Vince Antonucci's Restore (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Where do I begin talking about a book that talks about receiving help and becoming the child of God that no longer lives to sin? I don't feel adequate enough to do so because while I live to the best of my ability to live and enjoy life as God intends for me, I still sin. It's not a willful act for me to just be all, "Yes, I will still sin and do it joyously to receive God's grace." No, that's not me. Paul said this: "We all lived among them at one time in the cravings of our flesh, indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3).
          Now what I can say about Vince's book Restore is that he does a great job, in my opinion, to address the topics of addiction and recovery. Much more than that he talks about how God can heal the broken heart. I know I may say it on other books I reviewed, but Vince--in a way--comes across as though His heart is simply full of Jesus. If Jesus were in the here and now walking the streets of Vegas doing ministry, He would lead the charge of, "Come and let me make you whole. I am He who scripture declares from the first to the last." I'm not saying Vince is Jesus Christ, but I am saying Vince serves Christ to the best and fullest of his ability (so it seems).
          If I had to say it differently I would say Vince looks and comes across as a servant with a servant's heart to do Christ's will in his life. There, I simplified that. With Vince's way about things and in his own personal way, he comes across as being more than personal and touching. He also comes across as being sincere in wanting to show there's another way to live life. One that is fulfilled and made new; one that is joy-filled and restored by the hand of God.
          For me, as I read the book, I was trying to keep in mind not everyone is "put together." In some way most of us are broken. We don't see it or want to admit we are. We hide it: in a bottle, in meaningless relationships, in online pursuits, in drugs, or through watching too much television. But if we want to be set free from those old bonds, to no longer be enslaved by those things, it means something radical has to take place. Shame needs to be cast off and we can't simply do that on our own. Christ came to break the bonds of sin and death. He came as the master over sin and death, and He shows us by His willingness to die on the cross that only He could defeat them.
          With all of that said, what I can say about Vince's book is that if you allow God to invade your heart, to invade your mind, to do that radical life-changing restoration only God can, you will be changed. It means taking Christ as Lord and Savior. It means your faith has been changed from the things of this world, to the Son of God who takes away our sins. So, if you choose to read Vince's book Restore, come with an open mind about God being able to change you from the inside out.

          I received this book compliments of Tyndale in giving an honest review. All opinions are mine.