Customer Reviews

Dying to Live: The Power of Forgiveness

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Senkbeil begins this engaging book by showing the loneliness and worry that faces us in today's world. Written in a down-to-earth manner, Dying to Live opens with an examination of our society's desperation for life. Our frantic lives are lived in constant pursuit of happiness, and are full of communication. But all too often we seek happiness in materialism, and our communication is superficial, leaving us feeling empty and lonely. Instead of this, Senkbeil points us to the often over-looked simple answer. Christ offers forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation freely. Rather than "a crutch to escape reality," Christ is the eternal life present in this dying world (p.28).

Pastor Senkbeil continues the book by explaining the amazing reality of Christ's coming into the world as both God and man, facing our same trials and sufferings, and enduring the punishment for the sins of all humankind at the cross. Yet our glory and hope is in the knowledge that Jesus Christ did not remain dead, but overcame the grave and promised the same resurrection to all who believe. Senkbeil shows us how this grace is carried to the church through the Word and Sacraments (the tangible means by which we receive God's forgiveness), which equips us to face this earthly life.

In the last section of the book he overviews the fellowship we have in the church and how it is centered around God's word. This builds the way we worship, as God serves us (God's service=divine service=meaning of "liturgy"). He also shows the implications for our prayer life and for our daily life in the the world. Overall this book points us to the comforting truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His gift of forgiveness and salvation. Dying to Live would be an excellent read for any Christian or even a non-Christian interested in learning about this hope that we have.

Senkbeil has blessed the body of Christ by penning for us in his own tight, creative style, what should become a basic, classic work for Christians. The problem and solution are quickly laid out for the reader, then all the other elements of a believer's life are revolved around this center. Explains concerns that many pastors have with the "hot tub" christianity that so permeates our times. His sections on sacramental focus and liturgical shape are brilliant!

This book is well written, and an easy read. It has great theology, with points made well supported with Scritpure. Excellent points on the central theme of the Bible.

I have read "Dying to Live" once and I am currently reading it a second time. The book is unusual in that it tackles a difficult subject in a down to earth manner. Senkbeil, a pastor in Wisconsin, knows the Bible and he knows people. He does a wonderful job of making theology understandable. Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith, Senkbeil explains, and thus of the Christian life as well.

Senkbeil stands at the forefront of writers in Confessional Lutheranism. While often a sharp critic of many perceived sins, evils, and errors in modern society and Christendom, he is still at heart a parish pastor with a pastor's heart for those in need. While not a "how-to" book, ~Dying to Live~ certainly shows how a true Christian lifestyle flows from a life of forgiving and being forgiven.

This book is even more applicable today! In summary, this book is what the Purpose Driven Life should have said. It does a beautiful job explaining why we are here and what do we do. It also points out some major pitfalls in how we tend to think. An easy and great read! This book is in my top 10 list of Christian Books.