Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Book Review: God Is

God Is: A Devotional Guide to the Attributes of God. Mark Jones. 2017. Crossway. 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

I don't typically gush about devotional books--with the occasional exception. BUT. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Mark Jones' God Is.

There are twenty-six chapters God-centered chapters to read, to reread, to read aloud to others--whether they want to listen or not. (Also there's a preface and an introduction.) Each chapter focuses on God--his person, his character or essence, his attributes. By choosing twenty-six instead of a top ten or top twelve, Jones' does a better job at representing God as he has revealed himself in Scripture. Jones doesn't shy away from unpopular attributes, teachings, or doctrines.

I loved the subject. I loved the clear presentation and focus. But I also loved how Jones' quotes other theologians--theologians from the cloud of witnesses. His doctrine is drawn from Scripture--clearly, abundantly he ties everything back to the Source. But his doctrine is also not separated or divorced from the traditional, historic faith. I think a balance of the two make for a great devotion.

Is the book your traditional, your typical devotional book? Not really. Perhaps that's why I loved it so much!!! If it's heavy or weighty--it's because its weighed down with the MAJESTY AND GLORY of God. I think these readings provide much food for thought. And one could always read each chapter two or three times to soak up all there is--all the richness.

From the introduction:
In this life, we may not understand all that the Bible tells us about God, but we must aim to believe and communicate as much as we can about him. We must press on to know the Lord (Hos. 6:3), a difficult but rewarding task (Heb. 11:6). Worship without knowledge is idolatry.

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

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