Exquisite Agony: Experiencing the Cross as Seen from the Father

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Summary: Two prominent themes
Review: Gene Edwards does not allow for the typical "feel sorry" posture of those being persecuted. Instead he points out that a sovereign God is behind every event in the believer's life. As a result, there are two predominate themes running the gamut of life's less than savory experiences. First, in the shadow of every crucifixion is a loving God who loves us, knows about our pain and trusts us to engage the crucifixion in a way that honors Him. Second, if crufixion is resisted, it is merely punitive; if surrendered to, crucifixion leads to resurrection. Most want to transfer the pain or blame someone else. Edwards calls the believer to "know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." Surrender comes out of obedience, not out of some desire to be martyred. Only here do we learn to see from God's perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Two prominent themes
Review: Gene Edwards does not allow for the typical "feel sorry" posture of those being persecuted. Instead he points out that a sovereign God is behind every event in the believer's life. As a result, there are two predominate themes running the gamut of life's less than savory experiences. First, in the shadow of every crucifixion is a loving God who loves us, knows about our pain and trusts us to engage the crucifixion in a way that honors Him. Second, if crufixion is resisted, it is merely punitive; if surrendered to, crucifixion leads to resurrection. Most want to transfer the pain or blame someone else. Edwards calls the believer to "know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." Surrender comes out of obedience, not out of some desire to be martyred. Only here do we learn to see from God's perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Why would I worship God if He is the author of evil?
Review: Gene Edwards' description of God is very disturbing. God is not the originator of evil. Jesus' purpose for his crucifixion does not equal the "purpose" of our trials. Edwards never addresses the issue of dealing with the Christian who has wronged another person. Apparently they are not held responsible nor are there consequences for their actions. Edwards' theory is weak and is based on his own opinions and not based on sound biblical principles. This book will do more harm than good for those who are seeking answers for the hurt they have experienced.

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Summary: This book is a must read for every serious Christian.
Review: Mr. Edwards has captured the essence of what God's purposes are for suffering in the Christian's life. His captivating style makes it a book you can't put down. You will read it in one setting. I learned that God has only good plans for a Christian and that our most intense persecution is at the hand of other Christians, with a purpose. It helped free me of bitterness toward other believers.

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Summary: This book reaches the heart of the deepest hurt Christian.
Review: There are millions of deeply hurt Christians all around the world. The thing Christians are not prepared for in life is the hurt, agony and despair caused them by other Christians. Many leave their faith and find another. Some stay and hate those who hurt them. Others doubt God. Our world just doesn't know how to handle such pain. But there is a reason for it all. We all cause pain at times in someone's life even unintentional pain. This book explains why others treat us harshly and why we sometimes explode at them too. By the example Christ set for us, we have a plan to follow. We can look at our pain through the eyes of Jesus instead of the eyes of the world. You will never look at mean, angry people the same after you read this book. A new fragrance of forgiveness will forever change your life

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Summary: Learn to accept ALL things from God
Review: This can change your attitudes towards other Christians, towards churchs, and towards God. This can only happen if you are open to God's answers.

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Summary: I have been crucified by God through Christians
Review: What a wonderful book! I needed it more than you can imagine. I recommend this book to every Christian serious about knowing God's plan for suffering. However, unless the reader is one who has been crucified, the book may not have great appeal. One must be crucified to understand what it means to be crucified. This book will speak volumes to those who have been crucified. Praise God for people like Gene Edwards. I plan to purchase 10 or 12 copies to keep on hand for fellow Christians who are and will be crucified. This book was a survival book for me. Through it I have been restored to the ministry.

Rating:
Summary: I have been crucified by God through Christians
Review: What a wonderful book! I needed it more than you can imagine. I recommend this book to every Christian serious about knowing God's plan for suffering. However, unless the reader is one who has been crucified, the book may not have great appeal. One must be crucified to understand what it means to be crucified. This book will speak volumes to those who have been crucified. Praise God for people like Gene Edwards. I plan to purchase 10 or 12 copies to keep on hand for fellow Christians who are and will be crucified. This book was a survival book for me. Through it I have been restored to the ministry.