Relaxing with God: The Neglected Spiritual Discipline

by Andrew Farley

Jesus called his followers to exchange the heavy yoke around their necks for his light one. So why are so many Christians feeling weighed down and burned out? The simple answer is that they are being told from many pulpits across the country what they "should be" doing for God.

Bestselling author Andrew Farley calls this for what it is--works-based religion--and then shares with readers biblical wisdom on the neglected art of resting in Christ. Anyone longing to experience true release from the crushing expectations that the world throws their way will find life and rest in Farley's revolutionary message.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Christianity, Theology, Faith

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kara Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will be reading this over and over again and also buying copies for friends and family when I have the funds.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "MUST" read for every believer in Jesus Christ who is sick and tired, bone and soul weary and (if they are really honest) just about done with "church". GASP! I'm talking about being DONE with what is taught/preached (hawked?) every week in churches as "life" (even the abundant life) in Christ, but it is nothing more than law-based performance-oriented Christianity. You'll recognize it as you hear, severy single week/month/year goes by, the "do/give more to get more/be closer/more pleasing to God" and you're regularly called to live radically for God by living by the red letters of the gospels and the big 10 written on stone. Cut off any hands lately? Hated anyone lately? Had to forgive someone b/c you think God won't forgive you unless you move first?

Where's the grace of God in that kind of life? Where's the true GOOD news of the gospel? Where's resting solidly and completely in the FINISHED work of Christ? Where's the abundant life in Christ and the freedom he came to give? Do you ever feel like what was great news when you came to faith in Christ has now become the rules and regs of the Christian life and you're blessed only if you keep all of them and, of course, you just can't seem to succeed and you're tired of trying?

If, in your heart of hearts, you resonate with what I've described and are (or are becoming) so weary of this type of Christian/church life, especially if you live in the US, that is called " living the Jesus lifestyle, "life as a "follower" of Christ or living "for" God; however, life in Christ and church life, as you know it and are taught it, looks and sounds and feels like being a worker bee for Jesus or the Christian life lived on a hamster wheel with only tidbits of grace, truth and rest to hopefully keep you going,then I HIGHLY recommend you read Relaxing with God. There is freedom, life and rest for you. We aren't called to be grace-based law keepers. That's an oxymoron of hte first degree!! If what I've described in any way brings forth one or more resounding "Yes, but..." thoughts or comments, then maybe you need to read it too.

I recommend reading Andrew Farley. He GETS it; living as a New Covenant believer!

[Katelyn Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely transformative and powerful, this book has changed my faith for the better. This is the kind of book I would buy for everybody to read. It gave me the correct lens for the true gospel. Praise God! Have felt so much freedom and relaxation in Him. HIGHLY recommend.

[Pam Lyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with his “laid back” attitude toward sin. To take the law completely out of our lives seems different from what I have been taught all my life. The law guides us… teaches us to try and live a “Christ like” life. I know religions are driven by man’s interpretation of the scriptures, but his views about scripture were strong and seemed that we are to relax and not worry about we do worldly… I feel there is more to it.

[Robert D Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Brought me closer to my Father God

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great read and good reminder about who we are in Christ and the good news of the gospel! Farley went through a ton of verses in the New Testament describing what they mean to us in the perspective of the Cross, freeing their use for guilt, legalism, or shame. Often times I think we tend to overcomplicate Christianity with academia and intellectualism and our innate need to understand everything instead of just resting in the Truth so this book was a great reminder of the rest, freedom, and joy found in Jesus to let the striving cease because we are righteous and made new in Him! It is finished!

Edit: also I love Farley’s last bit about how to live the Christian life:
Step 1. learn who you are in Jesus Christ
Step 2. Wake up and be yourself
Step 3. Repeat

[Aizel (One Page at a Time) Macaldo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relaxing with God is a refreshing read. In a world where religiosity is everywhere, this book presents a pretty radical ideas but nevertheless, Bible-based.

At first, I was having a hard time grasping what the author's trying to say. And I was like, hey so it's okay to sin? But of course, it's not about that. It's all about connecting with Jesus. I think it's more on redirecting our focus on who really matters, resting in Him and trusting His saving grace.

Basically, it tells us this: believers are saved because of Jesus. Because of His love, we are redeemed of our sins. We are of new spirit. Thus, it follows that sin must be no longer be in our lives. We must live in union with Jesus Christ.

It also has a chapter about money and tithing which, I think, is important especially in our world today where money doesn't really come that easy.

-o-

Despite of the subject being serious, I liked that the author has injected humor in delivering the topics, making the learning "session" enjoyable and not dragging. Back-upped with Bible verses, one can easily refer to the Bible and do further understanding. There's also a seven-part study experience at the end of the book which can help if one wishes to study more on the different topics.

I also liked how the different ways of relaxing with God were sectioned. It made my reading organized and the information "downloading" easier.

-o-

Overall, I recommend this book especially for those finding themselves in the midst of tiring "religiosity" that they lose focus on the true faith that is in Jesus Christ. :)

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I think most of his theology is spot on and I am seriously thinking about the rest. He has identified many of the teachings today that sound so good but do not line up with Scripture. Our relationship with the lord is based on what Jesus did, not on what I am doing. That is the rest in which we reside. I really liked his teaching on the covenants: the dividing line is the cross, not the manger. Yes, that means the gospels are basically Old Testament. Farley has done an excellent job developing and presenting his position. I really liked it and do recommend it.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/131jw55.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good, easy to understand reading here. Important truths about the gospel that even a seasoned churchgoer may have missed along the way.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought this was going to be a good one. Good grace-oriented focus but an overly simplistic reading of Scripture.

[Matt Sikes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really appreciated the simple, grace-filled approach to Scripture. I can see there being many facets of evangelical modern-American Christianity that are not Biblical, and are rooted in old covenant practices or misinterpretations over generations. However, I feel like the author is quick to discount some pretty major things like tithing. I get that we can’t beat ourselves up for not adhering to certain aspects of faith perfectly, but I think we should also be careful to deviate from a long span of tradition without being sure we’re right and the generations before us were wrong.

The spidey-discernment senses in me were tingling. I would be very careful about who I recommended this book to.

[Tanner Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good and refreshing book to read! It really puts the Christian walk in perspective as we walk on this side of the cross. We are no longer “cursed” by the law of Moses and can actually walk in freedom because of what Christ did for us on the cross. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to understand the concept that you have been made new through Christ and that there are no amounts of works or performance based acceptance that you can do to save yourself. Such a great read!

[Dawn Kravagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful in a sense that I wasn’t raised Christian so that I wasn’t exposed to Christian tropes my entire life. I’m very familiar with Galatians 3:1-3 and knew that somehow I must’ve been in bondage to legalism as I’d lost the joy of my salvation (born again at age 28), but couldn’t pinpoint where the false belief was. This book solved the issue. There is a nice Bible Study at the end of the book, which I’m going to work on. If anyone is looking for a way to get off the hamster wheel of trying to please God through good works, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Shoshana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading this for book club yesterday. I have mixed feelings. One positive is that it reminded me to seek Holy Spirit direction/wisdom/discernment whenever I read anything. I want to go back and reread this more slowly now, checking out the scriptures Farley uses to back up his arguments and verifying his claims about context, etc. He addresses some interesting topics, including predestination, the Lord's Supper, tithing, and baptism.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every person should read this.

We get it wrong so many times. So many times. The truth is that we are loved, we are free, and we are under grace. That’s it. Be who you are created to be. This book has reminded me that we do too much, we try to hard, we get it wrong. Jesus is everything. That’s what matters.

[Jim Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and informative. Easy read, finished book in less than 24 hour period. Highly recommend this book to anyone, especially Christians who are still caught up in the law-based religious teaching of the traditional church system.

[Dave Drum · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Peace and grace" are common prayers and wishes we give or receive. This book presents the truths of Scripture that show how that is even possible. If you've ever wished or prayed that for people, add this book as a gift to help them attain it...by His power.

[Valerie Hazelwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good read! Taking my time with this book, it was eye opening in many ways in my walk with Christ! Learning how to relax with God, to truly put all that “Christianity culture” has taught behind me and going back to the simplicity of the Biblical truth!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Andrew Farley "hit". Love his simple and straightforward way to present the Gospel

[Michael Thomas II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on understanding the core elements of Christianity and God's grace.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freedom

Love this book! It tells you how to relax with God and not be enslaved by the law and by false teachings of modern day pastors!

[Mary Pauline M · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than a book ! Thought provoking, sobering, and insightful. Loved the included questions in back.

[Selina Raquel Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The paradox is absolutely freeing!!

[Bill Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

[Nora Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read about 70% of this one week last year, and then forgot I never finished it! Was good, would recommend to people who are confused about certain Christian topics and how the relate to salvation.

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thank you to Baker Books and NetGalley for a complimentary reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

RELAXING WITH GOD by Andrew Farley, is a remarkable book of God’s grace, a simple yet profound empowering journey with powerful truths to live by.

Farley describes everything he was doing twenty-three years ago in order to grow spiritually and feel closer to God. From praying all the time, studying the Bible for hours each day and sharing his faith.

However, his belief system was both complicated and exhausting, and was not working. Despite his sincere commitment to God, he had nothing to show for it. No peace, or joy—He was going to heaven but there was nothing about his present life that appealed to anyone.

Today all this has changed and he describes exactly how to soak in the unconditional grace of God, to allow the Spirit to flood the mind with thoughts of love and acceptance. How to enjoy safety and security in Jesus and how to allow God to transmit His radiant life through his own. He no longer battles guilt and fear and the path ahead is not foggy, but clear. Now he celebrates Jesus like never before.

What caused this transformation?

Things are different on the inside. Through his experience of crashing and burning and starting over. God taught him some truths that literally saved his life. God wants us to relax which he shares with readers in RELAXING WITH GOD.

As we wrestle with the idea of relaxing with God, our current programming—the way we’ve always believed or done things—may attempt to steal our freedom. We have to peel away those layers of restless rhetoric in order to gaze at the full splendor of God’s grace. Ditch the guilt and find the real freedom and relaxation that Jesus talked about, the kind we have longed for.

I liked this part – while some Christians are running themselves ragged trying to get God to like them, others seems to believe God is already satisfied with who they are, and they are just being themselves. Some experience anxiety, while others enjoy rest.

Relaxing with God is designed to help readers discover this new way of rest, abandoning religious error and rethinking every motivation in life. Christianity is a human‘s nature being returned to its innocent or righteous state and the Spirit of God being restored to his rightful place within us.

An engaging book, also includes a seven part study experience with helpful and insightful scriptures and topics of discussion. God wants us to rest and exposes our spiritual enemy as the author of religious anxiety. Farley conveys the simplicity of God's grace with precision and clarity.

It's time for us to relax with God and enjoy His life to the fullest with honesty with Bible-based powerful truths and messages for a simpler life, as the author speaks to the heart, as we experience true freedom in Jesus Christ versus just a religious obligation.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew is one of my favourite authors. His words about key scriptures like Galatians and Hebrews have changed my view of God, forever, for the better. Through his Facebook group, he and I have interacted many times, and he has always treated me well, even when we disagree.

That said, he and I don't agree on the eternal security issue, and I felt his chapter in dealing with that topic was underwhelming and unconvincing. One chapter out of the entire book is still pretty good.

I like his readability, with his written words sounding as if he were sitting down with a cup of coffee across the table from me.

One annoyance: I can't understand how the "mostly dead" reference slipped by so many editors. Perhaps evangelical Christians aren't supposed to be nerdy enough or something, but "mostly dead" is a reference to The Princess Bride, not Monty Python, as the book suggests. The boys from Monty Python have a sketch where someone is "not completely dead," but not "mostly dead." This should be corrected for future editions.

This is a great book. If you have read his previous works, there isn't much new in here, but the unifying theme of rest ties together many ideas. Highly recommended.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Farley begins by explaining his tendencies before his "aha" moment, and with that perspective, I understand his voice in this book; however, it is still unattractive to me. He comes across as a fixer rather than a guide. He does all the thinking, and you are left with a feeling of being preached at, and badly. He comes across as didactic and dogmatic rather than encouraging and sympathetic. (How many times did he write that standard lines of church thought are "absurd"? That may be the case, but it doesn't need to be said directly. It needs to be shown. Saying it in those words turns away the reader, regardless of personal belief and perspective)

The ladies with whom I studied this were at best insulted and at worst put on edge by the tone and thoughts. While we agree with the concepts, we were not convinced that others would be as inclined to see his perspective based solely on his condescension.

I recommend Pursuing the Intentional Life by Jean Fleming instead.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads first-reads.



This book puts the Biblical truth of Grace into perspective. My life has already been blessed by this truth through other Grace preachers but it was nice to see it explained clearly in writing. Also has a little bit of humor thrown in which helps to keep the book "relaxing" as one is learning the truths of God and the application into one's life. Includes a useful study section that helps one find the supporting scriptures and opens the mind to questions that bring out the meaning of such passages. I recommend this book for anyone who is in bondage to legalism and for those who know the truth of Grace to read again and again for the renewing of the mind.

[Dusty Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Farley's new book Relaxing with God has truly enlightened my eyes to the freedom provided us by God's Grace. Growing up as a believer in a church world infected by religion, misinterpretation of scripture through law based teachings and theology. All used by Satan to confuse and prevent believers from discovering the truth of living in God's love and grace. This book is the true antidote for detoxifying us from religions infection it has changed my life and challenged me to see my true identity in Christ and relax with God! This book is a must read and will change your life!