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Reckless Love of God: Experiencing the Personal, Passionate Heart of the Gospel
Assurance of God's Personal Love for Us
The startling truth about the love of God has lost its potency. It is not a passionless, theological idea. It is a real love that feels and even suffers. Whether you grew up in a Christian home and have forgotten this essential truth, or you never knew it in the first place, we all need to be reminded--and assured--that God's love is real and personal.
The Reckless Love of God is about pulling readers in close and asking if they have really considered what it means to say, "Jesus loves you."
Nothing changes lives and grows the church faster, more effectively, and more thoroughly than being captivated by this reality. But the love of Jesus is not just a means to another end. Receiving the love of Jesus is the end itself.
Includes end-of-chapter questions for individual or group use.
The startling truth about the love of God has lost its potency. It is not a passionless, theological idea. It is a real love that feels and even suffers. Whether you grew up in a Christian home and have forgotten this essential truth, or you never knew it in the first place, we all need to be reminded--and assured--that God's love is real and personal.
The Reckless Love of God is about pulling readers in close and asking if they have really considered what it means to say, "Jesus loves you."
Nothing changes lives and grows the church faster, more effectively, and more thoroughly than being captivated by this reality. But the love of Jesus is not just a means to another end. Receiving the love of Jesus is the end itself.
Includes end-of-chapter questions for individual or group use.
- GenresFaithChristian Living
185 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
9 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 6, 2022
I really love Alex based on the time I've spent with him. Solid guy. In this book, he doesn't spend really any time talking about the controversial nature of the title or the song with the same title. Which was kind of nice, but also surprising.
His discussion of John 11 was a particular bright spot of the book, and the recounting of he and his wife's miscarriage was powerful.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
His discussion of John 11 was a particular bright spot of the book, and the recounting of he and his wife's miscarriage was powerful.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
March 2, 2024
Loved this book! It took me many months to finish this one, because night after night it would lull me to sleep with reminders and tidbits about God’s love for me.
September 11, 2015
At some point in their lives, all Christians struggle believing that God loves them. Maybe you are in the throws of struggling with a life-gripping sin and you wonder how God could love you. Maybe your life circumstances make you question God’s love for you. Or maybe other Christians have beaten you over the head with the Bible so much that its message of God’s love has been severely muffled. Like a friend of mine recently said, they are “Pharisees fronting the face of Jesus while beating people with the book.”
If you are a Christian then you have felt, are feeling, or will feel, at some point in your Christian walk, that God does not love you for one reason or another. That is why The Reckless Love of God: Experiencing the Personal, Passionate Heart of the Gospel by Alex Early is for you (Bethany House, 2015). Alex has aimed big – every Christian – and he is shooting with the most powerful weapon – the gospel. Alex believes that if “God loves us before we become Christians” then he certainly does after we do.
Playing on the song line, Jesus love me this I know for the Bible tells me so, Alex shows how God has manifested His love for his people in Jesus. “The mysterious identity of God is deciphered in the face of the Son.” If we want to see and experience God in the flesh then we only need look to Jesus who is God in the flesh. Jesus reveals the heart, will, and love of God for His children. “Jesus comes to us face-to-face with honest eyes, open hands, and a willing heart to touch the deepest human wounds with the healing balm of God’s presence. He did not remain transcendent; he became immanent.”
By pointing the reader to Scripture, Alex clearly shows us who God loves and how He loves them. Jesus loved everyone and the pages of the New Testament make that clear. If we want to see how Jesus loves us then we need to look no further than the pages of Scripture. More than just “nameless faces in a crowd,” Jesus showed His love to all kinds of individuals. “When we look at the ministry of Jesus, one hardly gets the impression that he saw nameless faces in crowds. That is not the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus revealed in Scripture sees people for the individuals they are, and he went out of his way to make people grasp that reality.”
Through a focus on the Bible, rich theological discussion, and an appreciation for theologians past and present, Alex shows us the love of God in the person of Jesus. More than mere sentimentality, this book provides a rich and colorful look at the love God has for people in the life of Jesus on the pages of Scripture. This is an encouraging book that brings to our attention the love of God in Jesus.
I received this book for free from Bethany House 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.”
If you are a Christian then you have felt, are feeling, or will feel, at some point in your Christian walk, that God does not love you for one reason or another. That is why The Reckless Love of God: Experiencing the Personal, Passionate Heart of the Gospel by Alex Early is for you (Bethany House, 2015). Alex has aimed big – every Christian – and he is shooting with the most powerful weapon – the gospel. Alex believes that if “God loves us before we become Christians” then he certainly does after we do.
Playing on the song line, Jesus love me this I know for the Bible tells me so, Alex shows how God has manifested His love for his people in Jesus. “The mysterious identity of God is deciphered in the face of the Son.” If we want to see and experience God in the flesh then we only need look to Jesus who is God in the flesh. Jesus reveals the heart, will, and love of God for His children. “Jesus comes to us face-to-face with honest eyes, open hands, and a willing heart to touch the deepest human wounds with the healing balm of God’s presence. He did not remain transcendent; he became immanent.”
By pointing the reader to Scripture, Alex clearly shows us who God loves and how He loves them. Jesus loved everyone and the pages of the New Testament make that clear. If we want to see how Jesus loves us then we need to look no further than the pages of Scripture. More than just “nameless faces in a crowd,” Jesus showed His love to all kinds of individuals. “When we look at the ministry of Jesus, one hardly gets the impression that he saw nameless faces in crowds. That is not the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus revealed in Scripture sees people for the individuals they are, and he went out of his way to make people grasp that reality.”
Through a focus on the Bible, rich theological discussion, and an appreciation for theologians past and present, Alex shows us the love of God in the person of Jesus. More than mere sentimentality, this book provides a rich and colorful look at the love God has for people in the life of Jesus on the pages of Scripture. This is an encouraging book that brings to our attention the love of God in Jesus.
I received this book for free from Bethany House 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.”
September 4, 2015
About the Book:
Assurance of God's Personal Love for Us
The startling truth about the love of God has lost its potency. It is not a passionless, theological idea. It is a real love that feels and even suffers. Whether you grew up in a Christian home and have forgotten this essential truth, or you never knew it in the first place, we all need to be reminded--and assured--that God's love is real and personal.
"The Reckless Love of God "is about pulling readers in close and asking if they have really considered what it means to say, " "Jesus loves you."
"Nothing changes lives and grows the church faster, more effectively, and more thoroughly than being captivated by this reality. But the love of Jesus is not just a means to another end. Receiving the love of Jesus is the end itself.
Includes end-of-chapter questions for individual or group use.
My Review:
The wonderful power of the grace granted to us by way of Jesus' work on the cross. God's love cuts through all the barriers and boundaries placed in His way. You are His child and His ultimate goal is to share an eternity with you. He has reckless abandon when it comes to His children and no human mind or heart can understand or fathom it but boy when you are immersed in, there is absolutely nothing better.
His love can actually be physically felt a lot of times the closer you are to Him, that is why an intimate relationship with Him is paramount especially in today's world. God has no favorites and He definitely doesn't value you one over the other, even when it co,es to sin. Sin is bad and He views them all the same.
The author is giving his own commentary on the vastness of love that Jesus has for us all and just what he was willing to do to save us from torment. We are deeply loved more than we can ever imagine by a God that will NEVER leave our side. This book is a really good guide on exploring that.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.
Assurance of God's Personal Love for Us
The startling truth about the love of God has lost its potency. It is not a passionless, theological idea. It is a real love that feels and even suffers. Whether you grew up in a Christian home and have forgotten this essential truth, or you never knew it in the first place, we all need to be reminded--and assured--that God's love is real and personal.
"The Reckless Love of God "is about pulling readers in close and asking if they have really considered what it means to say, " "Jesus loves you."
"Nothing changes lives and grows the church faster, more effectively, and more thoroughly than being captivated by this reality. But the love of Jesus is not just a means to another end. Receiving the love of Jesus is the end itself.
Includes end-of-chapter questions for individual or group use.
My Review:
The wonderful power of the grace granted to us by way of Jesus' work on the cross. God's love cuts through all the barriers and boundaries placed in His way. You are His child and His ultimate goal is to share an eternity with you. He has reckless abandon when it comes to His children and no human mind or heart can understand or fathom it but boy when you are immersed in, there is absolutely nothing better.
His love can actually be physically felt a lot of times the closer you are to Him, that is why an intimate relationship with Him is paramount especially in today's world. God has no favorites and He definitely doesn't value you one over the other, even when it co,es to sin. Sin is bad and He views them all the same.
The author is giving his own commentary on the vastness of love that Jesus has for us all and just what he was willing to do to save us from torment. We are deeply loved more than we can ever imagine by a God that will NEVER leave our side. This book is a really good guide on exploring that.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.
October 7, 2020
Despite the litany of potential audience-members in the introduction, at this point in my life, I didn't feel like this book spoke to an area that I [currently] struggle with. That said, I think the message of this book (the gospel) is powerful, and I'm glad to have it on the virtual shelf to potentially recommend to someone or come back to in the future.
I liked:
Early is obviously well-read and well-learned on theological topics. I thought his "points" were clearly articulated, founded on Biblical texts and prior theological research. This book is a constant retelling of the gospel, and ultimately that's the most important thing.
Not my favorite:
I got the feeling that this book couldn't quite decide where it wanted to land. I totally got the approachability vibe that I think Early was going for, but the undercurrent of academia which I did like was also distracting. I wanted either more of it or less.
The Christian book-world is currently over-saturated (in my opinion), and this book does perhaps speak to a niche that has been missed elsewhere...but it's a pretty small niche.
Conclusion:
I think this book will be monumental to some people, and that's fantastic. It wasn't to me, and that's okay too.
Disclaimers:
- I received a free e-proof from NetGalley
- For a few months I did attend a church Early pastored at; however, I didn't ever know him personally.
I liked:
Early is obviously well-read and well-learned on theological topics. I thought his "points" were clearly articulated, founded on Biblical texts and prior theological research. This book is a constant retelling of the gospel, and ultimately that's the most important thing.
Not my favorite:
I got the feeling that this book couldn't quite decide where it wanted to land. I totally got the approachability vibe that I think Early was going for, but the undercurrent of academia which I did like was also distracting. I wanted either more of it or less.
The Christian book-world is currently over-saturated (in my opinion), and this book does perhaps speak to a niche that has been missed elsewhere...but it's a pretty small niche.
Conclusion:
I think this book will be monumental to some people, and that's fantastic. It wasn't to me, and that's okay too.
Disclaimers:
- I received a free e-proof from NetGalley
- For a few months I did attend a church Early pastored at; however, I didn't ever know him personally.
September 1, 2015
This is probably one of the best books I've read about God's love. A lot I've read are written like they're trying to evoke a warm, fuzzy feeling, and completely ignore the holiness of God. This book was the perfect balance between God's love and His holiness. It didn't force our view of love on God. One of the first things in this book that I really liked was how in the Introduction he used the Old Testament to show God's love. I know a lot of people who believe the Old Testament is all about God's wrath and the New Testament is about God's love. They believe God changed but God's love also shows through in the Old Testament - people just often don't realize it.
I liked how Alex Early focused his book on the Bible instead of stories. He used a few stories and was very honest, but the Bible was the focus. I also liked how, towards the end of the book, Early compared Jesus to the people we read about in the Bible, how Jesus is a better version of them. "Likewise, Jesus is greater than Abraham, who by faith offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice. Jesus is greater than Isaac, who was asked to carry wood to the place of sacrifice. Jesus carried his wooden cross to Calvary."
This book is for those who want to know God's love and not just a warm, fuzzy feeling.
I liked how Alex Early focused his book on the Bible instead of stories. He used a few stories and was very honest, but the Bible was the focus. I also liked how, towards the end of the book, Early compared Jesus to the people we read about in the Bible, how Jesus is a better version of them. "Likewise, Jesus is greater than Abraham, who by faith offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice. Jesus is greater than Isaac, who was asked to carry wood to the place of sacrifice. Jesus carried his wooden cross to Calvary."
This book is for those who want to know God's love and not just a warm, fuzzy feeling.
January 25, 2016
For people who have been hurt and have lost faith in love, this book is for you. I think that if you have lost faith in love, because of something someone did to you, then you don’t know the real meaning of love. And you are defining love by the standards of this world. Don’t worry I’ve been there. It happens.
Full review at:
strawberrylemonade.wordpress.com
Full review at:
strawberrylemonade.wordpress.com
October 30, 2020
There have been many, many books, sermons, songs, poems written about the love of God. Yet often God’s love is a truth we hold in our heads but don’t experience it in our daily lives. I read this book with a particular focus on whether the author, Alex Early, could translate this knowledge into practical experience. It’s a difficult challenge and I came to the book with high expectations. Overall, I felt Alex was reasonably successful.
In the early part of the book, Alex outlines the reasons for belief in the love of God. This was excellent material for new or young Christians, but I was looking for something for those of us who have been a Christian for many years and tend to take the love of God for granted. As the book progressed, Alex gave many examples from Scripture, quotes from others and his testimony to make his point. And included gems like this one: “A covenant agreement says, ‘I am committed to your good no matter how many times you break my heart, and I will lovingly abide with you through my unmet expectations.’ That’s God’s heart toward his people” (page 53-54).
Alex’s practical suggestions include meditating on the cross, reading the Bible, considering God’s forbearing attitude with his people and being other-focused. We become more aware of God’s love when we share it with others. Also questioning our own soul as David does in Psalm 42 & 43 is a beneficial practice.
Overall a helpful read.
In the early part of the book, Alex outlines the reasons for belief in the love of God. This was excellent material for new or young Christians, but I was looking for something for those of us who have been a Christian for many years and tend to take the love of God for granted. As the book progressed, Alex gave many examples from Scripture, quotes from others and his testimony to make his point. And included gems like this one: “A covenant agreement says, ‘I am committed to your good no matter how many times you break my heart, and I will lovingly abide with you through my unmet expectations.’ That’s God’s heart toward his people” (page 53-54).
Alex’s practical suggestions include meditating on the cross, reading the Bible, considering God’s forbearing attitude with his people and being other-focused. We become more aware of God’s love when we share it with others. Also questioning our own soul as David does in Psalm 42 & 43 is a beneficial practice.
Overall a helpful read.
August 12, 2018
I heard Alex Early speak at Journey Church Colorado this summer. After hearing his sermon, I wanted to hear more, so I bought his book. First of all, I would say it is hopeful. If you are feeling lost, unloved, alone, this is a good book for you to read. The entire book has a message of how much God loves you, as part of humanity, as an individual, as part of his church. The book also gives a good history of Jesus and other important people in the Bible. If you are unfamiliar with the Bible, this book is good at introducing its people.
Additionally, I think this is a book that can be read over and over again. I have been a Christian for many years and some of the contents of the book were helpful reminders, and there were other passages that were over my head. There is simple, elementary vocabulary and words which I needed a dictionary to understand. This is a book for readers who do not know anything about Jesus and, in my opinion, Bible schoolers, which I am not.
Even if you don’t want to read the book cover to cover, there are passages that will be up-lifting, thought provoking and relevant to your life, wherever you are.
Additionally, I think this is a book that can be read over and over again. I have been a Christian for many years and some of the contents of the book were helpful reminders, and there were other passages that were over my head. There is simple, elementary vocabulary and words which I needed a dictionary to understand. This is a book for readers who do not know anything about Jesus and, in my opinion, Bible schoolers, which I am not.
Even if you don’t want to read the book cover to cover, there are passages that will be up-lifting, thought provoking and relevant to your life, wherever you are.
May 26, 2021
This book was written by my pastor at Redemption church in Seattle. Despite being written in 2015 I didn’t pick up a copy until 2019. Things like the title because of controversy over the song Reckless Love by Cory Asbury and the fact that it was written by a guy I knew kept me from reading it until 2021. But let me tell you, this book is full of condensed truth, great storytelling, vulnerability, and a passionate heart beat for the Lord. Alex Early is clearly well read and educated, a true student, who has in this book simplified and put into layman’s terms powerful core gospel wisdom and even shed light on hidden gems of the faith. His words speak to the long time follower as well as the atheist. A lot of the concepts I found in this book I heard before in a documentary called the American Gospel: Christ Crucified. It is impressive to me that Early wrote his book before that documentary! This book is great and I highly recommend it if you need to be reminded of the love Christ has for you, what it means to be a follower, or have never let yourself think about the Good News and are looking for a place to start.
November 4, 2017
I wanted to read this book because I'd read a quote from the book about Jesus' responses to someone's 's failure-focused mentality as a believer.
Turns out, that part was, in my opinion, the best part of the book.
Turns out, that part was, in my opinion, the best part of the book.
December 27, 2017
A really good reminder of just how and how much God loves us. Using lots of scripture Early walks us thru examples of God's love in Christ Jesus. Encouraging and inspirational. If you know of someone struggling to realize that God is real and cares for them, this might be a good gift.
December 10, 2017
Insanely personal. Highly researched. Amazingly honest. You. Are. Loved.
December 29, 2017
More theological than I expected, which is good. Just not very moving.
January 23, 2016
Jesus loves me this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
I received a copy of The Reckless Love of God by Alex Early from Bethany House. Even though I didn't agree with everything in this book, I really enjoyed the eye opening view into the love of God. I got blessed by the simple, yet profound reminder of the love shown by my Heavenly Father.
When I first picked up a copy of this book, I was confused by the author's choice of words. "Reckless" would not have been the first word I would've chosen for the title, but on further review, I LOVE his choice of words! The word, reckless means "without thinking or caring about the consequence of an action". God's love for us is certainly reckless. He knew the consequence of His love would mean sending His Son to die a horrible death on the cross. The world didn't understand the significance of what happened that day on Calvary. He recklessly gave all He had to us, because He loved us (John 3:16). He bankrupted Heaven for us to have the abundant wealth of eternal life.
"Of all the worn, smudged, dog-eared words in ourvocabulary, "love" is surely the grubbiest, smelliest, slimiest..."
- Aldous Huxley
The word love is so overused in today's society. I'm guilty of it, and I'm sure you are too. I will say that I love my hubby and my kiddos, and then turn around and say I love Taco Bell. Actually, maybe that isn't fair, because I really do enjoy their food to the point of possibly loving it. Anyway, even though I do really enjoy Taco Bell, I do not enjoy or love it like I love my family. The Lord is so serious about love, and He wants us to understand love so much that He gave us an entire book filled with examples of His love, the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the "love chapter", and has a list of characteristics of love. The biggest characteristic that sticks out to me is selflessness. I think we can all agree that we live in a very "me" centered society. The Lord is the best example of selfless love there ever was. He gave up His ONLY Son for a world that hates Him and denies Him on a daily basis. He loves us not expecting anything from us in return, but instead hopes we accept Him as Savior and King of our lives.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author broke down the chapters and used the lyrics of "Jesus Loves Me" and expounded on the truth of those words. Read it. It will help you, if you let it.
for the Bible tells me so.
I received a copy of The Reckless Love of God by Alex Early from Bethany House. Even though I didn't agree with everything in this book, I really enjoyed the eye opening view into the love of God. I got blessed by the simple, yet profound reminder of the love shown by my Heavenly Father.
When I first picked up a copy of this book, I was confused by the author's choice of words. "Reckless" would not have been the first word I would've chosen for the title, but on further review, I LOVE his choice of words! The word, reckless means "without thinking or caring about the consequence of an action". God's love for us is certainly reckless. He knew the consequence of His love would mean sending His Son to die a horrible death on the cross. The world didn't understand the significance of what happened that day on Calvary. He recklessly gave all He had to us, because He loved us (John 3:16). He bankrupted Heaven for us to have the abundant wealth of eternal life.
"Of all the worn, smudged, dog-eared words in ourvocabulary, "love" is surely the grubbiest, smelliest, slimiest..."
- Aldous Huxley
The word love is so overused in today's society. I'm guilty of it, and I'm sure you are too. I will say that I love my hubby and my kiddos, and then turn around and say I love Taco Bell. Actually, maybe that isn't fair, because I really do enjoy their food to the point of possibly loving it. Anyway, even though I do really enjoy Taco Bell, I do not enjoy or love it like I love my family. The Lord is so serious about love, and He wants us to understand love so much that He gave us an entire book filled with examples of His love, the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the "love chapter", and has a list of characteristics of love. The biggest characteristic that sticks out to me is selflessness. I think we can all agree that we live in a very "me" centered society. The Lord is the best example of selfless love there ever was. He gave up His ONLY Son for a world that hates Him and denies Him on a daily basis. He loves us not expecting anything from us in return, but instead hopes we accept Him as Savior and King of our lives.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author broke down the chapters and used the lyrics of "Jesus Loves Me" and expounded on the truth of those words. Read it. It will help you, if you let it.
December 3, 2015
I recently read The Reckless Love of God: Experiencing the Personal, Passionate Heart of the Gospel by Alex Early, a book which explores deeply how God loves us. The premise of this book is that most Christians know logically that God loves us, but many of us have never truly stop to consider what that actually means. There is a disconnect between what we know and what we truly understand about God's love for each of us, and Alex Early explores this disconnect deeply.
God is love, and Christians knows that. But Early uses this book to show us what that truly means, in the good times and the bad. When we feel near to God or far from God. Early uses scripture to argue that God's love is meant to be experienced, not just know, and that experiencing this love is integral to developing a deeper, more mature relationship with God. He wraps the book up with how we should use God's love as an example for how we should love.
The Reckless Love of God is well written and well researched, and Early explores a difficult-to-understand subject in a thorough and approachable way. However, this book is still written fairly academically, with more fact than anecdote, and it's a little difficult to be drawn into quickly. It isn't a fluffy, "feel good" book, but rather a true exploration of what it means for God to be love and to love us unconditionally.
This book would be a fantastic addition to a small group study, and taking it slowly and discussing it with a small group would draw out the powerful truths in this book even more. Early dives deep into the Bible and demonstrates God's love for us through scripture in a myriad of ways in The Reckless Love of God. It's a perfect fit for small groups or Bible studies looking to explore God's love, and will profoundly impact how each individual considers how God love us.
This book isn't a quick, easy read, but it's worth it. God's love is a vast, deep topic, but Early breaks it out into easy to understand topics that are rooted in scripture and applicable to life. I would definitely recommend this book, especially in a small group setting.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.
God is love, and Christians knows that. But Early uses this book to show us what that truly means, in the good times and the bad. When we feel near to God or far from God. Early uses scripture to argue that God's love is meant to be experienced, not just know, and that experiencing this love is integral to developing a deeper, more mature relationship with God. He wraps the book up with how we should use God's love as an example for how we should love.
The Reckless Love of God is well written and well researched, and Early explores a difficult-to-understand subject in a thorough and approachable way. However, this book is still written fairly academically, with more fact than anecdote, and it's a little difficult to be drawn into quickly. It isn't a fluffy, "feel good" book, but rather a true exploration of what it means for God to be love and to love us unconditionally.
This book would be a fantastic addition to a small group study, and taking it slowly and discussing it with a small group would draw out the powerful truths in this book even more. Early dives deep into the Bible and demonstrates God's love for us through scripture in a myriad of ways in The Reckless Love of God. It's a perfect fit for small groups or Bible studies looking to explore God's love, and will profoundly impact how each individual considers how God love us.
This book isn't a quick, easy read, but it's worth it. God's love is a vast, deep topic, but Early breaks it out into easy to understand topics that are rooted in scripture and applicable to life. I would definitely recommend this book, especially in a small group setting.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2015
Alex Early uses the familiar song, "Jesus Loves Me," to share with his readers what he's learned about the reckless love of God. From cover to cover, the book is simply about GOD'S LOVE for the world, for believers especially. His message is intricately connected, of course, to God's other attributes, notably God's grace (and/or mercy), God's wrath, and God's justice. God's love cannot be separated from his justice and goodness. A just and good God has to become angry when he's sinned against. Sin deserves wrath and anger and punishment--even ETERNAL punishment. But God's love for us is so great, so strong, so deep, that that is not the end of the story. God sent his Son, his ONLY Son, his much beloved Son, Jesus, to save us from ourselves, to save us from our sins, to restore, redeem, and reconcile us with God the Father. Sin was punished, and God's wrath was satisfied. End of story. Jesus paid it all. And it cost God something. Grace is not cheap. Not at all. Through Jesus, God showed us what love was all about. And that is something we see illustrated again and again in the Bible: God IS love, and we are LOVED. Loved without a doubt, without question. God's love for us does not give us permission to live however we want, to live recklessly without him all the while proclaiming that we are Christians, but it is faithful and true, not demanding us to EARN our way into God's good graces. We can not pay God back what we "owe" him. We cannot add anything--no matter how small--to our salvation.
The Reckless Love may sound like an "old, old story" one that for many may be taken as matter-of-fact. But the message can be life-changing, especially for those that have not learned the lesson deeply themselves just yet. The message may not be a "new" one particularly. But it is a message that is always needed. There are indeed readers who NEED to know--desperately need to know--that God's love extends "even" to them.
The Reckless Love may sound like an "old, old story" one that for many may be taken as matter-of-fact. But the message can be life-changing, especially for those that have not learned the lesson deeply themselves just yet. The message may not be a "new" one particularly. But it is a message that is always needed. There are indeed readers who NEED to know--desperately need to know--that God's love extends "even" to them.
September 2, 2015
I felt this book was rather academic in nature. Early concentrates on Jesus, the exact representation of God, to reveal God's love for us. He looks at Jesus' actions, what He said, the stories He told. He quotes large portions of Scripture, like John 11:1-44. He quotes from many theologians, scholars, and popular authors. In the end I felt like I had an intellectual understanding of how much God loves me. What was missing was the help readers need to then pursue an intimate and passionate relationship with God based on that knowledge. There were a couple of topics Early covered that I really appreciated. One was the three things he identified as keeping him from realizing the vastness of God's love for him. Those were good points for all of us. The other was his writing about Jesus in all of the Bible. Again, very good.
So I have mixed feelings about the book. I think the topic and instruction were pretty good, if a little too academic. I felt like I was reading a thesis somewhat adapted to the general public, however. And the application was missing.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1Q7lZhd.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
So I have mixed feelings about the book. I think the topic and instruction were pretty good, if a little too academic. I felt like I was reading a thesis somewhat adapted to the general public, however. And the application was missing.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1Q7lZhd.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
September 22, 2015
The Reckless Love of God: Experiencing the Personal, Passionate Heart of the Gospel by Alex Early explores God’s love for mankind. The book incorporates many valuable elements, and I thought it was interesting when Early said he started looking at Jesus as a person instead of a specimen to be studied. I liked the personal stories Early shared, as well as the Bible stories he highlighted, such as Mark 2 or John 4. Other sections I enjoyed were when Early talked about the disciples in detail, or when he discussed major obstacles that Christians face, including “inoculation,” in which continuously receiving small amounts of the Gospel (such as through a weekly church sermon) makes a Christian “immune” to the power of the Gospel. The book wonderfully focuses on how Jesus is the hero of the Bible, and how God’s reckless love can become the core of who we are as Christians.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. (Thank you). I originally was excited to get this book in hopes of passing it on to my parents, who are not Christian. There were a lot of good reminders for Christians in this book, regardless of how long you've been a Christian. I thought what Mr. Early was saying about the "exegesis of culture" was interesting, and I hadn't really thought about that before.
I did feel that people who are not in the church might not fully understand this book with all of it's references to theologists, "Christianese" and Bible passages. (I know, that sound odd since this is a book about God.) I think if I was not a Christian and I picked up this book, a lot of it would've gone over my head or not held my interest.
I did feel that people who are not in the church might not fully understand this book with all of it's references to theologists, "Christianese" and Bible passages. (I know, that sound odd since this is a book about God.) I think if I was not a Christian and I picked up this book, a lot of it would've gone over my head or not held my interest.
September 18, 2015
Alex Early has attempted to explain the awesome nature of God's love for us. He reminds us of what Jesus did for us and the lengths God went to express his love for us all. This book was a good read, but it didn't stand out to me. I was expecting something a bit more gripping by the title, but ultimately when one considers the content of the book and the purpose of the book the gripping nature of the Gospel does come through.
Alex Early's writing style is the main reason for my previous remarks. The content is excellent, but the writing style is a bit to academic for my personal preference. overall it was an excellent book.
Alex Early's writing style is the main reason for my previous remarks. The content is excellent, but the writing style is a bit to academic for my personal preference. overall it was an excellent book.
September 28, 2016
The Reckless Love of God by Alex Early takes a deep look at God's love for His children. You can tell that Early has a heart for Jesus and wants to communicate this to others. The book comes from a conservative Evangelical perspective with support for the substitutionary view of the atonement.
I would recommend this book for Christians who come from the aforementioned point of view. This is a solid book that really tries to be loving and honest at the same time. The author has a burning love for Jesus which can be demonstrated in the book.
I received this book for free from goodreads in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I would recommend this book for Christians who come from the aforementioned point of view. This is a solid book that really tries to be loving and honest at the same time. The author has a burning love for Jesus which can be demonstrated in the book.
I received this book for free from goodreads in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 10, 2015
The title of Alex Early's book, "The Reckless Love of God" is really powerful. In his book, he writes about the unconditional love of Jesus. He writes about the fact that He is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. There is also the fact that God's love spills out in action. By action, there is the desire and will to love our neighbor with deeds. It's a perfect book to make a person desire God's love.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethany...
September 25, 2016
This book strikes a really good balance between the love of god and the holiness of God. Often, when reading books about the love of God we are subject to understand love on human terms, leaving us with sentimentality. Conversely, when reading books about the holiness of God we are often subject to "isolationism". Early however manages to draw the reader in to well-balanced view of love and holiness that leaves the reader more appreciative of both. An easy read
October 4, 2015
I was given this book for review. I really loved the theology overview. Especially in chapter one. I felt like the author was speaking directly to me, in terms and sentence flow that made complete sense in this time period. The way the author writes is easy to understand but also deep and substantial. I really liked the insights he had.
September 23, 2015
This book tells people what the love of god can do for you and why you should love god.
March 15, 2017
Delightful, inspiring account of real love of God through Jesus Christ in our everyday life.
Here are a few passages that resound to me:
"To read the Bible and then conclude it means anything other than being deeply loved by God, conformed to the image of Jesus, and extending his message of repentance and belief in the Gospel, simply misses the point of each book, sixty-six times in a row." (66 books of the Bible) pg 166
" He cannot be distracted from his late-night prayer in Gethsemane".
Truly POWERFUL statements to me.
Read this to find your Creator is always there for you ... no matter what!
Here are a few passages that resound to me:
"To read the Bible and then conclude it means anything other than being deeply loved by God, conformed to the image of Jesus, and extending his message of repentance and belief in the Gospel, simply misses the point of each book, sixty-six times in a row." (66 books of the Bible) pg 166
" He cannot be distracted from his late-night prayer in Gethsemane".
Truly POWERFUL statements to me.
Read this to find your Creator is always there for you ... no matter what!
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