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Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God
What do you do when you’re at the end of your rope? For Christians, there is only one simple yet profound turn to the triune God. Born out of lessons learned during one of the most spiritually challenging periods of his life, Experiencing the Trinity by pastor Joe Thorn contains 50 down-to-earth meditations on God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Overflowing with scriptural truth, pastoral wisdom, and personal honesty, this book reflects on common experiences of doubt, fear, and temptation―pointing readers to the grace that God provides and the strength that he promises.
144 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2015
52 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Joe Thorn
14 books48 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Joe is the founding and Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, IL, and the author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself (Crossway/ReLit). He was a contributor to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible. Joe is a graduate of Moody Bible Inst. (BA) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).
Joe is the founding and Lead Pastor of Redeemer Fellowship in St. Charles, IL, and the author of Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself (Crossway/ReLit). He was a contributor to The Story ESV Bible and The Mission of God Study Bible. Joe is a graduate of Moody Bible Inst. (BA) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 4, 2015
What do you get when you combine passionate spirituality, gospel-saturated writing, and the best of Reformed theology? Answer: A book that every Christ-follower should read, absorb, pray over, digest, and re-read.
Experiencing the Trinity by Joe Thorn is a combination of honest reflection and soul-searching which is informed exclusively by the Word of God. Imagine the contemplative musings of A.W. Tozer, the insight of C.S. Lewis, and the theological precision of J.I. Packer mixed together in one short book. The end result is Experiencing the Trinity.
Over twenty years ago, I was introduced to the notion of “preaching the gospel to yourself.” Jerry Bridges was my instructor and his guidance has served me well. This biblical principle has been a gigantic source of encouragement in the Christian life. Joe Thorn picks up where Bridges left off by guiding readers through 50 short essays that put “meat on the bones” and show what it truly means to “preach the gospel to yourself.”
The book is arranged in three sections – Father, Son, and Spirit, respectively. The author writes in the first person and aims gospel promises to the head and heart with clarity, honesty, and gospel-centered resolve.
This is a book the dead guys would be proud of. It would certainly attract the attention of godly men like John Owen, Richard Sibbes, Jonathan Edwards, and John Bunyan. One of the advantages of Thorn’s work is that he casts aside the “wordiness” that the Puritans were famous for. Instead, he encapsulates a doctrinal reality in a few short pages but never at the expense of biblical truth.
Experiencing the Trinity is a short book. But this little gem is packed with gospel promises, gospel power, and fuel for Christ-followers who are struggling with fear, doubt, anxiety, or temptation.
My hope is that Experiencing the Trinity receives a wide reading; that thousands of Christians will be strengthened, edified, challenged, and equipped to continue the race – all the way to the Celestial City. And may many who have yet to embrace the promises of the gospel find refuge in the Triune God who alone grants forgiveness and peace to everyone who turns from their sin and casts all their hope and future in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Experiencing the Trinity by Joe Thorn is a combination of honest reflection and soul-searching which is informed exclusively by the Word of God. Imagine the contemplative musings of A.W. Tozer, the insight of C.S. Lewis, and the theological precision of J.I. Packer mixed together in one short book. The end result is Experiencing the Trinity.
Over twenty years ago, I was introduced to the notion of “preaching the gospel to yourself.” Jerry Bridges was my instructor and his guidance has served me well. This biblical principle has been a gigantic source of encouragement in the Christian life. Joe Thorn picks up where Bridges left off by guiding readers through 50 short essays that put “meat on the bones” and show what it truly means to “preach the gospel to yourself.”
The book is arranged in three sections – Father, Son, and Spirit, respectively. The author writes in the first person and aims gospel promises to the head and heart with clarity, honesty, and gospel-centered resolve.
This is a book the dead guys would be proud of. It would certainly attract the attention of godly men like John Owen, Richard Sibbes, Jonathan Edwards, and John Bunyan. One of the advantages of Thorn’s work is that he casts aside the “wordiness” that the Puritans were famous for. Instead, he encapsulates a doctrinal reality in a few short pages but never at the expense of biblical truth.
Experiencing the Trinity is a short book. But this little gem is packed with gospel promises, gospel power, and fuel for Christ-followers who are struggling with fear, doubt, anxiety, or temptation.
My hope is that Experiencing the Trinity receives a wide reading; that thousands of Christians will be strengthened, edified, challenged, and equipped to continue the race – all the way to the Celestial City. And may many who have yet to embrace the promises of the gospel find refuge in the Triune God who alone grants forgiveness and peace to everyone who turns from their sin and casts all their hope and future in the Lord Jesus Christ!
March 21, 2025
This was a fantastic and short read! I listened to it on an audiobook but I will be buying it in print so I can keep revisiting it and share it with others. It is written devotionally out of a season of darkness in Joe's life. I would liken it to a gospel primer in many ways. It is a beautiful systematic and practical theology of each member of the godhead in our daily lives.
February 13, 2019
So, SO good. This is certainly one of the books I will tuck into the very first care package I pack for my daughter when I send her away to college later this year. (God help me!) Each chapter is only 2-3 pages, so this book easily works with even the busiest schedules, but make no mistake—these are not fluffy, self-helpy platitudes. They are solid, important, often difficult, always helpful Biblical truths that should be applied daily to every human heart.
July 4, 2016
This is NOT the average warm and fuzzy Christian devotional that is overly sensational and centered on your life. Nor does it have that mystic feel that some devotionals do, where they constantly tell you to open up your eyes and ears and feel the presence of Jesus. No. This book is completely God-centered, focusing on attributes of each person of the triune God and the work that has been and is being done for every sinful person in Christ. This book is brutally honest, eye-opening, and encouraging.
July 26, 2019
My wife and I used this book as a guide for our family worship each day and found it very beneficial. Joe Thorn leads 50 reflections on the nature and work of each of the three persons, with an eye always to personal application. Great for private or group reading.
December 23, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book demonstrates the role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit's activity in the life of a Christian through quick, daily readings. I appreciated the author's bluntness in writing to himself. It made me take note of what he said more, because the words come with a sharpness. So often I justify my actions, but when scripture is used as a mirror, there is no justification for my sin. This book is incredibly helpful for the beaten down Christian as well as the over-confident, self righteous person. We all fall into those categories depending on the day. This book will definitely be re-read again.
April 5, 2015
Highly recommend this book
December 28, 2015
amazing. much needed reading and theologically sound.
January 20, 2016
This is a book I'll read over and over again and get into the hands of friends and church family.
A warm, vibrant, exhortational application of theology to the believer's everyday struggles.
A warm, vibrant, exhortational application of theology to the believer's everyday struggles.
June 4, 2016
Thorn has offered big comforting truths in a small package. I was reminded daily of who God is and because He is who He is I can trust Him through all the good and the hard.
March 21, 2019
Despite a theological-treatise-style title, Joe Thorn’s introduction makes clear how personal, heart-felt, and passionate a message this book conveys. He chronicles his sudden, unexpected free fall into debilitating anxiety (despite good outward appearances) and how he came out on the other side.
While recognizing his limitations and changing both his schedule and his attitude toward medication contributed to his recovery, he declares that “central to it all was the Word of God...And that is what this book is really about: how the Word of God draws us to the living God.”
I can relate to Thorn when he says that “belief is easy when life is easy, but when life is confusing and painful, faith will prove itself to be either rooted in Jesus Christ or resting on religious sentiments...At times God will delay granting you relief in order to draw you closer to himself.” I have seen this in myself and in others.
I take encouragement and draw conviction to persevere in the “mundane” but regular reading of God’s word from Thorn’s testimony that it “was Scripture that drew me back to the hope, peace, and safety I have in Jesus...In knowing him we find peace, joy, strength, and faith.”
These 50 short chapters could be used as a daily devotional meditation — they are scripture-based and well-expounded. While the mature Christian may find them very familiar, reminding ourselves of those truths and what they mean to everyday life is beneficial and even essential.
While recognizing his limitations and changing both his schedule and his attitude toward medication contributed to his recovery, he declares that “central to it all was the Word of God...And that is what this book is really about: how the Word of God draws us to the living God.”
I can relate to Thorn when he says that “belief is easy when life is easy, but when life is confusing and painful, faith will prove itself to be either rooted in Jesus Christ or resting on religious sentiments...At times God will delay granting you relief in order to draw you closer to himself.” I have seen this in myself and in others.
I take encouragement and draw conviction to persevere in the “mundane” but regular reading of God’s word from Thorn’s testimony that it “was Scripture that drew me back to the hope, peace, and safety I have in Jesus...In knowing him we find peace, joy, strength, and faith.”
These 50 short chapters could be used as a daily devotional meditation — they are scripture-based and well-expounded. While the mature Christian may find them very familiar, reminding ourselves of those truths and what they mean to everyday life is beneficial and even essential.
February 20, 2019
I purchased this book thinking it would be a different kind of book--one that spoke of each member of the Trinity and the way to engage with each Person according to what Scripture has revealed about them. I was disappointed to find that it was basically a rehashing of Joe Thorn's other book, Note To Self. This book was not bad and was insightful as Joe Thorn focused on specific verses that relate to each Person of the Trinity, but it was still met with my initial disappointment. I would still recommend this book to people, but I would make sure to inform them of its similarity to Joe Thorn's first book.
January 8, 2017
I could not have picked a better book to start this year off with. Joe Thorn wrote this book when he was going through some issues. The book is essentially his journaling and reminders that he got from Scripture. I needed the same reminders as I recently went through my own fall from grace. I had to read it with a highlighter because even though they are simple thoughts there is something that struck out to me on every page. Only time will tell but this may enter into my top five books that changed my life.
July 10, 2018
Joe Thorn's writing comes across with the same authenticity and unction as his preaching. Coming from a dark time in his life, these short, devotional readings are as theologically driven as they are heartfelt. He brings important theological truths into real-world application, helping the reader to truly experience the Trinity. This book works well as a devotional read, or for anyone who is looking for something to simply expand their knowledge of the faith.
April 13, 2018
This book rules! Biblical, God-centered book focusing on attributes of the triune God in a series of short readings. Sort of reminds me of Tozer’s knowledge of the holy (don’t want to take that comparison too far though)—but reads more as a devotional. Reminded me again and again of the character of God and the power and hope of the gospel for the past, the present and the future.
May 19, 2022
Short but Powerful Meditations on the Trinity
Joe Thorn gives 50 brief but powerful meditations on the Trinity. The book is divided into three sections. The Father has a section , the Son has a section, and the Holy Spirit has a section. It can sometimes be confusing separating the Trinity. But He is one God and all work together to those who call on His name.
Joe Thorn gives 50 brief but powerful meditations on the Trinity. The book is divided into three sections. The Father has a section , the Son has a section, and the Holy Spirit has a section. It can sometimes be confusing separating the Trinity. But He is one God and all work together to those who call on His name.
December 7, 2019
What a beautiful and encouraging little book! While it is chock full of solid theology, it is not a "theology book", but more of a devotional or pastoral work. I highly recommend it, especially for Christians who are struggling in their walk with the Lord, suffering from depression, etc.
June 18, 2022
Know the grace of God
In 50 bite-sized pieces, Joe Thorn examines who each of us is and who the triune God is. We see how we need God's grace and how God lovingly provides it. A hopeful, helpful book.
In 50 bite-sized pieces, Joe Thorn examines who each of us is and who the triune God is. We see how we need God's grace and how God lovingly provides it. A hopeful, helpful book.
October 26, 2023
This book is full of small encouraging nuggets of truths about the trinity. Each chapter is 3 or so minutes. Listened on audio but it might be a future devotional for me just to keep me focused and thankful about Gods truths.
March 3, 2017
Good devotional readings that focus on the three distinct persons of the Trinity and their attributes. Good thoughts to meditate on the truth.
January 11, 2018
This is a simple book and not very big. But it is a clear and concise understanding of the Godhead.
October 4, 2018
I loved the devotional tone of the book. Was encouraging and pointed to the Triune God!
May 17, 2021
The chapters are short, making this very easy to read while still being deep. Highly recommend.
April 2, 2022
Good daily devotional
April 4, 2023
It was a great book. All in all it helped me in so many ways.
June 26, 2024
Most helpful! Highly recommended.
May 5, 2025
A good book unpacking the doctrines of the Trinity and how they give us hope.
August 12, 2017
The best way to sum this book up is with a photo I saw Joe Thorn post on Instagram. It was a picture of his own book, “Experiencing the Trinity,” on his desk. Some guys have a motivation for putting up such posts because they’re trying to sell books. But that’s not what I saw here, and it’s definitely not what I read in the book. Instead, I saw and read a book that was written first and foremost as a help to Joe Thorn that he couldn’t bear to not share.
I can see why he felt so urged to share it, too, because the content of “Experiencing the Trinity” is so God-glorifying, so theologically-refreshing, and so simple, it cannot go unnoticed. What a great harm it would do for us believers to lose sight of these rich promises. What a travesty it would be if lost people never heard this truth proclaimed, Thorn’s hand was nearly forced into writing such a book, because it’s what he needed for himself, and it’s what millions of others in and out of church need all the same. No one is beyond the need of powerful gospel reminders,
To place anyone in a category with Charles Haddon Spurgeon isn’t right or fair, so I won’t do that here, yet Thorn’s book reads a lot like the Spurgeon classic Morning and Evening. In many places it is simply rejoicing in the words of Scripture. A typical entry format is one verse, a few observations, a few implications, and a few applications. These mini-sermons are power-packed with helpful exhortation throughout. Most are a couple pages, which makes the material so dense. This is a good thing for those trying to get solid doctrinal teaching without plowing through extensive and thorough books.
The best part about “Experiencing the Trinity” is its simplicity. Many who exegete Scripture are privy to flaunting their intellect and prowess, or try to use creative phrasing and “tweetable” one-liners to gain endorsement. That’s part of the reason I’m not going to include flashy excerpts in this review. I don’t want you to assume that was what the goal was in this book, because it definitely wasn’t. What makes Joe Thorn a great author and a wise teacher is not PhD insight or advanced language lessons, but how genuine he is. Just like you and me, he’s got his own struggles. He needs reminders of God’s presence, love, sovereignty, and justice day to day. And just like you and me, he rests his normal self on the powerful and radical grace of Jesus. You could almost call him “average Joe.” I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, because an average Joe that rests on an Almighty God has much to praise.
I will say, there are a couple precautions I have for reading this book. You should not read any entry without praying before and after. You shouldn’t read a bunch of entries at once. It’s our tendency many times, especially with such a short book like this, to blitz instead of marinate, but this books lends itself to truly thinking upon the Lord, and subsequently ingesting and digesting the material with prayer. Thorn averts your eyes from his words and points you toward His goodness, so I caution readers, read this book (and all things while you’re at it) with firm intention of meditation and prayer.
Thank you Joe for thinking enough of us averages Joes out in the world just like you who need the same reminders you did and do. These succinct and sweet dwellings on God’s Word are so helpful to the broken, the lost, the proud, the long-suffering, the tired, the misguided, the depressed, and everything in between.
My only complaint? It’s not longer. That’s how you know you’ve got a great book on your hands. I’m not finding myself thirsting for more Joe Thorn, but more Jesus, That’s a book worth having and sharing. That’s why the book was written. That’s why even Joe Thorn reads this book.
Stars: 4.5/5.0
I was provided this book via Crossway in exchange for my review.
I can see why he felt so urged to share it, too, because the content of “Experiencing the Trinity” is so God-glorifying, so theologically-refreshing, and so simple, it cannot go unnoticed. What a great harm it would do for us believers to lose sight of these rich promises. What a travesty it would be if lost people never heard this truth proclaimed, Thorn’s hand was nearly forced into writing such a book, because it’s what he needed for himself, and it’s what millions of others in and out of church need all the same. No one is beyond the need of powerful gospel reminders,
To place anyone in a category with Charles Haddon Spurgeon isn’t right or fair, so I won’t do that here, yet Thorn’s book reads a lot like the Spurgeon classic Morning and Evening. In many places it is simply rejoicing in the words of Scripture. A typical entry format is one verse, a few observations, a few implications, and a few applications. These mini-sermons are power-packed with helpful exhortation throughout. Most are a couple pages, which makes the material so dense. This is a good thing for those trying to get solid doctrinal teaching without plowing through extensive and thorough books.
The best part about “Experiencing the Trinity” is its simplicity. Many who exegete Scripture are privy to flaunting their intellect and prowess, or try to use creative phrasing and “tweetable” one-liners to gain endorsement. That’s part of the reason I’m not going to include flashy excerpts in this review. I don’t want you to assume that was what the goal was in this book, because it definitely wasn’t. What makes Joe Thorn a great author and a wise teacher is not PhD insight or advanced language lessons, but how genuine he is. Just like you and me, he’s got his own struggles. He needs reminders of God’s presence, love, sovereignty, and justice day to day. And just like you and me, he rests his normal self on the powerful and radical grace of Jesus. You could almost call him “average Joe.” I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, because an average Joe that rests on an Almighty God has much to praise.
I will say, there are a couple precautions I have for reading this book. You should not read any entry without praying before and after. You shouldn’t read a bunch of entries at once. It’s our tendency many times, especially with such a short book like this, to blitz instead of marinate, but this books lends itself to truly thinking upon the Lord, and subsequently ingesting and digesting the material with prayer. Thorn averts your eyes from his words and points you toward His goodness, so I caution readers, read this book (and all things while you’re at it) with firm intention of meditation and prayer.
Thank you Joe for thinking enough of us averages Joes out in the world just like you who need the same reminders you did and do. These succinct and sweet dwellings on God’s Word are so helpful to the broken, the lost, the proud, the long-suffering, the tired, the misguided, the depressed, and everything in between.
My only complaint? It’s not longer. That’s how you know you’ve got a great book on your hands. I’m not finding myself thirsting for more Joe Thorn, but more Jesus, That’s a book worth having and sharing. That’s why the book was written. That’s why even Joe Thorn reads this book.
Stars: 4.5/5.0
I was provided this book via Crossway in exchange for my review.
February 15, 2015
Volumes have been written in an attempt to engage and explain God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Learned theologians throughout the centuries have labored to write on this subject and untold number of sermons have been declared to parishioners and we still have barely touched the tip of what God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all about. Thankfully, pastors and authors continue to study and discover biblical insight into the Godhead that needs to be shared in a manner accessible to all believers. Joe Thorn’s latest book called Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God is a highly useful and highly accessible journey into better understanding the Godhead.
Born out of a particularly difficult period in his life, Thorn provides the reader with fifty meditations/devotions on the subject of the trinity. His goal is not to dive into the deepest theological wells of this subject. Conversely, Thorn desires simply to note “how the Word of God draws us to the living God. In knowing Him we find peace, joy, strength, and faith.” Each chapter is focused on presenting a number of attributes and actions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. In doing so, Thorn shows the grace of God working in the life of His people and how we can draw closer in love and devotion to Him.
I have read literally piles of books on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to include lengthy treatises written by many of the most well-known theologians of our day days gone by. While I do enjoy those nerdy tomes on a subject such as the trinity, there is something to be said about a simpler approach, one that presents for instance God’s holiness, spending a moment helping the reader contemplate that enormously important reality. If God is holy, what exactly does that mean and why should I care? Thorn digs right to the heart of God’s holiness in three short yet powerfully written pages, leaving the reader with a healthy understanding of what God being holy means as well as a starting point for further study and that is just the first chapter!
After reading each chapter in this book, you will find yourself growing more in love with God and more amazed at just how marvelous this God is that we serve. He is Creator. He is Unchanging. He is Jealous. He became human and died on our behalf. He is our great High Priest. He rose from the dead. He lives in side us. He is sanctifying us. He comfort us. Ladies and gentleman that is just the tip of the iceberg of the subjects Joe Thorn covers in this excellent book on the trinity.
This is a book you will return to over and over again in your studies on the trinity. I highly recommend this book for all believers as it will drive you to praise and worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, while also helping you better understand the God of the Bible. Thorn writes in a profound yet succinct way that is helpful to both seasoned and new believes alike. I could not put this book down and I am confident you will find yourself doing the same.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Born out of a particularly difficult period in his life, Thorn provides the reader with fifty meditations/devotions on the subject of the trinity. His goal is not to dive into the deepest theological wells of this subject. Conversely, Thorn desires simply to note “how the Word of God draws us to the living God. In knowing Him we find peace, joy, strength, and faith.” Each chapter is focused on presenting a number of attributes and actions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. In doing so, Thorn shows the grace of God working in the life of His people and how we can draw closer in love and devotion to Him.
I have read literally piles of books on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to include lengthy treatises written by many of the most well-known theologians of our day days gone by. While I do enjoy those nerdy tomes on a subject such as the trinity, there is something to be said about a simpler approach, one that presents for instance God’s holiness, spending a moment helping the reader contemplate that enormously important reality. If God is holy, what exactly does that mean and why should I care? Thorn digs right to the heart of God’s holiness in three short yet powerfully written pages, leaving the reader with a healthy understanding of what God being holy means as well as a starting point for further study and that is just the first chapter!
After reading each chapter in this book, you will find yourself growing more in love with God and more amazed at just how marvelous this God is that we serve. He is Creator. He is Unchanging. He is Jealous. He became human and died on our behalf. He is our great High Priest. He rose from the dead. He lives in side us. He is sanctifying us. He comfort us. Ladies and gentleman that is just the tip of the iceberg of the subjects Joe Thorn covers in this excellent book on the trinity.
This is a book you will return to over and over again in your studies on the trinity. I highly recommend this book for all believers as it will drive you to praise and worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, while also helping you better understand the God of the Bible. Thorn writes in a profound yet succinct way that is helpful to both seasoned and new believes alike. I could not put this book down and I am confident you will find yourself doing the same.
I received this book for free from Crossway Books for this review. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 9, 2016
I loved, loved, LOVED Joe Thorn's Note To Self. It is a little book that I've read and reviewed twice now. If you haven't read it yet, you should, you really should! It's WONDERFUL.
Experiencing the Trinity is a follow-up of sorts. Fifty devotionals addressed directly to YOU. Thorn is a big, big believer that believers need the gospel every single day, that believers should 'preach' the gospel to themselves daily. This book does that within the framework of learning about grace and the trinity.
It is divided into three sections: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Entries from the first section include: "He is Holy," "He Is Present," "He Is Good," "He Is Love," "He Forgives," and "He Is Father." Entries from the second section include: "His Humanity," "His Deity," "His Poverty," "His Love," "His Obedience," "His Suffering," "His Death," "His Resurrection," "His Reign," and "His Return." Entries from the third section include: "He Regenerates," "He Indwells," "He Intercedes," "He Comforts," "He Teaches," "He Points to Jesus," "He Sanctifies," and "He Resurrects."
Each message is rich in scripture and doctrine. And I loved how straight-forward and relevant the messages were.
I loved this book. I did. I absolutely loved it. I loved the scriptural focus. I loved how simple and straightforward it was. I loved how relevant it was. But most importantly I recognized how needed it was. These fifty reflections speak truth--needed truths. Thorn's book is a blessing to believers.
From "He Forgives"
Experiencing the Trinity is a follow-up of sorts. Fifty devotionals addressed directly to YOU. Thorn is a big, big believer that believers need the gospel every single day, that believers should 'preach' the gospel to themselves daily. This book does that within the framework of learning about grace and the trinity.
It is divided into three sections: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Entries from the first section include: "He is Holy," "He Is Present," "He Is Good," "He Is Love," "He Forgives," and "He Is Father." Entries from the second section include: "His Humanity," "His Deity," "His Poverty," "His Love," "His Obedience," "His Suffering," "His Death," "His Resurrection," "His Reign," and "His Return." Entries from the third section include: "He Regenerates," "He Indwells," "He Intercedes," "He Comforts," "He Teaches," "He Points to Jesus," "He Sanctifies," and "He Resurrects."
Each message is rich in scripture and doctrine. And I loved how straight-forward and relevant the messages were.
I loved this book. I did. I absolutely loved it. I loved the scriptural focus. I loved how simple and straightforward it was. I loved how relevant it was. But most importantly I recognized how needed it was. These fifty reflections speak truth--needed truths. Thorn's book is a blessing to believers.
From "He Forgives"
Until a person knows his guilt, he cannot know pardon. Until you feel the bondage of your guilt, you cannot find the freedom of forgiveness. In this sense, guilt is not your enemy. Yes, guilt before God is the greatest problem a human being must face. That guilt will destroy you. But the sense of that guilt is itself a gift that should lead you to the only one who can deal with it. Do you see? Your guilt can ruin you, but your sense of guilt can guide you. Your guilt before God is your own. You have no defense for your actions. There is no self-justification for your thoughts and choices. But your sense of all this should lead you not to an empty despair that ends in death, but to a hungry despair that seeks and feasts on grace! It’s good that your sins bother you. They should. They are an offense and affront to God. But your tendency to lose hope in light of them is not of faith, because faith believes and receives the pardon of God. He forgives his people. Read that again: God forgives his people. He sees your guilt, takes it from you, and gives it to his Son, who willingly received it and its punishment on your behalf. This is what it means to be saved. You have been pardoned for crimes you have committed, rescued from the justice of God to rest in the mercy of God. Despite what so many are saying these days, you do not need to forgive yourself. You need to be forgiven.
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