The concept of faith is a difficult one for many to grab hold of today. The practice of actually living by faith is even harder to understand. In his latest book, “Muscular Faith, How to Strengthen Your Heart, Soul, and Mind for the Only Challenge That Matters”, Ben Patterson builds the case that it is a strong, active, and vigorous faith in Jesus Christ that pleases the Father and enables the believer to fulfill what the Hebrews writer declared by saying, “without faith it is impossible to please Him”. Patterson submits that our faith is not be passive for we serve a Go who is not passive or inactive. On the contrary, our God is a “warrior” as Patterson describes. He consistently calls for us to battle the forces that would derail our spiritual walk. God’s Word itself call the believer to “fight the good fight of faith.”

“Muscular Faith” has an easy-to-follow and common sense flow to it. Patterson begins by showing the reader that we have been called to live a life of faith and how important and active that faith should be. He then takes the reader down the road of what is at stake in our pursuit of an active and vigorous faith. I enjoyed the part of this book where Patterson describes the obstacles (such as nominal Christianity and refusing to give God permission to change us) that get in the way of a muscular faith. He concludes with tools and disciplines that help to overcome obstacles and helps to pursue a God-honoring and life-changing faith.

“Muscular Faith” is a good work. Patterson does a great job of combining scripture, quotes, and personal experiences to make his point. I found nothing in this book to the earth-shaking. Everything I read I had read before in some manner or another. All in all, a good work. I believe this book would be a good first read for new believers as they start their faith journey.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”