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

~ (Author) "Some years ago my wife arranged for us to ride in a hot-air balloon as a birthday gift..." (more)
Key Phrases: boat potatoes, spiritual comfort zone, clearness committee, Crying Out, Discerning the Call, Seeing the Wind (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you and offer you his Holy Spirit power that will change your life forever, deepening your faith and trust in God.

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

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310228638
• ISBN-13: 978-0310228639
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,235 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 75 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

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!

41 of 41 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 (Chicago suburbs) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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!

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Bryan Hardwick (El Dorado Hills, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

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.