Status
Call number
Description
Using Paul's radical letter to the Philippians as his road map, Matt Chandler forsakes the trendy to invite readers into authentic Christian maturity. The short book of Philippians is one of the most quoted in the Bible, yet Paul wrote it not for the popular sound bites, but to paint a picture of a mature Christian faith. While many give their lives to Jesus, few then go on to live a life of truly vibrant faith. In this disruptively inspiring book, Chandler offers tangible ways to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and loving Jesus. Because if we clean up our lives but don't get Jesus, we've lost! So let the goal be Him. To live is Christ, to die is gain--this is the message of the letter. Therefore, our lives should be lived to Him, through Him, for Him, with Him, about Him--everything should be about Jesus.… (more)
Similar in this library
Publication
User reviews
The book is a Bible study on the book of Philippians, and a masterful one at that. Chandler draws you in to the text, fleshes out helpful context by describing Paul’s mission to Philippi and at one point sketching the entire life story of the Apostle Paul. Chandler can paint a picture well, and he also has a pulse on where the average church attender is, spiritually. His book challenges and woos, it focuses on the Gospel and attacks any kind of legalism, yet he is inviting and encouraging too. He shares a lot of stories, many of his own life and family, but only once does he briefly touch on his struggle with cancer. But that aside, the book is an excellent treatment of perhaps the most loved epistle of Paul.
The Christian Audio version of the book plays nicely, although I missed hearing Chandler’s voice do the reading. Having heard him in person and listened to an mp3 online, his distinctive voice would make the title even more appealing. But the reading is done very well, and easy to listen to. I enjoyed "To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain" as I drove back and forth to work, and it made for an excellent devotional time as I prepared for my day. In any format, this would make for a great devotional read. The message of Philippians will challenge you to live a joyful, confident Christian life, that doesn’t shrink from declaring the gospel and living a sacrificial life for Christ’s glory, whether we live or die.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by christianaudio.com as part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
Disclaimer: I don't usually review books about Theology. While I am well acquainted with the Bible, I am not a theologian and do not care to debate people on the 'finer' points of what they believe and what I believe, especially from the Reformed
That being said, I felt this book, which was well written by a favorite author, Matt Chandler, deserves the attention of our elders as a possible church-wide read on the book of Philippians. Matt did a extremely good job bringing Philippians alive for me. Looking at the notes I made, there was a lot pointed out that I had never noticed and connections that I have never considered. He contrasts Paul's teaching in the Philippians with the other books Paul wrote in the New Testament, especially Acts.
You will come away with a little more understanding. The book isn't 'high' Church and written so that your understanding is enhanced. Certainly not a waste of money and a decent addition to your Theological library.