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Touching Godliness
Why do so many hunger to "touch godliness" but so few seem to attain it? Is there a missing key? Yes, there is! K.P. Yohannan challenges us that we, too, can touch godliness as we follow Jesus down the path of total surrender and submission. Chapter by chapter, he gently confronts us with truth that few others are willing to tell us-truth that leads to the abundant life we so desire.
Plus, the included study guide offers thought-provoking questions and pointed action steps to move us beyond mere head knowledge to heart transformation. Great for a small group study!
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
26 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
K.P. Yohannan
41 books124 followersDr. KP Yohannan has been crisscrossing the globe for the past 40 years, challenging the Body of Christ to discipleship. His call to a radical lifestyle—with an all-out commitment to Jesus—has left its impact on nearly every continent. To the Church caught up by the tidal waves of compromise and self-preservation, Yohannan’s life message is a fresh word to this generation and yet as timeless as the scriptural mandate itself.
Yohannan is the founder and director of GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia
aka GFA), a Christian mission organization deeply committed to seeing communities transformed through the love of Christ demonstrated in word and deed. He is also the metropolitan bishop of Believers Church , an indigenous church in South Asia.
Born in South India in 1950, Yohannan is the youngest of six sons. His mother dedicated each of her children to the Lord and longed to see one of them commit their lives to ministry. She secretly fasted each Friday for three-and-a-half years, praying, “Oh God, let just one of my boys preach!” Even as she prayed, her children were growing up, seeming destined for secular work. Finally, only the youngest, little “Yohannachan,” was left. Seeing how shy and insecure he was, his mother thought there was little chance that he would preach.
However, after Yohannan finished his schooling, he heard stories about North India from a visiting mission team, and his heart was gripped. His mother’s faithful prayers were answered as he immediately decided to join the mission movement and go to faraway North India to help bring the Good News to the multitude of villages that had never heard of Christ. While preparing to go with this radical mission team from Europe, the timid 16-year-old was challenged by a call to radical discipleship from missionary statesman George Verwer. That night, Yohannan couldn’t sleep. What if God asked him to preach publicly in the streets? What if he was stoned and beaten?
Suddenly, God’s presence filled the room, and he knew he was not alone. “Lord God,” he prayed in surrender, “I’ll give myself to speak for You—but help me to know that You’re with me.”
The next morning, he awoke with a supernatural love and burden for the people around him. The Lord gave him courage to speak to the crowds he saw that day, and he continued to preach for the next seven years in North India. As a field evangelist and regional coordinator, he was responsible for the members of his teams and the planning of each day. His future wife, Gisela, was also serving with the mission movement at the same time, and Yohannan felt through their brief encounters that he had found someone who shared his same vision and calling.
In 1971, Yohannan was invited to spend a month in Singapore at a new institute that had been started by John Haggai. Here, he was challenged by Haggai to do something significant with his life for God’s glory. His time at the institute produced a restlessness that eventually led him to leave India to search abroad for God’s ultimate will in his life. In 1974, he came to the United States, where he received his theological training at Criswell College. He and Gisela were married after his first term.
As a theology student, Yohannan was ordained and began pastoring a local church in Dallas, where he served for four years. While God blessed his pastoral ministry, Yohannan couldn’t forget the burden God had given him for those who had never once heard the name of Jesus.
Dr. Yohannan is a prolific writer with more than 200 books published in Asia and 11 in the United States. With more than 3.9 million copies in print, Yohannan’s landmark book, Revolution in World Missions, is an international bestseller that has literally changed the course of mission history in our generation. For his faithful service to the Body of Christ, Yohannan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Hindustan Bible College in Chennai, India.
Yohannan is the founder and director of GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia
aka GFA), a Christian mission organization deeply committed to seeing communities transformed through the love of Christ demonstrated in word and deed. He is also the metropolitan bishop of Believers Church , an indigenous church in South Asia.
Born in South India in 1950, Yohannan is the youngest of six sons. His mother dedicated each of her children to the Lord and longed to see one of them commit their lives to ministry. She secretly fasted each Friday for three-and-a-half years, praying, “Oh God, let just one of my boys preach!” Even as she prayed, her children were growing up, seeming destined for secular work. Finally, only the youngest, little “Yohannachan,” was left. Seeing how shy and insecure he was, his mother thought there was little chance that he would preach.
However, after Yohannan finished his schooling, he heard stories about North India from a visiting mission team, and his heart was gripped. His mother’s faithful prayers were answered as he immediately decided to join the mission movement and go to faraway North India to help bring the Good News to the multitude of villages that had never heard of Christ. While preparing to go with this radical mission team from Europe, the timid 16-year-old was challenged by a call to radical discipleship from missionary statesman George Verwer. That night, Yohannan couldn’t sleep. What if God asked him to preach publicly in the streets? What if he was stoned and beaten?
Suddenly, God’s presence filled the room, and he knew he was not alone. “Lord God,” he prayed in surrender, “I’ll give myself to speak for You—but help me to know that You’re with me.”
The next morning, he awoke with a supernatural love and burden for the people around him. The Lord gave him courage to speak to the crowds he saw that day, and he continued to preach for the next seven years in North India. As a field evangelist and regional coordinator, he was responsible for the members of his teams and the planning of each day. His future wife, Gisela, was also serving with the mission movement at the same time, and Yohannan felt through their brief encounters that he had found someone who shared his same vision and calling.
In 1971, Yohannan was invited to spend a month in Singapore at a new institute that had been started by John Haggai. Here, he was challenged by Haggai to do something significant with his life for God’s glory. His time at the institute produced a restlessness that eventually led him to leave India to search abroad for God’s ultimate will in his life. In 1974, he came to the United States, where he received his theological training at Criswell College. He and Gisela were married after his first term.
As a theology student, Yohannan was ordained and began pastoring a local church in Dallas, where he served for four years. While God blessed his pastoral ministry, Yohannan couldn’t forget the burden God had given him for those who had never once heard the name of Jesus.
Dr. Yohannan is a prolific writer with more than 200 books published in Asia and 11 in the United States. With more than 3.9 million copies in print, Yohannan’s landmark book, Revolution in World Missions, is an international bestseller that has literally changed the course of mission history in our generation. For his faithful service to the Body of Christ, Yohannan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Hindustan Bible College in Chennai, India.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 7, 2009
Yohannan makes a compelling case for what the Bible teaches us about submission to God and one another. He uses scriptural and personal examples to urge the reader to embrace submission. I loved this book.
February 1, 2024
This was awsome, I had never looked at authorities this way before, it had loads of examples and real world experiences, I had to examine my own life and make some changes. Excellent- definitely recommend.
July 10, 2012
First of all, I guessed this book would get a very high rating before I saw it. The readership has got to be mainly fundamentalist Christians; almost no one else would be interested or agree with its content.
I don't know if more could be expected from a work that deals with submission to God and his delegated authorities on earth. The author mainly does a good job explaining what that view is and backing his statements up with Biblical references.
However-
The author switch hits repeatedly throughout the book. At one point he tells you that submitting to authorities appointed by God will protect you and give you great peace. Later he tells you that you will suffer a lot. Then we're back to protection/peace, and so forth. You don't exactly have to be a prophet to figure out that probably both situations will arise from obedience to other flawed people.
And speaking of flaws: the author refers to the Bible account of Naomi telling her daughters-in-law to go back to their family homes. One obeys and goes; the other tells Naomi that she will stay with her forever. Somehow she's the good obedient one because she knows Naomi is REALLY commanding her to do the exact opposite thing. Her disobedience is true obedience. I have seldom seen the Scriptures twisted around so thoroughly to suit the speaker's aim.
Additionally, the author occasionally gives us thoughts and actual events that go beyond what the Bible actually says. This type of speculation has no place here, but that's not my main concern.
Here it is: The Biblical view (Romans 13:1) is that God appoints all governmental authorities...including Adolph Hitler. (A quote from the author: "...God still essentially said, "I cannot work except through the authority I have established.") So- God must have set Hitler up to set the world at war and kill literally millions of people.
Everyone blames God for allowing horrible suffering in the world, and here we have Him authorizing a hate-filled leader that He knows will commit untold atrocities. -And Hitler is not the only mass-murdering leader the world has ever known.
This book does not address this issue and I am at a complete loss to know how it could. How could anyone take this stance without sounding like a callous, inhumane monster themselves? No wonder the author stayed with safer topics.
A nice thing about writing a book about the Bible is that pretty much everything you say is only open to agreement. After all, it is the truth. Flawed readers with their Satanically-inspired, rebellious minds (the author points this out several times) are the only ones who CAN disagree.
Thus ends yet another Satanically-inpired book review on Goodreads.
I don't know if more could be expected from a work that deals with submission to God and his delegated authorities on earth. The author mainly does a good job explaining what that view is and backing his statements up with Biblical references.
However-
The author switch hits repeatedly throughout the book. At one point he tells you that submitting to authorities appointed by God will protect you and give you great peace. Later he tells you that you will suffer a lot. Then we're back to protection/peace, and so forth. You don't exactly have to be a prophet to figure out that probably both situations will arise from obedience to other flawed people.
And speaking of flaws: the author refers to the Bible account of Naomi telling her daughters-in-law to go back to their family homes. One obeys and goes; the other tells Naomi that she will stay with her forever. Somehow she's the good obedient one because she knows Naomi is REALLY commanding her to do the exact opposite thing. Her disobedience is true obedience. I have seldom seen the Scriptures twisted around so thoroughly to suit the speaker's aim.
Additionally, the author occasionally gives us thoughts and actual events that go beyond what the Bible actually says. This type of speculation has no place here, but that's not my main concern.
Here it is: The Biblical view (Romans 13:1) is that God appoints all governmental authorities...including Adolph Hitler. (A quote from the author: "...God still essentially said, "I cannot work except through the authority I have established.") So- God must have set Hitler up to set the world at war and kill literally millions of people.
Everyone blames God for allowing horrible suffering in the world, and here we have Him authorizing a hate-filled leader that He knows will commit untold atrocities. -And Hitler is not the only mass-murdering leader the world has ever known.
This book does not address this issue and I am at a complete loss to know how it could. How could anyone take this stance without sounding like a callous, inhumane monster themselves? No wonder the author stayed with safer topics.
A nice thing about writing a book about the Bible is that pretty much everything you say is only open to agreement. After all, it is the truth. Flawed readers with their Satanically-inspired, rebellious minds (the author points this out several times) are the only ones who CAN disagree.
Thus ends yet another Satanically-inpired book review on Goodreads.
March 1, 2011
A book most Americans will not want to read. We are all about rising up against authority when we don't agree with it, or respect it. This book shows us what the Bible teaches about submission. It definitely challenges your beliefs on submission. It was an easy to read book, with some very strong points. I think it's a simpler version of watchman nee's book called "spiritual authority" Anyway I liked the book, didn't always like some of his points, but who really likes to be convicted?
May 10, 2016
This is a book that I would like every person in our church to read --I may at some point do a sermon series on this topic. Some of you might know that a few years ago I almost left Real Life because I was being immature and this book challenged me and helped me to grow --I have the staff reading it right now and would love our leaders and everyone at our church to read it
August 9, 2011
This book was awesome! It goes against everything our culture says is normal but it is the only way to find true joy and satisfaction.
February 22, 2019
An important, super uncomfortable but super powerful must-read
November 27, 2012
This book has made a profound impact in my life. Yohannan dives into how to touch godliness through a little-discussed method—submission. Though well-supported by Scripture, Touching Godliness is not simply a theological work. Yes, the author teaches the Greek word for submission. But he doesn’t let you go that easily! He applies the concept to daily life very practically. The book is convicting yet refreshing in the sea of excuses Western culture offers for rebellion.
Personally, my attitude toward authority has been transformed through this book. Seeing how God delegates authority has given me a deep respect for those in leadership. I’ve read Touching Godliness at least three times, and each time I gain deeper understanding of God’s design for submission.
Yohannan begins the book by showing that submission is at the very core of the universe. All creation operates in submission to certain laws, like gravity. It’s the only way the universe can function properly and in order. This submission to laws of nature is not a negative thing. If natural laws were broken, there would be no benefit, only chaos.
Similarly, submission is built into the way mankind ought to live. This model should not be seen as negative—it’s the only way life can run properly and in order. The more we submit to the authority placed over us, the more we can live as God intended.
The author explains that submission is not just surface obedience. “Submission is…active, pursuing, going after and seeking to do whatever the authority is thinking,” says Yohannan. It is not a robotic obedience to commands. The spirit of submission is so much deeper—it is a yearning to please authority. “Submission is a heart attitude toward authority, whereas obedience is an action,” Yohannan points out.
The book gives many Biblical examples to follow, including Jesus, Paul, Joseph and David. David is a prime example of godly submission in difficult circumstances.
Yohannan’s teaching is well-balanced and allows for situations where there is a need to remove oneself from authority gone wrong. He shows how to do this without a rebellious attitude.
Touching Godliness also offers wisdom for those who are in authority. Employers, pastors, husbands and parents can all benefit from Yohannan’s insights.
This book is one of the most influential I’ve ever read, giving me a deeper understanding of Christ and His ways. If you have a desire to know the Lord and walk with Him, please read it! It’s challenging, but worth it. In the words of K.P. Yohannan: “Granted, submission may not be easy on our flesh, but the benefits that we receive far outweigh the struggle involved. We experience what Jesus said: ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24, NASB). When we die to our pride and submit to God’s authority, the benefits will follow.”
Personally, my attitude toward authority has been transformed through this book. Seeing how God delegates authority has given me a deep respect for those in leadership. I’ve read Touching Godliness at least three times, and each time I gain deeper understanding of God’s design for submission.
Yohannan begins the book by showing that submission is at the very core of the universe. All creation operates in submission to certain laws, like gravity. It’s the only way the universe can function properly and in order. This submission to laws of nature is not a negative thing. If natural laws were broken, there would be no benefit, only chaos.
Similarly, submission is built into the way mankind ought to live. This model should not be seen as negative—it’s the only way life can run properly and in order. The more we submit to the authority placed over us, the more we can live as God intended.
The author explains that submission is not just surface obedience. “Submission is…active, pursuing, going after and seeking to do whatever the authority is thinking,” says Yohannan. It is not a robotic obedience to commands. The spirit of submission is so much deeper—it is a yearning to please authority. “Submission is a heart attitude toward authority, whereas obedience is an action,” Yohannan points out.
The book gives many Biblical examples to follow, including Jesus, Paul, Joseph and David. David is a prime example of godly submission in difficult circumstances.
Yohannan’s teaching is well-balanced and allows for situations where there is a need to remove oneself from authority gone wrong. He shows how to do this without a rebellious attitude.
Touching Godliness also offers wisdom for those who are in authority. Employers, pastors, husbands and parents can all benefit from Yohannan’s insights.
This book is one of the most influential I’ve ever read, giving me a deeper understanding of Christ and His ways. If you have a desire to know the Lord and walk with Him, please read it! It’s challenging, but worth it. In the words of K.P. Yohannan: “Granted, submission may not be easy on our flesh, but the benefits that we receive far outweigh the struggle involved. We experience what Jesus said: ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit’ (John 12:24, NASB). When we die to our pride and submit to God’s authority, the benefits will follow.”
January 13, 2017
In a culture where people nearly regard belligerence as a virtue, it’s refreshing to hear a quiet, soothing voice remind us that the path to godliness leads through brokenness and submission to authority. K.P. Yohannan has a gentle way of pointing out our human tendency to rebel against authority. He doesn’t point fingers, blame, or condemn. He shows the error of pride and the rich benefits of submission so that you WANT to choose the latter.
This is the second time I’ve read this book. I think there was an earlier edition I read some time ago. But I wanted to pick it up to read again because of the political angst going on. I wanted to remind my spirit that submission is always best because it keeps me under the umbrella of God’s protection. Of course, submission isn’t my natural bent. I’m a strong-willed, first-born child, with a creative (non-linear) style so I resist being told what to do and I throw off rules that bind and restrict me. In areas where I have submitted, I feel the peace of knowing things are settled. In areas where I have not yet submitted to authority, I continue to struggle. So this was a helpful reminder of the path God has chosen for pursuing peace, both internally and externally.
Touching Godliness is an important message for Christians today. I encourage you to pick up a copy and absorb the truth it contains.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
This is the second time I’ve read this book. I think there was an earlier edition I read some time ago. But I wanted to pick it up to read again because of the political angst going on. I wanted to remind my spirit that submission is always best because it keeps me under the umbrella of God’s protection. Of course, submission isn’t my natural bent. I’m a strong-willed, first-born child, with a creative (non-linear) style so I resist being told what to do and I throw off rules that bind and restrict me. In areas where I have submitted, I feel the peace of knowing things are settled. In areas where I have not yet submitted to authority, I continue to struggle. So this was a helpful reminder of the path God has chosen for pursuing peace, both internally and externally.
Touching Godliness is an important message for Christians today. I encourage you to pick up a copy and absorb the truth it contains.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
August 4, 2013
The book was a very well thought out deep-dive into humility and submission to authority. The author gives many examples to explain his thoughts and backs them up with a lot of scripture references and some personal experiences.
Some of the ways the author uses to get his point across is to keep reiterating the same idea over and over. I didn't like that part of it very much and got a little bored with it. That is probably just a personal learning style for me though.
One thing I would suggest is to look up the author before reading the book. Throughout the book he gives references to his ministry or life that imply that the reader has some pre-existing knowledge about his ministry / life. I would have liked to see an introduction where he would have introduced himself and his ministry. There is an 'about the author' section, but it is at the very end and doesn't include much information.
Some of the ways the author uses to get his point across is to keep reiterating the same idea over and over. I didn't like that part of it very much and got a little bored with it. That is probably just a personal learning style for me though.
One thing I would suggest is to look up the author before reading the book. Throughout the book he gives references to his ministry or life that imply that the reader has some pre-existing knowledge about his ministry / life. I would have liked to see an introduction where he would have introduced himself and his ministry. There is an 'about the author' section, but it is at the very end and doesn't include much information.
July 8, 2013
While submission is typically seen as a topic between a wife and husband, in "Touching Godliness", we see it is applicable in many relationships, often many we don't consider. Those in authority over us can be parents, pastors, employers, presidents, etc. Each of these authoritative relationships are covered in this book. K.P. Yohannan reveals our ultimate example in submission as Christ, who was perfect in His submission to His Father. Realizing that we'll never attain perfect submission as Christ did, many other godly examples of submission are given for us to learn from. Read my full review here ---> http://www.simplyhelpinghim.com/?p=4770
November 27, 2013
A quick read, I remember scratching my head numerous times throughout this book - for in my opinion, K.P. ran the Taxi-Cab fallacy throughout its entirety. Submitting to God insofar as the flawed human leaders don't overtly command us to murder our children seems to be the 'nominal approach' to Romans 13, but is this correct? John Calvin ends his magnum opus with one verse, "We must obey God rather than human beings!" Acts 5:29. Here's a tip, put down this book, and pick up John Knox's On Rebellion.
Brent McCulley
Brent McCulley
August 19, 2010
One of the best books I have ever read as a Christian. Takes the simple concept of submission to authority (and lack of it) and emphasizes it's profound importance in the walk of a believer in Christ.
December 24, 2014
hard book to read because submission is tough
I highly recommend this book. Submission is a tough word in the Bible. We are all called to submit but we do it very poorly. This book will encourage you and depress you both in Godly ways! Highest recommendation!!!!
I highly recommend this book. Submission is a tough word in the Bible. We are all called to submit but we do it very poorly. This book will encourage you and depress you both in Godly ways! Highest recommendation!!!!
May 6, 2012
Not as good as most of his other books but still pretty amazing with some really great points!
June 16, 2016
This book was life changing, submission is so important to every Christians life, let go and allow God to work in your life
November 6, 2014
A must read! Spot on.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 18, 2016
While not perfect KP does a great job a explaining why submission and respect are so important in a believers life.
Read
August 12, 2018This was an excellent book. K.P. Yohannan discusses how submitting to authority gives us protection from making bad choices. Yohannan clearly shows us how we should respond to governing authorities, why God gives us shepherds, and how they are God's appointed protection over us. This book is an easy read and a very insightful book. I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews