Philly Thompson once met Jesus on a city bus. After that extraordinary visit, Philly’s life didn’t go back to being ordinary. The intervening years, however, have been more tragic than magic. In that time, he lost loved ones, lost another job, and lost much of his faith. Jesus didn’t promise him a story filled with magic. But he did offer himself, a continued connection with Jesus, his dearest friend.
That friend is talking to Philly again, and inviting him back into conversation and back into helping people in need. By now, Philly has settled into a new life full of hope and possibilities. Will it be full of Jesus? How can he include Jesus in his life again?
A direct sequel to Seeing Jesus, the most popular book by Jeffrey McClain Jones, Hosting Jesus invites you into Philly’s ongoing story and includes news of characters from other Seeing Jesus books.
As a small boy in Lincoln, Nebraska, I listened enrapt to my grandmother reading me children’s stories, such as The Little Engine That Could. I also recall the elementary school librarian who read us Winnie the Pooh, imitating all the voices. And I remember the first summer I was allowed to ride my bike to the library on my own.
Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.
In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.
At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?
When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.
During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.
I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.
A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.
In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.
Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.
Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.
Jeffery always provides a joyful reality relating to Jesus intimately. I don’t quibble about little things I might never do. The general reality of relationship with our Messiah is accurate in my experience. This entire series has been a wonderful gift to my life. It will be to you, also.
I just finished the book an hour ago. This is the sixth in the series and I've read them all. They are consistently 5 stars to me. Jesus has been my Lord and Savior for 45 years, but I went 35 years without him. Grew up in a religious family and my parents were really decent, godly people. But I didn't get it. In that 35th year, my firstborn son of five drowned in my backyard while I was 600 miles away. Through my godly folks, he was buried by a godly priest who the next day told me the Gospel (I'd heard it over and over in parochial school but didn't understand it). Within three weeks God had converted me to an ex-Marine disciple of Jesus. I mention "Marine" because that's how serious I became 45 years ago in saluting Jesus. He has accompanied me through 42 months as a civilian in terrorist wars in six countries, an emergency piloting an airplane in an ice storm, sleeping by the hospital bed of another son who had a brain tumor the size of my fist, raising another who was born deaf in a 2nd world country, loss of a job while under a $3,500/month mortgage, and countless other events that would turn others prematurely gray--but also through the joy of Christian Businessmen, Promise Keepers, and Prison Fellowship Ministries. I'm a witness that Jeffrey McClain Jones knows Jesus like I know Jesus. His books are real, and refresh the joy in my soul and remembrance of 45 years of walking with Jesus. And, yes, Jesus is with me from rising through sleep and will be for eternity. If you want to know what living like that is, read these books.
Every time I read one of the Jeffery McClain books, I am blessed with a deeper, more profound walk with Jesus. The people are so real and flawed, I can relate.
Marvelous! A delightful journey of discovery and devotion. Walk with Philly and Brenda as they experience a life of love and fulfillment in a close and compelling relationship with Jesus.
Book 6 did not disappoint. This story deals with what does one do for the rest of your life after having a supernatural experience with God. This story also relates to everyone who has not seen a manifestation of Jesus and still believes Jesus with them. The empowerment would be the same, just trusting and knowing the voice of Jesus in your mind to do what we are inspired to do. Onto book 7.
I loved this series by Jeffrey Jones. It challenged me to get to know my savior in a more intimate way and to investigate gifts of the spirit more deeply. The characters, especially Philly, and their thoughts helped me to build real people in my mind. Thanks for sharing your gift!
Philly Thompson once met Jesus on a city bus. After that visit, Philly’s life didn’t go back to being ordinary. He lost loved ones, lost another job, and lost much of his faith. Jesus didn’t promise him a story filled with magic. But he did offer himself, a continued connection with Jesus, his dearest friend. I've enjoyed this series, as it makes Jesus real. Love it!
This was an awesome book continuing in the life of Philly who, from the first book in this series, actually saw Jesus. He continues to walk with Jesus even though he can't physically see Him. Wonderful reading!
Books of encouragement and conviction by Jeffrey McClain Jones. Reminders of what Jesus has done in the past and ways to bring the reality of Jesus into our daily lives.
I have Really enjoyed all the books that I’ve read of Mr. Jones! I can only imagine how Wonderful it would be to experience the things his stories tell about‼️ We just have to Believe ♥️
The most precious book I’ve read in years! I’ve read all of them so far and intend to continue. I’ve told multiple friends about the book and even bought one for a gift. Thank you for sharing g these wonderful books!
Each of these books has touched my life in a special way when I needed it. Going through a difficult time right now and Abba confirms me and teaches me each time I read in them. Even had to go through the last one twice. Thankyou, Jeffrey
This is the 6th book in the series. This one carries on from Seeing Jesus where we meet Philly again with his wife who is pregnant. I feel I have got to know Philly better as a person. He still questions himself and his faith at times, but I really warmed to him. Is was nice to get to know more about him, h ok s family and his relationship with Jesus.
I think there could be another book about Philly and his family life as I feel there's still more that could be said about him as a father. This is another excellent book which I enjoyed reading.
Have a hanky handy as Jesus interacts with His people!
I just found another wonderfully inspiring book that I am going to keep on my Kindle to read again and again. There are so many times I cried tears of joy as numerous opportunities arise in the main character's life to heal others while himself being blessed. You just have to put "Hosting Jesus" on your soon to read list, you'll love it!
I've read this entire series over the last few weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed them. They have made me feel even closer to Jesus and have reminded me that ANYTHING is possible with Him. Maybe we make things way too complex when they don't need to be.
I love all of this author's books. I didn't like this one as much as others and it was left hanging! But it still gives u sense of the presence of Jesus!