What do you think?
"But God...": The Two Words at the Heart of the Gospel
Whether from the pen of Moses, Paul, or other biblical authors, “But God” appears in various forms hundreds of times in the Bible. To understand these two words as they are used in Scripture is to understand the gospel. This book focuses on nine of the most important appearances of this key phrase, drawing in numerous other passages of Scripture and in the process unfolding the magnificent drama of God’s sovereign grace—from his mercy on Noah to our security in a resurrected Savior. James Montgomery Boice wrote, “May I put it quite simply? If you understand those two words—‘but God’—they will save your soul. If you recall them daily and live by them, they will transform your life completely.” Boice was right. To the left of “But God” in Scripture appear some of the worst human atrocities, characterized by disobedience and rebellion. To the left of “But God” is hopelessness, darkness, and death. But to its right, following “But God,” readers of Scripture will find hope, light, and life. Following God’s intervention, the story of Scripture becomes one of grace, righteousness, and justice. In fact, this phrase is used to describe God’s activity in nearly every great salvation story in the Bible. It is the perfect phrase for highlighting God's grace against the dark backdrop of human sin. “But God” marks God’s relentless, merciful interventions in human history. It teaches us that God does not wait for us to bring ourselves to him, but that he acts first to bring about our good. It also teaches us of the potential consequences if God were not to act. Scripture shows over and over that without God’s intervening grace, without the “But God” statements in the Bible, the world would be completely lost in sin and under judgment. May the reading of this book, and of the biblical “But God” statements it contains, cause you to understand these two words, recall them regularly, and allow them to transform your understanding of God’s grace and thus transform your very life.
107 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 2, 2016
This is a very encouraging little book, pointing to two words that function as the hinge of all gospel living. There is a problem, a dilemma, a crisis, a trouble, and God’s people are up against it. This happens time and again in the Scriptures. And the next two words are but God . . .
Casey Lute walks through the Scriptures, pointing to nine key instances of this. He starts with Noah. “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided” (Gen. 8:1, ESV).
The God of the Bible is the God who saves, and He saves us in the middle of the story. The problem is sketched out and made clear, and then, when all hope is lost, we hear the words but God. God loves cliffhangers.
But God remembered Noah. But God delivered Israel at the Red Sea. But God raised Jesus from the dead. This book is a quick read, but quite meaty for all that.
Casey Lute walks through the Scriptures, pointing to nine key instances of this. He starts with Noah. “But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided” (Gen. 8:1, ESV).
The God of the Bible is the God who saves, and He saves us in the middle of the story. The problem is sketched out and made clear, and then, when all hope is lost, we hear the words but God. God loves cliffhangers.
But God remembered Noah. But God delivered Israel at the Red Sea. But God raised Jesus from the dead. This book is a quick read, but quite meaty for all that.
January 21, 2012
But God . . . is one of my favorite books now. As seen from the description, Lute traces this phrase throughout scripture. Reading through each of the examples that Lute has chosen highlights my own inability to save myself or even do anything good apart from God as well as God’s own grace and mercy toward me. It propels me to take a closer look at all of my circumstances, find the “but God” moments in my own life, and then worship God again for His amazing grace.
July 13, 2012
I bought this book because Ephesians 2 is one of my favorite passages and my Christian life has thrived because of that single “But God...” Lute sums my feelings on that passage, “To the left of ‘But God’ is hopelessness, darkness, and death. But to its right, following ‘But God,’ readers of Scripture will find hope, light, and life” (pp. 5-6). Kindle Edition.
Before reading this book, I had no idea what the structure would be. I assumed because of how much I loved Ephesians 2 that the entire book would an exposition of that passage. Lute does explain Ephesians 2 but he follows this larger theme of God’s necessary work in the affairs of men throughout the entire Bible. He starts with Noah, moves to Israel, then Nehemiah, into the Psalms, and ending in the New Testament with Romans 5:8, Acts 13:30, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Ephesians 2:4, and 2 Timothy 2:19. Before starting he lays out his cards on the table,
“But God” marks God’s relentless, merciful interventions in human history. It teaches us that God does not wait for us to bring ourselves to him, but that he acts first to bring about our good. (p. 6). Cruciform Press.
These passages are examined carefully and simply. His exposition could be easily understood by the newest Christians. The chiastic structure of the “But God” is demonstrated throughout the Bible. He points out,
The Hebrew Bible is unlike other ancient documents—it does not shy away from recording the sins of its people because it is not ultimately about the people. (p. 40). Kindle Edition.
My wife and I recently discussed this very point while reading through Genesis together. These people are shady. None of them are commendable outside of the grace of God. That gives us hope as we plead for God to intervene in our daily lives.
Before reading this book, I had no idea what the structure would be. I assumed because of how much I loved Ephesians 2 that the entire book would an exposition of that passage. Lute does explain Ephesians 2 but he follows this larger theme of God’s necessary work in the affairs of men throughout the entire Bible. He starts with Noah, moves to Israel, then Nehemiah, into the Psalms, and ending in the New Testament with Romans 5:8, Acts 13:30, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Ephesians 2:4, and 2 Timothy 2:19. Before starting he lays out his cards on the table,
“But God” marks God’s relentless, merciful interventions in human history. It teaches us that God does not wait for us to bring ourselves to him, but that he acts first to bring about our good. (p. 6). Cruciform Press.
These passages are examined carefully and simply. His exposition could be easily understood by the newest Christians. The chiastic structure of the “But God” is demonstrated throughout the Bible. He points out,
The Hebrew Bible is unlike other ancient documents—it does not shy away from recording the sins of its people because it is not ultimately about the people. (p. 40). Kindle Edition.
My wife and I recently discussed this very point while reading through Genesis together. These people are shady. None of them are commendable outside of the grace of God. That gives us hope as we plead for God to intervene in our daily lives.
July 6, 2018
Such a short little book but it took me a long time to read. It’s just 100 pages. And all of the chapters are less than 10 pages long. But every page hit me hard. It convicted me of my sin (not sins but sin) and reminded be that through the Father’s electing natur me, the Son’s atoning sacrifice, and the Soirit convicting and sanctifying, I am the result of a series of But God moments. Can not recommend enough esp to hose struggling with sin, assurance, election, perseverance, or the heart of the Gospel.
June 29, 2012
"But God" is a very enjoyable book. It manages to tread the difficultly thin path that borders readable and educational. Lute makes a lot of obvious points, as any book of this nature should. But he also goes a little further a few places.
This is a pretty quick read. I think anyone who suspects the subject matter will be interesting will be quite satisfied with their read.
This is a pretty quick read. I think anyone who suspects the subject matter will be interesting will be quite satisfied with their read.
December 14, 2011
A good little book of short expositions on the phrase (explicit or implicit) "But God . . ." in Scripture. I would recommend this as nourishment for your soul, helpful reading for someone interested in Christianity, or even as a guide for a small group study.
September 12, 2011
Great book.
August 5, 2023
I know Casey Lute through his wife who is a dear friend of mine. They are planting a church this fall and I decided it was time to read his book!
It’s a beautiful, simple exploration into the heart of the gospel through the occurrences of the words, “But God.” We traveled through scripture noticing places God acted and changed the direction of humanity.
“But God” preserves humanity
“But God” creates a nation.
“But God” preserves his nation
“But God” provides a Better Sacrifice
“But God” demonstrates his love
“But God” raised Jesus from the dead
“But God” chooses the foolish & weak
“But God” brings life out of death
“But God’s” firm foundation stands
In the end, we wrap up with comforting reminders that “But God” is so much better than “But me”. My heart and my strength may fail BUT GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
It’s a beautiful, simple exploration into the heart of the gospel through the occurrences of the words, “But God.” We traveled through scripture noticing places God acted and changed the direction of humanity.
“But God” preserves humanity
“But God” creates a nation.
“But God” preserves his nation
“But God” provides a Better Sacrifice
“But God” demonstrates his love
“But God” raised Jesus from the dead
“But God” chooses the foolish & weak
“But God” brings life out of death
“But God’s” firm foundation stands
In the end, we wrap up with comforting reminders that “But God” is so much better than “But me”. My heart and my strength may fail BUT GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
January 28, 2021
"But God", is a very enjoyable and satisfying overview of how God saves! The phrase appears many times in the Bible and always appears between a calamity and a solution.
The book is a very encouraging and instructive message that speaks to our inability to save ourselves and God's desire to give us hope and grace in our sinful lives.
Short and concise, but comprehensive, this book reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. It reminds us that as Christians we are the result of "But God" moments in our lives!
The book is a very encouraging and instructive message that speaks to our inability to save ourselves and God's desire to give us hope and grace in our sinful lives.
Short and concise, but comprehensive, this book reminds us that nothing is impossible with God. It reminds us that as Christians we are the result of "But God" moments in our lives!
October 1, 2018
This book helped me drink deeply of the Gospel when I didn’t feel like I was “enough”...mom enough, wife enough, etc. I cried tears of joy as I celebrated God's continuing faithfulness in spite of the repeated failures of His chosen people. If you're looking for a resource to help you "preach the Gospel to yourself", this is an excellent choice!
June 24, 2017
This book would be a fabulous book for new Christians. It covers the basics from Christ's resurrection to daily principals, including definitions of sin. It's a quick read so it wouldn't intimate someone who doesn't read much.
May 15, 2018
Excellant
Battling brain cancer with chemo and radiation has allowed me plenty of reading time. This book was well worth it! Chaos, disorder, pain, sickness, fear all abound ' But God ' enters the picture and order can be restored, issues are resolved in His way.
Battling brain cancer with chemo and radiation has allowed me plenty of reading time. This book was well worth it! Chaos, disorder, pain, sickness, fear all abound ' But God ' enters the picture and order can be restored, issues are resolved in His way.
January 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. A clear demonstration of the sovereignty, patience, and love of God. This would be a great gift to a relatively new believer, especially a Reformed believer. It's brief, but to the point.
September 13, 2023
Short, easy read but a reminder of the life-changing impact the two words “But God” carry.
February 21, 2015
In But God, Casey Lute provides another fine addition to the Cruciform Press library.
This short book examines two words that make all the difference in the world when it comes to man's spiritual plight. Lute writes, "To the left of 'But God' in Scripture appear some of the worst human atrocities, characterized by disobedience and rebellion. To the left of 'But God' is hopelessness, darkness, and death. But to the right, following 'But God,' readers of Scripture will find hope, light, and life. Following God's intervention, the story of Scripture becomes one of grace, righteousness, and justice" (5-6). Who knew one contraction could make such a big difference? I guess when God is the one behind the contradiction.....
Lute's book contains nine chapters that each exegete a key passage where a "but God" phrase occurs. These nine chapters are laid out in three sections: God shows how he saves, God provides salvation for his people, and God applies salvation to his people. Lute's book is biblically sound (though not thorough by any stretch of the imagination - how thorough can one be in 103 short pages?) and pastoral in tone. As I read it, I thought of what a great guide it might be for a small group bible study or even for a skeleton of a sermon series on the great "But God" passages of Scripture.
Casey Lute should be commended for offering the body of Christ a wonderful resource. I highly recommend this book as a great tool for small group leaders or anyone interested in whetting their appetite in studying the great drama of God as it is played out in redemptive history.
This short book examines two words that make all the difference in the world when it comes to man's spiritual plight. Lute writes, "To the left of 'But God' in Scripture appear some of the worst human atrocities, characterized by disobedience and rebellion. To the left of 'But God' is hopelessness, darkness, and death. But to the right, following 'But God,' readers of Scripture will find hope, light, and life. Following God's intervention, the story of Scripture becomes one of grace, righteousness, and justice" (5-6). Who knew one contraction could make such a big difference? I guess when God is the one behind the contradiction.....
Lute's book contains nine chapters that each exegete a key passage where a "but God" phrase occurs. These nine chapters are laid out in three sections: God shows how he saves, God provides salvation for his people, and God applies salvation to his people. Lute's book is biblically sound (though not thorough by any stretch of the imagination - how thorough can one be in 103 short pages?) and pastoral in tone. As I read it, I thought of what a great guide it might be for a small group bible study or even for a skeleton of a sermon series on the great "But God" passages of Scripture.
Casey Lute should be commended for offering the body of Christ a wonderful resource. I highly recommend this book as a great tool for small group leaders or anyone interested in whetting their appetite in studying the great drama of God as it is played out in redemptive history.
May 3, 2011
But God starts with Noah and ends Paul encouraging Timothy in the faith. This book was written very well with clear explanation of the But God in each of man's circumstance. With Moses crossing the Red Sea, but God gave them deliverance from Pharaoh like only He could. As Lute said on page 23..That day, Israel became an independent nation, not owing to any effort of the people, but only to God's deliverance. And as we know, that it is still happening. As I write this, I am sure Israel will be tested in this again as all Israel may be without any allies in the near future. As it is written God will never abandon Israel. I think my favorite But God moment was Abraham.. page 37. How Lute described the ceremony involving the dividing of animals of ratifying a covenant. Reading that section brought my mind to the cross. In the end and as always, the responsiblity fell on God alone to keep his promise, and God keeps his promises. But God shows the contrast to his nature and our sinfulness. It really is a great study and deserves thought as we read and apply those words into our life. In all of scripture the difference maker is But God. Lute gave his readers tools with the phrase but God to know Him and his purpose for us.
August 17, 2012
Scattered throughout the pages of the Bible are two small words that pop up in seemingly random places: “But God.” Lute carefully points out that these two words actually convey the very center of the Bible’s message—that God acts on behalf of those who would not and could not help themselves. Tracing this theme through both testaments, Lute skillfully crafts a helpful lens for viewing an overarching theme of Scripture. A very readable, enjoyable book.
July 10, 2015
Good book for a small group study
The chapters are short and easy to digest, though Lute provides powerful examples from Scripture of God's mercy, grace, love, and provision. I've heard R. C. Sproul say that "but God" is his favorite phrase in the Bible. Lute does a good job in showing the importance of this phrase.
The chapters are short and easy to digest, though Lute provides powerful examples from Scripture of God's mercy, grace, love, and provision. I've heard R. C. Sproul say that "but God" is his favorite phrase in the Bible. Lute does a good job in showing the importance of this phrase.
May 3, 2011
"But God..." is a refreshingly concise, yet comprehensive biblical theology of grace that left this reader more in awe of the grace of God.
My full review can be read here:
http://www.bloggingtheologically.com/...
My full review can be read here:
http://www.bloggingtheologically.com/...
June 5, 2011
This book provided some good examples of how the whole of the Word of God, OT and NT, is pointing to the story of God's redemption of His people, and ultimately, all points to Jesus. There are some good chapters in here that would make great Sunday School lessons.
June 23, 2016
Encouraging book, loved it!
I appreciate the author's ability to further my understanding of God's glory and goodness towards His creation. This book lifts God's attributes up for the reader to see, love and worship God more deeply.
I appreciate the author's ability to further my understanding of God's glory and goodness towards His creation. This book lifts God's attributes up for the reader to see, love and worship God more deeply.
May 6, 2011
I loved how Casey Lute traced the "But God" path through the biblical story. Provides a simple, clear, encouraging, and gospel-centered journey through the Bible.
April 1, 2012
Excellent.
My review here:
http://www.beckypliego.com/2011/05/bu...
My review here:
http://www.beckypliego.com/2011/05/bu...
April 3, 2012
Solid with reformed theology. However, the central premise of a book surrounding passages that have "but God" in them seemed a bit arbitrary and forced at times. Enjoyable all the same.
March 4, 2013
My brother in law wrote this and it is a great book!
April 9, 2013
A very good short book that traces redemptive history through the "But God" statements of Scripture. A very helpful reminder of different aspects of the gospel.
September 6, 2013
September 6th, 2013 I started read this in e-book form and so far I am enjoying this book. Thankful and looking forward to finish this! Great book to read and great reminder of who we were But God...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews