God Doesn't Try

by Jim Osman, Dave Rich, Costi Hinn (foreword)

In God Doesn't Try, Jim Osman and Dave Rich offer a thought-provoking study of the sovereignty of God applied to soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. This book challenges Christians to think of God according to His self-revelation as the all-powerful, all-knowing God Who accomplishes His will without attempting or experimenting.

Whether in the minutia of our individual lives, the ministry of His blood-bought church, or His plan for His creation, God’s purposes are always accomplished. He cannot fail. He will not falter. He does not abandon His work because He lacks resources or might.

God Doesn't Try is a compelling explanation of God’s benevolent sovereignty that will challenge the reader to think and speak biblically about the nature of salvation, the structure of the church, and the fulfillment of God’s ultimate purposes for creation. In all His works, God doesn’t try.

Along with an introduction, the book is divided into three theological soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The chapters are as

Part 1: Introduction
1 Why This Book?
2 “Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try.”
Part 2: God’s Infallible Work in Believers
3 God Doesn’t Try to Save His People
4 God Doesn’t Try to Sanctify His People
5 God Doesn’t Try to Speak to His People
6 God Doesn’t Try to Provide for His People
Part 3: God’s Infallible Work in the Church
7 God Doesn’t Try to Build His Church
8 God Doesn’t Try to Organize His Church
9 God Doesn’t Try to Prosper His Church
Part 4: God’s Infallible Work in Creation
10 God Doesn’t Try to Control Creation
11 God Doesn’t Try to Execute Justice
12 God Doesn’t Try to Establish His Kingdom
13 Conclusion

God Doesn't Try includes an appendix of discussion questions at the end of each chapter to facilitate study and reflection in a small group setting.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2024

Reviews

[Will Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good book. Our God doesn’t try or attempt to do anything. He does as He pleases and all He pleases. A good medicine for an ailing evangelicalism.

[HelenA33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cracking read. It helpfully expounds on some teachings which are commonly taught in the church, and then explains what the Bible actually says. It is full of scripture, and written in a way which is accessible for somebody such as myself who is not an academic. (The footnotes in themselves are very comprehensive and contain a wealth of extra information.) If you are a Christian searching for truth, and looking to know more about God, this would be a great place to start.

I would thoroughly recommend this book. The authors have done a great job with their rich explanations of the sovereignty of God.

He is in control! I am right where He has placed me in His providence! And I don't need to fear the future. Instead, I will remember all that God has done for me, and that He has His hand on my life and on everything.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Primer on God’s Sovereignty

This isn’t super in-depth. But it is very foundational. This book is good for the pastor and the layman alike.

[Eric Niewinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the discussion questions with friends. Challenged my beliefs but rooted in scripture. A great read.

[Ayden Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an incredible resource, covering every object of God’s sovereign rule. Osman and Rich discuss everything between creation, to humans, to the coming Kingdom. They cite much Scripture to back up their claims, as well as other solid theologians. They clearly explain false teachings on the topics, and then refute them, showing us what God’s Word truly teaches. They go into great depth in each chapter and point, but it is very readable and understandable. This book is incredibly encouraging, especially in Part 4 where they discuss current and future events, and God’s sovereign plan in it.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the most commonly debated theological points throughout modern church history is the Sovereignty of God. Anyone who has thought through theological issues has most likely found themselves wrestling with this absolutely critical doctrine. And in light of this book, probably most of us have said something like, "I think God was trying to get his/her attention." Or something like that.

In this book, Osman and Rich take on a mindset that our culture is inebriated with: God trying. To set the stage, the authors rightly explain how when someone uses the term, "trying" there is an implication to it that failure is a possibility. In other words if I said, "I am trying to get my lawn work done today," there is a looming possibility that I might fail. But God doesn't try. He doesn't fail. Ever. So in light of that, the authors take on the following topics: 1) God doesn't try to save His people; 2) God doesn't try to sanctify His people; 3) God doesn't try to speak to His people; 4) God doesn't try to provide for His people; 5) God doesn't try to build His church; 6) God doesn't try to organize His church; 7) God doesn't try to prosper His church; 8) God doesn't try to control creation; 9) God doesn't try to execute justice; and 10) God doesn't try to establish His kingdom. God doesn't try. He does! Each chapter addresses the issue, if God is trying...then it suggests that failure is possible and God does NOT fail. Osman and Rich take on the harder issues and subjects regarding God's sovereignty and give a reasonable and well thought out answer to many objections that are raised regarding God's sovereignty. Each chapter ends with an exhortation to church leaders and the final chapter includes words of encouragement to leaders and to believers who find themselves in various types of churches.

As a whole, I think this is an excellent book. The one weakness that I note, which will possibly be a turn off to some readers, is that at various points, the authors use sarcasm regarding those who might hold to a different view. Many readers I would think possibly have not embraced the unbiblical views with dogmaticism but have never really had a different view presented to them. I wonder if a shepherding approach (versus sarcasm) to those people may invite them to think differently about the doctrinal mindset they have held throughout their lives and perhaps win them to a Biblical way of thinking.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I didn't think that it would even compare to Osman's book, "God Doesn't Whisper," but I think I was wrong! They are both excellent books for a lay person to read. This one covers the sovereignty of God, a very daunting subject! In the book, the authors cover God's infallible work in believers, in His church and in creation. While I certainly can't say that I came away with a complete knowledge of God's sovereignty, I can say that I definitely have a better understanding. AND I learned a new word! Theodicy! Theodicy is "an attempt to demonstrate that God is both good and sovereign in light of the existence of evil in the world." (page 221) The authors then give examples of ways that people try to reconcile this mystery. They also point out the fallacies in the explanations and then go to the Bible to explain what God says about the matter.

I highly recommend this book, along with "God Doesn't Whisper," to all Christians.

[Kristen McGuckin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read on the subject of God’s sovereignty. The organization of this book into four parts is extremely helpful in understanding that God is truly sovereign over every aspect of our lives, the church, and creation. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a solid introduction to understanding God’s sovereignty. Additionally, Osman and Rich do a fantastic job explaining difficult passages of scripture that a new or young believer may struggle with. The mature believer will also greatly benefit from this book, it serves as an excellent reminder of God’s care and power over everything.

[Tom Findysz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paradigm-shifting. That's the best description I can give. Growing up in the non-denominational, bapticostal, evangelical world, I didn't understand how tacitly I held to such small and weak notions of God. There were always banal mantras that I would say that were to me as Scripture, but no one would ever admit to that.

This book helped me to examine my ways, my thoughts, my view of God, in order to tear down my quiet extra-biblical beliefs and build a strong base of understanding who God is based upon His revealed word in the Bible.

[Kaitlin Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose not to finish this book. I've read other volumes by Jim Osman and found them helpful and enlightening, but I didn't particularly care for the tone of this one. Perhaps it's the change in my state of mind rather than a change in tone. Either way, this book has been much more difficult for me to get through. I may try again in future.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shout it from the rooftops!

The title alone is a perfect review of this book. God is Sovereign over His creation. He is able! This is a gem! Read it. Share it. Live in the realty it proclaims.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Osman's books are always practical, Biblical, and thought-provoking. I view this book as a practical application of A.W. Pink's book The Sovereignty of God. Osman and Dave Rich effectively correct the errors of the modern church that is leaning toward open theism and Arminianism.

[Antonio Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book explores the Sovereingty of God in soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. Easy to read and understand.