Finding Freedom and Grace in a Broken World: A Journey in the Purposes and Providence of God
Ebook
We have been brought up to see things in a particular way--to interpret our experience and respond to events, people, and even to God in cultural and personal ways. This has given us a frame of reference that undergirds all else we know, trust, and love in life, as well as all we question, distrust, and hate. But this foundation is not without its cracks. We live in a broken world, and it has influenced us more than we know. Various Christians give us advice, but we often find ourselves stuck in the emotional pain of past experiences. We may not realize how much it controls our thinking, and we wonder why we are unable to experience the freedom and peace Jesus talks about. But things are not always what they seem; we need to see them as they are, not as other influences have shaped them. It is time we let God speak for himself on the matter. This book turns our minds to trust and freedom in our walk with God. It leads us to know God's grace, providence, and purposes in a way that changes our lives and experiences in this broken world from this day on.
“Finding Freedom and Grace in a Broken World is a comprehensive, exhaustive exploration, a deep dive into the world of knowing and trusting the God of Scripture. It examines divine grace from every imaginable perspective through 234 brief, easily digestible essays.”
—Michael Card, author of Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness
“Are you seeking answers to life’s deeper questions? Perhaps you are tired of superficial answers that scratch the surface of life’s concerns, but do not satisfy your profound issues. If so, I suggest you read Finding Freedom and Grace in a Broken World. This book will touch your mind, heart, and emotions. I’m certain you’ll contemplate its teachings long after you have read the chapters. It’s a proverbial gold mine for the soul.”
—Gary L. McIntosh, distinguished affiliate professor of Christian ministry and leadership, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Finding Freedom and Grace in a Broken World invites the reader to examine implicit values shaped in the soul by cultural assumptions of Western Christianity. The book stretches us to move beyond a performance-based Christianity to a deeply trust-based relationship with God himself. This multifaceted book with various entries covers well the gamut of the Christian life, written from the heart of a seasoned coach and a caring soul mentor.”
—Christy Hill, professor of spiritual formation and women’s ministry, Grace College and Seminary
“Thomas Stallter has created something new—a biblically grounded refresher in the essential truths of God and the way the believer experiences them, packaged in an easily accessible format for the lay person. He has chosen topics that are central to Christian life today and has provided solid, but short, reflections with full scriptural support. Contemporary Christians beleaguered by cultural messaging can return to the heart of the gospel with each reading.”
—Kathleen Mulhern, teaching fellow, Denver Seminary
“Got a few minutes to stop and think? About what? About our walk with God, our view of ourselves, and our view of life. In his unusual book, Thomas Stallter provides one-to-two-page reflections to ‘encourage us to reboot our faith, modify our values, and reassign the influences of self and culture.’ Wide-ranging topics include fear and anxiety, enjoyment, justice, worship, and unexpected providence. These short and thoughtful prods to new thinking can open up new vistas. Try it out.”
—Klaus Issler, professor emeritus of educational studies and theology, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Thomas Stallter delivers on his promise to guide us into clear thinking that provides grace and godliness for our journey. The Christian culture may seek the clever or the comforting, but Stallter invites us into a deep and freeing interface of our core beliefs with difficult cultural norms. Prepare to think. Prepare to grow.”
—John Addison Teevan, co-dean, School of Arts and Humanities, Grace College and Theological Seminary
“This book is a Godsend, in the way of the book of Proverbs, offering nuggets of wisdom for mind and heart. With the ‘closing of the American mind’ and the ‘scandal of the evangelical mind,’ it’s clear that our society has deep needs. And Thomas Stallter delivers. The meditations and supporting Scripture references are gourmet: insightful, thought-provoking, inspiring, reassuring. Eat slow and savor the flavors.”
—D. Brent Sandy, author of Hear Ye the Word of the Lord: What We Miss If We Only Read the Bible
- Title: Finding Freedom and Grace in a Broken World: A Journey in the Purposes and Providence of God
- Author: Thomas M. Stallter
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385208593, 9798385208586, 9798385208579
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385208593
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-02-15T21:42:15Z
Thomas M. Stallter is professor of intercultural studies at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, where he has taught for twenty-five years. He previously spent eighteen years in pastoral training, church planting, relief work, and business as mission in Central African Republic and Chad. He is the author of The Gap between God and Christianity: The Turbulence of Western Culture (Wipf & Stock, 2022).