I decided to read this book because I was familiar with the authors and the material that they were writing about. Real Change takes some of the basis of counseling from CCEF and puts it in a workbook format. In some ways, it was a review of what I had known. I read the book with my notebook to reflect on the truths and write down my own responses.
This is one book that I have read that is on my list of books to buy probably a physical book so I can flip through it and mark it up.
If you are looking for a book that will challenge you and help you dig to the real heart issues, this is one book that I recommend. It is easy to read but has so many deep truths that will help you change and Real Change.

This book is a six week study focusing on biblical change, This book focused on a model of change originally developed by CCEF and taught from David Powlisons course, Dynamics of Biblical Change. What I enjoyed about this book was the clear and concise way they modeled biblical change. Each session ended with thought provoking questions to work through with a mentor or small group of 2 or 3 people. I read through each session and toke detailed notes on the questions, and as I did, I I found myself learning about some areas I struggle in and some key concepts to help me grow and change in those areas. Although this is a rather small book, this is not a book to read in a weekend. This is a book that needs to be worked through slowly with a mentor or trusted friend. To truly benefit from this book; I recommend taking the time to answer the questions and keep your Bible handy.

What is going on in your heart when you sin. What are your loving? What are your seeking, aiming for and pursuing. Where are your putting your hope. What are you fearing. What do you not want. What do you worry about. Where are you looking for refuge, safety and comfort. What or whom are you trusting that is not of the Lord. Whose performance or control is making life work for you. Whose opinion of you counts the most. Whom do you desire approval and fear rejection what is making you feel rich, secure and prosperous. Whose victory or success are you hoping will make your life happy? What are you thinking is your right. What do you feel entitled to. What are your praying for. What are you thinking the most. What are you obsessed with. what is important to you. What attitudes are you communicating. How your spending your time. What are your priorities. Where do you find your identity.

These questions you are faced with when it comes to dealing what is in your heart. It is only by identifying these heart conditions where change can begin. It seems like change may not be possible when we have been on the same treadmill for so long. How do we begin with real change that is for a lifetime. Change that will help us to be better in community. The change that will be in response to the love of God and to serve others purely without selfish reasons.

The study comes in two parts and it is meant to be done with others. It does not need to be done in a big group but with one other for accountability and to see growth spiritually. The first part is the study itself. Each chapter begins with an aim summary and reading exercise. A time to reflect and the context of the change. Scripture reading to discuss with questions to help in the discussion.

Each chapter deals with why do we respond the way we do and how being in Christ brings transformation A key words in this study is the Heat. These are situations we face that we respond to sinfully or in the spirit which leads to the next - The Root/Heart- this is the decision making center of who we are. How we respond to God. The next key word is Thorns- These are God-dishonoring self focused ways we respond to the heat of life. The next is Reap- These are the negative consequences of our choices. Which affects those around us. The next is Lifegiving Spirit. This is the stream of living water, the Holy Spirit. Where we meet God in our sinfulness. The next word is the Cross that represents all the promises of God's mercy and grace. The next word is Good Root where repentance and faith is the process of change. The next word is Good Fruit. These are the God-honoring ways we can respond to our circumstances and what we reap from them.

The second part is the leader's guide which was very helpful. Change is possible with intentionality, community, prayer and the holy spirit. God loves us to much to leave us in our sin but loves enough to see that there is something better. His presence. This book is not one and done but one to come back to and do a heart check. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This is a good, solid, basic curriculum appropriate for adults wanting to make changes in their lives in a Christian context. It is fairly sparse, though, with bare bones material for six small group sessions and a leader's guide in the back. This book would be good for twelve step type programs or for counseling groups. It is focused solely on groups connected with churches and for adults actively participating in churches.