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Enjoying Intimacy with God
Connection. We all want it. We crave deep intimacy so that we are known and loved. And no one knows us better or loves us more than God who created us. But sometimes we feel distant or out of sync with God. The truth is, it's not because He doesn't care. He always desires intimacy with us. But we are the ones who determine how deep that goes.
If you want to invest in your relationship with God, then J. Oswald Sanders has something to say to you. He outlines the different "circles of intimacy" with God and explains how you can live in the inner circle of sweet fellowship with your Creator. With Scripture as the guide, Sanders walks you step-by-step through ways you can open yourself to the intimacy that God desires for your relationship with Him. Here are a few of the chapter headings to give you a hint of how this is
Intimacy Is Nourished by Worship
Intimacy Is Preceded by Cleansing
Intimacy Is Maintained by Abiding
Intimacy Is Fostered by the Holy Spirit
Intimacy Is Deepened by Discipline
God wants our whole lives tuned to Him. And as Sanders said, “We are now, and we will be in the future, only as intimate with God as we really choose to be.” Allow this book to help you “go deep” and experience the satisfying relationship with God you want.
If you want to invest in your relationship with God, then J. Oswald Sanders has something to say to you. He outlines the different "circles of intimacy" with God and explains how you can live in the inner circle of sweet fellowship with your Creator. With Scripture as the guide, Sanders walks you step-by-step through ways you can open yourself to the intimacy that God desires for your relationship with Him. Here are a few of the chapter headings to give you a hint of how this is
Intimacy Is Nourished by Worship
Intimacy Is Preceded by Cleansing
Intimacy Is Maintained by Abiding
Intimacy Is Fostered by the Holy Spirit
Intimacy Is Deepened by Discipline
God wants our whole lives tuned to Him. And as Sanders said, “We are now, and we will be in the future, only as intimate with God as we really choose to be.” Allow this book to help you “go deep” and experience the satisfying relationship with God you want.
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1980
40 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
J. Oswald Sanders
124 books95 followersJ. OSWALD SANDERS (1902-1992) was a Christian leader for nearly seventy years and authored more than forty books on the Christian life including The Incomparable Christ, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Leadership, and Spiritual Maturity. He left a promising law practice in his native New Zealand to serve as an instructor and administrator at the Bible College of New Zealand. Dr. Sanders later became general director of the China Inland Mission (now the Overseas Missionary Fellowship), and was instrumental in beginning many new missions projects throughout East Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 16, 2021
"Enjoying Intimacy With God" by J. Oswald Sanders is not a book that is designed for the head; rather, this book is designed for the heart. If that was Oswald's goal (and I believe it was) then he is a fine marksman indeed, for he scored a direct hit with this helpful little volume.
This book is designed for the follower of Christ who wishes to intensify his relationship with the Lord. I would classify this book along with "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. Reading a book like this always leaves me desiring a more intimate relationship with God. Fortunately, Sanders provides a Biblical roadmap toward increasing intimacy with our Creator.
The book is an easy read, but don't be fooled by its brevity and accessibility. The path laid out by Sanders is no easy one to follow. One's heart must yearn for such an intimate relationship with God that no mere substitute will do. Much of what passes for Christian literature in our day seems like spiritual junk food compared to Sanders' meaty offering.
One could use this book in daily devotions, or one could use this to disciple a young believer. Every follower of Christ can benefit from the spiritual tune-up that this volume is designed to provide. I often re-read Tozer, especially when my devotion begins to run cold. I will now add Sanders to my list of prescriptives for the spiritual doldrums. Yes, this book is a keeper. Buy it and read it and I believe this will become a treasured volume for you too. Happy reading!
This book is designed for the follower of Christ who wishes to intensify his relationship with the Lord. I would classify this book along with "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. Reading a book like this always leaves me desiring a more intimate relationship with God. Fortunately, Sanders provides a Biblical roadmap toward increasing intimacy with our Creator.
The book is an easy read, but don't be fooled by its brevity and accessibility. The path laid out by Sanders is no easy one to follow. One's heart must yearn for such an intimate relationship with God that no mere substitute will do. Much of what passes for Christian literature in our day seems like spiritual junk food compared to Sanders' meaty offering.
One could use this book in daily devotions, or one could use this to disciple a young believer. Every follower of Christ can benefit from the spiritual tune-up that this volume is designed to provide. I often re-read Tozer, especially when my devotion begins to run cold. I will now add Sanders to my list of prescriptives for the spiritual doldrums. Yes, this book is a keeper. Buy it and read it and I believe this will become a treasured volume for you too. Happy reading!
November 15, 2016
Wonderful book of truth! I especially appreciated the chapters " Intimacy is Deepened by Discipline" and "Intimacy Qualifies for a Ministry" and "Intimacy Produces Spiritual Maturity".
July 3, 2019
In my opinion this is a typical example of many of the evangelical books produced in the later 20th century. It’s clearly based off of more shallow sermons and teachings; it’s not too deep in new ideas nor biblical exegesis; it’s filled with poems and little illustrations; and unfortunately, it’s not that good.
There were two chapters that I thought were actually helpful—chapter 4 about cleansing and chapter 15 about discouragement—but besides that, it was a pretty boring read.
It’s not that he said much that was wrong or false. It was evangelical and most of it was right. It’s just that I wouldn’t recommend it when there’s so many other books one can read. The title and idea sounds great, but the content was much less so.
There were two chapters that I thought were actually helpful—chapter 4 about cleansing and chapter 15 about discouragement—but besides that, it was a pretty boring read.
It’s not that he said much that was wrong or false. It was evangelical and most of it was right. It’s just that I wouldn’t recommend it when there’s so many other books one can read. The title and idea sounds great, but the content was much less so.
July 16, 2023
J. Oswald Sanders was engaged in a worldwide teaching ministry from the 1920's until his death in 1992. His teaching started in his home country of New Zealand, extended to China and later to all of East Asia. He wrote over forty books.
His desire with this book was to, "...bring some encouragement to other fellow seekers after a deeper intimacy with God and His Christ." Time will tell if this reader succeeds or not, but it is clear that God wants that intimacy, but I have to work on some things to make it happen.
His desire with this book was to, "...bring some encouragement to other fellow seekers after a deeper intimacy with God and His Christ." Time will tell if this reader succeeds or not, but it is clear that God wants that intimacy, but I have to work on some things to make it happen.
January 23, 2025
It took me a while to really get into this book. Ultimately because I was pretty adverse to deep intimacy with the Lord. But after reading through the last few chapters, I long for complete union with Jesus when He comes back. The imagery and the promise that He is preparing us a place for us, His bride, is really turning my heart again! Sit down with this book if you want just a foretaste of the glory we will have with Him if we stay faithful to Him!
November 3, 2019
An excellent reminder of ways to strive for intimacy here on earth with an eye towards the glorious union with Jesus Christ in heaven.
July 15, 2021
What a great book to learn about how to be intimate with God. Read it slowly.
January 29, 2009
J. Oswald Sanders does a great job communicating an age-old message of enjoying intimate fellowship with God. I received this book as a gift from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It's a good read for those who would like to grow closer to God and increase their faith.
December 4, 2014
J. Oswald Sanders is a classic author that reveals age old truths from scripture to lead us into an intimate walk with God. As in any relationship intimacy takes time, attention and deep desire. Sanders does a wonderful job engaging us in this journey and the reward is amazing!
October 27, 2010
This is a good book for those desiring to draw closer to God. It looks into the Bible for how to draw close to God and maintain that closeness.
June 25, 2014
You are close to God as you really choose to be.
August 29, 2016
I read this along with some women at my church. Great insight and great discussion.
May 20, 2016
Some good nuggets here and there
January 23, 2022
Ray gave me this book to read and this book really packs a punch. There is a hidden price to greatness and this books lays that out. I marked this book up and wrote all over it.
December 23, 2012
I enjoyed this book. In many ways, this book made clearer aspects that were not obvious before.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews