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Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine
Grace.
We talk as
though we understand the term. The bank gives us a grace period. The seedy politician falls from grace. Musicians speak of a grace
note. We describe an actress as gracious,
a dancer as graceful. We use the word
for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and premeal prayers. We talk as though we
know what grace means.
But do we
really understand it? Have we settled for wimpy grace? It politely occupies a
phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands
a response. When asked, “Do you believe in grace?” who could say no?
Max Lucado
asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace?
Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the
nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace?
God’s grace
has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A white-water, riptide,
turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From
insecure to God secure. From regret riddled to better-because-of-it. From
afraid to die to ready to fly.
Grace is
the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.
Let’s make
certain grace gets you.
Endorsements for GRACE:
“God’s grace—His unconditionally loving, unmerited favor—is
sometimes difficult for people to grasp, even though each one of us is in
desperate need of it. But in Max Lucado’s new book, GRACE, it is completely embraceable and understandable. Through
Lucado’s characteristic narrative style and profound biblical understanding, we
learn that God’s grace is truly much more than we deserve and greater than we
imagine. “ --Dr. Charles F. Stanley
“Max Lucado has blended his creative writing style with
honesty about how he has experienced God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness in his
own times of failure and despair. You
will find comfort as Max shines the light of the Word of God revealing that
Jesus Christ is truly the only hope that brings everlasting peace.” --Franklin Graham,
President and CEO, Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
“Reading Max Lucado on grace is like hearing Warren Buffett
on money or Julia Child on food—it’s a subject he spent a lifetime falling in
love with.” --John Ortberg, pastor and author, Menlo Park Presbyterian
Church
“Few writers are better than Max Lucado, no subject is
better than God’s grace." --Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven and If God is Good
"Max gives us encouragement, hope and a needed reminder
that the grace we all possess as followers of Jesus should empower us to move
mountains, vs simply settling for pushing wimpy molehills." --Brad Lomenick, President and Executive Director, Catalyst
“Max offers up a biblical vision of God’s grace that comes
drenched in sweat and with a set of six-pack abs; a life-defining newness and
relationship-refining
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
1309 people are currently reading
4954 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,425 followersWith more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
September 17, 2012
Lucado is, quite simply, the great Christian inspirational writer of our generation. I'm a pastor, and Lucado is my go to author when someone is discouraged, in trouble, or just beginning their walk of faith, simply because he always makes me fall more in love with Jesus.
"Grace" is well-written, theologically impeccable, and a quick read. My two star rating comes down to the fact that... Well, it was easy to pick up and put down and overall a very nice book. Of all the topics in Christendom, when I find that I've settled into a nice cozy feeling about grace, I generally find later that I've been missing it altogether. Grace is dirty and sweaty and raw. It bleeds and it cries, and it shouts with anguish and joy and exasperation over being found out and embraced by the finder because when I fully understand grace I fully understand both depravity and holiness, and I'm unable to escape either.
Lucado's stories are poignant, and expertly told. The basis of my critique isn't that he's less lofty or academic than Bonhoeffer, it's simply that this book felt more like it was conceived in his study than birthed in the crucible. Please don't misunderstand, I cannot overstate my esteem for his ministry and body of work. I've seen first hand the fruit of his pastoral ministry (I pastor in San Antonio, where Mr. Lucado's church is located) and I am humbly grateful for his significant contribution to the Kingdom. My sense is, if anything, he's too familiar a voice, too comfortable, too known. He speaks in this book with the voice of a beloved pastor, which he is, rather than the timbre of a prophet.
If you are a new traveller in the Christian faith, this book may be the perfect place to begin your probing. It is solid and reliable, comfortable and true, just as the man who wrote it. Perhaps I'll return to this book again at another time and read it differently. In the end, at this time, I give this book two stars out of five for it's gentle treatment of a topic that's most fully embodied by an innocent man on a cross.
"Grace" is well-written, theologically impeccable, and a quick read. My two star rating comes down to the fact that... Well, it was easy to pick up and put down and overall a very nice book. Of all the topics in Christendom, when I find that I've settled into a nice cozy feeling about grace, I generally find later that I've been missing it altogether. Grace is dirty and sweaty and raw. It bleeds and it cries, and it shouts with anguish and joy and exasperation over being found out and embraced by the finder because when I fully understand grace I fully understand both depravity and holiness, and I'm unable to escape either.
Lucado's stories are poignant, and expertly told. The basis of my critique isn't that he's less lofty or academic than Bonhoeffer, it's simply that this book felt more like it was conceived in his study than birthed in the crucible. Please don't misunderstand, I cannot overstate my esteem for his ministry and body of work. I've seen first hand the fruit of his pastoral ministry (I pastor in San Antonio, where Mr. Lucado's church is located) and I am humbly grateful for his significant contribution to the Kingdom. My sense is, if anything, he's too familiar a voice, too comfortable, too known. He speaks in this book with the voice of a beloved pastor, which he is, rather than the timbre of a prophet.
If you are a new traveller in the Christian faith, this book may be the perfect place to begin your probing. It is solid and reliable, comfortable and true, just as the man who wrote it. Perhaps I'll return to this book again at another time and read it differently. In the end, at this time, I give this book two stars out of five for it's gentle treatment of a topic that's most fully embodied by an innocent man on a cross.
July 8, 2018
Max Lucado does it again! A wonderful message that discusses what grace truly is...and how to live it out.
July 5, 2019
This book completes the series of Max Lucado books I've read over the previous few weeks. It was a masterful touch to finish with as I now move on to another author. It didn't quite live up to the previous two Lucado books I finished reading, but enough so to not ruin the rhythm of the content and message. Grace is magical and mysterious at the same time; however, the author makes the subject very clear and backs it up scripturally. I am glad to have God's grace in my life, and this book will help you appreciate it more.
August 9, 2020
Sermons loosely based on the topic of grace, which is loosely defined, so they could be about most anything. As sermons, I enjoyed the writing. As for discussions of grace, there are plenty of stories. Thing is, everything I read I expected to read. I didn't find anything standing out, or controversial, or even providing much in the way of definition. Truly a "comfort food" type of book, fine if you are looking for comfort in familiarity, but lacking if looking for the novel. For the first book by Lucado that I've read, I was hoping more for the latter. Now I know - expectations reset.
September 15, 2020
Such a great book that emphasizes the importance of the unconditional love and grace that is found in Christ. Full of the reminders that salvation’s work was fully completed at the cross.
August 30, 2012
Go over to Amazon.com and search the author Max Lucado and you’ll quickly discover page after page of books and resources written by Max Lucado. In the Christian book industry, he’s been a common name on a pretty regular basis when it comes to new releases. Well in keeping with that wealth of materials, he has just released his newest book entitled simply “Grace”. I set out to get it because it ties in well with the series I’m currently preaching through. So as I contemplated Paul’s proclamation that God’s grace was sufficient for him through his trials, I wanted to see how Max would approach this topic.
I expected smooth lines, well-crafted stories, and a poetic flow. I expected bite-sized chapters and devotional thoughts. But I didn’t expect to be emotionally stirred by it! I guess you could say that I arrived with an academic mindset and yet this one cuts to the heart!
In chapter after chapter, you are going to forget what those plans were that had been at the top of your day’s list. Instead, you’ll probably finding yourself saying, “Just one more chapter”. That’s what I did…and I just finished the book! If we are supposed to be captivated by this idea of grace, Lucado has done a great job in conveying that to his audience.
Reading through the book, as you make it to chapter 8, you will be cheering alongside Max Lucado as he defines grace triumphantly in these words, “Grace is simply another word for God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave” (p. 99).
As you begin chapter 9, you’ll probably find yourself holding back your emotions as I did (I won’t spoil the story) as Max once again craftily weaves a story of the grace of God through, of all things, a wedding dress. I'm sure it was dust in my eyes anyway, right?
In chapter 10, you’ll find hope in the fact that God’s grace extends to you an adoption invitation! You’ll take a step further in understanding grace as you grasp this idea that God chose us even though He knew our entire story! He didn’t buy the lemon car with all of the surprises down the road. No, he offers us salvation even while we are still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Lucado warms our hearts as he reminds us that we are adopted.
Well I won’t walk through the whole book for you. That kind of steals the fun out of reading it. Instead, let me encourage to go and get this one. Wait around a while and it’ll probably be half-price soon. Most of these new releases quickly become the promotional book to get you in the store. Still, if you decide to go ahead and pay the retail price…I think you will still be convinced that this one was worth it. This one is going to lift your heart and your smile!
I expected smooth lines, well-crafted stories, and a poetic flow. I expected bite-sized chapters and devotional thoughts. But I didn’t expect to be emotionally stirred by it! I guess you could say that I arrived with an academic mindset and yet this one cuts to the heart!
In chapter after chapter, you are going to forget what those plans were that had been at the top of your day’s list. Instead, you’ll probably finding yourself saying, “Just one more chapter”. That’s what I did…and I just finished the book! If we are supposed to be captivated by this idea of grace, Lucado has done a great job in conveying that to his audience.
Reading through the book, as you make it to chapter 8, you will be cheering alongside Max Lucado as he defines grace triumphantly in these words, “Grace is simply another word for God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave” (p. 99).
As you begin chapter 9, you’ll probably find yourself holding back your emotions as I did (I won’t spoil the story) as Max once again craftily weaves a story of the grace of God through, of all things, a wedding dress. I'm sure it was dust in my eyes anyway, right?
In chapter 10, you’ll find hope in the fact that God’s grace extends to you an adoption invitation! You’ll take a step further in understanding grace as you grasp this idea that God chose us even though He knew our entire story! He didn’t buy the lemon car with all of the surprises down the road. No, he offers us salvation even while we are still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Lucado warms our hearts as he reminds us that we are adopted.
Well I won’t walk through the whole book for you. That kind of steals the fun out of reading it. Instead, let me encourage to go and get this one. Wait around a while and it’ll probably be half-price soon. Most of these new releases quickly become the promotional book to get you in the store. Still, if you decide to go ahead and pay the retail price…I think you will still be convinced that this one was worth it. This one is going to lift your heart and your smile!
May 18, 2023
This book resolved so many questions and doubts I’ve tended to have when thinking about grace. Have I received grace? Does God have enough grace for me? Each chapter tackled another fear with truth, leaving me more and more confident in God’s grace and mercy over my life. Max Lucado uses multiple scripture references on each page which I appreciate. I know that his beliefs are aligned with God’s word. I will reread this book again and again until it sticks. You should too!
“To live as God’s child is to know, at this very instant, that you are loved by your Maker not because you try to please him and succeed, or fail to please him and apologize, but because he wants to be your father. Nothing more. All your efforts to win his affection are unnecessary. All your fears of losing his affection are needless. You can no more make him want you than you can convince him to abandon you. The adoption is irreversible. You have a place at his table.” -Max Lucado, page 124-125
“To live as God’s child is to know, at this very instant, that you are loved by your Maker not because you try to please him and succeed, or fail to please him and apologize, but because he wants to be your father. Nothing more. All your efforts to win his affection are unnecessary. All your fears of losing his affection are needless. You can no more make him want you than you can convince him to abandon you. The adoption is irreversible. You have a place at his table.” -Max Lucado, page 124-125
March 19, 2022
A very good introduction to The Holy Spirit.
September 19, 2012
Here are some questions concerning grace:
Do we really understand it?
Have we settled for wimpy grace?
Do you believe in grace?
Have you been changed by grace?
Are you softened by grace?
Has grace snatched you by your neck and shaken you to your senses?
Max Lucado makes his case answering these and many other questions assisting the reader in understanding grace. Each chapter of the book begins with an illustration from the Bible and follows with a real-life illustration from Lucado's experience.
This book didn't wow me. It didn't open any new revelation for me on the subject of grace. But then maybe that is the point of this book. Is the grace I have personally experienced wimpy? Have I been changed by grace? Am I softer in action and reaction because of grace? Have I been awakened by grace? The more I study about grace the more I am convinced that only I can answer these questions for myself.
It's my conclusion that understanding grace comes with having knowledge of who and what God is. The more we know of God the more we will understand his grace. The more we understand grace, the more we will love God for who and what he is.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com review program. I'm not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Do we really understand it?
Have we settled for wimpy grace?
Do you believe in grace?
Have you been changed by grace?
Are you softened by grace?
Has grace snatched you by your neck and shaken you to your senses?
Max Lucado makes his case answering these and many other questions assisting the reader in understanding grace. Each chapter of the book begins with an illustration from the Bible and follows with a real-life illustration from Lucado's experience.
This book didn't wow me. It didn't open any new revelation for me on the subject of grace. But then maybe that is the point of this book. Is the grace I have personally experienced wimpy? Have I been changed by grace? Am I softer in action and reaction because of grace? Have I been awakened by grace? The more I study about grace the more I am convinced that only I can answer these questions for myself.
It's my conclusion that understanding grace comes with having knowledge of who and what God is. The more we know of God the more we will understand his grace. The more we understand grace, the more we will love God for who and what he is.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com review program. I'm not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
July 14, 2015
Good refresher on truths and some good quotable lines to chew on. Good for seekers and for those of us who grew up in a traditional rule-oriented faith.
July 1, 2019
I liked this book a lot. It was one of my picks for our adult book club at the Library. I wanted something non-fiction and something spiritual. I have read others of Max Lucado's writings but not this one. I had to choose something that the library had enough copies of for all our members.
"Here's my hunch: we've settled for wimpy grace. It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, 'Do you believe in grace?' who could say no?
This book asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God's grace has a drenching about it. A wilderness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-your-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret-riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid-to-die to ready-to-fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." (pg 8)
My favorite, but hardest, chapter was chapter 5 - Wet Feet. About Jesus washing the disciples feet.
"And Judas. the lying, conniving, greedy rat who sold Jesus down the river for a pocket of cash. Jesus won't wash his feet, will he? Sure hope not. If he washes the feet of his Judas, you will have to wash the feet of yours. Your betrayer. Your turkey-throwing misfit and miscreant. That ne'er-do-well, that good-for-nothing villain. Jesus' Judas walked away with thirty pieces of silver. Your Judas walked away with your virginity, security, spouse, job, childhood, retirement, investments.
You expect me to wash his feet and let him go?
Most people don't want to. they use the villain's photo as a dart target. Their Vesuvius blows up every now and again, sending hate airborne, polluting and stinking the world. Most people keep a pot of anger on low boil.
But you aren't "most people." Grace happened to you. Look at your feet. They are wet, grace soaked. Your toes and arches and heels have felt the cool basin of God's grace. Jesus has washed the grimiest parts of your life. He didn't bypass you and carry the basin toward someone else. If grace were a wheat field, he's bequeathed you the state of Kansas. Can't you share your grace with others?
'Since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you and example to follow. Do as I have done to you.' (John 13:14-15 NLT)
To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it." (pg 59)
I cried through this chapter. I have deep hurts. Christ knows all about them. I have talked to him about them many times. I have, over and over, forgiven those that hurt my family and I. But, I am only human. I am not perfect as Christ was. I must forgive them again when Satan, or just my own memories, bring things back to my mind. Most of the people that I forgive have never sought my forgiveness. They don't think they did anything wrong. But, for my own good I continue to forgive them.
In the back of the book there is a Reader's Guide, a study guide. Unfortunately I did not notice it until I was almost done with the book. But I am keeping the book and finishing the study guide. I want to. I feel it would be a great benefit to me.
"Here's my hunch: we've settled for wimpy grace. It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. When asked, 'Do you believe in grace?' who could say no?
This book asks a deeper question: Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened by grace? Emboldened by grace? Softened by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? God's grace has a drenching about it. A wilderness about it. A white-water, riptide, turn-your-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you. It rewires you. From insecure to God secure. From regret-riddled to better-because-of-it. From afraid-to-die to ready-to-fly. Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." (pg 8)
My favorite, but hardest, chapter was chapter 5 - Wet Feet. About Jesus washing the disciples feet.
"And Judas. the lying, conniving, greedy rat who sold Jesus down the river for a pocket of cash. Jesus won't wash his feet, will he? Sure hope not. If he washes the feet of his Judas, you will have to wash the feet of yours. Your betrayer. Your turkey-throwing misfit and miscreant. That ne'er-do-well, that good-for-nothing villain. Jesus' Judas walked away with thirty pieces of silver. Your Judas walked away with your virginity, security, spouse, job, childhood, retirement, investments.
You expect me to wash his feet and let him go?
Most people don't want to. they use the villain's photo as a dart target. Their Vesuvius blows up every now and again, sending hate airborne, polluting and stinking the world. Most people keep a pot of anger on low boil.
But you aren't "most people." Grace happened to you. Look at your feet. They are wet, grace soaked. Your toes and arches and heels have felt the cool basin of God's grace. Jesus has washed the grimiest parts of your life. He didn't bypass you and carry the basin toward someone else. If grace were a wheat field, he's bequeathed you the state of Kansas. Can't you share your grace with others?
'Since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you and example to follow. Do as I have done to you.' (John 13:14-15 NLT)
To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it." (pg 59)
I cried through this chapter. I have deep hurts. Christ knows all about them. I have talked to him about them many times. I have, over and over, forgiven those that hurt my family and I. But, I am only human. I am not perfect as Christ was. I must forgive them again when Satan, or just my own memories, bring things back to my mind. Most of the people that I forgive have never sought my forgiveness. They don't think they did anything wrong. But, for my own good I continue to forgive them.
In the back of the book there is a Reader's Guide, a study guide. Unfortunately I did not notice it until I was almost done with the book. But I am keeping the book and finishing the study guide. I want to. I feel it would be a great benefit to me.
June 18, 2023
This is a terrific book! Lucado has a warm, engaging writing style with clever lines, but even more so is the heart-warming and affirming truth He writes. A number of times as I read, I would begin sobbing because what he was saying resonated so deeply with my needs and my heart. God is certainly using him to uplift believers. One of the paragraphs that I needed to hear, says, "To live as God's child is to know, at this very instant, that you are loved by your Maker not because you try to please him and succeed, or fail to please him and apologize, but because he wants to be your Father. Nothing more. All your efforts to win his affection are unnecessary. All your fears of losing his affection are needless. You can no more make him want you than you can convince him to abandon you. The adoption is irreversible. You have a place at his table." Thank you, Max Lucado, for being used by God to share His message with His children.
August 21, 2022
"For all the talk about being good, still no one can answer the fundamental question: What level of good is good enough? 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).' Salvation of the soul is unearned. A gift. We contribute nothing. Our merits merit nothing. God’s work merits everything."
"To live as God’s child is to know, at this very instant, that you are loved by your Maker not because you try to please him and succeed, or fail to please him and apologize, but because he wants to be your Father. Nothing more. All your efforts to win his affection are unnecessary. All your fears of losing his affection are needless. You can no more make him want you than you can convince him to abandon you. The adoption is irreversible. You have a place at his table."
Jesus, you are the sweetest, best thing in my life🥺
"To live as God’s child is to know, at this very instant, that you are loved by your Maker not because you try to please him and succeed, or fail to please him and apologize, but because he wants to be your Father. Nothing more. All your efforts to win his affection are unnecessary. All your fears of losing his affection are needless. You can no more make him want you than you can convince him to abandon you. The adoption is irreversible. You have a place at his table."
Jesus, you are the sweetest, best thing in my life🥺
January 4, 2019
Grace is an inexhaustible subject. Lucado handles it easily and wisely.
"Pride wants to lead, not to follow."
"Grace fosters obedience."
Richard Rohr: "If you don't transform your pain, you will transmit it."
"Pride wants to lead, not to follow."
"Grace fosters obedience."
Richard Rohr: "If you don't transform your pain, you will transmit it."
March 27, 2019
a pretty easy read (not in terms of absorbing content) but in terms of how the author explains and expands concepts (different perspectives of grace) using simple words and narratives. he paints a picture to allow the reader to better empathize with certain people, circumstances or verses. the entire book is about how God's grace should shape us in some way and how if it doesn't draw us to do something, change something etc we probably only understand His grace on a very surfaced level. the book delves deep into what living knowing God's grace should look like - and asks questions that help us identify the parts in our lives that have yet to be surrendered to God and why. (also ends of with a devotional)
October 9, 2024
Max Lucado delves into the grace that God gives us using both biblical references as well as examples from life. It is difficult to wrap my mind around a god so forgiving, so anxious for my happiness and well-being, but Mr. Lucado helps move me in the right direction!
February 19, 2018
A good and gracious reminder.
September 1, 2019
One of the best devotionals I’ve ever read. As someone who needs to constantly be reminded of God’s grace for me, and what His grace actually MEANS for me, this was beautiful and enduring. Terrific read!
March 21, 2020
100000000000000000!!!!
March 22, 2021
Love this book. Will probably read it again!!
January 5, 2025
Grace: so much more than we deserve. This book will warm your heart.
February 10, 2020
Easy-to-read summary of what grace looks like. Lots of narrative examples. Enjoyable stories, tidily packaged.
June 22, 2013
When it comes to books about the Christian faith, I find that I look for titles from authors like Donald Miller or Anne Lamott over Max Lucado or Lee Strobel. BUT, I’ve been mulling the concept of “grace” over in my mind a lot this past year and my mother-in-law let me borrow this title as a great way to help me explore the concept. Max’s writing may be a bit fluffy or simplistic for some folks, but I found this to be a quick read and one that reenforced a lot of what I love best about my relationship with God and His Son.
Passages I Want to Remember: “To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it.” // “Saving grace saves us from our sins. Sustaining grace meets us at our point of need and equips us with courage, wisdom, and strength. It surprises us in the middle of our personal transatlantic flights with ample resources of faith. Sustaining grace promises not the absence of struggle but the presence of God.” // “Grace is the gift of feeling sure that our future, even our dying, is going to turn out more splendidly than we dare imagine.” —Lewis Smedes // “If you ever catch yourself thinking, ‘I can do whatever I want because God will forgive me,’ then grace is not happening to you … Grace creates a resolve to do good, not permission to do bad.”
Would I Recommend? Depends on the audience. For those who, like me, are interested in learning more about the concept of grace and are open-minded to Christianity, I would. For those new to this religion or more skeptical about religion in general, this could be one of those books you start but never finish.
Passages I Want to Remember: “To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it.” // “Saving grace saves us from our sins. Sustaining grace meets us at our point of need and equips us with courage, wisdom, and strength. It surprises us in the middle of our personal transatlantic flights with ample resources of faith. Sustaining grace promises not the absence of struggle but the presence of God.” // “Grace is the gift of feeling sure that our future, even our dying, is going to turn out more splendidly than we dare imagine.” —Lewis Smedes // “If you ever catch yourself thinking, ‘I can do whatever I want because God will forgive me,’ then grace is not happening to you … Grace creates a resolve to do good, not permission to do bad.”
Would I Recommend? Depends on the audience. For those who, like me, are interested in learning more about the concept of grace and are open-minded to Christianity, I would. For those new to this religion or more skeptical about religion in general, this could be one of those books you start but never finish.
December 13, 2012
It has been to long since I have read a book by Max Lucado. I had forgotten how much I loved his simple expression of faith and our life in Christ. I don’t think I am ever going to let a year go by where I don’t read one of his books again.
Grace was a wonderful reminder of one of the most amazing things God gave us, yet we so often forget. Since I was raised in a Christian home, it is easy for me to forget how truly amazing God’s lavish grace is. With stories and poignant words, Max Lucado reminded me of God’s grace not only to me but the grace I should give to others.
One of the things that I love about Lucado’s books is that, even though they are deep, they are easy to read. He doesn’t throw in a bunch theological words in that normal people don’t know, or try to sound super spiritual. His simple style is just a blessing today’s market.
This book isn’t very long (the last 50 pages are a discussion guide) and easily read in a week. It is a wonderful choice if you want something that won’t take you long to get through.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians as a reminder of God’s amazing grace.
I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Grace was a wonderful reminder of one of the most amazing things God gave us, yet we so often forget. Since I was raised in a Christian home, it is easy for me to forget how truly amazing God’s lavish grace is. With stories and poignant words, Max Lucado reminded me of God’s grace not only to me but the grace I should give to others.
One of the things that I love about Lucado’s books is that, even though they are deep, they are easy to read. He doesn’t throw in a bunch theological words in that normal people don’t know, or try to sound super spiritual. His simple style is just a blessing today’s market.
This book isn’t very long (the last 50 pages are a discussion guide) and easily read in a week. It is a wonderful choice if you want something that won’t take you long to get through.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians as a reminder of God’s amazing grace.
I received this book from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
October 18, 2012
I was able to read Grace by Max Lucado through Book sneeze and I have to say its the best Max Lucado book I have ever read.
I think Max has really developed his writing skills to both teach us and uplift us. I had read a few of his study books about 8 years god and though I liked them they were just on in the caliber as Grace is.
I learned so much from this book as well as discover that some of the things I learned on my own are also taught in this book. Grace is the kind of book everyone interested in really learning about the subject should read. I thought each lesson was packed full of things I could apply to my life.
If you are in the market for a really good devotional teaching book maybe to read like I do in the morning before starting your day than Grace by Max Lucado is an awesome choice. I really looked forward to the time I spent reading it and its sure to be a Christian classic.
This book would be really great for a study group because after you read the chapters you have a readers guide with weekly in depth study of the scriptures that I found most helpful. This is a great book for giving as a gift or for yourself to enrich your life and help you be strong in your walk with Christ . thanks for reading my review of Grace by Max Lucado
October 3, 2012
I was actually quite disappointed listening to this audiobook. I'm not a Max Lucado fan but I really do love hearing about God's wonderful grace, and knowing that author has written many books about this I thought I would be in for a treat.
I particularly enjoyed the personal stories from the author, and other peoples stories he mentioned throughout. These were challenging but also encouraging. What I really didn't enjoy was the narrator's delivery. He came across as someone who was just doing his job and needed to get finished as soon as possible. I would have definitely preferred someone who sounded like that they were really thinking about they were reading. This in turn would have made me also think more about what I was listening to, instead of wanting to turn off. If you like the author's books you will probably enjoy this one too.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for this copy.
I particularly enjoyed the personal stories from the author, and other peoples stories he mentioned throughout. These were challenging but also encouraging. What I really didn't enjoy was the narrator's delivery. He came across as someone who was just doing his job and needed to get finished as soon as possible. I would have definitely preferred someone who sounded like that they were really thinking about they were reading. This in turn would have made me also think more about what I was listening to, instead of wanting to turn off. If you like the author's books you will probably enjoy this one too.
Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for this copy.
November 19, 2012
I received this audiobook was given to me courtesy of Christian Audio for the purpose of doing a review.
Narrator thoughts - I like Wayne Shepherd. I've heard several books read by him before and I have enjoyed each one. His deep clear voice helps set the mood for the message of the book. It was a perfect match.
Book Thoughts - I have always loved Max Lucado. His unique writing style and ability to touch the heart of the listener combine to make this a truly beautiful work. Through story and scripture Lucado gives you a picture of the grace of God draw on the canvas of His love.
Grace is lavished on us by a loving God. Will we take it? It's there, it's waiting. Waiting to cover us. Will we accept this wonderful and lavish gift called Grace?
To buy Grace by Max Lucado, head over to http://christianaudio.com/grace-max-l...
Narrator thoughts - I like Wayne Shepherd. I've heard several books read by him before and I have enjoyed each one. His deep clear voice helps set the mood for the message of the book. It was a perfect match.
Book Thoughts - I have always loved Max Lucado. His unique writing style and ability to touch the heart of the listener combine to make this a truly beautiful work. Through story and scripture Lucado gives you a picture of the grace of God draw on the canvas of His love.
Grace is lavished on us by a loving God. Will we take it? It's there, it's waiting. Waiting to cover us. Will we accept this wonderful and lavish gift called Grace?
To buy Grace by Max Lucado, head over to http://christianaudio.com/grace-max-l...
November 21, 2013
I read this book mostly because the ladies of the True Blue Sunday School class of Asbury UMC, Duncannon, PA were reading it for their class. It made a good counterpoint to their previous book, "Not a Fan." Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus Lucado's insistence on the absolute priority of grace as the source of any good we do and on God's insistence on loving us no matter what relieves some of the anxiety that books on radical Christianity had inspired. In addition to solid theology, Lucado is a master storyteller and his stories are always spot on for the point he wants to make. I hope the True Blue class enjoyed reading this as much as I did.
September 13, 2016
A lot of people rated this book really high. I'm not sure what I'm missing. It really isn't that I hated the book. The content is fine, but I just wasn't blown away by the presentation.
I’ve been studying “Grace” on and off for over a year now, and along the way I’ve collected a few different books on the subject. I’m trying to focus more on my study of the Grace that God offers us, and the Grace that we are called to show others, so I decided to pull this book off my shelf. As someone familiar with Max Lucado might expect, this book was an extremely easy read. Too easy. In some ways, it might be good to read something overly accessible as I dive deeper into my study on “Grace,” but in other ways it is a negative because I wasn’t challenged intellectually by this book.
I’ve been studying “Grace” on and off for over a year now, and along the way I’ve collected a few different books on the subject. I’m trying to focus more on my study of the Grace that God offers us, and the Grace that we are called to show others, so I decided to pull this book off my shelf. As someone familiar with Max Lucado might expect, this book was an extremely easy read. Too easy. In some ways, it might be good to read something overly accessible as I dive deeper into my study on “Grace,” but in other ways it is a negative because I wasn’t challenged intellectually by this book.
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