This Sunday's Livestream will start airing at 10:30am

Read It! - March 2018

Dave Furman, Kiss the Wave: Embracing God in Your Trials Wheaton: Crossway, 2018, 159, pp $14.99

"I hve leanred to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages," said the British preacher, C.H. Spurgeon.  Ebracing trials in a God-honoring way is the theme of Dave Ferman's new book, Kiss the Wave.

The author does not write in an ivory tower.  Nor does he write as a mere spectator.  Rather, Furman writes as one who has been tormented by depression and pummeled by physical adversity.  Inspired by the godly example of Spurgeon, Pastor Furman speaks candidly about the hurts, trials, persecutions, and ailments that Christians face in a fallen world.  His biography is a fitting backdrop to the finer arguments that emerge in the pages of this book.

Furman writes as a seasoned pastor.  His counsel, encouragement, and admonition is laced with grace and sensitivity and offers hope to people who are walking through a season of bitter providence

A few outstanding features of the book will attract a host of readers and invite many people to study these pages and walk away encouraged.  First, this is a personal book.  Furman is candid about his battle with a debilitating nerve ailment and the corresponding depression that goes along with it.  Frankly, he admits some struggles that most pastors would never dream of sharing.  This makes Kiss the Wave deeply endouring and helpful.

Second this is a practical book.  Nothing here is teoretical or cliche.  Furman offers real help and encouragement for soldiers trapped in the "foxhole."

Third, this book is propelled by the gospel.  Readers looking for a quick fix or shelf-help solutions should look elsewhere.  Here, we find the exaltation of the gospel which delivers sinners from the penalty of sin and the power of sin.  The promises of God shine in Kiss the Wave and beckon readers to cling to Christ.

Finally, this book offers a much-needed perspective.  Dave Furman admonishes readers who are plodding on a nomadic journey to the Celestial City: "This land is not our home.  As Christians, we are all expatriates, passing thorugh this earth, holding a passport and citizenship to another place.  Be encouraged to take the long view in your suffering.  This life is a blip on the radar of eternity.  It's a small knot in an infinitely long rope."  Such is the perspective of a God-centered author.  Ans such is the perspective of a reader who is captivated by the Savior and strengthened by his gospel.