Liberating King by Stephen Miller

Liberating King by Stephen Miller ISBN-13: 9780801006838 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Baker Books Released: May 17, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Worship Is Our Remedy. Christ has delivered believers from the power of sin, but instead of living in true freedom, we struggle with the same failures every day. This is not how it's supposed to be. We need someone stronger than us to release us from the prison of sin. Enter Jesus, the liberating king.

With passion and purpose, worship pastor Stephen Miller calls readers to draw near to Christ in worship, allowing his Word and the Holy Spirit to loose our chains by exposing the lies that imprisoned us in the first place. When we do, we see everything more clearly--from the sinking sand of our man-made security to the solid rock of Jesus's unshakeable power. Miller shows that holy living is within our grasp when we keep our eyes and our adoration on the one who was sent not only to save us, but to make us into new creations.


My Review:
Liberating King is about how worshiping God frees us. We all focus our hopes and desires on something or someone, but only Christ can fill those desires and set us free. The author examines how worship (through song, prayer, studying the Bible, action, etc.) reminds us of God's character, the truth about our worth, and the proper perspective of our life. Thus worshiping Christ frees us from lies, allows us to suffer well, calms our worries and anxieties, allows us to truly love others, act justly, break the cycle of sin, and sustain hope.

The author examines his theme of "worship frees us to..." from these different angles, and his points were easy to follow. If you enjoy worshiping God, you'll probably enjoy this book.

Over a year ago, I sustained an injury that has kept me from doing some basic things (like driving) and this has been very frustrating. I know why bad things happen, and that God is good, sovereign, and at work. I even realize my many blessings, but, oh, I still don't like this! Most books on suffering explain the basics and say "lean on God," and that's good. But the chapter on "worship frees us to suffer well" was what I really needed to hear. I appreciate the whole book as it's a good reminder of where our focus need to be, but I suspect each reader will find that some chapters speak to them more deeply than others.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


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