Wayne Jacobsen

I was almost put off this book by the foreword. It's full of rather condescending remarks, telling me - basically - that the book will change my life. When I'm told that someone is confident about what I will say, or that peace is guaranteed to settle on my heart, I want to walk right away.

Thankfully I didn't. Having read other books by Wayne Jacobsen, I was fairly sure I would find it interesting and possibly helpful. And, indeed, I was gripped almost from the start. He writes for people show more who are unsure that God really loves them. While I don't think I've ever had that doubt, I hadn't thought through all the implications. I don't believe in performance-driven religion; yet I've certainly been guilty of trying to jump through some of the hoops described in the book.

The book is written with personal anecdotes, plenty of pointers to Jesus, and a clear, friendly style. Each chapter ends with brief questions that could be used in a home group situation, or for personal pondering.

All in all, I thought this excellent. It was thought-provoking and well written; I would recommend it to anyone.

I still think the foreword is dire, though. show less

"He Loves Me"
Understanding God's love requires no a classroom lecture but a long bath. In HE LOVES ME! Wayne Jacobsen fills the tub and invites us to soak in real life, the inner life of the Trinity. What really Happened on the Cross ? is worth reading five or six times, then sinking quietly and deeply into its life-giving water. Dr. Larry Crabb

This book is for those who have left - or thought about leaving - their church congregations, but who are followers of Jesus who keep hoping for something more. It's also for those who don't understand the growing exodus from church congregations that has been happening, at least in the West, in recent years.

The author looks at some of the problems that can arise in both traditional and modern churches, and reasons why most organisations veer towards hierarchies, control, and large numbers show more of meetings. He acknowledges the importance of structure in short-term projects, and the value of church congregations for many people. This book is not an attempt to persuade anyone to leave their local church groups, but to encourage those who have already done so.

There are many Scriptural references, some anecdotes in the author's own life and journey, and a few answers to possible objections. There are also some helpful principles (NOT prescriptive in any way!) for moving forward, extending the Church (the Body of Christ worldwide and locally) and growing in love for God and other people without, necessarily, being tied to a Sunday morning gathering.

Possibly a tad dry in places, and sometimes a bit obvious - but overall I would recommend this very highly. show less

A thought-provoking book about Christian community, in the best sense. Starting with the command to love one another, the authors look at several 'one another' verses from the New Testament. They suggest what they might have meant, and how they can be applied today.

I was particularly taken with their interpretation of the idea of submitting to one another. It was rather different from standard evangelical teaching, yet seemed much more akin to what would have been meant by the phrase.

I'm show more not sure how far I will be able put this into practice, but it would be very encouraging to see more real community within the Christian church. Definitely recommended to anyone interested in this topic, either as an individual or as a group studying together.

Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2025/06/authentic-relationships-by-wayne-an... show less