Customer Reviews

He Chose the Nails: Leader's Guide

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Max Lucado turns out Christian books like Stephen King writes novels - often. It is no wonder that he could arguably be one of the most proliftic Christian writers in the last few years. I am not really a fan of Lucado's work. Not becasue he isn't a skilled writer, but instead, because I enjoy more apologetic type material (if and when I'm not reading my deeply moving and insightful Batman comics). This new book, "He Chose The Nails", is probably his best work since "In The Grip of Grace."

This book is heart felt and honest. In writing it, Max often refers to the lessons he has learned in life, and then makes a great parable for the reader. This is always his strength - his ability to communicate to just about anyone who is willing to listen. His points and lessons are well made. He is funny, honest, as well as hopeful and sad. In a quick two hours, the reader, approaching this material in a spirit of openness, will expierence many emotions: hope, loss, joy, sadness, laughter, and peace.

This book is an outstanding read. Pastor Lucado's style is easy, yet, insightful. He gets right to the point and draws on a vast-array of expierence and stories to guide the reader to his conclusions. No mis-interpretation about the thesis or conclusion here. The opening, middle and end-game are skillfully woven into a heart felt, deeply moving read.

Not since Robert Folghum (It was on fire when I lay down on it) have I read anything by anyone who could find so much meaning and depth in the seemingly ordinary.Max Lucado (Pronouneced Lu- KAY doh not Lu-KAH-doh He wrote an intresting chapter on this) uses ordinary events to illustrate and explain biblical concepts in simple and easly understood ways.He also has some fascinating insights in to the crucifcation of Jesus. Every detail of the crusifiction is explained with amazing clarity, from the crown of thorns and the inscription above his head to the burial and reserection. The only problem I had with this book was it's brevity the book can easily be read in less then five hours leaving the reader wanting more. The last fifty pages or so are a kind of study guide for the book. I would have preferred an extra fifty pages of Mr. lucado's insights than a chapter by chapter study guide. All in all though this is an excellent book for all christian and contains some useful insights and humor.

I just finished reading this book and Max Lucado, as always, has written another outstanding book. He analyzes the symbolism of the three crosses, the nails and the actual crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. His use of imagery in the book is second to none as you feel as if you were actually present during the actual event. I have walked away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for what God chose to do for me (and you) because of His love. You MUST read this book!

You need to make it clear to readers that the "paperback" edition of this book is not the same text as the hardcover. I had this book recommended to me and decided to purchase the paperback. I just received it, and it is a "Participant's Workbook".... sort of a self-study course. Your website uses the same reviews for the paperback as it does for the hardcover which is very misleading. Now I'm going to have to return this and purchase the hardcover.

As I understand it, this book is a composition of a sermon series that Lucado delivered to his church. I think this would have been quite a sermon series to listen to live.

Lucado does a good job of combining everyday examples of life with the imagery of the cross to paint a compelling picture of God's love as demonstrated by sending the perfect lamb of Jesus Christ to live among sinful beings and to die on their behalf only to conquer the grave and be physically resurrected for the world to see. When I first started reading this book, I was frankly a bit skeptical of Lucado's premise - that the individual components of the cross themselves have meaning in terms of comprehending God's love. But this book got me thinking about this premise, and reminded me and reenforced within me a timeless truth. In all creation, God's perfection, beauty, love, and omnipresence are evident if we take the time to look. The Creator is distinct from the creation, but the creation reflects the Creator. And while reading Lucado's book, it dawned on me that if we accept this premise, then why can't the nails, wood, thorns, etc of the crucifixion provide insights into God's character if the rest of creation does? The answer I came to is that Lucado's premise makes sense, and the ideas he puts forth are very compelling within that context.

Whether Lucado's ideas in and of themselves can be regarded as theological truth is somewhat open to interpretation. But in my view, his ideas taken as a whole most definitely support and reenforce a long held theological truth - that God's love knows no competition because it far surpasses anything that human beings are capable of expressing. God's love can be imperfectly emulated, but it cannot be duplicated. Lucado's book eloquently speaks to this truth, and provides great comfort for those of us who have recognized His love by accepting Christ. And the book provides compelling reasons for those who haven't yet accepted Christ to seriously contemplate the love and forgiveness that is waiting for them to experience by coming to faith in Christ. A very good book.

As it always does, Max Lucado's writing once again grips your heart and gives it a big squeeze. His humor and folksy stories make you feel like you're listening to a close friend. I read this book at a time when I was emotionally drained and wrung out-and what a thirst-quencher. Chapter after chapter, his vivid descriptions made me feel (only in a much greater way) like I do when I realize my husband did something incredibly caring or sacrificial on his part; I sit back and think, wow, he really does love me. On such a larger scale, each aspect of what Jesus did on the cross and leading up to it was Him saying to me personally, I love you, I hurt when you hurt, I do know your pain. The title says it: he didn't have to - he CHOSE to because God Almighty, creator of the universe, LOVES ME! Wow. I gave this book to a friend having a rough time. The next day, she called me in tears, sobbing "He really does love me, doesn't he?" What a love letter.

Max has done it again. Portrayed Jesus and His love in a real and moving way. Why did Jesus suffer? All that was required was a sacrifice of death--blood. Yet Max explores each detail of Christ's death and brings fresh and new appreciation for the Jesus who loves us so. Max is so uplifting and encouraging to read because many times, it's easy to fall into a legalistic way of thinking and judging others and even ourselves. Max helps put us back on track by reminding us it's all about His love. A recommendation to ANYONE. Enjoy!

He Chose the Nails is based on the book by the same name by Max Lucado. Several Christian Artists were gave samples of the book and asked to write and record songs for the album based on their readings. The result...breathtaking music. The album starts off with Kim Hill singing a great upbeat song, "When I Remember". She is also featured on another on of the upbeat moment on the disc, "I Missed the Signs". Kim Hill is truly in her element in this praise and worship setting. Twila Paris shows off her beautiful voice on the wonderful song "Worthy is the Lamb". Twila is another like Hill who knows what it means to worship and doesn't hesitate. To me, the best moment on the disc were by Wes King and Natalie Grant. King's songs make me wish he'd bring out a another album sooner. "Thread of Scarlet" is a truly haunting tune which features a guest spot by none other than Gospel artist Darwin Hobbs. "He Chose the Nails" is the other tune by King on the disc and is lyrically the best song on the album. Musically on the other hand, the gem of the album comes from the stunning vocal performance by Natalie Grant on "Because of Love". The song itself tells the Gospel story, but Natalie truly shows that she is one of the most talent artists in the industry. Plus, this song just fits her to the tee. The only problem I have with the CD is Jeff Deyo's (formerly of SONICFLOOd) cut. While he does a great job, it just doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the CD. Everything else is soft and inspirational, then all of the sudden the album breaks into ROCK.

Lucado's in depth understanding and deep insight has amaized me AGAIN!!I have read literally hundreds of books over many years, and no book I read went into the detailed, clear, explanation of what was accomplished by Christ's death for mankind.I believe any Pastor, teacher, or student, would benefit in SOME way. An exceptional book.

This "riviting" book of the awesome accomplishments and outright love deemed necessary, when Christ gave everything He had, willingly, should be suggested reading for every Christian. I have been a Christian for 51 years and my understanding of His sacrifice was truly mind boggling! Written with Lucado's usual gift of simlplicity and power.