Impossible Commands

Jonty Allcock is one of the most engaging gospel communicators in the UK today. He combines exegetical faithfulness with creativity and relevant practical application. In his latest book, he shows Christians that God’s power enables us to live a life of joyful obedience. This uplifting and challenging book will liberate believers from the despair and frustration of feeling that God asks us to do the impossible. Whilst God does give us humanly “impossible” commands, the glorious good news is that he makes it possible for us to obey them! If you want your life to be transformed from crushing and dutiful legalism to heartfelt longing to obey then read this book.

Here is an encouraging and digestible book about obedience! Grounded in Bible truth, these chapters give not just an argument but a call that's clear and full of hope. The biblical path to obedience is plainly laid out, with the necessary first step: "I can't." But what a blessing to consider the subsequent steps that in fact lead us to obey: "I'm sorry"; "Please help"; and "Let's Go." I'm grateful for this call to follow the Lord Jesus with joyful obedience.

I am delighted to commend “Impossible Commands”. Writing with the same thrilling clarity as in his preaching, Jonty offers us a fresh and exciting perspective upon the apparently impossible commands of God, giving us real hope of experiencing the joy of obedience that Christians long for. I thoroughly recommend this book!”

This is one of those unusual Christian books that speaks with the earthy voice of the practical pastor and—at the same time—with the careful tones of the skilled theologian. So much good and meaty theology informs the realistic practicality! I hope this book will prove widely useful.

This practical, biblically-grounded book will encourage prayerful obedience of the Lord Jesus. Jonty writes not only realistically, but also engagingly of wholehearted Christian discipleship. “Impossible Commands” will do us good!

There are usually two human responses to the difficult commands of Scripture: we come away either overwhelmed or dismissive. Either we despair at the way we fall short or try to water them down so as to fit our most comfortable behavior. But this book offers a different way—a more biblical way. God did intend for us to obey, otherwise he wouldn't have repeatedly told us to do these things. And yet he has always provided a way, in Jesus, for us to fulfill what seems impossible. This book is exactly what Christians like me need, who both see our inadequacies and God's tall orders. Jonty Allcock offers a pathway of grace-fuelled obedience, a pastoral word to the tired, discouraged, lazy, and indifferent. God's people need this word and God has raised up this pastor and this book to be that word.

With illustrated clarity, pastoral warmth, and heart-searching persuasiveness, Jonty Alcock unpacks how disciples of Jesus should think about the impossible commands of God. With compelling, biblical, grace-focussed logic he shows that "the power to obey is to be found within the commands God has given". Unpacking four steps to joyful obedience, he then applies the steps to eight apparently impossible commands. Every disciple will identify with the struggles described in this book; every disciple, however long they have been following Jesus, will find help and hope in this book.

Often in our churches we fall on one of two spectrums regarding the commands given in the Bible. We brush them off as legalism or hold too strongly to them, believing obedience can make us more holy. Both sides are on to something. Jonty Allcock brings these sides together in this helpful book on the "Impossible Commands." Yes, we can do nothing to save ourselves. It's all grace. But we are also called to holiness. It's all grace. Allcock helpfully shows us all that God's commands are serious, but the power to obey those commands is ever present. I was challenged, encouraged, and strengthened.

"Impossible Commands" is dynamite. Or, at least it presents simply and compellingly the Bible’s dynamite solution to our obedience struggles. Though it provides us with four steps to follow, it isn’t a simplistic "how to" manual. Instead, these steps are grounded on profound theology which can transform our thinking and doing. Reading this book made me reflect again on the amazing reality of the Christian’s union with Christ and the powerful indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I’ll read it again with new believers and older ones too, especially those who, like me, get stuck in spiritual ruts.

Joy and obedience should be natural partners in the Christian life but too many of us have driven a wedge between them. Here Jonty helpfully reunites them with clear diagnosis and biblical remedy. He is realistic about the battles Christians face but optimistic about what, in the power of the Spirit, Christians can hope for. The result is a book which is encouraging, practical, helpful and important.

A deeply hopeful book that is nonetheless grounded in the gritty reality of our continuing battle against sin. Easy to read, biblically faithful and refreshingly practical, this book will help many to walk a journey of change with God.