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Perfect and Forgiven: Discovering Your Freedom From Shame, Guilt, and Sin
What do you do when you feel unworthy? How do you find freedom from shame, guilt, and sin?
We've boiled down the message of Christianity to being imperfect people who have been forgiven. But what if the message isn't just about what Christ has done for us--forgiving our sins so we can go to heaven one day--but also about what He has done to us?
Life is filled with shame, guilt, sin, and hurt. These things have convinced us that we're flawed, we're not enough, and that something is uniquely wrong with who we are. And quite honestly, we look to Christianity for help and the message we often hear leaves us disappointed, doubtful, and disillusioned.
Zach Maldonado has experienced this firsthand. But he's discovered that who we truly are is not found in what we've done or what we've gone through. In Perfect and Forgiven, Zach takes us into his own journey of identity, and with humor, vulnerability, and a unique story-driven format, reveals how to live free from shame, guilt, and sin.
Through understanding who you are in Christ, you can begin to live free from the shame that condemns you, the guilt that riddles you, and the sin that entangles you.
We've boiled down the message of Christianity to being imperfect people who have been forgiven. But what if the message isn't just about what Christ has done for us--forgiving our sins so we can go to heaven one day--but also about what He has done to us?
Life is filled with shame, guilt, sin, and hurt. These things have convinced us that we're flawed, we're not enough, and that something is uniquely wrong with who we are. And quite honestly, we look to Christianity for help and the message we often hear leaves us disappointed, doubtful, and disillusioned.
Zach Maldonado has experienced this firsthand. But he's discovered that who we truly are is not found in what we've done or what we've gone through. In Perfect and Forgiven, Zach takes us into his own journey of identity, and with humor, vulnerability, and a unique story-driven format, reveals how to live free from shame, guilt, and sin.
Through understanding who you are in Christ, you can begin to live free from the shame that condemns you, the guilt that riddles you, and the sin that entangles you.
188 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2019
93 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Zach Maldonado
3 books8 followersZach Maldonado is happily married to his wife Grace. And they, along with their pug Horace, live in Lubbock, Texas. Zach is currently a Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics and Theology student at Liberty University. He is also the author of, The Cross Worked., Perfect and Forgiven, and Jesus Is Better. He speaks at churches and events all over the United States and has a passion to proclaim the new covenant message of God’s grace.
He holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. You can connect personally with Zach on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (@ZachMaldo). If you have a question or just want to chat, you can email me at: Zach@ZachMaldonado.com
He holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. You can connect personally with Zach on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (@ZachMaldo). If you have a question or just want to chat, you can email me at: Zach@ZachMaldonado.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 28, 2019
On first glance, this study guide looks like a good, down to earth Bible study. And in most places, it is. For anyone who has struggled with self-esteem and self worth, particularly when comparing oneself to a holy and righteous God, I have no doubt that it will be helpful
However… The topics are not complex and there is not a nuanced discussion of questions that come up from middle school onward. The daily affirmations are good for any age, but for the most part, it has a very narrow theological focus. The writer presents from his evangelical perspective. There are a variety of translations of the Bible used, but there are none from a standard in theological study, the NRSV.
The author also uses a very male centric focus in writing about women which I find troubling. For instance, he mentions “the woman caught in adultery“ and no mention of the man. In an era of “me too“ and “church too“, I would like to see a better handling of this topic.
I do not recommend this book for churches or individuals who are welcoming and affirming, nor for any LGBTQ plus Christian organizations. If you fit within the parameters of his theology, then I’m sure you will find it more helpful and useful than I did.
However… The topics are not complex and there is not a nuanced discussion of questions that come up from middle school onward. The daily affirmations are good for any age, but for the most part, it has a very narrow theological focus. The writer presents from his evangelical perspective. There are a variety of translations of the Bible used, but there are none from a standard in theological study, the NRSV.
The author also uses a very male centric focus in writing about women which I find troubling. For instance, he mentions “the woman caught in adultery“ and no mention of the man. In an era of “me too“ and “church too“, I would like to see a better handling of this topic.
I do not recommend this book for churches or individuals who are welcoming and affirming, nor for any LGBTQ plus Christian organizations. If you fit within the parameters of his theology, then I’m sure you will find it more helpful and useful than I did.
June 9, 2020
Very encouraging and eye opening to who we truly are in Christ
This book is definitely a five star. It was suggested to me at a very challenging time in my life. Were I felt lost in who I was because of some bad decisions. But after reading this it gave affirmation to me of who I truly am despite my mistakes amd wrong choices and that I still have a better future ahead walking in amd knowing Gods love and grace.
This book is definitely a five star. It was suggested to me at a very challenging time in my life. Were I felt lost in who I was because of some bad decisions. But after reading this it gave affirmation to me of who I truly am despite my mistakes amd wrong choices and that I still have a better future ahead walking in amd knowing Gods love and grace.
January 11, 2020
Words flowed from God's heart through Zach's pen straight to my heart as I read this book.
This is a well-written Christian inspiration title about the often misunderstood doctrine of salvation.
Read more on my blog.
This is a well-written Christian inspiration title about the often misunderstood doctrine of salvation.
Read more on my blog.
December 27, 2020
This the second title I have read by Zach. I believe he really dealt with a lot of the main details he wished to go deeper into in his first title, The Cross Worked. I feel this title, albeit still very readable, is really a glossy recap of the first one.
August 1, 2023
Like a love letter from God composed of scripture and personal anecdotes.
April 23, 2020
Great book and resource for those who are having difficulty with identity.
October 29, 2019
I want to start my review by saying that the takeaway message in Zach Maldonado's book 'Perfect and Forgiven' is true, and it has taken me years in my walk with God to internalize these truths. God loves us and Christ's work on the cross means that there is no longer any shame or guilt and our identity is in Christ always and forever, amen. This book reads like a memoir - Zach uses his life experiences and personal development to drive home this simple message over and over again. I wish the book was grounded in stronger exposition of the text that Zach uses to make his point - even something as simple as providing scriptural references throughout the narrative instead of just as a header to the chapter and an appendix of verses. I wish that Zach would have shown his work a little better in tying his content to the biblical text rather than relying on anecdotes, metaphors, and his personal experience. The book is clearly written and an extremely quick read (which may be driven by the formatting in the published copy - big text, double spaced, etc.).
October 21, 2019
Life is filled with shame, regret, hurt and guilt. A Powerful statement in the blurb about this book. Within, the author seeks to help us find peace in life by discovering who we are when we are free form all the shame and hurt and regrets. This book at face value is a memoir, where we follow the Author in his journey of self-discovery. When you look a little deeper, you will find a book that is full of scripture and anecdotes that help you realize just who you are once you have accepted Jesus and God. Sin is within us, but it does not have to define our actions and our life. We can rise above it and life free from sin if we choose.
The author chose a good way of presenting his message, through the stories of his life and childhood, he made it easier to read and the list of Scripture that he has used is helpful for those wanting to read them at a later time.
The author chose a good way of presenting his message, through the stories of his life and childhood, he made it easier to read and the list of Scripture that he has used is helpful for those wanting to read them at a later time.
October 15, 2019
Perfect and Forgiven: Discovering Your Freedom From Shame, Guilt, and Sin by co-authors Zach Maldonado and Andrew Farley is an interesting read. As I started reading this Christian inspirational book, I felt the authors were giving their readers an excuse to live as they wished because if we trust in Him we are already complete in His love. But that wasn’t the case; God wants to motivate us by love, not fear. We serve Him more out of love, instead of being afraid.
The authors, Zach Maldonado and Andrew Farley work with Church Without Religion and Andrew Farley Ministries. Their passion is clear as they seek to help others understand the love of God. Do not mistake the forgiveness of God from our sin from the price you have to pay when you break laws or offend another.
The authors, Zach Maldonado and Andrew Farley work with Church Without Religion and Andrew Farley Ministries. Their passion is clear as they seek to help others understand the love of God. Do not mistake the forgiveness of God from our sin from the price you have to pay when you break laws or offend another.
October 31, 2019
Christian self help and individual worth
This book is about life and all of its faults, regrets, guilt, and how Perfect and Forgiven can help you navigate the path to happiness and health. The belief is once you have accepted god you are saved from that point forward and begin your journey through life with god as your copilot. The author says once you have been saved you can live your life without pause. There are some good or valid points in this writing. The message is easy to understand and follow if you believe in the mission. I found this to be a well written book with a good presentation of the beliefs and studies of the author. I recommend you give this one a chance and see what you think.
This book is about life and all of its faults, regrets, guilt, and how Perfect and Forgiven can help you navigate the path to happiness and health. The belief is once you have accepted god you are saved from that point forward and begin your journey through life with god as your copilot. The author says once you have been saved you can live your life without pause. There are some good or valid points in this writing. The message is easy to understand and follow if you believe in the mission. I found this to be a well written book with a good presentation of the beliefs and studies of the author. I recommend you give this one a chance and see what you think.
November 5, 2019
Our Identity, Perfect and Forgiven
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with their identity in Christ and just as a reminder to those who are growing in that identity. The author gives stories from his life to show spiritual truths. We are Forgiven and Perfect and God is not or never will be angry at us. Thank you for writing this book it is written in a way that is easy to understand and to gather grains of truth to continue to fill our hearts with.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with their identity in Christ and just as a reminder to those who are growing in that identity. The author gives stories from his life to show spiritual truths. We are Forgiven and Perfect and God is not or never will be angry at us. Thank you for writing this book it is written in a way that is easy to understand and to gather grains of truth to continue to fill our hearts with.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews