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“The most readable, realistic, and biblically right-on discussion of spiritual formation I’ve read in a long time. Try hard and you’ll feel tired or proud. Get real and you’ll trust Christ as never before. In a nutshell, that’s the message Kraft beautifully unpacks. I felt a weight lift as I read it and you will too.” Dr. Larry Crabb, speaker, founder of NewWay Ministries, and author of Shattered Dreams and The Pressure’s Off “Alan Kraft has charted a roadmap that points, in very clear and practical ways, a pathway of hope and help for Christians who are tired of stumbling and fumbling—tired of the treadmill of weariness with efforts that end in discouragement and defeat. If you want to understand how the joyous and dynamic life of a true disciple of Jesus can be experienced, here’s the handbook." Dr. Jack W. Hayford, president, International Foursquare Churches, chancellor, The King’s College and Seminary, and founding pastor of The Church On The Way “God has a way of bringing us to the end of our resources in order that we may discover His. Sadly, many resist this brokenness, but it is the key to the victorious and what God intended to be the ‘normal’ Christian life, which is ‘Christ in you the hope of glory.’ Alan has discovered what it means to let the life of Christ live through him and to let it happen rather than struggle to make it happen. I highly recommend this book for every Christian pilgrim who wants to live a liberated, righteous and fruitful life by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Neil T. Anderson, founder and president of Freedom in Christ Ministries “In a very honest and compelling way, Alan Kraft shows us why believers still need the gospel every day. Good News for Those Trying Harder should help many people get off the performance treadmill in their relationship with God. I highly recommend it.” Dr. Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness “God speaks through Alan Kraft, and his book made my “must read” list. This message is for every Christian, but especially for pastors and ministry leaders who sometimes serve out of their own efforts instead of relying on God’s Spirit. This book brought me to tears more than once. Read it and let God refresh your faith.” Alan Nelson, executive editor Rev! Magazine and author of Me To We “It is rare that I have gained as much helpful insight for my spiritual life in one book. Alan’s illustrations and practical advice were striking. Many of his ideas were so thought provoking that I would lay down the book and pray. The entire book was refreshing and caused me to relax, sit back, and ponder the beauty of Christ.” Bill Hull, author of Choose the Life: Exploring a Faith That Embraces Discipleship “I sure wish more pastors were willing to be as honest and forthright as Alan Kraft. Too often the Biblical realities of our spiritual battle are hidden behind clichés and facades designed to make us—and even God—somehow look better. As a result, the real message of the gospel gets lost. Alan calls us to get off the treadmill of fleshly effort disguised as godly discipline and scurry back to the power of the simple gospel; a gospel that is not just the starting point, but the context of the entire race.” Dr. Larry Osborne, author and pastor of North Coast Church “Alan Kraft has captured in a fresh way the essence of gospel transformation, hearing the melody of brokenness and faith as we practice living in His Presence. I was refreshed and renewed as I read this book.” William J. Hamel, president of the Evangelical Free Church of America “Many who once took their faith seriously are either considering (or are currently) walking away from the church. Alan Kraft’s gospel-clarifying and faith-restoring book addresses the core issue for this exodus and shows the path back to authentic faith. I love Alan’s heart and honesty. Read, understand, and apply the truth in these pages. If you do it will change everything.” Dan Webster, founder, Authentic Leadership, Inc. “For those of us who find ourselves cranky, sour, angry, or cynical while trying to do God’s work, Alan Kraft eases our burden. Instead of trying to please God, Alan leads us to trust God. And delight in Him. This is a freeing book that redefines what it means to live by faith. Just what I needed.” Marshall Shelley, editor, Leadership Journal and vice president, Christianity Today International “If you have called yourself a Christian for longer than a day, this book is for you. Alan has courageously spoken clear truths for all of us who were raised and convinced that for every problem in our life, trying harder is the answer. Few books have truly impacted me like this one. Without a doubt, this will be an annual read for me.” Dr. Chuck Stecker, author and national speaker, and president, A Chosen Generation “Good timing, Alan! This book has come into my hands precisely at a time when I am being made painfully aware that my own zeal and determination are insufficient to touch Kingdom fullness. Once again I am throwing myself upon the mercy of a God who is committed to working in us according to HIS zeal and determination (Phil. 2:13). And that’s what this book is about—celebrating the power of God to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves. Alan’s unfolding insights will skillfully guide you into a fresh discovery of the true freedom of the Gospel.” Bob Sorge, author of Secrets Of The Secret Place “Sadly, many in the Christian community seem to know little about grace. They may be quick to say they’re saved by grace, but they are unclear about living by grace. Grace isn’t just the first square on the walking-with-God board game. Grace isn’t just amazing for the wretched sinner. Grace is amazing from the day we’re born again to the day we meet Christ at the end of our journey. Alan Kraft gets it! Alan’s book is liberating and transformational because grace is liberating and transformational." Dr. Gary D. Kinnaman, pastor and author of Angels Dark and Light |
