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Book Review
Living By The Truth
Jeremy Hoover
Connecticut (7/13/2005)
Let's be honest: Too many Christian books are nothing but fluff or teach a viewpoint that is borderline contradictory
of what the Bible actually teaches. Christian publishing appears, to this reviewer at least, to be focused too much on marketing
and profits, and not nearly enough on solid teaching for building up the church. Into this mess, however, comes a breath of
fresh air Living By the Truth by Lillian C. Larry. Larry cuts through the clutter of so many Christian books and gives us
straight talk, teaching right out of the Bible into our lives. Over forty-two chapters, Larry touches on the necessity of
studying the Bible to what to do when God is silent, from the truth about homosexuality to the importance of Bible school,
and many serious topics in between. She even includes the text of scripture for such foundational books as 1 Thessalonians,
1 John, and Revelation. Larry hits hard, and this book may not be for those accustomed to reading Christianity-lite. But never
is she harsh or rude; she simply speaks what the Bible speaks, sharing her struggles and showing us how to overcome challenges
and obstacles in our lives, all the while remaining faithful to God. For example, in Church Membership Larry points out the
somewhat ridiculous notion of requiring membership in a church context. She asks, rightly so, Why cant I sit amongst the congregation
as a sister of the body of Christ? Why do I have to be a member in order to fellowship? In contrast to this view, she discusses
Pauls words in 2 Corinthians 3:17 where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (NRSV). Thus, she argues, if we have Jesus
with us, it doesn't matter whether weplace membership or not; what matters is our truly fellowshipping together in the Spirit
of Jesus. Another chapter, Bible School, Is It Really Necessary,; is important also. Larry ponders the attitude that finds
Bible study boring, and laments the sad state of some seminaries, where one can take a class on the Bible and leave wondering
if the teacher is even a believer him- or herself. Ideally, we should sit around the Word of God and let God address us. Too
many Christians rely on teaching they pay money for (i.e., in a college degree) or on the teaching from their human pastors
(i.e., Bishop X or Minister Y) when they should rely more on God himself. In short, this book was very insightful and helpful,
and very true to the Word of God. Read it and learn, and let the words lead you deeper into your relationship with God.
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