Experiencing the Power of the Cross: How It Changes Everything [Paperback]

Gary Kinnaman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

Using contemporary illustrations and cultural icons, Gary Kinnaman brings new meaning to the importance of the cross. He helps readers connect with the reality and power of the cross to overcome life's common struggles and provides an eternal perspective: the cross's power does not stop with reconciling people to God, but reaches out to transform earthly relationships as well. Includes a Scripture reading plan for the Lenten and Easter seasons.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book helps renew the faith that was once so strong.... Highly recommended." -- Road to Romance

About the Author

Gary Kinnaman is the senior pastor of Word of Grace Church, near Phoenix. He has been instrumental in planting several other churches in Arizona, is a frequent speaker on leadership and church growth at national and international conferences, and has written several books, including the bestseller Angels Dark and Light. Gary and his wife have three adult children and make their home in Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076422994X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764229947
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,550,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars godly insights for living abundantly in a new reality, February 9, 2005

By 

radical (united states) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Experiencing the Power of the Cross: How It Changes Everything (Paperback)

This book comes at a time in my life when many of my ideas about myself, life, relationships with others and with God have been challenged by the profound trauma of divorce. As I struggle to re-establish my identity as a single-again person, Dr. Kinnaman's insights, derived from scripture and from his astute observations of life, have shown me how the Cross is THE path to my true identity, my identity in Christ, as well as to a new life in the reality of God.

In this book, Dr. Kinnaman has condensed into the language of today more than three decades of practical experience communicating God's truth. It's easy to read, yet a profound witness not only to the glory of the Cross, but also to the total relevance of the Cross to daily living.

4.0 out of 5 stars The power of the Cross, July 13, 2005

By 

Wordpraize Reviewers "Wordpraize.com" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Experiencing the Power of the Cross: How It Changes Everything (Paperback)

Experiencing the Power of the Cross

by Gary Kinnaman

Experiencing the Power of the Cross by Gary Kinnaman provides readers with a fresh new look at the cross. Using exampes from pop culture favorites like The Matrix and The Lords of the Ring, Kinnamon reaches across generations with the message of the cross. The author also uses very relatable examples from his own life. The book is broken down into three parts.

(1) Crossing Gate

In the first section, the author tackles the "new" reality Christians encounter as they grow more like Christ. Using the movie The Matrix as a platform, he describes the cross as "being an entry point into another world, another dimension, a reality of ulimate freedom." Readers are provided with an introduction to the cross in a chapter called "The Cross 101?. This section is wrapped up with a lesson on the importance of Jesus' sacrifice versus the Old Testament sacrifices.

(2) Cross Purpose

The author outlines seven practical theological points about the cross. Scripture is included at the end of each chapter for readers to meditate as they observe Lent.

(3) Cross Way

The author uses the word scandalous quite a bit in this last section and rightly so! When you think about the Christian lifesyle, every action or behavior is called to go against the norm. This section probes the reader to examine their current lifestyle in relation to the cross. The last chapter in this section (and the book) profoundly summarizes what the cross experience is all about... FORGIVENESS. This chapter alone gives the readers plenty to think about especially if one has had problems with forgiveness.

--Tyora Moody

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlocking the Power of The Cross, May 27, 2005

By 

Lynne Chapman "lynnechapman.com" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Experiencing the Power of the Cross: How It Changes Everything (Paperback)

When you see the cross, what comes to mind? It is clearly a symbol of Christianity. For most of us it was brought into a more serious light when we watched the movie "The Passion of the Christ, but recognizing its real significance goes even deeper.

Gary Kinnaman's book is a practical, contemporary look into unlocking the supernatural power of the cross in our life.

How do I give you a short, one page description of this book? I found so much wisdom and teachings that give me so much to think about and to ponder, that I was tempted to write several pages on each chapter in an effort to share some of the insight. But Mr. Kinnaman did it so well; I'll leave it to him.

"For the person who meets Christ, everything changes and nothing changes. In one sense, everything stays the same. Same house, same furniture. Same relationships, same job. On the other hand, how you understand the ordinary and daily routines of life changes dramatically. Every day becomes God's day, and every moment is a sacrament." Page22

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Experiencing the Power of the Cross". The author drew me on from point to point, making each detail, that I have read and studied about many times, seem profoundly new. In the book, he often encourages readers to study certain parts of the

Bible in preparation for his teaching. Mr. Kennaman writes clearly and in a straight-forward manner making it equally understandable to the seasoned Christian or a new believer. Be prepared to take your time. This book is so easily read that you may be tempted to continue chapter to chapter in one sitting, but I suggest that you stop to prayerfully consider the depth of meaning in each chapter before moving on to the next.

The book includes a Scripture reading plan for the Lenten and Easter season. Read it now and then make a point to come back to it at the beginning of Lent.

Gary Kinnaman is senior pastor of Word of Grace Church in Mesa, Arizona. He has written several other books including "Angels Dark and Light," all of which I plan to read in the near future. He is on my A list of authors.