‘Thriving in the Grace of God.’
Chiswick Christian Centre leader Phil Whitehead has recently written a powerful book, ‘Thriving in the Grace of God.’ The book explores the vital part grace plays, not only in salvation, but our whole Christian life. The book was lauched just before Christmas and is now available through Sovereign World Publishers. The book has already proved tremendously empowering to those who have already read it, with many church leaders ordering copies for their churches.
"A most timely book for these days."
Dr. KT Kendall (Author and former Pastor of Westminister Chapel, London)
The book can be purchased through the following outlet:
Elim Resources
Comments by Reviewers of the Book:
'One way in which Phil Whitehead’s book stands out from many others on grace is the way that it challenges us to go beyond accepting grace for our own lives, to living out that grace with people around us.'
This is a powerful book that offers great spiritual challenge and refreshment. It reveals the power of grace to transform the people and the church of God.'
New Wine Magazine
'I don't think I have read a better or more helpful book. Chapters are divided into paragraphs each with it's own heading which I thought was so useful for future reference. I found the whole book challenging, informative and exciting...' The Goodbookstall
'I wish that such a work had been around when I was a young Christian. Place it in the hands of everyone who comes to faith in Christ. It will save them much heartache.' Direction Magazine
Quotes from the Book:
The Distinctive
‘When we look at what makes Christianity distinctive from other faiths a number of things come immediately to mind: God’s bodily incarnation in Christ, the resurrection, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believer, to name just a few. However, when the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis was asked the question, he simply replied, “grace.”’
Please just receive it!
‘I’m sure at times our Father wants to say, “Please, please just receive what I’ve done for you.” When we insist on trying to earn God’s love and approval we are actually trying to dilute it.’
Just a gospel of forgiveness?
‘Christ could have just given us a gospel of forgiveness. That would have been enough to get us to heaven. Even so He went way beyond forgiveness…’
Cuts into our pride
‘Grace is something that cuts into our human pride and self sufficiency. It simply has to be received.’
Work – The Prodigals attempt to get right
‘Interestingly he stated, ‘I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ It seems he believed before his fall into sin, he thought he was worthy! He saw his standing was based on his works, he wanted to earn his way back, ‘Make me like one of your hired servants.’ (Luke 15:19) Like so many Christians we think we can work our way into favour, rather than simply receiving His completely undeserved goodness.’
Holiness was the Mission
‘Jesus didn’t defensively spend His time worrying about losing His sanctification, but rather He threw Himself into the Father’s mission of reaching sinners. His holiness took Him to some of the most unholy people of the day yet He never once lost the sanctity of His inward separation to the Father.’
Entering in
‘It must hurt the Lord so much when His children don’t enter into all that He purchased. What a waste!’
How do we compare?
‘The elder brother in comparing himself with his sinful brother missed it completely. The true comparison can only be with God Himself, to whom we all fall utterly short.’
What’s your score?
‘Whether we feel we’ve scored 99% or 1% on our righteousness chart, we’ve all failed! The pass mark is 100% and only Jesus achieved that and only the gospel of grace can give us that! Grace can only come as a free gift!’
What made Jesus angry?
The only place He really went berserk was not over the sin of the non-religious, but where the religious leaders were abusing His Father’s house through unrighteous trade!
Paul amazing view of a blemished church
‘To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus…’ ‘I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus…’ 1 Cor. 1:2, 4
Adam or Christ – which is more powerful
‘For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.’ Romans 5:19
What is more powerful, Adam’s sin or the power of Christ’s redemption?
Rewards or Gifts
“to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephes. 4:7) Our ministries are grace gifts from Christ to bless His body, not trophies to boast over.
Grace takes away competitiveness
‘by knowing our giftings are given to us by His grace, the striving and competitiveness can be taken out of God’s work..’
How do we stand?
‘Again both Paul and Peter talk about how our standing before God is in His grace, in other words not in our own achievements or successes.’
The Father’s welcome
‘I sense He would say, ‘Please don’t grovel about outside, please don’t behave like an outsider with Me, come into My presence boldly because that’s where you belong and that’s where you can encounter my grace.’
Beginning at the end!
Amazingly you begin your Christian life in His completed victory! You begin at the finishing line! It’s ours for us to live in the good of it. We start where He left off,
Paul Obsession
It was amazing to read that one of the first and last things Paul expressed in all of his epistles was his desire for God’s grace to be upon the recipients.
Grace’s powerful demonstration
Perhaps it’s in this sinful generation in which we live that the gospel of grace will fully demonstrate just how incomparable its power really is.
What Leaders are saying about the book:
'I have known Phil Whitehead for many years. He is a gracious man with a heart for God and a passion for mission, eminently eligible to write on this subject. Reading this book gives us a deeper appreciation of the truth about grace – how it pours from the heart of God into us, spilling over in our lives to bless others.'
Lyndon Bowring (Executive Chairman CARE)
‘The central message of this book grants us an enhanced understanding of who God is and who we are – through His eyes. Marrying sound theological understanding with practical teaching we are encouraged on a journey from understanding grace to experiencing it and ultimately to exhibiting it. I warmly recommend it.’
John Glass (General Superintendent of Elim Pentecostal Churches)
'Phil is passionate and articulate about the message of grace. As I read this book my faith increased that grace is more than equal to any personal issue I face, and that the proclamation of His grace is the only message that can transform a sick society. When he described Barnabas as a 'grace spotter' I immediately aspired to be one too. This book is full of enriching phrases, concepts and illustrations. Read it, be strengthened and stand tall in the grace of the Lord.'
Martin Scott
Author and prayer leader
‘Sowing seeds for revival’
"This is a book I wish was around when I was a young believer. It would have saved many heartaches. So many Christians live under condemnation and are performance addicts. This book clearly defines the grace of God that saves, sustains, preserves, and finally presents us spotless on that great day.
It will help young Christians, will clear muddled thinking in older saints. I highly recommend it."
Wynne Lewis
(Former General Superintendent of Elim Pentecostal Churches)
'One of the major reasons that so much of the Body of Christ is weak and anaemic is sin-consciousness rather than righteousness-consciousness. Without a revelation of our right-standing with God through faith in His grace, we are hamstrung as to the actual potential of what we can achieve through and for Jesus Christ. Phil has spoken to this problem clearly, concisely, and with simplicity. My prayer is that people stop and meditate on his words, other than just “give it a read.” It will build your faith and strengthen your walk wonderfully. Consume it!'
Rod Anderson (Prayer for the Nations)
’Phil has captured something wonderful concerning the Grace of God. In his book he takes you into a grace filled experience, which ultimately leads to grace filled churches. This will result in the gospel of grace being communicated to a graceless world. I highly recommend all who enjoy the River to read this book and thrive in the grace of God.’
Trevor Baker (Revival Fires Ministry)
"For 46 years I have fought against enslaving legalism in the Church, this inspiring, liberating book is another weapon in my hands to help people to enjoy their glorious freedom in Christ."
Brian Richardson (Liberation Ministries)
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