Imprisoned to Hope: Forgiveness as a Form of Lament

ISBN-13: 9781632961310 / Angielski / Miękka / 2017 / 156 str.

Vernon Burger II

Opis

"Imprisoned to Hope weaves personal story with poetry and the ancient wisdom of the Scriptures to paint a picture of the possibility of forgiveness in a broken world. If you have experienced tragedy, disillusionment, or heartbreak, then this book will guide you through your pain to a place of wholeness where you can become a voice of hope for others."
--Steve Knox,
Founder of Orbiting Normal,
Author of The Asymmetrical Leader"You would think that Christians would be experts in forgiveness, not only because we've been forgiven much but also because we're commanded by Christ to forgive others. But unforgiveness is a perennial problem in the Church. Why? Enter Vernon Burger's insightful study on the importance of lament. Based on his careful study of the Scriptures, Burger describes what he calls the "anatomy of lament," that which is constitutive of genuine, liberating, revolutionary forgiveness. Since we don't know how to truly grieve over our sin--not only our personal foibles but also the injustices of the world--we fail to realize the forgiveness only Christ can bring. Punctuated by his own story of abuse and restless longing for healing, Burger explains how a wounded soul finds restoration in the singular act of biblical lamentation in Christ. A must-read for those who identify with Jesus's lament on the cross, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'"
--Rodney Reeves,
Dean and Redford Professor of Biblical Studies,
Southwest Baptist University"Vernon Burger is intelligent. His candor, thought processes, and insight to an underdeveloped piece of Christian theology is brilliant. The reflective insight and personal strength afforded to the reader from the life of Vernon is on point. Sit back. Put on your thinking cap and enjoy the power of knowing the Father in heaven in a whole new way."
--Jerrell Altic,
Minister of Mobilization,
Prayer, Missions, and Connection Center,
Houston's First Baptist Church,
Houston, Texas"With the raw emotions that come with lament, Vernon Burger charts a course back home from the dark places of pain. Imprisoned to Hope is the spiritual journey that so many people need to see how God meets us in our pain and delivers us into a closer relationship with Christ."
--Dr. Philip Nation,
Pastor, Author of Habits for Our HolinessThe tears of God are the strength of history. It is this paradox that is the pathway for an honest faith that is both honoring to God and able to be true to every day life. Imprisoned to Hope will help you:

• Learn The Big Story of God's redemption for all creation
• See how to recover lament as a way for honest faith
• Know that forgiveness itself is a type of lament
• Live out the the hope of God's merciful presence in all of life

When we understand that God is fully present, and affected, during the deepest times of violation, we are then empowered to vocalize our greatest pains and see that honest faith is not only filled with praise, but can even include pain and doubt. It is this type of biblical faith that allows us to see His merciful presence in all situations. This is the path to being imprisoned to hope.