Read a review at the Biblical Counseling Coalition -
Redemption: Freed by Jesus...
“I am weekly confronted by the harshness of life as a result of sin—abuse, neglect, consequences of sin. The list goes on and on. As a pastor of a church full of younger people I have searched for a resource that I could with confidence recommend to those stuck in their sin. This book is that resource. It will help hurting people (which includes us!) come to grips with the reality of both our sin and the reality of being sinned against. Further, it will move people to Jesus, who is greater than our sin.”
—Darrin Patrick, Founding Pastor of The Journey Church, St Louis, MO; author, Church Planter
“Some support groups support without challenging people to be different. This book is a resource for a different kind of support group, a Redemption Group. Backed by good scholarship yet accessible to all Christians, it brims with great stories of redemption and keen insights into the souls of broken sinners, challenging readers to follow the Christ who can set people free.”
—Eric Johnson, Lawrence and Charlotte Hoover Professor of Pastoral Care, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Director, Society for Christian Psychology
“Pastor Mike Wilkerson has penned a truly unique contribution both to small group literature and to the Christian ‘recovery’ movement. His gospel-centered focus using the Exodus theme of redemption provides an unparalleled biblical approach to facing our past face-to-face with Christ. The combination of gripping real-life vignettes, biblical narratives applied to sin and suffering, and the thought-provoking discussion-application guide makes Redemption the premier all-in-one book for small group recovery ministry.”
—Bob Kellemen, author, God's Healing for Life's Losses
“Every genuine pastor and counselor prays to walk with the Savior freed ‘from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul’ (1 Pet. 2:11), enjoying a fuller measure of abundant life in Christ each day. Every genuine pastor and counselor prays to see his precious flock walk the same road. Redemption provides a guide for the journey, bringing the richness of the exodus story to bear where we all live, feeding the gospel morsel by morsel to our souls, and helping us behold more of Christ along the way. I commend this resource to every pastor and counselor who prays for Spirit-wrought transformation in the hearts of people.”
—John Henderson, Counseling Pastor, Denton Bible Church, Denton, Texas; board member, Association of Biblical Counselors; author, Equipped to Counsel
“This important book places the powder keg of gospel truth where it is most needed: on the frontline of pastoral ministry. A mixture of clear writing, real-life stories, and faithful Bible exposition makes this a powerful resource in the fight for redemption in the lives of those we are called to serve.”
—Joel Virgo, Lead Pastor, Church of Christ the King, Brighton
“By God’s grace, Pastor Mike Wilkerson gets it. He is a pastor who does not mind getting his hands dirty in the lives of people who are hurting and broken. But then he takes sufferers and sinners alike to the life-giving cross of Christ. Organized around the powerful story of the exodus, this book will point you to the marvelous Redeemer and his life-changing grace. Redemption—just think of it. In this book, Mike will help you think of it a lot. And you will be glad he did. I certainly was.”
—Steve Viars, Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Church. Lafayette, Indiana; Administrator, Faith Biblical Counseling Ministries; author, Putting Your Past in Its Place
“So many tools for recovery groups deal only with wounds and desires, appealing to ‘the god you envision’ and boil down to self-help programs. Redemption goes to core issues and shows how following the pattern of the exodus can redeem struggling people from their ‘Egypts,’ such as addictions and trauma. Because it takes us down biblical pathways in very applicable ways, it is an outstanding tool for ministry.”
—Gerry Breshears, Professor of Theology, Westminster Seminary; author, Death by Love: Letters from the Cross
“Praise God for Redemption, which is a gift to the body of Christ. God’s story of redemption, which serves as both the source and framework of the book, is applied directly to the sin and suffering we all face both in and out of the church. It is, therefore, a great example of practical theology. This is a resource that enables reproducible training and ministry in any church and with all of God’s people. I wholeheartedly commend Redemption to anyone who is on the front lines of gospel ministry in the church and has a deep desire and vision to equip the saints for the work of ministry.”
—Robert Cheong, Pastor of Care and Counseling, Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky
“As a church, we have implemented the message and dynamics of this book with all the leaders in our church. It has led to a renewal on a massive scale. On each page of the book, Jesus is presented as the healer of every situation, helper of every circumstance, and advocate for every sinner. I recommend Redemption to every church pastor, leader, and sinner who wants to meet the healing of the gospel of Jesus on the other side of the Red Sea.”
—Ethan Burmeister, Core Community Church, Omaha, Nebraska
“The strength of Redemption is that it’s rooted in the sufficient and transforming work of the gospel, using exercises and strategies to effect real change, and the process takes place in the context of authentic community. I have recommended, and even required, clients to go through the Redemption group process, and have seen life changing transformation in weeks that would take months to years in individual counseling. I have been waiting for something like this for a very long time!”
—Elisa Hope, licensed mental health counselor
“As a leader involved in a Christian recovery ministry, Redemption has proven to be extremely powerful! Using it to lead meetings has given me a unique opportunity to share the 'good news' with believers and nonbelievers. I have seen tremendous breakthroughs in reaching and dealing with core issues such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and addiction as participants identify with the book and hear of God’s love for his children.”
—Mitch Thompson, Director, All The Way House Ministries, Delray Beach, Florida
“We need this book. God’s grace is on full display in it as it begins and ends with the good news of God’s story of redemption throughout all of Scripture, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Redemption proclaims the faith, hope, and love we need and can offer to others. It is a gift to all who are suffering because of their sin and the sins done against them.”
—Justin Holcomb, Director, the Resurgence; Adjunct Professor of Theology; Reformed Theological Seminary
