If you are looking for a book that challenges you to become more of the person Jesus wants you to be, What If Jesus Meant What He Said by Nate Bramsen is such a book. In my case, I read it as part of a small group. Each week we read through a chapter out loud and talked through the discussion questions at the end of the chapter. The book points out, through Scripture, that following Christ is never about how prepared we feel. Rather, it is about an invitation—an ultimatum--echoed in Christ’s words. “Follow Me.”
Each chapter builds on the truth of what this means. In
chapter 2, Bramsen states that trusting Christ isn’t about a profession of
faith but rather a life of faith in Him. It’s not about trying harder but about knowing Jesus. Chapter 3 discusses the ultimate invitation, “If anyone desires
to come after Me…” and how it is an inclusive
invitation that isn’t about
permission to follow Him but about the path of following Him. Chapter 4 shines
a light on our response to the invitation as one of complete surrender. When we
answer the call to follow Him, the starting point is Christ. Not us. Either we
deny self, or we deny Christ. Chapter 5 builds on this and talks about laying
aside every weight that entangles our walk with Christ. This includes dreams,
passions, and pursuits. With each of the 27 chapters, Bramsen uses Christ’s
words and real-life examples to shine a thought-provoking light on what it
means to follow Him. The handful of "reflect and respond" questions
at the end of each chapter guide the reader to see the reality of their walk
with Christ and how it complies with His invitation to follow Him or how it
does not.
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| Author Nate Bramsen |
I give this book 5 stars. Its easy conversational tone and short chapters hold the interest and leave time for reflection. It centers on Christ’s words and obedience to those words.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to become more obedient in their walk with Christ. It is a book you can read individually, but it also makes a perfect choice to be read together as a small group. The chapters are short, and the few questions found at the end of each chapter offer thought-provoking insights. In our small group setting, the questions generated meaningful, honest discussion.
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