About the Book
How do we develop a deep lasting intimacy with God?
One of the problems with being a Christ follower is that we can substitute religious expressions and religious behaviors for authentic experiences and encounters without even know we are doing it. The longer we go to church the more we know the right words to say and the right things to do, but we can easily say those words and do those things without transformational intimacy with Jesus? We can start with significant, transformational encounters with God, and end up with dusty old religion.
In Authentic, we will explore the following:
What is religion and how do we avoid falling into its traps and snares?
How does intimacy with God and people work?
How do we develop depth with God and sustain it over a lifetime?
What are the practices and attitudes that we can develop to help us draw near to God so we can learn to live an authentic spiritual life in Christ?
We don't want to settle for the counterfeit, when Jesus offers us abundant life.
About the Author :
Dr. Rob Reimer's passion is to see the kingdom of God advance through spiritual renewal. Rob began Renewal International to assist pastors, leaders, and churches to equip the people of God to live in freedom in Christ, and to walk in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit. Passionate about Jesus, personally transparent, and committed to the Word, his books including Soul Care, River Dwellers, Spiritual Authority, The Soul Care Leader, and The Tenderness of Jesus incorporate lessons God taught him over the years through life and ministry. Rob draws on these lessons for his conference speaking and while mentoring pastors and leaders globally. In addition to his work with Renewal International, Dr. Reimer is Professor of Pastoral Theology at Alliance University in NY, NY. Explore more of Rob's resources, view his itinerary, or invite him to speak at www.renewalinternational.org
Review :
A whole generation of Christians need to read this book. Rob Reimer comforts and confronts those who are looking for honesty and authenticity in their Christian life. Many living in passive compliance to external traditions, rules, and cultures in their walk with God, yet have a deep desire for more, will find here biblical patterns and principles to freedom and growth in Christ. This work challenges and encourages us to a deeper authentic journey for the partisan, pupil, preacher, or proclaimer of faith in Christ.
- Rev. Ken Graham, President, Christian and Missionary Alliance of Australia, Regional Coordinator, Asia Pacific Alliance Churches AWF Will the Master sign a work that is not His? Would a canvas bear the autograph of one who is not behind its design? Would an artist sign a poster copy of his masterwork? Will a master be told what his masterpiece should display?No. These works are not authentic. It is this examination of authenticity that Dr. Rob Reimer challenges you to undertake in Authentic, a litmus test for the soul. In it, his curated questions cut through artifice to reveal the motives and posture of the heart. Paradoxically calloused by a culture of grace defined by unmerited favor, we have forgotten the truth that grace is divine influence on our heart and its reflection in our life. The application of Dr. Reimer's Authentic reveals that, for so many of us, the hallmarks and structure of a great work may be on display, but the canvas lacks the Master's brushstrokes. With his trademark transparency, in Authentic Dr. Reimer joins you on a journey, beckoning you from life in the outer court, to deep inside the temple, to discover that the veil was rent for a reason. It is his heart that you encounter this reason for yourself, doing so in the presence and intimacy of an abiding relationship with a loving Father, without impediment. For the reader, it is crucial to remain in sync with the author, walking slowly. Quick checkmarks for yourself, or thinking the questions apply to others, mean you have wandered off the path. It's only through this internal journey that we move beyond a life bearing the Christian signature to becoming an authentic, unique, and purposefully designed masterpiece that brings glory to the Artist.
-- Elizabeth Hopkins, Journalist
As a recovering elder brother, this book caused me to pause several times as it frankly addressed my behavioral religious defaults. Ouch. In his straightforward way, Rob lays out, in Authentic, how to freely and humbly live in intimacy with Jesus. It is a beautiful reminder that God's grace is available to all who receive it by faith.
-- Wanda Walborn, author of "Spiritual Journey: Can I Really Get Close to God?", Director of Empower: a developmental program for women
In Authentic, Rob has highlighted and unpacked something that has hampered many churches for many seasons. Using probing and disarming questions, Rob opens a conversation and challenges this mindset that is quenching so many churches: the rituals of religion. Rob believes and calls us all to believe what Jesus said: "When you receive the Holy Spirit, you will receive power and love." Authentic challenges and encourages us to believe, trust, and act differently, through having an authentic relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and authentically loving people. Along with challenging our thinking and actions, Rob also gives practical ways to pursue God and have an authentic relationship with Him. If you are looking to know your heavenly Father more deeply and experience a truly authentic relationship with Him, let this book take you on a journey of discovery of renewed love and faith that will change how you live and do church.
-- John Hutchinson, Executive Minister, Churches of Christ in Western Australia
My frien
