Book Review: “The Reign of Grace”, by Scotty Smith, Howard Publishing, West Monroe LA, 2003, 303 pp.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Author/Pastor Scotty Smith takes up where he left off in "Objects of His Affections". "Reign of Grace" might be called "Further Adventures of…" or "What I learned in the Meantime". Reign of Grace both compliments and, yes, corrects Smith's musings in "Objects". Wondering that he may have inadvertently communicated a "cheap grace" at the expense of discipleship, Smith challenges his readers to live under the reign of grace under the lordship of Christ. Smith uses the book of Malachi as a guide to outline ways we cheapen grace and ways we can live freer, healthier lives as Christ conquers all areas of our lives. The goal is loving God well.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

"Reign of Grace" is a solid work with much to commend it. Smith's style will still appeal to those looking for a "spiritual memoir" type book. Yet in addition to this, after each main chapter, Smith provides a "Further Up and Further In" section. These sections are less biographical and more theological and expositional, thus providing a strong undergirding for his more personal reflection. This makes for a more satisfying reading experience for all types of readers. Smith is also a clever wordsmith and his imagery is memorable ("Greasy Grace", "Southern Grace", "Mirage Grace"). However, sometimes his pregnant prose can be a bit distracting! (Note to publisher – if you want more men to read his books, lose the girly fonts and design!)

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

I can see immediate value in "Reign of Grace". The sections on marriage and sexuality are helpful for marriage enrichment. His discussion on divine discipline and spiritual idolatry will put the battles of the Christian life in perspective. And his reflections on worship and generosity will well equip any church on those issues. Because Smith's style is so accessible, I can see using this book in counseling settings and group studies. Those who recoil at "warm and fuzzy" Christian psychology will like to "further up and further in" sections. And those who begin to nod at the first whiff of theology will warm to the biographic sections and his rich illustrations.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.162 "Crucifying our sinful nature involves identifying the things we desire more than we desire God and his glory (our particular idols), as well as identifying the substances we are depending upon to empower the worship of our idols. Then we must take pitiless and decisive action. For God's grace teaches us to say "No!" to all forms of ungodliness and idolatry and "Yes!" to filling our hearts with the beauty and bounty of Jesus."