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Following the Light of Christ into His Presence [Paperback] John M. Pontius
John M. Pontius brings to light simple ways to recognize and implement personal revelation in your life. Inside you'll find the grand keys that will help make receiving daily guidance, answers to prayers, and much more, accessible to everyone. With this book at your side, you ll be better prepared to prosper along your life s journey and accomplish the work the Lord has planned for you.
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 1996
237 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 5, 2009
I wanted to share this book with all because it is literally, LITERALLY...THE best spiritual book I have ever read. I have the entire thing marked up. I was in tears half the time. It is deep, but for those who are hungering and thirsting.
January 20, 2011
The author starts off on the wrong foot with the title of the book. There is material in this book which is not correct although there many good quotes. These do not make the book good, however. I would not recommend anyone reading this book. The majority of the information which the author is trying to convey is better learned by studying the scriptures and by fasting and prayer. The author seems to feel that the "lowly" members of the church need a "do it yourself" guide to exaltation. That information is reserved for the temple and can also be found in the scriptures. He really has no "new" ideas only his personal beliefs which sometimes are not in harmony with revealed truth. I only read this book because a member in our ward is reading it and I wanted to know (being prompted by the Spirit) if he should be reading it. The answer is obviously no!
February 21, 2019
There were some things that bothered me, but the message was far more powerful than the things that bothered me. It was rather poorly edited and it REALLY bothered me that every time he referenced the strait and narrow way he called it the straight and narrow. Two different words with different meanings. That aside, I felt the message was profound--even life changing for me. I will re-read it multiple times. Nothing he includes was new doctrine to me, just very insightful and presented in such a simple, straight-forward (not strait-forward) way. The message is simply to follow the promptings of the Spirit with immediate and complete obedience. He also gives some seemingly helpful tips about how to implement that in one's life. I loved his discussions on the Tree of Life and on fasting.
August 25, 2012
One of my favorite books! I do not love to read religious books written by people i haven't heard of. This book was recommended to me and I love it. I love the practical advice on hearing and recognizing the voice of the Spirit in your life. Pontius clearly describes 3 voices, the Spirit, your own thought, and temptations. I have never read anything like this and it rang true to me. This book was a spiritually based "how to". Love it.
March 26, 2014
This was one of the most incredible books I have ever read. It probably helps that it was the last book my little brother recommended I read about a month before he passed away. I loved it! My brother told me that it changed his life. I certainly look at things so much differently. In a good different way. I would highly recommend it to the honest truth seeker.
April 6, 2020
Pretty basic and rambles. Some good insights, but for a book about being directed the Spirit, I had a hard time believing some of the arguments and conclusions Pontius writes about (which made it hard for me to trust anything but quoted scripture).
November 23, 2016
I just can't. Honestly, the other books this author has written turned me off in a major way to even being receptive to this book. But I still cannot seem to find any desire to pick it up again. Scriptures, fasting, faith, prophets and prayer is the way to go for learning truth.
December 31, 2020
Ok. But nothing terribly insightful. I can see why some people enjoy it, it just wasn't for me. I found it very slow and repetitive. Really boring and hard to get through.
May 11, 2019
Wow, inspiring a d so simple
Pontius takes you on a journey you will never forget.
After years of trying to be the best I could be, I stumbled on a simple version of this principle. However, John gave me deeper insights into how the process works and how easy, and at the same time difficult, this can be.
If you long to learn more about "calling and election, the baptism of fire, and being spiritually reborn, this is the book for you.
I originally bought the kindle version, but soon ordered a hard copy so I could highlight and use it in my personal journey back into the presence of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do pick this one up. It is a not to be missed addition to your gospel library.
Pontius takes you on a journey you will never forget.
After years of trying to be the best I could be, I stumbled on a simple version of this principle. However, John gave me deeper insights into how the process works and how easy, and at the same time difficult, this can be.
If you long to learn more about "calling and election, the baptism of fire, and being spiritually reborn, this is the book for you.
I originally bought the kindle version, but soon ordered a hard copy so I could highlight and use it in my personal journey back into the presence of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do pick this one up. It is a not to be missed addition to your gospel library.
December 23, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
@cedarfort
I have been needing a new perspective on things spiritually and this was it. It helps every person be able to start from the beginning by understanding what the light of Christ is and how it helps us and how we can work to always have it. This book helped me gain new knowledge and views about the teachings that I have always known.
This book is good for those that are still learning about working towards a Christ driven life, and I also recommend to those who are in a rut and need a new thorough understanding of teaching they are familiar with.
@cedarfort
I have been needing a new perspective on things spiritually and this was it. It helps every person be able to start from the beginning by understanding what the light of Christ is and how it helps us and how we can work to always have it. This book helped me gain new knowledge and views about the teachings that I have always known.
This book is good for those that are still learning about working towards a Christ driven life, and I also recommend to those who are in a rut and need a new thorough understanding of teaching they are familiar with.
November 22, 2022
There are good principles discussed here, nothing new or earth shattering. Pontius' writing is a bit repetitious. He Quotes l I ts of scriptures and lots of McKonkie but I'd just as soon read them all directly.
I found it to be more discouraging than uplifting. It was a struggle to finish.
A couple of good quotes:
"It is the trials of this veil of tears which ultimately make us worthy to return home"
(That is the whole point of the plan, right?)
"The Holy Spirit whispers truth and thereafter, the opposition tirades against it"
I found it to be more discouraging than uplifting. It was a struggle to finish.
A couple of good quotes:
"It is the trials of this veil of tears which ultimately make us worthy to return home"
(That is the whole point of the plan, right?)
"The Holy Spirit whispers truth and thereafter, the opposition tirades against it"
April 15, 2018
Why did it take me so long to pick up this book and read it? I actually got it on audio. I’ve listened to it twice. It was like Anatomy of Peace and Bonds That Make Us Free to me. Perfect inspiration to be a better person. Definitely a classic and one to be studied and reread over and over. I need to get out my hard copy and take notes, mark it up, ask myself questions and make goals. I need to step it up and this was just the book for that. I feel the same about Journey to the Veil.
June 6, 2018
Although this book took me a while to get through, the content is phenomenal. I needed to take the time to really ponder and study and digest the many lessons and teachings presented. I have new perspective and insight. I want to start it over again! Loved it and loved that my little brother who has passed away is the one who recommended it to me before he actually followed the light of Christ back into His presence.
June 15, 2018
Another great John Pontius book. This is very useful in helping to understand how to receive personal revelation. In today's world, where we are bombarded by so much info, knowing who and what to listen to can become a challenge. This book will bring you closer to God and help you develop that strong personal & private relationship with Heavenly father and receive his guidance.
June 30, 2020
This is a very interesting and deep book and has changed the way I think about holding to the rod. It took me a long time to finish it because I had to stop so often and think deeply about so much of the content. After the third recommendation to read this book cake from a friend I decided to and I am so glad I did. Highly recommend
January 26, 2019
This thoughtful book helped me to understand some vague and illusive gospel concepts. I would recommend it for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ready for more than a superficial look at several sacred principles.
June 6, 2018
Quite literally one of the best books I have ever read! I will read it again and again.
May 4, 2019
An Excellent book written by the Author who wrote Visions of Glory.
April 20, 2025
This is an incredible book.
July 2, 2025
I LOVED this book. Truly awesome.
March 8, 2024
Insightful, inspiring, great book
September 14, 2020
One of the most helpful and valuable gospel books I have ever read.
In this book Brother Pontius expounded several vital gospel principles which I have struggled to understand for a long time and as I read and I understood his message about hearkening to the light of Christ and the voice of the spirit it felt like a missing puzzle piece FINALLY brought together a bunch of disparate pieces and put them together in plain order. I have pondered extensively as I read and it has been a very, very great blessing to my personal spiritual journey to have read this book.
This book assumes you are an active Latter-day Saint with a sound understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the plan of salvation, the doctrine of Christ, and the commandments etc. If you are not part of that target audience this book should probably wait to read it until you are thoroughly familiar with the restored doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
In this book Brother Pontius expounded several vital gospel principles which I have struggled to understand for a long time and as I read and I understood his message about hearkening to the light of Christ and the voice of the spirit it felt like a missing puzzle piece FINALLY brought together a bunch of disparate pieces and put them together in plain order. I have pondered extensively as I read and it has been a very, very great blessing to my personal spiritual journey to have read this book.
This book assumes you are an active Latter-day Saint with a sound understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the plan of salvation, the doctrine of Christ, and the commandments etc. If you are not part of that target audience this book should probably wait to read it until you are thoroughly familiar with the restored doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
July 15, 2012
A kind neighbor lent me this book almost a year ago and I finally finished it. I had to put it down because there is a lot to think about and then I got distracted by other reading and so forth.
Incredible!
I highly recommend reading this as it makes you want to do better, to try the things John suggests to have a true personal relationship with Christ. It rings so right and true. Things were brought to my attention that I didn't realize I was doing or wasn't doing that are keeping me from that relationship. I have tagged pages I would love to reread and I am going to buy the book for myself and mark it.
Incredible!
I highly recommend reading this as it makes you want to do better, to try the things John suggests to have a true personal relationship with Christ. It rings so right and true. Things were brought to my attention that I didn't realize I was doing or wasn't doing that are keeping me from that relationship. I have tagged pages I would love to reread and I am going to buy the book for myself and mark it.
May 28, 2016
Synopsis: Just as the title describes, this book is about following the Light of Christ through personal revelation. Holding onto the iron rod and recognizing and acting upon the promptings of the Spirit are all keys for doing this.
My Review: The content in the book is decent (although it felt like about 1/3 of the book was just quotes from Bruce R. McConkie), but something about the material presentation just felt a bit off-putting and often came across in a holier than thou style (Not to mention that it took me almost 3 months to slog through). However, as is usually the case, there was still plenty to think about and ideas and impressions of behaviors to implement in my own life.
My Review: The content in the book is decent (although it felt like about 1/3 of the book was just quotes from Bruce R. McConkie), but something about the material presentation just felt a bit off-putting and often came across in a holier than thou style (Not to mention that it took me almost 3 months to slog through). However, as is usually the case, there was still plenty to think about and ideas and impressions of behaviors to implement in my own life.
April 17, 2011
Suggested by Kelly Bingham. What a powerful book. It use makes you stop to think about the voices in you head and who are we really listening too. It also give more depth than anything I have read in a long time in listening to the spirit immediately and following through with those thoughts. Also the importance of strict obedience to everything especially the LAW. Civil or Spiritual. Wonderful Book. I loved the insight it gave me and the desire to live closer to the Lord. The Title says it all.
March 18, 2014
Life-changing book that explains more clearly the importance of following the light of Christ we are each given when we are born. This book helped me understand so many things more clearly that you would think shouldn't be that hard to GET, but they just are. He helps to reveal the mysteries of God as found in the scriptures and has pushed me to want to be more strictly obedient to the promptings I receive and in my daily spiritual practices. I loved this... My one critique - it was a bit circular and repetitive at times, but I'm sure glad I pushed through and read the whole thing.
August 20, 2014
My favorite book to this day. I have read all of Brother Pontius's books, most of Denver Snuffers, most of Bruce R McConkie's books and others. It's not that this book had anything particularly NEW to add, but it put everything in such a plain way. I can say I finally understand essential doctrine. But one thing I love about Brother Pontius is that his whole mission to lead people to Christ by helping them recognize Jesus Christ, through the Light of Christ. You'll always have the Light of Christ no matter how spiritual you are. And it's also were your journey begins. Again, my favorite book.
August 20, 2014
I can't say enough about this book! The way to receive all of the spiritual gifts, blessings and manifestations that I could ever hope for are clearly mapped out. John says the key is personal revelation and tells you how to discern what is of God and what isn't. He literally tells you the simple steps to making your calling and election made sure and to how to meet the Savior in this life. About halfway through the book it did become very repetitive and there are almost more scriptures quoted than text, but I am an absolute believer in this book! It is a must read for the honest in heart!
September 3, 2010
If you ever wanted to make it back to Heaven but maybe gave up (or not) this book will show you HOW to actually do it.
You will gain a personal testimony of Christ and learn to hear his voice guiding you to righteousness.
This is not just a book, this is a manual. I read it three times back-to-back, and then have been loaning it to special friends (only) for them to "see the light" themselves.
You will gain a personal testimony of Christ and learn to hear his voice guiding you to righteousness.
This is not just a book, this is a manual. I read it three times back-to-back, and then have been loaning it to special friends (only) for them to "see the light" themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews