Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

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.

I dare anyone to read the first chapter of this book and put it down! This is the first time I have ever read, re-read, and then re-read for a third time, the first chapter of a book before moving on to the second chapter! I am privledged to sit under John Ortber's teaching every week as a member of Willow Creek Community Church. His insights have challenged nearly every aspect of my walk with Christ. This book once again has challenged me to take risks for the sake of the gospel, or face the alternative: never knowing what God could have done through me. No one asked me to write this review -- I submit this because I wholeheatedly believe that anyone who wants to deepen their roots with Christ and further explore what He may have in store for our lives ought to read this book!

This is my first experience with this author. He engaged me immediately. He uses humor effectively, and is right on target in addressing major issues I've been struggling with. I'm writing this review based on just reading HALF the book! I am very much looking forward to finishing it. I choose this book based on its description, and the strong reviews of others. I am not disappointed . . . it's as if this book were written just for me! I'm telling my friends and family about it . . . that, and the "Schwarzbein Principle!" Happy trails!

John Ortberg finds an avenue to everyone's heart with his gift for writing (and speaking). The Willow Creek Church teaching pastor's latest book challenges the reader to an adventure that promises excitement, mystery and reward. In his picture of Peter, as the most courageous and misunderstood of Christ's disciples, Ortberg explains how faith can rock your boat while delivering you from your storm. His gift for making us laugh and cry inside of a few short paragraphs makes this offering a great read for seekers and believers alike.

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!

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.
2. Our gifts will either be used or unused for God's glory.
3. Take your calling from God seriously and accept your limitations.
4. Appreciate the gifts God has given you, utilize them for His glory, and refuse to compare yourself with others.
5. Fear may be the biggest reason we fail to trust and obey God.
6. Be willing to wait on God and His timing and methods.
7. Suggestions for staying focused on Jesus.
8. Let God be larger than the people around you.

Again, these are just a few of the many points mentioned in the book. An excellent read and supplement to the Bible. Highly recommended!

This is an easy-to-read and uplifting book. It's the type of book that is perfect for reading while at the gym or when taking a "power break" from work or hectic homelife. The scriptural messages are well translated into everyday situations and modern-day themes. Reading it one feels empowered and energized.