Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises Of Money, Sex, And Power, And The Only Hope That Matters (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
Another encouraging and challenging read by Timothy Keller.My favorite quotes:"The living God, who revealed himself both at Mount Sinai and on the Cross, is the only Lord who, if you find him, can truly fulfill you, and, if you fail him, can truly forgive you" (p. xxvi)."You don't realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have" (p. 19)."We know a good thing has become a counterfeit god when its demands on you exceed proper boundaries" (p. 23)."We learn that through all of life there runs a ground note of cosmic disappointment" (p. 37)."Lord say[s], 'I am the true Bridegroom. There is only one set of arms that will give you all your heart's desire, and await you at the end of time, if only you turn to me. And know that I love you now' . . . It's not that you should try to love your spouse less, but rather that you should know and love God more'" (p. 44-45). Keller masterfully explains the presence and affect of idols in our culture and lives today, from a clear Biblical perspective.He draws from the Biblical stories of- Abraham - and being will to give up his son Isaac- Leah - and her struggle for her husband's love- Zacchaeus - and being willing to give up greed and money- Naaman - and being will to give up status and pride- Nebuchadnezzar - and being willing to give up power and glory- Jonah - and being willing to give up hate and prejudice- Jacob - and struggling with the desire for blessingHe then concludes with a way to replace those idols in one's life with worship through the practice of spiritual disciplines
What do You think about Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises Of Money, Sex, And Power, And The Only Hope That Matters (2009)?
Great reminder of how many things can be idols in our lives that take our focus away from God.
—nick
Some of the exegetical content was lacking.
—vanessa
