You are in for a spritual renewing as you read this very life changing book. Growing up as a preacher's kid, I can totally relate to his description of a pew rat. I went to church every time the doors were open. I acted prim and proper and did all the right things. However, I didn't grasp the concept of what being a Christian was. As the author explains,"Without the gospel, we lack the proper understanding of any doctrine , and especially a robust knowing of God himself." We need to keep Christ as the center and glorify Him.

This book has so many profound nuggets that I couldn't put it down. It has energized me, opened my eyes to the fact that even though we may drift away from Him, His arms are wide open. He is ready to embrace us, and welcome us back with His unconditional love.

Worship has always been very special to me. It is my time to get lost in His presence and forget everyone and everything around me. I now understand that as we worship, we are being prepared to hear the incredible Word. The words written about the gospel in this book is described by, " the gospel burrows deep into your heart, your joy will be inexpressible , uncontainable, and completely understandable- because Jesus is incredible."

Just as parents are excited to hear from their children, God wants to hear from us. He wants us to spend time with Him, talk to Him, and have a deep relationship with Him. If we can commit ourselves to Him, the enemy has no way into our lives. It is also important to surround ourselves with "people who aren't fenced in, friends who have the right to speak into your life at any time about anything. You need other Christians who are willing to say the hard things, ones who are ready to speak the truth in love." It may not be easy to hear the truth from your friends, but it is important to have accountability with others. They are there to encourage you, speak truth and love you.

As we renew our relationship with God, we need to be out sharing who He is with others. We are called 'to be His hands and feet" , not to sit around and keep the gospel to ourselves. Thank you for writing such an incredible book that stirs us to the core and fills us with new energy as we ugo out and spread the Good News to others.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )

J.A. Meddlers’s subtitle “Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exalting Life” is the reason I picked this book! Yes, I want that to describe me…in my everyday life…with my husband, with our kids, as I homeschool, in my interactions with family, friends, strangers…!!

Meddlers recommends to read a chapter a day. I didn’t do that. However, looking back I would echo his suggestion. I used a color for a highlighter (as a mom with 4 kids there is always at least one around!), so my copy of Gospel Formed looks more like a coloring book now! There were so many great reminders and awesome “new-perspective” moments through out the book that challenged and inspired me.

“The Lord tells us, Keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye” (Prov. 7:2). The “apple of your eye” is a love so strong that your heart hones in and will not look away. What twinkles in your eyes? What do you fixate on? Is God’s teaching the apple of your eye? How does the Bible rank in your life?” (pg. 64)

Yet, I want my heart to be effected, not just my head. I plan to go back through this book slower and then I may read it again aloud to the kids. I pray that they also will live a “grace-addicted, truth-filled, jesus-exalting life”!!

The book is broken down into five parts which all point to the Gospel in our our worship, identity, community, and mission. As Meddler explains, “Since the gospel is our message, model, motivation, and means, the gospel informs and shaped our worship, identity, community, and mission.” (pg. 28)

“What is Gospel Identity?” was my favorite section this time through the book. His reminders of our identity, how much we are loved and comforted and condemnation-free, and my role as a soldier really spoke to my heart.

From the chapter “You Are a Gospel Soldier: “Christianity’s aim is for us to experience new life in the kingdom of Christ, glorifying, exalting, and savoring Jesus. God seeks something far higher than good, clean, normal, comfy, morally upstanding people sitting in a church building on Sunday morning, nodding their heads to another great sermon. He is calling us to greatness in the environment of his grace. We are surrounded by grace, and that grace lead us to fight against our sin. Romans 8:13 is a declaration of all-our war on sin: ‘If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the boys, you will live.’” (pg. 129)

I could share so much from this book, but I won’t because you will color your own copy of Gospel Formed by J.A. Meddlers! ;)

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )