Real Christianity: Embrace the Grace, Endure the Struggle, Enjoy the Relationship

by Cary Schmidt

Are you enjoying your Christian life? Or are you exhausted with trying? Do you understand how your Christian life works? Or are you frustrated with failure? Are you interested in real Christianity? Or are you held hostage by religious tradition? The Christian life is primarily a relationship. But modern religion and our own unfounded assumptions have clouded and skewed that relationship into a system of performance-based acceptance that overlooks the dynamic, freely-offered grace of God. Many Christians are hounded by fear, guilt, and discouragement. They open the Bible and see only condemnation. They struggle with trying to be "good enough"--knowing they fail regularly. Many just give up in despair and walk away--never to enjoy the real, grace-based relationship that Jesus offers. In this compelling book, Cary Schmidt candidly and simply unpacks what real Christianity is all about. Through these pages, learn how you can embrace the grace, endure the struggle, and enjoy the relationship of truly knowing Jesus!

Genres: Christian Living

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2014

About the author

Cary Schmidt is the senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Newington, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Katelynn Burwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book discussed the powerful truth that Christianity is based on a growing relationship with Jesus, not a checklist of rules and good works. In this relationship, our obedience flows from a heart of love for Jesus and not a desire to earn His approval or blessing. Real, authentic Christianity is a "get to" life and not a "have to" life.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going on the re-read shelf. If you're a Christian and tired of the "fail cycle" in your faith-walk... this book is for you. If you're wondering what Christianity is all about... this book is for you. If you think all Christians are hypocrites who are incapable of living the way they say people ought to live... this book is for you. Who is Jesus? What does He expect of you? How do you meet His standard? This book has the answers to those questions... and the answers are so wonderful!

[Nathan Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book talks about what it means to be a Christian on a level anybody could understand. No previous Christian experience or theological understanding required to read this book. Very simple terminology. I recommend it for Christians to re-center on Jesus, or for non-Christians who are curious about Christianity.

[Christina Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by the same author of the book “Done” that I recently read. It’s a very basic story of Christianity and how it’s a relationship, not just a religion. I found it extremely easy to read, breaking things down in a way anyone can understand. It’s definitely something I will refer back to in conversations with unbelievers or new believers or even long-time believers!

[Sydnee Wingard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read. Highly Recommend when your wanting a relationship with Christ and even if you have one prior it had so much to reflect and grow on. This book is the type of book you can read again and again in every season of life.

[Bryan Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book. I have some disagreements on some minor points, which is why I only gave if 4 stars. The information and philosophy in this book necessary for every believer to understand and live.

[Mike Radue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second formal bible study.

[Darci Snode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing. Biblical truths made clear. The struggle made simple to overcome. I love this book and will be coming back to it for encouragement.

[Evan Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult review, because the book is far from perfect but it is so helpful, useful, and needed for it's intended audience.

I don't know Cary Schmidt and I have not read any of his other books, but it is possible that what I would mention as criticisms of the book were intentional to better reach his specific audience.

Real Christianity lays out the framework for an authentic Christian Life. A life that is full of Grace, focused on Christ, and rises above the false idols of performance and legalism.

The book bangs out a steady rhythm that Christianity is a worthless exercise without a proper understanding of grace. He keeps the tempo throughout each chapter, but by the end the volume is so loud that it cannot be missed.

He relays the familiar Christian message that we are saved by God's grace alone, but he extends that into every area of life. We are sanctified by grace alone, we grow by grace alone, and we LIVE by grace alone.

This is a love letter to conservative Christians, but it begs for action. Let go of the self striving, performance-based legalism and begin to experience the grace that comes with following Christ wholly.

My critique would be that the authors voice is muted and not always engaging and each section and point could have been strengthen with more quotations from other books and teachers and more popular anecdotes. Although I sense that perhaps these were omitted so as not to distract the reader.