An Identity to Die For

I received an ARC from IVPUK, via NetGalley this review is my personal opinion.

What a great book!. I must say I was completely surprised. Pastor Paul Mallard choose in this book the Ephesians(which I love) to go deep in who we are. According to Pastor Paul, we need to understand that I am what God has made me, and what I like about this. Is that in this era, where we find more good advice on how God’s sight we are blameless, that only his grace sustains my life.  While reading I truly liked this quote “ There is nothing more toxic for our sense of identity than guilt and shame. These feelings become the lens in which we view ourselves. They shape our emotions and make us feel insecure, worthless, and inadequate”.

 In my case, I’ve struggled with this and you know how powerful and amazing is when God shows you the truth.  Pastor Paul also talks about how important is for us to surround us in a good community that helps us grow and put each of our gift to God’s glory. That how important is worship and by the power of the Holy Spirit, receive an eye-opening moment. I believe what he says, that the longer we expend in God’s presence, the more I will know his character. And finally how hope is a vital component to my identity.

What I found most unexpected of this book is that I know I am not the only one, that has tried to be good. But Pastor Paul rewrote a powerful and necessary life-changing truth. We are loved, accept it and the more close I am to God I’ll be able to see, talk, think, and act as God want me.

I recommend you take your time, pray to God, answer the questions before each chapter, and prepare yourself for what God will god.

Truly grateful to God, Pastor Paul, and everyone who works to make this book a reality. I pray and hope many could read it and be impacted.

This book runs through the book of Ephesians to show how secure our identity is in Christ!

I appreciated the pastoral insights and stories that Mallard shares through the book. Part 1 shows us our identity through the work of Christ on the cross. Part 2 shows our identity as part of a new community. Part 3 shows our identity as strangers and pilgrims on earth. Part 4 looks at our identity as hope-filled and loved people of God. Grace is the common theme through each of these sections. I was encouraged afresh by these simple reminders of gospel truth.

How important it is for us to contemplate these truths on a regular basis! I am happy to commend this book to all.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from SPCK and NetGalley, and was not required to write a positive review*