Lay It Down: Living in the Freedom of the Gospel

After decades of seemingly fruitful ministry, Bill Tell experienced a major breakdown. The Holy Spirit met him in this valley, and, through the truth of the gospel, led him to an entirely new place of freedom.I read this book shortly after experiencing a crisis of my own, a season when I had to admit that "freedom" did not describe my Christian experience. And how thankful I am for Bill's story, and for the powerful truths that God showed him! They have been extremely helpful for me, and have served as an essential first step towards a greater freedom in my own life.Specifically, Bill repeatedly trumpets the extravagant, hard-to-believe-it's-true grace of God. He outlines how, as a result of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, and as a result of our union with Jesus, God views us differently. As a result we are free from condemnation, punishment, and fear, free to live in peace and in grace. He discusses the New Covenant reality that God makes us different, that we are fundamentally changed as a result of the gospel of grace. He concludes by talking about how God relates to us differently now that we are united to him through Jesus.For me, the single most helpful idea in the book is that "grace is an environment, not a theology." I realized I had viewed grace transactionally, that grace was something I would receive from God as needed. I believed there was an infinite supply of this commodity called grace (similar to the gold in Ft. Knox), but that is far different from viewing it as a constant (like gravity). Bill unpacked Romans 5:1-2 in a way that completely altered my view of God's grace, and what it means to live in it. I'm forever grateful.

This book should be mandatory reading for all leaders in ministry as performance is such a good way of hiding heart and character issues that only God can speak to. It brings clarity to those who are struggling and driven by shame. It is also a short, concise, and clearly written book that explains the Good News in a way that modern Christianity and many US ministries seem to miss. I've read this book 3 times now can't say enough good things about it.

Lay It Down was the best, most helpful and most encouraging book I've read in a long time. It is full of biblical and theological wisdom and insight, but written in a way that makes it easy to read, understand and apply. Even before I had finished I bought a number of copies to give to family and friends. I think all Christians, whatever our experiences and levels of maturity, will benefit from this very profound and moving account of what it means to live in the freedom of the gospel!

Remember the joy you felt when you first became a Christian? This book can renew that freedom and joy for a Christian, and the author cites Scripture, so you can check it out Biblically. I've been reading Christian books for 45 years and this is one of the BEST!!!

As someone who has been a Christian for over 25 years I found this book so refreshing! I knew God loved me but there was always the small voice that says to do all these things for God out of gratitude. On the surface that sounds really good and holy but underneath it said I had to do stuff to show I'm worthy of God loving me. What a lie! So glad I can start living out of who God has created me to be without the performance!

Bill Tell has written a powerful book filled with examples from his own journey. This book is a breath of fresh air pointing us toward the freedom we have in Christ. If you've ever felt weighed down by the pressure to perform up to the expectations of the Christian life, read this book and discover what the Bible says about our relationship with Christ.

This is a very powerful book that really helped and encouraged me. It is a deep book that has the power to transform your life and relationship with God. It was like water to my soul. His insights and explanation on the Gospel are the good news that most Christians, including myself, have missed for most of their lives. It is a book that helps you go deeper into the Gospel and finally experience freedom in Christ. This book is a must read!

This is the best book I have read in many, many years except for the Bible. It has changed my life!https://smile.amazon.com/Lay-Down-Living-Freedom-Gospel/dp/1612918204/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465778782&sr=1-2&keywords=lay+it+down