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God without Religion: Can It Really Be This Simple?
Andrew Farley's experience as a Christian was first characterized by self-effort as he tried to please God at any cost. His ruthless religion resulted in spiritual burnout and disillusionment with church. Only then did he discover what relaxing in Jesus means and how enjoying God's intimate presence can transform everyday life.
Using a unique story-driven format, God without Religion dismantles common religious misconceptions, revealing
the true meaning of being filled with the Spirit
the facts about judgment, rewards, and God's discipline
the simple truth behind predestination and the divisions it causes
the problem with the popular challenge to "live radical"
Pulling no punches, Farley shows how the truth about these controversial issues can liberate and unify believers as we discover how to rest in the unconditional love of God.
Using a unique story-driven format, God without Religion dismantles common religious misconceptions, revealing
the true meaning of being filled with the Spirit
the facts about judgment, rewards, and God's discipline
the simple truth behind predestination and the divisions it causes
the problem with the popular challenge to "live radical"
Pulling no punches, Farley shows how the truth about these controversial issues can liberate and unify believers as we discover how to rest in the unconditional love of God.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2011
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623 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 22, 2012
Andrew Farley is a unique and fantastic communicator. He has a terrific way of getting to the heart of the matter in a way that truly counts for the reader--with nothing wasted. Chapter after chapter, you will be deeply encouraged and satisfied, not only because He presents the truth in an almost startling manner, but because the clutter and confusion of past doubts and deceptions will be removed.
God Without Religion is that good.
God Without Religion is that good.
March 29, 2012
This is a tough book to review, because there were parts that were very difficult to power through, and parts that were very helpful and well thought through. His book The Naked Gospel contains much of the same material and less of the stuff that gets on my nerves, so I rate it a little higher. Depending on your blend of dispensational/reformed theology, your mileage may vary.
I'm going to share two major points of contention and then talk a little about the strong points of the book.
Firstly, I have some major theological differences with Farley, and that accounts for a lot of the difficulty that I had in reading this book. There is a chapter devoted to the topic of predestination. In my opinion, Farley didn't need to deal with this subject at all, and threw it in because it bugs him. (Again in my opinion) doing so was a mistake. He gives the subject a shallow and dismissive treatment, and his mantra "can it really be that simple? Yes!" becomes really annoying. Especially on this subject, Farley needs to read some better authors who've given the subject what it deserves. If he wants to weigh in, he needs to be ready to contend with Luther, Calvin and Augustine (good luck), not dismiss a few verses from Romans as inadequate proof texts. Giving such a shallow and dismissive view encourages division and misunderstanding and isn't helpful.
Plus, he's wrong. God is sovereign. :)
Also Farley's view of the Law is problematic as well. After reading his views it was hard to understand why (if he is right) we should leave the law in our bibles at all. Why not just rip it out? (In Farley's reductionist logic, the law's only purpose is to increase sin--thereby directing us to Christ.) The same would apply to all the teachings of Jesus under Farley's flawed thinking--since, as Farley states, Jesus was preaching law to people under the law and his teaching simply doesn't apply those set free from the law. I cannot understand why Farley wouldn't take a sharpie and black out every word of it in his own bible, given what he thinks it does to people.
The church has traditionally made distinctions between the moral, civic and ceremonial aspects of the law, but Farley chucks those as well, insisting that we can't pick and choose. (Apparently there's no clear difference morally between eating shellfish and murder in terms of timelessness?)
Clearly the law was written to establish a culture in a group of people broken by generations of enslavement. It was divine cultural engineering. It also established systems of governance both civic and religious. Jesus ministry confronted a fairly recent heresy that said salvation could be had by obedience to the law. (Which was never the intent, because the law could never morally exonerate anyone.) Used properly (alluding to Paul) the law does what it's supposed to do. It confronts evil.
If Farley's assessment of the law were correct and complete, much of the Old Testament, especially the mention of the law in the Psalms, becomes absurd. How can the law be a light to the Psalmist's path and a lamp to his feet if it only exists so that sin will abound? How can it be sweet? How can it it bring "great peace" and prevent stumbling? (Ps 119:165) This entire aspect of the law is completely missing from the book. Again, Farley's mantra "Can it really be this simple?" becomes tiresome because he selectively ignores a host of contradictory material.
I won't dwell on this point, but Farley also seems to miss the mark on the lordship of Christ when he talks about our moral freedom. I agree that right living is natural for the Christian (more on that later) but talk like this:
again selectively ignores much of what is written in the NT about our responsibilities and God's right to expect something of us. This kind of talk is hard to reconcile with the letters to the churches in the Revelation of John.
He's also wrong about 3-D movies. They're horrible and God will judge them. (joking)
Finally (before I say some nice things) the definition and use of the word religion in place of legalism isn't wise. I understand that it's been a bit of a practice since the eighties (it's not a religion, it's a relationship) but the truth is, it's both. You can't have religious institutions, books of scripture, clergy and all the trappings and insist you aren't what you obviously are. I understand that God without Legalism wouldn't be a zippy title, but that's truly where Farley's beef is with the way that Christianity is being practiced. Mis-using the word religion isn't helpful. It smacks of elitism sensationalism and Farley should do better.
All that aside, Farley has a message that made this book worth reading for me. He delivers material on the identity of the Christian and the finished work of Christ with a fresh voice, and one that's well worth hearing. His attack on 'worm' theology and material on dying to self and the old nature is terrific and helpful. There are some times in this material as well where he puts forward a theory without much to back it up (like: "The soul (Greek: psuche) is just our psychology. The soul is like a mirror that reflects the flesh or God’s Spirit in any given moment. It’s our “soul mirror” that enables us to walk by the flesh or walk by the Spirit from one moment to the next.") but these are balanced by gems (especially in the later part of the book)
I'd get the bulk of your theology elsewhere, but Farley has some good contributions.
I'm going to share two major points of contention and then talk a little about the strong points of the book.
Firstly, I have some major theological differences with Farley, and that accounts for a lot of the difficulty that I had in reading this book. There is a chapter devoted to the topic of predestination. In my opinion, Farley didn't need to deal with this subject at all, and threw it in because it bugs him. (Again in my opinion) doing so was a mistake. He gives the subject a shallow and dismissive treatment, and his mantra "can it really be that simple? Yes!" becomes really annoying. Especially on this subject, Farley needs to read some better authors who've given the subject what it deserves. If he wants to weigh in, he needs to be ready to contend with Luther, Calvin and Augustine (good luck), not dismiss a few verses from Romans as inadequate proof texts. Giving such a shallow and dismissive view encourages division and misunderstanding and isn't helpful.
Plus, he's wrong. God is sovereign. :)
Also Farley's view of the Law is problematic as well. After reading his views it was hard to understand why (if he is right) we should leave the law in our bibles at all. Why not just rip it out? (In Farley's reductionist logic, the law's only purpose is to increase sin--thereby directing us to Christ.) The same would apply to all the teachings of Jesus under Farley's flawed thinking--since, as Farley states, Jesus was preaching law to people under the law and his teaching simply doesn't apply those set free from the law. I cannot understand why Farley wouldn't take a sharpie and black out every word of it in his own bible, given what he thinks it does to people.
The church has traditionally made distinctions between the moral, civic and ceremonial aspects of the law, but Farley chucks those as well, insisting that we can't pick and choose. (Apparently there's no clear difference morally between eating shellfish and murder in terms of timelessness?)
Clearly the law was written to establish a culture in a group of people broken by generations of enslavement. It was divine cultural engineering. It also established systems of governance both civic and religious. Jesus ministry confronted a fairly recent heresy that said salvation could be had by obedience to the law. (Which was never the intent, because the law could never morally exonerate anyone.) Used properly (alluding to Paul) the law does what it's supposed to do. It confronts evil.
If Farley's assessment of the law were correct and complete, much of the Old Testament, especially the mention of the law in the Psalms, becomes absurd. How can the law be a light to the Psalmist's path and a lamp to his feet if it only exists so that sin will abound? How can it be sweet? How can it it bring "great peace" and prevent stumbling? (Ps 119:165) This entire aspect of the law is completely missing from the book. Again, Farley's mantra "Can it really be this simple?" becomes tiresome because he selectively ignores a host of contradictory material.
I won't dwell on this point, but Farley also seems to miss the mark on the lordship of Christ when he talks about our moral freedom. I agree that right living is natural for the Christian (more on that later) but talk like this:
"Does this sound like religion to you? It’s not in the least! Throughout the Epistles, we’re just discovering the most fashionable way for saints to dress. And, hey, who doesn’t want to travel in heavenly style?
Farley, Andrew (2011-05-16). God without Religion (Kindle Locations 719-720). Baker Book Group. Kindle Edition. "
again selectively ignores much of what is written in the NT about our responsibilities and God's right to expect something of us. This kind of talk is hard to reconcile with the letters to the churches in the Revelation of John.
He's also wrong about 3-D movies. They're horrible and God will judge them. (joking)
Finally (before I say some nice things) the definition and use of the word religion in place of legalism isn't wise. I understand that it's been a bit of a practice since the eighties (it's not a religion, it's a relationship) but the truth is, it's both. You can't have religious institutions, books of scripture, clergy and all the trappings and insist you aren't what you obviously are. I understand that God without Legalism wouldn't be a zippy title, but that's truly where Farley's beef is with the way that Christianity is being practiced. Mis-using the word religion isn't helpful. It smacks of elitism sensationalism and Farley should do better.
All that aside, Farley has a message that made this book worth reading for me. He delivers material on the identity of the Christian and the finished work of Christ with a fresh voice, and one that's well worth hearing. His attack on 'worm' theology and material on dying to self and the old nature is terrific and helpful. There are some times in this material as well where he puts forward a theory without much to back it up (like: "The soul (Greek: psuche) is just our psychology. The soul is like a mirror that reflects the flesh or God’s Spirit in any given moment. It’s our “soul mirror” that enables us to walk by the flesh or walk by the Spirit from one moment to the next.") but these are balanced by gems (especially in the later part of the book)
I'd get the bulk of your theology elsewhere, but Farley has some good contributions.
June 30, 2011
This was a very good book explaining that we need Jesus plus nothing. Religion is not the answer, but God alone is. There are several Bible passages that are explained very well, clearing up some misinterpretations and making more sense than religion explains them.
January 12, 2012
Loved this. What a breath of fresh air. Jesus plus nothing. Amen.
March 24, 2012
Jesus plus Nothing = Everything.
May 5, 2024
Opening your eyes up too, and learning to live with God without religion, equals freedom!
May 23, 2014
This is one of the best and most informative books I've ever read. Andrew Farley shares the same convictions regarding spirituality as William Landon, an author for whom I have a great deal of admiration and respect. The difference between the two authors is that Andrew Farley's book is much easier to read and understand, due to the stories he shares at the beginning of each chapter. Through these authors, I have learned that there is a great deal of misinterpretation/misunderstanding of The Bible and that institutional churches have a tendency to mislead their parishioners to encourage them to continue investing in the business. After all, conventional churches are businesses, as evidenced by the hierarchy of the administration.
I have attended institutional churches throughout my life, and I know the Bible verses taught in these institutions verbatim. Andrew Farley, who himself is a minister, has received a lot of flack from other priests and ministers for explaining the Bible verses that have been misrepresented. He does this by providing Bible verses that I have rarely heard, while attending institutional churches. Why are these verses not presented by other priests and ministers? If they provided you with this information, you would realize that we have been forgiven for all sins (past, present, and future), and attending a church is unnecessary. Andrew Farley makes it clear that we no longer need to ask for forgiveness for our sins. To do so nullifies what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Farley maintains that the best service provided by the physical church is fellowship, but emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God, which most churches fail to encourage. My biggest pet peeve regarding churches is their tendency to coerce their parishioners into tithing a set amount of money. Farley uses the illustration of televangelists who tell their audiences that, if they send money, it will be returned to them three-fold. Farley says, if this is true, why doesn't the church send its money to another church for a larger return on their investment? Farley explains that tithing is an Old Testament law to which we are no longer bound. He states that we died to the law, through Jesus' death and resurrection. Farley believes that parishioners should tithe, but this should be based on what they want to give, rather than the required 10% under the Old Testament law. Parishioners have a tendency to give generously, if they are getting something out of their church attendance. Farley maintains that, if parishioners do not tithe well, they are not getting what they need out of the church, and it may be God's will that that particular church fails and closes its doors.
Through this book, I have become more comfortable in my spirituality, and I am developing a deeper personal relationship with God. I find myself sharing this information with my friends because the information is too good not to share, and I care about them enough to want to ensure that they continue to be my friends in the afterlife. Through this review, I hope they decide to read this book, as reading it will be a life-changing experience.
I have attended institutional churches throughout my life, and I know the Bible verses taught in these institutions verbatim. Andrew Farley, who himself is a minister, has received a lot of flack from other priests and ministers for explaining the Bible verses that have been misrepresented. He does this by providing Bible verses that I have rarely heard, while attending institutional churches. Why are these verses not presented by other priests and ministers? If they provided you with this information, you would realize that we have been forgiven for all sins (past, present, and future), and attending a church is unnecessary. Andrew Farley makes it clear that we no longer need to ask for forgiveness for our sins. To do so nullifies what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Farley maintains that the best service provided by the physical church is fellowship, but emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God, which most churches fail to encourage. My biggest pet peeve regarding churches is their tendency to coerce their parishioners into tithing a set amount of money. Farley uses the illustration of televangelists who tell their audiences that, if they send money, it will be returned to them three-fold. Farley says, if this is true, why doesn't the church send its money to another church for a larger return on their investment? Farley explains that tithing is an Old Testament law to which we are no longer bound. He states that we died to the law, through Jesus' death and resurrection. Farley believes that parishioners should tithe, but this should be based on what they want to give, rather than the required 10% under the Old Testament law. Parishioners have a tendency to give generously, if they are getting something out of their church attendance. Farley maintains that, if parishioners do not tithe well, they are not getting what they need out of the church, and it may be God's will that that particular church fails and closes its doors.
Through this book, I have become more comfortable in my spirituality, and I am developing a deeper personal relationship with God. I find myself sharing this information with my friends because the information is too good not to share, and I care about them enough to want to ensure that they continue to be my friends in the afterlife. Through this review, I hope they decide to read this book, as reading it will be a life-changing experience.
April 27, 2015
This book should be titled "God Without Hypocrisy." From the very onset of the book, it's made clear that Farley is attacking the legalistic viewpoint that Christians work their way to heaven. That part is ok with me, I totally agree (and so do most "religious" Christians)! The next part of the argument is where the problem lies. According to him, most organized Christian religions hold to the idea that somewhere in the sky there is a supreme being with a really large log keeping tab on our sins almost like a giant Santa Clause. Religion, he claims, teaches people this idea, thus causing them to feel immensely guilty and overburdened. My question: since when has religion become such a bad word?
The Jesus vs. Religion idea is actually a popular yet false dichotomy. As a Catholic (one of the religions picked on in Farley's book) I have had firsthand experience with a traditional religion that teaches that one's works are NOT enough to get into heaven, and that Christ's grace IS NECESSARY to gain eternal life. I'm not sure what Farley thinks "religion" is, but his sweeping generalizations simply do not do justice to the millions of orthodox religious that follow Christ's example. Farley says religion, coming from the Latin meaning "to bind," literally is legally binding. I say that's the wrong way to look at it: religion "binds" the faithful to their Savior, Jesus Christ, in a loving relationship and "binds" believers together in strong faith-filled communities. God does not hate religion. In fact, Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God does hate, and it's no surprise that religion is not there. What is there is that God hates "one who sows discord among brothers," ironically something that Andrew Farley must not have read before attacking his religious brothers and sisters. I can see that Farley's true fight against hypocrisy is based on good intentions, but pinning religion, tradition, and orthodoxy as the culprit will only sow discord among those he is attempting to reach.
The Jesus vs. Religion idea is actually a popular yet false dichotomy. As a Catholic (one of the religions picked on in Farley's book) I have had firsthand experience with a traditional religion that teaches that one's works are NOT enough to get into heaven, and that Christ's grace IS NECESSARY to gain eternal life. I'm not sure what Farley thinks "religion" is, but his sweeping generalizations simply do not do justice to the millions of orthodox religious that follow Christ's example. Farley says religion, coming from the Latin meaning "to bind," literally is legally binding. I say that's the wrong way to look at it: religion "binds" the faithful to their Savior, Jesus Christ, in a loving relationship and "binds" believers together in strong faith-filled communities. God does not hate religion. In fact, Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God does hate, and it's no surprise that religion is not there. What is there is that God hates "one who sows discord among brothers," ironically something that Andrew Farley must not have read before attacking his religious brothers and sisters. I can see that Farley's true fight against hypocrisy is based on good intentions, but pinning religion, tradition, and orthodoxy as the culprit will only sow discord among those he is attempting to reach.
February 7, 2015
"God Without Religion: Can It Really Be This Simple?" (or as I like to call it, "Bullshit-Free Christianity") by Andrew Farley is a brilliant and simple, but thought-provoking, story-driven book that looks at the nature of God's Law and the nature of God's Grace. It's both challenging and eye-opening to realise how much crap we believe isn't of God. How much of what we believe is pure religion and nothing more. This book explores the strange paradox that many of us have as Christians. While we live in the New Covenant times, and we share in Christ's freedom, we often believe and live as if the Old Covenant times are still here. There are many things to learn, relearn and unlearn. But first, we must realise that God's Law isn't for Christians, but the unsaved. We didn't make the Covenant with God, He made it with us. It's His doing. We just need to accept and walk in that same precious freedom He bought for us.
This book unpacks great truths of God and the lies we accept about ourselves, from the world and from the Enemy. Whether we realise it or not, as people, we seem to love to make rules for ourselves, to retain control of our lives. But these rules only wear us down and make us prisoners to religion. As Christians, we were made to live abundant lives in Christ! Christ is our Sabbath, He is our rest! We need to relinquish control of our lives and let God work in and through us. And rest in Him. The Good News is it's all about Him, not you! So stop trying and just fix your eyes on the One who made you, loves you, died for you, lives for you, walks beside you and knows you better than you know yourself.
I highly recommend "God Without Religion" to everyone, but mostly Christians who are burnt out on religion and those who are looking for more of a personal and communal relationship with Christ.
9/10
This book unpacks great truths of God and the lies we accept about ourselves, from the world and from the Enemy. Whether we realise it or not, as people, we seem to love to make rules for ourselves, to retain control of our lives. But these rules only wear us down and make us prisoners to religion. As Christians, we were made to live abundant lives in Christ! Christ is our Sabbath, He is our rest! We need to relinquish control of our lives and let God work in and through us. And rest in Him. The Good News is it's all about Him, not you! So stop trying and just fix your eyes on the One who made you, loves you, died for you, lives for you, walks beside you and knows you better than you know yourself.
I highly recommend "God Without Religion" to everyone, but mostly Christians who are burnt out on religion and those who are looking for more of a personal and communal relationship with Christ.
9/10
Read
September 12, 2012Overall great book! If those chapters about tithing were not in the book I would give it a 5 star! Farley's chapter's on predestination are amazing and I will definitely go back to those when I need it. One other thing is that he bashes tithing. I get the idea the that it can put you back under the law, but I tithe because Jesus lives. That is just my opinion.
January 13, 2014
Wow
Makes you think - or even better RE-think - the very simple and complete plan God has to bring us back to Him. It's simple, it's not hard to understand, and most life changing is it's freedom from following "religion" and letting His Spirit lead you thru life. A life filled with joy, contentment, peace, and awe.
Makes you think - or even better RE-think - the very simple and complete plan God has to bring us back to Him. It's simple, it's not hard to understand, and most life changing is it's freedom from following "religion" and letting His Spirit lead you thru life. A life filled with joy, contentment, peace, and awe.
June 21, 2011
I really liked Andrew Farley's first book The Naked Gospel (though I disagree with his interpretation of Romans 7) and I high recommended it. I REALLY liked God Without Religion and HIGHLY recommend this book!!
More to follow.
More to follow.
September 4, 2013
Good book. Light read w/great sense of humor. The book showcases the importance of knowing God without the trapping of religious exercise. I would highly recommend the book. Having worked in ministry in the past, I found the book profoundly relatable.
April 27, 2013
Awesome book!!! God without religion is the only way to live!!!
January 23, 2023
Wow…this book…confirmed and challenged the way I think of our Jesus. The way we view religion and the relationship it has on God. Andrew did an amazing job and stripping away all the man made walls around Christ and simplified it to the basic truth. It is finished on the cross and we are free to come to our Jesus no strings attached! It took me almost 2 and a half years to read this book because of the amount of studying and scripture digging I did along with it! And it is so beautiful and so simple! Our Jesus is so loving and we forget this! This book breaks the gospel down so we are reminded of this truth!
March 8, 2024
The title says it all: God without religion. Religion is off-putting for many, including myself. The beauty of this book is the simple truth of Jesus’s death on the cross and the new life he has given us because of it. There is no church ritual that we ever need to comply with. Ever. Period. “We are new, righteous, holy saints, entirely compatible with God’s Spirit.” I’ve read this book fresh on my walk with Jesus and I’ve now read this book several years later. Both times it was so insightful. I believe it can be an amazing resource whether you know Christ or not.
January 24, 2018
I found this book at the used bookstore in my town. I had never heard of this author. The book was only 1.00 so I bought it. Amazing! This is the first time I've read a book by Andrew Farley and I can say that I'm a fan. He gets right to the point, backs it up with scripture and shows us that the Good News is clear and simple and that God not only loves me but likes me. I will read more books by him for sure.
February 8, 2025
Truth told openly
Liking this book is easy as Andrew Farley answered all the questions often not asked, but wondered. It is direct and truthful to scripture making no apologies for correcting wrong think and emotionalism. Answering the sin question so many struggle with, and giving definitive answers to how to live in this Grace that saved us. This should be a study for any small group.
Liking this book is easy as Andrew Farley answered all the questions often not asked, but wondered. It is direct and truthful to scripture making no apologies for correcting wrong think and emotionalism. Answering the sin question so many struggle with, and giving definitive answers to how to live in this Grace that saved us. This should be a study for any small group.
April 6, 2018
Worth buying. A book you can re-read year after year.
I'm reading this again because it's just as good now as it was a couple years ago when I bought it. Solid theology, easy to read, Biblically based and fun. I find this book SO helpful and is perfect as I just started re-reading Galations. HIGHLY recommend :-)
I'm reading this again because it's just as good now as it was a couple years ago when I bought it. Solid theology, easy to read, Biblically based and fun. I find this book SO helpful and is perfect as I just started re-reading Galations. HIGHLY recommend :-)
November 5, 2019
If we could only grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. And to know this live that goes beyond all knowledge—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. A great understanding of what the Bible means when it tells us Christ became sin for all time and suffered the penalty of sin, which is death, for each of us, so that we might live, truly live.
January 13, 2022
Brilliant
Carefully thought out and accessible through analogies, Andrew addresses some of the largest misconceptions at large in the mainstream church today. Read this book if you want a clear understanding of the beauty and life-changing significance of the Cross and the gospel of grace.
Carefully thought out and accessible through analogies, Andrew addresses some of the largest misconceptions at large in the mainstream church today. Read this book if you want a clear understanding of the beauty and life-changing significance of the Cross and the gospel of grace.
February 11, 2018
Opened my eyes to a different way of communing with God through his son. Not sure I buy into the everything, but it did make me think.
Well written and easy to understand. This author has an easy way of relating his talking points with bible verses as well as practical examples.
Well written and easy to understand. This author has an easy way of relating his talking points with bible verses as well as practical examples.
June 1, 2019
Well written and easy to follow. The chapters on forgiveness helped clarify some queries for me. That said there are some viewpoints that I don't share with the author but they don't detract from the fundamental message in the book so I won't detail them.
May 16, 2018
Loved it. I will read this again. I went to a Dan Mohler conference in the middle of this book so found the second half even better and similar to Dans teachings. Very good
June 6, 2019
So many truths. Written in an easy to understand manner. I will be reading more books by this author.
April 1, 2020
Mind. Blown.
January 6, 2022
Excellent!
January 22, 2022
Not quite sure how I feel about this book yet, but am very glad that I read it. It's definitely challenged long held religious beliefs and has given me much to ponder. Worth a read for sure.
October 20, 2022
I really liked his thoughts on predestination. Definitely the best part of this book in my opinion.
January 15, 2023
One of the best books I have read about understanding God's will for our lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews