War - Why Did Life Just Get Harder?

by Mez McConnell

All too often, our heads can feel like they are caught in a dark, lonely battle between what we want to do and what we know we should. God feels distant and we feel dirty. The second book in the First Steps of Discipleship series tackles the fundamental, day–to–day difficulties experienced by every Christian, and looks at the question Why Did Life Just Get Harder?

Genres: Christian, Discipleship

108 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2017

Reviews

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, the best short discipleship book for new Christians (and mature ones) on our spiritual enemies, temptation, and a Biblical battle plan to face them. I love the "no-nonsense" way in which McConnell writes! I can think of a number of people who would resonate not only with the content, but his style of writing.

I highly recommend this short book!

[Logan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful, accessible book on fighting sin and temptations and spiritual warfare. Fantastic for new believers, but also beneficial for more seasoned believers.

Only 4 stars because I disagreed a bit in ch.5 with his treatment of James 1:12-15 regarding temptation. He walks through the logic chain of these verses applying it to our own experience of temptation (which is very good helpful). However, he says that even if the temptation provokes an emption or desire in us, such as "just, anger, immorality, covetousness," etc, that "At this point no sin has been commited"(p.65). I think I understand why he says this, since James says sin is born after desire has conceived. But James doesn't call it neutral desire: he says we are "tempted when they are dragged away by their own evildesire and enticed." We must acknowledge these desires within us as evil. We also must recognize that if we are "swirling these thoughts" and desires around in our hearts, we're sinning in our hearts, even before it gives birth to sinful action. This is important for us to acknowledge, that we might repent of such evil desires, be on guard against them lest we are enticed and drug away by them, and to crush them. This includes any evil emotions.

Nevertheless, still a good book with much that is helpful, still definitely worth giving to new believers.

[Guy Troup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book to read with a new Christian and it is also a great book to read for the seasoned Christian. It explains why being a Christian feels like a battle. It teaches that the Christian's three main enemies are the world, the flesh and the devil. It gives the scriptural verses that protect, equip and empower the Christian for the fight. It reminds the reader that, ultimately, Christians are on the winning side. Highly recommended.

[Scotlyn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love must be cultivated. A close relationship must be worked at. It does not come naturally. It is the same with the Lord. He draws near to us as we draw near to Him. If we neglect Him then of course He feels far away (even though in reality, He isn’t).”

[Calvert Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book on the trials and challenges of the Christian life. A "must read" book.

[Kayla Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is the book I would give to any new Christian. Super simple, easy to understand, defines theological terms, and lays the foundation for very deep theological understanding and spiritual growth.

[Grace Strahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

We are going through this series for bible study in our little church and it is amazing. Well worth the read!