REVIEWS

' “How to Be a Christian in Today’s World” is the answer to a prayer you may not have even known you needed."' - Jill Rey - theauthorsspot.com

Sometimes there’s a book that comes into your life at the exact right moment, it knocks you off your feet and makes you take a good hard look in the mirror, “How to Be a Christian in Today’s World: Shame or Fear of Failure vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love” was that book for me.

Author, Reverend Matthew Hogan does a great job opening this book by connecting with readers. He doesn’t immediately jump into preaching like so many books of this nature before it, but rather invites us first to his own story. Showing us his own path to faith, sharing the gritty, raw, and emotional bits before carrying us to God. Throughout the book, Rev. Hogan is respectful. Instead of directly quoting scripture he provides the verse and allows readers to find the passages in whatever book they call their own. However, in doing this he pairs it with a story and communicates it in a way that makes you want to embrace the noted verses and look it up so you too can relate and be in on the story. Hogan’s years of experience as a minister and councilor lend marvelously well to that of an author connecting and drawing in readers. I’ve never met Rev. Hogan in person, and yet I feel like his book counseled me on how I can truly be a better Christian and focus my life more precisely in the way of God’s teaching, exactly as he set out to do. I found many timely connections to my own life, as if God was reaching me through the author, plucking me out and telling me “listen.”

As Easter rapidly approaches it felt relevant the mentions of Easter morning in one of Hogan’s messages. In this story we are told Easter morning isn’t the end as we may feel compelled to believe with Jesus’ ascension to heaven and resurrection, but instead it is a story teaching us not to fear, a story in finding comfort in His ascension. I also felt immensely connected to the descriptions of the importance of baptism, the submersion and return to air that connects us to Christ. The symbolism and reminder this book provides me in remembering to come up for air as I remind myself repeatedly of God’s role in everything I do.

Like everyone, the author isn’t perfect. But, he reminds us of the importance of truly living a Christian life as God intends. We often lose sight as our lives are feeling “good.” When we get the job we wanted, afforded the new car, etc. we can begin to feel less of a need for God. Or, we attend the obligatory Sunday mass and then walk out the door and fail to keep God ever present and top of mind. This book is thus not only a key reminder, but a crucial guide to recognize our weaknesses, grab ahold and be willing to go back to the beginning to reconnect with, and reaffirm, our faith. While not always simple to humbly admit or do, the author shows us it can be done through his own life circumstances and the stories of scripture he shares. “How to Be a Christian in Today’s World” is the answer to a prayer you may not have even known you needed.

"A Must Read Book For Everyone" - CBM Christian Book Review

Is it possible to embrace faith and lead a Christian life in today’s modern world? This is the question at the heart of How to Be a Christian in Today’s World, an indispensable guide for anyone who is searching for, questioning, or wanting to deepen their faith. Part memoir, part passionate testimony, in How to Be a Christian in Today’s World, pastor and counselor Matthew Hogan delivers the practical, compassionate message that it is possible to lead a life of faith while being a part of the world. Growing up, Hogan witnessed his parent’s marriage dissolve beneath the stress of losing their son, his brother. He dealt with the grief of losing his father at a young age. He helped his wife, Kimberly, battle health issues throughout their marriage. As opposed to becoming angry or resentful of the challenges he experienced throughout life, Hogan found each challenge as an opportunity to deepen and grow his faith. As Hogan dissects key moments from scripture and shares his own compelling life story, readers will build a foundation for their faith that acknowledges, allows for, and even celebrates worldly experiences.

A Must Read Book For Everyone
Highly Recommended Reverend Matthew Hogan writes, How to Be a Christian in Today’s World, is aptly subtitled, Shame or Fear of Failing vs. Living Confidently in God’s Love.

This sets the stage for his book that blends his own upbringing and life to shed light on ultimately God’s Word, as he and his wife came together in their faith. Growing up in the early 60’s presents an era gone by as he segways into advocating an understanding of God’s love.

Admittedly, no one is spared trials and tribulations of life, as he shares intense family hardships and deaths that shaped his young childhood. Coming from a place of deep trauma experiencing the loss of his brother and the further dissolution of his parent’s marriage, he writes a book that presents a Biblical way to understand trials, maturing in Christ, and overcoming by the Spirit of God. Full of compassion and true to Scripture, readers will find his book refreshing.

Separated into four categories such chapters as: Baby Steps, I am Loved! Churchese vs. the Word, and Walk it Out. With a Workbook section with questions in the back (6 sessions), which can be utilized as an at home personal study guide, or even within a close group setting. He addresses real life issues, feelings, and behaviors bringing a deeper faith, and reliance upon God, His Spirit, knowing we are loved by God, as he delves into the truth of the Word of God.

This is one of those books that doesn’t smooth over subjects, but helps readers understand the immensity of God’s grace and love, offering solutions for the person that has been wounded and that has dealt with trauma. He has known this all too well in his own life, and he presents an easy read that is full of encouragement.

In his last Chapter (p. 102), He states, “Like love, we can see that the ability to live a Godly life comes from God.” Further stating, “Everything about the Spirit will free us, guide us, and teach us, providing for Godly living.” He gives further instruction to readers that summarizes and shows readers the “how-to” relying on God by and through the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. It is his firm belief that we cannot do “Christianity” by ourselves, but we “love” because God has loved us first.

A Wonderful, well rounded Biblical guide to navigating life in culture that is against “walking in the light.”

Highly recommended for all, new or mature believers, also to those who want to deepen their faith. Living as a Christian requires growth, maturity, and then full reliance on God.

Title: How to Be a Christian in Today’s World
Reverend Matthew Hogan
A CBM Christian Book Review
10.0 out of 10.0+ stars

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