Dying to Live: The Foundation, Focus, and Shape of the Christian Life, 2nd Edition

by Harold L. Senkbeil

Join Harold L. Senkbeil as he revisits the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with updates that address the concerns of our world today.

While the pressures the world faces have changed, the diagnosis has not: our world is dying. But life has come in the person of Jesus Christ. With Senkbeil as your guide, you will learn how the death of Christ paradoxically brings about life. Explore the powerful gifts Christ gives to shepherd you through death to life everlasting.

In a dying world, let your journey be shaped by life—the life of Jesus, given for you.

Genres: Audiobook, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2024

About the author

Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil (b. 1945) served as a parish pastor in the LCMS for 32 years, most recently at Elm Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, Wisconsin (1987-2002), and as Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2001 he was recognized by Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, in the bestowing of the degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa. Dr. Senkbeil is a 1988 recipient of the Servus Ecclesiae Christi Award. Since July 2008, he has served as both Adjunct Professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, as well as Executive Director with DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel.

Reviews

[John Damon Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heart of everything I love about the Christian faith compiled into one easily approachable volume. If I ever put together a new membership course for a church this will be the textbook.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing terribly ground-shaking or eye-opening for me. But it’s full of good reminders and things to meditate on. Another work that highlights helpful vocabulary and ideas in confessional Lutheranism. It felt a little repetitive in the beginning, and some sections that sit next to each other feel disconnected. The sections in the second half—with comments on the sacraments, liturgy, and prayer—are the best parts of the book.

Quotes:

"Therefore in the liturgy the church serves as the stewardess of the means of grace, serving up heaping portions of the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation earned by her glorious Lord."

"Transformed by the presence of God, what others would consider only a job or occupation becomes a holy vocation, where the child of God labors in partnership with the Creator in the care of His creation."

"Every worldly vocation becomes an avenue for God the Father to provide for His creation.... We are masks of God, behind which He Himself provides food and shelter, comfort and security for His children."

"We keep wondering what God's will is, forgetting that His will is that everything be done to His glory."

[Anthony English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a really good book. Some things I didn't agree with as a non-Lutheran Christian but it was helpful in pointing me continually to Jesus. Knocked a star off due to how repetitive it was. Could've been shorter, which would have made it more impactful. Still recommend this book to others.