Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life

If I could give this book more then five stars I would. "Authentic Faith" was very convicting, and really made me think about some things in my life. I am a fast reader, but there were days that I could only read a couple of pages because I had to take time to think about what Gary Thomas said. Thomas starts off his book by talking about laying new groundwork for what defines authentic faith, which is a life centered around God and not ourselves. Authentic faith developed by "authentic disciplines" such as contentment, suffering, persecution, waiting, mourning, humility and forgiveness. These disciplines are different than traditional disciplines such as fasting, praying, studying the Bible etc., because they are not initiated by us but rather by God. Whereas on the other hand, traditional disciplines are initiated by us to help build our faith. Although, they are worthy of our initiation they can sometimes foster religiosity, pride and self sufficiency. One of my favorite chapter was about the discipline of suffering. To think about suffering as being a good thing seems ironic, but Thomas quotes another writer named Thomas Watson who says it so well, "Sometimes a sick bed can teach us more than a sermon". This made me think of sufferings I have gone through, that haven't been on a sick bed, and yes they did teach me more than a sermon could. Thomas also shares in this chapter about how our refusal to suffer can lead to addictions and physical breakdowns, which I have never thought about before. I would recommend that anyone suffering from an addiction should get this book, because how he explained the process of addiction and physical breakdowns made so much sense. The other chapter that I found helpful was about the discipline of mourning. Thomas talks about the importance of letting ourselves mourn, and not necessarily in the sense of mourning someone's death, but in repenting over sins in our life. To allow ourselves, to look at the sins in our life, and start associating them with pain and not pleasure. There are so many other great things about this book that it would take several other paragraphs to explain. So, all that I can say is this is a must read book.

Gary Thomas is a gifted writer and communicator who presents classic foundational truths in a fresh and understandable way. This book represents another work that will cause the reader to think past a stereotypical walk with Christ.

This is one of the best books I've ever read! Thomas address areas of faith that most people never talk about (the difficulties that we can't control). I recommended it to all my friends. We even used it for our women's study bible stuy. Every one of my friends who've read this book has also loved it. It's challenging, and it makes you uncomfortable with the comforts of your own faith. This book is convicting, but it also helps to transform your thinking and test your faith.

I absolutely enjoyed this book...but what I enjoyed even more than the book itself was the amazing resource of classic authors and texts through Gary Thomas' extensive footnotes...it is always a joy to find a book that sends you on a long and wonderful trail through the greatest thinkers/theologians of all time...a must read!

This book is a blessing. I recommend any of Gary Thomas's books. His writings are well focused but dynamic enough to keep your attention. This book covers a wide range of issues facing contemporary christians. I particularly like how easy it is to identify with his examples. Definately highlighter worthy!