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*Without Rival by Lisa Bevere was sent to me by Family Christian in exchange for my honest review.

The first words I read are important for any child of God to know:

Dearest one,  

You are loved by a Father without rival, entrusted with a message and a promise beyond compare, in a time without precedent.  You have been chosen for this moment that is at once great and terrible.  For this very reason, you must love fearlessly . . . believe outrageously . . . and hope without measure. – Lisa Bevere

 Without Rival by Lisa Bevere

Lisa’s first chapter in Without Rival is dedicated to encouraging women to realize who we are, that we are uniquely loved by a Father who has no rival.  From there, she takes us on the journey of learning who God is.  We are who we are because of who God is . . . because of who Jesus is.

She goes on to encourage women not to compare themselves with others.

Women have an identity without rival because they are daughters of a King without rival.

Throughout this book, Lisa’s hope is that women will realize their worth and their calling from God and that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish His purpose for their lives.

I have to say that I disagree with Lisa’s theology in chapter 6.  I agree with her belief that God does call women out for specific purposes and ministries but the scriptures do not support women preaching in churches, especially where they would have any authority over a man.  Lisa avoids 1 Timothy 2 when she presents her case in chapter 6.

I understand the vision and purpose of Without Rival and I believe God has blessed Lisa’s ministry and I believe He will continue to do so.  I believe God calls women into appropriate ministries and He gives them all the tools they need to do what He has called them to do, but according to scripture, He would not call a woman to preach in a church where she would have any authority over men.

A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. – 1 Timothy

Having given my honest opinion about the matter, Lisa offers women so much encouragement throughout Without Rival.  I could tell that she poured her heart out in the pages of this book, hoping and praying that women will realize their worth in Jesus and that they can minister in confidence  – that they can live their lives “without rival” in His name.

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