When I read the book of Acts, I see men who were cowardly and fled when Christ was arrested and crucified, now transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. In boldness they went forth and proclaiming the Gospel message of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone. We see God working through them and performing miracles. We see people comprehend and live out the truth, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”
I was excited to select Max Lucado’s book “Outlive Your Life” and read his perspective on God at work in and through the church, a work that continues today. Max has a way of taking profound truths and simplifying them. He takes God at His word and believes that God still transforms lives and that He wants to work in your life and mine. That the Lord has a greater purpose and plan for our lives if we will dare to yield to Him and die to self daily.
I recommend “Outlive Your Life” to Christian readers who want to be challenged to grow in their faith walk and also for unbelievers who want to see the heart of God at work in His church.
It took a few chapters for me to embrace “Outlive Your Life” because I was concerned that the author, Max Lucado had left out the most important element, the Gospel message that salvation is found in Jesus Christ. But in chapter four, “Don’t Forget the Bread”, Max shares the Gospel through the words of the Apostle Peter.
The chapter that won me over was “Open Your Door; Open Your Heart”. In this chapter Max shows examples of how we can reach out to people around us. Simple actions that we can all do. My favorite chapter by far was “Pray First; Pray Most”. There are times I struggle to be faithful in prayer. What an encouragement this chapter was on how powerful prayer is. Max sites examples from scripture and from Christians today who are mighty prayer warriors.
Do you need a reminder on just how powerful God is and the work that He wants to do in and through you? Pick up a copy of “Outlive Your Life” by Max Lucado and then reread the book of Acts. Where does God want you to serve today and to reach the people for whom Christ died?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
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