2010 Book #1: Death by Love

One of my goals this year was to read at least one book per month. So far, I've met my goal. (I love the success of resolutions in January!) I wanted to share my thoughts about my first book of the year. If this sounds interesting, I'd encourage you to add it to your list!

Death by Love: Letters from the Cross (Re:Lit) by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
This book is a series of letters that Pastor Mark writes to different people he has counseled or come into contact with over the years. Each section or chapter starts out with him describing the person's situation and the context in which he knows them. Then Pastor Mark writes that person a letter to help them see their sin, need for Jesus, and ultimately shares the Gospel with them. He writes to a woman devestated by sexual abuse, a husband who is not faithful to his wife, and even to his youngest son, emphasizing that his faith must be his own.

As a member of Mars Hill Church, I have the priviledge of listening and learning from Pastor Mark each week. What I appreciate about him as a pastor and preacher came through loud and clear in this book. He has a deep love for Jesus, which he communicates on each page. He also does not mince words. He writes like he speaks; with clarity, passion, and a whole-hearted submission to Jesus.

This book was a good reminder that we all need Jesus and the answer is always the Gospel. Whatever our life experience, whatever sin we've committed or has been done to us, Jesus is the answer. He died on the cross to forgive my sins and yours and those who sin against us. Death by Love presents this truth in an interesting and unique way.

Currently Reading: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (Review coming soon!)