Another phenomenal work from the man, JMC.

This book was very eye-opening in regard to the devil's strategy for destruction. The enemy's main plan of attack is "deceitful ideas that play to disordered desires that are normalized in a sinful society." John Mark spent time breaking down and giving advice for combatting the deceitful ideas of Satan, the disordered desires of our flesh, and the sinful society of our world.

For each of the three enemies (World, Flesh, Devil) John Mark gives counter-strategies.

For fighting the lies of the Devil we must take on practices of quiet prayer and scripture reading. For fighting the flesh we must begin regular practices of fasting and confession, not just when we are in a time of need. For the World, he mentions that we actually aren't fighting against it, but rather we are fighting for it. He urges the reader to view the Church as a creative minority that slowly affects the host culture through its countercultural practices of love.

Just another great book by John Mark Comer. Excited to create my own monastic handbook for combatting demons as per his recommendation...

I have read John Mark since Garden City tracking through work, rest, the very uniqueness of God, this His interaction with us, slowing down and simplifying to name a few. I have attempted to put many of these things in practice, but find that my life with God and others is still hard (and Comer never suggests it will not be). Live No Lies comes back to a fundamental issue in historical Christianity: The world, the flesh and the devil. Another piece of the mystery of spiritual formation.

The titbits about the devil are great (the satan, the evil one, the devil, etc. are titles, not names, he is a created being, and he could be part of the evolutionary process towards brokenness). It is nice to have a new set of facts to break out for a dinner party, but the real weight of the book is the reminder that we have a very real adversary that comes to us through lies. In a post enlightenment world this infamous being is easy to laugh at, dismiss, or misunderstand (little goatee and pitchfork in hand). Comer invites us to reconsider this folly in the spirit of how Howard Thurman and Dallas Willard remind us of a very real, present, intelligent, and joyful Jesus.

I have awakened, if even just a bit more, to the battle going on for my soul. I see this in the way I lack confidence at times of my identity as a beloved child of God in the unshakable Kingdom or the way I doubt the stability of my marriage. Where do these ideas come from? Why do I feel crippled by them? There is a beautiful invitation out of these lies and into reality, or truth. I highly recommend this book for those seeking to deepen their journey into the mystery of Christ.

John Mark has been my favorite author ever since I read his book, Loveology when it came out. He is the best teacher I have come across. I would argue if one is new to Jesus, or wants reconstruct their faith in a safe space, John Mark's books are all you need. Other books are valuable, of course, but if you don't want to be bogged down, go with JMC first and then move out. John Mark simplifies everything it means to follow Jesus. That being said, Live No Lies is my #1 recommendation, right next to his last book. He gives valuable insight into our current cultural moment and practical steps forward. He speaks intimately to what it means to follow Jesus in this exact moment. There's no other book quite like it. It has quickly become a part of my personal canon.

Simply put, this book must be a new staple for anyone seeking to follow Jesus in today's cultural climate. In our modern day full of conflicting messages and constant (mis)information, this book arrives on the bookshelf with a surprisingly timely, strong, yet gentle message. JMC seamlessly blends biblical truths, cultural analysis, and humor into one concrete guide to enrich and strengthen your spiritual journey. In Live No Lies, you will encounter resonant wisdom, deeply sorrowful realities of our day, compelling points of great hope, and a profound strengthening of your apprenticeship to Jesus. Never before have I read an author integrate such all encompassing ideas and concepts into language that is easy to follow and, honestly, fun to engage with. At the end of it all, JMC draws us gently back to the life, example, and teaching of Jesus. Thank you, John Mark, for always keeping Jesus in the center, even when you could easily steal the glory with your work.

This book is so timely. The enemies of the soul John Mark Comer speaks of are so real, and it feels like they are working hard against us more than ever these days. He provides great thoughts on how to really figure out what lies we are believing, what are we letting seep into our lives and steal our joy, and how to navigate it. I've really enjoyed each of John Mark's books, but this one is exceptional. Highly recommend!