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Life Is _____.: God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence
Life is ____. How would you finish that sentence?
Judah Smith believes Jesus shows us how to live life to the fullest. In this follow-up to his New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jesus Is ____, Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how
· Life is to be loved and to love.
· Life is to trust God in every moment.
· Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.
· Life is to enjoy God.
Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious. He shows us the love of God that defies human logic and the life that God intends for us to have in the here and now. With excitement and humor, Judah looks at the stories in the Bible from his unique angle and shows how life is all about loving God and loving others.
Judah Smith believes Jesus shows us how to live life to the fullest. In this follow-up to his New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jesus Is ____, Judah completes the new sentence again and again, revealing how
· Life is to be loved and to love.
· Life is to trust God in every moment.
· Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.
· Life is to enjoy God.
Judah writes as a friend, welcoming new believers, lifelong followers of Jesus, and even the merely curious. He shows us the love of God that defies human logic and the life that God intends for us to have in the here and now. With excitement and humor, Judah looks at the stories in the Bible from his unique angle and shows how life is all about loving God and loving others.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
133 people are currently reading
1098 people want to read
About the author
Judah Smith
58 books285 followersJudah Smith and his wife, Chelsea, are the lead pastors of The City Church in Seattle, Washington. Judah is in high demand as a speaker, both in the United States and abroad. Judah and Chelsea have three children: Zion, Eliott, and Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 8, 2017
Another brilliant book by Judah Smith. I’ve learnt things and it has challenged me. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
August 4, 2023
I do my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.
Dear Judah Smith,
This book didn't really stand out to me that much.
This book was very similar to the book "Jesus Is_____" in a lot of ways. The style, which was humorous but still kind of impacting, captured my attention. You make Jesus very relatable for people, and that is something that I appreciate very much. I really liked how you made this book ultimately about how knowing Jesus is at the center of having a really good life. I thought maybe you were going to spew out a bunch of prosperity stuff, but you actually didn't. You talked a lot about how Jesus gives us grace and love, and how through knowing that we can truly live.
However, there were a few moments where I felt that some of your Scriptural interpretation was lacking. Some things you said weren't implied at all in the passages you chose. That bothered me a little. Also, this book didn't feel as fresh as the other one. It was a lot like "Jesus Is______" in many, many ways. It was, honestly, pretty shallow and boring.
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
Dear Judah Smith,
This book didn't really stand out to me that much.
This book was very similar to the book "Jesus Is_____" in a lot of ways. The style, which was humorous but still kind of impacting, captured my attention. You make Jesus very relatable for people, and that is something that I appreciate very much. I really liked how you made this book ultimately about how knowing Jesus is at the center of having a really good life. I thought maybe you were going to spew out a bunch of prosperity stuff, but you actually didn't. You talked a lot about how Jesus gives us grace and love, and how through knowing that we can truly live.
However, there were a few moments where I felt that some of your Scriptural interpretation was lacking. Some things you said weren't implied at all in the passages you chose. That bothered me a little. Also, this book didn't feel as fresh as the other one. It was a lot like "Jesus Is______" in many, many ways. It was, honestly, pretty shallow and boring.
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
August 30, 2016
Once again I've learned so much from Judah's book! He's real and tells it like it is and yet I see Jesus through it all which is the best part. Great book!
August 27, 2015
This book changed my life!
I will be forever amazed by the way the Universe brings to you exactly what you ask for and need. I was given this book by a new friend I made. He asked me to read it. I promised to read it. The Sunday before last, I was feeling depressed over my divorce (I didn't realize it would've been my wedding anniversary). I decided to lie in bed and read one of the many books I have in my queue to read. Instead, I grabbed the book I promised to read.
It was the best decision! I wasn't depressed anymore and have more direction and peace than ever. I ended up suggesting it to a co-worker on Monday. She downloaded it immediately. On Tuesday, she came over just to talk about the first quarter of the book.
Great job! I love his sense of humor (it's similar to mine).
I have re-read it twice already, and will again because I want this message to live in my heart.
I will be forever amazed by the way the Universe brings to you exactly what you ask for and need. I was given this book by a new friend I made. He asked me to read it. I promised to read it. The Sunday before last, I was feeling depressed over my divorce (I didn't realize it would've been my wedding anniversary). I decided to lie in bed and read one of the many books I have in my queue to read. Instead, I grabbed the book I promised to read.
It was the best decision! I wasn't depressed anymore and have more direction and peace than ever. I ended up suggesting it to a co-worker on Monday. She downloaded it immediately. On Tuesday, she came over just to talk about the first quarter of the book.
Great job! I love his sense of humor (it's similar to mine).
I have re-read it twice already, and will again because I want this message to live in my heart.
March 13, 2016
I enjoyed reading Life is ______. Judah Smith is not only witty with his delivery, his stories, and comparisons but he also has a way of simplifying the bible so that it's easily understood. His main message is that we can enjoy life by having a relationship with Jesus- that's the most important thing. We don't have to live up to certain laws and rules, we can't lose God's love, and we can't run away from God. He has four focuses throughout the book:
1. Life is to be loved and to love.
2. Life is to trust God in every single moment.
3. Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.
4. Life is to enjoy God.
1. Life is to be loved and to love.
2. Life is to trust God in every single moment.
3. Life is to be at peace with God and yourself.
4. Life is to enjoy God.
March 29, 2015
AMAZING! it rocked my world and spurred my love for Jesus even more!
October 21, 2023
I love how Judah writes. He is warm, funny, personal, and truthful. This book is a really good and easy read for a new follower of Christ, a long time follow of Jesus (to remind them of the simplicity of faith, and a curious observer wanting to know what make Jesus so central to those who love him. Life is Jesus!
February 17, 2025
If you read Jesus Is _____ and liked it then you will like this one too. Judah is a great speaker and he is a fun writer. He is easy to follow and quick to read. He makes great very applicable points for everyone. I do recommend this book and Jesus Is____ !
May 8, 2020
As always Ps. Judah. Thank you for writing this book. It much needed to hear.
August 10, 2020
So much to think about in this book. He has a mix of personal stories to make his point in it which kept me engaged. Lots of his points resonated with me. I am keen to read another of his books.
April 2, 2015
I’m a member of the Family Christian Bloggers and they provided me with a free copy of Life Is_____ for this review.
In Life Is_____, Judah Smith shared the true meaning of life and how we can live our lives to the fullest. He revealed four principles that will radically change reader’s existence, “life is to be loved and to love, life is to trust God in every moment, life is to be at peace with God and yourself, and life is to enjoy God”. God has an illogical love towards His people and He desperately wants to have a personal relationship with them. Judah begins the book by exploring how Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree when God instructed for them not to. This allowed sin to enter the world and God in His wonderful love for His people sent His only Son to die for all our sins. This is the true act of selfless love and it demonstrates how love can change our lives. He discussed countless Biblical characters throughout the book from Jesus, Peter, John, Hosea, Mary, and much more and how we can learn from their lives how we are supposed to living our life and enjoying life.
One of the powerful lessons, I learned in this book was about Hosea. He was commanded by God to marry a prostitute, Gomer and they would bear children. They eventually get married and have children. And one day, she leaves him and returns to prostitution and God tells Hosea to go chase after her and take her back to be his wife and he is told to love her. He finds her and he has to buy his wife back in order to save her out of prostitution. Judah walks readers through this story and he compares it to how we are all broken and lost and are still enslaved to sin. But the great news is, God can still redeem us if we let Him in and receive His salvation.
I would recommend this astonishing book to anyone who is struggling with understanding life’s true meaning and they are seeking more out of life. I would also recommend this book to people who are wanting to grasp the scope of God’s limitless amount of love for His people. This book is a wonderful resource and it has helped me to comprehend and imagine how much God truly loves His creation. I liked how Judah Smith wrote in a contemporary way to make the Biblical stories come alive. I immensely liked the chapter, “Trust Grace” and this one talks about forgiveness. I liked how he shared that in his marriage when they have a fight they have a contest to see who can ask for forgiveness first and grace has dramatically changed their lives. If you’re looking for a book that will assist you in understanding more about the meaning of life and how God truly does love us, then read this book!
In Life Is_____, Judah Smith shared the true meaning of life and how we can live our lives to the fullest. He revealed four principles that will radically change reader’s existence, “life is to be loved and to love, life is to trust God in every moment, life is to be at peace with God and yourself, and life is to enjoy God”. God has an illogical love towards His people and He desperately wants to have a personal relationship with them. Judah begins the book by exploring how Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree when God instructed for them not to. This allowed sin to enter the world and God in His wonderful love for His people sent His only Son to die for all our sins. This is the true act of selfless love and it demonstrates how love can change our lives. He discussed countless Biblical characters throughout the book from Jesus, Peter, John, Hosea, Mary, and much more and how we can learn from their lives how we are supposed to living our life and enjoying life.
One of the powerful lessons, I learned in this book was about Hosea. He was commanded by God to marry a prostitute, Gomer and they would bear children. They eventually get married and have children. And one day, she leaves him and returns to prostitution and God tells Hosea to go chase after her and take her back to be his wife and he is told to love her. He finds her and he has to buy his wife back in order to save her out of prostitution. Judah walks readers through this story and he compares it to how we are all broken and lost and are still enslaved to sin. But the great news is, God can still redeem us if we let Him in and receive His salvation.
I would recommend this astonishing book to anyone who is struggling with understanding life’s true meaning and they are seeking more out of life. I would also recommend this book to people who are wanting to grasp the scope of God’s limitless amount of love for His people. This book is a wonderful resource and it has helped me to comprehend and imagine how much God truly loves His creation. I liked how Judah Smith wrote in a contemporary way to make the Biblical stories come alive. I immensely liked the chapter, “Trust Grace” and this one talks about forgiveness. I liked how he shared that in his marriage when they have a fight they have a contest to see who can ask for forgiveness first and grace has dramatically changed their lives. If you’re looking for a book that will assist you in understanding more about the meaning of life and how God truly does love us, then read this book!
March 31, 2015
Life is _____.: God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence written by Judah Smith I believe is a great book! He has a way of keeping you interested, and he has even put some fun quotes. One of my favorites is the Mawage quote from The Princess Bride. He talks about Lazarus, Mary, Hosea and Gomer, the Disciples, and most of all Jesus. He also incorporates some of his life stories and does a great job at the points he is trying to make with telling them. The point is Life is Jesus, Life is God. We should fill our whole life with Jesus' teachings, and Surround our thoughts and lives with God. One thing We should attempt is to strive our best to do as Jesus did here on earth. No one is perfect and it is hard for us not to sin, because we are human. But I think as long as we are trying our hardest to do this, it will please God. We should not discriminate someone because of their choices, and ways they live. God doesn't because he loves us. My thoughts are if you push people away because they do not act or believe as you do, how else are you going to be able to witness to them? Just being there for them and being a great friend to them, that is also witnessing to people. They will see you have something different in you, and how that difference is God. This is what I got from this book, and it is an amazing reminder of how we should be. I really enjoyed this book and see myself rereading it a lot in the future. I think it would be well worth a purchase!
Disclosure: I thankfully was given the opportunity to review Life is ____. : God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence by Judah Smith for free from Family Christian. Provided I give an honest review.
Disclosure: I thankfully was given the opportunity to review Life is ____. : God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence by Judah Smith for free from Family Christian. Provided I give an honest review.
May 18, 2015
In a wistful tone, I throw out a question, a seemingly profound, almost rhetorical one to which I half expect an answer. “What is life all about anyway?”
I imagine my friend’s answers to that question are not unlike reading Life Is _____. by Judah Smith. He would relate to me the perfectly ordinary happenings in his life or what he thought about a certain situation and then connect those with his opinions on what life is, based on God’s Word.
He would tell me funny anecdotes that would make me laugh out loud. He would inject side comments that would give me insight on his personality and the present world. He would narrate stories from the Bible, most of which I have heard or read, but from his unique perspective. Most of these would revolve around Jesus’ love, how God gives us peace when we trust in Him, and how to simply enjoy God.
This conversation would not only entertain, but most importantly, it would enlighten me on how Jesus loves. No, it’s not preachy at all, that’s why I would be made to feel close to the Lord because of it, despite my sins and mistakes. A relationship with Jesus would be most welcoming whether I am on my knees and wiping the sweat off my children’s backs, or you’re staring at your books for hours until tears well up in your eyes as exam week draws near, already a Christian or not yet.
I would come away from the experience in my imaginary cafe with a renewed purpose with regards to God. I highly recommend this conversation, and book, to everyone searching for answers to what life is.
Read my full review here: http://www.cymplified.com/2015/life-i...
I imagine my friend’s answers to that question are not unlike reading Life Is _____. by Judah Smith. He would relate to me the perfectly ordinary happenings in his life or what he thought about a certain situation and then connect those with his opinions on what life is, based on God’s Word.
He would tell me funny anecdotes that would make me laugh out loud. He would inject side comments that would give me insight on his personality and the present world. He would narrate stories from the Bible, most of which I have heard or read, but from his unique perspective. Most of these would revolve around Jesus’ love, how God gives us peace when we trust in Him, and how to simply enjoy God.
This conversation would not only entertain, but most importantly, it would enlighten me on how Jesus loves. No, it’s not preachy at all, that’s why I would be made to feel close to the Lord because of it, despite my sins and mistakes. A relationship with Jesus would be most welcoming whether I am on my knees and wiping the sweat off my children’s backs, or you’re staring at your books for hours until tears well up in your eyes as exam week draws near, already a Christian or not yet.
I would come away from the experience in my imaginary cafe with a renewed purpose with regards to God. I highly recommend this conversation, and book, to everyone searching for answers to what life is.
Read my full review here: http://www.cymplified.com/2015/life-i...
December 22, 2016
“God created human beings out of a desire for relationship. He created Adam and Eve because he wanted to love and be loved.”
Judah Smith is a newer voice in the Church. He is so new that I have not read his earlier works Jesus Is: Find a New Way to Be Human and Love Like Jesus.
Like most new authors in Christian book genre, the thoughts are not new and the ideas are not unique, however Judah’s passion and style are both refreshing and energizing.
Life is _____.: God’s Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence is a pretty simple book. Judah breaks down life into four statements: Life is to be love and to love, Life is to trust God in every moment, Life is to be at peace with God and yourself, and Life is to enjoy God.
When I first picked up this book, I was worried that I was going to read a hipster version of Christianity that is watered down fuzzy words about love. Yet I was pleasantly surprised with the use of Scripture and the author’s ability to make timeless Bible stories relateable to the modern Christian.
God loves us. He wants us to love Him. He wants us to love everything He has created.
Judah Smith is easier to read that John Piper and more intellectual than Rob Bell.
I liked this book even though I never felt like I got enthusiastic about it. It is a good book to pick up once in awhile and read casually.
“We are good at missing the good ol’ days, and we are good at longing for someday. But in the process, we often undervalue the importance of today...We live life best when we live it without regretting the past or fearing the future”
Judah Smith is a newer voice in the Church. He is so new that I have not read his earlier works Jesus Is: Find a New Way to Be Human and Love Like Jesus.
Like most new authors in Christian book genre, the thoughts are not new and the ideas are not unique, however Judah’s passion and style are both refreshing and energizing.
Life is _____.: God’s Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence is a pretty simple book. Judah breaks down life into four statements: Life is to be love and to love, Life is to trust God in every moment, Life is to be at peace with God and yourself, and Life is to enjoy God.
When I first picked up this book, I was worried that I was going to read a hipster version of Christianity that is watered down fuzzy words about love. Yet I was pleasantly surprised with the use of Scripture and the author’s ability to make timeless Bible stories relateable to the modern Christian.
God loves us. He wants us to love Him. He wants us to love everything He has created.
Judah Smith is easier to read that John Piper and more intellectual than Rob Bell.
I liked this book even though I never felt like I got enthusiastic about it. It is a good book to pick up once in awhile and read casually.
“We are good at missing the good ol’ days, and we are good at longing for someday. But in the process, we often undervalue the importance of today...We live life best when we live it without regretting the past or fearing the future”
April 5, 2015
This is the second book I have read by Judah and it is not nearly as the insightful as first, in my opinion. The book discussed the purpose and meaning of life, very early on in the book Judah lays out the four major points he discusses. Life is to be loved and to love. Life is to trust God in every moment. Life is to be at peace with God and yourself. Life is to enjoy God. From there, the remainder of the book discusses these four points in detail.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first chapter, as it spends a large portion discussing how you must be loved in order to love others, the rest of the book felt a little bland. It seemed to be missing the passion that his first book was written with. While be no means would I say the book was bad, I would say that Jesus Is _______.: Find a New Way to Be Human was remarkably better and I would start with it.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the first chapter, as it spends a large portion discussing how you must be loved in order to love others, the rest of the book felt a little bland. It seemed to be missing the passion that his first book was written with. While be no means would I say the book was bad, I would say that Jesus Is _______.: Find a New Way to Be Human was remarkably better and I would start with it.
May 24, 2015
Life is ___. Good. The follow-up to Judah's much regaled 'Jesus is ___.', 'Life is ___.' a fair effort. Most of the newness of the first book is reprised to much less effect this time around. The message, while titled differently than its precursor, still paints a portrait of Jesus, which makes this book a bit unnecessary.
As an anthology of his sermons, however, this is a good sequel. The release plays out similarly to Joel Osteen's 'You Can, You Will' release after the much better 'Breakout'- not poor content, just not particularly memorable. This probably speaks more to my taste in reading and content, however. I encourage you to give it a go yourself and see if you can rediscover what Life is... really all about.
As an anthology of his sermons, however, this is a good sequel. The release plays out similarly to Joel Osteen's 'You Can, You Will' release after the much better 'Breakout'- not poor content, just not particularly memorable. This probably speaks more to my taste in reading and content, however. I encourage you to give it a go yourself and see if you can rediscover what Life is... really all about.
April 29, 2015
I just saw Judah Smith at the Catalyst West conference and while he was speaking I thought "Oh my, if I always felt as inspired as this, I'd never need any help again!" ha. Wow, he is a powerful speaker, and it prompted me to buy his book. It's really great -- he's so young, my goodness, I was really afraid that I wouldn't even get some of the culturally relevant references - thank goodness I'm not so out of it, I actually knew what he was talking about most of the time!! This is an inspiring book from an inspiring guy.
July 11, 2016
I love listening to Pastor Judah Smith preach, so it makes sense that I would love his writing as well. Judah is funny and very relatable, which makes his writing easy to read and digest. I found myself looking at classic Bible stories in a whole new way during this book; he really made some great points.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially anyone wanting to grow their faith.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially anyone wanting to grow their faith.
August 28, 2015
In Life Is, Judah Smith does an excellent job of portraying the gospel of Jesus in a simple, yet profound manner. He talks about finding purpose in life by seeking after Christ and giving your all to Him. Judah also succeeds at telling great, hilarious stories and relating real life issues to God's Word. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
March 19, 2015
love.
There just aren't words to say how much I needed to be reminded of the love of God and how much this book did just that. It's an easy read that had me laughing, crying and left me inspired to love God more and His people more. This message is true for me and those around me.
There just aren't words to say how much I needed to be reminded of the love of God and how much this book did just that. It's an easy read that had me laughing, crying and left me inspired to love God more and His people more. This message is true for me and those around me.
May 2, 2015
I'll give Judah 5 stars for his entertainment style of writing that packs a punch. I listened to this book and I would often find myself laughing out loud, yet at the same time feeling the point hit.home in my heart.
I felt entertained, inspired, encouraged and challenged all the same time. Life Is........... Jesus!
I felt entertained, inspired, encouraged and challenged all the same time. Life Is........... Jesus!
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February 24, 2016Judah is such an amazing speaker and, if you're a Christian and are looking for a new relationship with your faith, this book will definitely help your faith. I'm so glad I read this book and I couldn't be more excited to start Jesus Is __. Sure it's in reverse order, but this isn't a series, it's a relationship with Jesus.
August 23, 2016
Judah Smith can write really really well. After reading Jesus Is _____ and now Life Is _____ it's the way he can make points about his life and other things to emphasise the gospel is amazing. I found it really easy to read too. This cannot be said with all Christian books too. I need to go back and reread it though to take it in a bit more.
March 30, 2015
Life is about placing Jesus in the number one spot and for years I have struggled with the earthly possessions taking precedents over my spiritual self. This book opened my eyes and helped me gain a few steps in the right direction.
April 7, 2015
I've always been a fan of Judah Smith, so it was not hard for me to like this book. It's a very easy read and just a refreshing read. Sometimes you just need a light easy read about faith...and this is it!
November 18, 2015
I listened to the audiobook version of this. As I said with Jesus Is____, Judah is my virtual pastor so I've heard a lot of this content covered in his sermons. It's a great book, though. Judah Smith is one of the greatest voices of our generation. Read this book!
July 31, 2016
While I enjoy listening to Judah's sermons, his written voice is not quite for me. I think this book would be really well suited for someone who is looking for an approachable introduction to Jesus (like a Faith 101). The scripture interpretations just didn't go quite deep enough for me.
October 7, 2016
This book led me to following his weekly sermons. He is passionate about the life that Jesus provides when we rest in his presence. This book was filled with many reminders to get out of our own way and trust Jesus. I would highly recommend this story-filled, engagingly written book.
March 13, 2015
Judah Smith has a way of making God/Jesus real. He uses humor and his own human quirks and mistakes to illustrate how how to accept God's love and live a life of joy and peace.
May 20, 2015
I love the way Judah Smith takes stories from the bible and makes it easy for modern day people to relate. He writes the way I think in my head.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews