new book

[teach]

here is a note I posted on facebook that describes a little about the book and how it is affecting me.



I began a new book yesterday entitled "Who I am in Christ." I must admit that so far it has really opened my eyes about what it means to be a child of God. I have only gotten through 2 chapters and already I am reminded that I truly am saved by grace, through faith, and not by works. It's funny to me that I have been a child of God since I was 5 years old and I easily forget what that means. As a teenager, I struggled with perfection. I felt that if I did the tiniest thing wrong that everyone would know and I would no longer be a "good example" like everyone wanted me to be. I worked through that and found freedom in Christ. Now, I struggle with my imperfection. I have made countless mistakes over the past year and a half and I have struggled more in that time than I ever have in my life.

But, I think... I hope, that all stops now. Sure, I will still struggle, but not to the same degree. I hope and pray that the things I learn through this book will stick with me for the rest of my life. I have learned that my worst enemy and my worst critic is me and one of the greatest quotes from this book so far is this: "No person can consistently behave in a way that is inconsistent with how he perceives himself." I must perceive that I am a child of God and constantly remind myself of that everyday.

Have you ever found yourself not at peace with God? Well I have, and this is why: disobedience. I have always been miserable when I disobey God! And this is why, we are in harmony with our Heavenly Father when we obey him. Our disobedience does not affect that blood relationship with our Father, but it does affect the harmony we have with Him. Personally, I am glad that I become miserable when I disobey Christ. Being miserable lets me know when I am wrong. I don't always "fix it" right away, but, I always end up right back where I need to be: In the arms of the one and only ever present, consistent, love of my life, Jesus Christ. It is in Him that I find peace, rest, hope, love, forgiveness, strength, and understanding.

I am thankful for wise men and women who write great books like this one so that I can be reminded of what I once knew and somehow have forgotten.

As I think about my life and where I am ( a 27 year old single girl who is the youngest of nine children, a teacher, a member of the Zadok ministries at Abba's House, a friend to many, and most importantly, a child of God!), I smile to myself because I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I wasn't at peace a few weeks ago, but now, I am at peace, a peace that passes all understanding because it comes from the only one who truly can give me peace: my Abba Father!

Thank you to all of my friends and family! I love you very much!



wendy k

[Susie Hamilton]

Wendy, I like him. I have one of his books from about 10 years ago. It is titled "The Bondage Breaker". ISBN# 0-89081-787-1. I might have to get this new book. Thanks.

[deb]

He has a devotional book called "Daily in Christ". You can read it daily at http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/spiritual-growth/daily-in-christ/

[Jennifer Smith]

We like Neil Anderson too and we have used many of his books in ministry.
There is a prayer and deliverance workbook, Steps to Freedom in Christ that is wonderful also. Glad you're enjoying the new book! I have been thinking I need to get some new reading material as well.

[teach]

Wendy, I like him. I have one of his books from about 10 years ago. It is titled "The Bondage Breaker". ISBN# 0-89081-787-1. I might have to get this new book. Thanks.

your welcome!

[Darling]

Going to look into getting this book. Grace is the most remarkable part of becoming born again. It never ceases to amaze me how much love the Father has for mankind. His mercy and grace towards us as humans is there for us to receive.

[Mike Vande]

"Who I am in Christ."


The first people I heard using the phrase "who I am In Christ" were Rhema faith heretics. I am talking about people who were convinced they could literally order God around. No really, I heard one of them bellow "Jesus, I command you to heal this person!" at the top of his lungs when he prayed for a lady at our church. He did that because of who he believed he was in Christ.

She wasn't healed, in case you were curious.

Does anyone else find it troubling that Anderson's emphasis is on the saved rather than the Savior? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but our goal, as I understand it, is to be alive to God and dead to ourselves, which would necessarily preclude paying attention to who we are in any position. Focusing on "who I am" seems like resurrecting that corpse of my ego in hopes of making me feel good about myself. I was taught early on that our orientation, scripturally speaking, is "Christ in me,the hope of glory". Would somebody please explain to me how "who I am in Christ" is not a total reversal of scriptural priorities?

[teach]

This book foucuses on finding out who we are in christ so that we can serve HIM better. It does not, in any way, shape or form, discuss the possibility of ordering God around. It focuses on our freedom from bondage of sin so that we can live freely and serve him freely. He does not imply that we can live any way we want or anything like that. He just focuses on accepting the gift Christ has given us so we can serve Him to the best way we know how.

Have you even read this book? You may want to find out what you are talking about before you go bashing it.

wendy k

[Mike Vande]

Have you even read this book? You may want to find out what you are talking about before you go bashing it.

I was talking about a concept I have dealt with for a very long time now, and not necessarily the book at all.

But, seeing your response here, I feel compelled to ask; if this book is such such a boost to one's Christianity, why aren't you explaining it to me in a godly, loving manner instead of jumping down my throat?

Even if I had been bashing it(which I wasn't), I would think the friendly history of interaction you and I have here would afford me a little slack. Instead, you jumped down my throat like I'd stomped your pet hamster.

Is this the sort of thing figuring out "who you are in Christ" does to people, grant them permission to lash out at anyone who disagrees with them? If your behavior is any indication of the book's effect on people, You can have it.

[teach]

you are correct. I apologize mike

wendy k

[Mike Vande]

you are correct. I apologize mike

wendy k

Apology accepted. Now, can you tell me how I am wrong about this stuff? I've been hearing it for a very long time, sometimes from obviously unreliable sources, sometimes from folks I think would know better than to get sucked into a deception. I'm not the happiest person I know, and if understanding who I am in Christ would help with that, I'd be grateful to know it.

I'm not the easiest person to convince, and I'd have to be convinced I'm wrong about it before I'd even be able to attempt getting into it. But I'm willing to listen.

Whatcha got, Teach?

[teach]

what exactly is your question?

wendy k

[Mike Vande]

what exactly is your question?

wendy k

From my earlier post;

I was taught early on that our orientation, scripturally speaking, is "Christ in me,the hope of glory". Would somebody please explain to me how "who I am in Christ" is not a total reversal of scriptural priorities?