The Loveliest Place by Dustin Benge was such a good read for me. In case you aren't familiar with Dustin Benge, he is affiliated with Union Theology in the U.K. and Michael Reeves. I normally try to obtain the books that are put out by Union because I know they will be sound when it comes to doctrine. This particular book was one that was made available to us through our church.
The Loveliest Place that Dustin is speaking of is the Church (the whole body of Christ). As the subtitle of the book clarifies, "The Beauty and Glory of the Church". The book consists of 14 chapters and an Epilogue.
The author refers often to the Puritan writers as well as using so much Scripture to back up the things he is sharing. He shows by example how far the church today has strayed from strong Biblical truth and gives the reader opportunity to ponder those things...to question even how the reader's local church stacks up to the Biblical truths.
A few of the chapters that the author includes are:
The Household of God
Our Father and Friend
Our Savior and Head
Our Helper and Beautifier
In Spirit and Truth
Shepherding the Flock
Feeding the Flock
Walking Worthy
Blessed Persecution
A quote that really stuck out to me would be,
"For she (the church) is "one body", animated by one Spirit", guaranteed "one hope, saved by "one Lord", guided by "one faith, testifying through "one baptism", glorifying "one God and Father." This is found in the chapter titled We Are One, where Dustin stresses the importance of unity in the church and how we are to put the needs of others before our own selves.
He also mentions that unity requires several other things such as:
sanctified truthfulness and gospel fidelity.
I definitely recommend this book!
sounds like such a good read!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it, Karen. I had it read in no time! :)
DeleteSounds like a great resource for the 'times' we are living in. Thanks for your recommendation and review, Dianna. God loves His Bride!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is a good resource for the times and culture we find ourselves in, Ellen. Yes, He does love His Bride.
DeleteI haven't heard of this author or Union Theology. I appreciate your feelings in knowing it has sound doctrine. We were just saying in our Bible study last week that Christian bookstores can be dangerous because you can't just trust that what you find there is true.
ReplyDeleteI understand your comment about not being able to trust Christian bookstores. They seem to be filled with whatever the latest trend is...whether it's scriptural or not. If you would like to hear Dustin Benge, you can go to YouTube and search his name. It will bring up several of his sermons.
DeleteThis looks like a very sound book to read. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI found it a wonderful read.
DeleteThank you for your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
You are welcome, Jan.
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DeleteThank you friend. I always enjoy your reviews. I hope you are having a wonderful week!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by, Jennifer. xx
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