If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat
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| If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you and offer you his Holy Spirit power that will change your life forever, deepening your faith and trust in God.
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Winner of the 2002 Christianity Today Book Award! You're One Step Away from the Adventure of Your Life Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee toward Jesus. In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, "Come"? John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone. Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God. The experience is terrifying. It's thrilling beyond belief. It's everything you'd expect of someone worthy to be called Lord. The choice is yours to know him as only a water-walker can, aligning yourself with God's purpose for your life in the process. There's just one requirement: If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat.
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| 05-29-08 | 1 | 0\1 |
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I was disappointed because I had wanted the book in regular size and I
I did not read the offering well enough and got instead a miniture which will be the subject of a lot of jokes but not the book that I had wanted. The book itself, in its orginal form written by John Ortberg is excellent. I wanted a copy for our church library. I ordered it twice, got a work book the first time and the miniture the second time. Neither is what I thought I would be receiving. However, I realize that one must read very carefully before placing an order and I suppose I failed to do that. Nevertheless, I am not particularly a happy camper with Amazon at this point in time. (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-26 06:10:50 EST)
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| 05-05-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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Everyone needs to read this book! If you have any wonders about what to do next in your life, this book helps you see that you have to take a step out in faith to walk on the water!This would be a great graduation gift or just a great pick me up for someone who is "drifting" and not sure where to go next.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-30 05:57:39 EST)
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| 04-06-08 | 1 | (NA) |
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I thought I was buying the real, normal-sized book. However, a small, 1 or 2-inch book arrived! I didn't see anywhere on the page where I bought the book that it wasn't the full-sized book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-05-05 05:53:32 EST)
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| 02-18-08 | 2 | (NA) |
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Thought the book is good, I was not aware that I was getting one of the TINY books that you can fit in your pocket! I was a little disappointed with that.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-06 05:51:52 EST)
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| 01-02-08 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book will challenge you to do the things you wanted to accomplish anyway. It makes you look inside to see things around you in a new way. It helps see ways that you can, and should, make a difference.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-02-19 06:06:37 EST)
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| 12-06-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat
This book is an all-time favorite of mine! It is an easy read that offers excellent advice that is applicable to people in all walks of life. I have used this book as an individual devotional book, and I have also worked through this book as a group study. This book is AWESOME! Ortberg gives real-life situations that today's Christian can relate to and understand! His writing is clear and entertaining at the same time. If you are looking for something to propel you forward in your walk with Christ, this is your book!!! (Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-03 06:18:02 EST)
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| 10-19-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I really enjoyed the ease of how this read. Easy to have 10 minute study times each day that had a complete lesson so consise!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 06:13:03 EST)
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| 10-09-07 | 2 | 1\1 |
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I guess I overlooked the word minature (my fault) at a glance it just looked like the regular size book and was very excited to find it at such a good price, and hardcover at that! PLEASE know if you order this you are not going to get the full version of the book. I am going to pay closer attention and get the whole thing next time. Felt a bit silly when I opened my package and the book was about 2 inches x 4 inches. For me I'm going to BAM and shop in person for this one!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 06:13:03 EST)
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| 10-05-07 | 1 | 1\2 |
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This is not a book but a sham, A full sized book was shown on the web-site, but when the order showed up it was a minature. After reviewing the web-site I was able to find the word minature in small print. Not sure if I will use Amazon again
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 06:13:03 EST)
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| 09-06-07 | 1 | 3\3 |
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[Added 9/07/2007] This review concerns the "Inspirio/Zondervan Miniature Edition" which is a hardback. Amazon has lumped this hardback edition with the full text hardback edition so the site does not indicate that this review does not concern the full hardback edition. Caveat Emptor
We ordered this book, thinking it was the complete edition of the book. Neither the Amazon page nor the book itself make it clear that it is merely an abridged version. The only way to tell is to note that this edition has 125 pages and a full sized edition has 200+ pages. Needless to say, we will be returning it to purchase the complete edition. I am looking forward to reading the content as I have heard good things about it. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 06:13:03 EST)
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| 09-06-07 | 1 | (NA) |
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We ordered this book, thinking it was the complete edition of the book. Neither the Amazon page nor the book itself make it clear that it is merely an abridged version. The only way to tell is to note that this edition has 125 pages and a full sized edition has 200+ pages. Needless to say, we will be returning it to purchase the complete edition. I am looking forward to reading the content as I have heard good things about it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-07 06:06:41 EST)
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| 09-02-07 | 2 | 1\1 |
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Be careful about your purchase. The one we acquired was a miniture version. The type was ok and you could read it, but the book was about 2" x 3". It was a miniture and not at all what we thought we were acquiring. We wanted the whole book. When ordering we did not notice that it was a miniture edition.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-15 06:13:03 EST)
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| 07-18-07 | 1 | 1\1 |
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A nice, inspiring, easy-to-read but incomplete book, which contains a small portion of the original edition. The description should indicate, in addition to the dimensions of the book, that the full text is not included.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-09-03 06:06:07 EST)
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| 07-05-07 | 4 | (NA) |
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These miniature editions really are MINIATURE! So much so that handling them and the type size was not comfortable. I returned these and purchased the full size edition - much better! I am reading the full size one now - and it is excellent! The content of the book gets 5 stars! John Ortberg keeps his excellent sense of humor throughout the book, while still getting to the serious issues that will make even the most well adjusted person say - "Yep, I felt exactly like that!" I highly recommend this book to ANYONE, whether you think you have issues or not!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-21 19:17:49 EST)
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| 06-15-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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it is an awesome book. I'm even taking notes to use in my life with God. It is not in the least a silly little self-help book. There are strong messages to the believer in Christ. It is funny but the applications are sooooooooo Jesus! You will be challenged beyond your daily walk but with wisdom! This is not about jumping out and running but having permission from Christ to "jump and walk on the water"!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-15 06:16:07 EST)
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| 04-18-07 | 4 | 1\1 |
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Excellent book that can make a difference in the one ways views faith. If you can relate to Simon Peter, you will enjoy this book. God bless you as you move from your comfort zone. With Great Mercy author.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-15 06:16:07 EST)
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| 04-12-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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John Ortberg uses humor to greatly enhance our understanding. Who would have thought so much could be said about this Bible story? Fine for group study or alone. And the title is right:If there is something you are led to do but have fear, instead have faith and DO IT!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-21 06:49:59 EST)
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| 03-26-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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Easy to read, very practical Biblical illustrations for stepping out of one's comfort zone in living the Christian life.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-21 06:49:59 EST)
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| 03-15-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I was attracted to this book by its title, and its contents didn't disappoint. I was looking for Biblical based writings to support my growth in the Network Marketing Industry. Fear is the enemy to so many people. Looking Jesus in the eye and walking on the water is the best solution to this fear. Mr. Ortberg did a wonder and entertaining job of providing me with a tool to help me in my times of fear. For where there is fear, faith is lacking.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-21 06:49:59 EST)
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| 03-14-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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I was attracted to this book by its title, and its contents didn't disappoint. I was looking for Biblical based writings to support my growth in the Network Marketing Industry. Fear is the enemy to so many people. Looking Jesus in the eye and walking on the water is the best solution to this fear. Mr. Ortberg did a wonder and entertaining job of providing me with a tool to help me in my times of fear. For where there is fear, faith is lacking.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-17 21:57:42 EST)
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| 02-20-07 | 5 | 1\1 |
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This book is a real eye opener! It is challenging without being condesending. I am still reading it, but feel it will be a book that will change me for the better.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-21 06:49:59 EST)
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| 02-19-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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This book is a real eye opener! It is challenging without being condesending. I am still reading it, but feel it will be a book that will change me for the better.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-15 16:06:14 EST)
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| 01-09-07 | 1 | 2\5 |
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I was very disappointed in this book. I do not mind a miniature edition, but what the write up didn't tell me is that it was a condensed version. 100 pages were missing. This was not acceptable. They need to change the description so that that is clear. I bought the full edition and love it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-02-20 20:36:14 EST)
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| 01-08-07 | 5 | 8\8 |
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Including Ortberg's other work, "The Life You've Always Wanted," this book certainly challenges the reader to escape a mediocre/stagnant walk through life and inspires you to actively pursue a life overflowing with God.
Ortberg's style is engaging and sets the reader at ease without ever coming across as condescending. Though not necessarily as deep as "The Life You've Always Wanted," this book is every bit as motivating and intense, if not a little more so. The overall message of the book to escape a "comfortable" a.k.a. lazy spiritual life is very needed and the fact that Ortberg provides the reader with a means to do that is the best part of the book. Fantastic for group studies and personal growth (along with the two books mentioned above), this a must read for the seeker wishing to break out of a stagnant spirituality. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-02-20 20:36:14 EST)
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| 01-08-07 | 5 | 8\8 |
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Including J.G. Marking's "A Voice Is Calling" and Ortberg's other work, "The Life You've Always Wanted," this book certainly challenges the reader to escape a mediocre/stagnant walk through life and inspires you to actively pursue a life overflowing with God. Ortberg's style is engaging and sets the reader at ease without ever coming across as condescending. Though not necessarily as deep as "A Voice Is Calling" or "Life You've Always Wanted," this book is every bit as motivating and intense, if not a little more so. The overall message of the book to escape a "comfortable" a.k.a. lazy spiritual life is very needed and the fact that Ortberg provides the reader with a means to do that is the best part of the book. Fantastic for group studies and personal growth (along with the two books mentioned above), this a must read for the seeker wishing to break out of a stagnant spirituality. (Review Data Last Updated: 2007-02-19 07:22:55 EST)
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| 01-05-07 | 5 | (NA) |
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A good read with insight and humor. Our Homegroup used this to start really amazing conversations/discussions. A book to really make you think.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-10 15:32:28 EST)
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| 11-03-06 | 5 | (NA) |
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I am a new Christian and this book brought great knowledge to me regarding my passion and where I need to be in my life. I am an automotive designer who has a passion for women and children who don't have what they need to survive. This book taught me to focus on what I really want (because I have spent most of my life floundering around-no pun intented) and make plans to acheive it through prayer and listening. He challenged me to pray for something for 6 months and see what happens. I began praying for women and now I am involved with The Spirit of Excellence (Windsor, Ontario) "A Creative Training Center" for women and children. They concentrate on the arts with a great emphasis on how to live life in the name of Jesus. This book gave me great insight on how to achieve what I want and I recommend it to anyone who has lost focus or never had it. God Bless you in your adventures and have fun with them.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-10 15:32:28 EST)
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| 08-08-06 | 5 | (NA) |
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This is a fun book, packed full of insight and inspiration.
Also recommended: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-10-02 03:29:28 EST)
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| 02-22-06 | 5 | 1\1 |
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I am currently reading this book and have already highlighted most of what I have read. God is teaching me so much through this book! Life changing.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-03-14 05:21:29 EST)
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| 11-21-05 | 5 | 1\10 |
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Psalms 91
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-03-14 05:21:29 EST)
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| 09-23-05 | 5 | 5\9 |
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I have always been fascinated by Peter's desire to get out of the boat and walk towards Jesus. With John Ortberg's book, I now know why. There are so many levels to Mr. Ortberg's writing. Intellect, humor, compassion, and an honesty about himself and his struggles to get out of the boat. I am so glad I bougth this book. I highly, highly recommend it!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-03-14 05:21:29 EST)
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| 05-18-05 | 5 | 8\10 |
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I am dyslexic, I am 44years old, and this is the very first book I have ever read.
Someone I trusted told me that I could do anything and she was right. I am so glad this book was my first book, but it is not my last. It has not even been a year since I read this book; I have since read 5 books, and am now working on two at the same time. I found a subject I am really interested in, ME. This book helped me out of one of the worst spots I had ever been in. I was so unhappy at work I was just going to quit my job after 15 years. I found myself in a relationship that was killing me and I could not get out of it, no matter what I did. I was in such pain from a loss in my life; I wanted God just to take me home. I can't pick out any one thing in this book that helped; it was just the whole book. I have given this book to some friends and told others about it. You would not believe what they have said; it just seems to help everybody in one way or another. It seems to be written special for everyone who reads it, it fits in to what is bothering you. I have one friend I told about this book, tell me they had such a problem at home and they found the answer in this book, then something else went wrong in their life and for some reason they picked it up again and read it for a second time. Lo and behold, they found the answer staring them in the face one more time. It is an easy read; I wish all the people in my life would read it. Thank you John Ortberg for this book. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-03-14 05:21:29 EST)
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| 03-01-05 | 5 | 2\2 |
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It combines secular as well as biblical principles regarding success. It was one of the few books that helped me to step back and make some life changes.
I am not a biblical scholar so I have no idea if it is correct interpretation, but I enjoyed the author's biblical commentary. It is an easy, informative and fun read. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-02-15 03:36:42 EST)
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| 02-12-05 | 2 | 9\12 |
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I read "Everyone's Normal..." and thought it was excellent. Approached "If You Want To..." looking forward to further inspiration. Found the biblical illustrations shallow. I feel he should have stuck more to meditating on the Walking on Water passage, rather than trying to incorporate Joseph/etc other analogies.
I also take exception to his brief but potent suggestion of "what if when you died you watched a video with God to see where your life would have gone if you'd trusted him". This could be a very depressing concept for somebody who has been wrestling with life challenges prior to (or during) reading the book. It also runs roughshod over the fact that the Lord will work with what you have (or don't have) or what you've done (or not done) whenever you give it over to Him. I'm planning to read "The Life You've Always..." also by Ortberg and from leafing through it just now I think it will definitely have more of the practical application and positive action approach that I'm looking for. (Review Data Last Updated: 2006-02-15 03:36:42 EST)
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| 01-21-05 | 2 | 29\38 |
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Being part of a reading group helpfully exposes one to choices of book not normally made, hence my grappling with this work. Now as I write the group has yet to meet, but early opinion is that it is like the famous curate's egg: good in parts. To put it another way, I was once criticizing a certain edition of the bible which has inclusive notes and commentary, noting its theological deficiency in certain Pentecostalist respects to a visiting speaker. He replied, crisply, and with much justice, that I should "treat it like a fish supper--take the good parts and leave the bones." So it is that I proffer these few comments, hoping to take the good from it, but wary of the bones. And I hope the brother, should he see these notes, will take them as well meant even if not the most laudatory.
THE FLESH The style is down-to-earth, easy reading. The overall tone is positive and encouraging. I am much heartened by his analysis of the parable of the talents and the observation that it was the one-talent servant, not the two or five-talent servant, who buried his gift and denied his master the rewards, and hence lost even his single talent in the long run. Surely both pride and sloth can be causes of this fault. As a thief of time the TV is a great evil, true (p.46), but it is just an excuse for the underlying lack of priority. Get rid of yours and you will not regret it! I most happily testify to this truth. He says that earthly achievement and heavenly reward are related, an underpreached truth. And apparently the Quakers are still a force to be reckoned with in the States, he quotes Parker Palmer to great effect on discerning one's vocation, and rebuts humanistic hubris with regard to the 'myth of the limitless self' [I dub it the 'conceive it, believe it, and achieve it' heresy]. He also distinguishes between a career and a calling, and notes that 'work has become our new religion' (p.71). Excellent points, the finest fillets. Speeding ahead to p.132, I notice that he has noticed that the media in the States are horribly similar to their Brit counterparts: 'The media frighten us because fear sells'. (Open 'em up with the emotional can-opener, then scoop out the soft parts, that's the way they do it.) Finally, the few pages on the missionary, Frank Laubach, a burnt-out failure in his mid-forties who came back from nowhere, are quite outstanding, and are worth following up. THE BONES However, this is a book of 228 pages, and I have leapt over most of it in a single bound. The title of the book is a truism and it fails to avoid tautology, it is a logical loop, an identical proposition, it begs the question, it is a petitio principii, a self-evident statement of the obvious. "To do something you have to do something." To do anything takes a step, but not necessarily out of a perfectly good boat into a deep lake. This whole book is essentially a less-than-coherent sequence of sermon vignettes and snippets loosely arranged around the metaphorical get-out-of-the-boat idea, not the actuality of the event. Exegetical opinion in the commentaries is sharply divided on whether Peter achieved anything whatsoever by getting out of the boat and then getting put back in. Maybe the majority vote on the lake got it right, and Peter was just being his famously impulsive egotistical old self. There is simply no way to equate miraculous or metaphorical walking on water with vocational achievement. One is unique action 'in extremis', the other is humble pedestrian action according to one's daily lights. Most serious among the charges I have to level may at first blush seem odd (as the author has written a whole book on the theme), which is that the miracle of Jesus walking successfully on the water and the three gospel accounts of it--Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6--are not taken seriously. In fact they are treated superficially and carelessly. The most obvious point is that only Matthew's account is discussed, who alone mentions the fact that Peter tried to walk on water and failed because he was a "little-faith". So, as even a beginning reader of the gospels can see, having multiple accounts of a gospel event is like having multiple witnesses of an event in court: it allows us to build up a full picture of the happening. We may also compare and contrast the attitude of the gospel writers in this case. I also refute his analysis (p.14), of the Greek text concerning the meaning of the verb 'parerchomai' (meaning 'to pass by') as he says it signifies a theophany (an appearance of God to man) in the Old Testament Greek Septuagint, which was translated 300 years before Matthew was written. Analysis of the NT Greek, and consultation with a lexicon, shows that here this is not the case at all, it is an ordinary compound verb (cf, 'parabaino'), used because Jesus wanted to 'pass by' in the ordinary sense. It is the event that makes the words significant, not vice versa. In the Greek of Matthew which he quotes, the 'parerchomai' does not occur at all, or anything like it. This word does NOT occur in any of the three accounts. In the account of Mark alone is the cognate form 'parelthein' used. Finally, as the texts make absolutely plain in the Greek and in translation, Jesus was not a ghost or appearance, he was his solid Incarnate self...the opposite of a theophany in fact. THE AFTER-DINNER MINT So I commend this book to Christians with reservations: there is food for the soul here, but do not choke on a bone. (Review Data Last Updated: 2005-09-13 09:50:00 EST)
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| 07-01-04 | 3 | 4\14 |
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Being part of a reading group helpfully exposes one to choices of book not normally made, hence my grappling with this work. Now as I write the group has yet to discuss this book properly, but the early opinion is that it is like the famous curate's egg, good in parts. Or to put it another way, I was once criticizing a certain edition of the bible which has inclusive notes and commentary, noting its theological deficiency in certain Pentecostalist respects to a visiting speaker. He replied, crisply, and with much justice, that I should "Treat it like a fish supper: take the good parts and leave the bones." So it is that I proffer these comments, hoping to take the good, but wary of the bones. And I hope the brother, should he see these few notes, will take them as well meant even if not very laudatory.
THE FLESH Speeding on to p.132, I notice that he has noticed that the media in the States are horribly similar to their Brit counterparts: 'The media frighten us because fear sells'. True enough, it is the "Open them up with the emotional can-opener, then scoop out the soft parts" philosophy. AKA the "Beat them into submission, then sell them stuff in the ads, and lard on the political propaganda of the day" theory. Finally, the few pages on the missionary, Frank Laubach, a burnt-out failure in his mid-forties who came back from nowhere, are quite outstanding, and are worth expansion into a chapter. THE BONES I also question his analysis on p.14 of the Greek verb 'parerchomai' (meaning 'to pass by') as being of any significance here, as he claims it signifies a theophany in the Septuagint Greek OT. I have no Septuagint to hand, but I can say with confidence that in my Greek NT and lexicon this is not the case at all, it is just an ordinary compound verb (cf, 'parabaino'), used because someone 'passed by' in the ordinary way. It is the event that makes the word significant, not vice versa. And to be accurate, in the Greek of Matthew which he quotes, the word parerchomai does not occur, its cognate form 'parelthein' is used. Finally, as the text makes absolutely plain in the Greek and English, Jesus was not a ghost or apparition, he was his solid Incarnate self...the opposite of a theophany in fact. A similar odd analysis of biblical terms occurs on p.222 where 'shalom' is interpreted in a most extravagant style and its obvious dictionary meaning (peace) is not given. Apparently under its magical influence lawyers 'would have really useful jobs like delivering pizza that is non-fat and low in cholesterol'. This is a biochemical paradox as in his broad sense cholesterol is a form of fat, but it is the general sense of the whole section which I question here. I can but wonder at the indulgence of his editor. AN AFTER-DINNER MINT (Review Data Last Updated: 2005-09-12 09:52:40 EST)
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| 06-01-04 | 5 | 4\9 |
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I don't swim well but this book made me ready to get out of the boat! Creative, humorous and real. A must read for any Christian who feels a bit stuck in their routine. I'm looking forward to reading more of John's books soon!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-01-13 00:22:35 EST)
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| 03-20-04 | 5 | 1\3 |
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A very inspiring and good plan for making a sucessful life. I really enjoyed this book. If you want to use sound biblical teachings to encourage your everyday personal growth this is a must read.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-08-27 09:02:08 EST)
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| 06-18-03 | 4 | 3\4 |
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This book has a sweetness about it that makes it an enjoyable read. I took a few notes on the book as I was reading it, and feel the author makes some great points in a way that's easy to remember. I am interested in now reading some of the author's other books. A quick read and a positive message.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:30 EST)
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| 05-12-03 | 3 | 9\10 |
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After having read books from the likes of Rick Warren, Shelly Rubel, Lee Strobel etc theres's not anything earthshaking or novel here. As well the writing style is tedious and overly long. This book could have communicated the same in half the length that it was. For a more engaging read pick up a book by John Fischer such as "Fearless Faith".
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:30 EST)
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| 03-21-03 | 5 | 12\12 |
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Ortberg's book is an excellent challenge to evaluate your way of thinking and to get out of your comfort zone and be mightily used of God.
Among the many excellent points Ortberg mentions are: 1. What happens when God works in a person's life. Again, these are just a few of the many points mentioned in the book. An excellent read and supplement to the Bible. Highly recommended! (Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:30 EST)
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| 01-14-03 | 4 | 4\4 |
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John Ortberg does a good job of sharing our need to move out of our place of comfort in order to be where God calls us to be. And why should we move in faith? Because that's exactly where Jesus is. This book is an excellent challenge to many Christians today. I would definately recommend it to all. Although it is a great book, I found the message most impacting in the beginning and middle portions of the book, and the last sections to drag on a little. Nevertheless, I think you will enjoy it.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:30 EST)
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| 11-24-02 | 5 | 20\23 |
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This title is the first work I have read by John Ortberg. I now intend to read his other books as well, so impressed was I with what I experienced here. I have read the writings of many, many Christian teachers, and this book has become one of my few favorites.
Ortberg is very profound in his exposition of the Scriptures, while at the same time being very readable and understandable. He draws upon a wealth of contemporary illustrations to support his points, which makes his teaching even more powerful. His words strike a chord common to the hearts of all readers. Ortberg targets Christians rather than non-Christians, believers who are "sitting in the boat" rather than "walking on the water." He encourages persons to launch forth in faith, to take chances, and to live life to its fullest. He discourages persons from playing it safe and never putting themselves in a position to see God do what only He can. I strongly recommend this book to all Christians. Laypersons as well as ministers can benefit from this powerful message. If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat! (Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:31 EST)
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| 10-14-02 | 5 | 1\2 |
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This is a well written book, which helped me to look to God and not my own strength.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:31 EST)
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| 04-28-02 | 5 | 3\3 |
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This is one of those books that meets you in your time of need. Solid advice given from a perspective of knowing (been there done that)and useful as a business or personal motivational tool. Ortberg uses just enough humor to keep his message moving along and gives the reader opportunities to reflect on the basis of the point made and their personal experience. Well written, well done John. Buy it and loan it out.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:31 EST)
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| 03-20-02 | 5 | 31\34 |
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Anybody can make a profound statement. But the special gift or talent of a good writer, teacher, or preacher is the ability to bring the message home and show why it is important and relevant to the audience.
John Ortberg not only entertains and captivates the audience's attention, but he motivates the reader to experience a deeper level of faith. If anything should convince you how GOOD this book is, it might be the many sermons I've heard already given by different preachers who borrowed material right out of this book! It's obviously good inspiration. But everybody should just go straight to the source and read it for themselves. This book came at the right time in my spiritual struggles, and I'm sure it will help a lot of people learn to walk closer with God, learning to trust and depend on Him. At first glance, the book might not seem "deep" but his message is detailed and profound. It is straightforward, but his call for Christians to wake up and step out in faith is powerful. This book is a MUST READ for anybody who calls him/herself a Christian. It deserves 5 stars. (Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:31 EST)
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| 11-19-01 | 5 | 2\2 |
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What a fantastic book. Destined to be a classic. It really inspires you to put your faith into action and get in the game. This was very reassuring for me as I am just stepping out of the boat in a big way heading up a project at my church. I highly recommend this book.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:32 EST)
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| 10-27-01 | 5 | 3\3 |
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This is an easy book to read, but it challenges you to start stepping out in faith. I especially loved the chapter about caves as a metaphor for those dark times in your life. Remember, God does his best work in caves. He did for King David and he did in the resurrection of Jesus. This book will having you chomping at the bit to start serving God more and more.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:32 EST)
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| 05-19-01 | 1 | 19\95 |
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Here it is folks. Another book you can read in fifteen minutes like "Who Moved My Cheese". This time, God is there to guide you. How is it that the Bible says no one can know the "mind" of God and all these religious people dismiss it anyway. At least there's no maze or mice in this one. Yes, if you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat. Meaning of course, that to succeed you have to do something....
(Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:32 EST)
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| 02-23-01 | 5 | 40\40 |
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Based on Matthew 14:25-32, this book challenges Christians to trust God, take some risks, and get out of the boat!
The chapters are based on the variouos parts of the scripture passage about Peter walking on water. Peter is called by Jesus, he walks on the water, but then he sees the wind and cries out with fear. He starts to sink, but Jesus takes Peter's hand and they get into the boar. It is then that the wind dies down. The author doesn't tell us to just jump out of the boat - he gives helpful advice on discerning God's call on our lives, focusing on Jesus (without which our water-walking days won't last!) and being patient as we try to accomplish things for the glory of God. Please check out my other reviews of Christian books and music! (Review Data Last Updated: 2005-07-07 20:36:33 EST)
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