Speechless [Hardcover]

Scotty Smith (Author), Steven Curtis Chapman (Author, Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Steven Curtis Chapman and his pastor, Scotty Smith, write about the power of grace to transform your experience of God.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Why are some Christians alive to the music of the gospel while others seem deaf to its liberating melody? In Speechless, singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and his friend and pastor, Scotty Smith, sum up the answer in one word: grace. Only grace can turn our experience of salvation from a doctrine we profess into a song that fills our entire lives with the melody of heaven. The more clearly I see the revelation of God's love for me in Christ, the more I am rendered speechless, silenced by the enormity of God's supply to meet every need I have, writes Chapman. Punctuated with the lyrics from his newest album of the same name, Speechless reveals the true nature of the grace that is Chapman's passion and the heartbeat of the Gospel. This earnest and personal book shares candid shots from Chapman's life as an artist, from Smith's formation as a pastor, and from both men's experiences as husbands, fathers, and friends. But beyond that, Speechless digs deeply into the truth of the Bible and the realities of life to challenge the legalism we so easily accept as real Christianity. Stripping away layers of gracelessness we're scarcely aware of, Chapman and Smith show us a heavenly Father who dances with joy--over us. A God who relentlessly pursues us in our relationships, our circumstances, our griefs and losses, urging us to look up to and behold not his frown of disapproval, but his smile of love.Timed to release with Chapman's Speechless CD, this moving book is a soul-searching manifesto of the grace that makes Christianity the only life worth living.

From the Back Cover

Have you encountered God's disruptive grace? The kind of grace that can change your life and turn your understanding of what it means to be a Christian upside down? If you're wondering where the "abundance" of the "abundant life" is, singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and Pastor Scotty Smith want to introduce you to a grace that can transform your marriage, your family, your friendships, and your relationship with God and yourself. A grace too big, too wonderful for words, that will leave you Speechless.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 226 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company; First Edition edition (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310225841
• ISBN-13: 978-0310225843
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,375,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book about Gods grace and love for us, July 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Speechless (Hardcover)

This is a different book from others. Both Scotty and Steven share their hear in a wonderful way, for instance about hard times when they have experienced Gods grace. I have never read any books where the authors have been so honest and personal about their lives. This book has challenged me in my life, as well as get on my knees crying out to God for a change in my life. I am familiar with lots of the stories and I am gratefeul that they have shared their hear in such a personal way. I recommend this book to everyone who really wants to be challenged. Be blessed.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An "unexpected" pearl, January 14, 2000

By 

Robert S. Ogle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speechless (Hardcover)

On the recommendation of the host of the morning radio program that I listen to, I decided to purchase Steven Curtis Chapman's Speechless CD. Next to the CD was his book by the same name. I was not very familiar with Steven's music and knew nothing about Scotty Smith, the co-author of the book and Steven's pastor, but since the book was on sale, the "risk" of purchase seemed low so I bought it, too. Am I glad I did. This book provides an often very personal and open look at the inner spiritual struggles of two very thoughtful men as they try to understand what it means to live the Christian life. And since their journey is in many respects a universal journey, I found the book to be a very good read.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasant Surprise, February 4, 2001

By 

Alice J. Gonsalves (Kent, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speechless (Hardcover)

I had never heard of Scotty Smith and have never bought any of Steven's music. I have no idea why I even bought this book! But, I soon found out that the lessons Steven and Scotty have learned, the intimacy they have with God, the seasons of doubt they've experienced, and the freedom in God they've developed are for all of us. I have more of a sense of obedience to God, appreciation for his never ending grace and a healthy sense of His awesome holiness, than I ever had before. I want to walk closer, listen harder and love my Lord greater than I ever have before - and I can. It's hard to verbalize what I gained from this book, but I have internalized it and it is a tremendous blessing to have the help of these two Godly men who speak so freely and openly to us from their heart. I'm grateful for their struggles and their victories and even more grateful that they love us enough to transparently share it.