Experiencing the Resurrection, by Henry & Melvin Blackaby

I won a copy of this book from Jennifer @ Snapshot some time ago (and can't find the original link back to her post!) and completed my reading of it this past week. I opened the cover and dove right in, without researching it or knowing anything about the authors. As I began reading I was thinking to myself, "Wow, this sounds like an enthused sermon leading up to a good old fashioned alter call!" Lo and behold, it is written by two pastors and I think that was their intent. At least, to some extent. It certainly delves beyond the subject of becoming a Christian and entering into the power of the resurrection. But still, it is just that.

In short, and before I get any further into this, it is a very solid book, backed with scripture (which is typed right into the text in that ever-so-convenient-for-lazy-people-like-myself manner!) and thought out. They have it 110% correct that when you become a Christian you do enter into the power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is amazing if you stop and think about it for just two seconds. Careful though because even two second in depth thought on the topic is enough to blow away the human mind. God calls us His own, calls us unto Himself, and gives us power and authority in Him and through Him. It is hard to imagine, let alone comprehend. The Blackabys do a stellar job making you think through exactly what this means. (And I will do them an injustice if I try to reiterate what they stated so eloquently!)

I felt like this book was better written for brand new Christians or those who are considering taking the leap. It is a remarkable book for one who is beginning their journey and I would (rather strongly) recommend it to anyone in such a situation. It is informative and encouraging -- which is exactly what is called for under such circumstances.

If you know of someone in that situation - who is stepping into this brand new world in Christ then by all means gift them with this book. It would be fantastic.

What this book is not, is a guide for a long standing Christian who wishes to know MORE of the power of the resurrection. It is an appropriate beginning book any which way I could possibly view it and a useful tool. It is also a good reminder when you need one. It just is not a "let's go even deeper" sort of book.

That is not to say that they do not entertain the question of going deeper. They spill that question right out:

"Our second question is this: Are you pursuing resurrection life? If you say you want resurrection life, does your life demonstrate that desire? Would others conclude that you want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection because of how much time you spend in prayer? and in His word? and with His people? and in worship? From watching the way you live your life, would others conclude that you want to know the Lord more than anything else in the world? (page 103)

They address the questions that should be plaguing any Christian -- "Why not more?" Especially when we know that more is to be had.

For my part, I thought this book was a good "reminder." I am NOT saying that I have it all together because if you know anything about me you most surely know that I do NOT! I am on a journey just like everyone else. I have far to go and much to learn. Hence, I keep reading. (That should be your first clue.)

Experiencing the Resurrection caused me to ask good questions of myself. It made me aware of an excellent tool that can be given to those who are just starting out. It made me think about the power that is contained (and not contained!) in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is earth shattering material in and of itself. It is good. And I recommend it. Just keep reading.

One book I would heartily recommend which speaks of this power is Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, by Jack Deere I think that this is more or less what I was expecting from Experiencing the Resurrection. So I think the problem was with my expectation going in. But still - a good book and I'm glad to know of it.