Sacrifice
I like the use of Romans 12:1 and the author gives some amazing challenges and stories, many of which touched and inspired me again, even as a missionary. For that the book could get five stars.
And yes many more of us need to get up and go. But I would also agree with a previous reviewer, and know personally of many people living sacrificially as they serve the Lord and support gospel work, but never leave their home town. All while working hard at a paid job, surrounded by ungodly people and conditions. Without them we could not exist overseas.
But there were sentiments expressed that I would not agree with and would question whether they are biblical. And I felt uneasy about some of the people he quotes from. The worst one being when I got to Thomas Merton, roman catholic and buddhist mystic of last century. Said by some to be the father of New Age thinking. On page 36 the author quotes a prayer of Merton that he repeated over and over and yet Merton was a sad misguided lost man. And after his death is leading many Christians astray in to mysticism as publishers and christian book sellers elevate his writings as if he was a born again believer. To be honest I am disappointed to read a book published by 10ofthose which in this one way is promoting and endorsing Thomas Merton.
I did try to learn more about the author via the internet and have no doubt he has done much good work. Including gospel efforts. But he is described as a "social entrepreneur" and working "with visionary local leaders to transform Burundi through education, sport, business, healthcare and more". I do not see that as a pattern of missionary work in the New Testament. I don't know him and cannot be sure, but this sounds like Dominionism.
For the reasons in the last two paragraphs, sad to say, I would not recommend or give this book to anyone.
Susan
Sacrifice
I am sorry to disagree with the earlier reviewers, but I think this book uses guilt to motivate people to sacrifice, rather than fostering love for Christ which leads to a life lived for him. Doing something because you feel guilty is not doing it for the right reason. 1 Cor 13.3 "If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." (ESV).
I felt that the tone is that God has done so much for us, and we haven't done enough for him, and we had better do something about it. The unspoken question is how much is enough? While I agree with Guillebaud that radical Christian living is possible whatever one's calling, the examples given are mostly missionaries. Does this mean that only missionaries, especially those to dangerous countries, are really living the Christian life to the full? That opens the door to a form of Christian elitism that goes against the equality of all callings (1 Cor 12).
An example is also quoted with approval of a Togolese woman who sold herself into slavery so that she could give money as an offering. I was shocked when I read that: Jesus came to set us free, not for us to make ourselves slaves of men.
It is such a shame, as I agree that many Western Christians (no doubt myself included) are too complacent and don't love and live for our Redeemer as much as we should. But a message of "you have failed, try harder" is not the Gospel. It is as we realise that we have failed and that we are forgiven in Christ by his love for us, that our love and sacrifice for him will grow.
Stephen Ayre
Too much guilt, not enough love.
I am sorry to disagree with the earlier reviewers, but I think this book uses guilt to motivate people to sacrifice, rather than fostering love for Christ which leads to a life lived for him. Doing something because you feel guilty is not doing it for the right reason. 1 Cor 13.3 "If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." (ESV).
I felt that the tone is that God has done so much for us, and we haven't done enough for him, and we had better do something about it. The unspoken question is how much is enough? While I agree with Guillebaud that radical Christian living is possible whatever one's calling, the examples given are mostly missionaries. Does this mean that only missionaries, especially those to dangerous countries, are really living the Christian life to the full? That opens the door to a form of Christian elitism that goes against the equality of all callings (1 Cor 12).
An example is also quoted with approval of a Togolese woman who sold herself into slavery so that she could give money as an offering. I was shocked when I read that: Jesus came to set us free, not for us to make ourselves slaves of men.
It is such a shame, as I agree that many Western Christians (no doubt myself included) are too complacent and don't love and live for our Redeemer as much as we should. But a message of "you have failed, try harder" is not the Gospel. It is as we realise that we have failed and that we are forgiven in Christ by his love for us, that our love and sacrifice for him will grow.
Stephen Ayre
Sacrifice
Really challenged when reading this! An excellent book about sacrificing all. Definitely a recommended read - but take time to do so properly, and consider and absorb what is said!
Nick Brake
Massively challenging!
Really challenged when reading this! An excellent book about sacrificing all. Definitely a recommended read - but take time to do so properly, and consider and absorb what is said!
Nick Brake
Sacrifice
This is a small book which packs a huge punch.
The author, a long–term missionary to Central Africa, takes the verses in Romans 12.1–2 and rigorously applies them to any Christian. He tells you clearly and convincingly how to be a living sacrifice for Jesus.
Can we expect Christians to live that kind of life anymore? Guillebaud answers with a resounding ‘Yes!’. He does it by using his own experiences in Africa, and those of martyrs who were known to him, as well as choosing some truly outstanding quotations and examples to push for such a commitment from us modern–age believers.
Some of these struck home to me: Bonhoeffer on cheap grace given the full context (pp.13–14); the extraordinary life of Robert Thomas, who died in Korea before even preaching once but whose Bibles were read as wallpaper and brought numerous conversions; Thomas Merton’s prayer (p.34): ‘I believe the desire to please you does in fact please you (more than anything else)’.
The book is worth the price for these illustrations alone. He pleads for the logical sacrifice of a total consecration to Jesus as Lord. He seeks to exhort us to live a life, like Jesus, of holy living that impacts our culture.
In the past, others have called for a sacrificial faith. This book is such a call to our generation to read, meditate upon and apply. It will not take very long to read but it could change us all for ever. I cannot recommend it enough.
Andrew Chappel
I cannot recommend it enough.
This is a small book which packs a huge punch.
The author, a long–term missionary to Central Africa, takes the verses in Romans 12.1–2 and rigorously applies them to any Christian. He tells you clearly and convincingly how to be a living sacrifice for Jesus.
Can we expect Christians to live that kind of life anymore? Guillebaud answers with a resounding ‘Yes!’. He does it by using his own experiences in Africa, and those of martyrs who were known to him, as well as choosing some truly outstanding quotations and examples to push for such a commitment from us modern–age believers.
Some of these struck home to me: Bonhoeffer on cheap grace given the full context (pp.13–14); the extraordinary life of Robert Thomas, who died in Korea before even preaching once but whose Bibles were read as wallpaper and brought numerous conversions; Thomas Merton’s prayer (p.34): ‘I believe the desire to please you does in fact please you (more than anything else)’.
The book is worth the price for these illustrations alone. He pleads for the logical sacrifice of a total consecration to Jesus as Lord. He seeks to exhort us to live a life, like Jesus, of holy living that impacts our culture.
In the past, others have called for a sacrificial faith. This book is such a call to our generation to read, meditate upon and apply. It will not take very long to read but it could change us all for ever. I cannot recommend it enough.
Andrew Chappel
Sacrifice
A written sermon on Romans 12:1 challenging Christians to take up their cross. To *really* take up their cross, motivated by the mercies of God given to us. Lots of examples from history and Burundi. This is a great little book that packs a massive punch! Read if you dare. It'll be a book for the term for us at Church by the Bay. Thanks for this!
Gerry Straker
The privilege of sacrifice
A written sermon on Romans 12:1 challenging Christians to take up their cross. To *really* take up their cross, motivated by the mercies of God given to us. Lots of examples from history and Burundi. This is a great little book that packs a massive punch! Read if you dare. It'll be a book for the term for us at Church by the Bay. Thanks for this!
Gerry Straker
Sacrifice
This book was given to me by a friend, and not knowing quite what to expect, having now read it I feel compelled to comment; what a challenge! to me personally and to any Christian who thinks they are generally 'doing just fine' in the practical application of their faith. I, like anyone else who reads this litter book, have some really soul searching to do. Well worth a read.
Denis Tones
