Tempted, Tested, True: A Proven Path to Overcoming Soul-Robbing Choices

by Arnie Cole

Back to the Bible Leaders Reveal a Proven Strategy for Overcoming Temptation

Many Christians are feeling guilty, discouraged, and even hopeless. Their faith means a lot to them, but they repeatedly succumb to temptation. Building on the message of Unstuck , Cole and Ross give readers a path to break free from what holds them back, make lasting changes, and win the age-old battle with temptation.

This book is part of a strategic ministry plan developed by Back to the Bible. Through multimedia products and services, the ministry walks alongside individuals and churches, helping Christ-followers live the life God wants them to have.

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all struggle with temptation and fall victim to our bad choices. Arnie Cole of Back to the Bible and journalist Michael Ross have teamed up to help us overcome our sin. Following up on their previous book, Unstuck, Cole and Ross examine the anatomy of temptation and the areas we each struggle with. As director of the Center for Biblical Engagement, Cole has conducted surveys on more than 100,000 people on the areas of temptation and spiritual growth. In the pages of Tempted, Tested, True: A Proven Path to Overcoming Soul-Robbing Choices they share the findings of their research, share stories of co-strugglers and offer a biblical remedy for temptation.


Cole and Ross market Tempted, Tested True as two books in one:
(1) A faith-building guide filled with practical solutions

(2) A personal and small-group workbook (19).

Each of the ten chapters concludes with the workbook section called 'a nudge'. The 'nudges' are loosely correlated to the chapter material so it is possible to do the workbook independent of reading. For the purposes of this review, I read the chapter material and skimmed the workbook. However I do plan to go back through the workbook exercises more in-depth because they will be helpful to me (though the table of contents does not tell you the page numbers for the nudge sections)
What I liked best about this book was the tone. This is a book dealing with sin and temptation but it is also gracious. Cole and Ross are fellow strugglers and they open up about this along the way and profile a number of other people. In fact several other writers contributed to chapters of this book, including: Theresa Cox, David Barshinger, Pamela Ovwigho, Kelly Combs, Sue Cameron, Deidra Riggs and Michelle DeRusha.
Their gracious look at temptation eschews easy answers and quick-fix solutions. The contributors have each pursued personal holiness, sometimes at personal cost. They have all experienced forgiveness and freedom but they also know how their sin has hurt the ones they loved. Some also have had to set up boundaries to protect themselves from other people's sin (i.e. Kelly's Story in chapter six, shares how her mother's addiction and manipulation made it impossible to remain in relationship with her). Despite the difficulties faced, Ross and Cole and company hold out the possibility of freedom in Christ.
This book is thoughtfully put together. The research basis for this book means that Cole and Ross do not simply spout off what they think women or men struggle with. Instead they speak empirically of what men and women have really struggled with and they guard from oversimplifying issues. Their objectivity makes this a useful book for Christians of different theological persuasions.
However I found this book limited in a couple of respects. Cole and Ross speak to where people feel tempted and to issues that besiege Christians. Yet a full-bodied treatment of sin has to go beyond the realm of felt-temptation. The biggest sins are not always lust, anger or addictions, there are sins of omission as well. One of the biggest sins in our churches is our failure to care about the world around us by reaching out with tangible love. To put it another way, James 1:27 says, "True religion is to care for widows and orphans and to keep yourself from corruption." Tempted, Tested, True does a great job of helping us keep ourselves from corruption, but says little to encourage us towards active care of widows and orphans. To do the one without the other, is still sin.
On a related note, this book focuses on individual, personal sins but does not explore the complementary theme of social, and institutional evils. Following Jesus calls us to stand against injustice and oppression. This is what brought Jesus into conflict with the religious leaders in his own day. Remember how the Pharisees had their own personal code of holy living but 'devoured widows houses'? (Mark 12:40). Let me clear, I think personal sins should not be glossed over and we need to pursue personal holiness. However our discussion of sin should be cognizant of social sin as well.
It is not that a book has to say everything. I think this book does a great job of articulating its theme. I just feel that you could put into practice the principles in this book and still fall short of all that God intends for your life. The way of Jesus is more radical than a personal means of transformation and behavior modification. Jesus is alive and that changes everything. That being said I think that this book can and should be read for benefit. Understanding the nature of temptation and how to stand up under it is a noteworthy goal.

I think this book is a good aid for personal study or discussion. I give it 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Tempted, Tested, True, in exchange for review from Bethany House. The book was written by Arnie Cole and Michael Ross. I have discussed the book on my other blog, Celibacy Diaries, but have not done my full review for Bethany House. This is the full review.

I chose this book because I struggle with temptation. I struggle with anxiety. I struggle with women' struggles. I struggled with sex addiction. When I saw the book review list for Bethany House, I had to have this book. I had to have a print edition. When it comes to celibacy, abstinence, sex addiction, etc, there is a lot of information out there. There are plenty of books written, but not too many is written from a Christian perspective. I wanted practical, spiritual knowledge, and this book does that. I am glad I got chosen for this book. I did not read this book from start to finish. I started the book at the beginning, then moved to the sections on sex addiction and shame. A lot of good passages stood out and I marked them big time. The book also takes about alcohol, anxiety, shame, temptation, men struggles, women struggles, releasing the past, and unmasking the real you. for this review, I am choosing to focus on the things, which affected me personally.

Chapter 8 discusses the story of Mark and how he struggled with sexual sin (pornography). Porn helped Mark cope with stress. But over time, his heart became darker and more hardened (p. 167). He was pretending everything was ok, when everything was not. He was addicted. His wife called in an intervention with their pastor because she suspected something was wrong. One line, which stood out was Porn is a counterfeit that can ruin our ability to experience the real thing (p. 171). Pornography can also be an idol and the Lord does not allow us to put idols before him. The chapter also discussed accountability. People need an accountability partner when they are struggling with addiction. The book also discussed ways to move forward past porn and sex addiction(. I wrote the steps on my other blog Celibacy Diaries). The book also does nudges after each chapter, with spaces to write down thoughts and concerns. For example, the nudge for chapter 8 focuses on shaking the shame. The section allowed you to think and write about soul-robbing traps; why breaking free is hard for you; and what you would like for Jesus to help you with.

Then, the book moves into toxic shame. First, the book discusses the difference between shame and guilt. "Guilt has to do with our behavior, what we do; shame, has to do with our identity, who we are" (p. 180). "Toxic shame causes us to expect the worst from ourselves because we believe that's who we are inside"(p. 180). We must let go of those thoughts, which say we are a loser, a failure, a disappointment, no use to God, etc (p. 181). This is something I definitely struggle with. There is also an amazing chart on the characteristics of shame, with space to list specific examples and emotions (p. 184). P. 185 also has a spiritual life rating scale. I am a level 3 believer. The scale starts at skeptic, seeker, believer, grace-filled, and servant-minded. You look at the characteristics of each row and determine where you fall in. a worksheet follows immediately after to note your results. You will need access to a bible to complete some of the notes.

Chapter 9 focuses on Danielle's story. Danielle discussed how even when she knew the right thing to do, she did the wrong thing anyway. I knew having a lot of sex with random men was wrong, but i did it anyway. suffered the consequences too. A few passages, which stood out:


Temptation is big and it's sneaky, and it knows my weak spots. It can tell when I'm wavering and slip in a zinger at just the perfect moment--sending me right back to square one. It doesn't have to be that way. More and more, I realize, there is a way out. (p. 197)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (p. 198).

Your sin is not unbeatable. Your temptation isn't too big for God. You aren't even close to being the only one tempted in that way (p. 200).


Finally, I will focus on the four stages of Temptation (Chapter 2) p. 54)


Enticement: starts with a pang of desire. a thought, a fantasy. what ifs. then eventually the decision to commit. go through the stages of intimacy: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch.

Conception: desire becomes strong. wants to conceive the real thing, whether it's sex, or drugs, or alcohol, whatever it is. we continue to engage with our temptor and ignore God more.

Gestation and growth: sin continues to grow. it affects us mentally, spiritually, and physically. we know the sin intimately. we are enjoying our secret lives. the temptation begins to define us: thoughts, identity, purpose. we don't consider the long-term effects of the sin. we continue to live in darkness and the light can not penetrate us.

Delivery: the sin matures. it gives birth to death inside of us.
This is definitely a good book. Definitely will keep reading as temptation shows up in my life. The book felt like more than a regular non-fiction. More than another book to read once. It provided practical, biblical knowledge to temptation and the consequences of each temptation.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're human you are proof that life is full of temptation. Arnie Cole and Michael Ross cover the temptations that may not seem obvious to us though, and other temptations that many deal with. The book veers off path a bit from sometimes explaining how to overcome temptation to more getting onto theological explanations instead, and repeating the same thing at the end of every chapter. While it has some lovely points, it gets weighed down by a lot of advertisement for websites and other books the author have written, plus some theological guidance that doesn't suit the theme.

Summary: You've probably dealt with some temptations that seem like a commonality among people, like sexual, or overindulging, but some others that people commonly partake in like arrogance, laziness, and gossiping get overlooked. This book brings to light the sins that maybe we are very aware we commit, and the others we may not think on, and gives us people who contribute to each chapter to discuss their struggles. At the end of each chapter after discussing their battle they then give steps regarding being tempted, tested, and staying true.


Characters: I like how the authors try to involve others to make the book seem more real to those reading, and wanting to feel they can relate to the temptation in the stories. The thing is it leaves the book feeling very disjointed though. The authors contribute to the beginning of the book, but then the book lets a round of other people get involved. I thought their stories were interesting, and I'm sure it will resonate with people, but the ending where they go through the step process just felt like a repeat. I would have preferred a more personal account all the way through from the people they had contributing, because they did get me to thinking with realizations in their own life.

Writing: The writing was good, but as I said some of it felt like a huge advertisement for other sites, resources, or books instead of just focusing on the topic at hand. Also, the ending does repeat the same thing over at each chapter, and wasn't diverse enough each time. I did like the unique way the authors tried to get reassurance and steps across to helping overcome temptations more and more though. They make word clouds, and other discussion questions to help people.

Plot: The book meshes people's real life stories with Biblical accounts of people. I guess the thing for me is that being a faith based novel, there weren't as many accounts as I thought there would be of people from the Bible who had their own amount of temptations to deal with. So far what I've read in a past few non-fiction books regarding faith is how they bring in Biblical characters to relate to. I feel it's more easy to relate to than accounts of people I don't know myself. I'm sure that really depends on the person though. Where the book really veered off for me is when at the end the book turns more into a book driving people into certain denominations. I get that people have denominations they adhere to that are different than mine, and that is fine, but I could tell this book really was against Calvinist, and using this book as a platform to have people think less of the theology. At least that is what I felt when they used a quote referring to Calvinism as a perversion.

If you're dealing with temptation then this seems like a good book to begin the steps to trying to work on letting those rule your life as much. I did begin thinking over temptations such as gossiping, that I seem to do with almost no thought now, and how I can lessen than in my life. There were parts that seemed like points made a few times, and then the end gets into a rant that just makes the book seem like it's made to point people in a theological path without proper respect given to the different denominations.

Rating 6 of 10.

This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Arnie Cole and Michael Ross, both currently of Back to the Bible, teamed up to write Tempted, Tested, True: A Proven Path to Overcoming Soul-Robbing Choices. Various other writers also contributed. The book focuses on temptation, reminding readers over and over that all people all are tempted, simply in different ways. Additionally, it gives practical steps to overcoming temptation and changing habits.

This book begins by talking about the seven deadly sins and also about the four stages of temptation (mentioned in James 1). Throughout the book, the writers touch on many different sins including sloth, gossip, lust, worry and materialism. Each chapter ended with a "nudge" such as "Nudge 1: Learn to be God-centered" and "Nudge 4: Change your brain". These nudges had seven steps: tempted, tested, true, memorize, listen, respond and pray. Included in each nudge were questions to answer, research/quotes to consider, Scripture verses and written prayers.

The appendix was noteworthy. In it, the authors explained "three protestant views about sin and salvation" by comparing the theologies of John Calvin, Martin Luther and Jacobus Arminius. Included was a helpful reference chart.

I picked this book to review because I was intrigued by the phrase "soul-robbing" in the title. I appreciated the authors' straightforwardness about sin and thought that they dealt well with it: showing the gravity of our sins (ALL of our sins, not just the "big ones") but reminding readers of hope for change through Jesus. I liked the "nudges" because they gave clear steps for change and I believe they could be of great help if used properly. Personally, I didn't care for the fact that there were multiple writers. Having the two main authors was fine, but multiple other writers were added, I wished that their sections would have been designated differently. Sometimes I had to look back a few lines to figure out who was writing. Perhaps the editors should have changed the font or set those parts in a quote block to avoid this confusion. Other than that, the book is easy to follow. As someone who enjoys reading more academic-type books, I did get annoyed a few times when something was written without a reference. For instance, on page 53 the authors write about how "ancient Jews thought that a desire...could have a life of its own". I would have appreciated an endnote designating where they found this information, however, I recognize that most people wouldn't have been bothered by that at all. The appendix was great - I appreciated their work there. Overall, I would recommend this book as a reminder of the gravity of sin and practical guide to overcoming temptation.

**This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Originally published at www.cglorioso.blogspot.com

[Kellyreads04 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tempted, Tested, True by Arnie Cole and Michael Ross arrived for review, I was instantly intrigued by the notion that we all probably share a similair struggle with some form of temptation.
Normally, the idea of temptation is set with a larger score of notions, such as cheating, stealing, perhaps even an addiction. What captivated me most of all is that temptation can be as innocent as a thought - yet plaque us in the biggest form of guilt. This book? It's a bountiful cover to cover absolute gem of a novel to take those moments of temptation from thoughts to actions to overcoming them with a common biblical basis. God will help you prevail - you just have to let him give you that opportunity and that freedom.

Tempted, Tested, True is 10 chapters filled with projected and insightful paths tempations could lead you on, or perhaps you are/have experienced them yet might not know the resolutions. You will with this book! Not only do they cover many common forms of temptations, each chapter is filled with insightful prayer, words of wisdom from Christ centered experience, engaging 'nudges' in the form of a workbook space for personal writings and reflections. True to it's title, Mr. Cole and Mr. Ross give you those same topics in the form of the temptations, theories tested and the truth to set you free.

Simply put: This book is a must have for the home library. It will be referenced often. It's not a complicated read but intense enough to cover a multitude of thoughts and their consequences and their actions. It's profound enough that we can come away with the understanding that we as humans will make mistake - we are fallible. But God is still, and always will be, in control and as they beautifully state: "Learning to become God-centered is the first crucial step: Put God back in His rightful position - smack in the center of our lives."

5 stars for Tempted, Tested, True. This book's richness, essential charts and graphs, and the amazing appendix filled with worksheets is simply top notch. This novel brings to light a topic many might shy away from but truly should embrace the wisdom and insight given by Cole and Ross. Given that we have a choice to wallow in fear of condemnation of guilt and shame, the best gift is to live in the glory that that freedom of letting it go that God will grant you!

*As per my review: I received a copy of the book from Bethany House for the purpose of a book review. I was not compensation other than receipt of book to review and any/all parts of this review are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Jennine G. (Living On Purpose) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Source: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Temptation. A word people know, use, and consider on many different levels. Yet, no matter how temptation is considered, it stands in history as the downfall of mankind and has haunted us ever since.

In Tempted, Tested, True, authors Arnie Cole and Michael Ross take readers through what they label as Nudges, where the authors point readers in the direction for which they should aim. Each nudge is introduced with life stories/testimonies from people and then discussed in a workbook type fashion, asking the reader to understand the material personally. While the intro story may not be your direct experience, the root Temptation behind the story could. The reader is then moved to Tested, where the authors discuss a path to help change your course or help with the topic being discussed. This includes survey information they've gathered from Christians. True is the last category given and it charts a path toward change.

There are 10 Nudges discussed:
Learn to be God-centered
Pinpoint Your Weakness
Reconsider Holiness
Change Your Brain
Interrupt Your Heart
Detach Attachments
Surrender Control
Shake the Shame
Fall in Love Again
Rethink Church

There are also two sections that discuss the points in which men and women are most tempted. Each section discusses five "hot button" points. One chapter in particular (Interrupt Your Heart) provides a website with free services to carry out their suggestions. The chapter is about interrupting your day with thoughts on God and scripture to keep you on track. They offer automated texts, emails, and even phone calls, in which you'll receive a scripture or thought based on the topics in the book to keep your mind focused on the change you seek - the lessening of successful temptations. I tested it and sure enough, at the times I preset, I received emails and texts with various scriptures or Bible devotional content.

Having read many books in this particular genre of Christian reading, I found Tempted, Tested, True on par with the rest. The free online service through their website was an extra that people taking this topic seriously would benefit from. The authors also have another book, mentioned in this one, that I will be reading. It is called Unstuck and it deals with learning to engage with the Bible instead of reading it "just because" or in a cognitive manner. Overall it was good, but nothing makes it stand out from others of the same topic.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arnie Cole and Michael Ross have written a very honest examination of temptation and sin, and its effects for both men and women.

In today's world - today's evangelical church - there is a lack of emphasis on sin. The only time we really use the word is to describe what other people are doing - homosexuality and abortion being two of the favorite targets. When it comes to what "I" struggle with or what "we" are guilty of, suddenly the emphasis skips over the word "sin" straight to concepts of "grace" and a "merciful God."

The authors (they are really more like editors or co-authors along with a few other contributors) remind us in a straight-forward and compassionate manner that we are all sinners in desperate need of God's help. There is not a single note of judgment or condemnation sounded in getting this message across; rather, it is approached as the genuine truth of the good news that there is hope.

Unfortunately, the only hope offered is God's forgiveness in Christ. There is very little said (except for Michael's first chapter - Chapter 2 or 3) concerning God's rescue from sin. Much is said about justification, and almost nothing about sanctification - except to hold it out as an ideal we will always fail to experience. The authors do well to emphasize sin as a necessary part of the whole message concerning who Christ is and what He does for us. But they have emphasized the reality and power of the disease (sin) at the expense of the whole message concerning the cure (holiness) - and knowing Michael, I suspect it is largely Arnie's perspective here.

Despite this significant shortcoming and missed opportunity, the book is not to be missed for an honest, compassionate, truthful examination of human frailty. "I" and "we" need this book to help us understand sin, temptation, and weakness - as well as the true message that Jesus Christ has indeed sufficiently demonstrated God's forgiveness toward us.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole and Ross co-authored this book along with various other writers who made personal contributions to some of the chapters in this book. Everyone of us faces temptations in our lives. The bible is clear in this regard. The book of James in verses 1:13-15 describes how there are essentially four stages to the temptations that each one of us face. These four stages are (1) enticement; (2) conception; (3) birth; and (4) death. It is knowing how to deal successfully with these temptations and overcome them that makes all the difference in our lives.

The book is divided into ten chapters that address some of the common temptations that all men and women encounter. As was noted in the book, men and women tend to encounter different temptations. Yet there are also some temptations that are common to both men and women. The temptations that most men face are lust, anger, materialism, and worry. The temptations that most women face are worry, anger, diet and food, and gossip. Practical steps are given on how to successfully overcome the temptations according to biblical principles. Several of the chapters were written by the additional contributors to relate how they were successful in winning victories in their lives.

Being a long time born again believer there was nothing in the book that I had not previously learned through my study of the bible and other similar books on the subject. Nevertheless I would recommend that the younger folks who struggle with these issues should read the book and keep it handy to assist them when they encounter temptations of all kinds. Finally, I need to mention that I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishing Company in exchange for my unbiased review of the book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no use pretending: Everybody struggles with temptations. Sometimes those struggles can wear us down and we don't know where to turn. But, as authors Dr. Arnie Cole and Michael Ross write, "Each struggle presents us with an opportunity for growth and intimacy with God - not condemnation."

We all struggle with temptations, that much is obvious. Whether it builds us up or breaks us down is what Tempted, Tested, True: A Proven Path to Overcoming Soul-Robbing Choices is all about. The authors have gathered many real-life stories and information from thousands of surveys. This is what puts it on a personal level, to see others journey through struggles that you may have as well.

What I really like about this book is how it has so much detail. It clearly defines certain temptations that all people face, it talks about temptations specific to women, and those specific to men. After each chapter there is a "nudge" that lists many different questions and information about the specific temptation, and how to work through it.

I think this book is really a great resource. Because temptation applies to everyone, I honestly believe everyone can benefit from this book. Sitting down and intensely evaluating your life and the struggles that you are going through is good for any person. Finding a way to work through them, and turn the corner is important.

Obviously you don't want these struggles to control your life, and through the help of these questions and the stories listed, you can get to a much better place.

I received a copy of this book for free from Bethany House in return for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided this book free of charge by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The following opinions are my own.

Temptation is something that we all deal with and face every single day and most of want to do well when facing it so I was instantly drawn to this book when I saw it was one of the titles up for review. Also, since my husband and I work with a twelve step program that teaches people to make better choices, I thought it would be a good way to brush up on a different view on how to do that. I definitely wasn't disappointed by what I found in this book. It is packed full of great advice on overcoming temptations and addictions.

One of the best things about this book, is that it offers a workbook section after each chapter with practical, useful steps to putting what you just read into practice. It asks questions to get the reader thinking about how they can apply that chapter to their lives whether or not they deal with the specific issue mentioned and gives verses to read and memories as well as quotes about the subject and a model prayer to help someone better ask for God's help in dealing with an issue.

However, this book isn't one of those books that would really help someone unless they want to deal with their issues. It doesn't allow you to just passively skim over the pages and feel warm and fuzzy after; it challenges you to interact with the material and deal with your issues so that you can get past them and start living a healthy life. I really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend to anyone trying to figure out how to make better choices in their lives.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempted, Tested, True
Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
978-0-7642-1085-3
Christian Living / Spiritual Growth
Bethany House
254 pages
$14.99 U.S.

From the opening pages where one is introduced to the whole notion of temptation (for those still ignorant of its existence), TEMPTED, TESTED, TRUE shines the brilliant beam of consecrated intelligence and dedicated creativity into the deepest recesses of the enemy’s camp. Unashamedly, the authors call sin, sin … and provide a time-tested blueprint for how it can be successfully defeated on a daily basis.

Arnie Cole (CEO of Back To The Bible) and Michael Ross (award-winning journalist and bestselling author) combine their insights and God-given talents once again to provide an indispensable resource for living the Christian life in a victorious manner. We are told in Scripture to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7). Cole and Ross have produced a handbook that shows you, step by step, just how that may be accomplished. And I thank them for it. If you are honest with yourself, you will recognize, as I have, how crucial it is to have such a work close at hand. This isn’t a book to be read and shelved; it needs to be a constant ready reference. Because our adversary never slumbers nor sleeps.

5 stars

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read enough non-fiction books, and have been trying to change that. When I saw this title, I figured it would be a good book to read and review as it deals with something we all face: temptation. If you don't face it, you'd better do a spiritual check up fast.

This isn't a fast easy fix book. The authors address different areas of temptation we face, and use stories of real people to show how they affect us all and the struggle to overcome them. The book is interesting, easy to read, and has some valuable and sage advice. At the end of each chapter there is a few pages dedicated to "a nudge", which has some places to answer questions that are asked. I read the book through pretty fast for the sake of posting a review, but plan on spending more time with it later. It has the potential to be very helpful if used correctly and if the reader spends some time on it.

At the end of the book there is a section describing all three Protestant views of sin and salvation: Calvin, Luther, and Arminius, which I found interesting. There is also two worksheets at the very end of the book to help the reader pinpoint his weak areas and how to combat them. I highly recommend

this book to anyone who struggles a lot with temptation

[Lyle Appleyard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I revieved a copy of this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway.

Each chapter had a message that I beleive most of us could relate to. We all have a weakness that can lead to sin. Each chapter also has a work area that help us in identifying the problems we are having. That is good, rather than just reading the passage and moving on. That is what will make the book work. You working on the exericies.

Yes, this is a religous book. Christianity. Be prepared to look at your faith and ask some hard questions of where you are and where you want to go. Maybe a bit of fire and brimstone preaching, but that may be what you need.

In some of the chapters, I was a little confused by the narration. There were different narrators for each story and they seemed to jump from story to story. In some cases I was confused as they ended one story before I thought it should. I felt I was left hanging.

The book was not hard to read. If you want o make a difference in your life, then do more than just read the book. Do the work.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not very impressed by this book. Is was too unstructured, loose, and unfocused with many voices and personal stories. Told too little within all the text. It was easy to read but I did not get much of it. The authors were proud of their research, but are not very good at presenting it. It even added gray boxes with information that often could have been part of the chapters. Maybe this book is good for some - if one follows the included questions and stuff, but I never do that.

[Kelly]

Won Tempted, Tested, True: A Proven Path to Overcoming Soul-Robbing Choices from Goodreads First Reads. Did not get the book yet, but when I do, I will get to reading it soon. (:

[Brittany]

Won this book in a first reads contest. I'm excited to read it. (: