Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One

by Christine Caine

Many of us make great efforts to ACT like a "Christian," but how many of us actually realize what it means to BE one? Too many times we see faith as an external behavior modification program. If we just stop [fill in the blank], then we’ll be good Christians. Instead, we need to see faith and our witness to those around us stemming from an internal heart transformation, living from the inside out and not the outside in. In Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One, Christine Caine shows how allowing God to change us from the core of our being gives us freedom to stop trying to ACT like a Christian and to just actively BE a Christian. Learn how allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work in us gives us the power to BE witnesses, not to do witnessing. This empowering book will make readers laugh and challenge them about what truly Being a Christian is all about.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living

184 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Christine Caine is a speaker, author, and activist who has been serving the local church globally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign, which works at the local, domestic, and international level to end modern-day slavery. They also founded Equip & Empower, a ministry that is mobilizing people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus. Propel Women is an initiative of the ministry dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. The ministry has also planted three life-giving Zoe Churches in Europe that are not only bringing the Gospel to the region, but also serve the most vulnerable through humanitarian outreach during times of crisis.

Christine is the best-selling author of more than a dozen books and studies and you can tune into her weekly podcast or television program to be encouraged with the hope of Jesus wherever you are.

Reviews

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The irony of reading this book at this time in my life is not lost on me. Without getting into detail, let's just say that I'd define my religious status as "It's complicated." That said, I have a ton of books from back in the day when this status was much clearer, books that the book lover in me would consider too sacrosanct to throw away. Hence, my thoughts on Stop Acting Like A Christian, Just Be One by Christine Caine. Before getting into any specifics, I think it is extremely important to note that this book is intended to "preach to the choir." It shouldn't be used as a manual for people who effectively have no saving relationship with God as outlined in the Bible (underlying text for this book). The transformation outlined in this book is only possible if one has already received the gift of forgiveness of sins and everlasting life the Bible states was Jesus' purpose in coming to earth (seek and save that which is lost).

For the most part, I believe the author delineates this prerequisite, yet, at times I believe she seems to imply that the way Christians live their lives out in public is an impediment to seeking a relationship with God. However, the Bible makes it clear that man in their fallen state does not seek after God. Quite the opposite, man is in rebellion to God and only God's grace can lead to an awareness of one's need to repent and turn away from sin. It's only God's saving work that fortifies people, through the Holy Spirt, to have the wherewithal to effectively turn away from sin and toward serving God. Yes, it doesn't help that people who profess to follow Jesus act in ways that are far from what the Bible describes followers to be (televangelist, I'm looking at you), it isn't the reason why people reject the Gospel. Again, going back to the Bible, people reject the Gospel not only because they are mired in sin, but also because they reject having their lives ruled over by God in the way God sets forth. While I don't think the relationship with Gospel was particularly strong in this aspect, I do think that the author provides Christians with some practical ideas for reflection and application. The 31 day devotional in the latter part of the book is also a good opportunity for Christians to reflect and go deeper in their relationship with God and others (I did not answer any of the questions in the devotional- only read the devotional passages).

Overall, I think it is a good, quick read that can aid in the process of reflection and application with regard to one's public profession of Christ.

*I'm not a fan of the sections of the book where the author said that "God spoke to her." I realize that this is a highly controversial topic in Christendom, however, I would be remiss if I didn't say that I think it is one that is most commonly abused. God speaks through the Bible, perhaps even promptings, any other "messages," especially audible one's, don't sit too well with me (my opinion).

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you take a step back and change the way you view God, yourself and other people.

[Ime'... Imelda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've got it already; just don't have enough time to finish other books (i currently read) and start to read this one. hehehehe :D

i have finished it!!!!!!!!!!!

mmmm... it's an OK book. i like the second part (Just Be One part). it has 31 daily 'devotion (?)' that quite handy to read it everyday. and it 'bang' my soul anyway :)

had finished it all, but i read again the devotional part day by day. am on the 12th day ;)

[Sarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was good and helpful in many ways. The one thing that I really enjoyed was the 30 day challenge issued in the back of the book. Definately want to purchase so that I can follow thru with it. This book did have some very in your face ways of thinking and acting like a Christian...

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Christine Caine. She's sharp. This was not my favorite book of hers though. What she said was good, but there was a lot of repetition. I wish I would have had time to really work through the devotional portion, but since it was a library book, I had to take it back. I did read it, but I didn't get to Selah like I wanted. :)

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christine Caine is the most amazing speaker and this book has great teaching. My only disclaimer is her writing is not the best.

[Re · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouarges Christians to be what we are called to be in everyday life. She is such an inspiration to anyone. I love her stories of her family.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a significant discrepancy between the title and the contents.

[Louise]

pretty good read.

[Beth Peninger]

Originally I gave this title 3 stars. I am revising my stars to zero.

The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.

[Sosa Coleone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that allows you to understand that being a Christian is not something you master and then move beyond. It is a daily choice and a determination on your part. It’s a journey and an adventure.