Living on the Edge: Dare to Experience True Spirituality

by Chip Ingram

Ingram gives a clear profile of what it means to be a follower of Jesus, with practical and specific means to live out that life authentically.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology, Christianity, Religion

268 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting and helpful books I have ever read. Highly recommend particularly the chapter on forgiveness.

[Anna Catherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not great, Living On The Edge is a solid study of Romans 12, but gets a little bit repetitive and hyperfocused at times. It was interesting as a group study, and I was glad I read the book so I could follow along with the weekly lessons.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good study of Romans 12. Personally challenging to me. Best read done in a small group setting.

4 stars due to you need the addition materials from the study for the book.

[Zack]

This book was my first exposure to Chip Ingram. After reading his testimony in the early chapters, I was definitely interested in hearing what he had to say…so much of his story was like my own! Living on the Edge discusses what it means to become a follower of Jesus Christ and to have your lifestyle line up with that decision. Chip walks through Romans 12, highlighting crucial principles that every Christian needs to know and live by. My church actually organized about 30 small groups that each studied this book simultaneously for six weeks. It serves as a great basis for believers and ensures that everyone is moving forward in their walk with the Lord with the right foundation. Chip does not sacrifice true doctrine and accurate theology at the altar of relatability. He maintains right teaching in a clear, easy to understand way. Since reading this book, I’ve also started to listen to his radio program and found that to be just as truthful and enlightening. If you want to be a real Christian, just follow the principles outlined in this book!

[Lisa Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read about living the Christian life!!

[Randy Corn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book by Ingram that I have read. I was given one of his volumes at the Moody Pastor’s Conference last year and even got it autographed by Ingram. That led the purchase of a second, older book at the TN State Association meeting. I profited by reading both of these books, so I looked forward to getting this volume. Ingram had just completed it when he spoke at Moody. I remember thinking at the time that I ought to get a copy of this book and use it as the broad template for a series on discipleship. It turned out to be well worth the effort.

The subtitle of this book is “A proven pathway to become like Jesus.” Essentially, this book is an exposition of the 12th chapter of Romans. The virtue of this volume is in the illustrations and applications which the author uses. I did indeed use it as an approach to a Sunday night series and Joy thought it came off really well.

I do intend to recommend this book to some folks, but I doubt that I will rereading it anytime soon. It is a good but not great book.

[Brittany Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful! Its one of those books that helps you recognize the promises of God to the believer and how they apply in your life. The book breaks down Romans 12 into absorbable chunks. The book centers on discipleship - the part where we walk with God, mind renewal, etc. The book walks you through his own experience as a young believer and the choices he was presented at the start of his walk, through the discipleship process and how important it is after salvation. Chip gives you real life examples and analogies from parables that makes connected comparisons of choosing a life for Christ relatable to people in the 21st century. I liked this book so much I shared it in my 7th grade bible class - they particularly loved the case studies ( as did I ) and really understood what they stand to gain by giving their life to the Lord. It was wonderful, I can't give this book enough praise!

[Christopher Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty easy read. I wasn’t to sure at the beginning. I thought this might be another “magical Christian formula” book which often focuses on one passage of the Bible as the “fix” for everything.

While I would still caution against focusing too much on one passage, the concepts and bottom line of this book are right on: we need to make disciples, but it needs to be based on all of scripture. It is fine to use Romans 12 to create a general outline, but the application has to come from the entire Bible.

I was pleased with the collective message of the book. Chip Ingram’s personal testimony in the last quarter of the book helped apply the content.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I memorized Romans 12 when I was 18 years old and it has become an intricate part of my life. I often tell people that Romans 12 is the Christian life in one chapter and I recommend it to many to read and study. This book is a revised edition of Ingram's book Living on the Edge. Even though I have memorized and meditated on this chapter, I found this book, encouraging and challenging. The author gives very practical ways to incorporate the principles of Romans 12 into one’s life. Each chapter then ends with the author's suggestions for things to ponder, to reflect on, and to do. I suggest that the reader takes his or her time when reading this book.

[Logan Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convicting. Challenging. A deep plunge into how to live a genuine and authentic Christian life. One of those books that you put off reading but because of the necessity of furthering our walk with Christ, one must pick up and dive in. Do you not just read it to read it. Read it and do the exercises at the end of each chapter. It will be transformative if you allow God to work in your heart, your soul, and your mind.

[Chad Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

A refreshing and grounding read. There are so many distractions, “shoulds” and “should nots” in life. What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Chip does a great job in reminding us, by scripture, in this book. The path isn’t easy - probably why it is narrow - but there is not better path. This is an excellent, easy, engaging read, I highly recommend it.

[Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

good for everyone

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this along with the small group study guide and video series with my Women's Life Group at church. This book and study came to my life at the exact moment I needed it to (in true God's perfect timing fashion). The discussions we had while reading this book will stay with me and I truly feel our group grew closer together with each chapter. Excited to do my best to live as a r12 Christian.

[Janice Garey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to grow up in their Christian faith. The book contains a multitude of helps or resources outside of the pages of the book to access online. It is so comprehensive in covering everything that can move a person forward who may be stuck in a rut in finding the next pursuit to help bring deeper understanding and appreciation of God. I need to go back through this book and thoroughly engage with the many suggested materials outside of the book. it would be hard for me to imagine any Christian finding anything to fault about this book. Chip has a humble servant attitude and never comes across as thinking he got it right the first time and did not need to pursue growth for himself. I have shared this book with a few people at church. It is that kind of book that you want to give to people to help them out as they have various struggles.

[Frank Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. The author provides a practical, yet biblical approach to experiencing a fulfilled and useful Christian life. At the same time, the book is written openly and humbly, admitting and addressing the many struggles that we face. The book focusses on what matters, and makes a point of ignoring areas that do not. I would have given it 5 starts except for a few (wrong) revisionist comments in some of the stories. These are still a bit troubling to me as the prose was written implying complete truth. I suppose none of us are perfect.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of the best things about this book for me was it was written by someone my age (55), me not the author, and is from the voice of experience.

I found this book both encouraging and challenging as I am looking at and trying to improve my abilities in making and growing disciples for Jesus Christ. I thought his work on taking an honest look at our own lives first and then helping others through that process was very helpful.

You will have an opportunity to examine you life and be challenged to make changes that will help you grow in your faith and life.

[Herb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chip Ingram covers a profound chapter of the Bible. Romans 12 lays out the next steps for Christians and the simplicity of "all in" surrender to Christ and walking in a true relationship with God. No more "white knuckle" Christianity, just empowerment by the Spirit of God.

Chip elaborates on the scriptures using real life experiences that I could really identify with.

The companion website is also very good with lots of additional materials and video.

[Gerald Thomson]

An in-depth look at Romans 12, with the aim of aligning your view of yourself and others with God’s view of both. Ingram uses his own spiritual journey to show how this passage can be applied. A pretty quick read with good insights and reminders. Nothing earth-shattering, but certainly a nice, concise package of what it means to live a sacrificed life to God.

[Jeremy Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this spiritually deep, biblically faithful and highly practical book. While he does talk a little too much about himself, The biblical exegesis and practical application more than make up for that. Would be a wonderful small group book/Bible study.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read about a chapter a day and learned so much about my God and myself. This r12 book has opened my eyes to many examples and scripture that I have overlooked many times. Digging deeper is so necessary in our walk with Christ and this book is a great way to be refreshed in Jesus' teaching.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praise the Lord :) God really used Chip Ingram to explain Romans chapter 12 in a very practical way. He challenges the reader throughout the book and makes you assess yourself. I recommend for any Christian who is serious about authentically following Jesus Christ.

[Mark]

We are using this is our "study book" for our small group - really appreciate Chip Ingram's gracious style in dealing with Romans 12.

[Wes · Rating 3 out of 5]

good and simple but probably will not recommend.

[Goofyreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good you should read this

[Barry]

Awesome read. One of very few books that I consider worth returning to. Bought copies for the family.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is changing my life. I'm reading it for the third time and can't wait to see how God is going to move through me!

[Annette]

Really good insights on how to give it all to God.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Changed how I do relationship with God and others

[Dena Matcek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concentrates in Romans 12. An excellent study.

[Darren Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for small groups. Challenging and work book was very helpful.