A Scandalous Freedom

I was handed a copy of Steve Brown's A Scandalous Freedom by a colleague during a conference. I already had a couple books I planned on reading that week. My colleague mentioned that I could skim it if I preferred. I read one page, and realized that this was far more important than anything I was reading at the time. The whole book was finished in three days. What made this such fascinating reading? A hint can be found in the subtitle of the book: "The Radical Nature of the Gospel". You see, Brown's basic premise is that the Grace of God sets us free. Of course all orthodox Christians would agree with that. Where many will find Brown's book hard to swallow (if not downright disturbing) is that he defines freedom as...well...freedom. Not freedom from, nor freedom to...simply freedom. Now before we get into calls of heresy, Brown is no antinomian. Perhaps one of his most vivid illustrations in a book full of vivid illustrations is his description of the Law of God as a map to guide us through a minefield. He is just tired (as am I) of God's people being burdened by man-made laws. The following quote from the book puts it quite succinctly: "I fear too often the church has become an organization of guilty people with a guilty preacher standing in the pulpit, telling guilty people that they should feel guiltier" I'm afraid that this small review is not doing Brown (a professor at Reformed Theological Seminary) justice. I just know that, upon reading this book, I came away with a much greater desire to really know Jesus. Perhaps people in ministry are expected to have that base covered, but I confess readily that I do not. Those of you who have followed these reviews know that when I believe a book is less than quality, I say so. Take that into account, then, when I say YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. I am not saying I agree with the author on everything (after all, nobody has achieved the level of spirituality it takes to totally agree with me!). I am saying your walk with God will be greatly benefited by it.

This book hit home with me. It basically skewers many of the man-made doctrines we cling to while still staying accurate with the Scriptures. Steve Brown reminds us that we are all sinning everyday and that, in spite of this, God bought us with the highest price imaginable and that the righteousness of God is imputed to us as redeemed children of God. I saw myself as well as many other people on every page of this work and I consider it one of the greatest books ever written on the subject of Christian freedom. I plan on buying at least 10 more copies and giving them as gifts. Have a teachable heart when you read it. Allow yourself to let go of the traditions of men and then cling ONLY to the Holy Scriptures. When you do, you'll see grace and mercy and forgiveness and love and faith in a whole new light.

Steve Brown has a way of stating what we're thinking! For many years I had been taught that it's the "RULES" that will make you a good Christian. The pain of not being able to live up to the rules was devastating. The more I read the Bible, the more I knew that there was more than the rules of do and don't. God's grace set us free! Free to be ALL that God had created me to be. This book didn't change my mind, it confirmed what Scripture already states.

Steve visits our church quite a bit so I am fortunate enough to hear him speak every few months. This is the first of his books that I have read and I am as blown away by his writing as I am by his sermons. He is blunt, practical and is thrilled to be loved by God. Anyone who reads this book and doens't realized how much God loves them needs to read again...200+ pages of this theme. Of course, there is some additional practical advice in there but I won't ruin it for you.

Fans of Steve Brown's Keylife radio program should go ahead and order several copies. You'll need them for your friends, your pastor, and your church library. (I am in my second reading of the book, and just ordered my 5th, 6th, & 7th copies.) Besides, the author does not collect the royalties - they go to charity. Even if you have never heard of Steve Brown, if you believe you can "know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - but you aren't quite sure how that works in your life, this is the book for you. In these pages, you can find answers to the questions "free from what?" and "free to do what?" This is a book of great value and comfort to Christians - especially those who, despite their struggles, "aren't getting much better," and are willing to admit it - at least to themselves. You will find out you are not alone, and that God loves you anyway. The author tries not to give you a list of things to do - he doesn't want to create a "12-Step Program for Christians Who Aren't Getting Much Better." Nonetheless, you will come away with some practical ideas about letting God be God. Then you won't have to keep struggling to take his job - you will know that you are free to be you. Read a few pages in a bookstore - or in our church library - you will want your own copy. God bless you.