Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Much has been written regarding Luke Chapter 15 and there's been a great debate regarding which theme(s) should be considered and which one(s) ignored; however, this book will take a different approach by viewing it as a parable of transformation. The wilderness (or desert) is the place where transformations occur. As you read through the Bible, you'll see that God had many of the heroes of the faith participate in their own wilderness adventures, for example: Moses and the Israelites, David, Elijah, John the Baptist and even Jesus. They were all transformed by their desert experiences.The desert is God's preferred learning laboratory for believers. All believers will likely spend some time in the wilderness, in God's "boot camp." Some will enroll multiple times. But, the bottom line is this: God is still in control and he has a plan to conform you to his image (Rom. 12:2) so that he can have greater fellowship with you. God is sovereign even when you're in the midst of a wilderness experience and feeling scared, confused or overwhelmed. The wilderness may seem like it's the "wrong" path, that you've gotten lost or strayed from God, but he can redeem even the most crooked path and use all of your experiences along the way for good (Rom. 8:28).In the end, the "right" path ultimately brings you closer to God whereas the wrong path ultimately takes you further away from him. You can't really tell until you get to the end of the path. People in your life may be critical of your life choices, but in reality, they may not be seeing God's hand at work in your life, invisibly, behind the scenes. Consequently, you need to be true to yourself and trust God to bring you home, and he will
Synopsis
Parable of Transformation
Much has been written regarding Luke Chapter 15 and there's been a great debate regarding theological themes; however, this book takes a different approach by viewing it as a parable of transformation.
This book addresses parables of Jesus, including the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the parable of the prodigal son analysis.
It deals with the classic hero journey of self discovery, personal growth and development, and self actualization, culminating in personal transformation and a new creation. It depicts the prodigal son on a journey from betrayal to trust.
It deals with man's search for meaning, life choices life changes, and leadership in turbulent times.
It portrays Jesus calling and seeking sinners.
Being lost in a spiritual wilderness experience can create stress as a result of venturing into the wilderness.
It explores the purpose of suffering, suffering and the Christian life, suffering the sovereignty of God and wilderness benefits.
God is transforming you and he can bring forgiveness, reconciliation, spiritual growth and second chances.
Hope and Encouragement
This book is for everyone: seekers, skeptics, wayward children and stalwart Christians.
It offers hope to all who've experienced any of the following types of personal crisis:
- disappointment with God
- grief and loss
- health crises
- financial problems
- sufferings of various kinds
It is great for individuals, but even better for Small Group Bible study.
Who Should Read This Book?
Anyone undergoing a major life transition. Are you experiencing:
- Confusion, overwhelm, struggling to make sense of life's challenges?
- Grief and grieving the death of a loved one?
- Suffering from some poor life choices?
- In a spiritual desert?
If any of these situations apply to you, this book is for you
This book addresses universal life questions such as:
- Who am I?
- Where do I belong?
- Christian living
What You'll Learn
- Increase your faith and trust in God
- Experience spiritual growth
- Improve your critical thinking
- Find encouragements to faith
- Discover hope beyond your tears
- Improve personal crisis management
- How to draw close to God and the devil will flee
Small Groups addressing discipleship, counseling and recovery will appreciate this entry in the spiritual growth books, leadership books and life choice book.
What My Readers Say
- Interesting, and encouraging,
- Overall The Prodigal's Wilderness is a stellar read that can enrich, benefit, and change many peoples lives so I, of course, have to award this dazzling book five stars If you are a reader who is looking to explore such topics, then I would recommend this gem of a book... you won't regret it
- A wonderful work, very insightful - much of it content I studied in 2 years of Scripture in seminary,
- Well researched and thoughtfully presented from an interpretive point of view with highlights of psychological and theological discussions.
- When the wrong path is really the right path is a mantra the author encourages the reader to embrace while persevering, waiting, and staying the course with faith that God will appear in the dark or empty landscape of our despair.
- Chapter 6 is blowing me away in your book especially page 79 and 81...to a whole new level ...parallels, analogies, leading to a deeper understanding of His true message of transformation.
- brings deeper and more meaningful spiritual understanding to the greatest parable of Jesus.
- an enjoyable read; this book is for everyone