John Avant, PhD Reviews

Added August 14, 2009

If God Were Real

A Journey into a Faith That Matters

Author: John Avant, PhD
Publisher: Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: July 2009
Genre: Nonfiction/Inspirational/Spiritual Growth
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-8779-8
Author Email/Website: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/John-Avant
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Where has this book been all my life? This author gives readers hope that Christians do not have to be annoying, in-your-face-people, but can lose the condemning spirit and get on with the Great Commission. The words in this book may be considered controversial by dogmatic bulldog-type believers, but if someone is seeking to blow away the chaff from 'conventional' Christianity, grab a copy!

The theme is simple and profound: What would Christianity look like if believers lived/acted/spoke as if God were real? Of course, Christians may immediately bristle and say they are doing everything 'in the name of the Lord'. But-- and here's where the book takes off into the dimensions of the heart, mind and soul--if believers truly lived as if God were a real and active part of their lives, things would be different.

Each chapter explores the possibilities that would exist if Christians put aside pre-conceived ideas and breathed in the life-inducing power of the Spirit. The author reminds readers that Jesus didn't come to start a religion; in fact, it was more like a revolution. Whoever Jesus spoke to, or wherever He went, He left a trail of changed lives. That same power and purpose is available to believers today, once we lose the 'baggage' of playing 'church'.

Readers will be challenged and inspired to focus on the Lord in their family lives, in their churches, and in dialogue with every single person God puts in their paths. The candid statements of the author will invariably knock some Christians out of their comfort zones. But if everyone who reads this book believes these words--that God is real--we may see a genuine spiritual awakening in our world.

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This page was last updated on August 14, 2009

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