The things Jesus did are not just for Bible times. They are for today. For everyone. Chicagoland pastor Robby Dawkins sees this again and again in his ministry to hurting people and even to gang members. Everyday people are seeing God's power unleashed through simple faith in God's Word; they are healing the sick, routing demons, and making a dynamic impact for the Kingdom of God.
But many other believers are missing out, unaware that they have far more power and authority than they realize.
Dawkins shares dynamic, real-life instruction and amazing stories from the front lines of ministry, showing that believers carry the authority of the Son of God and the power of the Holy Spirit wherever they are. When we walk in the presence and authority of God, we will do what Jesus did .
Robby is a fifth-generation pastor who was born to missionary parents in Japan. Robby had an early start in ministry. In his father’s church, he began a children’s ministry at the age of 12, and became the youth minister at 16 years old. Robby says, “I knew from a young age that God had called me into ministry. My parents say that from the age of 2, I told people that I would grow up and be a missionary.” In many ways that has been the case in Robby’s life.
Robby and his wife Angie have been married for 25+ years and have 6 sons. He served as a youth pastor for 12 years for churches between 50 to 14,000 members before he and Angie planted a Vineyard church in the downtown area of Aurora, Illinois (Chicago area) in 1996. 70% of their church came to Christ at their church and 60% of that through Power encounters (Prophetic, Healing, Deliverance or ministry of God’s manifest presence). The mayor of Aurora along with its chief of police bestowed upon Robby and the Church an acknowledgment that he and the church made a significant difference in Aurora’s crime rate reduction.
Robby also ministers extensively as a conference speaker and a passionate Church equipper (in the U.S. and in 70+ countries) equipping in Power Evangelism. He was most recently featured in the movies “Furious Love” in 2010, “Father of Lights” in 2012, “Holy Ghost Reborn” in 2015, “Finger of God 2” in 2018 and has 2 more films with him being released in 2020. His book “Do What Jesus Did” was released in June 2013 and is on several Best Sellers lists in the UK, US and Europe. He then added “Identity Thief”, which was released in October 2015. His most recent book “Do Greater Things” was just released on January 1, 2018. He has been featured on Sid Roth’s “It’s Supernatural”, TBN’s “Praise the Lord” as well as a series titled “”Breaking Darkness”, “Today with Marilyn and Sarah”, as well as other programs on TBN, TBN UK and GOD TV. Robby is also a contributing writer for Charisma Magazine.
"We shouldn't wait around expecting that God will change us into someone we're not before He uses us. We have a tendency to say, "God, if You'll anoint me, I'll go." God says, "If you'll go, I'll anoint you." His plan is to use who we already are-the same people He made us in the first place, with the same personalities, giftings and weaknesses. Just be you. God wants to work through you and me. We aren't the main act-God is. But He's made us a crucial part of the breaking in of his Kingdom." (Robby Dawkins, Do What Jesus Did)
Even as a pastor the author did not believe in his own prayers to change lives. Someone called the church for prayer and he prayed with the lady for her father to be healed and he was! He couldn't believe it that even in his own doubt, the LORD would use him to release healing.
Throughout this book he encourages you to step out to do what Jesus did. What did Jesus do? Jesus healed the sick, cast out devils, raised the dead (both spiritually and literally) and preached the Good News! He says there's no longer a need for us to wait on God for a directive to go and do what Jesus did. We have already been given authority from heaven to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature with signs and wonders following (See Mark 16:15-18). He says, "All through the New Testament, Jesus told us to go heal the sick without any qualifications. I think waiting on direct orders with the kind of thinking that says, I have to have a word or a directive to go, is slavery mentality. Jesus made us joint heirs with Him. Break the chains of slavery thinking and just go do the things He did!"
This book will give you a push of faith to walk in healing, casting out demons and raising the dead while sharing the Gospel. To God be the glory!
This is the true story of Pastor Robby Dawkins. Robby takes us on a tour of his life. He relates how he felt impressed by God to start a church in a very poor, urban area full of gang activity, drug use and prostitution. So he took his family to a place like that in Aurora, Illinois, and started a church. This is a fascinating account of what life has been like for Robby.
Pastor Dawkins writes passionately about leading people to become followers of Christ--many who were formerly drug lords and prostitutes. As he has done that, he has witnessed amazing miracles of all sorts take place. He also tells of the many death threats he has received, including ones where he has had to face off with gang members who have threatened to kill him at the church service on Sunday morning.
Robby writes about a former head of a large college atheist group who became a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. The man's entire life changed course. As a result, many of the man's atheists followers also changed their convictions, and believed in Jesus Christ as well. The pastor talks about praying blessings for strangers on the street that have resulted in them becoming followers of Christ, and turned their lives in totally new directions.
The pastor tells of the highest highs, while simultaneously experiencing the lowest lows. For instance, great miracles of all sorts can take place in his church, while at the same time, the church's roof leaks, and there isn't money to fix it. He relates there are people who have experienced great miracles who have later turned their backs on God and Robby.
We hear the story of Johnny who was in the midst of committing suicide, when a phone call stopped him. The call was from a former strip dancer who had recently become a Christian. She wanted Johnny to come with her to a group of Christians getting together that night. Johnny, a drug dealer, and a satanist with 666 tattooed on his forehead, decided to go with her. That night, Johnny's entire life changed course when he became a follower of Christ. In the next couple of years, he went on to bring many others to Christ before Johnny's life was tragically and mysteriously brought to an abrupt end.
At the same time, Robby wants us to know he is a human like anybody else with earthly responsibilities to tend to. He has a wife and six children to support. The pastor speaks of the everyday realities of the church having problems paying their bills, and that he has taken an extra job laying carpet to support his family.
One of his children, Canah, developed autism. The doctors told them it was the very lowest functioning kind, that Canah would never talk or perform normally--they would have to take care of him, and all his needs, for the rest of his life.
Although Robby has prayed for the complete healing of his son, that hasn't happened. However, parts of healing have taken place over the years. Miraculously, Canah starting speaking. Over time, he has moved up from the lowest functioning autism preschool to being able to function in regular school. Canah can walk and has made great strides, far exceeding the doctor's prognosis. Ongoing wonders continue in his life.
Robby talks about the cancer his mother had, and relates that his entire family was praying in her hospital room for her healing. In between prayers, the family was singing hymns. In the room next door, a woman named Violet was dying.
Violet's sister came over and asked if they would sing for Violet. Robby and some of his family went over to her room. While Robby was with Violet he felt impressed by the Lord to say that she would be completely healed. And this healing took place even though this woman and her sister were not Christians. Robby's mom, a devoted Christian, with many people praying for her, did not recover. Robby honestly admits that was a hard situation. Yet he rejoices that Violet and her sister both became followers of Christ as a result.
Robby comments that healing doesn't take place every time. But he also believes it is more important to follow the leading of God, and pray for a person. If Robby feels impressed by God to state that healing will come to someone, Robby says it. He concludes it is more important to keep the faith and follow God's leading, even if healing doesn't take place, and Robby looks foolish. We must be willing to live by faith.
This is an amazing book. Even more astonishing, Robby states that every Christian can do the things he has experienced. I thought this was a great book full of hope and challenges. I highly recommend "Do What Jesus Did," and give it five stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Chosen Books for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
"The truth is, there's not really a divide between the 'normal' and doing what Jesus did. It's all part of His Kingdom, all part of His work in our lives. Living out the risk of His Kingdom is the invisible yeast that has to work its way through the whole dough of our lives our finances, our marriage, our kids, our communities." (245-246)
I bought this book after hearing Robby speak at a conference in Jan. The book was just a good as hearing him speak. Robby had so many stories about healing and other amazing God encounters. This book inspires me to grow more in my faith and outreach to others.
This review/rating benefits from the timeliness of this book. Robby Dawkins is writing about a spiritual life, a life with the Spirit, that is overflowing with both love and power. I am hungry for this right now, and for that reason it strikes a chord.
The book is loosely organized into chapters that relate to Robby's own process of growing in his understanding of the power of the Spirit. He tells many many stories! The stories are full of unexpected healings, dramatic conversions, painful failure, and all filled with the sure presence of God's Holy Spirit. Through his life he encourages us that we are called to live like Jesus did, healing the sick, casting out demons, and declaring the kingdom of God.
Main takeaway for me: Failure is necessary! When we fail (while taking risks to listen to the Holy Spirit) we are on the right track. As someone who doesn't like to fail, this message will stick with me for a while.
Working in an inner-city neighborhood his context also resonated with the work I do with Servant Partners.
The book gets better and better (a good thing) though the middle chapters were a little bit jumbled in what he was talking about, it felt very conversational. And sometimes his tangents were frustrating. But I ultimately used my friend Jessicao ko's litmus test: i will be talking about this book and recommending it to everyone!
I really liked this book. I never really knew all that much about that we can do with the Holy Spirit. Robby definitely did a good job writing this, and I will definitely recommend this to my friends and family.
Every single page of this book, in fact, the whole premise of the book is You Can Heal, Prophesy, And Work Miracles just like Jesus did. No special talents required. Except the obvious one - you must believe it. And by doing so, believe in Jesus' power. Not just the literal, historical man, no. A belief in Jesus' magnanimity.
Robby Dawkins repeats his proposition directly, obviously, and purposely nearly every. single. page. Right around page 159 when he quotes John 14:12, I finally got it. And my mind imploded.
Pastor Dawkins intertwines Bible reference with amazing stories of actual miracles. I laughed and cried throughout my two days of reading it. Inspirational even for those of us who are scripture neanderthals.
I first heard about this author after watching an interview with him on the Christian show, Remnant Radio on Youtube and decided to check this book out. I enjoyed reading about how God has used this man to heal and evangelize people. He definitely has the heart to see people know Jesus and experience Him beyond the level of mere head knowledge. Besides the amazing many stories, the author gave a lot of practical advice on how to go about praying for people for healing and ministering prophetic words. He spoke with a gentle authority from a lot of his experiences. I didn't agree with all of his doctrinal beliefs but that didn't take away from the heart and message of the book for me. I'd give it 4 stars.
Robby Dawkins does a wonderful job of teaching what it means to do what Jesus did. He wrote of his victories and his "failures" and the theme is always to trust Him, believe Him, and remember what Jesus has done for us and in us. And Go. The chapters on taking risks and facing failure were so encouraging and it made me see faith a little differently. This is truly an inspirational book. I absolutely loved it!
Lots of so great they are hard to believe stories here. I'll borrow Phil Strout's review of this book by saying "You the reader will find yourself asking 'really? Did that really happen? Did he really do this or that?' Allow yourself to be challenged and empowered so each can go and do likewise."
This book has given me the courage to go out and do as Jesus did!
I recommend this book to anyone who have a desire to reach the lost and show God's love to the world around them. Robby words are of wisdom and truth. He keeps it real, it takes faith to step out for Christ, but it's a risk worth taking. Thank you for sharing your story! God bless you!
This book was a good reminder to live into your true identity in the Lord. A Book on the power of Jesus Christ and how all believers can tap into that power and strength given to each of us. Embracing these truths can change your world, your relationship to Christ and empower your prayer life enabling you to bring that to others. Overall good read.
Absolutely inspiring. One of my favorite books that I have read. Pushing me to expand my boundaries in evangelism and to not think too small on how God can move on the streets. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
One of the best and most important books I’ve ever read. It’s one to read and then read and then pick back up and read again. But in the midst of all the reading, apply what’s in it. It’s time to go!
¡Me encantó! Super easy-read con muchos testimonios y reflexiones buenísimas que te quedas picado. Me urge que todos se enteren que el Espíritu Santo está vivo y sigue actuando, lean este libro serio.
Love how simple Robbie makes sharing Jesus. I have embrassed his ways of loving people like Jesus. And all I can say is wow. This is one of the most significant books I have ever read.
Really inspiring, educational and eye-opening. So many stories of supernatural intervention. It really takes awhile to take it all in and comprehend that we truly are not alone. Highly recommend.
I have read stuff by Charles Kraft, Derek Prince, and Bill Johnson - good stuff from them all. What Robby does is strike a great balance (just like a good Vineyard Pastor) between Scriptural application, dynamic stories, and practical advice. You will read many stories of incredible God encounters and you will not once think Robby is someone special. He carefully reflects it back to Jesus - his power & his love for people. You will find encouragement to step out in faith and authority to put into practice what you are reading. This book sent me to prayer many times, not to ask God to make me more like Robby, but to make me more like Jesus. You should read this book and then practice it.
"Do What Jesus Did" is primarily about Pastor Robby Dawkins life and ministry. This book focuses on his ministry of healing and deliverance.
The premise of this book is how Christians can be used of God to heal and route demons out. Pastor Dawkins writes this book as an autobiography, testimony and teaching guide for others.
He focuses on the fact that believers can be used of God to heal others. He also gets into why some don't get healed after praying for them.
He writes about his personal experiences with healing and miracles after praying for people. He gives pointers on what you should do, when and how.
Very interesting book. Having already heard Robby Dawkins speak at least twice and seeing Darren Wilson's movie Furious Love, I have heard a lot of his stories before. However, I still really liked this book. I am not 100% sure on the theology. It's not that I don't think God can do these things--of course He can! I am simply skeptical that He does through people who are not His incarnate Son. I read this book to grow, though, and it did help with that. I just need to test it against God's book more before I can partner with everything taught herein.
Born and raised in an independent, fundamental, KJV-only type of Christian home, the stories found within this book challenged my thinking in several ways. I view that as a good thing. Although I can't agree with several things in this book (not due to the culture I was grown up in but rather due to conflicts within God's Word itself),I did feel refreshed with the reminder that The Holy Spirit certainly does act!! God's Spirit is very much alive and well, and I'm thankful to have experienced a bit of 'the other side' by reading this book.
Despite threats to his life, Robby Dawkins has served the Lord with a contagious boldness. His miracles and challenges to take risks because of Christ's promises are not simply used as a way to protect his family from a world on the attack. He is interested in learning what it means to rely on a God who is more than a good idea. Jesus delivers us Good News in darkness in spite of our feelings and fickle impressions.