The church in America desperately needs revival. The percentage of people who attend church in America today is lower than ever before. But how do we experience revival? How do we usher in God’s Kingdom on Earth and see the next great spiritual awakening? It starts with you. God wants you to draw near to Jesus and to be a carrier of His Kingdom. He wants you to experience the reality and fullness of His Kingdom, and He wants you to expand the Kingdom to others – just like Jesus did. Pathways to the King provides you with 8 Kingdom pathways that you’ll need to incorporate and internalize in order to experience and expand God’s Kingdom on Earth. These pathways are discussed in great detail, are securely rooted in biblical truths, and are illustrated by poignant examples from Scripture, from the lives of believers, and from great Christians throughout history. When you begin to walk down these pathways, you will develop intimacy, authority, and power in Christ and become a Kingdom-minded person living out the compelling life of the Spirit.
I love Dr. Reimer's work and this is my favorite book I've read of his so far. If you've been in the church for a while, it can often feel like you're going through the motions or stuck in a holding pattern. You long for a deeper connection with God, but feel like you've plateaued. I discovered this book in the midst of a season when God was awakening that desire to be renewed. I knew there was more to living a life of deep faith, but wasn't sure what was next. "Pathways to the King" described practical steps I could take to experience the transformation I desired. There were many inspiring yet challenging moments while reading this book that convicted me to pursue God more. If you're feeling drawn to go on a journey of transformation with God, this book is for you.
I read this book on the recommendation of my parents and because I love my parents I really wanted to like it, but just couldn’t. While there seem to be many good ideas in Dr. Reimer’s book, I kept sensing that some things were not quite right. In fact, my initial thinking was this represents the sort of theology I left the Assemblies of God to get away from. There wasn’t one really big bad heresy in it. It just seemed that there were several little errors that were piling up and caused to wonder if there was even something wrong with the sections of the book that I did like. Some of what I didn’t like was a difference in theological systems (Reimer is Arminian, I am Reformed) but a lot of it is just plain exegetical sloppiness and/or unfamiliarity with what the Bible teaches on the author’s part.
The thesis of the book is that the church needs revival and that personal renewal is needed to bring about that revival. The Pathways to the King describes eight pathways to personal spiritual renewal: personalize our identity (realize our identity is in Christ), pursue God, purify, praise, pray kingdom prayers, promises of God (claim them), pass the tests (of suffering), and persist.
The thesis is perhaps the most fundamental problem with this book. It is about what we must do to bring about revival, as if it were up to us rather than God. We do not bring about spiritual growth or revival on our own, but rather receive it as a gift from God.
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV (12) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (13) for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Romans 10:6-9 KJV But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) (7) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) (8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Yes, there are things for us to do. All the “pathways” Dr. Reimer discusses are good Christian practices or disciplines, but even our works are really God’s works. No amount of works may we do are going bring God down from heaven to usher in a golden age of revival.
A review from someone else that I read on a blog accused Dr. Reimer of being more Roman Catholic in his doctrine than Protestant and I can see why. His emphasis seems to be on what we need to do in order for God to work in our lives rather than what we should do in response to what God has done in lives. Men of each persuasion do the same works, but their motivations are completely opposed to each other. One is trying to earn God’s favor while the other is responding in gratefulness to the favor God has already given freely as a gift.
“The Church in America desperately needs revival. We have fewer people attending church now (percentage wise) than ever before in the history of the United States. But how do we experience revival? How do we usher in God’s kingdom on Earth and see the next great spiritual awakening? It starts with you. God wants you to draw near to Jesus and to be a carrier of His kingdom, and He wants you to expand the kingdom to others – just like Jesus did. Pathways to the King provides you with 8 Kingdom pathways that you’ll need to incorporate and internalize in order to experience and expand God’s kingdom on Earth. When you begin you walk down these pathways, you will develop intimacy, authority, and power in Christ and become a kingdom-minded person living out the compelling life of the Spirit.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It served as both a wake up call and a reminder for me that I have been becoming complacent in my walk. I was “OK” with the way things were… instead of being hungry for more, and wanting all that God had for me – like it was all those years ago when I first met Jesus. Not only do I need revival, but also the Church needs revival.
The author brings out 8 pathways that we need to walk in order to bring about a fresh revival and renewal – both corporate and personal. We are called to internalize the pathways – personalizing our identity in Christ, pursuing God, purifying ourselves, praising, praying kingdom prayers, claiming promises, passing the tests, and persisting – in order to walk in continuous revival.
This book is filled with great information that just makes sense. There are probably 100 “blubs” (for lack of a better word) scattered throughout the book. They are wonderful nuggets of wisdom and truth that will certainly give you something to ponder through your day. A personal favorite – “If you believed the things that God believes about you, it would revive your soul”!! While this book is an easy read, I feel that this book deserves great attention and certainly more than just one reading to fully absorb the message that is so desperately needed in our Country.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
Dr. Rob Reimer's, Pathways to the King, is an extensive book about "Living a Life of Spiritual Renewal and Power." He states his thesis that the Church in America is in need of revival and spiritual awakening. Within the 200+ pages of his book, you will find eight kingdom pathways that a Christian needs to walk in order to draw nearer to Jesus and share with the rest of the His kingdom. Revival needs to be happening in America and it begins with each individual doing his or her part…preaching and teaching God's Kingdom to others. Many church leaders concern themselves only with numbers; and as a result, the author feels that there needs to be a Great Awakening again. The author has written extensively with examples from the Bible and his own experiences as a pastor. The Pathways that he has written about are: 1) Personalize Our Identity; 2)Pursue God; 3)Purify; 4)Praise; 5)Pray Kingdom Prayers; 6)Promises of God; 7)Pass the Tests; and 8) Persist. Each pathway is discussed and must be walked in order to live in continuous renewal. A personal journey as presented in Dr. Reimer's book is worth the time and effort of the Christian(and church) to renew the purposes of their presence here on earth- "seeking intimacy with God and the fullness of the Spirit until it comes." I received this free book from the author and The Book Club Network for my honest review.
After a challenging two and a half year period in my life, God had guided me to a church in which the women's ministry was reading this book. Cannot help but know that God wanted me to read this book as well. My damaged faith continues to be strengthened and this book has been a huge help in the process.
One more book now complete for my Empower studies. I was comfortable with the writing style and felt I could follow the importance of following the pathways to Jesus. After this class is over, I feel at a later date, I’d come back to this book for another read or reminder of my responsibilities in my relationship with Jesus.
Pathways to the King, was written by Dr. Rob Reimer, a Pastor at South Shore Community Church in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and published by Carpenter’s Son Publishing (2013).
Not many Christians would argue that once-healthy churches have declined spiritually in the last few decades. Why do flourishing churches tend to decay? The author states that the churches in America need revival, are stale, and discusses different ways to have a life of spiritual renewal as a person and as a church. He believes we need to refocus on God and the life Jesus modeled and then we would have a much needed resurgence of spirituality in the church. Throughout the book Reimer teaches Christians and churches to be more effective Kingdom carriers.
The author tells of his own journey and his realization after his girlfriend dumped him that he had treated the Lord in the same way. He had an awakening of the Holy Spirit, switched majors in college, started Bible studies, and felt called to plant a church.
Dr. Rob Reimer advocates: personalizing our identity and realizing the blessings that we have as Christians; pursuing God as a priority; having a prayer language that enhances intimacy with God; circumcising the heart before God; praising Him; praying kingdom prayers; etc. In this easy to read, creative, and practical book, the author describes additional ways to grow as a Christian and as a church. I especially liked his outstanding biblical and personal examples that emphasized the points he was making. It made the biblical principles live on in my mind.
God said that the believers and the church should develop fully to conform to the image of Jesus Christ and this book gives some creative ways to do just that. I thought Pathways to the King was excellent and, because I am a how-to person, I liked the creative ideas for growing in the Lord.
Thank you Carpenter’s Son Publishing for offering it free in exchange for my honest opinion and BookFun.org that made it all happen!
Seeking Abundant Life for Self and Others (review of Pathways to the King by Dr. Rob Reimer) Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
Dr. Rob Reimer expresses heartfelt and solid thoughts on ways to personally have a more in depth relationship with God. He uses examples from his own life to show what has made a lasting change for both himself and his wife. The table of contents gives straightforward marching instructions to get to that deeper relationship with God: 1) Personalize Our Identity; 2) Pursue God; 3) Purify; 4) Praise; 5) Pray Kingdom Prayers; 6) Promises of God; 7) Pass the Tests; 8) Persist. These chapter titles are not a formula but rather a challenge to be fully engaged to reap eternal rewards for oneself, for our culture needing revival, and most importantly, for God’s kingdom. This is a keeper book, one to be reread and used alongside a journal to record specific actions and results based on suggestions from what has been helpful to Dr. Reimer. His writing is personable and reading his book feels like talking with a good friend who wants to share what he knows about the best way God intended us to live the lives He gave us. I received this book at no cost from bookfun.org in exchange for reading it and giving my honest opinion in a review. I highly recommend this book to all who desire to grow closer to the Lord.
I had the privilege of reading Pathways to the King by Dr. Rob Reimer. I was interested in reading this book because I believe our country is in desperate need of a revival. Having recently switched churches and being able to observe different pastoring styles, it’s encouraging to see a church whose goal is to reach the lost, disciple them, help them heal their hurts and break strongholds, and then be equipped to minister and serve and begin to help reach more lost and broken people. I’m excited to be a part of that ministry and it’s a church where I’m hungry to go back every week and delve into more spiritual truths. That is why I was attracted to this book. It promised to continue that fire that has been started on my own spiritual journey and enhance the travels.
This is a book that is great to be used as a devotional for your private use or in a group setting or with your spouse or family. It packs a lot of great insight and spiritual truths into the pages and is a book that will need to be read more than once to fully absorb each and every pathway. I look forward to reading this book several times and sharing the nuggets with my friends.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Dr. Reimer lays out a plan or steps to a closer walk with Christ and a more fulfilling prayer life. The introduction caught my attention on the first page. Dr. Reimer writes like he is talking to you one on one. He teaches the love of the Father, taking time to listen to God's quiet, small voice and praying for discernment. A great testimony on how to walk in faith and not in fear. Find a quiet place (even if you have to go there in your mind)and listen to God. All I have to do is look at all the beautiful things God has made: hummingbirds, squirrels and their acorns, the clouds and the colors of nature. If I can't go outside then I go there in my mind. Dr. Reimer shows eight pathways to lead you in a revival in your own life. I found this book very informative, easy to read and at times I stopped reading to prayed for God to help me apply this steps to my life for His Honor and Glory. This is a book I will reread to help me on a closer fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
I received this book through www.bookfun.org to read and leave reviews with my honest opinion.
This book shows us how we can deepen our relationship with God. I agree to have revival it needs to start in our own heart. Going to church it does seem fewer and fewer people are attending. I know by going to revival meetings I see lots of people come to the big revivals in the tents. The very next Sunday I go to church wow it amazes me where are they? If people really got revived during these revival meetings they would be in the church services. Lots of times people are playing on emotions and not really dealing with what needs to be done. This book of Rob’s will help you get in deeper with God. Lot of wisdom to use in this book. You want to grow use it. Then you will see Christ working in you. Great book.
This book takes the reader on a journey to a spiritual life. It is an excellent tool for both the seasoned Christian and a newbie. I love how the author uses biblical text to make his point and then applies it to something present day to make it more personal and relevant. I found myself exploring my own spiritual well being as I read and finding areas to improve. It also helped me verbalize some of my beliefs in a way that anyone could understand. This would be a wonderful book to use as a bible study in a small group setting. How many problems of today’s society would go away if only we could get everyone to read and apply these teachings! I received this book from BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review.
Dr. Reimer,s book is well written and reminds us that the church in America does need a great revival and lists 8 Kingdom pathways that we need to know and follow to expand God's Kingdom here on earth. The book has opened my eyes that I need a revival in my life. Revival starts with each individual. There are scripture verses throughout the book and reflection questions regarding each Kingdom pathway at the end. If you want a revival in your life and in the life of the church,I recommend that you read this book.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Reimer wants the church to be in continuous revival. That is needed for the world to see its need for Jesus. But he knows that there is a cost to revival. He has written this book exploring the eight spiritual practices necessary for that revival. I found this to be a well written book. For new Christians it is a good introduction to living a Christian life devoted to pursuing God. For seasoned Christians it is a good encouragement to seek continuous revival. I recommend it. See my full review at http://bit.ly/19Usbsg.
This book was amazing! It really spoke to me throughout the entire length of the book. I especially love the ending where it has the declation. I would highly recommend this book.
I read this on the recommendation of a family member, and wanted to love it, but couldn’t. Maybe it just wasn’t meant for me right now.
It’s all about how to grow closer with God, and a fair amount of the book covers the importance of suffering and how to suffer well. He outlines the path to spiritual growth as 1) recognizing our identity as God’s child, 2) pursuing God, 3) purifying ourselves, 4) praising God, 5) God-honoring prayers, 6) claiming the promises of God, and 7) passing the tests.
It’s hard with these books… in the end, the truth is simple and timeless. If there’s too much “hidden knowledge” it’s a red flag, but if there is no new way of looking at something, it feels like a waste. Life is neither linear, nor universal, refusing to be reduced down to a series of steps to enlightenment.
Impactful moments: “It’s like a fish in the water. The fish is in the water, but the water is also in the fish. The fish swallows the water to take in food. The water is in the fish; the fish is in the water. But, if you take the fish out of the water, it dies.”
“When I was little, I might have skipped cleaning the cut, because it was too hard, too painful. But my mom wouldn’t let me. She would clean it. She was gentle and loving, but she wouldn’t let it go, because she knew it had to be done to stave off infection. This is the way it is with drawing near to God. He doesn’t want you to be infected by sin, because He loves you.”
“When you are in the presence of God, you just crave more of his presence”
“God is a gentleman, and He won’t force his way in. He waits to be wanted.”
“But God wants our kids to be warriors fighting the great dragon, Satan, and battling against the kingdom of darkness. If you’re going to become a warrior, then you have to get out to the front lines.”
“I have discovered that when I can change my attitude and view my suffering as participating in the suffering of Christ, I find strength and encouragement. I find Christ’s presence and comfort in my suffering. And I find nobility in suffering.”
“I remember being a young guy and Dad teaching us to fix our eyes on some point on the other side of the lawn. It helped you walk in a straight line, so you could fertilize the lawn evenly. The author of Hebrews is inviting us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Our goal is to know and be like Jesus, but if we are going to arrive at our desired goal, we must fix our eyes on Him.”
Pathways to the King by Rev. Dr. Rob Reimer is a deeply impactful book that reveals the heart’s greatest longing: intimacy with God. Reimer teaches that while we are created to hunger for God’s love and presence, fear and the desire for instant gratification often keep us from pursuing Him fully. Through eight pathways of spiritual renewal, he shows how consistent practice leads to transformation, revival, and becoming more like Jesus. His reminder to “know that God is good all the time, and that He can be trusted” reshaped my faith, especially in how I respond to hardship. I now see trials not as reasons to doubt but as invitations to draw nearer to the Father’s embrace.
Pathways to the King speaks about eight biblical pathways to help reach the people in America and bring them to God. Dr. Reimer uses Scripture, historic Christians and current believers' lives to help understand how we can use this information in our lives. Throughout the book there are also questions created to cause the reader to reflect on the significance of the information. This is an excellent read for those that want to bring revival back to America.
I was given this book by the author and by bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.