Even Better than Eden

I have been a Christian for most of my life, and yet this is one of the first books that I can say that I've read that was theology heavy. It was so well written and really exposed the story of the Gospel from start to finish in a way that was so easy to understand. After reading the Bible for many years, I kept saying to myself, "how did I never realize this before" while reading the book. I picked up this book a few short months after my mother in law passed away and at a time of deep questioning in my life and I can say that God used Nancy to communicate his greater plan to me and the beauty of salvation and our eternal promise. I highly recommend this book for someone experiencing grief, questioning aspects of their faith, or someone who just wants to know more about the full picture of the Bible and where we fit in God's story and plan. I am so thankful for this book and I am so encouraged to continue to read and study the Word with fresh perspective!

Theologically sound but easy to digest!

This book was a simple easy read. Delightfully written.Helping to really open your eyes to the fullness of God's ultimate plan for our lives. It was an opened to dive deeper in His word and get a better understanding of our individual lives in line with God's plan.

Such a reflective book. Still reading it. Loved chapter 1

Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways The Bible’s Story Changes Everything About Your Story by Nancy Guthrie is a new title set to be released by Crossway Publishing on August 31. Guthrie writes in a narrative style to portray theological truths meant to point the reader from the toils of the day to what lies beyond, God’s greater, better, deeper plan for us: our home with the Lord for eternity. Guthrie uses nine themes from creation to our future hope to point us to the cross. At the end of the book, she has discussion questions and hefty notes to help you understand some of the theology expressed in the narrative if you wish to investigate a topic later. The nine themes are as follows:The Story Of The WildernessThe Story Of The Tree- The FallThe Story of His ImageThe Story of ClothingThe Story of The BridegroomThe Story of The SabbathThe Story of The OffspringThe Story Of The Dwelling PlaceThe Story of The CityGuthrie’s clear intention in her writing is to make the reader deeply desire to be a stranger on this earth. Each chapter weaves a portion of biblical narrative and relates it to our everyday struggles. She reminds us with kindness that we needn’t chase our identity on our earthly pilgrimage since our identity is bound in Christ, the Living Word.“To live is not to be married to have a fulfilling marriage. To live is Christ. To live is not to have children, or to raise healthy, successful or even godly children. To live is Christ. To live is not to have a body of a certain size or shape degree of health, or a certain size or shape or degree of health, or a home in a certain neighborhood, or a particular job or status. To live is Christ. And most of us have to be convinced of this today and convinced again tomorrow, because we are so thoroughly immersed in what this world tells us otherwise. This reconvincing happens as we begin eating now of the tree of life by feeding on Christ and His word today, and again tomorrow, and again the next day.”Guthrie’s lovely prose is gentle enough for a reader that typically avoids theological works to find reading Even Better Than Eden pleasurable yet challenged to think theologically. For example, Guthrie presents concepts such as covenant theology, infant baptism, the spirit of Sabbath in an approachable manner. I was particularly touched by Guthrie’s thoughts on Sabbath as being a reminder of the greater, spiritual rest in the time to come. Sabbath is for man to worship God and to fellowship with our fellow saints. As we are set apart unto Him, we are to seek our Sabbath rest in Him.Sabbath keeping would set God’s people apart as being so well taken care of by their God that they could take a day to rest. It would set them apart as a people who had something to look forward to: unending, all-encompassing rest in the presence of the one true God.”I recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement to march toward Zion, to seek Christ in all things, praise Christ in all things, and seek our rest in Him.We experience a measure of rest as we are joined to Christ in his death and resurrection, but we know there is a better, fuller, final rest in our future.”

Nancy Guthrie has a way of inspiring her readers to study the Bible through her example. She makes connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament that gives readers something to ponder and something to learn.In "Even Better Than Eden", Guthrie reminds us to look forward to our future home rather than focusing on the past and reveling in the present. This world is not our home and Guthrie shows us how God was working in Eden to bring about our new Eden even when everything looked hopeless. This book lends itself to deep discussions among small groups and thoughtful study if reading alone.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an e-book free from Crossway, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Amazon as always out did themselves with another fast delivery and smooth sale

This book is a gospel-soaked, scripture-laden, joy-filled message about what a Christian's hope is in--the glory to be revealed when Jesus returns and we get to dwell with God. Are you suffering? Read this book and let it point you, through the analysis of themes throughout scripture, to the hope that is yours in Christ. Nancy Guthrie is a skillful writer who analyzes the language and imagery in the Bible to make connections from Old and New Testament that are easy to miss or gloss over. I appreciated her research and insight, though a few places I felt I needed more information to follow her reasoning (which perhaps I could have found if I consulted her notes). All in all, I found it a very encouraging and joyful read that is very accessible to the average person (you don't need a doctorate in theology).

Great Bible study for small groups really enjoyed this one

Nancy Guthrie brings the gospel to life

A great read, that really gives a good overview of biblical theology. I have read all Nancy’s books and used most as bible studies. This one is equally as good. I would love to read this along with some women as I think it makes reading the bible an eye opening and heart warming experience.