or how to stop sinning all together.
In the Introduction , the author toys good-naturedly with an agitated caller on his radio program, teasing him in a segment where he offers three free sins. The offer is real. Not that Steve has the power to forgive sins, but he wants to make the point that Jesus has made the offer to cover all of our sins – not just three.
Chapter one, titled “Teaching Frogs to Fly,” is even better. The gist of this chapter is that you can’t teach frogs to fly, just like you can’t teach people not to sin. Steve tells a story about a guy who has a frog, and he’s convinced he can teach the frog how to fly. The man keeps throwing the frog up in the air or up against walls – all to the poor frog’s demise. The message is that even though people can be better, they can never not sin—just like a frog can never learn to fly, no matter how much pressure is put on it.
Steve continues through the book to show readers that while they can never manage sin, they can relax in knowing that they are completely forgiven—not just of three, but of all.
239 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2012
56 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Steve Brown
46 books53 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a "guru," doesn't want to be anyone's mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications.
Steve serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker.
Steve is the author of numerous books including A Scandalous Freedom, What Was I Thinking? and Approaching God. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman.
Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a "guru," doesn't want to be anyone's mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications.
Steve serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker.
Steve is the author of numerous books including A Scandalous Freedom, What Was I Thinking? and Approaching God. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 6, 2012
"When Christians get to the point where they read only Christian books, go only to Christian movies hang out only with other Christians, eat only Christian cookies, and wear only Christian underwear, it's time for a reality check. That's sick, and it is a sickness unto death.
Once we are free from the need to defend, protect and hide, we have the freedom to show up in places where proper Christians don't go for fear of getting dirty. And it is in our showing up that the authenticity of who we are becomes the "flavor" that attracts others to the ice cream maker." (pg 192).
In the latest book by Steve Brown, Three Free Sins, is an exceptional read that for once, frees Christians and non-Christians alike from the stereotype that in order to live once saved, we have to walk a perfect and holy life. Do you really think that's possible? God knows we can't be perfect and nothing we do will pay for the gift of our salvation in Christ, so we need to stop being weighed down by the fact, we will all fall short sometimes. We need this to be about what God thinks, than what the world thinks and start living a life worthy of God.
In this book, Steve admits he crosses into uncomfortable territory is not acting or even sounding like your typical preacher, because after so many years of being like that, he realizes that isn't what people want when they want to know God. They need to know the walk will be difficult and that God doesn't always seem to play fair, especially when things happen to good people and if we are truly honest with ourselves and who we really are deep down inside, then people can be changed.
"If you're a Christian, you probably have, as I have winced at the revelations of the horrible sin of some of our leaders. Every time a Christian leader falls morally, runs a Ponzi scheme on unsuspecting brothers and sisters in Christ, builds a mansion, or buys a Mercedes from the tithe money from Social Security recipients, or creates an empire that begins to crumble, the rest of us want to run away and become Buddhists. Every time the curtain rolls back, and we see the hypocrisy, the greed, and the shallowness of the church, we are embarrassed and are less arrogant bout the church against which Jesus said, " the gates of hell shall not prevail." (Matthew 16:18). It's hard to be triumphant with that much dirty underwear hanging out in public.
Listen up! Don't waste the dirt! Don't hide the sinners! They're ours. Do you think God is doing something in our midst that we've all missed. Everybody who is reading this has secrets, and if those secrets were publicly revealed, you would flee in embarrassment from friends, neighbors and fellow church members. God, for his own reasons, has revealed a few of the dirty secrets of a few of us. But that is only the surface. A mother lode of secrets has already been uncovered; but I fear that, if we don't start getting this thing right, God won't just stop with them." (pg 180).
I received Three Free Sins compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and feel a breath of fresh air has come. What a wonderful insight into the way God planned for us to live and for us to treat others. I applaud Steve Brown for being willing to step over the threshold and cause a few to be a bit uncomfortable, but in the end, there is a freedom waiting for us that can not be explained until you live it! A perfect 5 out of 5 stars!
Once we are free from the need to defend, protect and hide, we have the freedom to show up in places where proper Christians don't go for fear of getting dirty. And it is in our showing up that the authenticity of who we are becomes the "flavor" that attracts others to the ice cream maker." (pg 192).
In the latest book by Steve Brown, Three Free Sins, is an exceptional read that for once, frees Christians and non-Christians alike from the stereotype that in order to live once saved, we have to walk a perfect and holy life. Do you really think that's possible? God knows we can't be perfect and nothing we do will pay for the gift of our salvation in Christ, so we need to stop being weighed down by the fact, we will all fall short sometimes. We need this to be about what God thinks, than what the world thinks and start living a life worthy of God.
In this book, Steve admits he crosses into uncomfortable territory is not acting or even sounding like your typical preacher, because after so many years of being like that, he realizes that isn't what people want when they want to know God. They need to know the walk will be difficult and that God doesn't always seem to play fair, especially when things happen to good people and if we are truly honest with ourselves and who we really are deep down inside, then people can be changed.
"If you're a Christian, you probably have, as I have winced at the revelations of the horrible sin of some of our leaders. Every time a Christian leader falls morally, runs a Ponzi scheme on unsuspecting brothers and sisters in Christ, builds a mansion, or buys a Mercedes from the tithe money from Social Security recipients, or creates an empire that begins to crumble, the rest of us want to run away and become Buddhists. Every time the curtain rolls back, and we see the hypocrisy, the greed, and the shallowness of the church, we are embarrassed and are less arrogant bout the church against which Jesus said, " the gates of hell shall not prevail." (Matthew 16:18). It's hard to be triumphant with that much dirty underwear hanging out in public.
Listen up! Don't waste the dirt! Don't hide the sinners! They're ours. Do you think God is doing something in our midst that we've all missed. Everybody who is reading this has secrets, and if those secrets were publicly revealed, you would flee in embarrassment from friends, neighbors and fellow church members. God, for his own reasons, has revealed a few of the dirty secrets of a few of us. But that is only the surface. A mother lode of secrets has already been uncovered; but I fear that, if we don't start getting this thing right, God won't just stop with them." (pg 180).
I received Three Free Sins compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and feel a breath of fresh air has come. What a wonderful insight into the way God planned for us to live and for us to treat others. I applaud Steve Brown for being willing to step over the threshold and cause a few to be a bit uncomfortable, but in the end, there is a freedom waiting for us that can not be explained until you live it! A perfect 5 out of 5 stars!
November 18, 2013
Dr. Steve Brown has been my mentor for over two years now. I have been greatly blessed through his podcasts "KeyLife Network", "You think about that", and "Steve Brown etc.", and his books "Three free sins", and "Scandalous freedom". I can honestly say that the grace, the truth and the freedom I have come to see and experience during this time have come to me through the ministry of this dear old brother. Jesus Christ is the center and focus of the Holy Bible, and brother Steve keeps it that way! That's what draws me to his message, an authentic Jesus!
February 19, 2013
I was not familiar with Steve Brown, but the tag line, "God's Not Mad at You" is a phrase that has had me in some heated conversations. I picked up the book at B&N and literally read the introductions and the first couple chapters before leaving the bookstore. Not only is it an easy read, it is a fun, true and profound book. I probably don't agree with Steve Brown's theology fully, but I do believe in his approach to ministry and the journey of faith. Often the stories, the analogies, and the real life experiences had me saying "AMEN" and reading parts out loud to my wife while she watched Downton Abbey - and amazingly she listened because Steve's wisdom was right on. As a pastor, I found Steve's work invigorating - finally someone with a sense of humor that says it as it is - and actually means it - and knows how to defend it. I want others to realize they have "three free sins" or four, our five, or one hundred! This is a freeing book and I am going to recommend it to many of my friends.
July 15, 2012
Book Title: "Three Free Sins”
Author: Steve Brown
Published By: Howard Books
Age Recommended: 17+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: A delightfully humorous book by Dr. Steve Brown that shows an interesting insight into religion using both a spiritual and scientific means.
This book was quite interesting and highly entertaining a definite must-read for any that enjoy a light-hearted Christian read.
Author: Steve Brown
Published By: Howard Books
Age Recommended: 17+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: A delightfully humorous book by Dr. Steve Brown that shows an interesting insight into religion using both a spiritual and scientific means.
This book was quite interesting and highly entertaining a definite must-read for any that enjoy a light-hearted Christian read.
July 18, 2013
I've been a Steve Brown fan since before I was a believer, when I ran across his voice roaming the radio dial late at night. It's very easy to hear his voice while reading here about God's great grace. We'll never be good enough. Praise God, Jesus is. And because He is, we should cut each other (and ourselves) a little slack. Enjoy His love and extend it to others.
January 9, 2017
Steve Brown is a breath of fresh air. He reminds you that the Gospel has absolutely nothing to do with you getting better, and everything to do with Jesus' finished work on the cross. Steve leaves no room for self righteousness. If the idea of "three free sins" bothers you, then this book is written for you. Be offended. Get mad. Be angry. But don't put it down.
April 6, 2012
I enjoyed this one. He makes me laugh and hits me with true truth.
Three Free Sins - Steve Brown
April 6, 2012
1. p24 - When people tell me their secrets, my response is often: “So? You thought Jesus didn’t have to die for you? You thought you surprised a God who had perspiration on his upper lip and high hopes for your success?”
2. p33 - It is a short trip between convictions and self-righteousness. And the real problem is that one hardly ever remembers making the trip.
3. p70 - A reporter asked Bill Clinton if he was going to forgive those who had conducted the impeachment trial. There was a very long pause. “Those who need forgiveness, “ he said quietly, “must give it.”
4. p115 - If you make getting better your goal, you’re in for a boatload of disappointment. The constant pressure to “get better and better, every day in every way” is driving people away from the truth of the gospel. It’s not about getting better.
5. p120 - Sometimes I want to tell God that we really do need better heroes than the ones he gave us and that he certainly could have kept some of the family secrets to himself. Maybe God is trying to communicate something to us.
6. p165 - If I hear one more time that we have to be careful with this “grace thing” because people will take advantage of it, I’m going to use some very unclergy-like language. That’s like telling a baby we have to be careful about food or he or she will take advantage of it or refusing to tell an heir about a million-dollar inheritance because he or she will take advantage of it.
7. My nine year old daughter just saw me typing this and commented: “Writing a book report is worse when someone tells you that you have to compared to when you are just doing one for fun.” I thought this was a great explanation of how the Law does not move us to obedience.
8. p192 - Once we are set free from the need to defend, protect, and hide, we have the freedom to show up in places where proper Christians don’t go for fear of getting dirty. And it is in our showing up that the authenticity of who we are becomes the “flavor” that attracts others to the ice cream maker.
9. p194 - The good news of the incarnation is that when we run to Jesus with our pain, our failure, and our need, he always says first, “I know, child, I know.” When we start saying the same thing to them (those who aren’t believers), they may start listening. It’s called evangelism.
10. p227 - If there were a correlation between our obedience and His discipline, we would have been destroyed a long time ago.
Three Free Sins - Steve Brown
April 6, 2012
1. p24 - When people tell me their secrets, my response is often: “So? You thought Jesus didn’t have to die for you? You thought you surprised a God who had perspiration on his upper lip and high hopes for your success?”
2. p33 - It is a short trip between convictions and self-righteousness. And the real problem is that one hardly ever remembers making the trip.
3. p70 - A reporter asked Bill Clinton if he was going to forgive those who had conducted the impeachment trial. There was a very long pause. “Those who need forgiveness, “ he said quietly, “must give it.”
4. p115 - If you make getting better your goal, you’re in for a boatload of disappointment. The constant pressure to “get better and better, every day in every way” is driving people away from the truth of the gospel. It’s not about getting better.
5. p120 - Sometimes I want to tell God that we really do need better heroes than the ones he gave us and that he certainly could have kept some of the family secrets to himself. Maybe God is trying to communicate something to us.
6. p165 - If I hear one more time that we have to be careful with this “grace thing” because people will take advantage of it, I’m going to use some very unclergy-like language. That’s like telling a baby we have to be careful about food or he or she will take advantage of it or refusing to tell an heir about a million-dollar inheritance because he or she will take advantage of it.
7. My nine year old daughter just saw me typing this and commented: “Writing a book report is worse when someone tells you that you have to compared to when you are just doing one for fun.” I thought this was a great explanation of how the Law does not move us to obedience.
8. p192 - Once we are set free from the need to defend, protect, and hide, we have the freedom to show up in places where proper Christians don’t go for fear of getting dirty. And it is in our showing up that the authenticity of who we are becomes the “flavor” that attracts others to the ice cream maker.
9. p194 - The good news of the incarnation is that when we run to Jesus with our pain, our failure, and our need, he always says first, “I know, child, I know.” When we start saying the same thing to them (those who aren’t believers), they may start listening. It’s called evangelism.
10. p227 - If there were a correlation between our obedience and His discipline, we would have been destroyed a long time ago.
June 9, 2015
This week, I read a book that at least a half dozen people asked me about just by seeing the cover. Every one of them questioned the title, which gave me a chance to talk about what a great book it is in spite of the provocative title. So what is the book? Three Free Sins: God’s Not Mad at You by Steve Brown.
Perhaps you, like many of my friends, hear me say that title and you wince, but give me a moment. If you are at all familiar with Steve Brown, he’s been around a long, long time. In fact, he refers to himself as “old as dirt.” He is a conservative, Bible believing seminary professor who has been telling people about Jesus for a very long time with his amazing baritone voice. But in the introduction to the book, he tells his readers that he has tried really hard to live in the “religious box” for a long time, a stiff container of legalism and lovelessness. Although the title catches almost everyone off guard, the message inside is pure gospel.
Too often, you see, Christians use methods of discipleship that don’t work. For example, we inflict guilt or we hold up stories of “Bible heroes” without recognizing their dark sides. We present the Bible as a list of rules to be followed rather than a story of a God pursuing sinners right in the middle of their mess. We confuse law and gospel. What happens is not that we sin less, but that we get better at hiding our junk. And then we get self-righteous.
Brown turns this whole approach to the Christian faith (which is ineffective anyways) upside down. He asks the question “What if the Christian faith isn’t about getting better?” Rather, what if the Christian faith is developing a deeper and deeper recognition that God loves us in spite of our sins—past, present and future. What if being a Christian really is about freedom, recognition of our need for Jesus, and the beauty of forgiveness? On page 87, Brown wrote, “I’ve found that the greatest need among Christian leaders isn’t for more commitment, more ‘religion’, and more ‘making an impact for Jesus’. What they need to be taught is that they are seriously sinful and God loves them anyway.” Bingo!
When we begin to recognize God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, something interesting happens. We begin to live as free people. We live fearlessly. We will get better when we aren’t watching and trying so hard.
Three Free Sins is an amazing book. Don’t let the title scare you off. If you are a Christian, God. Is. Not. Mad. At. You. You are his beloved child. You are free.
Perhaps you, like many of my friends, hear me say that title and you wince, but give me a moment. If you are at all familiar with Steve Brown, he’s been around a long, long time. In fact, he refers to himself as “old as dirt.” He is a conservative, Bible believing seminary professor who has been telling people about Jesus for a very long time with his amazing baritone voice. But in the introduction to the book, he tells his readers that he has tried really hard to live in the “religious box” for a long time, a stiff container of legalism and lovelessness. Although the title catches almost everyone off guard, the message inside is pure gospel.
Too often, you see, Christians use methods of discipleship that don’t work. For example, we inflict guilt or we hold up stories of “Bible heroes” without recognizing their dark sides. We present the Bible as a list of rules to be followed rather than a story of a God pursuing sinners right in the middle of their mess. We confuse law and gospel. What happens is not that we sin less, but that we get better at hiding our junk. And then we get self-righteous.
Brown turns this whole approach to the Christian faith (which is ineffective anyways) upside down. He asks the question “What if the Christian faith isn’t about getting better?” Rather, what if the Christian faith is developing a deeper and deeper recognition that God loves us in spite of our sins—past, present and future. What if being a Christian really is about freedom, recognition of our need for Jesus, and the beauty of forgiveness? On page 87, Brown wrote, “I’ve found that the greatest need among Christian leaders isn’t for more commitment, more ‘religion’, and more ‘making an impact for Jesus’. What they need to be taught is that they are seriously sinful and God loves them anyway.” Bingo!
When we begin to recognize God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, something interesting happens. We begin to live as free people. We live fearlessly. We will get better when we aren’t watching and trying so hard.
Three Free Sins is an amazing book. Don’t let the title scare you off. If you are a Christian, God. Is. Not. Mad. At. You. You are his beloved child. You are free.
April 29, 2015
I did not agree with the author of this book. It wasn't that I disagreed with his main concept: that Christians are already forgiven and are going to heaven no matter what they do so they might as well not worry so much and condemn others so much for sinning. He preaches forgiveness and acceptance and that there is no such thing as a 'perfect' Christian.
But I do disagree with him because it is clear throughout the book that he thinks being homosexual is a sin and I do not. He believes in welcoming and forgiving homosexuals, but to me there should be nothing to forgive. He is a skilled author.
But I do disagree with him because it is clear throughout the book that he thinks being homosexual is a sin and I do not. He believes in welcoming and forgiving homosexuals, but to me there should be nothing to forgive. He is a skilled author.
April 16, 2012
Oh that we had more Steve Brown's. Lighthearted, funny, blunt to the point...a different genre than the young, restless and reformed, yet freeing, truly freeing....not a watch every tittle that you do and then try harder but be free, repent and truly ask for heart change. WE NEED MORE STEVE BROWNS.
April 14, 2012
Loved the book. My experience has been that most "serious" Christians don't understand justification. This book was like drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day. If you have struggled with the fact that your life has been less than sinless, this will help put it into perspective. God realizes that those he saves are not sinless, they are sinners!
September 25, 2012
In this book, Steve Brown proposes the theory that Christians today are focusing far too much on sin, which is getting in the way of worship. If we all just acknowledged that everybody sins (which would free people up from trying to be "perfect"), energy could be diverted to other uses. I'm inclined to agree with him.
December 15, 2012
Love, love Steve Brown's books and daily programs. I can't hear what he has to say enough! I thank God for the ability to let go a little more because of the truths taught by him. I find that I need to continue to hear the same truth over and over again to find peace. Steve's book is one I'll read over and over again!
August 3, 2013
I actually loved this book by Steve Brown. Some may not agree with his theology and call him an antinomianist, but I found this book to be freeing and comforting! I'm a natural legalist and when I fail, boy do I fall hard, but Steve has come alongside me in this book and helped me back up and shown me that Jesus loves the screw up and the type A jerk!
February 2, 2014
This book is like cold water to a parched soul. If you are not a Christian, Steve shares the hope you've been looking for. If you are a Christian, especially one of many years, you need this book to remind you of the kernel of your faith - grace. The flesh, the I-earn-everything-I-get mentality, the legalistic heart, the religious soul, all need smacked upside the head with Steve's truth.
May 25, 2015
Love, love, love this book and highly recommend!!
"No profound relationship can be established with God until you come to him with nothing to offer but your sin. You also know that the relationship with him is not maintained by your obedience and righteousness but by his grace and Christ's righteousness." Pg 217
Steve Brown has a sarcastic whip humor that I just adore. This book is a must read!
"No profound relationship can be established with God until you come to him with nothing to offer but your sin. You also know that the relationship with him is not maintained by your obedience and righteousness but by his grace and Christ's righteousness." Pg 217
Steve Brown has a sarcastic whip humor that I just adore. This book is a must read!
January 9, 2016
Written in Steve Brown's typical acerbic tone, Three Free Sins hits me right where I live. It is always refreshing to read material written by a man who passionately loves Jesus and is transparent about his own weaknesses and failures. Grace reaches to the darkest recesses of our hearts and reminds us that God not only loves us, He likes us as well.
March 3, 2012
What an incredible look at the Gospel. If you look at a lot of what is out there regarding Christianity and "how to behave" this is a refreshing take. Yes, we sin, but it's good to be reminded that Christ covered all our sins, not just the ones we made before we accepted salvation.
April 21, 2016
Christian or not.
Religious or not.
Open minded or close minded. You should read this book.
Three free sins, receive them or leave them.
Religious or not.
Open minded or close minded. You should read this book.
Three free sins, receive them or leave them.
August 2, 2020
Maybe I'm just sort of numb at this point, but I didn't find the title (or the concept) to be nearly as heretical as some of the people described therein. It's a great point with a intriguing title: our sins are free, not in the sense that we can sin as much as we want, because Jesus paid for them and we, therefore, don't have to. Nor can we, which is also part of the main idea.
I thought Brown's writing style was funny and enjoyed all the parentheticals. He does come across as harsh, maybe even cynical at times, but I like that. I personally feel like I always have to cover my bases in everything I say and write, so it's refreshing to read someone who doesn't feel that way. I also like that while I'm not a conservative and Brown mentions many times that he is, there weren't really any political slants in this book. Just the Gospel.
Some of the structure felt a bit messy and the main idea somewhat delayed, but I really enjoyed it overall.
I thought Brown's writing style was funny and enjoyed all the parentheticals. He does come across as harsh, maybe even cynical at times, but I like that. I personally feel like I always have to cover my bases in everything I say and write, so it's refreshing to read someone who doesn't feel that way. I also like that while I'm not a conservative and Brown mentions many times that he is, there weren't really any political slants in this book. Just the Gospel.
Some of the structure felt a bit messy and the main idea somewhat delayed, but I really enjoyed it overall.
September 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Steve is honest, clear, and hilarious as he elucidates the significance of grace. I can see how Steve has made a lot of people mad. Especially, those who want to perfectly dot their theological "I's" and cross their theological "t's." Steve doesn't say anything unorthodox in this book. He just states basic truth in a way to rile people up in order for them to reflect afresh on the simple truths of the gospel.
September 30, 2017
Am amazing statement of the power and extent - unlimited - of God's grace. And a reminder that we are not asked to get it right and be good or good enough. We are called to draw near to God and He does the rest. We wil not make Him better or worse with how much we attempt to control our image - His impression is bigger than the damage or assistance we think we provide!!
February 17, 2019
I read this book because I had to read something in the 230s and then because I *didn't* want to and wouldn't let myself quit just because I wanted to throw it across the room. This book handily encapsulates nearly all the reasons I no longer want anything to do with religion (with one important exception).
June 19, 2017
Gives me things to think about. Reminds me a bit of Barbara Duguid's book, Extravagant Grace. Between the points in these books and the process of sanctification there must be some ground where they come together. Maybe I'll go back to Jerry Bridges and reread The Discipline of Grace.
April 22, 2022
Emphasized being transparent and that makes ministry more effective. three sins focuses on the constant need for repentance and freedom from depending on God. Basing your worth on obedience causes a self righteous attitude which interferes with intimacy with God.
February 1, 2023
I thought the book was excellent. I think the author hits the nail on the head about the hypocrisy of a lot of Christians. Whether you claim to be a Christian or someone who agrees with Christ but not the church doings, then I highly recommend.
July 23, 2018
This is one of those very few books that I want — AND NEED — to read regularly.
August 2, 2022
Everything Steve Brown says and writes is worth listening to and reading.
August 28, 2023
Great, gospel-centered read!
September 18, 2023
Classic Steve brown. Masterful story telling pushing us toward Jesus…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews