47. It's All About Jesus

It's All About Jesus: A Treasury of Insights on Our Savior, Lord, and Friend. Randy Alcorn. 2020. Harvest House. 304 pages. [Source: Review copy] [christian nonfiction; devotional]

First sentence: Why a book of great thoughts and quotations about Jesus? It's All About Jesus: A Treasury of Insights on Our Savior, Lord, and Friend is long story short a book of quotes. Now quote books can vary in quality, I won't lie. There are some quote books that are super-cheesy and a waste of paper. There are some quote books that are worth reading--or skimming--once, but really they're a good re-gifting possibility in an emergency. But this book isn't like that. Why?! Because these are not only good quotes about Jesus, not only true quotes about Jesus, these are some of the best of the best of the best quotes about Jesus by some truly outstanding theologians, preachers, writers, and the odd celebrity or two. Here are the reasons why I loved, loved, loved this book. 1) It is well-organized and has a great flow. The book has four main sections and many, many, many subsections. Part 1 declares who Jesus is—his nature, attributes, and characteristics. Part 2 speaks of his transforming life, death, resurrection, return, and reign. Part 3 explores the many powerful names and titles of Jesus. Part 4 centers on Jesus in his beautiful relationships with his people. 2) Each section (subsection) begins with key scriptures. The book values quotes from others--theologians, pastors, preachers, authors, famous folk, etc. But above all it values Scripture as the Word of God. Randy Alcorn even encourages readers NOT to skip the Scriptures. 3) I love the SELECTION and variety. It's like contemporary believers are joining in with the cloud of witnesses and exalting the Lord Jesus Christ. Or is it exulting?! Maybe both. Reading a handful of quotes all together all on the same subject/theme--all centered on who Christ is or who we are in Christ--is a blessing. 4) Reading the book leads to worship. This book is a feast for those who love Jesus Christ and want to know him More, love Him better, have their faith go deeper. If you're only so-so about Jesus, then maybe the book won't be anything but a waste of paper--to you. But maybe just maybe the Spirit will use this book to bring you closer to the One who died to save you. Maybe just maybe the Spirit will use this book to rekindle your heart and restore your first love. He is the fountain of all truth, but He is more—He is truth itself. He is the source and strength of all beauty, but He is more—He is beauty itself. He is the fountain of all wisdom, but He is more—He is wisdom itself. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden away!… He is the fountain of love, but again, He is far more than that—He is love! A.W. Tozer  The truth is, God doesn’t grade on a curve; he grades on a cross. Jefferson Bethke There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us. Richard Sibbes Live nearer to Christ than to any person on this earth; so that when they are taken, you may have Him to love and lean upon. Robert Murray M’Cheyne Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world. C.S. Lewis Until you see the cross as that which is done by you, you will never appreciate that it is done for you. John Scott We write Jesus’ name upon our banner, for it is hell’s terror, heaven’s delight and earth’s hope. Charles Spurgeon The true gospel is radically exclusive. Jesus is not a way; He is the way, and all other ways are no way at all. If Christianity would only move one small step toward a more tolerant ecumenicalism and exchange the definite article the for the indefinite article a, the scandal would be over, and the world and Christian‑ ity could become friends. However, whenever this occurs, Christianity ceases to be Christianity, Christ is denied, and the world is without a Savior. Paul Washer

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible