If God changes lives, why is mine stuck in the mud? We all want life change, but achieving it is hard. As Christians, we know we’ve got God’s help. Jesus has made it possible. The Holy Spirit even lives inside us! And yet, too many Christians are stuck in the mud when it comes to life change. What’s going on? Can things ever get better? Can my life ever turn the corner? Pastor Chip Ingram’s answer is Yes, you really CAN change! With godly wisdom and practical advice drawn straight from Scripture, Chip will help you answer questions such In Yes, You Really CAN Change , you’ll learn the difference between living for God’s approval and from God’s approval. It’s time to get off the hamster wheel of Christian expectations. Only when you understand your full acceptance by a loving God can life change begin to happen.
Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.
I love it when, after reading a non-fiction spiritual or self-help type of book, certain quotes throughout the book stay with me. I could list several that come to mind from Yes! You Really CAN Change, but I’ll list only two for time’s sake.
"When the pursuit of bigger, better, and more dominates our thoughts and activities, it inhibits and undermines the changes God wants to work into our lives."
This statement is so profound and made an impact on me. It’s true. The world focuses on more more more, and the next best thing. But I’ve found the greatest changes in my life have come from the little things. The small alterations I’ve made are the most significant. Perhaps that isn’t the case with some people, but the simple choices I made once I became a believer, modest changes of thought, language, ideas, attitude, etc. created the new me.
"Every single person throughout history who has begun as a sinner, been redeemed, and grown into spiritual maturity has stumbled, fallen, gotten stuck, and needed help at times."
This statement is comforting and encouraging.
I’m not one to beat myself up, doubt my faith, get highly discouraged, etc. but there are many truths in this book that touched me. Having faith, giving yourself grace, and accepting God’s love and acceptance is when the magic happens.
We all stumble and fall. But it’s those who get back up, dust ourselves off, and accept these missteps as building blocks rather than hurdles in the road that are truly changed.
***DISCLAIMER - I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FOR FREE FROM MOODY PUBLISHERS TO REVIEW***
Part of me wants to think this book is like one of those shootouts you see in sports (a lot of offense without much defense). Unfortunately, the errors in this book are so problematic that the offense (or in this case the Gospel main points Ingram has in his book) basically gets lost in the shuffle. Therefore, Ingram’s book is not the good news that it claims to be. After reading this book, I would have to say that it is a good idea to mark and avoid Chip Ingram (Romans 16:17). Moreover, stay away from his book Yes! You Can Change: What To Do When You’re Spiritually Stuck. Interestingly enough, continuing to sit under the teachings of someone like Ingram will lead to getting spiritually stuck.
The best outline and application of spiritual tools I have ever read. This book will you to grow closer to God. The personal experiences and examples helped bring to life some challenging Scripture verses. Everyone can benefit from this book. The online study guide was a nice bonus. Thank you Chip.
Great truths of Christ’s resurrection practically applied. Life changing and leaves you with an actionable “how to” plan for moving forward into freedom. Based on the book of Ephesians. Has helped me personally!
From our earliest days in school through our jobs, most of us have constantly been looking to achieve, to meet some expectation and have been measured by our performance. And this is a pattern many people fall into, as well, when it comes to following Christ—hoping our performance will be enough for us to “measure up.”
This book is a great reminder of our standing and our identity in Christ. When we surrender to God and accept Christ, as Chip says, we don’t need to live for God’s approval—we live from God’s approval. It’s such a huge mindset that has made a difference in my walk with Christ and allowing Him to transform my life.
Whether you are new to following Christ, have been walking with Him for years or are curious about what following Christ is all about, this is the book for you!