Belong

What does it really mean to be a part of a church? In Belong, Barnabas Piper writes on loving your church by reflecting Christ to one another.

Gospel Culture

After a foreword by Ray Ortlund, Piper shows what it looks like to really and truly belong to a church. He defines belonging as the place where God intends us to be — we belong to Christ as part of his church. Piper writes with strength and winsomeness.

I was most eager in Chapter 3 to learn what it means to actually be a church with “gospel culture.” I have heard similar terms like this, but Piper slows down to show it. I was encouraged to see that true fellowship, honesty, and commitment could take place in a church with gospel culture.

Champion the Church and Cherish Christ

I was most moved in Chapter 5, where Piper explains what to do when we feel like we don’t belong, when we are disappointed, and when we are hurt by our church. He asks clear questions and gives practical principles to apply. I appreciate Piper for taking on such a difficult topic, and he does it well.

The conviction of this book comes from the Bible, but it is also apparent in the personal testimony of Piper. He shares that he had once been in a place of cynicism, uncomfortable with the church. It is clear that he now champions the church, and he cherishes Christ. This book will cause you to do the same.

I received a media copy of Belong and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.