best book I ever read

[Abigail]

I just would like to share with you the title a book I have almost finished (and will start reading again), which I consider as the best book I ever read (beside the Bible):

Consuming Fire - The Inexorable Power of God's Love.
This is a devotional version of Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald (just meaning the original text was broken in pieces for easier reading)
https://www.amazon.com/Consuming-Fire-Inexorable-Devotional-Unspoken/dp/1512145386

George MacDonald is an Universalist author that lived in the 19th century. The reason I love this book so much, is that my spirit constantly says YES to what I read. The book reveals so much of the Father's heart, it helps to understand scriptures that seem frightening, it helps me see the nature of God's love, which is 'inexorable'. MacDonald also writes quite a bit about the nature of judgment, which is absolutely not an opposite of love and mercy - he shows they are all one and the same! He also deals with doctrines like substitutional atonement and imputed righteousness. It's not a theology book though, it is a living book, written from a loving heart that knows God.
It makes so much sense to my spirit AND my mind, that it is a great help to renew my mind and get rid of fear.

I believe this book would be a blessing to many of you too!
It is also possible to find MacDonalds unspoken sermons online:
http://www.online-literature.com/george-macdonald/unspoken-sermons/
The long texts maybe somewhat overwhelming, especially when English is not your first language (as in my case), so I found it very helpful to use the devotional version.

Love,
Abigail

[marie glen]

Thanks for the link(s)! I may go ahead and purchase that book.. as it does sound very good! :thumbsup:

[DanielB]

I really like him and am thankful for his sermons.

I think they have inspired some positive change if not a lot in me. Especially some of the "harsh" stuff and stuff to do with obedience he has said(against excuse making etc) without resorting to "Where will you be if you die in a car wreck tonight!?" lol.

[DanielB]

To clarify, by "harsh" stuff I am talking about how he talks about paying to the last farthing, etc along with some stuff that may sound scary to many but is actually good news and I think some of his stuff has encouraged me to actually do some charitable stuff rather than just thinking about it. "Justice" is probably my favorite so far(I listened to the original sermon rather than the book you are talking about).

[Abigail]

I too loved 'Justice' so much! It helped me to see more clearly the difference between UR and ET is not just about 'is there a hell or not'. It is a difference in the kind of God you have. Vindictive versus just. Resentful versus persevering love. A god that demands an offering versus the God that offers Himself.

The God Who is Love, Who loves justice and will not give up until everybody and everything is set free from sin. Love that never fails - to me this is the basis of a trust in God, that I could not find before.

[itivino]

Yes! Unspoken Sermons (where the devotional book pulls from) is by far the best book I've read. It isn't the easiest read like Abigail mentioned, the devotionals are great. I'd say that for me it was the most convincing universalist book I've read as well, despite it not being the obvious aim of the book.

Here is a compilation of snippets compiled by CS Lewis (also a great forward):
http://lib.ru/LEWISCL/mcdonalds_antology.txt

There is also this very helpful site with lots of snippets and resources:
http://www.worksofmacdonald.com/