Believing Jesus: Are You Willing to Risk Everything? A Journey Through the Book of Acts

by Lisa Harper

Are you truly willing to risk everything?

In Believing Jesus, Bible teacher and author Lisa Harper retraces the steps of the apostles in the book of Acts, while throwing in a few of her own crazy adventures along the way. The disciples didn’t have much of a road map after Jesus ascended to heaven, but God’s grace and spirit filled in the gaps as they moved forward. It required their willingness to risk everything to establish a new community that would change the future world.

As a regular speaker on the Women of Faith® tour, Lisa has earned a reputation as a true theological scholar and hilarious storyteller—not necessarily in that order! Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado calls Lisa one of the “best Bible tour guides around.”

Believing Jesus will highlight both of Lisa’s strengths as she tackles every chapter of the Book of Acts with biblical wisdom and modern wit. Lisa keeps it real, telling stories on herself and pointing readers back to Jesus, the only one who can truly lead.

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

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Lisa Harper is a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar―a gifted communicator whose writing and speaking overflows with colorful, pop-culture references that connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. “Her God-given ability to not merely teach the Word but package it in a way that stirs the heart and calls to action is incomparable” says Priscilla Shirer. For six years Lisa served as the director of Focus on the Family's national women's ministry where she created the popular Renewing the Heart conferences. The next six years found her serving on the local level as the women's ministry director at a large church in Nashville. As the author of eleven books, and a Masters of Theological Studies with honors from Covenant Seminary, she is now a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker. Lisa was on the Women of Faith national arena tour and speaks at many other large events as well as at hundreds of churches all over the world. Lisa describes her greatest accomplishment to date as getting to be Missy’s mama.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I “read”, heard, this via audiobook. I love how Lisa Harper brings context and story visuals to her Bible teaching.

[Robin Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review of Believing God by Lisa Harper and Anne F. Downs. There are two books: A textbook by Lisa Harper and a workbook by Lisa Harper and Anne F. Downs. I also used the video which you can stream with the access code in the front of the book. All of these are perfect for group and individual Bible Study of the book of Acts. You will learn and be blessed. 5 stars.

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lisa Harper's honesty, heart for God, and sense of humor. It was so challenging to read about the fire and passion that the early church had in the book of Acts and compare it to my own lethargic, comfortable Christianity. I actually wished the book had been longer to allow her to go further in depth in such a rich a book. The only thing that detracted a little bit for me was that she tends to use Bibles written in paraphrase (like The Message Bible, etc.) and while that's not necessarily bad, it's not my preference because I feel like I'm missing something important. However, those versions fit her relaxed teaching style so I understand her use of them.

[Kristen Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is so funny and full of wisdom and puts the cookies on the lower shelf for us to understand the gospel.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completed this incredible Womens Bible Study with a group from my church. This book and study is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I highly recommend this book and all books by Lisa Harper. She is incredibly inspiring.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to read in combination with doing the workbook in a Bible study group, and I am so glad that I did! I loved the pictures and stories from her life that Lisa included along with examples of the early believers in the book of Acts. This book left me feeling both encouraged and challenged in my faith.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Lisa Harper can bring scripture to life in an amazing way. First - she is a human, saved by the grace of God. Second - she is a mama bear to her beautiful daughter. Third - she is an amazing scholar, missionary, speaker and teacher. She has the done the research and so comes to the table with the perspective that includes the Greek or Hebrew meaning of a text (in the context of the traditions and historical background of the time and place) as well as what that would look like today so that folks can make the leap from ancient Greece, Rome, etc... to modern day. She shares anecdotes that help to illustrate the what and how of applying God's love and Word to situations we run into everyday.

Whether you are curious, new to belief or a seasoned Believer, you will find her book to be honest, well written and helpful. Well done! Thank you, Lisa Harper.

[Julie Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely L-O-V-E Lisa Harper. She is so down-to-earth, real, and raw emotion eminates from her as she tells her experiences. It is refreshing to listen to a speaker that is so real about who she is and about her life experiences. She makes it simple and enjoyable for women to relate to her. My ladies' Bible class studied this book and it was the best class ever! She speaks from her heart and shares specific examples in the Bible that help you to relate and positively apply the lesson to your own life. She has a wonderful ability to do this through her own special way of sharing her experiences and teaching Biblical examples. I highly recommend her books and if you get a chance, watch her videos. She is just amazing!

[Tom Burkholder · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book Believing Jesus, author and Women of Faith speaker Lisa Harper writes about her journey through the book of Acts. This is not a commentary or a scholarly work. Harper gives highlights from Acts and gives her thoughts and many stories to help the reader understand Acts practically. I would recommend this book and study series. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this as a memoir but not as a study of Acts. Structure was kind of random BUT I will read more of the author's books in person. I hope she writes an actual memoir of her life! It would be well received.

[Kelly Polin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisa Harper has a way of just drawing you in and no matter what she says it will be interesting and have a funny twist. In this book she does just that she begins with telling you some really personal experiences and how it drew her in to the book of Acts. When you read this book by itself, isn't academically or deeply theological, but it does give you a real picture or overview of the book of Acts. There is a companion Bible Study book so reading this book and using the Bible Study will probably make it a deeper theological study. I did not use the Bible study while reading this book.

Lisa writes very conversationally as if you are already really good friends, and that is one factor that drew me in. She reveals wisdom from the book of Acts and I can definitely say that I learned a good bit from her by reading this book. She speaks about the book of Acts and about various experiences in her life simultaneously in each chapter. You will sit back and think, you will laugh, and you will have an understanding of the Scripture presented. She explains many truths, context and instructions in the book of Acts. If you want an overview of the book of Acts with some entertaining modern real-life explanations then this book will be a good one to read. If you are looking for more of an in depth theological study of the Book of Acts, then this may not be the book you are looking for.

I enjoyed this book because yes, her stories are compelling and entertaining but more importantly than being "entertained" its exposure to more understanding and getting a different perspective of how someone explains and experiences Scripture.

[Michelle Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this along with Bible Study group and workbook. Many things are paralleled to the video series so if you did not view the video you could read the book and still do the workbook.
Lisa Harper is funny and very “real” teacher. The best part of this study was the amazing sense of community that developed within our small group which is one of the desired results, I believe. Acts was all about the development of the early Christian church - a community of believers. Not super deep, factual but more reflective and seeking to help us understand the characters of Acts as real people that reflect many of our own human tendencies AND how Jesus meets is where we are and calls us to believe in him and his Word.

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this on the whole. Some of Lisa's analogies I wasn't comfortable with, such as Peter's denial of Jesus being like a bridegroom sleeping with the matron of honour before the wedding, but the important thing is that Lisa seems to have a heart for people and for them to understand the Bible. The stories she includes of herself as a mother make me think what a great example she is.

The end of the book seemed a bit rushed though. It's a real shame she didn't make it longer and cover chapters 17 onwards of Acts in more detail. I'll definitely be looking for other books by her.

[Michelle Estella Usher-Grano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love Lisa's humor and I don't find her to be a heretic at all. I think we should modernize bible stories to make it more personal and therefore more memberable to us. The story of her daughter Missy is powerful. Love is the greatest thing we can give but also that we can receive! Even though this book has many places that made my allergies act:up, it's also a book about hope. I hope one day, I will live my life as one who speaks of the love of Jesus the Christ all over the world, that Missy (if we ever should meet) would refer to me as Pablo as well!

[Laurie Geer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I thoroughly enjoyed Lisa Harper bubbly personality, it is NOT an accurate description to say it is a “ journey through the book of Acts” as she highlights partial chapters and misses other chapters completely. I was also bothered by a word she used throughout numerous pages
( regospel). By her own definition, she uses correctly in some places and incorrectly in other places.
Still enjoyed that she is a happy, Christian mom and speaker.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, Lisa Harper does an amazing job integrating her stories into a narrative that is interesting and engaging that also points out the message of the Bible. This book and the journey through the beginning of the early church got me super excited to be more involved with my faith and to be all in with God. Each chapter acted as a thought provoker that pushed me to want more from my relationship with God. This book made me want to be closer than I have ever been to God.

[michelle hassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa is reality

I love nothing more than the way that Lisa can bring Jesus and His apostles right into the middle of my life, right now !!!! Readings from the Bible show so many parallels between the days long ago and how they are exactly like the many problems and victories that we embrace each day, but mostly how Jesus was the answer yesterday and is there to help us face everything today. I find encouragement and love in this book, one I’m sure to read over and over again.

[Dawn Traylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acts of believing

Do you really believe Jesus? Or do you just believe in him. Believing Jesus means you act on your faith in him and watch the Holy Spirit work through you. This is what this book is about as it walks you through the book of Acts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Acts, Paul and your own self.

[k_streebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how Lisa Harper does it but everytime I listen to her or read one of her books I am automaticaly sucked in. This book was fantastic! I love how she brings the scriptures to life especially in this book. The book of Acts has been a book in the past that I have tended to skip over. However after reading this book, things I wouldn't have considered or thought about came to life for me!

[Neil McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book which has provided comfort and encouraged the reader to look at life's challenges in a new way making failures, successes.

God loves us all just the way we are, each and every person and created deserves love.

May God give me strength and continued guidance.

Amen.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good direction for Bible Study and to become better aquatinted with the book of Acts to really acknowledge what the first disciples did to preach the gospel message. The person who read it was hard to listen to.

[Qreua · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my second Lisa Harper study, and while it claims to be journey through the book of acts, you end up everywhere except the book of acts. We actually never read through the whole book of acts. Not for me (I didn't like her Luke study either).

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a supplement to go along with the 8 session video Bible study. I really enjoyed the book and it had great biblical information along with personal life connection stories, even though some of it seemed repetitive from the video study.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

good study of Acts,really understood Acts, read Acts with new eyes

[Sue Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get more from Acts

Lisa has a wonderful wit. She can really turn a phrase. I saw quite a bit more in Acts than I have from my own reading of it.

[Lucas Borgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouraging read.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this 4.5 stars if it was possible.

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[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

We used this for a women's Bible study - it sparked lots of great discussions and our faith in Jesus was stirred and renewed! Great DVD sessions with Lisa Harper.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great and challenging Bible Study we have done. Lisa Harper is refreshing in her
lessons and real and authentic in her delivery of Scripture.

[Kelli Widmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought it was good, but not as in-depth as I was hoping for.