No Matter the Cost
4.3
33
5
1
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780764209994 |
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| Publisher: | Baker Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 06/01/2012 |
| Pages: | 208 |
| Sales rank: | 901,296 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.80(d) |
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No Matter the Cost: Igniting a Life of Strength and Honor
4.3 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
33 reviews.
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I enjoyed the book. It is the same message as many Christian Men Help books. These struggles can't be covered enough, that a man does not be reminded of his weakness. However I wish there was more on overcoming these struggles instead of the same old cliche of tell your friends how weak you are so they will not feel bad about their own weakness. How about a book on the strength for men to fight these struggles before they experience them. Or if they have knowledge of them to fight with the strength of Christ instead of his forgiveness. Don't get me wrong forgiveness and grace or very crucial to every man, but Jesus also tells us as men how to defend ourselves with his help and combat these struggles before we fall, and to help try and prevent us from them. That I think would be a better book for men that this one.
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"No Matter the Cost" was a book I was looking forward to receiving. I am always on the look out for good books that hit on life where many men are at; books that call them to maturity in Christ. This book does an admirable job of bringing out the reality of sin in the life of men, showing real-world examples that bring the issues into sharp relief. Another strength is the obvious passion the author has for men to defeat sin. The way he writes makes evident he is not ticking off a box on his life's to-do list. This book comes from the heart.The major short-coming with the book is that it fails to focus enough on Christ and the gospel. As is evident in Paul's letters, this is the foundation for growth in godliness (e.g., Col 1-2 = gospel, Col 3-4 = application). Christ and the gospel are mentioned in the book, but the source of encouragement for godliness is other men, rather than the Man, Jesus Christ. Certainly, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses that help strengthen us in the fight (Heb 11), but it's looking to Jesus (Heb 12) that gives us real power for victory. In the end, this was a good book but not a great book. By failing to point men back to Christ through the gospel, it has the fell short of the biblical means of sanctification. If this is used, it should be supplemented by something else that has a gospel focus. *Note: the publisher sent me this book through the Early Reviewers program. I was not required to give a positive review.
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Every man should read this book
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Received this book as a LibraryThing Advanced Reading Copy & I'm so very glad I did.I will admit parts of it seemed a little too predictable and cliche, but coming from a place where I am not as theologically in tune as many, I feel that it didn't necessarily "dumb it down" so much as it put everything into simple terms that made it easy to understand and connect with.The selection of scripture and stories made me see things that while they seem common sense, also can not be beaten into your brain enough.The 6 Week Study Guide can benefit men's groups greatly, because it puts the book in a place where it not only is a good collection of stories and inspirations to lead you towards a better life, rather it opens the book up to expand from what is simple to what is personal.
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This book is for men of the church who are feeling frustrated with their walk. This book tells you how you will be a part of something bigger then just yourself. Men helping Men to stand up for their faith in this fallen world.Excellent for Men's Groups--Includes a Six-Week Study Guide.
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This book, like "Coming of Age: The Road to Spiritual Maturity" by Angus Buchanan, is a call to men to grow in their Faith. Like "Coming of Age" it came across to me as mostly a motivational talk, with a little more emphasis on the need for men to "band together". For those who were (or are) involved in the Promise Keepers Movement, I would imagine it would be a familiar read. He uses a lot of illustrations - from movies, tv shows, books. But most of them I am not familiar with, so I end up feeling alienated by them. The refrain of the book is Revelation12:11 - the power of what he calls "our testimony"; the title comes from Luke 14:25-33 and the need to count the cost - which for Jesus means "commit totally". His favorite phrase is "The Last Battle", by which he means participation in the final victory over evil. The book itself seems to be both a commentary on the Lord's Prayer and an advertizement for the Men's movement, "Band of Brothers." I am not a joiner and am not a fan of motivational books and was expecting something different. If you like that sort of thing, I suppose you will be inspired by this book - I was not.
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I have just begun reading it and already I am deeply moved, motivated and inspired to pull up my bootstraps and take on a more conscientious role in the spiritual war that rages all around us...this book is written with, to and for men...broken men, defeated men, men who are existing as "courage in need of oxygen" as the book puts it...but as a woman I am also deeply inspired as well as enlightened about the inner struggles and warfare that tear into the hearts of the men/warriors we love. Please consider reading this book and encouraging the men in your community/church to read it as well. This book is going to, not-so-gently, nudge/push the "shallow enders" out deeper and the "so close-ers" (as the book calls it) to go "into" the canyon and relish the experience rather than stand on the edge in awe of it's beauty ..BUT BE CAREFUL ~ because I am confident that on the other side of reading this you will find men cloaked in war paint with a rediscovered, unique and purposeful battle cry rallying a band of brothers to go into battle... I hope and pray this does not scare you...
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As a retired educator and school administrator, I have talked to and counseled many tired, hurting, discouraged men, both Christian and non Christian. Many of these men fit a quote from Henry David Thoreau’s book “Walden.” “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.” Most of these men realize that they were created for a purpose and destined for good works. These same men wanted more out of life but accepted less. Most men wanted to do more, to make more of his life but they resigned themselves to the ho hum status quo of life. They lacked purpose and passion. Many of these men were lone rangers. Even though they accepted life’s status quo they longed for so much more, so, so much more. President Lyndon B. Johnson knew what they were looking for and he addressed it in his January 20, 1965 inaugural address. He said “Men want to be a part of a common enterprise a cause greater than themselves.” These two issues are addressed in “No Matter the Cost.”
If you are one of the men I mentioned I urge you to read this book and then read it again with a friend. You will find that “Just as iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” This book is destined to be a classic for Christian Men’s ministry. If you are not a Christian you may still find this an enlightening read. I would also recommend that you read the book “Resolution for Men” after you read “No Matter the Cost.”
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In 2009 while deployed to Iraq I started a Brotherhood, taking the existing material and creating a study guide from it using largely my own experiences and situations as reference for our group discussions. The one piece that seemed to be missing from that, however, was the underpinning of where this 'No Matter the Cost' battle cry came from. This book provides that key piece of intel needed to help those of us who struggle daily find strength in knowing that the very foundation of Band of Brothers is not just theory or pie-in-the-sky garbage. It was forged by the very breaking down of men who've counted the cost, cracked open the very depths of their souls and were willing to move forward together; knowing that each one of them no longer had anything to fear. This book provides insight and courage to any man wondering if he has the courage to strike out in his home, his church, his community; living each day forward for the cause of Christ and His Kingdom.
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This is a book that calls men to step up and step out in their walk as Christian workers, fathers, husbands and friends.
To stop being lukewarm and to get things heated up for the Kingdom of God.
It challenges men to make the most of what God has given to them.
Are you up for the challenge?
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No Matter the Cost…
I don’t often write book reviews as I don’t read all that many books. That said, I felt that it was important to write a review for this book as it spoke to me on so many levels. Because I don’t write reviews, I also struggled with what rating to give it, but ultimately decided on five stars for the same reason stated above. Additionally, as I was telling a friend of mine about the book today, I mentioned that I will be reading it again. That is something that I don’t typically do; reread books. This book speaks to many things that I personally have gone and am going through. Additionally I believe that many Christian men , no matter where they are in their walk, can gain a lot from reading this short but very pertinent book. Whether you’re a new believer or one who has been around the block a few times like myself, I believe that there is something to be gained from reading this book.
No Matter the Cost is a rallying cry for all Christian men to drop everything and follow Christ, no matter what it may cost them. This is not a typical book calling Christians to hold each other accountable in our daily walks. This book is one about an impending battle from a spiritual perspective that will necessitate all Christian men to come together and “fight” alongside one another against the enemy. No Matter the Cost focuses on the battles that many men encounter and encourages us to stand with one another and not let each other fall. Much like some 300 Spartans who stood alongside one another and protected each other, we are to stand beside our brothers and pick them up when they falter. The book has a central focus on giving everything up for Christ and supports it well with Biblical references and it also points to the fact that we’re not supposed to go through life alone. Even Christ sent out His disciples in pairs. Was this for accountability, companionship, testimony, or so that they could encourage one another? I would argue that it was for all the above, but would encourage you to investigate on your own.
No Matter the Cost has much Scripture referenced throughout its pages. Additionally though, there are many other references of a “secular” nature from books and movies that aren’t Scripturally based, but are used anecdotally to allow the reader to better understand the point that Vance Brown is trying to hit home. This book is a call for Christian men to stop being complacent and make a decision moving forward in their lives. Will you answer the call and model your life after Christ? Will you make this decision to move forward and make a difference, No Matter the Cost?
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I have to admit that I read this book with a great since of anticipation, excitement, and angst as I am Vance’s brother. I knew that he would be mentioning me in his book, as this book is partially about admitting our weaknesses to each other and through our sharing becoming truer and closer friends and even a band of brothers fighting together for Christ, “No Matter the Cost”. Vance and I have had personal struggles with each other that two Christian men, especially brothers should never have gone through. At one point in our lives we could only trust lawyers to communicate between us and on our behalf. We could not and would not speak to each other. I knew he would be exposing these hard places in my life. Yet I also knew that through these struggles and God’s divine hand in our reuniting, starting with our prayers for each other, I am now closer to him than I have ever been in my life, and love him more that life itself. So you can see how my emotions would be across the board as I would be getting ready to read this book.
I had to make sure that my reading of this book was in the right place at the right time, where and when no one would distract me. I took it to the beach and woke early before sunrise reading on the beach as the sun rose over an east facing ocean. Everything had to be just right. It is hard to express the feelings; anticipation, excitement, and angst just scratch the surface.
In hindsight I realized no one could have bothered me. I could not put the book down and read through this most inspiring, I believe anointed message, on three consecutive mornings until finished. I cried, I laughed, and I even found myself praising God as I was taken into the many real life stories of hardship and triumph throughout the book. Yes, even the hard ones about me. As the ocean and the warming sun welcomed me into the day, this book warmed my heart as I found myself singing to my Heavenly Father, as tears of both joy and sadness ran down my cheeks.
In this book Vance showed me that we all have trials and tribulations. However, as men we are taught to tough it out and fight on by ourselves, often alone. We are all struggling and broken, and make mistakes that we regret. In this book you find that you are not the only one that is imperfect, but through the support of your Christian brothers, in my case my blood brother, can become great for Christ together. Today we have our Lord Jesus Christ who is calling each of us together as men of courage and action, together to be all that he intended us to be. Thanks Vance for reminding me that we are in this fight and journey together; for such as time as this. Regardless of what happens, I know we will fight together.
In finishing this book I realized I must form a strong Band of Brothers around me, for I have much to accomplish for my King, “No Matter the Cost”. I now know what that means. Vance, thanks for the showing me how and giving me the encouragement to go forward. Brother, I wield my sword for you. Likewise, I feel your strength watching my back, in and for the name of Jesus Christ.
I love you my brother.
Keith
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This book offers hope, a way to joy in spite of our past mistakes and current problems. Isolation leads to lives of quiet desperation, lives without hope- or worse, a life of hope that drives a man insane. This book is a call to brotherhood- the community we were designed for. We were not made to go it alone.
Within a Band of Brothers where there is no condemnation, no shame, and no regrets a frightened boy or a frustrated man can come to grips with his part in the larger story. My broken story has a purpose in the battle. All I have to do is engage in the battle.
"That is when I knew my son was now a man. Unafraid to die, unafraid to live, and willing to trust God for his life story."
This book provides a way to become a man who is unafraid.....to die, but more importantly, unafraid..... to LIVE!
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No Matter the Cost is a great step for a Christian man wanting to dig deeper in to his faith. It encourages and challenges men to step in to the identity that God has created for him... No Matter the Cost. This is book that is real and does not sugar coat anything. It is real men with real stories and the challenges they face. In a time where the identity of men is blurred, Vance gives a clear picture of what we, as men, could be striving for.
I look forward to using this book in some of my groups. The book gets to the heart of issues and through discussion with other men has the potential to build deep relationships between the men and with God our Father.
I thank you, Vance, for helping call men in to battle and being a beacon of light that gives hope and courage in this dark world.
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It is my privilege to read and comment on this book.
I see themes we have read in other books about men’s stories - unconditional acceptance - men locking arms - men weren't made to go it alone. This book goes deep into the warrior man that we are called to be. Standing in the gap, willing to fight for our families, our marriages, and our communities. Vance brings out the cost and the seriousness of what we face.
What we know about masculinity today: Men for the most part have been taken out of the church or are ineffective. Men are rapidly being removed from the home and lives of their children. This is the result of the enemies effectiveness. So how do we get back in the battle? Read this book and it will provide some direction in turning this around.
We are adopted brothers in Christ Jesus. Vance points out the importance of men coming along side one another sharpening and honing their skills, and using their gifts in the battle for their families, their marriages and their communities. Important themes: Men need to be aware of the enemy and his tactics. Men need to be engaged. Men need to prepare. Men need to train men. Men need to be willing to suffer and die for a just cause. Holiness is important. Stand your ground. Stand with your band of brothers no matter the cost.
I will recommend this book to men in my community.
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Great theme. Great transparent stories. But personally I didnt enjoy all the quotes and short stories. It broke up the rythm of the book. I was expecting a lot more punch with a title like that. I also thought to much attention was brought to the band of brothers. If I wanted to read about them I would have went to the website. But Im sure God will bless many men with this book.
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If you are a man and are striving to be a man of God, this is a must read book. I have been walking with the Lord for many years and pursuing Him with all my might but this book has challenged me to raise the bar even higher. It is a a must read summer book for all men.
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If you are a man fighting for your marriage and your family, I recommend you buy this book and take your time going through it. Or even better, find a group of men and go through it together. The 6 week study guide will deepen your relationship with the guys you journey with, and might very well build relationships you will carry the rest of your life. I can tell you fist hand that the group of guys I journey with weekly were (almost all) complete strangers 9 months ago and now we consider ourselves Brothers, willing to stand with one another "No Matter The Cost". This book was but a tool in that process, but a tool worthy of using. Buy it, read it, and find a group of guys to do life deeply with!
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When I got this book I was so excited to start reading it that I tore into the very first night! And I got all the way into the prologue when I realized this wasn't a book I was going to read in a couple of nights and then put on a book shelf and forget about. No, this was a book I was going to have to work my way through - praying and agonizing over each and every word. I say that because what I discovered as I got all the way into the prologue (yes, I know that's at the very beginning...) was that this book was written for ME. And not just for me - but about me. I read descriptions of myself over and over again as I worked my way through this book - and it started in the prologue. Ironically, in the prologue, Vance talks about George Bailey and the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" - it just happens to be my favorite Christmas movie - and I discovered, even after years of watching that movie (and forcing my kids to watch it) that I am George Bailey. I've always thought I had never amounted to much of anything and that the world would be better off without me. I even blogged about how I'd always wanted to be a hero - the kind of man the world views a hero - think Rambo, Navy Seal and James Bond rolled into one - that's who I wanted to be. This book made me realize that in Christ I am much more than that - and I'm not alone!!!
I highly recommend this book for every man - those who may be struggling with self image, secret/hidden sin, shame - but also for those who see themselves as totally on top of the world. I promise you this book will have an impact on you - on every man who reads it!
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Thanks Vance for your openness and honesty in sharing your story and for helping to show All men that there is hope for a great and valiant life, no matter your past or present circumstance. I also want to thank you for encouraging all our Brothers in Christ to seek out and become a part of their own Band of Brothers.
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Having attended one Band of Brothers retreat and subsequently organizing two after that, I have been so looking forward to this book hitting the streets.
The entire concept of men needing other men in their lives for encouragement, validation as a man, and someone to really be accountable to flies in the face of what I call the "John Wayne" syndrome. Don't misunderstand me here because I love John Wayne, but we men have grown up with the "I can do this myself" attitude and if you can't seem to handle whatever life throws at you by "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" you are just some kind of a wuss.
Finally, we have in the midst of all the "self help" MAN books one that speaks to the real issue. We are not meant to face the battles in life alone.
What this book is not is another "fix-it-for-you" temporary band aid. I'm not in my brother’s life to "fix him," I'm in his life to walk with him through the mud and the blood of the battle.
The day I received the advance reading copy of the book I set the mail down on the island in the kitchen and headed back out to the shop. Coming back into the house about an hour later I found my wife already on page 30 something. I said "Hey, gimmie that, you can't read it first!" and she begrudgingly handed it over.
One night about 2 months later (after I had read the book and had lots of dialog with her about the foundational principles) we were getting ready for our weekly home fellowship time. The week before we had finished the study we were doing, and it was time to decide what to study next.
My buddy's wife picked up my copy of "No Matter the Cost" and began to read through parts of it and talking with my wife about it. They all wanted to read through "No Matter the Cost" out loud. After reading the first 2 chapters we had the best discussion we have had the entire time we have been meeting.
As I write this I think of how much loss our collective "manhood" has taken over just my lifetime and how glad I am that now we can have hope. We have a "tool" if you will, to really understand what it means to be engaged and to fight for a brother’s story. This isn’t just the next thing for men coming down the pike. It won’t sit on your bookshelf with the others, not becoming part of the fabric of your life. This is the real deal.
Get the book. Get engaged.
"You are not alone."
Jeff
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A brother in Christ introduced me to the Band of Brothers. This group and this book have inspired me to re-ignite a men's ministry in our church. The book is full of real stories, from real men, living in this very real and broken world. This book provides inspiration and encouragement for men to share their fears and struggles with each other honestly. Without judgement, without condemnation but with love... the same love that Jesus, our brother, has for us.
This book is well written, easy to read and hard to put down.
Thank you Vance for your testimony!
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No Matter the Cost by Vance Brown delivers a message built around the themes of the “Lord’s Prayer” with many applications and quotes to which men can relate from well-known Christian authors and movies to illustrate his points. He takes up the fallen sword of Bill Bright from his appeal to men through his ministry of Promise Keepers and writes to an audience of men and to their shared needs. He is transparent as he opens with his own struggles and with the death of a close friend. Rise up, man up (not only in discharging the duties of being a man of God, but also in not going it alone, but rather with trusted friends), give up, and serve up (stand and deliver) are catch words that could easily be woven into his theme of developing as a servant of God. No Matter the Cost cannot be taken lightly, not as a book nor as the call to discipleship.
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I received this book as a advance copy, as a man i related to so much in this book having gone through two failed marriages, raised my boys, saw them grow up and leave the nest, after that i felt useless, worn out ....this book gave me hope, hope that i haven't had for a long time, it made me want to seek gods help and love and made me understand he walks with meand cares about me.....i would suggest this book to every man out there.....what a good read.
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This was a wonderful read. I had it read within the first 24 hours after I received it...I just could not put it down. It is and will be a great tool for men's ministry. I would say it is a must have in your must read/must share library.
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