Book Review.

I know I mentioned a review on a marriage book. 

That is yet to come.....in the meantime here's my review of another book I'm proof-reading for the church library.

It is called "Finally Free: Fighting For Purity with the Power of Grace" by Heath Lambert (2013)

 

It is endorsed by a long list of respected Bible teachers and counselors including Ed Welch.

 

It is a book meant to guide the reader from a life of struggle to a life of purity.   The author directs us through eight gospel-centered strategies for overcoming pornography.

 

Here is the blurb from the back of the book:

 

"Pornography is all around us.  It destroys marriage and leaves users with a warped view of sexuality.  Sadly, many Christians not only struggle to resist the lure of pornography; they are addicted, trapped by its power.

Breaking out of the deceitful web of pornography-as many know only too well-does not happen though merely trying harder to change or following particular method or program.  The only sure and effective motivation for change is the grace of Jesus.

In this book, experienced counselor Heath Lambert identifies eight strategies, each based on the work of Christ, that give people locked in the grip of pornography both the fuel and the road map for change.  Each chapter is grounded in the grace and clearly articulates how to apply the gospel in practical ways.

Whether you struggle yourself or are trying to help someone who struggles, there is good news: No matter how intense or long-standing the fight, Jesus Christ can, will and does set people free from the power of pornography."

 

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The chapters include:

1. Grace as the Foundation in the Fight against Pornography.

2.  Using Sorrow to Fight Pornography.

3. Using Accountability to Fight Pornography.

4. Using Radical Measures to Fight Pornography.

5. Using Confession to Fight Pornography.

6.  Using Your Spouse (or Your Singleness) to Fight Pornography

7.  Using Humility to Fight Pornography

8.  Using Gratitude to Fight Pornography

9.  Using Dynamic Relationship with Jesus to Fight Pornography

 

Conclusion:  A Call to Holiness and Hope

Appendix:  Help for families and friends of Men struggling with Pornography

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I could spend much time quoting and quoting sections of the book that struck a cord in my heart.  Mostly because, while the topic is definitely directed towards helping those with this particular addiction of pornography, SO much can be applied to any sin struggle!

 

Chapter 2 was particularly helpful and (again) drawing the reader to the Power of the Cross while explaining the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow!

 

"Worldly sorrow wants to let bygones be bygones.  It preaches about leaving the past in the past and letting sleeping dogs lie.  When your tears result in your running away from people instead of toward them, your tears are worldly tears.  Worldly grief ignores God instead of leaning more fully in his forgiveness and grows comfortable with broken relationships.  Life-giving sorrow infuses you with zeal to restore every single relationship that has been broken.  Your sorrow leads you either deeper inside yourself or toward God and others."   pg.40

 

Tim Challies wrote a review on this books as well.  I enjoy reading his reviews, reading the book, AND then reading the review again!  In this case, why re-invent the wheel?  His review describes the book far better than my time or brain power will allow!

 

You can read it HERE.

 

Also David Murray gives a shorter review...HERE.

 

This book helped me see the depth of the sin in our hearts, how the devil uses this particular addiction to destroy......

BUT how BIG the God is that we serve!

He IS able to make new and bring true freedom!