If you want to talk about lightning rods in the evangelical world, there is no easier target than the one and only, Mark Driscoll.

Anything he says or does is under close scrutiny from both sides, that is, Christian and non-Christian. Most of the criticism is aimed at views presented in his preaching. One of his latest books, Real Marriage, has drawn a considerable amount of fire from a variety of Christian enterprises. For the most part, Driscoll’s books—along with other pastor/authors—are an edited compilation of past sermon series. In the case of Who Do You Think You Are, though, the book preceded the sermon series. So it’s clear that Driscoll put a lot of time and preparation into this endeavor.

As for the book itself, it is expository in nature. If you aren’t familiar with that term, it basically refers to a type of preaching in which the original intent of the author is sought after as much as possible. So rather than reading into the text what I hope is there, I try to enter into study asking what IS there. With that intent in mind, the preacher then seeks to draw out how to best communicate whatever truth, caution, principle, or application may be there in the text. Who Do You Think You Are? could loosely be called a commentary on the book of Colossians.

Driscoll employs a variety of stories, metaphors, and other illustrations in order to make the text of Colossians come alive for the reader. This is a great book for those who say they have a hard time reading the Bible because they are not sure how it applies to their life. Colossians is, among other things, about our identity in Christ. Thus, each chapter is titled “I AM _____,” with each identity trait being pulled from Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae.

Whether you like him, love him, or loathe him, Mark Driscoll sets out to remind each and every believer in Jesus who he or she is in Christ. That identity brings with it an inordinate degree of assurance, confidence, and security. Moreover, since the world offers endless identities whereby a Christian can be seduced or confused, how much more important is it that we constantly remind ourselves (if you are a Christian) and others what it means to be IN Christ? This book provides that necessary reminder and does so with practical, everyday applications and examples of how these biblical realities are person realities.

Even for those hardline anti-Calvinists out there, I believe you will be encouraged by this book.