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Unchained: If Jesus Has Set Us Free, Why Don't We Feel Free?
Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.
Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means.
Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2017
39 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Noel Jesse Heikkinen
3 books9 followersNoel Jesse Heikkinen is a pastor at Riverview Church in the Lansing, Michigan area, and serves as a network director for Acts 29. He is the author of Unchained and blogs at noeljesse.com. Noel and his wife, Grace, have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 9, 2017
Wow. Unchained was such a great read. The book has 10 chapters and is divided into four parts: The Problem with Chains, Set Free From, Set Free for Freedom, Set Free To. There really wasn't any part of this book I didn't enjoy reading and there were several parts that hit home. I have so many highlighted sections/quotes, it is that good.
All in all, I definitely recommend Unchained! It is a powerful nonfiction read and just very good.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
All in all, I definitely recommend Unchained! It is a powerful nonfiction read and just very good.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
March 6, 2017
Galatians 5:1 says Christians have been set free by Christ. But what does that mean and why don't we feel free?
Every once and a while a book comes along that I think does an excellent job of exploring a difficult topic in the Christian faith. Such is this book on the subject of freedom.
Heikkinen writes, “...freedom ought to be one of the defining marks of a follower of Jesus.” He helps us understand what freedom is. We might think it means being able to do whatever we want. He clarifies that misunderstanding, explaining what we are free from and the new law we are now under.
I really appreciated his exploration of the scary nature of freedom, that we don't know what to do with it. We don't have control over it. We can't monitor our Christian walk so we create structure and rules. He helps us understand true guilt, how we are set free from it and shame. We learn what obedience to Jesus is, concentrating on the “dos” and not the “don'ts.”
I really like this book. Heikkinen helped me understand the freedom we have in Christ, what it means and does not mean. I highly recommend it to Christians who want to understand and experience the freedom we have in Christ. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter so this book would be great for classroom or small group use.
Food for thought: sin – anytime we are unlike God in any way.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Every once and a while a book comes along that I think does an excellent job of exploring a difficult topic in the Christian faith. Such is this book on the subject of freedom.
Heikkinen writes, “...freedom ought to be one of the defining marks of a follower of Jesus.” He helps us understand what freedom is. We might think it means being able to do whatever we want. He clarifies that misunderstanding, explaining what we are free from and the new law we are now under.
I really appreciated his exploration of the scary nature of freedom, that we don't know what to do with it. We don't have control over it. We can't monitor our Christian walk so we create structure and rules. He helps us understand true guilt, how we are set free from it and shame. We learn what obedience to Jesus is, concentrating on the “dos” and not the “don'ts.”
I really like this book. Heikkinen helped me understand the freedom we have in Christ, what it means and does not mean. I highly recommend it to Christians who want to understand and experience the freedom we have in Christ. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter so this book would be great for classroom or small group use.
Food for thought: sin – anytime we are unlike God in any way.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 16, 2017
This is my fave non-fiction read of 2017 so far.
Heikkinen’s writing style is witty and engaging but full of profound truth. I mean, a book that starts out comparing freedom to bacon is one that everyone clearly needs to read.
He breaks down a tough concept in very easy-to-relate-to ways, and my copy is full of passages I’ve underlined and starred for quick recall. The truth presented here is so … well… freeing. And revolutionary (though it shouldn’t be).
His discussion of the Law is the best I’ve ever read. Unchained is worth buying for chapter 3 on its own, but you could really say the same thing about all the other chapters too. From talking about why we don’t feel free to what we’re set free from – and what we’re set free for – this is a book that will change lives. The discussion questions make this a great resource for small groups or personal devotions.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Heikkinen’s writing style is witty and engaging but full of profound truth. I mean, a book that starts out comparing freedom to bacon is one that everyone clearly needs to read.
He breaks down a tough concept in very easy-to-relate-to ways, and my copy is full of passages I’ve underlined and starred for quick recall. The truth presented here is so … well… freeing. And revolutionary (though it shouldn’t be).
His discussion of the Law is the best I’ve ever read. Unchained is worth buying for chapter 3 on its own, but you could really say the same thing about all the other chapters too. From talking about why we don’t feel free to what we’re set free from – and what we’re set free for – this is a book that will change lives. The discussion questions make this a great resource for small groups or personal devotions.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 31, 2017
Unchained is s wonderful work of non-fiction. This book was an eye opener for me. This book helps to show me what Grace is truly is about. O received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. This review is my honest opinion. 4 stars.
August 2, 2017
I have attended Riverview Church, and my parents currently do. Reading this book was like hearing Noel preach.
Noel's ability to break down difficult theological passages is a spiritual gift.
Noel's ability to break down difficult theological passages is a spiritual gift.
February 23, 2017
Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen Published by David C. Cook
I remember my reaction years ago reading a book on grace and saying to myself, “I wish it were true”. That may well sum up the thoughts many people have about grace and forgiveness going all the way back to the early church. In fact if Galatians is one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written it could be said that even those who were hearing the gospel for the first time found it hard to believe it was true and it has been a problem from the founding of the church.
So many Christians wonder if there must be something more, right? Noel Heikkinen reminds us, “Not a century goes by …without some group trying to add something to the faith and declaring they have found the answer to…a more faithful Christianity”. (Location 364 Kindle) I grew up with “I don’t smoke drink or chew and I don’t date the girls who do.”
The rules have changed since the first century so each century, or decade, probably needs its own book to challenge the rules of the day. For this decade the book is Unchained.
This book may not become the classic book about freedom in Christ not because of the writing but rather because some of the rules Noel takes on will be replaced by other rules that need to be challenged. In my 6 decades I have seen a lot of rules change and I have also come to realize the rules often change with geography. To clarify I should say that the rules of the South differ from the rules of the North and the rules in France or Quebec differ from the rules of the USA. Unfortunately books of this kind will probably be needed every few years to address the new rules.
What should be the enduring message of this book is the explanation of Scripture that declares our freedom in Christ. For example the verse that keeps coming up in this book is “For freedom Christ has set us free”. This verse speaks across centuries and across culture and geography.
I also appreciate the author’s explanation of a difficult passage in 1 John 3, “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning….” The author gives a brief overview of seven common interpretations, some of which do nothing but add more guilt to the struggling Christian. Other interpretations plainly do not fit with the whole counsel of God (Option 1 and Option 2 for example). Then he lands and stands on what he lists as Option 7. (Kindle location 1577)
I found this interpretation, adapted from the work of Ray Stedman, to be very helpful though I had not quite seen it put this way before. Spoiler alert: A Christian will not forever continue in a pattern of unrepentant sin. The writer takes some time to flesh this thought out. Maybe this alone makes buying the book worth the money and time.
Also helpful were the steps from being from being guilty and not feeling guilty to not being guilty and not feeling guilty. In this he reminds us that the Christian life is a journey. Salvation from sin may take an instant but salvation from the fear of sin and feeling sinful takes time.
Noel moves to a conclusion with the story of Shin Donghyuk who was born and grew up in prison in North Korea and who only knew life behind walls. He believed that this was life for everybody until he met a man from outside the walls who told him he could eat broiled chicken everyday outside the walls. That was his motivation to escape. It turned out that his freedom meant death for his new friend. But Shin took the opportunity and escaped the prison.
Noel Heikken reminds us that Jesus laid down his life for us and we need to grasp that freedom and live ae free. This is a good message and one that needs to be heard over and over. Noel speaks that message powerfully.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley.com with the understanding I would read it and write a review.
I remember my reaction years ago reading a book on grace and saying to myself, “I wish it were true”. That may well sum up the thoughts many people have about grace and forgiveness going all the way back to the early church. In fact if Galatians is one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written it could be said that even those who were hearing the gospel for the first time found it hard to believe it was true and it has been a problem from the founding of the church.
So many Christians wonder if there must be something more, right? Noel Heikkinen reminds us, “Not a century goes by …without some group trying to add something to the faith and declaring they have found the answer to…a more faithful Christianity”. (Location 364 Kindle) I grew up with “I don’t smoke drink or chew and I don’t date the girls who do.”
The rules have changed since the first century so each century, or decade, probably needs its own book to challenge the rules of the day. For this decade the book is Unchained.
This book may not become the classic book about freedom in Christ not because of the writing but rather because some of the rules Noel takes on will be replaced by other rules that need to be challenged. In my 6 decades I have seen a lot of rules change and I have also come to realize the rules often change with geography. To clarify I should say that the rules of the South differ from the rules of the North and the rules in France or Quebec differ from the rules of the USA. Unfortunately books of this kind will probably be needed every few years to address the new rules.
What should be the enduring message of this book is the explanation of Scripture that declares our freedom in Christ. For example the verse that keeps coming up in this book is “For freedom Christ has set us free”. This verse speaks across centuries and across culture and geography.
I also appreciate the author’s explanation of a difficult passage in 1 John 3, “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning….” The author gives a brief overview of seven common interpretations, some of which do nothing but add more guilt to the struggling Christian. Other interpretations plainly do not fit with the whole counsel of God (Option 1 and Option 2 for example). Then he lands and stands on what he lists as Option 7. (Kindle location 1577)
I found this interpretation, adapted from the work of Ray Stedman, to be very helpful though I had not quite seen it put this way before. Spoiler alert: A Christian will not forever continue in a pattern of unrepentant sin. The writer takes some time to flesh this thought out. Maybe this alone makes buying the book worth the money and time.
Also helpful were the steps from being from being guilty and not feeling guilty to not being guilty and not feeling guilty. In this he reminds us that the Christian life is a journey. Salvation from sin may take an instant but salvation from the fear of sin and feeling sinful takes time.
Noel moves to a conclusion with the story of Shin Donghyuk who was born and grew up in prison in North Korea and who only knew life behind walls. He believed that this was life for everybody until he met a man from outside the walls who told him he could eat broiled chicken everyday outside the walls. That was his motivation to escape. It turned out that his freedom meant death for his new friend. But Shin took the opportunity and escaped the prison.
Noel Heikken reminds us that Jesus laid down his life for us and we need to grasp that freedom and live ae free. This is a good message and one that needs to be heard over and over. Noel speaks that message powerfully.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley.com with the understanding I would read it and write a review.
August 19, 2017
A couple of weeks ago, I was skimming through my Twitter feed, and I noticed somebody writing about a book that Noel Jesse Heikkinen wrote called Unchained: If Jesus Has Set Us Free, Why Don't We Feel Free. I thought that the title was intriguing, and I have known Noel for several years and I have always been impressed by the thoughtful ways he communicates our common faith. While we have never had any lengthy one on one conversations, I have appreciated his authenticity and his unconventional speaking style. Noel is primary preaching pastor at Riverview Church near Lansing, Michigan, and serves as the board chair for the mission agency I used to work for, Reliant.
First off, I'm grateful for the fact that Noel writes in the same style that he speaks. His wit is ever present, and his way of providing a fresh look at faith in practice has been one of the best aspects of this book. The focus of the book is looking at multiple facets of freedom that come from faith in Jesus, and the irony that many who practice the Christian faith are not experiencing this freedom in their daily lives.
But the book starts a few steps before this freedom to talk about what it is to not be free, and what we have been freed from and for. Noel shares both personal story, examples from pop culture and history, and quite a wide array of scripture to ensure that his points are made. The book walks through what exactly Jesus has freed people from, and also explains some of the ways we exchange our freedom for various forms of slavery. Noel provides counterarguments for some of the popular misunderstandings and errors in thinking that lead people to submit themselves to what amounts to slavery to new activities, slavery to guilt, and slavery to shame (among other forms of slavery). He also differentiates a popular definition of freedom that is very self centered from a definition that opens up the fact that our freedom exists in a place where we have never been, and makes it hard for us to comprehend what it even means.
Noel unpacks very thoughtfully and thoroughly the challenges experienced by what theologians call our positional and our conditional realities, and he unpacks these not as an academic, but as a fellow sojourner and "recovering hypocrite" who wants to see others set free from guilt and shame so that they can live a more joy-filled life of faith. He doesn't prescribe a list of practices that make this transition possible, because that in itself can become another form of slavery; rather he points out the fact that this freedom is the Christian's reality, whether they feel like it or not.
As good as the text itself is, I really love the fact that this book has discussion/reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Sometimes, it is really easy to speed through a book, but not take time to consider deeply what one reads. I know that unless I intentionally carve out space to reflect, it is all too easy to be on to the next topic, book, blog, or activity.
In addition, the afterword of the book was very different from any afterword I've ever read. I won't tell you what it says--you'll have to read it yourself, but the content of the afterword really says something about Noel's faith, and his desire for other people, especially but not only his friends, to experience it and experience it richly.
Regardless of one's faith perspective, I believe readers will enjoy Noel's writing style, his heavy (but not overwhelming) use of scripture to make his case, as well as his wit and humor as they take time to savor the truths being presented by the text.
First off, I'm grateful for the fact that Noel writes in the same style that he speaks. His wit is ever present, and his way of providing a fresh look at faith in practice has been one of the best aspects of this book. The focus of the book is looking at multiple facets of freedom that come from faith in Jesus, and the irony that many who practice the Christian faith are not experiencing this freedom in their daily lives.
But the book starts a few steps before this freedom to talk about what it is to not be free, and what we have been freed from and for. Noel shares both personal story, examples from pop culture and history, and quite a wide array of scripture to ensure that his points are made. The book walks through what exactly Jesus has freed people from, and also explains some of the ways we exchange our freedom for various forms of slavery. Noel provides counterarguments for some of the popular misunderstandings and errors in thinking that lead people to submit themselves to what amounts to slavery to new activities, slavery to guilt, and slavery to shame (among other forms of slavery). He also differentiates a popular definition of freedom that is very self centered from a definition that opens up the fact that our freedom exists in a place where we have never been, and makes it hard for us to comprehend what it even means.
Noel unpacks very thoughtfully and thoroughly the challenges experienced by what theologians call our positional and our conditional realities, and he unpacks these not as an academic, but as a fellow sojourner and "recovering hypocrite" who wants to see others set free from guilt and shame so that they can live a more joy-filled life of faith. He doesn't prescribe a list of practices that make this transition possible, because that in itself can become another form of slavery; rather he points out the fact that this freedom is the Christian's reality, whether they feel like it or not.
As good as the text itself is, I really love the fact that this book has discussion/reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Sometimes, it is really easy to speed through a book, but not take time to consider deeply what one reads. I know that unless I intentionally carve out space to reflect, it is all too easy to be on to the next topic, book, blog, or activity.
In addition, the afterword of the book was very different from any afterword I've ever read. I won't tell you what it says--you'll have to read it yourself, but the content of the afterword really says something about Noel's faith, and his desire for other people, especially but not only his friends, to experience it and experience it richly.
Regardless of one's faith perspective, I believe readers will enjoy Noel's writing style, his heavy (but not overwhelming) use of scripture to make his case, as well as his wit and humor as they take time to savor the truths being presented by the text.
March 13, 2017
About the Book:
Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.
Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means.
My Review:
Ya know, Christ takes us by the hand and He can walk us through some really ugly painful stuff. I know that He is usually in the mist of my ugly especially when I get you should really apologize to her. Luckily, He gives me the option to do it in a letter mainly because I'm a big chicken and I would cry more than talk if I were to actually have a conversation with a person that has harmed me in some way. Thank God, my Father knows this about me and He gives me that little bit to hang on to. That little bit of personal safety. He allows me space to do what He asks. I'm so incredibly blessed that He does this for me.
But what I have learned after being a Christian for over 20 years is that sometimes those hurts that He has forgiven us of we kind of hold on to them. Maybe it was because the pain has become part of us or that we can't get past it, but being in bondage is something that as a Christian you will learn is the devil's playground not God's. God has most definitely come to give us a much needed freedom that we will not find anywhere else. It's hard to accept that freedom after being brow beat by the devil for so long but God offers it to us freely with no strings attached.
In Noel Heikkinen's book, Unchained we learn what it's like to truly be free from our burdens and to never pick them up again. We learn that God does not offer us freedom that is superficial but a freedom that is long lasting and will stand the test of time. God our redeemer will redeem us as well as our failures.
This book is a really good one to remind us of who we are in Christ!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.
Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means.
My Review:
Ya know, Christ takes us by the hand and He can walk us through some really ugly painful stuff. I know that He is usually in the mist of my ugly especially when I get you should really apologize to her. Luckily, He gives me the option to do it in a letter mainly because I'm a big chicken and I would cry more than talk if I were to actually have a conversation with a person that has harmed me in some way. Thank God, my Father knows this about me and He gives me that little bit to hang on to. That little bit of personal safety. He allows me space to do what He asks. I'm so incredibly blessed that He does this for me.
But what I have learned after being a Christian for over 20 years is that sometimes those hurts that He has forgiven us of we kind of hold on to them. Maybe it was because the pain has become part of us or that we can't get past it, but being in bondage is something that as a Christian you will learn is the devil's playground not God's. God has most definitely come to give us a much needed freedom that we will not find anywhere else. It's hard to accept that freedom after being brow beat by the devil for so long but God offers it to us freely with no strings attached.
In Noel Heikkinen's book, Unchained we learn what it's like to truly be free from our burdens and to never pick them up again. We learn that God does not offer us freedom that is superficial but a freedom that is long lasting and will stand the test of time. God our redeemer will redeem us as well as our failures.
This book is a really good one to remind us of who we are in Christ!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2017
This is a most enjoyable book and very profound. It made me ponder many things and think more deeply about my faith and what it means to be free.
Perhaps like me you struggle with the fact that you are free in Christ. That our past sins are forgiven when we ask for that forgiveness from Him. I continue to have moments of living in the past and feeling great remorse over my sins while wondering if I have truly been forgiven. This kind of thinking keeps us from living fully in freedom.
I loved Mr. Keikkinen's writing style because it made the subject matter come alive for me and it was very understandable despite being a complex subject. I used my highlighter extensively throughout the book and caught myself stopping on pages to re-read certain paragraphs or sentences again. I found myself having several light-bulb moments!
I really liked how he explained how we create structure and laws for ourselves in place of truly living in Christian freedom. I have seen this time and again with churches that create the lists of do's and don'ts that bring nothing but guilt and shame into our lives.
This is an excellent book and truly a new favorite of mine. It will be staying on my book shelf to be returned to, I'm sure, time and again. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
Perhaps like me you struggle with the fact that you are free in Christ. That our past sins are forgiven when we ask for that forgiveness from Him. I continue to have moments of living in the past and feeling great remorse over my sins while wondering if I have truly been forgiven. This kind of thinking keeps us from living fully in freedom.
I loved Mr. Keikkinen's writing style because it made the subject matter come alive for me and it was very understandable despite being a complex subject. I used my highlighter extensively throughout the book and caught myself stopping on pages to re-read certain paragraphs or sentences again. I found myself having several light-bulb moments!
I really liked how he explained how we create structure and laws for ourselves in place of truly living in Christian freedom. I have seen this time and again with churches that create the lists of do's and don'ts that bring nothing but guilt and shame into our lives.
This is an excellent book and truly a new favorite of mine. It will be staying on my book shelf to be returned to, I'm sure, time and again. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
February 2, 2020
Thank you first off NetGalley as well as the Noel Jesse Heikkinen for the opportunity to read your book. The spirit of God is not a spirt that just allows us to go free because we call his name once. We have to be an example of long suffering and long loving of his spirit. I did not learn this through this book but I know this book is trying to explain that we are not free just because we want to be. We have to live and be an example everyday. Wait on the Lord.
January 27, 2021
The author has written a much needed book on the Christian's freedom. It is easy to read and will be helpful to the new Christian as well as the mature Christian. I would prefer that the long discussion questions not be put at the end of each chapter.
May 10, 2020
I don’t think I haven’t heard anything this book teaches in my life as a Christian. Even so, it was so refreshing for my soul.
January 9, 2022
I was more than ecstatic that I picked this up. The kind of message I was looking for! Definitely my best read this year. I hope many would read this, too.
March 14, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. I learned a lot more of what being free means with Jesus. It’s a lot clearer now and these words were powerful. I just couldn’t put it it down I had to finish this book. It kept me thinking.
I now know more of being free with Christ and I am glad that I was able to read this story. It has helped alot. I highly recommend this book to every christian. A good book to have.
I have received a ARC of this book to to give a honest review.
I now know more of being free with Christ and I am glad that I was able to read this story. It has helped alot. I highly recommend this book to every christian. A good book to have.
I have received a ARC of this book to to give a honest review.
February 12, 2017
Great book!
I loved the end of chapter 6, "The reason for the disconnect between what these verses say and what we feel is while we are now partially seated with Christ in the heavenly places, conditionally we are still here on earth where our sinful flesh continues to do battle with our new nature..."
"... The key to dealing with feelings of condemnation is to remember your position with Jesus in the heavenly places. When you are feeling condemned, it just shows every fiber of your being his long for the day when your sinful carcass finally be swallowed up in your positional righteousness but that day is a day in the future: it's far away, and all of us are stuck in the here and now. So when Paul writes in Romans 8:1 that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," we give a conflicted nod..."
"...You see, sometimes we carry around this twitchy glitch when we really just need to breathe and remember we have been set free. I love how Martin Luther put it: whenever the devil harasses you thus, seek the company of men or drink more, or joke and talk nonsense, or do some other merry thing. Sometimes we must drink more, sport, recreate, aye, and even sun a little to spite the devil, so that we leave him no place for troubling our consciences with trifles. We are conquered if we try too conscientiously not to sin at all. So when the devil says to you: "Do not drink," answer him: "I will drink, and right freely, just because you tell me not to."
Would've liked to hear more stories from Noel but overall great!
I loved the end of chapter 6, "The reason for the disconnect between what these verses say and what we feel is while we are now partially seated with Christ in the heavenly places, conditionally we are still here on earth where our sinful flesh continues to do battle with our new nature..."
"... The key to dealing with feelings of condemnation is to remember your position with Jesus in the heavenly places. When you are feeling condemned, it just shows every fiber of your being his long for the day when your sinful carcass finally be swallowed up in your positional righteousness but that day is a day in the future: it's far away, and all of us are stuck in the here and now. So when Paul writes in Romans 8:1 that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," we give a conflicted nod..."
"...You see, sometimes we carry around this twitchy glitch when we really just need to breathe and remember we have been set free. I love how Martin Luther put it: whenever the devil harasses you thus, seek the company of men or drink more, or joke and talk nonsense, or do some other merry thing. Sometimes we must drink more, sport, recreate, aye, and even sun a little to spite the devil, so that we leave him no place for troubling our consciences with trifles. We are conquered if we try too conscientiously not to sin at all. So when the devil says to you: "Do not drink," answer him: "I will drink, and right freely, just because you tell me not to."
Would've liked to hear more stories from Noel but overall great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2017
"The problem occurs when our man-made rules become more important than Jesus--when praying or reading the Bible every day becomes more important than following Jesus."
Oops, I read this book in under four hours. I may be a little biased here- the author is one of the pastors at my curch-but it was incredibly powerful and something I needed to digest in full. I couldn't put this book down because for the first time in my 20, or so, years walk with Jesus I have come to a halt. I always say, "I was the one who moved, not Jesus" and that is true. So, to pick this book up and read the words of someone I hold in high regard was nurturing to my spiritually dry soul.
At the heart of this book is the Truth: we are set free because Christ has set us free. It's a tough concept for anyone, but especially one who has grown up in the faith, to truly grasp. It is a verse that is difficult to fully immerse into one's life, but Noel does a great job of dissecting the Truth. There are so many ways we Christians beat ourselves up for not feeling free that reality hits (or condemnation): we've been making it about us when all along it's about Jesus.
Highly suggest picking this book up even if you're just curious about this Jesus guy. There are mentions of bacon in it if that doesn't entice you alone.
Oops, I read this book in under four hours. I may be a little biased here- the author is one of the pastors at my curch-but it was incredibly powerful and something I needed to digest in full. I couldn't put this book down because for the first time in my 20, or so, years walk with Jesus I have come to a halt. I always say, "I was the one who moved, not Jesus" and that is true. So, to pick this book up and read the words of someone I hold in high regard was nurturing to my spiritually dry soul.
At the heart of this book is the Truth: we are set free because Christ has set us free. It's a tough concept for anyone, but especially one who has grown up in the faith, to truly grasp. It is a verse that is difficult to fully immerse into one's life, but Noel does a great job of dissecting the Truth. There are so many ways we Christians beat ourselves up for not feeling free that reality hits (or condemnation): we've been making it about us when all along it's about Jesus.
Highly suggest picking this book up even if you're just curious about this Jesus guy. There are mentions of bacon in it if that doesn't entice you alone.
Read
March 15, 2017I read Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen in exchange for honest review from Litfuse. The book is Christian-based. The book's subtitle if If Jesus has set us free, why don't we feel free?. Guilt. I am a Christian and I have felt guilt over many things, even years after I asked for forgiveness over and over again.
The author discussed how Christians walk around with heavy chains on, worrying about how many mistakes God is adding up. For me, one of my heavy chains is my sexual past. The author said "there is no joy in sin and I felt trapped." I have felt that way many times after having one sexual encounter after another. I was sexually free, but not truly free with God. Freedom should tell the world you are Christian was one of the most powerful lines in the book.
Another topic, which hit me hard was about prayer schedules and reading the bible. The author discussed how people have good intentions to read the bible and pray every day, but then things get in the way. The idea of reading and praying becomes more important than following Jesus. It is like when I took a bible course on purity years ago. Some days, I forgot to log in, so I tried to double up and triple up the next day. Completing the course became more important than trying to improve my spiritual life. When I did complete the course, I was more happy I finally finished though I barely learned anything.
The author said the problem with man-made rules is the rules place yokes, which require more than the bible commands. The man-made rules changes how we think God feels about us and when we fail, "we don't feel free."
I also liked the section on the law (biblical law, aka the old testament). The author discusses how people place different levels of importance on different laws. Is it a better sin if we steal some paper from work versus robbing a bank? How important is keeping the Sabbath? When was the last time we truly kept the Sabbath?
The section on the law was my favorite section in the book.
March 24, 2017
Recently, I had the pleasure of reading Unchained written by Noel Jesse Heikkinen and published by David C. Cook. This book is a must read for anyone who wonders if they will ever measure up, if they will ever stop disappointing God, if they will ever be free of their past, if they will be stained by their sins forever, if people will always judge them, or if they will ever indeed be truly free!
From the moment I started reading Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen, I was hooked. I found my life story laid bare on the pages before me in Kate's story. "God must be at least a little bit disappointed with me," Kate laments. Noel expounds; "Disappointment is what she had come to expect. Dads can do that to a little girl, as can teachers, coaches, spouses, and schoolyard bullies." For years, I thought I wasn't "good enough." I thought God must be disappointed in me. People in my life had told me I wasn't enough and that I was worthless. This colored how I thought God viewed me. When I learned to see God for who He truly is and His love as unconditional, it was indeed freeing. When we totally surrender, those chains are gone and we can live with abandon for Him. This is the premise of Unchained.
The key verse referred to throughout Unchained is "For freedom Christ has set us free." (ESV) Yet, are we truly free? Have we learned to leave our past, our sins, our fears, our worries at the feet of God? Or, do we carry them around our necks like heavy chains weighing us down and tripping us up causing us to stumble over and over again? Unchained talks about the various traps that can keep us enslaved and how we can be truly free. "Chains have become so much a part of our daily existence that we don't even know we are weighed down." I certainly didn't realize it. One of the points is that NOTHING is greater nor more important than God. We cannot allow manmade rules or tasks to take precedence over God and His presence in our life. We were created for a love relationship with Him and not a guilt ridden judgement. God wants us to be free. It is why He sent His Son. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 (NIV)
From the moment I started reading Unchained by Noel Jesse Heikkinen, I was hooked. I found my life story laid bare on the pages before me in Kate's story. "God must be at least a little bit disappointed with me," Kate laments. Noel expounds; "Disappointment is what she had come to expect. Dads can do that to a little girl, as can teachers, coaches, spouses, and schoolyard bullies." For years, I thought I wasn't "good enough." I thought God must be disappointed in me. People in my life had told me I wasn't enough and that I was worthless. This colored how I thought God viewed me. When I learned to see God for who He truly is and His love as unconditional, it was indeed freeing. When we totally surrender, those chains are gone and we can live with abandon for Him. This is the premise of Unchained.
The key verse referred to throughout Unchained is "For freedom Christ has set us free." (ESV) Yet, are we truly free? Have we learned to leave our past, our sins, our fears, our worries at the feet of God? Or, do we carry them around our necks like heavy chains weighing us down and tripping us up causing us to stumble over and over again? Unchained talks about the various traps that can keep us enslaved and how we can be truly free. "Chains have become so much a part of our daily existence that we don't even know we are weighed down." I certainly didn't realize it. One of the points is that NOTHING is greater nor more important than God. We cannot allow manmade rules or tasks to take precedence over God and His presence in our life. We were created for a love relationship with Him and not a guilt ridden judgement. God wants us to be free. It is why He sent His Son. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 (NIV)
March 26, 2017
"The problem occurs when our man-made rules become more important than Jesus--when praying or reading the Bible every day becomes more important than following Jesus."
Oops, I read this book in under four hours. I may be a little biased here- the author is one of the pastors at my curch-but it was incredibly powerful and something I needed to digest in full. I couldn't put this book down because for the first time in my 20, or so, years walk with Jesus I have come to a halt. I always say, "I was the one who moved, not Jesus" and that is true. So, to pick this book up and read the words of someone I hold in high regard was nurturing to my spiritually dry soul.
At the heart of this book is the Truth: we are set free because Christ has set us free. It's a tough concept for anyone, but especially one who has grown up in the faith, to truly grasp. It is a verse that is difficult to fully immerse into one's life, but Noel does a great job of dissecting the Truth. There are so many ways we Christians beat ourselves up for not feeling free that reality hits (or condemnation): we've been making it about us when all along it's about Jesus.
Highly suggest picking this book up even if you're just curious about this Jesus guy. There are mentions of bacon in it if that doesn't entice you alone.
Unchained
*Full Review: http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...
Noel Jesse Heikkinen
Published by David C. Cook
February 1, 2017
Oops, I read this book in under four hours. I may be a little biased here- the author is one of the pastors at my curch-but it was incredibly powerful and something I needed to digest in full. I couldn't put this book down because for the first time in my 20, or so, years walk with Jesus I have come to a halt. I always say, "I was the one who moved, not Jesus" and that is true. So, to pick this book up and read the words of someone I hold in high regard was nurturing to my spiritually dry soul.
At the heart of this book is the Truth: we are set free because Christ has set us free. It's a tough concept for anyone, but especially one who has grown up in the faith, to truly grasp. It is a verse that is difficult to fully immerse into one's life, but Noel does a great job of dissecting the Truth. There are so many ways we Christians beat ourselves up for not feeling free that reality hits (or condemnation): we've been making it about us when all along it's about Jesus.
Highly suggest picking this book up even if you're just curious about this Jesus guy. There are mentions of bacon in it if that doesn't entice you alone.
Unchained
*Full Review: http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...
Noel Jesse Heikkinen
Published by David C. Cook
February 1, 2017
December 3, 2017
Unchained is truly a breath of fresh air in the book world. I think there are more highlights in my copy of this book than there is plain text! Witty, bacon-infused (couldn't resist!), relatable, and most importantly, focused on Christ, it challenges the reader to live truly freely in this world.
We define freedom in so many different ways, but only one matters in the end: freedom in Christ. Paul writes to the Galatians, "For freedom Christ has set us free" (5:1a). If you have ever wondered what that looks like in this day and age, 2,000 years later, pick up a copy of Unchained. You won't regret it. What have you got to lose? Only the "freedom" this world teases and tempts us with, but only leaves us more enslaved than before. Galatians 5:1 continues: "Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (ESV)
I'm excited to walk forward in true freedom, with Christ by my side. Kudos and thanks to Heikkinen for presenting and exegeting Scripture in a thoughtful, honest, and inviting way through Unchained.
We define freedom in so many different ways, but only one matters in the end: freedom in Christ. Paul writes to the Galatians, "For freedom Christ has set us free" (5:1a). If you have ever wondered what that looks like in this day and age, 2,000 years later, pick up a copy of Unchained. You won't regret it. What have you got to lose? Only the "freedom" this world teases and tempts us with, but only leaves us more enslaved than before. Galatians 5:1 continues: "Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (ESV)
I'm excited to walk forward in true freedom, with Christ by my side. Kudos and thanks to Heikkinen for presenting and exegeting Scripture in a thoughtful, honest, and inviting way through Unchained.
April 4, 2017
I don't know many Christians who don't struggle with guilt, besetting sins, and sinful patterns that cause grief and destruction in their life. I know in my life, I've dealt with hearty doses of all of the above. Therefore, I was especially interested to read the new book Unchained: If Jesus Has Set Us Free, Why Don't We Feel Free? by Noel Jesse Heikkinen. The book description says:
"Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.
Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means."
I instantly loved Noel's down-to-earth, open writing style. He's never preachy or high and mighty. He admits to his own sins and struggles that he's gone through in his life right off the bat and I felt like I could relate to him right away. He repeats Galatians 5:1 over and over: "For freedom Christ has set us free", and this verse is the cornerstone of the book, and what he expounds upon throughout. I walked away from Unchained feeling, well, unchained. I like to prescribe myself "rules" I have to live by to be a "good" Christian, and beat myself up when I don't live up to my (quite frankly, sometimes unattainable) goals. In this book, Noel explains why we don't have to follow our self-made rules in order for God to love us - in fact, Jesus came to free us from the law! However, Noel never excuses sin which I loved. There are those who bend toward the "it's okay to sin because it's all under grace", which drives me crazy, but Noel doesn't lean toward this view. Unchained is a very well balanced book in that regard. Highly recommended for every Christian, whether you've been saved 10 minutes or 10 years.
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in order to provide an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
"Often when people follow Jesus, they feel more guilty instead of more free. A powerful book for the spiritually restless, Unchained shows readers how to have a robust faith that celebrates their freedom in Christ without compromising their holiness as God’s followers.
Unchained turns to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the source of freedom—not just his work 2,000 years ago but also what he is doing today. As readers dig into the meaning of the freedom that Jesus offers, they will understand, perhaps for the first time, what true freedom in Christ means."
I instantly loved Noel's down-to-earth, open writing style. He's never preachy or high and mighty. He admits to his own sins and struggles that he's gone through in his life right off the bat and I felt like I could relate to him right away. He repeats Galatians 5:1 over and over: "For freedom Christ has set us free", and this verse is the cornerstone of the book, and what he expounds upon throughout. I walked away from Unchained feeling, well, unchained. I like to prescribe myself "rules" I have to live by to be a "good" Christian, and beat myself up when I don't live up to my (quite frankly, sometimes unattainable) goals. In this book, Noel explains why we don't have to follow our self-made rules in order for God to love us - in fact, Jesus came to free us from the law! However, Noel never excuses sin which I loved. There are those who bend toward the "it's okay to sin because it's all under grace", which drives me crazy, but Noel doesn't lean toward this view. Unchained is a very well balanced book in that regard. Highly recommended for every Christian, whether you've been saved 10 minutes or 10 years.
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in order to provide an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2017
Lately, there's been a restlessness in my soul. A need to dig deep into scripture and find truth. To understand the things that have long confused me. I've wanted to better understand the freedom that we are given in Christ.
I picked up Unchained: If Jesus has Set us Free, Why Don't we Feel Free? recently and started a long journey down the path of understanding the law and how it applies to us today.
It wasn't an easy journey to understand the law and how Paul applies it to our lives today. But in Unchained, Noel Jesse Heikkinen does his best to help us understand the freedoms that we now have.
Heikkinen starts this book with an overview of Old Testament law. He dives in deep to help us understand the main parts of the law and how it can apply to us today.
The belief is that without an understanding of the main tenants of the old law, we won't be able to live in freedom through the law today. However, Heikkinen is also quick to remind us that Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly.
When He came, He perfectly fulfilled the Law and its demands by living a sinless life. His death, burial, and resurrection put a period on the end of the Law's sentence.
I found Unchained to be a deep dive into the law and Pauls words on the law. However, Heikkinen applies the law to current life situations. It helped to bring a greater understanding to how the law applies to us today. Unchained provides space to unpack what Paul says about the law and how we are now set free to do things because of the law rather than kept from doing things.
I feel like I have a greater understanding of the freedoms we have been given. The hope that we have because of Jesus allows us to live set free to love and truly live free.
I received a copy of this book from David C. Cook and NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.
I picked up Unchained: If Jesus has Set us Free, Why Don't we Feel Free? recently and started a long journey down the path of understanding the law and how it applies to us today.
It wasn't an easy journey to understand the law and how Paul applies it to our lives today. But in Unchained, Noel Jesse Heikkinen does his best to help us understand the freedoms that we now have.
Heikkinen starts this book with an overview of Old Testament law. He dives in deep to help us understand the main parts of the law and how it can apply to us today.
The belief is that without an understanding of the main tenants of the old law, we won't be able to live in freedom through the law today. However, Heikkinen is also quick to remind us that Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly.
When He came, He perfectly fulfilled the Law and its demands by living a sinless life. His death, burial, and resurrection put a period on the end of the Law's sentence.
I found Unchained to be a deep dive into the law and Pauls words on the law. However, Heikkinen applies the law to current life situations. It helped to bring a greater understanding to how the law applies to us today. Unchained provides space to unpack what Paul says about the law and how we are now set free to do things because of the law rather than kept from doing things.
I feel like I have a greater understanding of the freedoms we have been given. The hope that we have because of Jesus allows us to live set free to love and truly live free.
I received a copy of this book from David C. Cook and NetGalley. This review is my own, honest opinion.
April 20, 2017
Noel's book Unchained is not a new concept as he makes aware throughout the text. Freedom in Christ is laid out and presented throughout scripture. What's different about this book to others in the genre is its presentation. The seasoned theologian sitting at a bar with a the day old believer could discuss this book via the discussion questions or from real world examples. Noel makes it abundantly clear that it's not of your own doing, nor is there anything you can do, because Jesus has already done it. A recommended reading for sure.
April 20, 2018
A foundational book written with fresh perspective, engaging language, and memorable illustrations.
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