Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are

My Book Reading ExperienceI got super excited about the beginning of the book and the end of the book. I had to force myself to read the middle of the book. This probably stemmed from the fact that I had started my one chapter a day book habit (which I have since broken and restarted), and at a certain point reading the book felt like drudgery.I found myself laughing a lot throughout this book. I love Pastor Craig’s writing style. He is very frank, humorous, and concise. He is also down-to-earth and he includes plenty of examples from his personal life which makes him relatable.Book ContentWOW! This book is a journey, and a beautiful one (despite what I said about struggling to read the middle). It starts off with the foundation: who we are. Before we can become anything and do anything for Jesus that will last, we have to come to the realization of who we are, who we have allowed ourselves to be, and what lies/truths we have embraced in our identity formation process. The book goes on to describe the values we must embrace as believers, and then ends with a fiery finish about the importance of living in boldness and what that looks like.His words are so thought-provoking and even though there aren’t reflection questions, you can’t help but want to reflect as he describes his own process and his own struggles. For example, in the first chapter, “Overcoming the Labels that Bind You” he describes one label that he had to overcome in his young adult years “Craig the Tightwad”. This prompted me to reflect on some of the labels I had adopted, from myself, my experiences and from other people. I came up with a full page of negative labels I had adopted for myself, and decided to take the next step and replace them with positive ones. For example, I changed Sandra the People Pleaser to Sandra the God Pleaser. Sandra the Awkward One, to Sandra the Gracious One. Sandra the Broke One to Sandra the Wealthy One. And on and on the exercise went. It was incredibly freeing to release all the negative things I’ve believed about myself all these years and to pick new names that reflected who I truly am in Christ.He has so many testimonies in his book! And each testimony invokes a desire to be bold for Jesus and to break free from the chains of insecurity, timidity, self-consciousness, political correctness, doubt, fear and all things that would hinder us from being who God says we are, and doing what He has called us to do.My Feelings After Finishing the BookI was inspired! I want to go out and be big for God! I want to live out the life He dreamed for me before the foundations of the world. I want to be the realest, most authentic, most unique, most free Sandra Emmanuella Okonofua that the world has ever seen.I want to re-read this book. And really savor it next time.RecommendationsREAD THIS BOOK! Especially if you are struggling with insecurity, self-worth, value, and questions about your role in God’s family and kingdom.TAKE NOTES ON THIS BOOK! To get the most from this book, I recommend journaling in response to some of the things he says and looking inward to see what things may be lurking in your own heart and mind

This book was a very interesting book to read. I would recommend it.

Nugget after nugget of great wisdom in his typical down to earth preaching style.Its straight talk, no down talk, no big haughty words, no in your face judgemental attitudes just matter-of-fact sharing.I was reading it in the car on the way to our kids youth night at church. I read one particular part where he concludes with certain 'tire issues'. We get in and I was asked to co-lead the kids devotional (I had no idea what it was even about- it was thrust on me as I entered).So they open up and start talking and lo and behold, they are using tire metaphors! I ran to the next room, grabbed the book and read the passage. People loved it especially how it so very perfectly tied directly into the devotional.There are no coincidences there are only God-incidences.

This was an insanely powerful book! Let me explain its general layout and then what stood out to me.The premise of Altar Ego was that Christians need to understand and walk in their new identity in Christ. Now of course this is easier said then done – but Craig does an awesome job of approaching it from a real and encouraging way. The book is divided into three parts – each one is about sacrificing one part of our identity for another (more authentic and Christ-centered) part of our new identity.Without telling you everything that is covered in the book I will tell you that part 3 is what stuck out to me. This part is made up of 4 chapters which all have to do with our boldness and how that is born out our identity in and relationship to Jesus.I believe Craig did such an amazing job at capturing the heart of God with his words. God cares so much for and wants so much for us but we let ourselves suffocate from false beliefs – either because of who we were or what we’ve done. The deeper our belief, the bolder our actions will be! And once we know who we are, we’ll know what to do!Interlaced and connecting the Biblical truths are personal stories from Craig which illustrate the idea at hand. I found these to be so perfect! They were vulnerable and real and made me want God to do extraordinary things in my life and take me further than I ever believed I can go.Overall, this has been one of my favorite reads of 2015 and I am deeply challenged by the truths Craig wrote about. I want to live my Altar Ego and live the best life God has for me!

Funny!Personal!Moving!Words that truly describe this book by Craig. This is the first book I read by Craig and is a masterpiece ! He is so honest and straight forward. He makes you laugh and keeps you focused. The book is very well balanced throughout each section. I love it and I will definitely continue to return to it because it is a great reminder of who we are in Christ and how to live out boldly for Him! I'm so thankful for this book!

If you are unsure about reading this book- READ IT! Absolutely life changing for me! I have read self improvement books for years, yet having it all tied to the gospel makes ALL the difference in the world !!

This book gives anyone who is seeking to become closer in their relationship with God a very real guide. The book helps and challenges you to look inside yourself to see areas in your own personal growth that may need to be addressed. The author has a wonderful way of getting you to realize your needs and to also show how this great man of God has had face all of these areas in his life. This book definitely lives up to our Life Church .tv mission to " Lead people to become fully devoted followers n of Christ" You can see and hear Craig Groeschel's messages on line at anytime @ lifechurch.tv.

Groeschel has done well here - a simple, powerful book that represents people from striving to be their best/doubting their own capacities, into fixing their eyes on Jesus and allowing themselves to be transformed by him.Altar Ego challenged where we place our identities and is a good read for new Christians in particular.

Incredible book. Really made me sit up and think. Challenged a lot of my ideas about myself and how I view others. Draws a lot on scripture, but you don't need to have an extensive knowledge of the Bible to follow and understand it. It really brings a fresh perspective. Would definitely recommend.

...The verse, Galatians 2:20 was laid on my heart for several days/weeks prior to discovering this book. The book is an answer to prayer when I asked God, "please help me understand how do I live daily Galatians 2:20?" the next day my Playbook Bible App version would not allow me to get my daily reading plan. God's answer came when I went to YouVersion.com's website to get my plan direct and as I'm browsing to the plan I see this book recently written by Craig Groeshel, giver of the App I love. God is good and Romans 8:28 is real.I love to ride my Harley and towards the end of the book I was caught in the rain so I parked under a Home Depot overhang to stay dry and while I waited whipped out the reader and finished the book. There were places that brought tears to my eyes feeling so full of Christ's Spirit. I wonder what people thought I was on as they entered the store and passed me sitting on my bike, reading and tears rolling down my cheeks. Praise God from whom all blessings flow and praise Altar Ego for its Christ filled, Christ exalting prose.

I'm from India new to faith I would recommend everyone to buy this book it will change your belief toward life and trust me you will know many intresting thing about Lord Jesus Pastor Craig has done a wonderful work i would also recommend readers to visit Online.church tv .for commentaries given by Pastor Craig you will be amazed knowing about the fact of Lord Jesus i purchased this book after coming across the website online church.tv

This book would be a great read for those who have just found Jesus. The book has the power to break those chains that were holding people captive.