What's So Amazing About Grace? Study Guide

by Philip Yancey

We speak of grace often. But do we understand it? More important, do we truly believe in it . . . and do our lives proclaim it as powerfully as our words? In What's So Amazing About Grace? , award-winning author Philip Yancey explores grace at street level. If grace is God's love for the undeserving, he asks, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a cruel and pain-filled world? In fourteen sessions, this study guide will help you to interact deeply with Yancey's most personal and provocative book yet. If you're willing to leave your comfort zone to embrace a more vigorous, passionate Christianity--read on. And prepare to grapple with grace and "un-grace" on a personal level. You'll consider how you can contend graciously with today's tough moral issues. And you'll discover how you can become Christ's answer to a world that desperately wants to know, What's So Amazing About Grace?

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Philip Yancey earned graduate degrees in Communications and English from Wheaton College Graduate School and the University of Chicago. He joined the staff of Campus Life Magazine in 1971, and worked there as Editor and then Publisher. He looks on those years with gratitude, because teenagers are demanding readers, and writing for them taught him a lasting principle: The reader is in control!

In 1978 Philip Yancey became a full-time writer, initially working as a journalist for such varied publications as Reader’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, National Wildlife, Christian Century and The Reformed Journal. For several years he contributed a monthly column to Christianity Today magazine, where he also served as Editor at Large.

In 2021 Philip released two new books: A Companion in Crisis and his long-awaited memoir, Where the Light Fell. Other favorites included in his more than twenty-five titles are: Where Is God When It Hurts, The Student Bible, and Disappointment with God. Philip's books have won thirteen Gold Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, have sold more than seventeen million copies, and have been published in over 50 languages. Christian bookstore managers selected The Jesus I Never Knew as the 1996 Book of the Year, and in 1998 What’s So Amazing About Grace? won the same award. His other recent books are Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image; Vanishing Grace: Bringing Good News to a Deeply Divided World; The Question that Never Goes Away; What Good Is God?; Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?; Soul Survivor; and Reaching for the Invisible God. In 2009 a daily reader was published, compiled from excerpts of his work: Grace Notes.

The Yanceys lived in downtown Chicago for many years before moving to a very different environment in Colorado. Together they enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, and all the other delights of the Rocky Mountains.

Visit Philip online:
https://www.philipyancey.com
https://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey

Catch his monthly blog:
https://bit.ly/PhilipYanceyBlog

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me know my place/purpose in the world as a Christian. A world in which I was so ashamed of the behavior of some Christians that I had a hard time wanting to proclaim that I am one. Our place is not to pass judgment or to condemn but to show love and grace as Jesus did.

[Patti Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book so many times & we have given so many away. A must read for every Christian

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

5-star book includes discussion questions. Study guide did not add a lot.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace - undeserved favor - is such a beautiful gift from God. Yancy is very convincing of the fact that we all need grace, therefore we all need to extend grace. I read this book in 1995 or 1996. Shortly after finishing the book I accidentally hit the back of of Pam Ayers car while in the carpool line at Grace Christian School. I was very upset as I viewed the damage to her vehicle and she said,"Don't worry about it,Denise! This old car won't even notice one more knock or ding. I bought her a copy of the book and told her she should have her own chapter! God's grace is truly amazing!

[Janthomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a profound book about the "last best word"...Grace. I found the book deeply moving, filled with joy, hope and comfort; and also challenge. As C.S Lewis put it, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

One story titled "Unbroken Chain" which follows a family from 1898 to the 1990's,ends with this sad line. "Like a spiritual defect in the family DNA, ungrace gets passed on in an unbroken chain."

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."

[Anita Brands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've discovered that I enjoy Yancy's style of writing. This book was easy to read through, but the subject matter (grace) makes you want to slow down and take it all in. After reading this book, I've been conversing with God - asking him questions and requesting that He deepen my understanding of grace, helping me to live a life of grace rather than giving my time to people only I like...everyone should have a taste of grace at some point in their lives.

[Rhonda Rae Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book awhile back and it was amazing...I've used it for reference many times. The insight given is extremely relevant to our walk on this planet. Everyone should read this book about Grace!

[~mad · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIrst one of his books I read - it helped me tremendously!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Christian-oriented but pulls no punches in discussing the modern church's failures at being the embodiment of God's grace.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book a few times and it is one of my most favorite books. This book gives great examples of God's grace and shares why it is so important to everyone!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great study. It is what you make it though, just like other studies.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sometimes a hard book to read - but well worth the time.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is oh so amazing!

[Hunter Johnson]

See above.

[Teshamae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study guide goes with Philip Yancey's book, What's So Amazing About Grace. Used with the video series and the book, it is useful for bible study groups.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by him I didn't like.Excellent Christian nonfiction.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, great insights to grace!