Impossible Commands: How to obey God when it seems that you can't

by Jonty Allcock

Discover how obeying Jesus can be both possible and joyful. "Rejoice always." "Don’t be afraid." "Give cheerfully." What do we do when God’s commands sound impossible? Most of us find opt-outs and excuses, or pretend we’re doing better than we are. Author Jonty Allcock calls this "the madness of our lives" and "the slavery of the impossible". There is a better way. What if obedience could be a life-giving joy rather than a job, a delight instead of a duty? In this book, Jonty shows us that by facing up to the impossible commands of Jesus, we come to the end of our own will and determination, and end up at Jesus’ feet. We find ourselves in the hands of a God who can do all things. Where we fail to obey, there is grace. Where we succeed in obeying, there we find the miracle of the Spirit active within us. This book takes us through four steps - I can’t, I’m sorry, please help and let’s go - that will help us look to ourselves less and depend on God more, enabling a spirit-led joyful obedience.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Christian Living

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2019

About the author

Jonty Allcock is pastor at the Globe Church in central London. He is married to Linda and loves being a dad to three sons. Jonty is the author of Impossible Commands, Lost, Hero and Fearless.

Reviews

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

A través del libro Mandamientos imposibles, Jonty Allcock —pastor de The Global Church en Inglaterra— nos enfrenta a los mandamientos principales que contienen las Escrituras, llevándonos constantemente a reflexionar en cómo podemos obedecerlos con una actitud de gozo en vez de evadirlos.

Lee la reseña completa a Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly convicting - a great guide to 10 commands and what they mean. He expounds well and keeps the message gospel-centred, while challenging the reader to purge their lives of sin. Easy to read and well worth it. I'll be referring to it for months to come :D

[Tiffany Slouffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I want to buy so I can read it over and over.
A book that sounds like it will make you feel bad and shame you for not following all of God’s commands, is in fact one of the most freeing books I have ever read.
This is a gospel rich book that points over and over to God’s mercy and grace and the Holy Spirit’s promise of help.

[Issac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really needed this book to come along right now because this topic has been on my mind. I like the way Jonty deals with these "impossible" commands and doesn't get overly pious, but rather is honest about how we often will fail.

There's some good practical advice but the message for me was stop trying to carry around "Christian traits" in a legalistic way, reset your focus (on Christ), and set out to joyfully follow Him by heavily relying on Jesus and not your actions.

I think this text early in the book spoke to me most: "We fail every time we try to obey in our own strength. We fail every time we get proud and self-reliant...We will fail when God's word is not a delight to us. But for every time we fail there is forgiveness...We return to Him on our knees and ask Him for the power to go again. That's a prayer He loves to answer."

[Jamie Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and insightful. Would recommend, has many an important note for Christians struggling with the Bible's commands

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust and Obey was one of the first songs I learned as a child. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.” A simple tune with profound truth. But reflecting on the lyrics now that I am older, I am caught in a significant dilemma. I definitely want to obey Jesus, but it sometimes seems impossible to do so. How can I obey Christ completely when his commands seem so impossible?

It Really Is Impossible

Author Jonty Allcock leans into this problem by acknowledging that, yes, Jesus’ commands are impossible to follow and obey. Who can really love God with everything all the time? How can we always rejoice in the Lord? How can we not be afraid in this troubled world?

Thankfully, Allcock does not leave us without a Savior. In the opening chapters, he points us to Jesus who is the founder and perfector of our faith. And he gives us a four-step process (I can’t, I’m sorry, please help and let’s go) to help us depend on God.

Doing the Impossible

He walks us through this process and tackles the impossible commands we find in God’s Word. In addition to what I mentioned above, he looks at the commands to be perfect, devote yourself to prayer, love one another, give cheerfully, serve wholeheartedly, keep meeting together, and make disciples.

While giving anecdotes from his own life, Allcock helps us begin the process of obeying God’s commands. Because obeying these commands will be unique in every person’s situation, he paints in broad strokes. He calls us to commit to specific Bible verses. He gives us advice on how to pray. And he gives practical suggestions for many of life’s problems.

With God All Things are Possible

Reading this book did not dissuade or discourage me from wanting and striving to obey these seemingly impossible commands. Instead, I am pointed to the Savior who helps me see my inadequacy and need to trust and live in such a way that I can serve in the strength that God supplies. And by trusting and obeying, I know I can find my true joy and happiness in Jesus.

I was provided a complimentary copy of Impossible Commands in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely brilliant book. Jonty focuses on some of the commands Jesus makes and how for us they are impossible to obey perfectly this side of heaven. But rather than excusing us from obedience the author reminds the reader how to pursue joyful obedience through Christ. It starts with acknowledging that we cannot keep these commands in our own strength, repenting, asking for Gods help and then making every effort to joyfully obey. This book is full of grace and biblical encouragement. A must read for all Christians.

[Dr Eiznof · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful and practical guide for Christians who are struggling to be obedient and equally torn by the slippery and tempting slope towards sin and easy living. Jonty offers a heartfelt and encouraging approach towards obedience, one that is not rooted in legalism but instead, a joyful one. A must-read.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crisp writing. Takes important concepts, and explains it very simply and logically.

Even my 12 year old daughter, who read the first chapter, was able to understand.

Nothing that you will find new here, if you are a more mature Christian. But it is a good read, as the author writes well, and makes his explanation very clear.

[Jenwei Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply grateful for this joyful view of God's commands.

[Alison Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a most helpful book. The guide for how to tackle these commands was useful and easy to remember ( I can't, Sorry, Help me, Go for it!) The examples demonstrated how to use these guidelines and I am sure will be of use to me in the future.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book!

[Ms Lauretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down

The spiritual food in this book made me realize my hunger.
Will give this book to my friends.
Thank you