Garden City: Work, Rest, and the Art of Being Human.

I'm almost finished with Garden City, and I can't wait to read it again! Comer begins with laying the groundwork on what it means to rule over the earth, as Adam and Eve were commanded. I've heard different teachings and perspectives (from different theological camps) on this over the years, but I have to say that this was the best and most challenging take on this important doctrine. From there, he deals with what it means to work and to rest, and brings it all home to our identity in and walk with God.The chapters on work will bring fresh perspective on whatever it is you do, and will motivate you to do it well for the glory of God--or find something else! Not only will you be challenged in the way you work, but you'll also find yourself appreciating excellence and thinking more about what you purchase and consume. The concept of secular vs. sacred ("Christian" products like music) has been talked about lately, and Comer does a good job addressing this.Right before this book I read another good book on the importance of structured rest as a lifestyle. Really, the section (just a few chapters) in Garden City addressed this even better.Keep in mind that this isn't meant to be a deep work of theology, even though it is theological. I appreciated the engaging use of original Hebrew language and Jewish traditional and contemporary teaching. But this book is above all practical and applicable, and can help you deal with your perspective on God, work, family, and life as a whole foundationally. There's no reason to read this if you're not willing to change.I didn't agree with every little point Comer makes. But I don't have to in order to see the overall greatness of this message, and its importance to me and those I know. As I've been reading it, I keep thinking of people that I know and love that I'd like to give copies to. Not to change their thinking, but to give clear utterance and direction to what I know they are already feeling.So yes, not only would I recommend this to a friend (or the girl who cuts my hair, or the guys at the local coffee shop), I'd buy it for them!

Highly recommend!

John Mark Comer, a pastor at Bridgeport A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon and author of Garden City. He is the author of a couple of my favorite books, Loveology and Hello my name is Hope. With Garden City he did not disappoint.John Mark Comer makes very good points on that what we do, does matter to God. On how our job matters to God regardless if it is within the church or not. By us enjoying what we do, we can also project God and making the invisible God visible to others.I believe the book can be very encouraging to both who are still trying to figure out what to do with life and those who are trying to figure out how to balance things out.Not only does he touch on the purpose of life but also the need of rest. I needed this section more than the section of purpose. I have known what I have been created to do since I was thirteen and have pursued a career in the field. But my constant struggle has been balancing my rest with work and being human.I love how he described the Sabbath and shared his own "ritual" routine of his Sabbath every week. This gave good insight, not necessarily on what it should look like. But how I should feel like throughout the week when I make the effort to practice the Sabbath. Many times among this accelerated society I need constant reminders to enjoy my Sabbath, to respect it, and have the intimacy with God on the day of rest."Sabbath isn't just a Pause button - it's a full, complete, total system restart." -John Mark ComerI have always enjoyed John Mark Comer's style of writing. He stimulates me to think. I learn how biblical aspects relate to my daily living. Most important to me, I grow as a Christian.___________________________________________________________________________I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. See more at Belovedgems.org

This is an explanation of Genesis made for today’s people. To look back at what God had planned for the world and how that promise still stands. How to be the best person God intend for us to be, and live the life He intended for us.

I liked that he took NT Wright’s theology and simplified it for the average person with out being reductionist.I will say that this book is written by an American for Americans with a lot of American Evangelicalism familiarities. That said — this is a good primer for people who are wondering if there’s something more than what they are seeing in their typical American Evangelical Church.Having just read Jesus and John Wayne, I could nitpick about some minor things. But suffice it to say it’s a good quick read — and I recommend this to people stuck in a pew and see no way out.

Great read. Highly recommend.

I got this book for my husband as a gift and he LOVED it! He said he will be rereading it to actually take notes because of how insightful it was.

A wonderfully written book for real people.

This book is foundational for our purpose in life on Earth by giving us perspective on life originally and life after Jesus returns again. I am a mentor/"disciple" younger folks and I ALWAYS go through this book with them. I've purchased this for grad gifts, birthdays, etc. This book is SO SO good. It changed how I see heaven, thus changing how I live on this Earth and makes the Gospel much more clearer.I am a native English speaker in university: my English is quite good. This book is written in such a conversational way that is easy for ANYONE to understand. This doesn't make me "think" when I read; it feels like I'm sitting in front of John Mark Comer himself listening to him talk over dinner. I hate reading for pleasure, but this book is SO easy to read. I hope you buy it because it will change how you live each and every day.

Arbeit ist kein Fluch, der mit der Sünde in die Welt kam, so John Mark Comer, sondern wir wurden als Menschen zur Mitherrschaft geschaffen. In Partnerschaft mit Gott diesen Planeten als seine Ebenbilder zu bebauen und zu bewahren. Dass etwas schief gegangen ist, ist offensichtlich. Es geht also darum, wie wir wieder ein gutes Verhältnis zur Arbeit und zur Ruhe empfangen können. In einer Beziehung zu Jesus vor allem.Klasse fande ich folgendes:- Der Entwurf einer Theologie der Arbeit.- Was sich Gott beim Ruhetag gedacht hat, wird deutlich hervorgehoben.- die persönliche Note des Autors. Er erzählt offen und ehrlich aus seiner Lernkurve.Wer sein Buch das Ende der Rasrlosigkeit gelesen hat, weiß schon um die Sabbat Thematik. Hier kann es zu Wiederholungen kommen, da dieses Buch im Englischen vor dem Ende der Rastlosigkeit heraus kam.Der Mehrwert an diesem Buch steckt im englischen Titel, der im Deutschen leider flöten geht, Garden - City. Garten - Stadt.Der gesamte biblische Faden vom Garten Eden bis zur neuen himmlischen Stadt wird unter der Perspektive Arbeit und Ruhe betrachtet. Mit einigen überraschenden Erkenntnissen für den ein oder anderen. Z.B. auch in der neuen Welt werden wir arbeiten 😉Also wärmste Empfehlung.

For all those who grapple with their destiny, for those who wrestle with the concepts of work and rest, for those looking to discover their purpose in life - this will be a great read.John Mark Comer's books are on one level an easy read, very accessible, honest and human, while on another level being packed with theological truth and understanding which comes from years of study.To be recommended.

Sehr gutes Buch über wer wir als Menschen sind/sein sollten. 100% Leseempfehlung!

Wow. Highly recommend this book. Beautiful and insightful and explained what Sabbath is and how to balance work and rest and what God says about it. Loved every page.