What would you do if you met someone you thought just might be one of Jesus' original disciples still living in the 21st Century? That's Jake's dilemma as he meets a man who talks of Jesus as if he had known him, and whose way of living changes everything Jake...
What would you do if you met someone you thought just might be one of Jesus' original disciples still living in the 21st Century? That's Jake's dilemma as he meets a man who talks of Jesus as if he had known him, and whose way of living changes everything Jake had previously known. *So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore* is Jake's compelling journal that chronicles thirteen conversations with his newfound friend over a four-year period and how those exchanges turn Jake's world upside-down. With his help, Jake faces his darkest fears, struggles through brutal circumstances and comes out on the other side in the joy and freedom he always dreamed was possible. If you are tired of going through the motions of Christianity and want to mine the depths of what it really means to live deeply in Christ, you'll find Jake's story will give you hope for your own. This book probes the difficult questions and offers some far-reaching answers. It just might turn your world upside-down as well.
*- Publisher*
Jake Colsen, an overworked and disillusioned pastor, happens into a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance (in manner) to the apostle John. A number of encounters with John as well as a family crisis lead Jake to a new understanding of what his life should be like: one filled with faith bolstered by a steady, close relationship with the God of the universe. Facing his own disappointment with Christianity, Jake must forsake the habits that have made his faith rote and rediscover the love that captured his heart when he first believed. ?Compelling and intensely personal, SO YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TO CHURCH ANYMORE relates a man's rebirth from performance-based Christianity to a loving friendship with Christ that affects all he does, thinks, and says. As John tells Jake, "There is nothing the Father desires for you more than that you fall squarely in the lap of his love and never move from that place for the rest of your life."
What would you do if you met someone you thought just might be one of Jesus' original disciples still living in the 21st Century? That's Jake's dilemma as he meets a man who talks of Jesus as if he had known him, and whose way of living changes everything Jake...
What would you do if you met someone you thought just might be one of Jesus' original disciples still living in the 21st Century? That's Jake's dilemma as he meets a man who talks of Jesus as if he had known him, and whose way of living changes everything Jake had previously known. *So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore* is Jake's compelling journal that chronicles thirteen conversations with his newfound friend over a four-year period and how those exchanges turn Jake's world upside-down. With his help, Jake faces his darkest fears, struggles through brutal circumstances and comes out on the other side in the joy and freedom he always dreamed was possible. If you are tired of going through the motions of Christianity and want to mine the depths of what it really means to live deeply in Christ, you'll find Jake's story will give you hope for your own. This book probes the difficult questions and offers some far-reaching answers. It just might turn your world upside-down as well.
*- Publisher*
Jake Colsen, an overworked and disillusioned pastor, happens into a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance (in manner) to the apostle John. A number of encounters with John as well as a family crisis lead Jake to a new understanding of what his life should be like: one filled with faith bolstered by a steady, close relationship with the God of the universe. Facing his own disappointment with Christianity, Jake must forsake the habits that have made his faith rote and rediscover the love that captured his heart when he first believed. ?Compelling and intensely personal, SO YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TO CHURCH ANYMORE relates a man's rebirth from performance-based Christianity to a loving friendship with Christ that affects all he does, thinks, and says. As John tells Jake, "There is nothing the Father desires for you more than that you fall squarely in the lap of his love and never move from that place for the rest of your life."
I'd been listening to the podcast by Wayne Jacobson for a while, and then went and bought this book. It was a striking storyparable of where we are as the body of Christ and how though institutional church has it's benefits and blessing, it can also be a problem. This book reads very easily and is full of characters easy to relate to and understand and ponders and addresses some of the questions not often talked about in church.
A
Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
13 years ago
Loved this book.
I loved this book. And don't be put off by the title! It is not just for people who don't want to go to church anymore! Very cleverly written in a fictitious style to stir and address a real issue facing Christians today. This book is not just about 'church' but about perusing an authentic relationship with Jesus and never settling for dead religion. It is about getting free from our performance based identity and learning to live in the love and approval of the Father not because of anything we have done but because of what He has done. This story stirred me and challenged me to think about my own relationship with Jesus and to ask myself some interesting and challenging questions. I think the thing I liked best about it was that it didn't give you all the answers or point to a better option than traditional 'church' Instead it left me with more questions than answers. . . but I reckon that's how most great adventures with God start out ;)
A
Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
15 years ago
A must read for anyone struggling to know God.
I found it very hard to put this book down and finished it in a couple of days. If you are struggling with getting a more meaningful relationship with Our Heavenly Father or struggling with a lack of feeling, reality, or authenticity within your church, whether large or small, then this book is a must read. \\r\\n\\r\\nAlthough presented as a fictional story it is filled with many truths and is scriptually sound. \\r\\n\\r\\nThis has also helped me to realise that I am already in relationship with people the likes of the characters John and Jake in my own life and I now know that I need to listen to and respect them more as well as accept a more meaningful relationship they have been trying to offer me.
A
Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
15 years ago
This book discusses issues that most people have pondered. . .
The book is basically about an associate pastor Jake who meets a man who he believes to be the Apostle John in a modern day context. 'John' proceeds to challenge a lot of the misconceptions that Jake has grown to accept as real Christianity. Many people have equated approval and acceptance with other Christians and the church to approval and acceptance with God. How many times have we been shocked by an esteemed minister embroiled in some big scandal. We ask the questions """"How could this happen?"""", and """"How did we not know?"""" Actually all we need to ask ourselves is,""""Is there a side of me that I am ashamed of, that I would not want other Christians or the church to know?"""" The answer of course is 'Yes!', if we are honest with ourselves. We have all become masters of masking our true selves because we believe that we will be less liked and approved of if others knew. The ironic thing is that we do the same with God. Anyway the book explores why we have been conditioned this way, and in a nutshell it's to do with our trust in God, or more precisely, lack of. When we let go and give God the reins to our lives, He will do some shaking, which will scare the daylights out of us. But if we trust Him, He bring us through to a truly fulfilling life in Him. Read the book and tell all your friends!
A
Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
15 years ago
Challenging reading
I was overseas for a long trip and happened upon this book when in the UK. Having struggled with being a regualr 'church attender' for quite some time, the title of the book caught my interest. \\r\\n\\r\\nThis small book was challenging - but not because it made me feel guilty for the struggles I have been having. It was more enlightening about how attitudes within Church families can add to already stressful lives without our being aware of the effect they are having on one another. \\r\\n\\r\\nIt was also revealing about how different God's love is in relation to us as individuals. There is such a lot in this book. Even though it is a work of fiction - it is one that is quite powerful. \\r\\n\\r\\nI thoroughly enjoyed this book - and have found that I have to go back and read it again. \\r\\n\\r\\nWell worth the reading. \\r\\n
