Rating: 
Summary: A glimpse of how remarkable the Christian life can be...
Review: I always enjoy listening to or reading John Ortberg, but this book I feel is his best. While the intended audience is spiritual seekers, this book has much to offer experienced believers too. It makes an excellent small group study. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Spiritually Restoring Book!
Review: I related 100% to the first chapter discussing the state of many people's spiritual walk. Specifically, how our lives are lived incongruent with our faith. This book goes on to describe how our culture and behavioral norms impede a deep walk with Christ. The book goes on to describe a very easy and practical set of disciplines that can help to live a more fulfilling life. This book has certainly had a pronounced impact on my life. Highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: True to the Renovare Spirit
Review: In the 30 years or so since Richard Foster published CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE, Protestant books on classic spiritual disciplines have been multiplying. I don't think John Ortberg is among the group of such authors who call themselves Renovare, but this book certainly fits the profile.As such books go, this is one of the better ones. Ortberg doesn't really say anything new, but he writes in a way that is easy to understand. His association with Willow Creek Community Church gives him a credible voice. This book has 13 chapters and includes a small group study guide. A companion video series can be purchased, completing the set and thus providing a ready made Sunday School curriculum that is likely to attract a good many people. I personally don't think it is quite as deep as the Renovare books that spawned the craze, but it is a good deal deeper than much of what is purchased over the counter in local Christian bookstores.
Rating:
Summary: True to the Renovare Spirit
Review: In the 30 years or so since Richard Foster published CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE, Protestant books on classic spiritual disciplines have been multiplying. I don't think John Ortberg is among the group of such authors who call themselves Renovare, but this book certainly fits the profile. As such books go, this is one of the better ones. Ortberg doesn't really say anything new, but he writes in a way that is easy to understand. His association with Willow Creek Community Church gives him a credible voice. This book has 13 chapters and includes a small group study guide. A companion video series can be purchased, completing the set and thus providing a ready made Sunday School curriculum that is likely to attract a good many people. I personally don't think it is quite as deep as the Renovare books that spawned the craze, but it is a good deal deeper than much of what is purchased over the counter in local Christian bookstores.
Rating:
Summary: A practical view of how to let Christ transform your life
Review: Ortberg has a way to state some of the deeper teachings of the Christian life in simple, down-to-earth manner that anyone can read and understand. This is one example of this. Many people are looking for the guru or grand pilgrimage that will transform their lives. If you want that, don't look here. But if you want simple yet effective tips for allowing Christ to transfor your life, you're in luck.
Rating:
Summary: A practical view of how to let Christ transform your life
Review: Ortberg has a way to state some of the deeper teachings of the Christian life in simple, down-to-earth manner that anyone can read and understand. This is one example of this. Many people are looking for the guru or grand pilgrimage that will transform their lives. If you want that, don't look here. But if you want simple yet effective tips for allowing Christ to transfor your life, you're in luck.
Rating:
Summary: Want to Change? Then Let God Transform Your Life!
Review: Ortberg has written a gem on how God can transform our lives so we may live a life more pleasing to Him and also more fulfilling for us. Among the principles Ortberg mentions are: 1. Do not let certain people and gadgets rob you of God's joy!
2. Pride is an ancient problem.
3. Characteristics of a well-ordered heart.
4. God wants to speak to us but we must first listen to Him!
5. Excellent thoughts about pleasing God instead of others.
6. Principles for meditating on Scripture. 7. We are not Superman!
8. Excellent notes on the importance of solitude. Read the book and be encouraged to change for the better!
Rating:
Summary: THE BOOK YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED
Review: There are a lot of great teachers. There are a lot of great authors. There are less of both. Ortberg is one of the rare teachers that can come accross in his books as he does in person. He does an excellent job of pointing out areas of our lives that are usually in the most need of "fine-tuning". He offers practical advice along with great stories. Who would have thought reading about Christian living could be so fun!
Rating:
Summary: THE BOOK YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED
Review: There are a lot of great teachers. There are a lot of great authors. There are less of both. Ortberg is one of the rare teachers that can come accross in his books as he does in person. He does an excellent job of pointing out areas of our lives that are usually in the most need of "fine-tuning". He offers practical advice along with great stories. Who would have thought reading about Christian living could be so fun!
Rating:
Summary: Real Stuff That Will Make You Laugh and Change
Review: This book is enjoyable reading with challenging content. Ortberg writes with the down-to-earth humor and wit he is known for, and yet at the same time penetrates into the real motivation behind our spiritual activities and presents the true goal of our relationship with God and others. It is like no other book on the Christian disciplines that I have ever read. At face value it appears light and entertaining and then as you continue reading, you feel all of your outward righteousness being stripped away and come to realize you're not nearly so holy as you thought you were, because you were focused on the wrong goal and were motivated by the wrong reasons. This book is simple enough for those young in the faith and challenging enough for the most seasoned saint, though definitely written for the 30 and up crowd. Ortberg uses numerous examples from everyday life and the writings of authors from a wide spectrum of viewpoints, but he fortifies every chapter with sound biblical teaching. I would have liked him to supply more scripture references, however. Though the book is designed to be one that you interact with, rather than study. If you've been a Christian for a while and are looking for a book to refresh your faith, this is it.
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