Gripped by the Greatness of God

by James MacDonald

When was the last time you were truly gripped by God's greatness? Most Christians recall heartfelt resolutions around a fire at bible camp as children or a revival meeting. But what causes the fervor of those experiences to translate into a consistent life pattern? Pastor and author James MacDonald believes that the better we understand God, the better we understand ourselves, and the less likely we are to favor our own will over God's. He writes, "God is not safe and He will not be squeezed into some neat, respectable Sunday discussion... No. To know God at all is to watch Him explode any box we put Him in with His terror, majesty, and indescribable wonder.'"

Expounding upon Isaiah's encounters with God, MacDonald prods snoozing saints to rediscover the wonder of God's attributes. He also shares candidly from his experiences in life and ministry where God proved Himself to be the Great I AM. This book will spur new and seasoned believers alike to detest mediocrity in their spiritual walks. Ideal for individual or small group study.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

James MacDonald (D. Min. Phoenix Seminary) is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy, and both are from Ontario, Canada. He is the father of three grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and grandfather to four amazing grandsons. James’ ministry focuses on the unapologetic proclamation of God’s Word. In 1988, along with a small group of ministry partners, James and Kathy planted Harvest Bible Chapel which has grown to 13,000 people each weekend, meeting in six locations.

In 1997, a Bible-teaching broadcast ministry called Walk in the Word was established, now reaching more than three million people weekly. In 2002, a church planting ministry called Harvest Bible Fellowship was born and has established more than 70 churches across North America and around the world. James’ vision is that God will use him to help plant 1,000 churches in his lifetime.

James’ extensive ministry also includes a training center for pastors, a year-round camp, a biblical counseling center, a disaster recovery organization, and a Christian school—all used to reach more people with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Now impacting millions of lives annually, God’s favor upon these ministries has been described by James as “abundantly baffling.” The MacDonalds’ view their ministry as proof that God still uses broken vessels to pour out His grace.

Reviews

[Laurelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke apart the book of Isaiah so well for me - I was so excited each time I was able to sit down and read it and walked away in awe! A must read for those who want to learn more and go deeper in their studies!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title might rank second behind "Mere Christianity" among my favorite books on Christianity (another of MacDonald's books, "When Life is Hard" is likely in the top ten). But don't expect any intellectual acrobatics here... just a direct, uncompromising encounter with God's Word. In fact, MacDonald's books can be jarringly informal and conversational, because they are often just adaptations of his sermons.

I think every follower of Christ eventually falls prey to complacency. This can happen for any number of reasons, from an unwillingness to step up to the next level of discipleship to the influence of poor teaching.

When I first read this study, I had seen God change my life in some drastic ways and reshape my patterns pretty thoroughly. Absurdly, I had the idea that I was 95% finished, and that once a few odds and ends were tidied up, I could join the ranks of mature Christians everywhere. Yet I was without much spiritual excitement and joy, and had grown apathetic. What was left, really, now that I had it pretty much figured out?

The content of this book brought me under fresh conviction, and was the catalyst for a period of wonderful (but very difficult) growth that has reshaped me all over again. I'm currently reading through it again, and it surely won't be my last time.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Sunday School Class was a video series based on this book so I decided to read the book as a way to better learn the material. I highly recommend both the book and the video series.

It is an engaging and challenging study based on the book of Isaiah. It helps you comes to grips with the foundational character of God and how that should and will impact your spiritual growth if you truly believe what you read and learn.

MacDonald is has a lighthearted yet serious style and while the book is an easy read that does not mean the issues and ideas addressed our easy to apply in your life.

A great read for anyone interested in taking their faith deeper.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great study that moved me to action in one area already!

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of unsubstantiated theological opinion.

[Dorothy Mihailiuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a book, a study, an eye opener. Strongly recommend

[Emma Luverdu · Rating 5 out of 5]

O carte de recitit!

[Margo Berendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is completely cheating, because it's all gonna be quotes instead of my own thoughts. My thoughts simply can't say anything better than the text already does. these are JUST A FEW of the hundreds of things I highlighted in this book. The whole book is magnificent and provoking, not just thought-provoking but heart-and-soul provoking.

Here you go:

My guess is that one reason you picked up this book is because you long to feel that wonder again. When was the last time you let God get a grip on your heart? No vague answers to this question. Ok? Get specific. What year? What month? How long as it been? This isn’t the kind of thing you can forget.

To know God at all is to watch Him explode any box we put him in.

On the day that God called Isaiah into ministry, He gave him an unparalleled, unprecedented, private tour of His heavenly throne room. And Isaiah was changed forever by what he saw. This same vision is one that we desperately need in the church today. Such a view of God rocks your world and turns your faith upside down… but wow, right side up.

I talk to people all the time who have deceived themselves into thinking that they’ve got life hardwired. It’s not about who you are, it’s all about who God is.


Christianity is not a prescription for behavior; it is a holy encounter.

Refuse shallow, one-way thinking about God. Live with the tension that God’s holiness creates a distance between Him and His people.

God’s love is not a pampering love it is a transforming love, a perfecting love.

Don’t allow anyone to intimidate you into thinking they have a higher view of God because they focus on certain portions of Scripture at the expense of others. Above all, don’t get caught up subscribing to a theological system that seeks to put scaffolding around the Bible and God in a box.

Can you imagine how small God would be if we could comprehend all that He allows and why? What if the smartest and wisest of all men/women ran the universe; can you imagine the cosmic mess we would be in? It only makes sense that an element of mystery surrounds God.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

James MacDonald takes us through 6 passages in the book of Isaiah that highlight the greatness of God. He explains the meaning of the passages to the people of Israel and translates it into applications for today. His passion and vigor for this study is the main shining element I found throughout the book. I enjoyed his verse by verse treatment of each passage and was uplifted by his challenges to be gripped by the greatness of God.

[Audrey Dailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really gets 4.5 stars. I would highly recommend it. For me, the first and last chapter were life-changing. I'm not exaggerating; it was that good. The middle chapters didn't stand out or impact me as much which is why it's not a 5 star book, in my opinion. But seriously, go read this book.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it has been nearly a decade since I picked up this book, I recall being truly "gripped" by the clearer view of God that it helped me gain. Perhaps the reason the book moved me so much was that its subject was God and it was faithful to the Word and, therefore, I could not help but be awed by my God. I still highly recommend this one to others.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although each chapter was good in its own right, the chapter that resounded with me the most was the chapter on my identity in God. I'm not saying just skip the rest, I am just saying that that chapter moved me the most. God can do incredible things through me, as long as I stay out of the way.

[Luke Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous book based on selections from the book of Isaiah. Are you struggling in your Christian walk? Than this book is for you? Struggling with insecurity? This is the book for you. Living a "boring" Christian existence? This is definitely the book for you.

[MaryAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, even when I didn't always go along with absolutely everything the author said -- very well written, user friendly, with wonderful insight into why we should have a high view of God.

[Jonathan Duckett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has an incredible chapter on worship.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Bible studies I've done--the last session is the best, so stick with it

[Meileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Flo · Rating 1 out of 5]

honestly, i wasn.t really impressed.

[Mandie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend any book by James MacDonald. They are informative and filled with scripture!

[C-shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the text for my church's spring Bible study, with video sessions by James MacDonald. He is a wonderful teacher! I learned a lot from the book of Isaiah which enhances my worship of God.

[Peggy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because I am dazzled with God, I love and obey Him! He is great!