Glorious Ruin: How Suffering Sets You Free

---

Much to our surprise, this is the precise place where the good news of the gospel - that God did for you what you couldn't do for yourself - finally makes sense He was there all along Apr 12, Sarah rated it it was amazing. I've read other books on suffering, but this is the first time that I've wanted to start one of them over again as soon as I had finished it. In part, this is likely because I just really need the message of this book right now. But in another way, since the book is about soaking up the truth of the gospel into our pain-frequented lives, I think it is a message that is always needed, because nothing is more crucial than the gospel taking over our hearts and minds.

Some good quote Wow. It is first and foremost about Jesus! It is about His person; His substitutionary work; His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return. Like factories, our hearts, to praraphrase John Calvin, will never cease to produce new idols. Our only hope lies in hearing the crushing word of the Law and the absolving word of the gospel every day.

Moralism doesn't produce morality; it produces immorality. We make a terrible mistake when we believe that the answer to poor performance, be it moral, spiritual, or relational, is more law. People get worse, not better, when you lay down the law. The good news of the gospel is not some gnostic encouragement to view your suffering in the right way, or understand the theology of the cross more deeply.

No, the good news is that God is hanging on to you. He will not let you go, come what may. Jesus will never, ever leave you or forsake you. Nothing you can do or not do can separate you from the love of Christ. Oct 25, Johnvano rated it really liked it Shelves: The theme is suffering, but the comparison Tchividjian makes here is between the theology of the cross and the theology of glory, a significant difference. To live with the cross of Jesus Christ in mind is to see all of life through His suffering and what it achieves for us. To recognize suffering as something God often uses to conform us to His likeness.

While the theology of glory is more about triumph over adversity, the stubborn idea that "the best is yet to come" or suffering as a means to The theme is suffering, but the comparison Tchividjian makes here is between the theology of the cross and the theology of glory, a significant difference. While the theology of glory is more about triumph over adversity, the stubborn idea that "the best is yet to come" or suffering as a means to an end, when the end is Jesus and His glory, not our own.

If anything, it is about bad people coping with their failure to be good. That is to say, Christianity concerns the gospel, which is nothing more or less than the good news that 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' I Tim. Suppose the fight was fixed. Suppose God took you on a crystal ball trip into your future and you saw with indubitable certainty that despite everything--your sin, your smallness, your stupidity--you could have free fro the asking your whole crazy heart's deepest desire: Would you not return fearless and singing?

What can earth do to you if you are guaranteed heaven? To fear the worst earthly loss would be like a millionaire fearing the loss of a penny--less, a scratch on a penny. He did not come to reward the rewardable, improve the improvable, or correct the correctable; he came simply to be the resurrection and the life of those who will take their stand on a death he can use instead of on a life he cannot'.

Jan 19, Amy Katherine Brown rated it it was amazing. Having been living in the midst of tragedy after tragedy for the past 4 years including the death of our infant son, the death of my dad, the loss of the rest of my biological family - and that was just in the first year when things started "going downhill"; to my husband losing his job after 12 years and several promotions w that company, to his then being hospitalized for six months, and the lay off lasting almost 18 months; to my having to sell off personal property and vehicles, and RV so that I can keep paying the mortgage while our son and I wait for Dad to get out of the hospital and find new work; to my dealing with an unknown and as yet not diagnosed after 12 mos of various doctors by several neurologist, while symptoms continue to worsen; to doctors saying "whoops" while attempting to perform a procedure on me- the whoops leaving me unable to walk without the use of a walker, and I'm only You get the picture.

I have gone through many of the things the author addresses in the book, ways that we Christians encourage each other to "buck up and get over it", and many platitudes and pat answers that ppl say, often well meaning, but which are very hurtful to someone who is already wounded and suffering. This book was a breath of fresh air to me!! And, it seems like an excellent book for all to read, as all humans suffer, sooner or later, and as likely each of us have encountered others who have suffered or else they will soon cross our paths.

What a great way to know how to deal with suffering and the suffering of those around us, especially those we love! Tchividjian for writing this book!! Feb 22, Sean Post rated it it was amazing. I've never read anything from Tchividjian before but knowing his background, I anticipated that this book would not only highlight the sovereignty of God but potentially postulate the concept that God actually ordains suffering and evil in our lives. My expectations were exploded not only by the author's helpful perspective but by his avoidance of the philosophical speculation that typifies the discussion of theodicy.

The author highlights the myriad of ways in which we moralize, minimize, and se I've never read anything from Tchividjian before but knowing his background, I anticipated that this book would not only highlight the sovereignty of God but potentially postulate the concept that God actually ordains suffering and evil in our lives.

The author highlights the myriad of ways in which we moralize, minimize, and seek answers for suffering. We moralize suffering by saying things like, "God will redeem this evil and build character in me. Moralizing also takes the form of a karmic means of relating to God.

Glorious Ruin Quotes by Tullian Tchividjian

For example, "When I learn this lesson my suffering will stop. The gospel beckons us to honest acknowledgment of the real pain that marks our existence. We may not get answers for our suffering but we get something better - Jesus, in this life and when his Kingdom comes.

In short, its the best book I've read this calendar year. Chalk full of Jesus. Relevant to all of us who live in this broken world. Jesus doesn't protect us from pain and suffering in this life, but he is with us in the midst of it.

Oct 29, Ginny rated it liked it. In pain and suffering, we often make the mistake of dwelling to long on the question "why" and never getting on to the question "who". Christ is the "who" in our suffering.

Special offers and product promotions

We may never understand the why, but that is far less important than the person of Christ and knowing who are God is to us when we suffer. That's the basic premise of Tchividjian's new book. A very worthy endeavor, and the book is certainly worth the time. Even if only as an exercise to examine your own misconceptions and bad In pain and suffering, we often make the mistake of dwelling to long on the question "why" and never getting on to the question "who".

Even if only as an exercise to examine your own misconceptions and bad habits in dealing with suffering, either in your own life or when consoling others. The book lacks some cohesiveness of thought, and in a few places you feel it's just repeating itself over and over. Tchividjian is very passionate that we understand how we so often miss God's presence in pain, and he shares some truly inspired thoughts on the poor approaches the church often endorses.

Again, it's worth the time it's a short book after all , but I wish he spent a little longer on the "right" approaches, and on the beauty of complete sometimes blind trust in the person of God, which is the answer in our suffering. Mar 03, Mylon Pruett rated it liked it Shelves: Good, interesting book that talks to the "purpose" of suffering.

Glorious Ruin Quotes

I say interesting because it seems like the book is only partly about suffering. In general I would say about half the book is spent talking to the presence of God in life. To be clear this is a very theological book, for instance it spends a good deal of time discussing the difference between the theology of the cross and the theology of grace. I did enjoy the time Tullian spent touching on the fact that minimizing someones suffer Good, interesting book that talks to the "purpose" of suffering.

I did enjoy the time Tullian spent touching on the fact that minimizing someones suffering through the pretense of spiritually. I also LOVED that he destroyed the concept that suffering is the result of poor behavior, kharma, or sin. While there were several topics that really connected with me in this book, unfortunately I would say there there are better books both by this author and on this subject.

For a better, and far less theologically technical, book on suffering I would recommend The Problem of Pain. It was a good book and covered quite a few of the topics he goes over in this book. Oct 02, Noah W rated it it was amazing Shelves: Who, not why or how. So many times we approach the subject of suffering asking why suffering occurs or how can suffering positively impact us? Tchividjian suggests that we should really be asking about "who" is behind the suffering. I believe that we can and should explore the theology answers the why and how questions, but I totally agree that focusing on God first who will lead to a more solid understanding behind the pain experienced on earth.

The primary example used is Job. We see that Job Who, not why or how. We see that Job is asking God why he lost everything. God deftly ignores this question and instead focuses on explaining who He is and how He is in control. Job Tullian also addresses the fact that Job never receives a direct reason for his suffering aside from the fact that God was in control. The author explains that if Job had known that he would be restored with a double portion there is a possibility that he would have been willing to endure the pain for personal gain.

His suffering would been inwardly focused with the a earthly ROI in mind instead of a time where he was forced to seek the face of God. In other words, if we see suffering as a only a means to become stronger instead of an opportunity to trust God, the suffering process becomes degraded or cheapened.

This book also explores briefly the idea of the God who suffered for us in the form of Christ. Oct 06, Christel Lim rated it really liked it. It's full of theological references and authors mentioned. What is outstanding is the theology of glory vs the theology of the cross.

I believe there are simpler ways to explain this. Anyone who didn't study theology like myself, would be a little irritated or aggravated except that i had an appetite for it having been aggravated and irritated the same by jurisprudence before by the peppering of it throughout the book while trying to understand what the author is saying. I like the back part o It's full of theological references and authors mentioned.

I like the back part of the book better, where he uses his own words to summarise instead of Martin luther's or some other theologian's. There is great and important depth to this book that the general population should know about, but that is unfortunately shrouded is much usage of "theological phrases".

Not everyone studies theology. But I honestly hope that it is not only the pastors omgosh, you should check out the number of professors, authors, pastors, etc Anyone who has ever experienced suffering.

I liked it but I can't imagine how much of a pain referencing must have been because every chapter is full of it. Jan 30, Andrew Barlow rated it liked it. I only read a few chapter of this book. Enough to get the gist. I extreme Lutheran approach to everything is actually a helpful counter balance to the Reformed world that I find myself in.

I need to hear the radical freeness of grace a lot more. Tchividjian warns in the book against typical tendencies to moralize, instrumentalize, and in all other ways, minimize suffering. But God is present with us in the midst of it. And that, according to Tchividjian, is r I only read a few chapter of this book.

And that, according to Tchividjian, is really far more important than what suffering makes us, or the glory that will come on the other side of it. Thus he claims this book is not about the how? But rather about the Who? Tchividjian strongly criticizes the "theology of glory" instrumentalizing, minimizing, moralizing that pervades most American Christianity. The point, he says, is not to get past the suffering to the glory, but rather to see God as present with you in the suffering.

The irony is that Tullian can't get away from the theology of glory. For the title of the book is And the tag line is.. How Suffering Sets you Free. So apparently Tullian is writing about the How? Dec 11, Melissa rated it really liked it. While the book is not as intellectually stimulating as those of Timothy Keller or as artfully written as those of Elisabeth Elliot, Glorious Ruin is an important book.

It meets us where we are, confronts our culture's false theologies, and gives hope to the sufferer. He knows how to share a message simply as does his grandfather, Billy Graham, which is important because teachings of suffering need to be The United States Church has much to learn from Tullian Tchividjian's thoughts on suffering.

He knows how to share a message simply as does his grandfather, Billy Graham, which is important because teachings of suffering need to be accessible to everyone. We all suffer, and we need to know the anchor for our souls in the midst of it. We also need to know how to appropriately respond to the sufferers around us. As someone who has been in the midst of trial for two years, I can tell you not many people respond biblically. The first two parts of the book make excellent points, but the last part of the book is the meat and potatoes. In three chapters, he exposes common idols residing in our heart, including the idol of explanation--the need to know why.

He reveals the road to freedom on the path of suffering, which leads us not to understanding or our trite attempts at searching for a silver lining, but to the sovereign Who of our suffering. Apr 14, Rachel rated it liked it. I came across this book after a friend of mine shared how much he was enjoying reading Tullian Tchividian's writing. I'm so grateful for that, because this book turned out to be on just the topic I was needing to read about.

Tchividjian has taken on such a big, important topic with honesty, grace, and truth. He brings understanding and compassionate faith into the tragedy of human suffering, while also completely demolishing viewpoints that stand in condemnation of suffering people. That means a I came across this book after a friend of mine shared how much he was enjoying reading Tullian Tchividian's writing. That means a lot. To me, this book was both truthful and challenging.

I completely loved his concept of not minimizing or moralizing suffering. There were other points that weren't necessarily comforting, but it WAS comforting to hear someone bring a voice of truth into a topic filled with so much uncertainty. I had some mixed feelings while reading the book.

See a Problem?

My hope felt both crushed and revived, which seems to be exactly the kind of death-to-resurrection point of grace he was making! All in all, I appreciated Tullian's work in this book, and am grateful he wrote it. Oct 07, Julie Biles rated it it was ok. How does one review such a book?

Tullian explains that this book started out as a series of sermons he preached on the book of Job following a very painful season in his life. I have listened to those sermons entitled "the Gospel of Suffering". But this book is different. Maybe I was expecting to read the words I had already heard.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Customers who viewed this item also viewed. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1. How Suffering Sets You Free. Here's how restrictions apply. Product details Audio CD Publisher: Oasis Audio; Unabridged edition October 1, Language: I'd like to read this book on Kindle Don't have a Kindle? Share your thoughts with other customers.

Write a customer review. Read reviews that mention glorious ruin theology of the cross highly recommend theology of glory must read good news tullian tchividjian midst of suffering recommend this book david c cook book of job pastor tullian great book jesus christ moralizing or minimizing coral ridge god uses reality of suffering well written series of sermons. Showing of reviews. Top Reviews Most recent Top Reviews. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase.

This is a most incredible book. One of the best I've ever read and by far the best treatise on the subject. I cannot put into words what this book has meant to me over the past few months that I myself have been going through a painful process that to my knowledge may never end in this life. But what I can say with clarity and strong conviction is that if you are going through this book will change your life forever. I never understood suffering from the perspective that I see it now. And that is not to say that I understand it at all - I certainly don't!

But my grasp of God in the midst of it is much tighter, stronger and lasting. If you are are in any way suffering as a result of life period, then this is the book you must read. The writer's style is so forthright and relatable. Even when he may have been writing things that weren't that easy to understand, the way he writes allows for me to ponder for a second and gain further clarity after careful thought to a profound, often surprising, revelation.

You cannot read this book and be the same afterwards. This can be very short and sweet. When you are suffering pain and grief there are a plethora of books out there to read to try to bring yourself back to some sort of normalcy. Most of them are 2 or 3 or pages and if you are a Christian, they all have at least one pearl of wisdom that you can hang your hat on. The rest of these books are basically "throw away" because they lay the "loving God" principles on you until you want to puke.

When a soul-mate dies, these words are or little or no comfort. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Glorious Ruin Quotes Showing of He is not interested in the narrative you construct for yourself, or that others construct for you. Rather, He is interested in you, the you who suffers, the you who inflicts suffering on others, the you who hides, the you who has bad days and good ones. And He meets you where you are. How Suffering Sets You Free. Yet when we do not grasp that God is present in pain, we eventually insist on victory or, worse, blame the sufferer for not "getting over it" fast enough.

This is more than a failure to extend compassion; it's an exercise in cruelty. Yet this description applies to any kind of suffering that resists our attempts to address it. If anything, it is about bad people coping with their failure to be good.

• El duque siciliano (Bianca) (Spanish Edition)
• Pagliacci, An Opera in Two Acts: Chorus/Choral Score with Italian and English Text: 0 (Kalmus Edition)
• Une démocratie à lafricaine pour un développement durable :: Cas de la Côte dIvoire (Afrique liberté) (French Edition)
• Flowers For A Wounded Soldier: A BBW Erotica
• Newes from the Dead