Hidden in Plain Sight: The Secret of More (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. A book on virtue may seem a thing of the past, but pastor Buchanan (Your God Is Too Safe; Things Unseen) puts a modern twist on its study and practice. "How do I get more of God in my life?" he asks himself. The answer has been obvious since the Apostle Peter, a follower of Jesus Christ, reputedly penned the words of the Bible's 2 Peter 1:1–9 nearly 2,000 years ago. Peter, who Buchanan describes as "by turns rash, dithering, cocky, [and] cowering," lists in that passage seven virtues faithful Christians must seek to grow closer to God: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Buchanan first digs deeply into the faith that undergirds these virtues, then studies each one in depth. He defines, explains, details and applies each virtue to the Christian life, building one upon the other with the expertise of a master. Buchanan's creative and image-filled writing brings life to what could be a dry subject, and his spiritual depth reveals Peter's heart: "Possess [these virtues] in increasing measure, and the life of Christ can flow unimpeded through you" (2 Peter 1:8). This is a startlingly honest, newly revealing look at both Peter and these virtues left unmined for too long. (Mar. 13)
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Product Description

Even for the religious, life is full of questions: What is faith? Can my life be more satisfying? How can I deepen my walk with Christ? What does it mean to be happy? These bubble and boil underneath the surface of our everyday life. And though we ignore them, we know they point us to realms of wisdom or even mystery-to something more.

Author Mark Buchanan asked these same questions. "I want more, God," he prayed-and the answer was more than he was looking for. It was right there, hidden in plain sight among the syllables and syntax of a few words of advice from the apostle Peter. With time and experience, Buchanan learned to tease it out, this secret of more, and he wrote a book about it: Hidden in Plain Sight. The answer, he discovered, is an investigation of the cross. The answer is an excavation of the virtues. The answer urges us passionately to "make every effort." And, Buchanan tells us, the answer is worth it.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084990174X
• ISBN-13: 978-0849901744
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #374,186 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeping looking for the good life, March 11, 2007

By	Mel Lawrenz (Brookfield, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is always so helpful when an author points his finger at a passage of Scripture that has probably gone unnoticed by most of us, but is a treasure that has been waiting all along. Buchanan accomplishes that in his explication of a detailed statement on living in the good in 2 Peter. Inside is a list of virtues based on authentic faith--so they are not merely good intentions, but real virtues. The book is a pleasure to read, moving between vivid storytelling and principle.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He makes the hard look easy, April 2, 2007

By	William Russell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mark Buchanan is my favorite author for a solid reason. He tackles tough subjects ... here taking on the whole subject of godliness (not real trendy), yet he always captures my imagination and propels me toward more lofty goals with his vivid writing. His real life examples are gripping. I can relate to this writer. And I end up better as a human and closer to God for the journey. After "Holy Wild," "Your God is Too Safe" and "The Rest of God" I wondered if he might lose steam. No way. I can't wait for the next book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 Stars...Deceptively Light, May 27, 2007

By	Eric Wilson "novelist" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

With his fifth book, Buchanan proves to be one of the best Christian authors you've never heard of. He writes with humor and grace. He makes a lofty promise in "Hidden in Plain Sight," offering "the secret of more." More what? More rules to Christian living?

Buchanan states up front that this book is about practicing virtue. However, he quickly sidesteps Victorian stereotypes and invites us to explore dark, haunting, beautiful, and life-changing truths contained in a few verses from II Peter. He leads us through these precepts, connecting the dots of virtue, building one upon the other, until we have a clear picture of what it means to have godly love. Along the way, Buchanan gives us insights into this outspoken disciple. Peter is more human than we remember--and more godly than we might assume. Peter shows us an example of what to do and what not to do.

Buchanan uses this example to great effect. He offers hope for those who feel discouraged in their Christian progress, as well as correction for those who have lost their focus, or become spiritual workaholics. He raises questions. He deals honestly with life's difficulties. In a deceptively light 200 pages, he gives meaty bites of practical theology, bites that require thorough chewing to produce the most efficient nourishment. Don't rush through these pages. Mull them over. Enjoy each savory word picture. These concepts are ones to live by.