Max Lucado’s new book on an oft discussed topic says this about grace: “Here’s my hunch: we’ve settled for wimpy grace. It politely occupies a phrase in a hymn, fits nicely on a church sign. Never causes trouble or demands a response. ... Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.”
                        
I have a sense as I read through the book that Max feels western Christians have for the most part not really been fully impacted by God’s grace in such a manner that its affected huge changes in their everyday lives. This is evident as we often see judgementalism, legalism and works-oriented living seep into our lives as individuals and churches.  

Max writes a book that tries to illustrate the life-transforming power of God’s grace to affect every aspect of our day and life. One of the better chapters in the book is on confession. Max relates how he had to confess to a sin that he tried to keep private. It was through confessing that sin to God and others- that he experienced God’s grace and healing.

If you are familiar with Lucado’s writing style - Grace will not disappoint. Easy to read and understand. Full of illustrations from real life and the bible. My only critique would be the wish that Lucado would have leaned to stronger and bolder language to illustration his main points.
I really appreciated the readers guide at the back of the book.  It can used for a group study or for individual reflection.  There is also a DVD curriculum based on the book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Thomas Nelson n exchange for an honest review."

Two notable “missional” authours have just written new books – and both are worth reading but for different reasons. Michael Frost and Hugh Halter.

I’ve had the opportunity to hear Michael Frost in person. He is a dynamic personality that inspires you to be bold for the Gospel. I still recall some of the amazing stories that helped me understand why God is calling us to His mission. His newest is Road to Missional: Journey to the Centre of the Church.

So do we really need another “misisonal” book? Maybe that’s the reason Frost wrote the book – because the term has become a catch-all term for “improved” evangelism or “serving into the community”. I agree with other reviewers of this book – that what Frost has provided – is give the Church a true understanding of missional that speaks to our heart and mind. The book will challenge you, correct you, and inspire you (some great illustrations and stories!). Definitely the first book to give to someone wanting to know – “what is missional?”.

You may have come across an earlier book by Hugh Halter – The Tangible Kingdom which is excellent. I would consider this a “must-read” on the missional topic. His newest isSacrilege: Finding life in the unorthodox ways of Jesus. The title catches your mind and follows the trend of many newer titles to be non-religious. Hugh’s book is directed more to the individual follower of Jesus versus Frost’s larger focus of the church. It’s more of a missional- life handbook for Jesus-followers. It complements Tangible Kingdom well, putting the focus clearly on our personal lives and choices. Memorable stories and illustrations begin most chapters and end with provoking questions to move us from “comfort” Christianity to the life Jesus calls us. Definitely a practical book that helps Jesus followers participate with God in His mission.

Earlier this month, the Small Groups Network has spent time discussing thepriniciples and approaches taken from Kim Engelmann's book - Shaping small groups"">Soul-shaping Small Groups.

Here are some of the highlights from both the book and conversations with small group practioners.

• Too often we fill our times together with words and noise, rather than intentional silence in order to hear from God. Is there intentionalspace for God to act and speak?
• The iniative of "inviting" God to be in our presence is to affirm and expect God to be and do. This addresses a healthy dependence on God.
• Contemplative spiritual excercises complement the learning styles we often use in a small group context.
• Need to have a wholistic appraoch to doctrine, prayer, Scripture and disciplines
• We are uncomfortable with silence. It is counter cultural to the activities and behaviours in our society including our interactions withother believers.
• There is risk in a group setting taken when we are asking God to show up in way that we can't control. This is faith-building andfreeing.
• Soul-shaping approaches & excercises need to be modelled, as most leaders and groups shy away from the untried.

If you lead small groups, I highly recommend you read this book. The main portion of the book gives her well-written treatise. The lastportion has practical excercises that most groups could practice quiteeasily.