Title: Make a Way for Your Rescue: And Believe for a New Beginning
Author: David Piper
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 9781532028441
Pages: 244
Genres: Religion / Biblical Studies
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott
Pacific Book Review
Pastor and telephone prayer partner David Piper offers new ways of thinking about prospects for spiritual salvation in Make A Way for Your Rescue: And Believe for a New Beginning.
As a Christian, Piper is determined to “present a study that would inspire people to examine their hearts.” He bases his explorations on the idea of rescue, comparing some of us to those who took a voyage on the Titanic, never suspecting that the ship, deemed to be “unsinkable,” might go down. He advises readers to prepare for rescue from life’s calamities by seeking and gaining a “new heart” through faith in Jesus. The ideas are practical, speaking in simple terms about concepts that often arise regarding religion: the meaning of being “born again”; accepting God’s “rain” of grace; the purpose of baptism as a symbol of commitment; speaking in tongues–or simply feeling the need to speak about Jesus–as a sign of the new life that God promises us. The author warns
against the tendency to quit, to renege on even small promises, rather than holding fast to deep commitments. He tackles thorny issues such as addiction, abuse, even suicide, offering new ways to consider them. Piper also asserts that Jesus showed the ultimate courage, when, faced with the prospect of terrible torture and death, he did not cry out to the angels for his rescue. His refusal to yield to the temptation to shout for help showed His true nature as the “second Adam,” the God-Man.
Piper has organized his book in a neat and logical progression, just as he believes we can organize our lives around Christian teaching and the example of Jesus. Drawing on many Biblical stories, Piper’s book is divided into five distinct parts: receiving the new heart, examining it, disciplining one’s mind, remembering Jesus’ examples of forbearance in the face of suffering, and reflecting on the joy of a God-focused life. The author uses examples from his own personal history, frankly depicting his failures in pursuing a life of faith. This lends credence to his message. Though there are some repetitious passages, they do not detract overmuch from the significant principles Piper wishes his readers to absorb and practice: spend more time worrying about eternity and less about the fleeting things of this world; and remember that the rescue that Jesus offers is always available.
Make a Way for Rescue has the potential to inspire those within and outside the Christian faith, and would make a solid study guide for church groups.
