Overview

We don't like to talk about tragedy. It's insensitive, dark, and gloomy. Especially in church. We would much rather talk about the stories that make our hearts happy and joyful. Yet, the reality is that when we don't understand the dark depth of the human heart, we will never know the magnificent vistas of God's salvation. Tragedy is an essential reality for understanding the space of the gospel story. Few tragedies fit this mold better than that of Achan in Joshua 7. Achan's theft of sacred property and the resultant panic led Israel down a dark path. It was only with God's revelation of his action that this scourge was made known. However, the most tragic part of Achan's tale is that God's grace was offered out to him and he did not take it. The darkness of Achan's story heightens the glory of the gospel. The sin that Achan committed underscores the salvation that God offers. The cult he bore reveals the grace that is offered to us. Of Grace and Guilt is written to help us understand this reality. It is written to underscore the darkness of sin and therefore to examine the light of salvation. It is written for us to see the gracious hands of a loving God offered to us. The question before us is whether or not we will take what Achan could not. ""Matt's book, 'Of Guilt and Grace' is a masterpiece of understanding the impact of sin and its ongoing ramifications. The good news about sin is God's grace. Matt elegantly explains how God's grace is the antidote to our sin issue. 'Of Guilt and Grace' is well thought out and a must read for anyone desiring to understand the relationship between our sin and God's grace. I would highly recommend this book!"" - Tyson Priest, D. Min, Pastor, the River, Lapel, In. & Motivational Speaker. ""Ten very helpful lessons on sin, a disturbing and polarizing subject that many ministers wish to elude for the sake of pastoral preservation. Matthew LaMaster illuminates a haunting story of God's wrath toward sin in a way that is both theologically demanding and accessible. Read with care, LaMaster pulls no punches when it comes to the serious and communal effects of our sin. Read with hope, for nothing is presented that is not saturated with God's mercy and no transgression so abominable that it cannot be healed by Christ's grace."" - Tyler Turdici, Associate Pastor, the Oasis, Aurora, IL. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matthew LaMaster is the pastor of Southern Heights Christian Church in Anderson, Indiana. He is an editor at Theology Magazine. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute (BA, MDiv) And is also currently a doctoral student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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9781946277541

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Reviews

Ten very helpful lessons on sin, a disturbing and polarizing subject that many ministers wish to elude for the sake of pastoral preservation. Matthew LaMaster illuminates a haunting story of God's wrath toward sin in a way that is both theologically demanding and accessible. Read with care, LaMaster pulls no punches when it comes to the serious and communal effects of our sin. Read with hope, for nothing is presented that is not saturated with God's mercy and no transgression so abominable that it cannot be healed by Christ's grace. - Tyler Turdici, Associate Pastor, the Oasis, Aurora, IL. Matt's book, 'Of Guilt and Grace' is a masterpiece of understanding the impact of sin and its ongoing ramifications. The good news about sin is God's grace. Matt elegantly explains how God's grace is the antidote to our sin issue. 'Of Guilt and Grace' is well thought out and a must read for anyone desiring to understand the relationship between our sin and God's grace. I would highly recommend this book! - Tyson Priest, D. Min, Pastor, the River, Lapel, In. & Motivational Speaker Ignoring the fact that we are sinners can do nothing but drag us into the Valley of Achor. Matthew LaMaster teaches this often-forgotten fact, in a well-balanced simple and weighty way throughout this book as he expounds upon the transgressions of Achan (Joshua 7). He carves away at calloused hearts and distorted minds to drive home the absolute truth of how devastating unchecked sin becomes as it slowly saturates our very souls. Sin is most destructive not because of the sin itself, and not because it is infects the whole community. But even more devastating, it breaks the covenantal relationship with God. Or, as LaMaster words it, Sin is not sin, at its core, because it violates a rule, although it does. Sin is sin, at its core, because it violates a relationship. But LaMaster does not leave us in the valley. He reminds us of the remarkable and inexplicable grace of God. He explicates that God has provided what it takes to atone for those sins if we claim ownership of our sins, repent and receive God's answer found in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This book is a must read. It is teeming with Scriptural support of his theses and well dusted with illustrations to clarify his reasoning. It stirs both the mind and the soul. - James D. Harless, PhD, Retired Pastor, Tri-County Christian Church and Adjunct Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. Matthew LaMaster takes his readers on a journey through a story they think they understand to discover the truth of Joshua 7. This helpful guide to the nature of sin and its effects encourages readers to not harden your hearts but to grasp the wonderful grace of God. - Jeremiah Shawver, Youth Pastor, Parkside Chapel, Visalia, Ca. ...In this book, Matt LaMaster guides us along the path to that understanding, frequently pausing along the way with helpful illustrations that make the medicine go down easier. Pastors, lay leaders and everyday Christians alike will greatly benefit as Matt shines the spotlight of God's word on the grotesque reality of sin and the mighty and beautiful grace of God that forgives sin and cleanses sinners completely. By all means, add this book to the top of your reading list this year. - Joel Settecase, Founder, Think Institute, Partnering Church Catalyst with Cru Church Movements.

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