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Authentic Christianity
This classic by Ray Stedman moves you beyond religion, doctrine, rules, and rituals into the life-changing experience of being genuinely and intimately connected with Christ. He shows you how to live a life of faith with integrity - a life that attracts people and compels them to seek its Source.
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1977
About the author
Ray C. Stedman
158 books38 followersRaymond Charles Stedman was an evangelical Christian pastor and author. He was a long-time pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, and author of several books.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 21, 2026
All human pursuits—even the study of religion and theology—are but pale imitations when we come into the presence of the Great Reality: Jesus Himself. A person’s encounter with Jesus Christ—what we call conversion—may occur in various ways, yet it is essential before one can live an authentic Christian life.
Christianity is more than a set of teachings; it is a way of life—indeed, it is life itself. Authentic Christianity requires no advertisement or publicity. It carries a fragrance and a fascination that naturally draws people, much like honey attracts flies. Its initial expression often draws attention and evokes admiration.
An authentic Christian lives with the confidence that the same Lord who permits pain will also use it to bring about a greater and desirable end. Such a life leaves a lasting impression. When one reflects authentic Christianity, others are affected deeply—they may become either better or bitter through the encounter.
As Paul reminds us, authentic Christianity does not peddle truth like a street vendor. Jesus died for us so that He might live in us. His indwelling life becomes the very power by which we live a true Christian life.
Though the sin nature still operates within believers, the law serves to expose it. The law exists because of our humanity—it reveals sin, making us conscious of our need for God.
Humanity was created to be the dwelling place of God. Yet when Adam ate the forbidden fruit, the Spirit of God was separated from his human spirit. Though a memory of that relationship remained, his spirit became darkened and restless—filled with guilt and fear, unable to reconnect with the God he knew existed.
Human sin is closely tied to demonic deception. A self-centered life may outwardly resemble the life of God—loving, serving, forgiving—but inwardly it is driven by self-interest.
How then can we discern whether we are living in the flesh or in the Spirit? By the quality of the fruit our lives produce. The flesh and the Spirit yield entirely different outcomes. When we learn to recognize which is at work within us, we can turn from the flesh to the Spirit.
Enjoyment is part of God’s design for life. Purpose, meaning, worth, and fulfillment are all intended aspects of living fully. A life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—that is truly life!
The more we live with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the more every area of our lives is transformed into His likeness. To appeal to the conscience is to engage the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—mentally, emotionally, and volitionally.
God desires that we become godlike—not independent from Him, but independent from all else because we are wholly dependent on Him. The Christian can always bear witness in hope, trusting that God will bring light out of darkness in many hearts.
Only Jesus is Lord—He alone is essential to life. When we encounter Him, everything else falls into its proper place. We were made to contain God; this is the glory of our humanity. Apart from Him, we are merely earthen vessels—fragile, and sometimes even cracked.
The glory God intended for us is to draw upon the treasure within—Christ Himself. His power is not destructive but transformative. It unites, restores, and harmonizes, working from within to produce lasting change rather than superficial adjustment.
Christianity is not an escape from life’s problems. If anything, pressures may increase. The difference lies not in avoiding difficulties but in demonstrating a new way of facing them.
The key to this new life is recognizing that the old has been rendered powerless by the cross. What we see is temporary; what is unseen is eternal. Therefore, the focus of life is not on adapting to changing circumstances, but on aligning with eternal truth.
When time ends, eternity begins. Time confines us to sequence, but eternity transcends it.
God’s will is often less about what we do and more about how we do it. While He may direct specific steps at times, He often entrusts us with choice, shaping our character through it.
Many things that seem acceptable may ultimately be revealed as flawed due to misplaced dependence. Yet when our hearts are awakened by God’s love, we are freed to love others selflessly. Love makes obedience a joy—it delights in fulfilling the desires of the One we love.
We should never hesitate to return to God when we sin. He already knows our failures—even expects them—because He knows us better than we know ourselves. Christians are called to be His spokespeople, but only as they live authentically. Authentic Christianity is Christ, by the Spirit, speaking through us.
Let us run the race of life, seeking to live each moment in the power and grace of the Spirit of Christ. Time spent in the flesh is time in which we have received God’s grace in vain. True Christianity transforms not just outward behavior, but the inner person as well.
Whether honored or dishonored, esteemed or rejected, all believers are equally loved by God, empowered by His Spirit, and called to live in a way that commends the gospel. The authentic Christian lives in a place of holy tension—stretched between God and humanity.
Christianity is more than a set of teachings; it is a way of life—indeed, it is life itself. Authentic Christianity requires no advertisement or publicity. It carries a fragrance and a fascination that naturally draws people, much like honey attracts flies. Its initial expression often draws attention and evokes admiration.
An authentic Christian lives with the confidence that the same Lord who permits pain will also use it to bring about a greater and desirable end. Such a life leaves a lasting impression. When one reflects authentic Christianity, others are affected deeply—they may become either better or bitter through the encounter.
As Paul reminds us, authentic Christianity does not peddle truth like a street vendor. Jesus died for us so that He might live in us. His indwelling life becomes the very power by which we live a true Christian life.
Though the sin nature still operates within believers, the law serves to expose it. The law exists because of our humanity—it reveals sin, making us conscious of our need for God.
Humanity was created to be the dwelling place of God. Yet when Adam ate the forbidden fruit, the Spirit of God was separated from his human spirit. Though a memory of that relationship remained, his spirit became darkened and restless—filled with guilt and fear, unable to reconnect with the God he knew existed.
Human sin is closely tied to demonic deception. A self-centered life may outwardly resemble the life of God—loving, serving, forgiving—but inwardly it is driven by self-interest.
How then can we discern whether we are living in the flesh or in the Spirit? By the quality of the fruit our lives produce. The flesh and the Spirit yield entirely different outcomes. When we learn to recognize which is at work within us, we can turn from the flesh to the Spirit.
Enjoyment is part of God’s design for life. Purpose, meaning, worth, and fulfillment are all intended aspects of living fully. A life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—that is truly life!
The more we live with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the more every area of our lives is transformed into His likeness. To appeal to the conscience is to engage the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—mentally, emotionally, and volitionally.
God desires that we become godlike—not independent from Him, but independent from all else because we are wholly dependent on Him. The Christian can always bear witness in hope, trusting that God will bring light out of darkness in many hearts.
Only Jesus is Lord—He alone is essential to life. When we encounter Him, everything else falls into its proper place. We were made to contain God; this is the glory of our humanity. Apart from Him, we are merely earthen vessels—fragile, and sometimes even cracked.
The glory God intended for us is to draw upon the treasure within—Christ Himself. His power is not destructive but transformative. It unites, restores, and harmonizes, working from within to produce lasting change rather than superficial adjustment.
Christianity is not an escape from life’s problems. If anything, pressures may increase. The difference lies not in avoiding difficulties but in demonstrating a new way of facing them.
The key to this new life is recognizing that the old has been rendered powerless by the cross. What we see is temporary; what is unseen is eternal. Therefore, the focus of life is not on adapting to changing circumstances, but on aligning with eternal truth.
When time ends, eternity begins. Time confines us to sequence, but eternity transcends it.
God’s will is often less about what we do and more about how we do it. While He may direct specific steps at times, He often entrusts us with choice, shaping our character through it.
Many things that seem acceptable may ultimately be revealed as flawed due to misplaced dependence. Yet when our hearts are awakened by God’s love, we are freed to love others selflessly. Love makes obedience a joy—it delights in fulfilling the desires of the One we love.
We should never hesitate to return to God when we sin. He already knows our failures—even expects them—because He knows us better than we know ourselves. Christians are called to be His spokespeople, but only as they live authentically. Authentic Christianity is Christ, by the Spirit, speaking through us.
Let us run the race of life, seeking to live each moment in the power and grace of the Spirit of Christ. Time spent in the flesh is time in which we have received God’s grace in vain. True Christianity transforms not just outward behavior, but the inner person as well.
Whether honored or dishonored, esteemed or rejected, all believers are equally loved by God, empowered by His Spirit, and called to live in a way that commends the gospel. The authentic Christian lives in a place of holy tension—stretched between God and humanity.
July 18, 2012
A must read for today's Christians! This book will change your outlook on life and Christianity!
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January 11, 2021By the only account that I have heard, Mr. Stedman was a person of substance. Regarding this book, I had difficulty (though perhaps not attributable to him) finding substance. I kept reading about how the bible has within contained all, yet paradox kept being presented. In fact, the last chapter employs the very word 'paradox.' What absolutely was made clear was Stedman's deep study of and recall of the bible.
March 30, 2018
Excellent book. I appreciate Stedman's work and this book did not disappoint. This is a book that is required reading for a local Christian community, which is what inspired me to get it and read it. I recommend it for any new believer that is trying to gain insight into the walk of the Christ-follower.
January 13, 2022
This so very helpful and deals with an issue of nominal in contemporary Christianity that so weakens the church today. The counter to this is understanding the effective, life changing effect of the gospel of the in dwelling Christ. This brings glory to Him and joy to those believers who proves these truths true.
September 28, 2022
A must read for any Christian
Ray gives a great explanation of the process of what happens when we become a Christian and the transformation that takes in us. If you want a further understanding of this, Authentic Christianity is a must read.
Ray gives a great explanation of the process of what happens when we become a Christian and the transformation that takes in us. If you want a further understanding of this, Authentic Christianity is a must read.
December 17, 2024
We Live By Faith
One can’t help oneself experience the tensions of life, yet there is another option that sustains us. It’s to live by faith. I’ve read and reflected on it, and then years later, returned to draw from this book.
One can’t help oneself experience the tensions of life, yet there is another option that sustains us. It’s to live by faith. I’ve read and reflected on it, and then years later, returned to draw from this book.
April 16, 2016
The book cover states that this is an "in-depth" study of 2 Corinthians. But it is so much more.It challenges the reader to become more Christlike, but realizes that it's a journey. The theme of this book: "Nothing coming from us; everything coming from God." In the first chapter, Stedman gives us the challenge, "The eternal life that Jesus brings to us is radical, not superficial. It is humble, not self-promoting. It is compassionate, not indifferent. It is courageous, not timid or retiring. It is a far cry indeed from the mild compatibility, agreeability and affability that passes for Christianity in thousands of churches across the land." My favorite chapter was one titled, "Pots, Pressures and Power" about the hidden treasure, "Christ in us." Our motivations to become an authentic Christian are the fear of God and the love of Christ. I found this book very encouraging.
April 6, 2014
I read this book at a time when I was struggling with a physical problem and I really absorbed the message about depending on God moment by moment. I have to say this was a pivotal and life-changing book for me because it forever changed my perception of life and how to relate to God. I highly recommend it.
March 9, 2015
A bookshelf must! Keep this book handy for a resource and spiritual encouragement and guidance.
April 10, 2019
Excellent book - living a life of faith with intregrity - reminded me of all the reasons why our faith is life-changing - and to share that gift with others in a gentle way.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews