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Recovering Redemption: A Gospel Saturated Perspective on How to Change
You can’t. God can.
Life never lacks for improvement—in ourselves, in our relationships, in just about everything. But all our brave stabs at getting better, if they ever change anything, are incomplete at best, complete failures at worst. Sometimes much worse.
Unless . . .
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the great “unless” of life—both for those who already believe (but can’t believe the messes they’re still capable of making), as well as those who don’t yet believe but just know their way isn’t working.
Recovering Redemption, written with a pastor’s bold intensity and a counselor’s discerning insight, takes you deeply into Scripture to take you deeply inside yourself, discovering that the heart of all our problems is truly the problem of our hearts. But because of what God has done, and because of what God can do, the most confident, contented person you know could actually be you—redeemed through Jesus Christ.
None of us, really, can do what’s required to change our lives for the better, taking what’s persistently frustrating and making it perfectly satisfying. Yet as hopeless as that may sound, it is the flat-line truth in which good news comes to life . . . to your life. For just as what’s lost can be found, what’s wrong can—even now—be recovered.
Life never lacks for improvement—in ourselves, in our relationships, in just about everything. But all our brave stabs at getting better, if they ever change anything, are incomplete at best, complete failures at worst. Sometimes much worse.
Unless . . .
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the great “unless” of life—both for those who already believe (but can’t believe the messes they’re still capable of making), as well as those who don’t yet believe but just know their way isn’t working.
Recovering Redemption, written with a pastor’s bold intensity and a counselor’s discerning insight, takes you deeply into Scripture to take you deeply inside yourself, discovering that the heart of all our problems is truly the problem of our hearts. But because of what God has done, and because of what God can do, the most confident, contented person you know could actually be you—redeemed through Jesus Christ.
None of us, really, can do what’s required to change our lives for the better, taking what’s persistently frustrating and making it perfectly satisfying. Yet as hopeless as that may sound, it is the flat-line truth in which good news comes to life . . . to your life. For just as what’s lost can be found, what’s wrong can—even now—be recovered.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2014
About the author
Matt Chandler
122 books686 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Matt Chandler is the lead pastor of The Village Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas metroplex of over 10,000 people. His sermons are among the topselling (free) podcasts on itunes and he speaks at conferences worldwide. Prior to accepting the pastorate at The Village, Matt had a vibrant itinerant ministry for over ten years where he spoke to hundreds of thousands of people in America and abroad about the glory of God and beauty of Jesus. He lives in Texas with his wife, Lauren, and their three children: Audrey, Reid and Norah.
Matt Chandler is the lead pastor of The Village Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas metroplex of over 10,000 people. His sermons are among the topselling (free) podcasts on itunes and he speaks at conferences worldwide. Prior to accepting the pastorate at The Village, Matt had a vibrant itinerant ministry for over ten years where he spoke to hundreds of thousands of people in America and abroad about the glory of God and beauty of Jesus. He lives in Texas with his wife, Lauren, and their three children: Audrey, Reid and Norah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 8, 2014
I'm a very avid reader so I usually breeze through books. But let me tell you, Recovering Redemption, stopped me in my tracks. I tried to just plow through it, but the words just wouldn't let me. I found myself reading a chapter and then having to put the book down and just digest what it contained.
The description of the book says that it is intended for the unbeliever who knows that their way isn't working and the believer that still finds themselves in messes. I'm of the later category. This book made me recall how I felt when I was first redeemed. I was totally sold out. I trusted Jesus with everything. But slowly that began to slip away. I began to trust myself more and more to set things right.
The beauty of this book is that it is a great reminder that apart from Christ we are nothing. Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer make the perfect team to drive this point home. Matt is blunt in stating what the problem as well as the solution is. Michael adds the perspective of a relational aspect to the situation. In other words Matt is black and white and Michael adds different hues of color that add to the final picture.
If you are like me you are going to come away from this book with a new appreciation of the Gospel message. Recovering Redemption will allow you to again reclaim what you may have thought was lost when in reality it was there all the time. It was just buried under all the other things that you have used to find peace but instead found strife. I urge you to pick a copy up and let it help you peel back the layers that have come between you and the life giving message of Christ.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
The description of the book says that it is intended for the unbeliever who knows that their way isn't working and the believer that still finds themselves in messes. I'm of the later category. This book made me recall how I felt when I was first redeemed. I was totally sold out. I trusted Jesus with everything. But slowly that began to slip away. I began to trust myself more and more to set things right.
The beauty of this book is that it is a great reminder that apart from Christ we are nothing. Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer make the perfect team to drive this point home. Matt is blunt in stating what the problem as well as the solution is. Michael adds the perspective of a relational aspect to the situation. In other words Matt is black and white and Michael adds different hues of color that add to the final picture.
If you are like me you are going to come away from this book with a new appreciation of the Gospel message. Recovering Redemption will allow you to again reclaim what you may have thought was lost when in reality it was there all the time. It was just buried under all the other things that you have used to find peace but instead found strife. I urge you to pick a copy up and let it help you peel back the layers that have come between you and the life giving message of Christ.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
March 24, 2014
This is the kind of message I have been waiting for in my walk in Christ. The Bible is our best source of encouragement but Chandler and Snetzer helped me understand that I am not alone in life struggles. The answer is in the Gospel and the book points us there. I highly recommend the book for any Christian wherever they are in their walk of faith.
January 6, 2018
Wow. Can I give it more than five stars?? Recovering Redemption: A Gospel Saturated Perspective on How to Change had so many incredible things to share!
Matt Chandler is a pastor/Christian speaker that I've enjoyed listening to and I really admire his passion, realness, and humor, so when I saw this book that he co-authored with Michael Snetzer, I was interested to read it. I am truly so glad I did! It's fairly easy to read, keeps you engaged, and had more than one chapter that stopped me in my tracks. So much to digest, mentally - I could read it again! I feel like I've been impacted and learned a lot from reading Recovering Redemption.
It simply takes a look at things such as sin, religion, shame, guilt, anxiety, justification, reconciliation, forgiveness, the pursuit of joy ... from the perspective of the gospel and who Jesus is to us. Chandler and Snetzer are real and raw, just telling it like is. They don't mince words. They dig into things ... sort things out. They examine Scripture. They call you out. Take a look at tough issues. Tell hard but beautiful real-life stories. Destroy lies you've believed. It challenged me. Encouraged me. Made me think. Made me realize. Made me hope. Made me long for more. Made me cry. (Made me laugh a little, even. There was humor/lightheartedness sprinkled throughout this book, hehe). Made me relax - like, maybe I can just rest in Jesus' arms and surrender my life, letting go of this anxiety and trying to be "good enough".
As with all Christian Living books, I'm sure I didn't 100% agree with absolutely everything said ... or even like how everything was brought across ... but overall, I found Recovering Redemption to be an amazing read that provided enlightening truths and made my heart desire ever more to know my Savior - be in a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
I loved how Recovering Redemption: A Gospel-Saturated Perspective on How to Change ended with this: Make much of His name. In everything, we are here to honor and glorify our Creator and Lord.
Highly recommend this book.
Matt Chandler is a pastor/Christian speaker that I've enjoyed listening to and I really admire his passion, realness, and humor, so when I saw this book that he co-authored with Michael Snetzer, I was interested to read it. I am truly so glad I did! It's fairly easy to read, keeps you engaged, and had more than one chapter that stopped me in my tracks. So much to digest, mentally - I could read it again! I feel like I've been impacted and learned a lot from reading Recovering Redemption.
It simply takes a look at things such as sin, religion, shame, guilt, anxiety, justification, reconciliation, forgiveness, the pursuit of joy ... from the perspective of the gospel and who Jesus is to us. Chandler and Snetzer are real and raw, just telling it like is. They don't mince words. They dig into things ... sort things out. They examine Scripture. They call you out. Take a look at tough issues. Tell hard but beautiful real-life stories. Destroy lies you've believed. It challenged me. Encouraged me. Made me think. Made me realize. Made me hope. Made me long for more. Made me cry. (Made me laugh a little, even. There was humor/lightheartedness sprinkled throughout this book, hehe). Made me relax - like, maybe I can just rest in Jesus' arms and surrender my life, letting go of this anxiety and trying to be "good enough".
As with all Christian Living books, I'm sure I didn't 100% agree with absolutely everything said ... or even like how everything was brought across ... but overall, I found Recovering Redemption to be an amazing read that provided enlightening truths and made my heart desire ever more to know my Savior - be in a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
I loved how Recovering Redemption: A Gospel-Saturated Perspective on How to Change ended with this: Make much of His name. In everything, we are here to honor and glorify our Creator and Lord.
Highly recommend this book.
January 20, 2022
Excelente para comprender el evangelio. Su implicación, poder y capacidad total de transformar nuestras vidas.
Este libro explica de forma muy clara y práctica cómo el evangelio toca cada área de nuestras vidas y les da giros completos.
Agrego: lo único que no me gustó fue la forma de escritura en algunas partes. Tal vez por haberlo leído en español, pero se sentía forzado cómo los autores querían sonar como “poetas” del evangelio. Muchas palabras para decir ideas sencillas. Pero mejora a medida que avanza el libro.
Este libro explica de forma muy clara y práctica cómo el evangelio toca cada área de nuestras vidas y les da giros completos.
Agrego: lo único que no me gustó fue la forma de escritura en algunas partes. Tal vez por haberlo leído en español, pero se sentía forzado cómo los autores querían sonar como “poetas” del evangelio. Muchas palabras para decir ideas sencillas. Pero mejora a medida que avanza el libro.
April 26, 2016
It's pretty rare for me to rate a Christian-living book this low, and I'm definitely a Chandler fan, but i just didn't find this a helpful book. It wasn't untrue, for sure, so there is no harm in it. Many may truly enjoy it and I won't argue with them. It just never struck a chord with me. I didn't consistently follow his train of thought, especially as it linked to the title of the book. Perhaps I should read it again and see if a second go helps, but I'll probably leave it to others to enjoy instead.
January 31, 2015
Content is not bad but the writing style sounds like a freshman in college sitting around talking to his "bros". Very annoying for a book.
June 16, 2017
Matt and Michael have a real gift for taking the truth of the gospel and presenting it in a way that's invigoratingly fresh.
January 3, 2021
This book is so so good! Such spiritual, yet down to earth advice. Sometimes the Bible's guidance can seem almost ethereal and hard to understand or attain, but it really isnt. This book helped me look at my spiritual walk and growth in a new way.
February 9, 2021
Una [re]visión del Evangelio
Dinámico y profundo. Pasa el Evangelio de la teoría a la práctica. Nos ayuda a que aprendamos y recordamos las verdades profundas del poder del evangelio, de la santidad y la justificación. Sencillo y directo al corazón.
Dinámico y profundo. Pasa el Evangelio de la teoría a la práctica. Nos ayuda a que aprendamos y recordamos las verdades profundas del poder del evangelio, de la santidad y la justificación. Sencillo y directo al corazón.
January 18, 2021
This book is an excellent road map for life, told with honesty and truth.
July 3, 2021
Without God redemption is not possible!!!! I highly recommend this book!!!!
March 15, 2020
Reminder of the human pursuit for joy and that only jesus can produce it but it change doesn’t happen over night but in the deep rooting process of taking our desires from being in the world to being in the kingdom
August 22, 2014
Recovering Redemption, good solid read, however, it didn’t need to be written there is already a great deal out there that addresses these issues & often better, the following are all essential reading for believers: so check out-
Basic Christianity John R. W. Stott,
The Christ Life for Your Life, FB Meyer
What Every Christian Ought to Know (Essentials Truths for Growing Your Faith), Adrian Rogers
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney
A Simple Christianity: Rediscover the Foundational Principles of Faith, John MacArthur
The Keys to Spiritual Growth (Unlocking the Riches of God), John MacArthur
Finally Alive, John Piper
Trusting God (Even When Life Hurts), Jerry Bridges
The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role & Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges
The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul
Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, R.C. Sproul
A Call to Prayer, J.C. Ryle
The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Spiritual Maturity, J. Oswald Sanders
Know What You Believe, Paul E. Little
Know Why You Believe, Paul E. Little
Basic Christianity John R. W. Stott,
The Christ Life for Your Life, FB Meyer
What Every Christian Ought to Know (Essentials Truths for Growing Your Faith), Adrian Rogers
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney
A Simple Christianity: Rediscover the Foundational Principles of Faith, John MacArthur
The Keys to Spiritual Growth (Unlocking the Riches of God), John MacArthur
Finally Alive, John Piper
Trusting God (Even When Life Hurts), Jerry Bridges
The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role & Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges
The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul
Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, R.C. Sproul
A Call to Prayer, J.C. Ryle
The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Spiritual Maturity, J. Oswald Sanders
Know What You Believe, Paul E. Little
Know Why You Believe, Paul E. Little
August 12, 2016
Chandler and Snetzer’s Recovering Redemption was disappointing to me. The first half of the book seemed to skim the surface level of the topics covered. When I thought they were about to dive into the meat of the topic, they’d move on to the next point. It left me confused and wanting more because Chandler’s books typically have me hooked from start to finish, but I struggled through this one. The second half of the book, starting at The Perfect Storm chapter, was much better. It had more of that “Chandler feel” like his other books: humor and hard hitting truths. It’s definitely not a bad book, others may respond to it more than I did, so I’d still recommend it.
December 26, 2015
This was a very well written book. I was challenged. I think this would be a good book for anyone who might not quite have a correct understanding of the Gospel. Or what it actually means to follow Christ.
June 13, 2020
Lejos del legalismo y del libertinaje, Redención ofrece frescura al auditorio creyente que lucha con su pecado y con un anhelo de cambios verdaderos y profundos. Además, esperanza real de transformación al auditorio que todavía no cree en la obra de Cristo.
February 18, 2016
What a great synopsis/picture of the Gospel and how it creates change in our lives! One of the best books for the year so far...
July 11, 2019
I have a mixed reaction to this book by Matt Chandler. For the most part, the content of the book was good. It was practical in its theological content, which can be really helpful for the reader, especially one who is perhaps younger in his/her faith. There were not massive problems with the book where I'd say, "I'd never recommend this book," but there was just enough of a concern about the book where I thought, "It's not one of those books where I'd say to someone, 'You really need to read this book.'" I think it could be helpful for some. I thought a few elements of psychobabble detracted from the content. Perhaps the other point of concern was that there was a lot of written content but very little Scripture. As I told one person, "Reading this book was like going to a seeker sensitive mega-church where I couldn't say that the content was bad, it just seemed to be so shallow that if I lived off of this stuff, I would spiritually starve to death."
September 28, 2021
I'm not sure what would be a good term for books of this nature. Authors like Platt, JC Wilson, Chandler and others are what I want to call "Evangelical Lite." If it was a in a bookstore it would be the "Christian Living" paperback section. Apart from Platt and Chandler's current heresy of wokeness they are mostly helpful preachers and authors (if you go back before 2018ish). But they are also incredibly simple (not a diss). This book had some good sections, clearly reminded me of the gospel and the reality of seeking my best through pursuing Joy in the Lord (the last chapter was probably the best).
It's not that anything in this books was "bad" per se. But it simply doesn't reach very high. I was encouraged and spurred on to kill sin. For that I am grateful. But I also wish there was more meat on this bone.
It's not that anything in this books was "bad" per se. But it simply doesn't reach very high. I was encouraged and spurred on to kill sin. For that I am grateful. But I also wish there was more meat on this bone.
August 20, 2017
Not a bad read, not mind blowing but decent. In a few spots it could almost be offensive to a female reader..i only mention that because in any Christian book, it's my belief it should be as far reaching as possible. that being said, what Recovering Redemption does do, is emphasize decent Christian living standards but I'd say from a predominately male perspective. I have around 3 really strong principles I would say I'd stick with taken from this read. Love your wife and family more than your job, do what you're meant to do, and know it's not about you. scripture references are adequate and lead to deeper biblical study if you let it. all in all an average read for me, not top shelf, but not a book I'd let get away from me either.
September 8, 2018
So there’s this book and then there’s another Recovering Redemption book that’s designed for small groups. I feel like especially with the way the book is laid out, it’s really strange to separate the two. It should have all been one. With questions and more of a focus on reflection. As is, the book feels like it’s missing something? I don’t know. It was hard to keep myself invested in it. There’s a lot of great content. I underlined all sorts of stuff. But still...I don’t know. I think (more than most Christian books) my experience would have been so much better if I had read it with someone else and discussed it. I guess that’s why I think the small group material should have just been added into the chapters.
February 3, 2020
Recovering Redemption is a wonderful primer on the street-level impact that believe ing the Gospel should have in the life of the Christian. Chandler and Snetzer write in a clear, engaging style that communicates timeless truths in timely ways. I loved their explanation of the four places we run to try to fix things in life—ourselves, others, the world, and religion—and then slowly and carefully dismantled each of these phony saviors, leaving us desperate for Jesus, the only Savior who can truly make good on His promises. This is a great book for the new believer seeking to better understand the Gospel and it’s day-to-day implications for his life, or the longtime Christian seeking to supercharge her sanctification in the midst of a spiritual draught. Lots of good stuff here.
May 30, 2023
If it was my first book in the field of spiritual formation I likely would have rated it higher. There just wasn’t a heap of fresh ideas for me. Seems like they took inspiration from the 12 steps of AA a bit, obviously coming at it from more of a reformed perspective which was interesting (not where I sit but I can respect it). My favourite parts were the first and last few chapters… felt a bit slow in the middle. There were some inspiring stories littered throughout which was nice. One of my biggest turn offs was the way they talked about woman sometimes… a tinge of scapegoating was at play in several stories and examples… dumb! Besides that, I still got a bit out of it, so thank you Jesus!
February 25, 2021
De una forma profunda muestra cómo aplicar el Evangelio a nuestras vidas. Lleva a meditar en conceptos teológicos como la santidad, justificación y adopción asi como a enfrentarnos con nuestros propios pecados, resaltando que esta es una lucha en la que estamos todos día a día "hasta que nuestra fe se convierta en vista, hasta que lo veamos cara a cara. Hasta que seamos transformados por completo".
No se gana las 5 estrellas porque personalmente me costó un poco entender las metáforas que utilizan por la forma en la que están redactadas.
No se gana las 5 estrellas porque personalmente me costó un poco entender las metáforas que utilizan por la forma en la que están redactadas.
November 25, 2021
I thought it had a really strong first half. Then I was lost in weeds for the 3rd quarter. Then there was a strong finish to tie it all up with a bow. I don't know if I'd read it again, but I'd recommend it. It was a solid message, but I don't much care for Chandler's delivery style. He speaks the same way he writes, which I appreciate the authenticity, but it's hard for me to connect with the... I don't know what to call it, friendly-loose-laid-back delivery. Biblically sound and made me think about my own life and walk with Christ. No reason to not read it.
January 24, 2018
La verdad es que raramente no buscaba comprar este libro, aunque al final lo hice y no me arrepiento para nada.
Los autores te hablan de una manera tan honesta, practica y real sobre como es vivir la vida como persona redimida por Cristo qué deseas en ese preciso instante poner en práctica lo que lees qué sabes que no estas haciendo.
La verdad uno de los mejores libros que he leído, de mucha bendición para mi vida.
Los autores te hablan de una manera tan honesta, practica y real sobre como es vivir la vida como persona redimida por Cristo qué deseas en ese preciso instante poner en práctica lo que lees qué sabes que no estas haciendo.
La verdad uno de los mejores libros que he leído, de mucha bendición para mi vida.
April 8, 2018
Listened to the audio book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this book and at the end wasn't quite sure what to make of the book. It is mainly about change (repentance) and certainly has a lot of good thoughts on the subject. But there seemed to be more subjects where I didn't quite see the connection to the main theme. Sometimes I also found the forced "cool" language annoying and unnecessary.
June 1, 2019
I wish I would have gone through this book slower. I'm not sure what's stopping me from going through it again, aside from the million other books I want to read. But I would definitely suggest either going through it with someone and discussing and confessing or just doing a lot of journaling whenever you feel compelled. I journaled some, but my hand is lazy so I didn't do much. Really good stuff in here though. Would happily read it again some day.
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October 7, 2021«Redención» abrió mis ojos de muchas maneras, principalmente al darme cuenta de que, aún después de mi conversión, sigo tan desesperadamente necesitada de la gracia de Dios como cuando creí por primera vez. Debo continuar creyendo y confiando, mientras Él continúa limpiando y transformando.
Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.
Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.
July 9, 2017
This is an excellent book for any person struggling with a sense of recurring hopelessness and failure in life. The authors write clearly, engagingly and practically about how we can really live out the Gospel in our lives. Perhaps best summed up by this quote," The ongoing response of a Christian to the gospel is a steady stream of ongoing repentance."(64)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews