A Heart for God

by Sinclair B. Ferguson

A Heart For God is written out of the conviction that the world's greatest need, and the contemporary church's greatest lack is the knowledge of God. In a popular, readable style it draws us to an awareness of the character of God and the nature of his relationship to his people. Sinclair Ferguson guides us, step by step, to see the greatness of God in his majesty and creative power; to sense the tenderness of his care and the marvel of his love.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Discipleship

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Sinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.

Reviews

[Jim Savastio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to Dr. Ferguson on a podcast recently and when asked for his favorite of all the books he had written he said it was this volume. It is easy to see why. Made up of 11 brief chapters it goes for the heart and mind in his customary style. A very good book to have with you for your devotional time with the Lord. He ends with the words of a hymn, My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;
’Tis His to lead me there—not mine, but His—
At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.

[Shaun M. Hewlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice, short and sweet, easy to read, God glorifying book by Dr. Ferguson. This could easily be read in a few days or less if you're a quick reader and will definitely help draw you closer to the Lord. Not much more to say, its a great book and I'd happily recommend it to anyone. Sinclair Ferguson is becoming (if he is not already) my favorite author. And I can't wait to dive into my next book of his: "The Whole Christ".

[Eilidh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such great wisdom and truth in a little book. It really made me think deeper about living for Christ, worshipping him and spending time to know him better and it really increases your desire to do so.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way, way back in 1987, Sinclair Ferguson - Scottish Theologian, Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and assistant minister of St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland, Dundee - penned a little volume, "A Heart for God". This 132-page, handy softback tackles what it means to have a heart for God. Written with poise and piety, it is accessible for most anyone from 15 to 95.

In this wee dossier, Ferguson envelopes covenants and creation, Trinity and trust, warm-heartedness and worship, among other subjects. Each chapter revolves around one particular biblical passage germane to the topic. And the whole of the work is wrapped around having a fuller love for God. For, as the author states, how "you view God determines the quality and style of your Christian experience" (70). The material is meant to fortify faith, but also to develop devotion. "A Heart for God" is a delightful little manuscript perfect for ministers and parishioners. I highly recommend the work.

[Joanna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had several great reads recently - and this is definitely one of them. So good.

[Chris Pridemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faithful biblical exposition of the character of God which reminds us to worship in response to who God really is. Key takeaway for me .. A diminishing level of commitment to personal holiness is a symptom of my forgetfulness of God's word and God's works in my life.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferguson does it again - all the books he writes are well worth a read.

There is so much depth in his Christian writing. The only book that I have read again immediately after completing it. So many pearls of wisdom!

[Susanna Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

very rich

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, a must read!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I didn't rate this five stars is that Sinclair has set too high a bar for himself with his other works. Nonetheless, it's a brilliant little book well worth the read.

[Reginald Detabali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A faithful work from a faithful expositor. Ferguson laid the fundamental truths of the christian life. Every chapter served a spiritual food to my soul. I definitely will read this again.

[David Bruyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tad prosaic for a book on devotion, though the chapter on holiness was stirring.

[Grace Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, hands down, one of the best and most impactful books I’ve ever read. I’ve re-read it multiple times and it always holds up!

[Kenneth Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferguson, Sinclair B.: A Heart For God
This was a great book looking at God and many of His attributes. The book was not a systematic study of His attributes like reading a systematic theology. Every chapter more or less took a section of a book of the Bible or a whole book of the Bible and exposited its teachings on who God is. For someone who may be turned off from using theological terms and reading systematic theology this book would suit them well. I am not against the use of theological terms to describe God, but Ferguson uses biblical language throughout which can be helpful for understanding as well. He argues convincingly that knowing God is one of the most important task for Christians. And then spends the rest of the book helping us to learn about God and then concludes with exhortation to remember the Lord we have just learned about for the rest of our lives. This book would be a helpful introduction for someone starting a study of the attributes of God as well as a great devotional read for a long time Christian.
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Pages: 128
Boards: Paperback
Binding: Glue
Year: 2008 (first published 1987)

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Knowing God is your single greatest privilege as a Christian,” says Ferguson. This book is a look at why this issue matters so significantly, and how to reverse the neglect so many have been guilty of. In his pastoral style, Ferguson touches on both how God reveals Himself to His people and the proper response to Him. Using Scripture as the foundation, Ferguson has crafted a helpful tool for those who desire a heart for God.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ferguson is so immersed in scripture that one cannot help but be more deeply drawn into the beauty & glory of God's word by reading the pages of this book.
Favorite chapter was definitely the "Holy One of Israel" where Isaiah's encounter with God in the temple is fleshed out in great detail.
Loved the book & so appreciate Sinclair's candor, illustrations & exposition of scripture on every page that's communicated in ways every believer can understand & apply.

[Alasdair Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking little book. Ferguson does it again: applies the same old truths in a way that wakens you up to their significance.

[Wassenario · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ferguson. Some good practical theology

[Jerrill Wyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful little book. Will need to re-read at some point in the future.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book came with some excellent personal recommendations, but I really struggled making it through it. We used this book as the base of our monthly ladies bible study, and I don't think this book lends itself very well to being spaced so far apart. This is definitely the type of book where you need to go slow and be thoughtful about what you read. My favorite chapter was "The Faithful Provider".