Hidden in Plain Sight: The Secret of More

by Mark Buchanan

Even for the religious, life is full of What is faith? Can my life be more satisfying? How can I deepen my walk with Christ? What does it mean to be happy? These bubble and boil underneath the surface of our everyday life. And though we ignore them, we know they point us to realms of wisdom or even mystery-to something more.

Author Mark Buchanan asked these same questions. "I want more, God," he prayed-and the answer was more than he was looking for. It was right there, hidden in plain sight among the syllables and syntax of a few words of advice from the apostle Peter. With time and experience, Buchanan learned to tease it out, this secret of more, and he wrote a book about Hidden in Plain Sight. The answer, he discovered, is an investigation of the cross. The answer is an excavation of the virtues. The answer urges us passionately to "make every effort." And, Buchanan tells us, the answer is worth it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

Audible Audio

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Mark Buchanan lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife, Cheryl. They have three adult children, Adam, Sarah, and Nicola. He was a longtime pastor, an author of many books, and now serves as a professor at Ambrose University College in Calgary.

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot from Mark's insights on Peter's letters, with emphasis on 2 Peter 1:1-9 (adding to your faith the seven virtues of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love). He gives some paradigm-shifting perspectives, and each of the seven virtues he dissects in both intellectual and practical manners. Sometimes authors provide expert theological exegesis without tangible application, or conversely they motivate actions without giving sound doctrine to back them up or support them. Mark writes with both, making the metal hit the meat!

The only reason I didn't "really" like it (i.e. 4 stars) was the minor annoyance of dealing with his sporadic and sometimes awkward try-too-hard flowery language and occasional usage of odd words like vouchsafed and uxorious. I'd give it 3.5 stars, but still a good read though.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sensational book on just a few verses from Peter. I encourage you to read, you won't be sorry. Be blessed!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A co worker recommended this book to me, he said it was very thought provoking and at times he had to put it down because it was so deep, he needed time to digest it. So i was intrigued. Overall i enjoyed it. A few things stood out to me that will reside with me forever, his view on self control is just paying attention to things. I had to step back and really think about that. He asks the question, do you have faith? Do you know how to use it? Lastly, doing good doesn't make you a good person. There is a difference between doing good deeds and just bieng good. I'll keep an eye out for his other works in the future.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great book by Buchanan - I make an effort to find and read every one he writes!
Scripturally rooted, ministry-minded, personally candid, and beautifully expressed, Buchanan explores the topic of growth in Christian character. While expositing some "lesser known" verses in 2 Peter 1, the author intertwines stories from Peter's life, imaginitively portraying his life from different angles that may foreshadow his later work in the David trilogy.
Relatable and encouraging to read!

[Linda Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely thought provoking, challenging book.

I love the way Mark writes, and this book didn’t disappoint. I felt Gods prompting and encouragement through it. I feel like I know Peter and perhaps myself a little better since reading.

[Tim Franks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book on the seven virtues of the life of the Apostle Peter. Did not care much for the author's snide remarks and often talking against intellectual side of Christianity. Really insightful stories and application to our lives for these virtues and the life of Peter.

[Colleen Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book. So challenging.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book about how to live the Christian life taken from the second letter of Peter. It outlines Peter's teaching on what our part is living more for Jesus. I like it.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge emphasis on 2 peter1, a passage ive been pondering on a lot lately. Helps to explore this passage in depth.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading this Mark Buchanan book. He is a gifted writer and sound thinker. I recommend any of his books.

[Marinda Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Mark Buchanan!

[Watermarked Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully written, as are all his books. He expounds on the seven virtues Peter says to "make every effort to add" now that we have everything we need for life and godliness. This one took a while longer to captivate me than some of his did, but still had several brilliant insights that I think will stay with me. For example, he defines self-control as really a matter of perspective and being able to see and act in light of eternal things. That is so very much deeper than just "resolve" to do or not do something.

I also really enjoyed a section on agape love where he talks about not only choosing to love "the least of these" (losers) and the "worst of these" (enemies), but "the best of these" (winners). He talks about choosing to cheer on those who would otherwise intimidate us; choosing to affirm and encourage them because we want to serve God's purposes and get out of the way. God's purposes are the point: "what God is up to with them; why He's lavished this talent on them." His example is Jonathan supporting David, even though David did everything Jonathan was supposed to do, only a little bit better.

[Alisa Dyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is a book about practicing virtue, which at first may seem - as it did to me - a descent into something narrow and dark and enclosing, a world without wind, without open spaces where weather dances its varied moods. The word virtue made me almost claustrophobic. by temperament and against better instinct, I still have moments where I think the good life is seeking my own pleasure at my own convenience, and so the very thought of practicing virtue chafed me" (Buchanan, xii). I never imagined life to the full. But that is what i am discovering: a world vast and beautiful and holy - that all along it has been hidden in plain sight.

[Susan Gaddis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Truth that hits you in the gut and wipes your tears. Stories that bring a point home. Hidden in Plain Sight uncovers the secret to getting past the old wounds, fears, and bad habits that haunt your life.

Virtue, no longer an archaic term, becomes your #1 word and its practice your joy. You'll find Jesus closer and more real at the end of your reading than at the start. And you won't want to go back to your old way of living.

Mark Buchanan is one of my most favorite authors. Honest. His candor draws me in and I ride for hours on his creative turn of words. Grab a cup of coffee, this book, and sit down for a season of growth.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meditation on 2 Peter 1:1-9 regarding the cultivation of virtue in the Christian life. He breaks down this list (faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love) and considers how we might grow in these traits. He also looks at Peter's life and ministry as a whole. Mark Buchanan is one of the most alive Christian writers that I know of and never fails to inspire me to live deeper. Spiritual Rhythm might be my favorite and Your God is Too Safe, but this is a winner also.

[Matt Siewert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, Buchanan does confess that he wishes he could write more fiction. And that desire plays out in his writing style. Although he is describing real life situations and dynamics, he does so with an eloquence and creativity that makes you want to keep reading. It's the practicality of a spiritual development book with the intrigue of fiction. Buchanan gives life to seemingly lifeless characters and helps us discover God's heart.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a meditation on a verse from 2 Peter...Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love.
I found the book to be a good reminder that we as Christians are expected to do things and what those things are.

[Amanda Evangelista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I started reading this last night and finished it today, could not put it down! I think that was partly because it was teaching me some lessons that I really need to be learning right now. About the seven virtues that we should always be striving to cultivate more of in our lives, good stuff! I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mark Buchanan's mind, the way he delves into Scripture, mining it deeply, then penning words about his discoveries beautifully. But more than that, I love his heart for Jesus. Spending time in a Mark Buchanan book is like sitting next to my savior, savoring His presence, reveling in His nearness, earthiness, and beauty.
Comment

[Jeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book, more than many non-fiction books I've read. I got it from the library, but I definitely want to add it to my library for revisiting. Don't know if I can say it "changed" my life, but definitely influenced my views on the seven virtues mentioned in 1 Peter.

[Nancy Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, eye-opening read! I never thought so much wisdom could come out of 7 verses of Scripture, but this is a book I'll be referring back to again & again! Deep, yet easy to understand, insightful, yet honest and humble too. Excellent book!

[Mizbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

((received in mail from Crossings Book Club, read it, then sent it back))

Good book!

[Pam Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Mark speaks truth. I found it challenging and inspiring. It made me long to be more like Christ and gave me practical ways to do that.

[Rachel Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark inspires me as a writer - he has such a way with words.

[Milton Louie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A changed Peter the fisherman who writes to us about virtues. Inspirational. B+

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with a friend of mine & we discussed. Buchanan has a way with words and the topic, while difficult in action, was timely.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Mark Buchanan set out to answer the question, "How do I get more of God in my life?" Where must we die to ourselves and where become more alive?

He found the answer "Hidden In Plain Sight" and it was there all along in 2 Peter (his second letter to the faithful in Asia Minor) Chapter 1:5-8. Now that I have spoiled it by giving you the answer you should read this really good book to dive deeper and learn more. Not only does Buchanan do a great job of bringing it all to your heart, he also brings Peter to life by including some of his personal reflections on the life of Peter and three fictional stories viewing Peter through the eyes of those close to him.

The author has a great command of vocabulary and delivers his writing in a very conversational way. I truly enjoyed this book and did not want it to end. I hope you feel the same!