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Jesus: Pure & Simple
Large Church Pastor and Bestselling Author Offers Keys to a God-Centered LifeAfter several bestselling books and more than 25 years of ministry in Hawaii, Wayne Cordeiro knows how to touch the hearts of Christians. Too often people can get distracted by various programs and unimportant details of the faith, but in this book Wayne places the focus directly on drawing near to Jesus. And from that core focus, all other aspects of life will fall into place.Filled with encouragement, stories, and practical guidelines, this book will help believers simplify their walks with the Lord a welcome message for readers looking for simplicity and peace in their anxious, overscheduled lives. Includes a built-in study guide for individuals and small groups.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2012
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223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 4, 2024
Without a doubt, 5 stars.
I've been listening to Pastor Cordeiro since I was like middle school living in Hawai'i. Ever since then, his faith and message have been unwavering and stronger than ever. Whether you're Catholic or Protestant or a non-believer, this book is incredibly applicable to all.
There are some hard messages in here, but they are full of love and grace. His approach is so gentle, and it's so evident the Holy Spirit is showing in his works.
Especially with this Christmas season, I felt compelled to read more faith-based books. I'm glad this is the one I'm starting off with.
I've been listening to Pastor Cordeiro since I was like middle school living in Hawai'i. Ever since then, his faith and message have been unwavering and stronger than ever. Whether you're Catholic or Protestant or a non-believer, this book is incredibly applicable to all.
There are some hard messages in here, but they are full of love and grace. His approach is so gentle, and it's so evident the Holy Spirit is showing in his works.
Especially with this Christmas season, I felt compelled to read more faith-based books. I'm glad this is the one I'm starting off with.
July 27, 2020
Pure.
Simple.
Getting back to basics.
Cordeiro has a way of teaching, reminding, explaining, a pure and simple Jesus. Candid examples are included. Includes questions at the end of each chapter to lend to small group read/study.
How profoundly basic his examples. Not that some aren't hard(er) work to remind or reorient yourself. Was hit over the head with this one and would want to add this to a frequently read personal-development shelf.
I slowly digested this during summer reading.
Simple.
Getting back to basics.
Cordeiro has a way of teaching, reminding, explaining, a pure and simple Jesus. Candid examples are included. Includes questions at the end of each chapter to lend to small group read/study.
How profoundly basic his examples. Not that some aren't hard(er) work to remind or reorient yourself. Was hit over the head with this one and would want to add this to a frequently read personal-development shelf.
I slowly digested this during summer reading.
September 7, 2012
Cordeiro starts off with this declarative truth,
And the good news is that it’s not about doing more or doing less. Because God created you in his image, the more you become like Jesus, the more you become the person you were created to be. It is in Him that you actually find the fulfillment, not in religious activities (as good as they may be) or in serene settings that give you a needed respire from your harried workplace. He is not the rest from our labors. He is the rest in our labors. (p. 10)
Cordeiro has a gift for simple and practical teaching. Sometimes the back to Jesus emphasis can be reductionistic. Focus on Jesus but not on that nasty doctrine stuff. But Cordeiro encourages us to focus on Jesus in the word of God. He argues that the word of God is the clearest and best way for us to see Jesus pure and simple.
The voice of God, the foundation of truth, will always sound just like the Bible. Do you want o know what God is like? Read the bible. That gives you a true picture of Christ. (p. 121)
He also argues we must be about our Father’s business in a way that honors the gifts God has given each of us (pp. 35-40).
Cordeiro offers many helpful points but one sentence struck me so hard that I still can’t shake it weeks after finishing the book. Cordeiro says,
The truest assessment of a servant is how he responds when he is treated like one. That’s the litmus test. We all want to be known as servants just so long as no treats us like one. (p. 196)
A silver bullet to my monstrous heart. That’s my struggle. I want to serve my family and I want to serve at church but I find myself wanting the title without the treatment. If the gospel teaches us anything it’s that Jesus claimed the title of servant and accepted the mistreatment as one as well.
Another emphasis worth noting is Cordeiro’s discussion on prayer. He says we often want God to meet us in our timing and answer our prayers in our way. He reminds us we must be less about the answer and more about the promises of God (pp. 53-54). God’s been working on me about my own prayer life over the last month and this again helped move my prayer life in a way that focuses less on me and more on the promises of God in Christ.
For those wishing to untangle yourselves from the varied concerns of life and return to the simple truths found in Scripture about Jesus check out Jesus: Pure and Simple. You won’t get bogged down reading the book and its message is simple yet impactful.
And the good news is that it’s not about doing more or doing less. Because God created you in his image, the more you become like Jesus, the more you become the person you were created to be. It is in Him that you actually find the fulfillment, not in religious activities (as good as they may be) or in serene settings that give you a needed respire from your harried workplace. He is not the rest from our labors. He is the rest in our labors. (p. 10)
Cordeiro has a gift for simple and practical teaching. Sometimes the back to Jesus emphasis can be reductionistic. Focus on Jesus but not on that nasty doctrine stuff. But Cordeiro encourages us to focus on Jesus in the word of God. He argues that the word of God is the clearest and best way for us to see Jesus pure and simple.
The voice of God, the foundation of truth, will always sound just like the Bible. Do you want o know what God is like? Read the bible. That gives you a true picture of Christ. (p. 121)
He also argues we must be about our Father’s business in a way that honors the gifts God has given each of us (pp. 35-40).
Cordeiro offers many helpful points but one sentence struck me so hard that I still can’t shake it weeks after finishing the book. Cordeiro says,
The truest assessment of a servant is how he responds when he is treated like one. That’s the litmus test. We all want to be known as servants just so long as no treats us like one. (p. 196)
A silver bullet to my monstrous heart. That’s my struggle. I want to serve my family and I want to serve at church but I find myself wanting the title without the treatment. If the gospel teaches us anything it’s that Jesus claimed the title of servant and accepted the mistreatment as one as well.
Another emphasis worth noting is Cordeiro’s discussion on prayer. He says we often want God to meet us in our timing and answer our prayers in our way. He reminds us we must be less about the answer and more about the promises of God (pp. 53-54). God’s been working on me about my own prayer life over the last month and this again helped move my prayer life in a way that focuses less on me and more on the promises of God in Christ.
For those wishing to untangle yourselves from the varied concerns of life and return to the simple truths found in Scripture about Jesus check out Jesus: Pure and Simple. You won’t get bogged down reading the book and its message is simple yet impactful.
Read
January 3, 2016This book is about having Jesus as the center of your life. How to have is the center focus of even our everyday lives. How everything works out for the better good if we just allow ourselves to trust Him and follow where he leads.
Not having read the whole book as it is a lot to chew on at once, but from what I have read in it, it has made me to think deeply about how much I actually focus on myself and other things and not on Jesus who should always be my entire focus.
I want to finish this book as soon as possible as time will allow me to. If you ever need to quite your mind down and refocus this is the book to read.
Not having read the whole book as it is a lot to chew on at once, but from what I have read in it, it has made me to think deeply about how much I actually focus on myself and other things and not on Jesus who should always be my entire focus.
I want to finish this book as soon as possible as time will allow me to. If you ever need to quite your mind down and refocus this is the book to read.
May 23, 2025
This is a very readable book; the low density is designed to appeal to broader readership.
His premise certainly has some merit: He calls us back to the simplicity of the gospel, putting aside legalism and distractions. He begins and ends with his focal verse, II Corinthians 11:3, though he applies it without giving any attention to the original context. This made it seem too shallow for me - but he stops short of misinterpreting the text.
I would've preferred some more biblical depth overall as well. His presentation is probably by design - for adapting to the desires of his prospective audience. Not everyone is into exegetical depth. You'll gain some people that way, but I wonder about what is lost in terms of quality of discipleship/engagement.
A call to more simplicity should not whittle away the importance of in-depth Bible engagement - and this is not really an in-depth look at Jesus, in spite of the title. You do get a sense of Wayne Cordiero's life and his experiences of Jesus. He is a good storyteller, and his presentation makes it easy to get his points.
Still, this book was not what I was looking for. I was hoping for more in relation to Jesus' teaching and life/death/resurrection narrative. I think, for contrast, of Fulton Sheen's "Life of Christ," or Brian McLaren's "The Secret Message of Jesus." For Cordiero, it seems like Jesus is launching point for his focal emphasis on life practicals. His chapter subjects cover a range of things: personal devotion habits, avoiding the subculture, making a witness, being content (i.e. having gratitude), being goal-oriented, etc. This is largely a book about life success tips.
Maybe this is what some people need - and Cordeiro is not one to misuse scripture to push an agenda. But this is more of a self-help book than a book about Jesus. It still has its merits. There are lots of quotable ideas - and the book is appropriately challenging in some places.
His premise certainly has some merit: He calls us back to the simplicity of the gospel, putting aside legalism and distractions. He begins and ends with his focal verse, II Corinthians 11:3, though he applies it without giving any attention to the original context. This made it seem too shallow for me - but he stops short of misinterpreting the text.
I would've preferred some more biblical depth overall as well. His presentation is probably by design - for adapting to the desires of his prospective audience. Not everyone is into exegetical depth. You'll gain some people that way, but I wonder about what is lost in terms of quality of discipleship/engagement.
A call to more simplicity should not whittle away the importance of in-depth Bible engagement - and this is not really an in-depth look at Jesus, in spite of the title. You do get a sense of Wayne Cordiero's life and his experiences of Jesus. He is a good storyteller, and his presentation makes it easy to get his points.
Still, this book was not what I was looking for. I was hoping for more in relation to Jesus' teaching and life/death/resurrection narrative. I think, for contrast, of Fulton Sheen's "Life of Christ," or Brian McLaren's "The Secret Message of Jesus." For Cordiero, it seems like Jesus is launching point for his focal emphasis on life practicals. His chapter subjects cover a range of things: personal devotion habits, avoiding the subculture, making a witness, being content (i.e. having gratitude), being goal-oriented, etc. This is largely a book about life success tips.
Maybe this is what some people need - and Cordeiro is not one to misuse scripture to push an agenda. But this is more of a self-help book than a book about Jesus. It still has its merits. There are lots of quotable ideas - and the book is appropriately challenging in some places.
April 11, 2022
Good reminder of how to live out the love of Christ. To check that our heart is grounded and centered on God and that our love for Jesus is continually growing. Reminders to be steadfast not belligerent; to be teachable but not gullible to be courageous but not arrogant and to be righteous but not self-righteous. A simple, clear reminder for Christians today and always; good for my heart.
September 6, 2021
Great book, good reminder of the things that really matter. Challenges your thinking and helps you be more centered. Great personal experience examples and words to live your life by
August 1, 2023
Simple read, full of anecdotes and wisdom. Felt like conversing with a friend. I recommend it as an easy read to mix up your devotions. "It's time to get back to Jesus".
November 5, 2012
Reading through the first several chapters of this book I didn't have anything stand out, speak to my heart or wow me. But then I reached chapter 8 where the Holy Spirit pointed out that I had an internal correction that needed to take place. I love when this happens because it means I'm growing to become more like Jesus. Pure and Simple.
Throughout this book, author Wayne Cordeiro does an amazing job showing who Jesus is. He gives us this insight and encourages us to check our hearts and lives as a whole to see how we measure up next to Jesus. Do we talk like Him? Do act like Him? Do we fully understand what it means to follow Him? By using various examples and metaphors, scriptures and story's, we see how this knowledge can be applied to our lives. At the end of each chapter you find a few questions about what you have just read to further your understanding in that area. I personally enjoyed that. I took my time reading through it and taking notes in it to make sure I understood it all and gave it time to sink in to my heart and spirit.
If you are curious on how to strengthen your walk with Jesus, have a friend or relative who has been recently saved or simply want to know more about Him, this is a great place to start. I have been walking with the Lord for 16 years and this book brought fresh revelation to many areas in my walk. I highly recommend this book no matter if your just starting out or are many years into it. Jesus-Pure & Simple will not disappoint.
***Thank you Bethany House Publishers for the free book in exchange for my honest review.***
Throughout this book, author Wayne Cordeiro does an amazing job showing who Jesus is. He gives us this insight and encourages us to check our hearts and lives as a whole to see how we measure up next to Jesus. Do we talk like Him? Do act like Him? Do we fully understand what it means to follow Him? By using various examples and metaphors, scriptures and story's, we see how this knowledge can be applied to our lives. At the end of each chapter you find a few questions about what you have just read to further your understanding in that area. I personally enjoyed that. I took my time reading through it and taking notes in it to make sure I understood it all and gave it time to sink in to my heart and spirit.
If you are curious on how to strengthen your walk with Jesus, have a friend or relative who has been recently saved or simply want to know more about Him, this is a great place to start. I have been walking with the Lord for 16 years and this book brought fresh revelation to many areas in my walk. I highly recommend this book no matter if your just starting out or are many years into it. Jesus-Pure & Simple will not disappoint.
***Thank you Bethany House Publishers for the free book in exchange for my honest review.***
January 6, 2013
This is an amazing book! It has so much insight and clarified some things for me that I hadn't realized about life and myself. I found myself wanting to underline passages to re-read later.
The whole purpose of this book is that we need to get back to Jesus. Cordeiro points out that the devil wants us to think following Jesus is complicated so that we will get discouraged and give up. We start to worry about rules and to-do lists instead of focusing on Jesus and our relationship. He shows us ways in which we get distracted or off track and how to recognize this and correct back. Satan likes to mix his deception with truth, and the only solution is to correct back to Jesus' teachings and the spirit in which He taught. If we correct back to another person or time period, it becomes too easy to be just a little off the mark and so become a modern-day Pharisee.
Some of the topics are being in the world, but not of it; focusing on Jesus and not our problems; serving in secret; the importance of spending time with Jesus by reading the Bible; being available; and contentment. He continuously points back to Jesus and that if we focus on Him, everything else will fall into place....
http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
The whole purpose of this book is that we need to get back to Jesus. Cordeiro points out that the devil wants us to think following Jesus is complicated so that we will get discouraged and give up. We start to worry about rules and to-do lists instead of focusing on Jesus and our relationship. He shows us ways in which we get distracted or off track and how to recognize this and correct back. Satan likes to mix his deception with truth, and the only solution is to correct back to Jesus' teachings and the spirit in which He taught. If we correct back to another person or time period, it becomes too easy to be just a little off the mark and so become a modern-day Pharisee.
Some of the topics are being in the world, but not of it; focusing on Jesus and not our problems; serving in secret; the importance of spending time with Jesus by reading the Bible; being available; and contentment. He continuously points back to Jesus and that if we focus on Him, everything else will fall into place....
http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
October 15, 2013
Jesus Pure and Simple, by Wayne Cordeiro, was an interesting but not deep book. It read more like a series of blog posts, rather than having a common thread running through the entire book. Cordeiro talks about how to tell if you need to get back to Jesus, who Jesus is, how to focus on Him, and how to serve. The book itself is rather pure and simple, some basic thoughts on various topics, bullet points that provide a basic to-do list, and group discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
For an example of the simplicity of this book, here are the focus points on the chapter titled "One Thing." The chapter starts off with the verse Luke 10:41-42, which reads, "you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary." What is the one thing that is necessary? Spending time with Jesus. How do we do that?
-Read the Bible daily
-Regularly take time for solitude
-Immerse yourself in gratefulness
-Regularly take time for reflection
As I said, it's an interesting book but not deep. It's a good refresher on basic Christian living but doesn't offer much Biblical meat to chew on.
Much thanks to Bethany House for all the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are completely my own.
For an example of the simplicity of this book, here are the focus points on the chapter titled "One Thing." The chapter starts off with the verse Luke 10:41-42, which reads, "you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary." What is the one thing that is necessary? Spending time with Jesus. How do we do that?
-Read the Bible daily
-Regularly take time for solitude
-Immerse yourself in gratefulness
-Regularly take time for reflection
As I said, it's an interesting book but not deep. It's a good refresher on basic Christian living but doesn't offer much Biblical meat to chew on.
Much thanks to Bethany House for all the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are completely my own.
October 13, 2012
It’s time to get back to the pure and simple.
Sometimes we’re so distracted that we’re missing the point. In this book Wayne Cordeiro tells us it’s time to get back to Jesus. Wayne Cordeiro tells us to focus on who He is, on what He did, and on the promises He gives us in His Word. Going to church and/or being in a church group doesn’t necessarily teach us how we get back to Jesus, but His Word does.
Wayne Cordeiro shares wonderful stories, Scripture and practical guidelines in his book Jesus: Pure and Simple. The part of this book I liked less was where Wayne Cordeiro warns us of the modern-day Pharisees. It had a bit of a negative tone and didn’t really fit in. Overall, I liked reading this book. I especially liked the stories, they’re very inspiring.
Note: I received a free copy via netgalley.
Sometimes we’re so distracted that we’re missing the point. In this book Wayne Cordeiro tells us it’s time to get back to Jesus. Wayne Cordeiro tells us to focus on who He is, on what He did, and on the promises He gives us in His Word. Going to church and/or being in a church group doesn’t necessarily teach us how we get back to Jesus, but His Word does.
Wayne Cordeiro shares wonderful stories, Scripture and practical guidelines in his book Jesus: Pure and Simple. The part of this book I liked less was where Wayne Cordeiro warns us of the modern-day Pharisees. It had a bit of a negative tone and didn’t really fit in. Overall, I liked reading this book. I especially liked the stories, they’re very inspiring.
Note: I received a free copy via netgalley.
November 10, 2012
Do you ever feel like you're being pulled in a million directions? Like you're overwhelmed with various programs and ministries or with studying the steps to good parenting or the best ways to share Jesus with your neighbors?
These are all good things but even good things can sometimes take us away from our number one responsibility-knowing Jesus better.
Wayne Cordeiro shares how to focus on the One who matters most and take part in the joy and fulfilment that He brings. But also teaches how this leads to selflessness, a true love for others, and effective ministry. IT will in fact, change how you see the world around you.
When you focus on Christ, everything else falls inot place. Your relationships. Your job. Your church. Your mission. Its all placed in the hands of Jesus, pure and simple.
I recieved thsi book for free and am in no way bound to give a good review.
These are all good things but even good things can sometimes take us away from our number one responsibility-knowing Jesus better.
Wayne Cordeiro shares how to focus on the One who matters most and take part in the joy and fulfilment that He brings. But also teaches how this leads to selflessness, a true love for others, and effective ministry. IT will in fact, change how you see the world around you.
When you focus on Christ, everything else falls inot place. Your relationships. Your job. Your church. Your mission. Its all placed in the hands of Jesus, pure and simple.
I recieved thsi book for free and am in no way bound to give a good review.
April 1, 2013
t's time to get back to Jesus.
- Wayne Cordeiro
Ever have a book read you instead of you reading it? That is what Jesus: Pure and Simple did to me. It was a book that I needed to read at exactly the time I needed to read it. There is just so much wisdom within the pages that I wore out my highlighter. Not only in the book itself, but in my Bible as I was constantly marking scripture referred to in the book.
One of my favorite chapters in the book is One Thing. Wayne shares the story of Martha and Mary as a reminder that only one thing is necessary (Luke 10:41-42).
Later in that same chapter he suggests four important principles
for growing closer to God through scripture:
Read the Bible daily.
Regularly take time for solitude.
Immerse yourself in gratefulness.
Regularly take time for reflection.
I loved this book and would recommend it highly.
- Wayne Cordeiro
Ever have a book read you instead of you reading it? That is what Jesus: Pure and Simple did to me. It was a book that I needed to read at exactly the time I needed to read it. There is just so much wisdom within the pages that I wore out my highlighter. Not only in the book itself, but in my Bible as I was constantly marking scripture referred to in the book.
One of my favorite chapters in the book is One Thing. Wayne shares the story of Martha and Mary as a reminder that only one thing is necessary (Luke 10:41-42).
Later in that same chapter he suggests four important principles
for growing closer to God through scripture:
Read the Bible daily.
Regularly take time for solitude.
Immerse yourself in gratefulness.
Regularly take time for reflection.
I loved this book and would recommend it highly.
June 24, 2013
The title exactly describes this book. It is about Jesus and how we as Christians can be more like Him. The author teaches you through scripture who Jesus is and how His life can change your life. It is a simple book and written so anyone can read and understand it. It was not condescending in any way and is a great recourse for anyone who wants to learn more about Jesus. I gave this book 4/5 stars. I liked the book and only had a few spots where I felt it was repeating itself or the idea got lost in the words. Overall it was a good book and a joy to read!
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
January 22, 2013
Another classic from Wayne Cordeiro! In his usual illustrative and catchy way, Wayne once again speaks from his heart and shares from his experience of a heart that is simply being drawn back to Jesus every single day.
June 10, 2016
it has good intentions of encouraging believers in Jesus to follow him, but it gets more complicated and not that pure in simple when keeps using "christianish" "disciplines" to follow Jesus or as he Follows Him. good start, and good ending, but it loses his argument in the process
August 10, 2016
Wayne Cordeiro does an excellent job in this book, of encouraging us to keep it simple, love Jesus! This book renewed my love for Jesus, no greater recommendation exists than that. The author's illustrations, stories and jokes make it real and interesting.
January 29, 2023
Really good book
Very easy reading, but very deep thinking. Cordeiro provides some simple yet powerful guidance, and offers some thought provoking questions in order to stretch anyone in their Christian walk.
Very easy reading, but very deep thinking. Cordeiro provides some simple yet powerful guidance, and offers some thought provoking questions in order to stretch anyone in their Christian walk.
December 8, 2019
Read this as part of my church membership class. A simple book but with simple insights. That is what we need right: simple insights that we can hold on to. Because Jesus did say, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
January 9, 2013
Overall, it had some good nuggets, but for a relatively short book, I felt it rambled a bit much and, I don't know, it just didn't inspire me like I wanted it to.
November 26, 2012
This is an excellent book! All believers should read it! I loved it!!
May 21, 2013
This book will help you realize you need to have Jesus @ the center of your life... very encouraging....
August 9, 2013
Excellent. Easy to read and easy to understand. It's about relationship not religion.
December 20, 2015
Excellent book!
September 1, 2015
Excellently written in Wayne's style, the focus is Jesus all the way through!
Read
February 20, 2016I love anything by Wayne Cordeiro, but this book was great because it just simply pointed us to Jesus...plain and simple.
October 2, 2024
4 1/2 stars. If you don't know the songs that Wayne Cordeiro mentions in this book you should look them up of youtube. They are powerful. The book is a short and easy read with great teaching.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews