If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat [Hardcover]

John Ortberg (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 6, 2001

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

John Ortberg is a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Each week he speaks to thousands of people at the church's New Community services. John has written for Christianity Today and is a frequent contributor to Leadership Journal

From the Back Cover

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; 1st edition (February 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310228638
• ISBN-13: 978-0310228639
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.9 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (139 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 69 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Water Walkers January 9, 2002

By Bryan Hardwick

Format:Hardcover

With over 365 "fear not" verses in the Bible - one for everyday of the year - it is evident that God has something to say to us on the subject of fear.
In a passionate and engaging discussion of the biblical story of Matthew 14, Ortberg in his book If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat, uses the example of Peter walking on the water to speak to the issues of how to face our fears and experience the power of God, as we trust Him to do things beyond what we could imagine.
Utilizing his skill as a storyteller, Ortberg weaves the truth of God's word into the fabric of our daily lives with humorous stories and clever insight. In fact don't be surprised if you often find yourself relating to quite a few of the stories and illustrations Ortberg uses to challenge his reader to get out of the boat and do what Jesus calls you to do even though you are very afraid.
Whatever your boat is, you will find this book delivers practical application and encouragement for the water-walker who chooses to step outside their comfort zone and trust God for great and mighty things. While this may sound grandiose, I believe Ortberg's approach is based in reality, noting that we should expect a few waves to slap us in the face, as he mentions, "failure comes with the territory - but so does the strong hand of Jesus pulling you up when the bottom drops out."
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, this book is a must read. Not only will you meet Christ anew in the high sea where the footing is impossible, but you will be refreshed by truth of knowing that you are not alone in your journey.

93 of 97 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Get ready to get your feet wet! March 11, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I am only half-way through this book, and I would recommend it whole-heartedly. I had never read anything by this author before, but the title intrigued me. Well, this book is right on target. With wit and wisdom, Pastor Ortberg walks you through each area, and helps to address why we don't get out of our boats and trust the Lord more. His writing style is as easy to read as if he was sitting across the kitchen table from you. Each chapter has questions after it to further help you address what was discussed to your particular situation. There is even a "Bob-Prayer Challenge" issued by the author! (If you want to know what that is, you will have to read the book!) You will not regret getting this one - if you are serious about your walk with the Lord. It brings to light things that have held us all back from our destiny, our callings and generally fulfilling all that God has planned for us. But..... we will have to get out of the boat!

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring book encouraging Christians to get out of the boat February 23, 2001

By Soozie4Him VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

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.

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