Crucified By Christians

While I probably would not reccommend much of Gene Edwards' reading, this book is a rare and great exception. Edwards writes in an easy to understand style that captures the reader. This literally was a book I could not put down. I just read for hours soaking up what the author was saying. While it is true that Edwards does not fully present how to deal with agony, especially that caused by Christians, this does not seem to be his point in writing the book. This work is a wonderful help in getting a right perspective before God. If you want a book on relating to other Christians or dealing with conflict, sure read another book. But if you want something to help you deal with pain inflicted by others on a personal level, this is the book(other than the Bible, of course). Edwards helps us to see that God is behind our suffering, while not being the author of sin (that is absurd!). In his winsome style Edwards manages to use only one passage from Scripture (I think), but beautifully combines Scripture's teaching on the subject (see Romans 8:28 and Acts 4:27-28). Add this book to your library and buy it to minister to those hurting. It gives great perspective to life in general and gloriously displays the sovereignty of God.

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.

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.

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.

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