Rating:  Summary: Priceless insight into a remarkable life Review: Paul's life was in so many ways a type for our own that I wonder why more books of this ilk have not been written. When we study his letters, we learn the teachings of a man who walked with God through this life in ways most of us can only imagine. But we don't get the point until we consider the man himself, flaws and all. Then we begin to see how Paul knew grace experientially, so he could explain how others could live in it. Paul understood sin, but he also knew the power of Christ to redeem sinners and he never 'got over it'. Swindoll's books are as good as his sermons, which is to say, magnificent. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the Christian life, but especially to anyone who wants to serve God with everything He has blessed you with.
Rating:  Summary: A Must Read For Christians and Non-Christians Alike Review: Paul: A Man Of Grace and Grit is an extraordinary work detailing the life of the apostle Paul. The book outlines and explains the biblical and cultural history and signifigance of the life and times of Paul in a way I have never before discovered. I cannot recommend it enough. The book presents history mixed with important lessons mixed with timely analogies. It is a must read for Christians and non-Christians alike. I guarantee that reading it will affect your outlook on life and make you feel uplifted as it did me.
Rating:  Summary: Another Masterpiece by Swindoll! Review: Swindoll's book on the Apostle Paul is the 6th in a series of Bible characters and in my humble opinion, the best character study so far. Among the important points Swindoll covers include: 1. Biblical examples of people who waited long period of time before being used greatly by God. 2. An independent spirit does not please God - He much prefers the humble and broken-hearted. 3. Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting and 4 principles for trusting God while waiting in the shadows (this alone was worth the price of the book). 4. While boasting about our weakness is not popular in today's culture, life is about God, not us! 5. 3 perspectives to have when in a strong disagreement. 6. Sometimes turnmoil, hardship, and persecution means you are in the middle of God's will. 7. 4 excellent points to consider for powerful preaching. 8. Be careful of letting your subjective experiences be your ultimate guide in life - God's Word is much more reliable! 9. Effective ministry and opposition go hand in hand. 10. Patterns of behavior and observations about heroes who stand up while everyone sits down. 11. 4 anchors to hold on to during stormy times. 12. 7 exhortations for faithful service. The points above are only a few of the many encouragements you will get from this gem of a book! Having read several of Swindoll's books, this one may be my personal favorite! Read and be encouraged in the Lord and hang tough like the Apostle Paul did! Highly recommended.
Rating:  Summary: Another Masterpiece by Swindoll! Review: Swindoll's book on the Apostle Paul is the 6th in a series of Bible characters and in my humble opinion, the best character study so far. Among the important points Swindoll covers include: 1. Biblical examples of people who waited long period of time before being used greatly by God. 2. An independent spirit does not please God - He much prefers the humble and broken-hearted. 3. Exceptional work is preceded by extended waiting and 4 principles for trusting God while waiting in the shadows (this alone was worth the price of the book). 4. While boasting about our weakness is not popular in today's culture, life is about God, not us! 5. 3 perspectives to have when in a strong disagreement. 6. Sometimes turnmoil, hardship, and persecution means you are in the middle of God's will. 7. 4 excellent points to consider for powerful preaching. 8. Be careful of letting your subjective experiences be your ultimate guide in life - God's Word is much more reliable! 9. Effective ministry and opposition go hand in hand. 10. Patterns of behavior and observations about heroes who stand up while everyone sits down. 11. 4 anchors to hold on to during stormy times. 12. 7 exhortations for faithful service. The points above are only a few of the many encouragements you will get from this gem of a book! Having read several of Swindoll's books, this one may be my personal favorite! Read and be encouraged in the Lord and hang tough like the Apostle Paul did! Highly recommended.
Rating:  Summary: Paul: A Man of Grit and Grace Review: The author is probably a great guy personally, but his writing falls very short. The book does not even address Paul's views on the role of women, or on homosexuality--two areas where people of our times need guidance. It seems as if the author wanted to be "politically correct" and not offend anyone.
He doesn't even address, with any authority, the conflict between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. He just basically says they should have worked it out. I was completely disappointed in the book.
Rating:  Summary: Biblical characters brought to life Review: The Bible IS applicable to our life today, and Charles Swindoll, once again, shows us how. His book, Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit, is more than a storytelling of Paul's life. These pages are much more than an interesting biography of a converted tyrant. Swindoll examines and retells of the conversion and missionary journies, yes, but he uses the principles from them to show you and me how to model such passion for Christ. An added bonus was the ability of this book to cause a great deal of the New Testament to come alive on a go-forward basis. Getting to know the author of almost 50% of the NT has helped me to understand and appreciate the books he has written.
Rating:  Summary: Very straightforward Review: This book really tells it like it is and points out that Church has strayed from the example of Paul teaching the Gospel, pure and unadulterated: Now churches water down the message and show movie clips, skits, etc...hoping to get a profession of faith based on a less-than-full understanging of the Gospel. The only beef I have is when Swindoll attempts to place American Presidents Lincoln and Bush on the same level as the Apostle Paul: Think again. Lincoln and Bush were great at saying the right Christian phrases in public but ...I digress. Read " The Real Lincoln" by Thomas DeLorenzo for a better understanding.
Rating:  Summary: I'll never think of Paul the same way again Review: This is a wonderful book. I found myself staying up late so I could read "just one more chapter." I have to admit that in the past I have had trouble with some of Paul's writings, while at the same time, his letters to the churches never fail to deepen my relationship with Christ. But, I always tended to think of Paul as the "saint of saints" and this was very intimidating. This book has helped me to see Paul as a real human being. I am still overwhelmed by his total faith in the grace of God, but I now have a deeper understanding of the journey he took and how he let God use him. I no longer feel that this type of faith is reserved for "the chosen few." I appreciated Mr. Swindoll's way of showing how Paul's experiences could be applied in my life. This book is not just a traditional biography of a great man, but it has helped me see how to let God increase my faith.
Rating:  Summary: I'll never think of Paul the same way again Review: This is a wonderful book. I found myself staying up late so I could read "just one more chapter." I have to admit that in the past I have had trouble with some of Paul's writings, while at the same time, his letters to the churches never fail to deepen my relationship with Christ. But, I always tended to think of Paul as the "saint of saints" and this was very intimidating. This book has helped me to see Paul as a real human being. I am still overwhelmed by his total faith in the grace of God, but I now have a deeper understanding of the journey he took and how he let God use him. I no longer feel that this type of faith is reserved for "the chosen few." I appreciated Mr. Swindoll's way of showing how Paul's experiences could be applied in my life. This book is not just a traditional biography of a great man, but it has helped me see how to let God increase my faith.
Rating:  Summary: The Life of Paul Review: This is an excellent book if you are truly looking to discover the true nature of Paul. The book does an excellent job of revealing biblical insights while providing character relationships, historical perspective, and personal applications. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for deeper understanding of the man who was the major contributor to the New Testament.
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