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The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity
Lost? Explore the way to life! We've lost the way that leads to life. With competing priorities and rival demands, we're more confused than ever in how to live the life Jesus offers. Is it the church way, the American way, or the busy way? With so many ways facing us, we're more paralyzed than alive; more perplexed than sure; more bewildered than confident. The Jesus Life offers eight compelling ways to help us rediscover what it really means to follow Jesus in the 21st ccentury.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
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316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 7, 2016
Once again, I'm not in the target audience for this book, which seems to be the middle American Christian struggling to find joy in their faith amidst busyness. There were still a number of takeaways for me though and I was particularly intrigued by his thoughts about living a rhythmed life. I've given it three stars for two reasons. Firstly, although the book is well written, with many anecdotes for the reader to relate to, I didn't encounter much new in it. Secondly, I disagree with the author's premise that the plan he has outlined is the path to authentic Christian life. I do believe that readers who put his advice into practice will experience happier and more contented lives. But if this is the path to authentic Christianity then I'm sunk because there are parts of his plan that I cannot put into practice.
It's a good book to read if you find yourself overwhelmed with the craziness of modern life and are looking for ways to make life and faith more simple and peaceful. It's perhaps not so good as a path to authentic Christianity.
By the way, his 8 steps are - dailiness, hiddenness, family, companionship, the way of the table, the way of doing good, the way of ritual, and the way of suffering.
It's a good book to read if you find yourself overwhelmed with the craziness of modern life and are looking for ways to make life and faith more simple and peaceful. It's perhaps not so good as a path to authentic Christianity.
By the way, his 8 steps are - dailiness, hiddenness, family, companionship, the way of the table, the way of doing good, the way of ritual, and the way of suffering.
February 18, 2013
This book is stretching my thinking in good ways. From pg. 122 "While there is definitely a time and place to open the Bible and study it, we can often hide behind the study and never really get to know each other."
Is this sometimes our intention? To hide?
"Today I choose to do good to the people who cross my path." (167) Simple yet profound if we act regularly in this way.
Is this sometimes our intention? To hide?
"Today I choose to do good to the people who cross my path." (167) Simple yet profound if we act regularly in this way.
January 11, 2024
I received this as a gift. The chapter on "Dailiness" was helpful. Fans of Douglas Kaine McKelvey, Eugene Peterson, or Richard Foster will appreciate Smith's approach. Indeed, he uses Peterson's Message translation throughout. I'd say this book us useful for wounded believers, weary pastors, etc.
July 18, 2019
Practical Guide to follow Jesus
Practical spirituality based on the best life ever lived. He became flesh, to proof His words ‘the truth’ is possible for every man.
Practical spirituality based on the best life ever lived. He became flesh, to proof His words ‘the truth’ is possible for every man.
September 17, 2019
Rightly Dividing the Word helps us to separate how we interpret and read and study the Bible. Great ideas and excellent points made throughout the book which makes it well worth the read. A great help in understanding the Word!
January 31, 2013
With a busy schedule, it took me awhile to be able to read and review, "The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" by Stephen W. Smith, and as I read it, each chapter divided by a "way", it really had me stopped and reflect, how "busy" I was versus how "really busy" life looked to me.
Taking cues from Jesus's own life and ministry, this isn't a checklist type of book, nor is this a cure all, and it doesn't promise to be a self help Biblical book, but what it is, is what the title promises the contents to be....about recovering an Authentic Christianity, that in the 21st century seems to be something, everyone who is a follower of Christ is pursuing.
Stephen W. Smith, shares common place, down to earth, this is how as a Christian we can live a life that is filled with meaning and is authentic, versus one of pursuing one fad after another and calling it a "Christian life".
The book is not hard hitting but rather remarkable in that, for its depth, "The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" just provides an honest, down to earth, get away from the church routines and this is about everyday living...that is just...well..simple.
This makes this book remarkable because it is like a good friend, pulling you to the side and going...breathe...there is more to life than just "fill in the blank, whatever the circumstances" that is going on in your life.
In the middle of a busy life and schedules, as I read the book, I found myself mentally go, "I need to remember, at the end of the day, this is what is important, not that, which in hindsight, had the appearance of importance than it really did; This makes the book,"The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" sound cliche but its a much needed honest reminder how we can get ourselves, not only over whelmed but stuck in routines, that after awhile...make our Christian life and sometimes lack of growth, physically, mentally and spiritually, feel more robotic than it actually should be in our lives.
The discussion questions, provided at the end of each question, are much needed conversation starters, be it to oneself, with one's spouse or if this is read in a group setting and throughout the book, the author, Stephen W. Smith, provides workable ideas that can be incorporated in anyone's life if they are open to make those necessary life changes.
The book,"The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" also stands out, in that at the very end of the book, Stephen offers a website to access sermon outlines and more information that is related to the book, and in the process bring a deeper depth that doesn't end at the end of the book, but with the website, make his book, more interactive and accessible to the average reader.
We live in a very busy world and with the book, "The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity", its a much needed reminder for all of us, the importance of taking steps back and re-connecting, sometimes at the very simplest levels to have a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Taking cues from Jesus's own life and ministry, this isn't a checklist type of book, nor is this a cure all, and it doesn't promise to be a self help Biblical book, but what it is, is what the title promises the contents to be....about recovering an Authentic Christianity, that in the 21st century seems to be something, everyone who is a follower of Christ is pursuing.
Stephen W. Smith, shares common place, down to earth, this is how as a Christian we can live a life that is filled with meaning and is authentic, versus one of pursuing one fad after another and calling it a "Christian life".
The book is not hard hitting but rather remarkable in that, for its depth, "The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" just provides an honest, down to earth, get away from the church routines and this is about everyday living...that is just...well..simple.
This makes this book remarkable because it is like a good friend, pulling you to the side and going...breathe...there is more to life than just "fill in the blank, whatever the circumstances" that is going on in your life.
In the middle of a busy life and schedules, as I read the book, I found myself mentally go, "I need to remember, at the end of the day, this is what is important, not that, which in hindsight, had the appearance of importance than it really did; This makes the book,"The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" sound cliche but its a much needed honest reminder how we can get ourselves, not only over whelmed but stuck in routines, that after awhile...make our Christian life and sometimes lack of growth, physically, mentally and spiritually, feel more robotic than it actually should be in our lives.
The discussion questions, provided at the end of each question, are much needed conversation starters, be it to oneself, with one's spouse or if this is read in a group setting and throughout the book, the author, Stephen W. Smith, provides workable ideas that can be incorporated in anyone's life if they are open to make those necessary life changes.
The book,"The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity" also stands out, in that at the very end of the book, Stephen offers a website to access sermon outlines and more information that is related to the book, and in the process bring a deeper depth that doesn't end at the end of the book, but with the website, make his book, more interactive and accessible to the average reader.
We live in a very busy world and with the book, "The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity", its a much needed reminder for all of us, the importance of taking steps back and re-connecting, sometimes at the very simplest levels to have a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus Christ.
Read
February 17, 2016At times it felt like there was a tinge of Catholicism or mysticism in this book, but as I finish it, I think not. It's more that simplicity and following the way of Jesus is so quaint these days. The author's suggestions are counter cultural - and I include in that counter Church cultural.
I expected to gain further understanding on how to develop discipleship in a congregation, but it's more directed to the individual and his personal walk with Jesus. I want to move in some of the directions the author encourages, but I anticipate that there will be resistance, not only from others, but also from me!
This does related to discipleship, which needs to be much more relational than our current practice, and needs to allow for others to have access to my life. The issue I must face is how much to I actually want that to happen. How much am I willing to demonstrate by life the way and the truth of Jesus? It's more than dispensing knowledge, which is actually the path of least resistance, and the easy path to avoid the more personal relational (and more fruitful) way of making disciples.
I felt the book spent too much time on the brokenness and dark places of human living, but maybe that was necessary to fully illustrate our need for the way of Jesus.
I especially liked the chapter on "The Way of the Table", which related well to the premise and teaching of the book "A Meal With Jesus". We are missing something by our lack of sharing life around the table, or by turning it into gluttony and outdoing one another.
I expected to gain further understanding on how to develop discipleship in a congregation, but it's more directed to the individual and his personal walk with Jesus. I want to move in some of the directions the author encourages, but I anticipate that there will be resistance, not only from others, but also from me!
This does related to discipleship, which needs to be much more relational than our current practice, and needs to allow for others to have access to my life. The issue I must face is how much to I actually want that to happen. How much am I willing to demonstrate by life the way and the truth of Jesus? It's more than dispensing knowledge, which is actually the path of least resistance, and the easy path to avoid the more personal relational (and more fruitful) way of making disciples.
I felt the book spent too much time on the brokenness and dark places of human living, but maybe that was necessary to fully illustrate our need for the way of Jesus.
I especially liked the chapter on "The Way of the Table", which related well to the premise and teaching of the book "A Meal With Jesus". We are missing something by our lack of sharing life around the table, or by turning it into gluttony and outdoing one another.
April 3, 2012
I enjoyed the approach the author took when writing this book. This is not your normal step by step take on what it means to follow Christ. This book teaches you from the life Christ led while here on earth. How did He serve? Did He have time for others?
With most of our lives being full with responsibilities we need this book to remind us of what is important in life. Living our life like Christ so others can see Christ in us should be our first priority. This author reminds us how to do that by using Christ life as our perfect example.
I like the writing style and simple language used in this book. I thought it was very easy to understand and follow. If you need a lift in your Christian walk today this book is for you!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
With most of our lives being full with responsibilities we need this book to remind us of what is important in life. Living our life like Christ so others can see Christ in us should be our first priority. This author reminds us how to do that by using Christ life as our perfect example.
I like the writing style and simple language used in this book. I thought it was very easy to understand and follow. If you need a lift in your Christian walk today this book is for you!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
September 13, 2015
In The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity, the author Stephen W. Smith brings up the topic of the recovery of authentic Christianity within our everyday lives. Mr. Smith uses Jesus’s life as a guide as to how we can live authentic faith. Mr. Smith also makes a point in stating that in order to live the Jesus life, we have to make a purposeful effort do so each day. He also mentions how this life should be lived within our families as well as within our friendships. Other topics that Mr. Smith explores are what we will encounter on our journey to living the Jesus life such as pain and suffering, how to cultivate friendships, and doing good.
This book gave me so much to think about and enriched my own faith walk with Christ. I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a fresh perspective on living like Christ.
Happy Reading!
This book gave me so much to think about and enriched my own faith walk with Christ. I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a fresh perspective on living like Christ.
Happy Reading!
December 19, 2014
Really liked the opening premise - that there is so much to learn from HOW Jesus lived his life in addition to all that he said. However, the book was longer than it needed to be - I learned the most from the first 2-3 chapters, and the points were repeated throughout the rest of the book. Good material, but longer than necessary.
April 28, 2015
"As we have explored here, to follow Jesus first means to turn away from the ways that are destructive to the life we want deep down inside. As we do so, we, like the disciples of old, make the choice to lean into a new way of living...The call to live in rhythm and to give up the myth of the balanced life is not going to be a popular and easily understood choice."
July 11, 2015
Smith quickly won me over with his thoughts. He presents some principles (8, to be exact) of reflective, intentional and meaningful life extracted from Jesus' own way of life. At times solidly biblical, and at others stretching the imaginative muscles, these principles are all still very useful and well presented. This is a good and thought provoking reflection.
December 25, 2015
Practical Yet Challenging
Seriously implemented, this book is a life changer. This is one of those books I know I must read again and allow myself to be further challenged. Many are yearning deep within for what this book can lead them to...a more intimate and fulfilling walk with God.
Seriously implemented, this book is a life changer. This is one of those books I know I must read again and allow myself to be further challenged. Many are yearning deep within for what this book can lead them to...a more intimate and fulfilling walk with God.
December 22, 2015
A challenge to some reminder to others
I found this book refreshing in that some of it challenged me and some of it reminded me of the road to live closer to the JESUS way. A good book well worth reading in my opinion.
I found this book refreshing in that some of it challenged me and some of it reminded me of the road to live closer to the JESUS way. A good book well worth reading in my opinion.
August 24, 2012
Excellent! I appreciated the author's insight into the rhythms Jesus followed in His life that we can too.
September 18, 2013
This was such a great book to help you see what your life should and could really be like.
August 15, 2014
Great book especially for those struggling with the fast pace of life or ministry.
July 11, 2016
Excellent advice & counsel on how to live fully and not get run ragged.
July 28, 2016
A must read. And read again.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews