Moonglotexas“God, Himself” is the first book I have read by Tony Evans and what a fabulous introduction to this well-known pastor and writer. Unpacking an element of the character of God in each chapter, this book is a deep dive into who God is and how each part of Him affects us as Christians.
I was captivated from the first page by the clear, firm explanations. Dr. Evans creates a relatable and understandable framework for complex constructs within Christianity. He shares everyday examples of life to highlight the points, several of which I found highly amusing and memorable! In the midst of amazing facts and great Scriptural references, Dr. Evans instills a confidence and wonder in all God is which, with the uncertainty of COVID-19 all around, I found calming and reassuring.
”God is present when you feel Him and when you don’t feel Him. He is present when you sense Him and when you don’t sense Him. He constantly leads you to keep His promise that He is going to do with you what He said He would do, even when it looks like He isn’t doing anything with you. Even when things seem to be going wrong, they could be going just right, because when you’re in God’s will, the negatives are part of His positive program.“
From “God, Himself” by Tony Evans
That isn’t to say the book isn’t also challenging! Dr. Evans doesn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of God such as judgement and jealousy. He calls out the reader for believing in the Almighty and yet living without regard for Him, the world and His people. However, each part builds to hope and joy. I love how he reminds us of all the goodness God promises In the Bible and the call to live with hope in the future.
”Believers should be enjoying nature more than nonbelievers do because we know who the Maker is. We should be enjoying relationships more than anyone else does. We should be enjoying a good meal more than anyone else does. We should be enjoying the flowers more than anyone else does. We should be enjoying creation more than anyone else does because we know the Creator. So do not believe this lie that as a Christian you cannot enjoy things.”
From “God, Himself” by Tony Evans
In the back cover précis, the book promises to enrich your worship. Until I finished the book I didn’t really get how it could do that! Now, every song I sing or prayer I say connects more deeply as I hear words like grace and glory with new meaning and link them to Scriptures which expand on those parts of God. If you are looking to draw closer to God, to understand Him better so that you can rely more completely on Him, I highly recommend this one! It’s a five out five on the enJOYment scale!
From the back cover:
How often do we stop to consider who the God is that we worship?
When we draw near and learn more about this God, we become amazed at who He truly is. Join Tony Evans as he dives into the character of our awesome God—one attribute at a time. In God, Himself, we are invited, with unveiled faces, to behold the glory of the Lord—just as the Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthians to do. Dr. Evans offers insights about the character of God that will challenge you to pursue greater intimacy with Him and help you understand more fully what it means to be made in His image. For after all, as image-bearers knowing who He is defines who we are.
You’ll learn about attributes like God’s wisdom and word, His sufficiency and sovereignty, and His goodness, grace, and glory that make Him the great God that He is. Dr. Evans also includes activities and challenges to help you know how to both process and respond to learning about God. Find your heart encouraged and your worship enriched as you learn about the beautiful nature of our God, the source of all goodness and life.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Moody Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
