Customer Reviews

Exquisite Agony (Originally titled: Crucified by Christians)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Gene Edwards does not allow for the typical "feel sorry" posture of those being persecuted. Instead he points out that a sovereign God is behind every event in the believer's life. As a result, there are two predominate themes running the gamut of life's less than savory experiences. First, in the shadow of every crucifixion is a loving God who loves us, knows about our pain and trusts us to engage the crucifixion in a way that honors Him. Second, if crufixion is resisted, it is merely punitive; if surrendered to, crucifixion leads to resurrection. Most want to transfer the pain or blame someone else. Edwards calls the believer to "know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." Surrender comes out of obedience, not out of some desire to be martyred. Only here do we learn to see from God's perspective.

There are millions of deeply hurt Christians all around the world. The thing Christians are not prepared for in life is the hurt, agony and despair caused them by other Christians. Many leave their faith and find another. Some stay and hate those who hurt them. Others doubt God. Our world just doesn't know how to handle such pain. But there is a reason for it all. We all cause pain at times in someone's life even unintentional pain. This book explains why others treat us harshly and why we sometimes explode at them too. By the example Christ set for us, we have a plan to follow. We can look at our pain through the eyes of Jesus instead of the eyes of the world. You will never look at mean, angry people the same after you read this book. A new fragrance of forgiveness will forever change your life

Mr. Edwards has captured the essence of what God's purposes are for suffering in the Christian's life. His captivating style makes it a book you can't put down. You will read it in one setting. I learned that God has only good plans for a Christian and that our most intense persecution is at the hand of other Christians, with a purpose. It helped free me of bitterness toward other believers.

What a wonderful book! I needed it more than you can imagine. I recommend this book to every Christian serious about knowing God's plan for suffering. However, unless the reader is one who has been crucified, the book may not have great appeal. One must be crucified to understand what it means to be crucified. This book will speak volumes to those who have been crucified. Praise God for people like Gene Edwards. I plan to purchase 10 or 12 copies to keep on hand for fellow Christians who are and will be crucified. This book was a survival book for me. Through it I have been restored to the ministry.

While I probably would not reccommend much of Gene Edwards' reading, this book is a rare and great exception. Edwards writes in an easy to understand style that captures the reader. This literally was a book I could not put down. I just read for hours soaking up what the author was saying.

While it is true that Edwards does not fully present how to deal with agony, especially that caused by Christians, this does not seem to be his point in writing the book. This work is a wonderful help in getting a right perspective before God. If you want a book on relating to other Christians or dealing with conflict, sure read another book. But if you want something to help you deal with pain inflicted by others on a personal level, this is the book(other than the Bible, of course). Edwards helps us to see that God is behind our suffering, while not being the author of sin (that is absurd!). In his winsome style Edwards manages to use only one passage from Scripture (I think), but beautifully combines Scripture's teaching on the subject (see Romans 8:28 and Acts 4:27-28). Add this book to your library and buy it to minister to those hurting. It gives great perspective to life in general and gloriously displays the sovereignty of God.

"I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live and yet not I, but Christ who lives within me..." Gal 2:20

Gene Edwards reveals the good work of God in a crucified life. Yieldedness, surrender, and forgiveness. In fact, not learning the lesson of forgiveness is tantamount to smashing the face of your spiritual clock; we will go no further with God. Our progress is stopped.

However, on the other side of hurt, humiliation and harm of a "personal crucifixion" lies a closer walk with the Lord: a walk of profound peace, of deep assurance, and abiding love where the world, at last, loses its surly grip on our lives.

We think it strange for a loving father wanting, even orchestrating, our hurt and I'm not convinced I agree with Edwards on that point. I don't believe the Father uses disease, poverty, lies or other weapons of the evil one to destroy his children. In fact, they have been given authority over all the power of th enemy. Rather, God is looking for his children to crucify themselves, from the inside out: to come to a place of yieldedness, surrender and trust upon him alone.

However, one thing is certain, the world hated the Lord. Falsely accused him, slandered him, humiliated, tortured and brutally murdered him. Can His followers and disciples expect anything less?

"Exquisite Agony" does a masterful job of answering the question: "How would love respond?"

Gene Edwards uses his unique style of writing to illustrate profound Biblical truth about pain and suffering, especially when it comes at the hand of other believers. Though I prefer the original title, "Crucified by Christians", "Exquisite Agony" is bound to help you see what the Lord is doing in the middle of your triaL, help you forgive, and restore your joy, knowing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it (Phil. 1:6).

Every Christian who has ever been hurt should read this. It is excellent in helping you deal with your pain.

This book is lifechanging to those brave enough to embrace it's truth. We will all go through a crucifixion in this life God will have a crucified people- at His hand or at the hands of others - you choose!

This can change your attitudes towards other Christians, towards churchs, and towards God. This can only happen if you are open to God's answers.