Gospel-Centered Discipleship by Jonathan Dodson

I'm so thankful for Crossway and the Re:Lit label and the books they continue to publish. They continue to publish books that are so focused on the gospel and how to live the Christian life. Gospel-Centered Discipleship by Jonathan Dodson was a fantastic book to read. I was very interested in reading this book, but it also caught me off guard in a good way. The topic of discipleship truly is gospel centered. It's so Gospel centered that if you truly understand and live out the Gospel, discipleship will follow. It really begins and ends with the Gospel. Dodson writes this in the introduction to the book, "Gospel-centered discipleship is not about how we perform but who we are―imperfect people, clinging to a perfect Christ, being perfected by the Spirit." I think we to often get in the mindset that the gospel is only meant to save people, but as Dodson points out in his book that yes, it is meant for salvation, but it is also meant for sanctification. The gospel is meant for disciples as well as sinners. I think about Jesus' twelve disciples and he didn't just call them, but he also built into them; he taught them, he shared the message with them, and he gave them the tools to go out, share, and teach others. Through our faith in Christ because of the gospel message and with the power of the Holy Spirit we have all the tools we need to build into others. It's remembering the power of the gospel. Dodson also writes this in his book, "Disciples are gospel people who introduce and reintroduce themselves and others to the person and power of Jesus over and over again. A disciple of Jesus never stops learning the gospel, relating in the gospel and communicating the gospel." I love the idea that he gives through the aspect of Fight Clubs. A fight club is a small group of men or women who get together to fight the desires of the flesh and believe the gospel of grace. They are incredibly relational and by keeping the gospel as the central message can be huge in the development of disciples of Jesus. I would highly recommend that every follower of Christ read this book. Not only will it enhance your understanding of the gospel, but also how to use the gospel to build into others. It's definitely a good book to read by yourself, but I also think it would be very beneficial to read with others and begin the process of discipleship right away.

Special thanks to Crossway for providing this complimentary book to read and review. You can purchase the book here on amazon.com.

Kingdom Man by Tony Evans

This book, Kingdom Man: Every Man's Destiny, Every Woman's Dream by Tony Evans, couldn't have come at a more appropriate time in my life. Tony Evans writes this, "A cursory glance around our homes, churches, communities, and globe reveals that men--not all, but many--have missed the goal to live as a Kingdom Man." I have come to realize how much I've fallen short of what it means to be a Kingdom man. Evans defines a Kingdom man as "a man who positions himself and operates according to the comprehensive rule of God over every area of his life." For so long I have tried operate under my own power and it has severely affected a lot of my life. God created man and as a man, I am responsible. By God's grace and Tony Evans' faithfulness to call men to be Kingdom men, He is doing a work in me. I have heard God's call in my life to become a Kingdom man through the words written by Tony Evans. This book has the power to change mens lives as long as they will read it with an open mind and heart and a willingness to let God show areas where the reader can change and grow. It certainly has for me. There is so much pressure coming from the world and in how they define a man, but as Evans writes, "When you choose to seek God and His ways, you no longer have to be held hostage to the definitions of this world." I would highly encourage every man to read this book and be vulnerable enough to open your heart and let God come in and show you where you have fallen short. I also believe it would be helpful for women to read this book as well, especially those that are married, so that they can help encourage their husbands to become the man, Kingdom man, that God has for them.

"A kingdom man models himself after the greatest Kingdom Man of all."

Special thanks to Tyndale for providing this complimentary book to read and review. You can purchase the book here on amazon.com.