Wednesday, January 28, 2015

THE GRAND PARADOX



If we were made for relationship with God, why do we often feel lost and distant from Him?

The life of Christian faith is and always has been a beautifully awkward reality. Following Jesus is done—can only be done—in the messiness of this world into which we were all born. Yet many Christians expect the walk of faith to be easier, neater, and relatively devoid of hassles.

So perhaps it’s time for a frank conversation about the true nature of Christian faith. Maybe there are many desperately in need of a clear dialogue about how—despite living in a turbulent, chaotic world—our greatest joy is found in our pursuit of God.

In The Grand Paradox, Ken Wytsma seeks to help readers understand that although God can be mysterious, He is in no way absent.

God’s ways are contradictory and counter to the way the world tells us to pursue happiness.
Doubt is okay, it will accompany in the life of faith.
What looks like struggle can actually be the most important and meaningful season of our lives.
This book is an exploration of the art of living by faith. It is a book for all those wrestling with the paradoxes that confront those who seek to walk with Christ. It’s an honest look at how faith works, here and now, in our culture, our time—and how to put down real roots and flourish in the midst of our messy lives.

Meet the Author:



Ken Wytsma is a thought leader and sought after speaker on faith and culture who has taught at church, universities, and conferences around the world.

A gifted communicator, Ken is known for his transparent and easy style, passion for wrestling with tough questions, and ability to help others understand their world and faith in new and relevant ways.

Ken is the lead pastor of Antioch in Bend, Oregon and the president of Kilns College where he teaches courses on philosophy and justice. Ken is also the founder of The Justice Conference–an annual international gathering that introduces men and women to a wide range of organizations and conversations related to biblical justice and the call to give our lives away.

Ken lives in Bend, Oregon with his wife, Tamara, and their four daughters.

- See more at: http://kenwytsma.com/2015/01/15/grandparadoxlaunch/#sthash.a3CbLn8B.dpuf

Let's Connect: My Blog | Twitter | Join me on Facebook impacting a generation for justice: The Justice Conference

My thoughts...

We've all doubted God and felt condemned for it, aren't we supposed to live by faith without doubting? The author has given the reader new ways of thinking about scripture that releases from condemnation, encourages faith, and increases our desire to serve God. Being a Christian doesn't mean life is all fluff, we have issues like everyone else. We have questions where the answers can leave one feeling unsatisfied and even disappointed with the local church. This book challenges us to see things a bit differently, I found it to be refreshing and reassuring.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.