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The Pharisee within Me |


by Wayne R. Hobbes |
All contents copyright © 2009 by Wayne R. Hobbes. All rights reserved. Photo by Graham Hobbes |
Jesus often confronted the misguided Pharisees. But despite all their spiritual problems, they were not always legalistic and lifeless. They began with an intense passion to follow God faithfully, but they became sidetracked over time. Christ-followers today can unwittingly slip into the same subtle errors. The author shares his surprising discovery of pharisaic tendencies in his own life, exposes a dozen errors that are common among Christians today, and shares biblical and practical solutions for each one. Complete with a built-in study guide and journal, this book invites us into a deeper relationship with Christ that becomes contagious to those around us. |
But keep on becoming doers of the Word, and not hearers only, misleading yourselves--because, if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who notices his face in a mirror and, after noticing himself and going away, immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks closely at the perfect law of freedom and continues in it, becoming not a forgetful hearer but one who applies it, this one will find happiness in doing so. (James 1:22-25; author's translation) |
Introducing a compelling new book... |
My Journey from Legalism to Grace |
www.waynehobbes.com |
Copyright (c)2009 Wayne R. Hobbes. all rights reserved. |
What others are saying about THE PHARISEE WITHIN ME: |
“I wonder if there is a little Pharisee in all of us? This book challenged me to look in the mirror and reevaluate my relationship with Christ.” — Mark Batterson, author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase; Lead Pastor, National Community Church, Washington, DC “…an authentic, soul-searching, conversational style that allows the reader to see how this author humbly applies what he has discovered…. His ‘walls and fences’ vividly illustrate Phariseeism in a unique and unforgettable way…. When I was finished reading, I loved Jesus more and could not help but worship.” — Bob Eckler, D.Min., BCPC, Pastor, & Christian Counselor, Director of Creekside Ministries “…a refreshing look at an age old problem—too much emphasis in the body of Christ on law instead of grace. Legalism has done so much to hurt our reputation among non-believers, which makes it hard to spread the good news. These words are a great biblical corrective from someone who has been there and done that.” — Hans Finzel, President of WorldVenture, Author of The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make “Christ-followers often fall in ditches on either side of the road – the ditch of libertarianism or the ditch of Phariseeism. Either ditch can be lethal to our walk with the Lord. Wayne Hobbes knows one of those ditches all too well, and in The Pharisee within Me he leads you back to the road where Christ walks.” — Woodrow Kroll, Th.D., President, Back to the Bible International, author of Facing Your Final Job Review and Read Your Bible One Book at Time “…theologically sound, relationally-relevant, and personally convicting… The built-in discussion guide makes… [this] journey all the more practical and inviting.” — Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D., LCPC, Author of Soul Physicians, Spiritual Friends, and Beyond the Suffering |
And here are MORE comments and endorsements from various Christian leaders: "I found the book compelling and challenging. The author's passion comes through as he shares about his spiritual journey as a believer. The book will make you think." - David Little, D.D., President of Baptist Church Planters, Grafton, OH "…It is harder to look in the mirror and see the Pharisee looking back at us. Wayne shares with us his journey to a deeply biblical and authentic look at his own life, and exposes the spiritual realities of Phariseeism. The reality of being an authentic follower of Christ is worth the challenge this book presents." - Jim Jeffery, D.D., President, Baptist Bible College and Seminary "Looking at ourselves in a mirror is seldom satisfying. But the purpose of the reflection is to motivate change, and that's what this book is all about… The included study guide and journal will bring your thoughts into order and action. This is a must read for those of us who consider ourselves the remnant of orthodox, passionate, sincere conservatives." - Stephen LeBar, Ph.D., Executive Director, CBAmerica "[His] writing style is engaging, [his] insight into traditional church is profound… The Lord has challenged my heart attitude through Wayne's humble spirit as he writes this convicting book, The Pharisee within Me… Today's church needs this reminder! I highly recommend that you prayerfully read this timely book on a timeless topic." - R. Peter Mason, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Church, Rexford, NY Adjunct Professor, Liberty University and Davis College; Former Executive Director, CBNortheast "Thanks, Wayne, for explaining the problem and helping me realize that I need to allow God to turn the mirror and spotlight on myself if I am going to move beyond legalism to Grace." - Brent Carl, Vice President, Training Operations, Youth Ministry International "…A fascinating, Biblically sound, can't-put-down read... A 'must' book for the twenty-first century believer. It wove the Old Testament and the New Testament together for me like no other..." - Bob Eckler, D.Min., BCPC, Director, Creekside Ministries & former pastor "Wayne… [shows us] that, as we back away from legalism and Phariseeism in the lives of others, we must exercise caution not to become cynical and back right into a new Phariseeism." - Terry L. Mann, D.Min., Pastor / Director of TWOgether Pittsburgh, PA "Wayne Hobbes… shows how the spirit of Phariseeism cripples our spiritual lives and distorts our witness. Its message is as relevant today as it was in Jesus' day." - Hollis Haff, Senior & Founding Pastor, New Community Church, Wexford, PA. "…very informative and practical… I discovered the areas in my life of which I need to repent. I highly recommend it to all who struggle with the line between law and grace." - Danny Miller, Director of Student Ministries, Houston Baptist University "Loaded with Scriptures that substantiate his case, Wayne challenges the church to make some much needed course corrections. Learn why you need them and how to make them, and set yourself free to love people and the church like love is meant to be!" - Scott McCabe, Pastor of Community Life, North Way Christian Community, Wexford, PA "…helped me to appreciate once again the importance of grace and the need to follow God and not a set of rules… I hope that many believers will have the opportunity to read this book…." - Roy Jones, Missionary to Madrid, Spain, ABWE "…an intriguing study… The author's clear and practical treatment will prove helpful in leading his readers through the haze of American churchianity into the clear light of more godly living and loving." - Richard Tyson, Rev., Retired Pastor "Wayne… humbly exposes his own heart to the searchlight of the Gospel and in the process brings that light to bear on the dark corners of the reader's heart. I recommend this book as required reading for every believer." - Terry Gibson, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Portage, Indiana "This book came at a very pivotal time in my life… The chapters on God's loyal love were particularly refreshing…. I am now able to freely and fully worship and serve Christ..." - James W. Kramer, Rev., M.Div., retired Methodist pastor "An enlightening, refreshing book explaining how and why our churches today often miss the seemingly obvious." - Anne W. Kramer, B.A. Human Services (wife of pastor above) |