Descending Into Greatness [Paperback]

Bill Hybels (Author), Rob Wilkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 1994

In a society where 'upward mobility' is the highest goal, Bill Hybels asks a tough question: Do Christians place God's desires first-or their own? In Descending into Greatness, Hybels and writer Rob Wilkins take the example of Christ's downward journey as it was meant to be; the radical and essential answer for every Christian. In fourteen powerful chapters, the authors explore such topics as How Jesus managed power. The intentional decisions necessary to move down. The uplifting nature of true humility. Abundant life through dying to self. The ambush of joy. Moving down is never an easy matter that can be reduced to a formula. It involves a life committed to discipleship. Descending into Greatness introduces you to the touching stories of modern men and women committed to advancing the kingdom of God: from the pro football player, to the medical missionary, to a businessman wrestling with the priorities in the world of finance. Descending into Greatness asks tough questions and gives hopeful answers. Now, this powerful, urgent message also includes a discussion guide so that you can follow through, too. 'Like Christ, we must descend-into self-abandonment, unconditional giving, sacrifice, and death to self. And, like Christ, we will then ascend-into fulfillment, blessing, joy, and purpose.'

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Bill Hybels, founder and pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, is the author of several books, including Honest to God?, Too Busy Not to Pray, and the previous titles in the Interactions series. He is also coauthor of Rediscovering Church, Becoming a Contagious Christian, and the best-selling Fit to Be Tie

From the Back Cover

In a society where "upward mobility" is the highest goal, Bill Hybels asks a tough question: Do Christians place God's desires first-or their own? In Descending into Greatness, Hybels and writer Rob Wilkins take the example of Christ's downward journey as it was meant to be; the radical and essential answer for every Christian. In fourteen powerful chapters, the authors explore such topics as How Jesus managed power. The intentional decisions necessary to move down. The uplifting nature of true humility. Abundant life through dying to self. The ambush of joy. Moving down is never an easy matter that can be reduced to a formula. It involves a life committed to discipleship. Descending into Greatness introduces you to the touching stories of modern men and women committed to advancing the kingdom of God: from the pro football player, to the medical missionary, to a businessman wrestling with the priorities in the world of finance. Descending into Greatness asks tough questions and gives hopeful answers. Now, this powerful, urgent message also includes a discussion guide so that you can follow through, too. "Like Christ, we must descend-into self-abandonment, unconditional giving, sacrifice, and death to self. And, like Christ, we will then ascend-into fulfillment, blessing, joy, and purpose."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Revised edition (September 5, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310544718
• ISBN-13: 978-0310544715
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., and chairman of the board for the Willow Creek Association. The bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, and classics such as Too Busy Not to Pray and Becoming a Contagious Christian, Hybels is known worldwide as an expert in training Christian leaders to transform individuals and their communities through the local church. Hybels received a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College in Deerfield, Ill. He and his wife, Lynne, have two adult children and one grandson, Henry.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Re-calibrating our view of the Christian life, January 6, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Descending Into Greatness (Paperback)

Hybels isn't a wordsmith, but he's probably the best I've heard/read at hitting you between the eyes with a simple, powerful message. This book chronicles the lives of several individuals who turned their frantic, rat-race lives upside down by "descending" into humility and self-sacrifice. Hybels parallels the life and attitudes of Christ, describing how the God of the universe humbled himself to become our Savior in order to reach a greater joy. Easy, motivational, powerful reading

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True Discipleship, June 28, 2000

By 

P.J. Dickey (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Descending Into Greatness (Paperback)

In this incredible book Bill Hybels and Rob Wilkins put contemporary flesh on the biblical truth that he would lead must first make himself nothing. (Chapters are paired, one teaching a principle and its partner showing how it is playing out in the life of real people.) It's a powerful reminder that true Christianity centers on the advancing of the Kingdom of God, not in the advancement of ourselves. This book will change your life. It's a well written, soul scraping challenge that every Christian should read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Descending Into Greatness, February 8, 2010

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Descending Into Greatness (Paperback)

I have read a few Billy Hybels titles and in my humble opinion, "Descending Into Greatness" is one of his better ones. While the book was written around 1993, the concept of serving Jesus Christ through putting other people first is just as relevant today.

The book is around 215 pages and consists of 6 major topics:

1. Power
2. Commitment
3. Servanthood
4. Humility
5. Obedience
6. Joy

Each chapter takes a particular topic and compares the biblical definition against the worldly definition - a stark contrast, indeed. After describing the biblical definition, the topic is then followed by a person who has modeled the biblical definition.

As a result, the reader is inspired to be more like Christ through the 6 areas listed above.

In today's hyperactive focus on "Me First", Descending Into Greatness is a refreshing read. A good contrast from some of the "self-help" titles you may see on the shelves in some Christian bookstores.

Read, enjoy, and be inspired!

Recommended.