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A Sinner's Guide To Grace: Good News for the Wayward and Broken
Christians sometimes struggle to understand grace, much less accept grace
. The best news anyone can hear is that the free gift of grace is available for all sinners through Jesus Christ. A Sinner's Guide to Grace explores Scripture to discover the concepts of grace that will help the reader see what grace really is about and how it has an important place in our lives. This book is good news for the wayward and the broken, pointing our way back to God when we have wandered from Him. Each chapter helps us grow in appreciation and love for a graceful God who knows everything about us and loves us anyway.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2025
11 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
John E. Dobbs
16 books8 followersJohn E. Dobbs is a husband, father, grandfather, grace-dependent Jesus guy, amateur photographer, and book addict. He enjoys a good conversation with friends over coffee.
He grew up among the people of faith known as Churches of Christ. John has spent his life serving churches in Mississippi and Louisiana since 1983. He has been the preaching minister for the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ in Monroe, Louisiana since February 2008. Monroe is just 70 miles West of the place of his birth, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
John married Maggy in 1987 and is blessed with two children and two grandchildren. In his free time, John can be found walking through the beautiful surroundings of Black Bayou National Wildlife Reserve, where he photographs wildlife and finds the presence of Abba particularly evident.
The best way to keep up with John and be in touch is through his newsletter, Hope Remains. You can find it here:
https://johndobbs.substack.com/
He grew up among the people of faith known as Churches of Christ. John has spent his life serving churches in Mississippi and Louisiana since 1983. He has been the preaching minister for the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ in Monroe, Louisiana since February 2008. Monroe is just 70 miles West of the place of his birth, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
John married Maggy in 1987 and is blessed with two children and two grandchildren. In his free time, John can be found walking through the beautiful surroundings of Black Bayou National Wildlife Reserve, where he photographs wildlife and finds the presence of Abba particularly evident.
The best way to keep up with John and be in touch is through his newsletter, Hope Remains. You can find it here:
https://johndobbs.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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April 25, 2025Book Review: A Sinner’s Guide to Grace: Good News for the Wayward and Broken by John E. Dobbs
Overview
John E. Dobbs, a pastor with a heart for the hurting, offers a compassionate and deeply personal exploration of God’s grace in A Sinner’s Guide to Grace. Written for those who feel unworthy, lost, or broken, this book is a gentle reminder that grace is not reserved for the righteous but is a gift freely given to the undeserving. Dobbs weaves together biblical truths, personal stories, and pastoral wisdom to create a work that is both comforting and convicting.
Key Themes
Grace for the Undeserving
The book’s central message is that grace is not earned—it is a gift. Dobbs emphasizes that no one is too far gone, too sinful, or too broken to receive God’s love. This theme echoes biblical narratives like the prodigal son and the apostle Paul’s transformation, reinforcing the idea that redemption is always possible.
Brokenness and Healing
Dobbs speaks directly to those weighed down by shame, regret, or failure. He reassures readers that their past does not disqualify them from grace. Instead, their brokenness becomes the very place where God’s mercy meets them.
Practical Encouragement
Unlike purely theological treatises on grace, this book provides actionable steps for embracing forgiveness and living in freedom. Dobbs’ pastoral heart shines through as he offers guidance on how to move from guilt to gratitude, from despair to hope.
Strengths
Relatable and Engaging – Dobbs writes with warmth and authenticity, making complex spiritual truths accessible. His personal anecdotes and gentle tone make the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor.
Biblically Grounded – The book is rooted in Scripture, drawing from both Old and New Testament examples of God’s relentless grace.
Hopeful and Uplifting – For anyone who has ever felt too far gone, this book is a lifeline, reminding them that grace is greater than their deepest failures.
Considerations
While the book is rich in encouragement, readers seeking deep theological analysis may find it more devotional than academic. However, this is not a weakness—it simply means the book is tailored for those needing comfort rather than scholarly debate.
Final Thoughts
A Sinner’s Guide to Grace is a beautiful, much-needed reminder that no one is beyond redemption. Dobbs’ words are like a balm for the soul, offering hope to the weary and assurance to the doubtful. Whether you’re wrestling with guilt, seeking reassurance, or simply wanting to understand grace more deeply, this book is a valuable companion on the journey.
Thank you to John E. Dobbs for providing a free copy of this book.
Overview
John E. Dobbs, a pastor with a heart for the hurting, offers a compassionate and deeply personal exploration of God’s grace in A Sinner’s Guide to Grace. Written for those who feel unworthy, lost, or broken, this book is a gentle reminder that grace is not reserved for the righteous but is a gift freely given to the undeserving. Dobbs weaves together biblical truths, personal stories, and pastoral wisdom to create a work that is both comforting and convicting.
Key Themes
Grace for the Undeserving
The book’s central message is that grace is not earned—it is a gift. Dobbs emphasizes that no one is too far gone, too sinful, or too broken to receive God’s love. This theme echoes biblical narratives like the prodigal son and the apostle Paul’s transformation, reinforcing the idea that redemption is always possible.
Brokenness and Healing
Dobbs speaks directly to those weighed down by shame, regret, or failure. He reassures readers that their past does not disqualify them from grace. Instead, their brokenness becomes the very place where God’s mercy meets them.
Practical Encouragement
Unlike purely theological treatises on grace, this book provides actionable steps for embracing forgiveness and living in freedom. Dobbs’ pastoral heart shines through as he offers guidance on how to move from guilt to gratitude, from despair to hope.
Strengths
Relatable and Engaging – Dobbs writes with warmth and authenticity, making complex spiritual truths accessible. His personal anecdotes and gentle tone make the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor.
Biblically Grounded – The book is rooted in Scripture, drawing from both Old and New Testament examples of God’s relentless grace.
Hopeful and Uplifting – For anyone who has ever felt too far gone, this book is a lifeline, reminding them that grace is greater than their deepest failures.
Considerations
While the book is rich in encouragement, readers seeking deep theological analysis may find it more devotional than academic. However, this is not a weakness—it simply means the book is tailored for those needing comfort rather than scholarly debate.
Final Thoughts
A Sinner’s Guide to Grace is a beautiful, much-needed reminder that no one is beyond redemption. Dobbs’ words are like a balm for the soul, offering hope to the weary and assurance to the doubtful. Whether you’re wrestling with guilt, seeking reassurance, or simply wanting to understand grace more deeply, this book is a valuable companion on the journey.
Thank you to John E. Dobbs for providing a free copy of this book.
April 30, 2025
This is a very good read! Anyone who struggles with his or her own failures, and wonders if God is ready to “write them off” needs to sit down and get lost in this book. Not just as a book to read, but do a personal Bible study as you go through the pages. I promise that by the end of this book, you’ll have a new outlook! You’ll realize that Grace is for you! Especially you! Great book, Brother Dobbs! Thank you for writing it! ❤️
April 24, 2025
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. It’s was such a good short read. I have already suggested this to a few people. My faith is important to me and this has explained so much about grace. I loved it. It could definitely be read like a bible study which would be amazing to hear other’s opinion on this. Such a good read!
May 9, 2025
I won this from a goodread giveaway and it's alright. The book talks about how many Christians don't recognize or accept God's grace in their life.
I like the question at the end of each chapter.
I like the question at the end of each chapter.
August 19, 2025
Well written and helpful advice
May 28, 2025
Christians sometimes struggle to understand grace, much less accept grace.
The best news anyone can hear is that the free gift of grace is available for all sinners through Jesus Christ. A Sinner's Guide to Grace explores Scripture to discover the concepts of grace that will help see what grace really is about and how it has an important place in our lives. This book is good news for the wayward and the broken, pointing our way back to God when we have wandered from Him. Each chapter helped me grow in appreciation and love for a graceful God who knows everything about me and loves me anyway.
The best news anyone can hear is that the free gift of grace is available for all sinners through Jesus Christ. A Sinner's Guide to Grace explores Scripture to discover the concepts of grace that will help see what grace really is about and how it has an important place in our lives. This book is good news for the wayward and the broken, pointing our way back to God when we have wandered from Him. Each chapter helped me grow in appreciation and love for a graceful God who knows everything about me and loves me anyway.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews