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10 Things Jesus Never Said: And Why You Should Stop Believing Them
Too often Christians carry a lot of guilt and baggage when it comes to their relationship with God. The problem is that so many of us believe unbiblical, damaging things about how critical God is and how fed up he must be with us. But many of the things we think Jesus would say to us--things like "I can't believe you call yourself a Christian," "If you really loved me, you'd try harder," and "I'm so disappointed in you"--are things he never said. The solution, says Will Davis Jr., is to stop believing the lies and start believing the things Jesus did say.
In 10 Things Jesus Never Said, Davis unmasks commonly believed myths about our relationship with God and shows readers how to replace this pervasive theology of failure with the truth of how Jesus really feels about them. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter help small groups or individuals apply these truths to their current situations. Anyone who has ever felt that they didn't measure up to God's standards will love this freeing exploration of grace and forgiveness.
In 10 Things Jesus Never Said, Davis unmasks commonly believed myths about our relationship with God and shows readers how to replace this pervasive theology of failure with the truth of how Jesus really feels about them. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter help small groups or individuals apply these truths to their current situations. Anyone who has ever felt that they didn't measure up to God's standards will love this freeing exploration of grace and forgiveness.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
124 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Will Davis Jr.
16 books21 followersBorn and raised in Austin, Texas
Married to Susie in 1985
Three grown kids--Will, Emily and Sara
Founding and Senior Pastor of Austin Christian Fellowship
Married to Susie in 1985
Three grown kids--Will, Emily and Sara
Founding and Senior Pastor of Austin Christian Fellowship
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 19, 2014
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up for some subject matter.
Best for Ages: 15 and up for reading level.
Even though we know better, we do it. We start believing lies or half-truths about God. We convince ourselves that He said things that he never did, and meant things by verses that He did not. This book is a great reminder of things Jesus never said.
This book was not something that left me changed for life, as I knew in my head that all the points the author made were true. However, my heart needed to be reminded of some of the things Jesus never said, and never will say.
I especially was blessed by the chapters on trying harder and calling yourself a Christian. I needed the reminder that I am not perfect and will mess up, sometimes majorly, but God still loves me, and I can still be a witness for him.
I highly recommend this book for all those who need to be reminded of basic truths, those who are discouraged, and anyone who needs to hear uplifting words.
Best for Ages: 15 and up for reading level.
Even though we know better, we do it. We start believing lies or half-truths about God. We convince ourselves that He said things that he never did, and meant things by verses that He did not. This book is a great reminder of things Jesus never said.
This book was not something that left me changed for life, as I knew in my head that all the points the author made were true. However, my heart needed to be reminded of some of the things Jesus never said, and never will say.
I especially was blessed by the chapters on trying harder and calling yourself a Christian. I needed the reminder that I am not perfect and will mess up, sometimes majorly, but God still loves me, and I can still be a witness for him.
I highly recommend this book for all those who need to be reminded of basic truths, those who are discouraged, and anyone who needs to hear uplifting words.
gave-up-on-synopsis-sample
March 25, 2016Read the sample, thought it was good, read a few low-starred reviews and realized the book was a slippery slope. Yes, Jesus is love and mercy, but He is coming in judgement too. We are to be ready, because the second time He comes, those who aren't ready won't be let in, like the bridesmaids without enough oil.
So while it is all warm and fuzzy to say "God is love," and to not feel guilty for sinning, it's ignoring the fact that for God to be just and honest, a true judgement will have to occur. He will have mercy for those who follow Him and repent. Not so much for those who don't.
I am NOT judging others. I am doing the best I can (which most of the time doesn't seem very good to me) and I will share my beliefs with others, but I am NOT saying anyone is going to hell because they do something or don't do a certain something. That's not my job. I'm not the judge, God is. Which works for me. I'm not qualified to throw the first stone.
Honestly, I love that story, because the only one qualified to throw the first stone was Jesus, and He had mercy on the woman. Though, He did tell her to go and sin no more.
God is the God of second chances, but that doesn't give us the go-ahead to abuse His gift of grace. We can't earn it, but we can show our love and appreciation by taking it and then not asking for more and more, like ungrateful brats, as if His grace wasn't enough.
Very thought provoking sample, though maybe not in quite the way the author intended, at least not for me. It might be a good book for others, but I will most likely not read past the sample.
So while it is all warm and fuzzy to say "God is love," and to not feel guilty for sinning, it's ignoring the fact that for God to be just and honest, a true judgement will have to occur. He will have mercy for those who follow Him and repent. Not so much for those who don't.
I am NOT judging others. I am doing the best I can (which most of the time doesn't seem very good to me) and I will share my beliefs with others, but I am NOT saying anyone is going to hell because they do something or don't do a certain something. That's not my job. I'm not the judge, God is. Which works for me. I'm not qualified to throw the first stone.
Honestly, I love that story, because the only one qualified to throw the first stone was Jesus, and He had mercy on the woman. Though, He did tell her to go and sin no more.
God is the God of second chances, but that doesn't give us the go-ahead to abuse His gift of grace. We can't earn it, but we can show our love and appreciation by taking it and then not asking for more and more, like ungrateful brats, as if His grace wasn't enough.
Very thought provoking sample, though maybe not in quite the way the author intended, at least not for me. It might be a good book for others, but I will most likely not read past the sample.
October 13, 2014
Do you believe you're too far gone to be saved? That making heaven is all up to you? Do you struggle with the idea that Christians who think and act differently than you are God's children too?
Grab this book. Though non-fiction, it's engaging, well-written, and it does an excellent job of addressing these unBiblical beliefs that easily seep into a Christian's mindset.
Missing the boat regarding God's will... That last one has hit home as it's something I've struggled with, and I especially appreciated the author's commentary on the distance between the places Paul traveled in Acts 16:6-10. It's comforting to know that even he could be all over the map in his efforts to follow God's leading, and it's never too late to get back on the right track.
Although I agree that a true, blood-bought, Spirit-sealed Christian shouldn't fear losing their salvation, I couldn't quite accept some of the author's explanations of difficult passages in the Bible. But they are hard passages, and anyone brave enough to attempt explanations has my tip-of-the-hat. :-) The points I disagreed on didn't keep me from enjoying and benefiting from the book. I would recommend to Christians weary and struggling in their walk with the Lord.
Grab this book. Though non-fiction, it's engaging, well-written, and it does an excellent job of addressing these unBiblical beliefs that easily seep into a Christian's mindset.
Missing the boat regarding God's will... That last one has hit home as it's something I've struggled with, and I especially appreciated the author's commentary on the distance between the places Paul traveled in Acts 16:6-10. It's comforting to know that even he could be all over the map in his efforts to follow God's leading, and it's never too late to get back on the right track.
Although I agree that a true, blood-bought, Spirit-sealed Christian shouldn't fear losing their salvation, I couldn't quite accept some of the author's explanations of difficult passages in the Bible. But they are hard passages, and anyone brave enough to attempt explanations has my tip-of-the-hat. :-) The points I disagreed on didn't keep me from enjoying and benefiting from the book. I would recommend to Christians weary and struggling in their walk with the Lord.
Read
September 12, 2012I've only just started this book, and I've liked what I've read so far, EXCEPT for one part. The author tells a story of a man who was a "former homosexual, a recovering alcohol and cocaine addict, and HIV-positive." While it's clear he care about this man (Larry), I'm uneasy with 1) his characterization of homosexuality as something you can either start or stop and 2) his (admiring!) description of how Larry never acted a victim nor got angry with God about his disease since "he knew that he was reaping the consequences of choices he had made in his life before accepting Christ." It sounded so judgemental and seems to go against the rest of his message, which is that God's love is for each and every one of us (or this other thing I'm sure I read somewhere, something about how ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God...)
We'll see how the rest of the book goes!
We'll see how the rest of the book goes!
April 16, 2025
NOTHING NEW
But I graduated from a Baptist college; even took more religion classes than required because I found them interesting.
When I read the title it seemed to say: here is where people misquote Jesus Christ. The book is nothing like that.
But I graduated from a Baptist college; even took more religion classes than required because I found them interesting.
When I read the title it seemed to say: here is where people misquote Jesus Christ. The book is nothing like that.
July 6, 2023
This was a great book.
As much as describing what something is is effective, it's also effective to think about what things are not. This is the tack this book takes. What are some of the things that people come to believe about being a Christian without any basis? This book provides 10 of those things, gives examples of those ways of thinking and then provides verses that counter those ideas.
We used it in our bible study group which was a nice way of talking about each chapter. It's very practical.
As much as describing what something is is effective, it's also effective to think about what things are not. This is the tack this book takes. What are some of the things that people come to believe about being a Christian without any basis? This book provides 10 of those things, gives examples of those ways of thinking and then provides verses that counter those ideas.
We used it in our bible study group which was a nice way of talking about each chapter. It's very practical.
May 11, 2016
This is probably not worth the time it takes to read. A well-intentioned approach, for sure. There are a number of things we project onto the gospel that isn't really there. However, this book was not what I thought it would be. Some of these scenarios/sayings seem farfetched. I also found some of his theological conclusions conflicting (i.e. Chapters 3 & 4). You can take a look for yourself, but I wasn't impressed.
February 22, 2014
The author provides good reminders of our security in Christ, and he phrases them well enough to be memorable.
July 2, 2018
Rev Will Davis Jr looks at 10 things many Christians believe, but that Jesus never taught. A few of the things he looks at are "I have sinned so much I just have to live with the consequences; God is punishing me and I'm beyond forgiveness." "This is just a cross I must bear." "This wouldn't be happening if I were a better Christian.""God is so disappointed in me." "It's okay not to love certain people." "Everyone should act and believe like I do." "It's all up to me." "I don't have to forgive someone who really hurts me." "I have messed up God's will for my life." "God has given up on me."
Rev Davis looks at each of these statements and turns every one of them back to God's deep love, forgiveness, and grace to us. He shows what "take my yoke and learn of me, for my burden is light" means. I thought it was a good book and had some great reminders of how much I have been forgiven and how much I need to offer the same grace to others.
Rev Davis looks at each of these statements and turns every one of them back to God's deep love, forgiveness, and grace to us. He shows what "take my yoke and learn of me, for my burden is light" means. I thought it was a good book and had some great reminders of how much I have been forgiven and how much I need to offer the same grace to others.
March 23, 2019
Four stars for the thought provocation received from this book. It sent me to the Bible for review and challenged some beliefs while enforcing others.
It still comes down to the interpretive views of author Will Davis Jr. He has written a good read on common misinterpretations and collectively simplified them. I read this book in starts and stops which proved valuable in allowing each topic chapter to marinate thought before reading the next.
You may not agree with all of it, but then, there is the value in reading other views. It can strengthen yours or change your mind if you are open to question positions.
It still comes down to the interpretive views of author Will Davis Jr. He has written a good read on common misinterpretations and collectively simplified them. I read this book in starts and stops which proved valuable in allowing each topic chapter to marinate thought before reading the next.
You may not agree with all of it, but then, there is the value in reading other views. It can strengthen yours or change your mind if you are open to question positions.
May 11, 2024
I truly believe that anyone can be redeemed and that everyone is worthy of God’s grace and love. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who don’t feel the same way and spread misinformation/misinterpretations of God’s word. “10 Things Jesus Never Said: And Why You Should Stop Believing Them” shares some of the myths that surround the Christian faith. I can definitely see how some people (nonbelievers and believers alike) may take issue with some of the examples that were used to spread the message of how beautiful, bountiful, and amazing God’s grace is, but I, personally, found this book comforting and motivating. ✝️♥️
4 ⭐️
4 ⭐️
November 15, 2017
The premise of the book is great. There are a lot of "Christian cliches" commonly attributed to Jesus that he never said. Some are completely untrue and some are half-true. So I liked the idea and borrowed it for sermon series but the content was rather limited. For someone really struggling with God's grace and love for them, probably a good read.
May 23, 2019
Honest to GOD
This is a discussion about forgiveness and how much. The author has been trying to make sure that Jesus has been the subject of and center of all forgiveness for you guys
This is a discussion about forgiveness and how much. The author has been trying to make sure that Jesus has been the subject of and center of all forgiveness for you guys
February 26, 2020
Fast read, not deep, but compelling answers for perplexed and guilt-ridden Christians about what the Christian life should be like, according to the Bible.
The author is pretty mainline and grace centered, probably why I liked his writing. Grace is a pretty wonderful thing.
The author is pretty mainline and grace centered, probably why I liked his writing. Grace is a pretty wonderful thing.
December 20, 2023
Good book for individuals or groups. It addressed a couple of my own “myths” that I knew probably weren’t true, like I am a disappointment to God, and God has punished me for my poor behavior. Now I just need to embrace the way it really is with God.
August 22, 2017
The author had some great points Christians need to stop making the theme of what they profess. I have read much better books on this subject but overall this was worth my time.
February 16, 2018
A brilliant way to give the Gospel. Really gives the reader things to think about.
May 27, 2018
This book aided in saving my life and helped me in my repentance.
June 28, 2018
A nice reminder about the truth of grace. Easy read, devotionally good.
July 8, 2018
This was a great book for all Christians who believe that they aren't good enough for God and other Christianity myths. A book for the new Christian and also the seasoned Christian.
August 28, 2024
OK book that looks at some of the lies we believe that are not Biblical. Things like God’s mad at us and we’ve lost all our second chances. The writing is rather conversational and flows well, but still makes some very strong points.
July 28, 2013
Terrorist, like God, play on our fear of judgement, play on our fear of what we don't know and what we can't understand. It forces us to see our brothers & sisters as "other people" and therefore easily demeaned, subjugated and rejected for our benefit. We then see our Jesus as we see ourselves rather than what we try to strive towards in being, more loving, more welcoming, less judgmental. Secondly, Davis, as always, is confronted with the nearly impossible task of re-interpretating age old text to make sense in a time where we no longer embrace slavery, sexism, and demonic possession. And now he has new orders of business. Abortion and homosexuality are thrown in the mix. Davis therefore must now tackle some of the myths of a myth, if you can believe it, in this book here.
What the book really points out is American's assumed obedience to their nation as well as God, our Calvinistic history of overwork, overworry, overjudgment and the megalomanic recruiter of your money we all so love in Jesus. Jesus, the king of "us versus them" ideology is an excellent tool in human exploitation to conquer a peoples and even more useful once you gain dominance because once dependence is gained it is very likely never lost. This book does such a good job at pointing this out, but what really gets me about these Christian books though is the readers ability to mimic, but never actually understand what is being stated because you can never be Jesus, that's blasphemy, but you can act like Him. This incessantly adapting definition of the Word depending on what is most convenient for us in our times is interesting, but its nonetheless is archaically outdated yet again. Christianity so detached from real society cant seem to keep up.
This book plays it too safe and is too dated. Knocking on the gays is a time honored tradition, a sort of fail safe for every Christian author of.... the 80's & 90's of the 1900s, but not today. He doesnt get brownie points for pointing out that they dont go directly to hell like "many Churches and Christians preach." The only reference to homosexuality in the entire Bible is right there with eating shrimp. Do you eat shrimp? And the inferences as to what Jesus dictates is the beginning of a physical life is astounding. This guy isn't progressive on the procreation front either.
If you have a teen who magically doesn't think they're the center of the universe and who carries guilt for not being a better person, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, this book carries little weight. It's demographic is an anomaly today. There are few of us trembling with terror at how much we have fallen and need a good pick me up. Most of us believe we are awesome and are posting on Facebook about how cool we are as I write this. If Jesus Inc. wants to get their numbers up, this is not the way to go about it. If I would surmise the key I would say that we must reconnect with the disconnect we all feel. This cannot be achieved through division and ergo not through Christ, as stated, the king of "us versus them." We are all human. We are all mortal. In the end we all become the soil of the earth. There is no escaping death. The sooner you accept death, the sooner you can begin enjoying life. You want to follow Jesus? Turn off your television. Turn off your computer. Stop driving your car. Stop eating your food. (70% is GMO's even if its whole foods, which is genetic engineering). Open your Bible and really read it. Then you'll see. Then you'll get it. Like Martin Luther King Jr. got it or Mother Theresa. We still await their dreams coming to fruition. We still await to learn what Jesus never ever said, but thanks for reinforcing a whole set of other lies.
What the book really points out is American's assumed obedience to their nation as well as God, our Calvinistic history of overwork, overworry, overjudgment and the megalomanic recruiter of your money we all so love in Jesus. Jesus, the king of "us versus them" ideology is an excellent tool in human exploitation to conquer a peoples and even more useful once you gain dominance because once dependence is gained it is very likely never lost. This book does such a good job at pointing this out, but what really gets me about these Christian books though is the readers ability to mimic, but never actually understand what is being stated because you can never be Jesus, that's blasphemy, but you can act like Him. This incessantly adapting definition of the Word depending on what is most convenient for us in our times is interesting, but its nonetheless is archaically outdated yet again. Christianity so detached from real society cant seem to keep up.
This book plays it too safe and is too dated. Knocking on the gays is a time honored tradition, a sort of fail safe for every Christian author of.... the 80's & 90's of the 1900s, but not today. He doesnt get brownie points for pointing out that they dont go directly to hell like "many Churches and Christians preach." The only reference to homosexuality in the entire Bible is right there with eating shrimp. Do you eat shrimp? And the inferences as to what Jesus dictates is the beginning of a physical life is astounding. This guy isn't progressive on the procreation front either.
If you have a teen who magically doesn't think they're the center of the universe and who carries guilt for not being a better person, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, this book carries little weight. It's demographic is an anomaly today. There are few of us trembling with terror at how much we have fallen and need a good pick me up. Most of us believe we are awesome and are posting on Facebook about how cool we are as I write this. If Jesus Inc. wants to get their numbers up, this is not the way to go about it. If I would surmise the key I would say that we must reconnect with the disconnect we all feel. This cannot be achieved through division and ergo not through Christ, as stated, the king of "us versus them." We are all human. We are all mortal. In the end we all become the soil of the earth. There is no escaping death. The sooner you accept death, the sooner you can begin enjoying life. You want to follow Jesus? Turn off your television. Turn off your computer. Stop driving your car. Stop eating your food. (70% is GMO's even if its whole foods, which is genetic engineering). Open your Bible and really read it. Then you'll see. Then you'll get it. Like Martin Luther King Jr. got it or Mother Theresa. We still await their dreams coming to fruition. We still await to learn what Jesus never ever said, but thanks for reinforcing a whole set of other lies.
August 12, 2023
The premise of Davis's book is good, but the execution is less so. Davis seems to think that God is only warm and fuzzy goodness. This bias makes the good news he expresses only half-true. Yes, God loves us. Yes, humans often tell themselves, and others, junk like it's God's Word when God never said such things. But, yes, also, God judges sin. Further, Davis takes some positions, such as eternal security, further than the biblical text warrants. There are good things to receive from this book, but several things need to be left behind too.
June 18, 2014
I think every book deserves a review, but when I read religious books, I usually feel like I need to provide a constructive response. I want to start with what I didn't like and end with what I did because overall I thought this was a good book, worth reading. It even has study questions at the end of each chapter and the narrative provides a lot to discuss.
The author is a Southern Baptist preacher and I am a moderate to liberal Methodist, so clearly there are going to be theological issues upon which we disagree. I accept that in a lot of Christian publishing but even where we disagree, I usually find my knowledge and faith strengthened. In this case, and what has me take it down from a four star review to a three star, is his handling of homosexuality and the Bible and how that plays out in our faith today. He continues to spread a lot of the usual lies and myths that have come to be associated with Christianity. And while it is to be expected, it is no less disappointing. Since this is a book review and not a debate, I will leave it there, to caution others who will be disappointed like I was.
What I thought was powerful about this book and why I don't want to dismiss it altogether: the author uses his own personal experiences, mixed with Biblical text and others' experiences to look at a series of theological implications within Christianity that have the power to tear down faith. He is clearly thoughtful and engaging, both with his own past and how he has come to see how certain teachings aren't inline with the Bible and with the greater Christian community about how we talk about our faith can lead to the spreading of these lies. His humility in this case leads me to believe he is someone to be engaged and not dismissed, even where we disagree.
The writing itself is very accessible, more like many of the Christian blogs I read, like a dialogue we're having. He uses Biblical texts and historical references to give a foothold to his claims, trying to build context instead of rote belief. It also took a positive tone, it wasn't condemning of people who hold the lies as beliefs or spread the lies as part of theology. As I said, I overall liked the book, I thought it was uplifting in a lot of ways, and hopefully, a man this thoughtful will come to see the lies he is spreading about the gay community.
The author is a Southern Baptist preacher and I am a moderate to liberal Methodist, so clearly there are going to be theological issues upon which we disagree. I accept that in a lot of Christian publishing but even where we disagree, I usually find my knowledge and faith strengthened. In this case, and what has me take it down from a four star review to a three star, is his handling of homosexuality and the Bible and how that plays out in our faith today. He continues to spread a lot of the usual lies and myths that have come to be associated with Christianity. And while it is to be expected, it is no less disappointing. Since this is a book review and not a debate, I will leave it there, to caution others who will be disappointed like I was.
What I thought was powerful about this book and why I don't want to dismiss it altogether: the author uses his own personal experiences, mixed with Biblical text and others' experiences to look at a series of theological implications within Christianity that have the power to tear down faith. He is clearly thoughtful and engaging, both with his own past and how he has come to see how certain teachings aren't inline with the Bible and with the greater Christian community about how we talk about our faith can lead to the spreading of these lies. His humility in this case leads me to believe he is someone to be engaged and not dismissed, even where we disagree.
The writing itself is very accessible, more like many of the Christian blogs I read, like a dialogue we're having. He uses Biblical texts and historical references to give a foothold to his claims, trying to build context instead of rote belief. It also took a positive tone, it wasn't condemning of people who hold the lies as beliefs or spread the lies as part of theology. As I said, I overall liked the book, I thought it was uplifting in a lot of ways, and hopefully, a man this thoughtful will come to see the lies he is spreading about the gay community.
June 14, 2014
I'm giving this five stars because of its honesty, and message. The writing was pretty good and easy to read, but more than that, it gets five stars because I so appreciated the message it sent: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
I got "10 Things Jesus Never Said" as a free Kindle download, and started reading it last week. It had been a really rough week and I was feeling pretty depressed about life kind of being at a standstill. I wasn't expecting much from this book. But I felt so calm and at peace even after just the first chapter. I highlighted a ton of stuff.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
"…Jesus targeted the down-and-out, the spiritually bankrupt and the religiously lost. All those who didn't seem to make the cut or who couldn't meet the impossibly high standards set by the reliigous elite were the very ones Jesus invited to come to him."
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
"When Jesus spoke this invitation, he didn't aim it just at the really good people or the really pretty people or the really churchy people. He aimed it at the spiritually broken."
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
"You struggle with contentment. Jesus wants your burden. You often feel afraid. Jesus wants your burden. You're a worrier. Jesus wants your burden. You feel consumed by guilt. Jesus wants your burden. You don't think you can ever be good enough for God. Jesus wants your burden."
Not to say I agreed with every single thing in this book. There are a lot of social issues described in this book that I'm still working out my feelings towards, as a Christian and a compassionate human being in the world. But I appreciated the overall message of acceptance, that nothing you do can separate you from God's love, and that we need to stop believing all the lies that tell us what we think we need to do and be in order to be "Good Christians" and just unburden ourselves.
I got "10 Things Jesus Never Said" as a free Kindle download, and started reading it last week. It had been a really rough week and I was feeling pretty depressed about life kind of being at a standstill. I wasn't expecting much from this book. But I felt so calm and at peace even after just the first chapter. I highlighted a ton of stuff.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
"…Jesus targeted the down-and-out, the spiritually bankrupt and the religiously lost. All those who didn't seem to make the cut or who couldn't meet the impossibly high standards set by the reliigous elite were the very ones Jesus invited to come to him."
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
"When Jesus spoke this invitation, he didn't aim it just at the really good people or the really pretty people or the really churchy people. He aimed it at the spiritually broken."
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
"You struggle with contentment. Jesus wants your burden. You often feel afraid. Jesus wants your burden. You're a worrier. Jesus wants your burden. You feel consumed by guilt. Jesus wants your burden. You don't think you can ever be good enough for God. Jesus wants your burden."
Not to say I agreed with every single thing in this book. There are a lot of social issues described in this book that I'm still working out my feelings towards, as a Christian and a compassionate human being in the world. But I appreciated the overall message of acceptance, that nothing you do can separate you from God's love, and that we need to stop believing all the lies that tell us what we think we need to do and be in order to be "Good Christians" and just unburden ourselves.
February 10, 2015
"10 Things Jesus Never Said: And Why You Should Stop Believing Them" by Will Davis Jr. is an interesting book. I wasn't sure quite what to expect from the title alone, and I more than half expected it to be 10 things like "The Lord helps those who help themselves" or other little excuses we like to give Biblical authority to, even though they are taken out of context, or perhaps don't appear anywhere in the Bible.
Instead, Davis put forth a serious effort to help struggling Christians who may be feeling unworthy or who feel that God is sorry He ever bothered with them. Davis takes real, genuine examples from his years in ministry to help others who may be having similar issues. His reasoning is well-founded in Biblical truth, and his "10 Things..." are common to most Christians.
I believe this book could be a real help to anyone who calls him/her-self a Christian, but feels as if God is disappointed in them. If you don't believe you have any such feelings of doubt, you should read this book anyway. It may help you to help others who DO believe some of these common misperceptions about Jesus.
Instead, Davis put forth a serious effort to help struggling Christians who may be feeling unworthy or who feel that God is sorry He ever bothered with them. Davis takes real, genuine examples from his years in ministry to help others who may be having similar issues. His reasoning is well-founded in Biblical truth, and his "10 Things..." are common to most Christians.
I believe this book could be a real help to anyone who calls him/her-self a Christian, but feels as if God is disappointed in them. If you don't believe you have any such feelings of doubt, you should read this book anyway. It may help you to help others who DO believe some of these common misperceptions about Jesus.
September 30, 2014
This was a blessing to me! Though I didn't agree with all of his points of doctrine, I did agree with the lies. It wasn't quite what I was expecting - it didn't focus on general "everday" lies we listen to as much as it did the major big ones in Christianity that creap up, but that was okay and still what I needed. It amazes me to read about these lies we hear in our heads that come from bad theology and satan's missleading and how often they seap into our beleifs until we think they are actual biblical truth. Great thoughts, and I believe this book would benefit a lot of people, especially those who may feel too easily swayed by every new "religious fad" and "new doctrine" that comes along. It helped me a lot with seeing the falsehoods that I am tempted to listen to and to get back to basics and real truth. I enjoyed it a lot!
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January 13, 2012I picked this book because I was struggling with feeling "good enough" to serve in Jesus' name. I would sometimes ask God, "Why me? Do you really think I can be a missionary? I'm not that great. Sometimes I'm lazy. It seems like you would want someone with more endurance, more knowledge… one who doesn't sin."
I was feeling afraid & worried. I was struggling with the weight of this new endeavor we were getting ready to take on.
I needed a kick in the butt, and this book gave it to me. It reassured me that Jesus knows everything about me, and He is still inviting me to be His disciple. I am learning to rest in that knowledge. I'm learning to rest in the peace that God has already accepted me. I'll follow Jesus passionately & energetically from here on out.
I was feeling afraid & worried. I was struggling with the weight of this new endeavor we were getting ready to take on.
I needed a kick in the butt, and this book gave it to me. It reassured me that Jesus knows everything about me, and He is still inviting me to be His disciple. I am learning to rest in that knowledge. I'm learning to rest in the peace that God has already accepted me. I'll follow Jesus passionately & energetically from here on out.
November 14, 2013
Wow! When I first saw this book, I figured it would be good, I just had no idea how good. Davis brilliantly boils down the biggest lies that Christians allow themselves to believe, and then uses clear, succinct biblical passages to refute those lies. All in the name of restoration and healing for the individual, and built around Jesus' teaching “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.." (Matthew 11:28-29) A must read for anyone who's felt shame, humiliation or basic unworthiness at the hands of someone or some church that labeled themselves "Christian".
April 5, 2015
An excellent book!
Articulate and even funny in some places, this book takes apart several of the things that we accept, even as Christians, that are simply unbiblical ideas which have crept in from the prevailing culture. Best of all, he uses actual Scripture to back up his views and not spout his own opinion. This book encourages believers to accept what Christ said and trust Him and His Word and not extrabiblical impressions.
Articulate and even funny in some places, this book takes apart several of the things that we accept, even as Christians, that are simply unbiblical ideas which have crept in from the prevailing culture. Best of all, he uses actual Scripture to back up his views and not spout his own opinion. This book encourages believers to accept what Christ said and trust Him and His Word and not extrabiblical impressions.
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