Stephen D Peterson

How to Become a For Real Christian Stephen D Peterson

This very personal, application-oriented study of James's epistle is for Christians who long to live out authentic faith. The phrase "for real," distinguishes the authentic from what merely appears to be, and this book is designed to help readers identify and to live out "for real" Christian faith. Designed for either individual or small group use, each chapter concludes with a set of questions designed to spur readers toward a resiliently joyful life of faith. Many Christians feel like their lives are indistinguishable from the lives of people around them who claim no faith at all. They are beset with stresses, distractions and persistent struggles that prompt them to wonder whether there is something wrong with their faith, or perhaps with their God. Take heart, because there is hope! James's letter was written to an audience suffering through similar struggles. Stephen Peterson's insights and personal stories bring this ancient letter to life for modern readers. James addressed many questions that now define the struggles of the modern church - Does orthodoxy matter more than empathy? How do Christians respond to a culture that has shifted in its definitions of good and evil? Should Christians pursue wealth? Should Christians get angry? How do Christians know what they really believe? Any Christian seeking to like with relevant faith must wrestle with these questions, and the questions aren't going away. "How to Become a 'For Real' Christian" is fast-paced, readable and entertaining, but everything about this book, from its provocative title to its probing questions, is designed to prompt change. This was also James's intent in writing this epistle some 2,000 years ago. Do you long to exchange a predictable life of pleasure seeking and trial avoidance for a life of enduring purpose? Then "How to Become a 'For Real' Christian" can be an excellent first step on that journey.