The Pastor's Justification: Applying The Work Of Christ In Your Life And Ministry (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This is one of the best books I've ever read, as well as one of the most important for my own life. There was something about it that caused me finally to take to heart truths that I have long held and taught from the pulpit but had sometimes had trouble taking to heart. When I had finished reading it, I suddenly was no longer enslaved to people's opinions of me. Painful incidents from childhood lost their sting. And I felt absolutely loved and accepted by God through faith in Jesus Christ. I like to think that the hallmark of my Bible-teaching ministry is grace, but grace had never roosted in my own heart like it has since I finished this book. God has really used it in my life.It's really hard to explain how or why this book had that affect on me other than to say that it is very, very well written, and Jared is transparent, gracious, and challenging. He is also ultra biblical and has a firm grasp on the doctrine of grace and how it applies to everyday life. He is also adept at cutting through stuff and nonsense.Of course, the book is not a magic pill, nor is it, itself, the Word of God. But it is a very helpful tool for growing in grace and learning to rest in God's love. And while the book is addressed to pastors, I would recommend it to any Christian. I would even recommend it to any non-Christian who would like to understand what it means to be loved by God. An excellent book. I consider this one of three books in an informal trilogy of sorts—the If-You're-A-Burned-Out-Pastor-Who-Probably-Won't-Last-Another-Five-Years-Unless-Something-Radically-Changes-Then-This-Is-An-Emergency-So-Break-The-Glass-And-Grab-One-Of-These-Three-Books-And-Read-It-Immediately-And-Prayerfully Trilogy—which also includes Tripp's *Dangerous Calling* and Eswine's *Sensing Jesus* (the most underrated book in the trilogy, in my opinion, but also the least accessible in some ways, due to the artful and slant approach he takes to the subject which renders it opaque to some and devastatingly effective to others, of which I fell squarely into the latter camp).Back to Wilson. He lifts up Christ and moves the reader to worship so fervently and frequently throughout the book, that his very writing becomes a model for what a Christ-centered (and thus sustainable and despair-proof) preaching ministry looks like. He melted my heart and moved me to tears by so sweetly talking about the manifold excellencies of Jesus (as the Puritans would have put it) at least once. Well done, Wilson! I was alternately warned, rebuked, encouraged, and reminded of my true priorities, as clearly laid out in Scripture, yet so often rendered fuzzy by the World, my flesh, and our common Enemy. Take up and read!
What do You think about The Pastor's Justification: Applying The Work Of Christ In Your Life And Ministry (2013)?
A timely read for me. A book all current and aspiring pastors should read and read again.
—jade
Great book not only for Pastors but also those involved in Church ministry.
—Orinks
3rd best book i read in 2013. I will be reading this every year.
—ashley
