Grace Walk

by Steve McVey

Grace Walk

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Spirituality, Religion

Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Steve McVey is the President of Grace Walk Ministries, a discipleship training ministry located in the Tampa Bay area. He is the author of the books Grace Walk, (Harvest House, 1995) Grace Rules, (Harvest House, 1998), Grace Amazing (Harvest House, January, 2001), A Divine Invitation (Harvest House, July, 2002), The Godward Gaze (Harvest House, 2003), The Grace Walk Experience (Harvest House Publishers 2009), Walking in The Will of God (Harvest House , 2009), Journey Into Intimacy (Grace Walk Resources, LLC 2008) and 52 Lies Heard in Church Every Sunday (Harvest House 2011). Over 550,000 copies of Steve's books have been published in fifteen languages. Steve is the host of the daily Grace Walk radio program, airing across the U.S. He and his wife, Melanie live in the Tampa Bay area. They have four adult children and three grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would, hopefully, do a good job of pulling a legalist out of their law-heavy views. However, it is full of so much law-shaming that I have a hard time suggesting it to just anyone. I was constantly thinking of verses that clearly state the opposite of what he was saying. However, it sparked good conversation and got me thinking about the specifics of what the Bible says on the subject. Christ may have come to free us from the "law of righteousness" (meaning, He has freed us from the requirement of the law in regards to our salvation) but he did not come to put an end to the law. Through it, we can still know the Author of the Law (who is a just God) and we can know how He desires us to live (how we were created to live). The purpose of the law does not end at salvation. Yes, God's law shows us that we are imperfect and, yes, we can never on this earth live up to its standards and, yes, trying to do so by our own strength is foolish. BUT there are still instructions given for Christians w/in scripture. We cannot ignore a whole half of the Bible just b/c we're saved by grace. Yes, the gospel truth of grace is a big deal and many Christians miss the point of it, but God's Word is filled with both promises and instructions.

[John Martindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

The typical grace book, A lot like others that I have read. It sounds so great, it all fits together and makes plenty of sense. These books insist its not about right or wrong, we are to never try, discipline or force ourselves to do anything, for all that is flesh and legalism, but instead we only have to let Jesus be our life, we merely need to start abiding in Christ, and He will do everything for us and we can have a practically care free life because He will make us Desire to do what we ought. Everytime the flesh rears its ugly head, we merely need to focus on Jesus and poof. But for me the command to "Abide in Christ" Is like a command for me to smell the color 9. How? Its all so abstract and vague. He just says we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. But he makes that sound as easy as if I had a statue of Jesus in my room and I could in actuality turn my eyes and focus them on Jesus, every time I was tempted to sin. How do we KNOW if we are abiding in Christ? To me he almost sets one up for more condemnation in stressing "Everything apart from faith is sin" He interpreted this to mean anything we do is sin, only what Jesus does through us is good. But does one need to consciously know Jesus is doing it in them, what if we pray and ask Christ to live through us, we let go and let God and low and behold we only get worse, dive into sin and walk away from Him. Its just not so cut and dried, black and white in the real world. So yeah, I suppose my writing this is SIN if I am not presently abiding in Christ, how can I know if I am abiding? I feel a bit hopeless, because I have believed in this message and longed for Jesus to live his life through me, but He does not seem very interested in doing so, so I suppose I am condemned, all I am doing is sin, all my mission work wood, hay and stubble.

[Robert Eddowes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and an awesome read for everyone. Helping get your mindset out of churchianity and into a relational reality of the believers Sonship In Christ.
Jesus centric, Biblical truth presented through the grace lens, a must read for all those who want to explore God without the imprisoning of religion.

[Chuck Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

McVey’s humility is evident in sharing his personal journey from legalism to liberty in Christ. It is a freeing and joyful book for anyone who comes from a performance-based religious background. It directly addresses the insufficiency of the law while emphasizing and explaining the sufficiency of Christ.

[Arjen Admirant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insights, but it could have been a deeper study, and he repeats himself a lot

[Michael Schmid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Admittedly, this book is not all (that) bad…

In fact, I considered giving this book one or two more stars because it does contain a lot of good and important biblical truths.

However…

I cannot recommend the message of the book as a whole, because I cannot see that it is based on Scripture, but more on one person’s own thoughts about the Christian life in an over-reaction to and against legalism, resulting in an unbiblical extreme on the other side…

The author of this book seems to have written this book as a result of coming out of living a life of what he describes as legalism. On this basis, most Christians would be very ready to "jump on board" with the author and side with him against legalism, as nobody wants to be called or considered a "legalist"! But the problem here is that there are different ideas or understandings of what constitutes legalism. Personally, my understanding of legalism would be the efforts of someone in following laws in order to gain acceptance by God or salvation from God. My understanding would therefore be that a truly born-again Christian who has been saved by God can never be a legalist in this sense, since God does not accept – or save – people on the basis of works, but only on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.

All too often, however, Christians like to throw around the term "legalist" to describe anyone who adheres to a more conservative or stricter moral code than oneself – probably in an effort to justify oneself and the freedoms one enjoys in certain areas, be it clothing, music, drink, associations or any other area of living. Every Christian should carefully consider Scripture to see what it has to say about one's daily living in the different areas of life and then also live by the standards that God gives us. This is a good thing and different Christians will arrive at different conclusions and convictions. When such differences become apparent, it is the easiest thing in the world for someone to call someone else a legalist simply for having stricter – or higher – standards than oneself. Often, the use of the term "legalist" speaks louder about the heart condition of the person using the term then the heart condition of the person being referred to by that term.

So also with Steve McVey when he speaks about and criticises legalism in his book. McVey doesn't even delve into some more controversial subjects among Christians (such as clothing, music, drink etc.) and label those with stricter views as legalists. Rather, he speaks out against what he perceives as legalism among regular Christians who make sincere efforts at trying to read their Bibles, pray, attend church and witness for Christ, such as "Mark" with his "neat list of commandments" who McVey refers to in chapter 9 which is entitled "All you need is love".

McVey is correct in making the point that our acceptance by God is not based on our works, but goes too far in the other direction by suggesting that Christians should not make any efforts at all towards sanctification and holiness.

Let me just highlight some of the major problems that I see with the book:

1) According to Grace Walk, a Christian no longer has a sin nature:

"You were a sinner, separated from God. But now you are a saint! Just say out loud, "I am a saint." - p. 51.
"You don't have two natures. The only nature any Christian has is the nature of the Lord Jesus Himself." - p. 59

However, Scripture clearly teaches that the sinful nature (flesh) is still present and active (even waging war!) in Christians and Christians are called to fight against it:

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Gal. 5:16-17)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Col. 3:5-10)
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Pet. 2:11)

2) According to Grace Walk, those who struggle or fight in their Christian lives are doing something wrong. The claim is made repeatedly that a Christian simply needs to "rest" and "abide" in Christ and not worry about doing anything else:

“Not only does Christ call us to the Christian life, but He will also live it for us.” – p. 37
"Resting in Christ is the sole responsibility of the Christian." - p. 39
“The Christian life is easy, if you just let Him do it.” – p. 71
“God never intended for the Christian life to be a struggle.” – p. 72
“God never intended for you to live the Christian life – only Christ can live the Christ-life!” – p. 72-73
“We don’t experience victory by fighting – instead we enjoy it by faith!” – p. 97#
“fighting for victory is the surest way to experience defeat” – p. 102
“we are not to make an effort to win the victory” – p. 103 (quoting another person)
“I have learned to recognize that struggle as a red flag. God doesn’t intend for us to struggle for the victory. As we rest in Him, we enjoy the victory of His life. It is impossible to struggle and rest at the same time!” – p. 103

However, Scripture repeatedly compares the Christian life to a fight and to a race, which calls for more than simply resting and abiding:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:12-13)
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim. 6:12)
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” (2 Tim. 2:3-6)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
„Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:10-18)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint-hearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12:1-4)

3) According to Grace Walk, any rules or laws or commandments (even those in the Bible!) are bad and should be avoided:

“I resigned from my church. In fact, I resigned from trying to live a Christian life.” – p. 68
“any approach to Christian living that focuses on keeping rules as a means of experiencing victory or growing spiritually is legalism” – p. 80
“Taking a disciplined approach in these matters didn’t produce joy in my Christian life.” – p. 82
“the focus of your life shouldn’t be on obedience to God’s laws” – p. 89
“I really began to enjoy life when I have up my Christian values.” – p. 105
“It is not God’s purpose that our lives be built on a system of values” – p. 105
“Before I understood that Christ is my life, my whole lifestyle was characterized by an obsession with right and wrong.” – p. 108
“I highly recommend that you give up your Christian values.” – p. 110
“Can you see how the desire to live right is an improper goal for the Christian?” – p. 114
“Do you sense an uncomfortable fit, no matter how hard you try to live by your Christian values? Kick off your shoes and run barefoot through the fields of His grace! He will make sure that you don’t step in the wrong places.” – p. 115
“Whatever He [God] wants done, He just does Himself.” – p. 116
“How can you enjoy your relationship to Jesus if you are always checking the rules to find out what you can and can’t do? He doesn’t care about rules. Right and wrong are incidental to Him.” – p. 117
“A grace perspective lets us see the commands not as obligations, but as opportunities for the life of Christ to be revealed through us … As He lives His life through us today, He will fulfil the commands of the New Testament.” – p. 131-132
“God never intended that we should live by the Bible. We are to live by His life. I wanted to build my lifestyle around the teachings of the Bible, which is nothing more than embracing a biblical value system. (Do you remember what we discussed in chapter 8? God doesn’t want us to live by a value system.)” – p. 137

However, Scripture states that the law of God is important and good:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Ps. 19:7-11)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:17-19)
“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” (Rom. 3:31)
“So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” (Rom. 7:12)

4) According to Grace Walk, there is no place for self-examination in the Christian life:

“many people are spiritually frustrated as a result of constant self-examination” – p. 112

However, Scripture tells us:

“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Cor. 11:28)
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor. 13:5)
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim. 4:16)

Rather than encouraging Christians to study and trust and obey God’s Word, Grace Walk belittles or even mocks such Christians and instructs them to simply “rest” or “abide” in Christ and believe that He will then automatically to everything for them and they don’t have to worry about or do anything.

The book Grace Walk might better have been titled “Grace Sleep” or “Grace Sleep Walk”…

Call me a legalist if you want, but it is my conviction that it is good and healthy and important for Christians to study and trust and obey God’s Word, even so much so that we should make an effort and also struggle and fight for this! There is no better life than living according to the Word of God, including the rules that God gives us!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Grace Walk" is a warm, fuzzy, happy-smiley book, with a simple but important message: It's not about your performance for God, but your relationship WITH God. McVey was a "good ole boy" from a young age, memorizing Scripture, praying, fasting, and doing all the 'right' things in earnest in order to grow closer to God and become less sinful. He was scouted to lead a megachurch in Atlanta and after a year of running his most tested and sure-fire programs he found himself leading a SHRINKING church and feeling completely spent. The night before he was to give his first-year "State of the Church" message, he fell on his knees before God and surrendered, knowing he was at the end of everything he knew how to do. That's when he began to walk in grace and God's acceptance, understanding for the first time in his life that having a close relationship with his Maker who already loves and accepts him completely through Christ is the Most Important Thing.

I had very much the same experience, becoming a Christian at 16 in a Southern Baptist church and trying in earnest to do all the 'right' things and avoid all the 'wrong' things. This came to a head while I was working at a highly dysfunctional church in Japan that treated the pastors and missionaries like they were of a higher spiritual caliber than the laypeople. McVey at one point in the book urges legalistic Christians to throw away their values systems. He doesn't imply it's okay to act with reckless abandon and debauchery. Rather, we should stop trying to act like good Christians and instead rest daily in the knowledge that we are already loved. After I surrendered my "I am highly spiritual and have my life together" act, I watched any movie, read any book, and said any word that came to mind, regardless of how filthy or empty it was. I don't recommend that. But that was a very important time for me because I finally behaved exactly how I wanted to while all the while continuing to love God and wanting to be closer to Him. And He is faithful! I no longer have a desire to fill my mind with the things I put in there before, but now it has nothing to do with legalism, but about wanting to draw closer to God and pursue righteousness. If I never began a grace walk of my own I would be missing out on the genuine intimacy I have with God today and would still be beating myself up because I don't pray or read my Bible as often as I should, and I would still believe that I am more sinful than other Christians because I still struggle with big sins after being a believer for all these years.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much to apply to my life in this book. The year of 2011 is my year to re-examine my life and my faith completely. This book was recommended to me by my pastor and it pinpoints my lifestyle exactly. Now to change my life from working for Him to letting Him work through me. Easier said than done . . .

[Todd Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Grace Walk numerous times since I first discovered it in 2001. I have shared this book with hundreds of people as part of their pastoral counseling. It is a book I can read over and over again and get something fresh each time! Highly recommend it!

[Kristin Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to Gregg as we traveled north to VA and then PA. It is a very readable book. It reminded me a lot of what Doug recently preached on....Christ IN me...not making me a better me, but Him living His life through me. A life of grace vs. a life of legalism. McVey talks of having a living, vibrant, love relationship with God.

Some favorite quotes:

page 116-117:
Because we have been crucified with Christ, we have been delivered from the law. We are no longer required to live under a system of rules which outline right and wrong behavior. We are now free to enjoy life in the Spirit. God promised the old Testament saints that a day would come when He would write His law on the hearts of His people. That day has come!

You were married to the law before you were a Christian. But when you died with Christ, the marriage was dissolved. Then you were born a second time. In this new life you have a different husband. It's Mr. Grace, Himself - Jesus! Mr. Law was a demading husband who was never satisfied, regardless of how many right things you did. He didn't just claim to be perfect; he actually was perfect and he demanded the same from you. He wouldn't help you do anything right, but was quick to point out when you did wrong. Mr. Grace is very different. Whatever He wants done, He just does Himself. Any burden He asks you to carry is light. In fact, whenever He asks you to pick up a burden and carry it, he carries you! He's such a gracious Husband. You might say He is always "full of grace and truth."

For many years I assumed that Mr. Grace was the same kind of husband to me as Mr. Law had been. One day he said to me, "I'm not Mr. Law! Will you stop expecting me to act like he did? You aren't married to him anymore." Although I had been married to Mr. Grace for a long time, it was the first time I REALLY heard what He was saying. He doesn't condemn me. He loves me just as I am! He sees my faults and gently works in my life to cause me to grow, but never gets disgusted with me. Divorce is impossible. I am one with Him "until death do us part," and neither of us is ever going to die!

Any marriage is difficult when the bride has to walk on eggshells to keep from making her husband angry. Has your Christian life revolved around evaluating your actions and attitudes on the basis of right and wrong? If so, you are still living under law. How can you enjoy your relationship to Jesus if you are always checking the rules to find out what you can and can't do? He doesn't care about rules. Right and wrong are incidental to Him. He loves you and wants you to enjoy His love and then love Him right back! That's what marriage is all about. Mr. Law is still alive, but you'll never again be married to him. The new you will be one with Christ for eternity.

page 132-133
The ministry of the Holy Spirit today is to reveal God's nature, in order that we might enter into a Divine love relationship. If you feel weak in your love for your Heavenly Father, ask the Holy Spirit to more fully reveal Him to you each day through every circumstance that comes into your life. If you are hungry to know God, He will make Himself known to you! As you come to know Him more, you will love Him more. My concept of God has changed since I have come to better understand His grace. Whereas before, I saw Him as a God who demanded my love, now I see Him as Someone I can't help but love, as I come to know Him better. He really is lovable!

page 140-142
…the point is the ease with which we fall into a rut when our prayers stem from duty and not from an intimate relationship with Christ. Grace changes our concept of the nature of payer. It stimulates a continuing prayer RELATIONSHIP as opposed to a daily prayer routine.

When Sarah comes home from work, she goes through the same routine. She greets her husband with a peck on his cheek. Then she affirms him in some way, often using the same words. Next she asks him to do any particular thing that she might want done that evening. Then she talks to him about the kids and their problems or needs. That discussion is always followed by a time when she asks his opinion on decisions that she might be facing. She pretty much has her mind made up already, but she wants his approval on her decision. Finally, she thanks him for everything he does for her and promises to do her best to be the right kind of wife. She follows this exact routine every day, even though her heart isn’t in it most of the time. This habit takes about thirty minutes. After that she pretty much ignores her husband the rest of the evening.

What kind of relationship do you think Sarah has with her husband? I confess that Sarah is an imaginary character. If a wife did discipline herself to communicate with her husband in this way, she wouldn’t find much intimacy in the relationship. Yet this scenario is an accurate picture of the prayer life of many Christians. They determine to pray at the same time in the same way every day. Their prayer life is built around a formula which includes four or five steps which they believe one must take in prayer. They discipline themselves to this routine, whether their heart is in it or not. I challenge you to seriously ask yourself, is this really the kind of communication God wants from His bride?

Before I understood grace, my prayer life could be characterized as something I DID, an ACTION that occurred when I spoke to God. Now prayer is different. It’s still an action, but it is much more than that. It is an attitude. It is an open communion with the Father at every moment I am abiding in Christ. This is the only thing that could be meant by the biblical injunction, “Pray without ceasing.” Are we to walk around communicating with God using words at every second of the day? To pray without ceasing is to communicate with God at every moment. Sometimes words are necessary; at other times they aren’t.

Our kids say that Melanie and I sometimes talk without speaking. They’re right. They have suggested that we often read each other’s mind. That’s not altogether wrong either. We have been married twenty two years and we DO know each other’s mind fairly well. Sometimes speaking isn’t necessary – a glance may be sufficient. Volumes can be communicated by silence. I’m not uncomfortable when Melanie isn’t talking to me, unless I sense that there is a reason she isn’t speaking. If that’s the case, I want to find out why and resolve the matter, otherwise, silence is comfortable.

….I’m not suggesting that it’s improper to have a designated time to pray, if that’s what you want to do. I am saying that a disciplined quiet time with no real life in it is pointless. As you move forward in the grace walk, you’ll begin to see prayer more as a lifestyle than a spiritual discipline. You will find yourself talking to your Father dozens of times a day, not just during a designated prayer time. You’ll talk to Him about important things and incidental things. Someone said that they don’t bother talking to God about the small things because He’s so busy. Remember this – it’s all small to God! He doesn’t need to conserve His energy for the big stuff . He is omnipotent! You won’t drain Him of His power.

Page 171
Andrew Murray rightly said:

All the exercises of the spiritual life – our reading and praying, our willing and doing – have their very great value. But they can go no further than this, that they point the way and prepare us in humility to look to and depend upon God Himself, and in patience to wait for His good time and mercy.

For the anxious Christian it is often easier to DO something FOR God than to wait for God to do something THROUGH us. A life of grace is characterized by a calm confidence in a sovereign God whose love and wisdom always causes Him to do WHAT He wants WHEN He wants to do it. Inestimable damage may be done when we consciously or unconsciously try to move things forward, because God isn’t moving fast enough for us.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Joy isn't an emotion, but a Person named Jesus. If a recovering works-a-holic like me can enter into a grace walk, you can too. It simply requires appropriating by faith that Christ is your life and then allowing Him to live His life through you."

Jesus Christ told His followers that "come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." He said "His yoke is easy and His burden is light." If that is the case then why do some many Christians feel burnt out with service, Bible reading, Church - why do we feel like it is a drudgery?! Perhaps it is because we don't understand what we have in Christ. Perhaps it is because we add to what Jesus Christ has done and is doing in our life.
Pastor Steve McVey shares with his audience the struggles he encountered as a Pastor, stuck in the "performance mode" type of Christianity. Pastor McVey helps share the truth of God's Word that we live in grace and walk in grace. This book is really encouraging for a believer - it challenges believers in their walk with God. If there are any negatives it would be the fact that there are a great use of "churchy" terms; however he does his best to explain them (ex: "to walk after the flesh" pg. 92).
Overall this is a great book that I highly recommend Christians to read. If we are exhausted from following God than more than likely we are not living the life God has called us to - we have found ourselves in "work mode" instead of grace mode. For those out there who may want to swing all the way to Christian Liberty ( I'm saved, I can live and do as I please) - Pastor McVey Biblically addresses Christian liberty and grace. Grace changes everything. Check it out!

[Kelly Phipps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every January, I try to read 3 books that will help align my mental health, my physical health, and my spiritual health for the year ahead. This "spiritual" book I picked because of the recommendation of a friend. I would NOT have picked it otherwise. Let me say, I am glad I read it! The book is not intellectual, nor theologically hefty, and not even that well-written. However, I found this book incredibly helpful in pursuing the journey I have been on the past few years of abandoning the Christ-walk as an exercise in rule-keeping (The Law) and seeing it rather as a liberating path in appreciating and integrating GRACE into one's life, expectations, attitudes, and behavior. Really...I have read very few books on Christian living in the past few years which proved as helpful as this book in aligning my intended journey.

[Steven Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made it 3/4 of the way through and had to drop it. Too much error. Christians are not free to sin. We are not to give up our value systems. In a reaction against legalism, this man has fallen into the opposite ditch of antinomianism. Abiding in Christ does free us from the law of sin and death, but it puts us under the law of Christ. He is our value system and it is reconstructed in Him. We are not to abandon all value systems as the author advises. Giving people the green light to sin is the opposite of what God’s grace should produce. Paul counters that argument in Romans 6: How shall we that are dead to sin live anymore therein. Yet to the author, you are free to sin because of grace.

Could not make it through the blatant contradictions of God’s word.

[Justin Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!!! Reminds me a lot of one of my all-time favorite and one of my most personally shaping books, Classic Christianity by Bob George (which McVey actually quotes at one point). Steve does a marvelous job here communicating and teaching effectively about the amazing gifts of having Life, grace, and freedom in Christ. He draws a healthy amount from scripture as well as from personal experience in establishing the truths of what and who we are made into by the saving love of God. I found myself nodding and smiling quite often while reading along, extremely grateful for and warmed by the constant reminders of my identity in Him and the impossible weight that's been lifted by Jesus's atoning sacrifice and redemptive resurrection.

Well done, Mr. McVey!!

[Daniel Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 both hit at this key truth. Pride is anything that comes between us and God's grace, whether that is thinking we are too good or even that we are too lost for it.

I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with pride or self-sufficiency in their life. God's redemption and mercy are breathtaking, beautiful, and completely necessary for the Christian walk, but He did not stop there. God has so much more in store for believers through His gift of grace as we abide in Him.

McVey conveys the nature of grace as described in the bible and as he experiences it in his own life. He walks through what it means to move beyond legalism, begin to abide in Christ, and form an intimate relationship with God. His quote "Christ is not simply in my life, but that He is my life" hits it on the nail. Further concluding that, "the Christian life is not about Christ. It is Christ!"

When it comes to pride, humility is the biblical opposite. Tim Keller remarks, "essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less." Only when our focus is on Christ and Christ alone can we practice humility and begin to experience His grace. And McVey does a wonderful job of walking the reader through the realities of a grace filled life that is focused on abiding in Christ alone.

As some other reviews mention, he could afford more discussion on the importance of keeping God's commandments while walking in grace. However, the book does make some mention that a desire to keep His commandments follows from the "grace walk".

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been sitting on my shelf for a bit and for Lent I decided to give it a go. And I was quite pleasantly surprised by this book. The ideas in it. The teachings and first hand accounts, observations. It really had me thinking and contemplating, what all good books should. Although there was a lot of internal conversion of words and phrases since I am not an evangelical. Some of the stories and examples I did bristle at but I can write it off as differences beneath the church umbrella. All in all, fascinating good stuff! I'll be keeping this and rereading in the future.

[ME · Rating 3 out of 5]

From a self-confessed legalist, I found this both challenging and refreshing. I also felt that it would have benefited from a more thorough examination of the scriptures that clearly entreat self-effort (Make every effort to add to your faith... 1 Peter, Work out your salvation... Phil 2) to answer the obvious questions legalists like me would naturally go to. I think this is one you have to be in the right place to fully embrace. Might be a good one to work through with a group.

[Marilyn Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! It is about allowing Jesus to live His life through us with Holy Spirit dwelling in us just as John 15:1-5 speaks of! We produce fruit in our lives, not because of self-motivation and effort but through Holy Spirit because He knows what the will of the Father is and will direct us. We live and move and have our being in Him! It takes the stress out of
having to be productive and not knowing what to do!

[Marion Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such basics, but so very needed. I guess it's human nature to look for a formula or steps to righteousness, so it's so very easy to get caught up in the "doing" of religion. Grace is so basic, and so misunderstood. When I was first born again, the word "abide" just jumped off the bible pages at me, but I never really got it until now, 50 years later. Thanks, Steve!

[Laura Hartness · Rating 3 out of 5]

McVey makes some good points about not living a legalistic lifestyle as a Christian, but I think he sometimes swings too far over on the legalism/grace pendulum. That said, if his viewpoint is viable for him and he’s able to get others free from the other side of the pendulum (legalism), then God bless his ministry.

[Katherynne Boham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book! I read it at a time where it confirmed things I was learning in my personal Bible Study. I recommend it for anyone but especially those burned out on religion who need to know this Christian life is one of abiding and rest in Christ Jesus.

[Stu · Rating 4 out of 5]

a Great Grace Message!

I tend to forget that I am a new man in Christ - and that He is (supposed to be) living HIS life thru me… Grace Walk is a great book and a great reminder of the exchanged life we are to live as believers in Christ!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opened my eyes to what Grace truly is.. abiding, knowing and expressing Him in your life. Christ naturally and normally alive in us! TRUE Joy is Jesus, not an emotion! HAPPY OR SAD, PEACE IN THE presence of Christ in us! Great book!

[Joseph Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and foundational understanding of a life lived by grace, not merely a life justified by grace.

[Grace Boloroo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whole new way of seeing Gods way. How much Grace is needed in our lives. I set free from "must". It felt like my mind set free too. I don't blame my self and others anymore after reading this book

[Alina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent points. At times repetitive, but that doesn't take away from the value of what's being said.

[Nikki Norell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message is worth more stars but the execution is mediocre. Still, the book made a substantial impact on my thinking in these matters.

[Laura Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on walking in grace and being set free from legalism! I recommend it to all performance based Christians. Very freeing.

[Julie Kamphaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing.

[Gracious Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books that has blessed my life.