With the requisite arty title and front cover, this is a fairly aesthetically attractive book, but with a bold and challenging subtitle; "Freed by Jesus from the Idols we Worship and the Wounds We Carry", this is a book that intrigued me the minute I'd heard about it, and invited me to read it once it arrived. This is a book that stands in the puritan and Reformed tradition, and in my opinion is all the better for it. It aims to be a work of deeply biblical and utterly practical pastoral theology, and I would contend that Wilkerson succeeds in this.

Structurally, the book is very straightforward Each chapter ends with discussion/reflection questions, which add value to this book in that it could be used as a devotional or as the basis for a small study group series. Also at the end of each chapter are relevant scripture references, and also various books, sermons and article recommendations. This is not a book that one 'just reads', you will be inspired and challenge to read more; further and deeper into the freedom we have in Jesus.

One of the hardest things that many Christians struggle to do - at least, to do as an outworking of their Christian lives - is to forgive people. Wilkerson offers an excellent model for this, including engaging with difficult questions such as the consequences of forgiveness. This discussion takes place in the chapter entitled "Passover: At Your Worst, God Gives His Best", which firmly sets this practical pastoral discussion within the wider story of God's redemption of his people. This is a hallmark of this book, setting individual situations within the bigger story, without compromising the place of either.

Tied up in the whole idea of redemption from sins is, for many Christians, the struggle to move on from a sin. For young guys, at least in my experience and friendship group, moving on from a struggle with lust is difficult. Wilkerson tackles this issue, this issue of stopping habitual sin. We go through the various ways that people try to defeat habitual sin. After the vital observation that "you'll never have a risk-free life as long as you live in a fallen world", a crucially important point is made; "Your only true hope for lasting healing that shields you from shame is Jesus". Wilkerson then expertly deals with the balance of the now and the not yet, the process begun and the hope of what is to come. For me, and for some of my friends, this small pair of paragraphs is worth the price of entry to this book!

The title of this book is "Redemption", and the closing chapter, the epilogue, is snappily titled "The Redeemer's Mission". I love how Wilkerson defines that mission, and it echoes what I've been saying throughout my review, and its an understanding of the Gospel that permeates the whole book. He opens his final chunk thusly; "God doesn't redeem you and me just so we can be happier all by ourselves; he is on a mission to make his name known to the whole world. We who have been redeemed are swept up into his story and sent out on his mission". Amen. That understanding of the individuals redemption being part of a bigger story is big news. Its another reason I liked and will recommend this book. Get a copy, read a copy, especially if you are in any pastoral role, and consider again the joy of the redemption that we have in Jesus Christ. ( )

A helpful drawing together of the history of Israel as recounted in Exodus and the history of every believer. To be used as the guide for NCS 2012 theme. ( )