This book has helped me to be set free from the bondage of legalism and the incredibly frustrating and exhausting cycle of trying and failing. For a long time, I felt that God was always disappointed in me and that no matter how much I did, it was never enough. This book has also helped me realize that I was trying to live the Christian life through self-effort. This book also helped me to realize that I should be doing Christian things like reading the Bible, going to church etc, because I want to. Not because I feel like I have to. This book has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and my heart.
If you feel trapped in the cycle of trying and failing, like I was, read this book. Steve is very vulnerable about his own struggles in this area. This book is a breath of fresh air and will change your life. This book will also help you to understand that you are not alone in your struggles. Others have been through the same thing. It will also remind you that God cares and understands.
Among the excellent points covered include:
1. God's view of success differs from the world's view.2. Definition of the flesh. Before God will work in and through us, we must stop relying on fleshly self-confidence.3. The futility of trying to live the Christian life in fleshy self-effort.4. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is based on grace, not rules and regulations. Church activity without Jesus is powerless.5. The exchanged life vs. the flesh life and promises God gives us for victorious living.6. Reasons to live based on a relationship with Jesus instead of Christian values.7. Evangelism based on grace is the overflow of a joyous relationship with Jesus Christ.8. Grace is characterized by calm confidence in God's sovereignty, timing, and methods.
While God's grace is the dominant theme in this book, the author does not excuse liberty at the expense of being a positive witness.
Read and be encouraged to let God be your life instead of you trying to live the Christian life. There is a difference!