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The Sacred Chase: Moving from Proximity to Intimacy with God
There is nothing more important in this life or the one to come than an intimate connection with Jesus. Unfortunately, we have thousands of voices distracting us, and all too often we listen to them. We confuse proximity to God with intimacy with God and are content with a Christian-branded life yet miss out on what we were created knowing God intimately.
Sharing the touching story of a demon-possessed man who had every reason to run the other way when he encountered Jesus, Heath Adamson shows us how spiritual hunger can overcome our hopelessness, our shame, and our excuses. He encourages us to pursue God regardless of where we've been or where we are, seeing our salvation as a doorway. Once we walk through it, we can discover the love of God in a tangible way.
This book is for anyone who longs for a deeper connection to God, who has felt far from peace and hope, and who needs the assurance that God is both interested in who they are and accepts them.
Sharing the touching story of a demon-possessed man who had every reason to run the other way when he encountered Jesus, Heath Adamson shows us how spiritual hunger can overcome our hopelessness, our shame, and our excuses. He encourages us to pursue God regardless of where we've been or where we are, seeing our salvation as a doorway. Once we walk through it, we can discover the love of God in a tangible way.
This book is for anyone who longs for a deeper connection to God, who has felt far from peace and hope, and who needs the assurance that God is both interested in who they are and accepts them.
208 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2020
11 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 6, 2020
We pursue so many things yet are always disappointed. Adamson says the one pursuit that will never disappoint and will, in fact, exceed our expectations is the pursuit of a more intimate connection with Jesus.
Adamson does a good job of encouraging us to seek God with all our heart. That happens when we want a divine connection more than anything else. He reminds us we are as close to God as we want to be. He challenges us about distractions, being authentic and vulnerable with God, fueling our passion for God, maintaining our soul's health, and more. He pokes holes in our religious veneer and calls us to task for the lies we tell ourselves.
Adamson uses stories from his life, the lives of others, and stories from the Bible to illustrate his teaching. The egalley I read had no questions for reflection or discussion. That's too bad because this book would be a good one for a study group or Sunday School class.
I recommend this book to Christians who have gotten lazy in their spiritual life. It's a good book for any Christian desiring encouragement for a deeper intimacy with God. It's a good book for Christians who think that proximity with God, going to church and small groups, is all that God wants in a relationship. You'll be challenged.
Food for thought: “God is our reward. God is at the beginning, the end, and the journey in between.” (Loc 207/3883)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Adamson does a good job of encouraging us to seek God with all our heart. That happens when we want a divine connection more than anything else. He reminds us we are as close to God as we want to be. He challenges us about distractions, being authentic and vulnerable with God, fueling our passion for God, maintaining our soul's health, and more. He pokes holes in our religious veneer and calls us to task for the lies we tell ourselves.
Adamson uses stories from his life, the lives of others, and stories from the Bible to illustrate his teaching. The egalley I read had no questions for reflection or discussion. That's too bad because this book would be a good one for a study group or Sunday School class.
I recommend this book to Christians who have gotten lazy in their spiritual life. It's a good book for any Christian desiring encouragement for a deeper intimacy with God. It's a good book for Christians who think that proximity with God, going to church and small groups, is all that God wants in a relationship. You'll be challenged.
Food for thought: “God is our reward. God is at the beginning, the end, and the journey in between.” (Loc 207/3883)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 3, 2020
Like any Heath Adamson book, you will be challenged and encouraged all at the same time. Go get it! Dig deeper! HE is worth it!
May 14, 2020
Summary: Using Jesus' encounter with the demoniac who ran toward him, the author encourages us that as we pursue God, we may have the intimate relationship with God we desire.
There are many things we chase after in our lives. All these may distract us from the pursuit it is most worthy to chase after--the pursuit of God. Heath Adamson contends that the sacred chase is unlike any other we may pursue:
There is a mind-blowing, never-ending connection with God available to everyone right now. I am not necessarily talking about meeting God so you can go to heaven after you die. That is of primary importance, don't get me wrong, for eternity is long, and your eternal salvation cost God all: his Son.
What I am referring to is the audacious pursuit of God and God's reckless love for you--what I call the sacred chase. Perhaps you think of salvation in Christ like a door. Once you walk through that door, you will discover how unsearchable the love and promises of God are for you....Pursuing this is worth all your efforts. When deep connection and friendship with God is someone's desire, I have never seen that someone walk away disappointed (pp. 12-13).
The author contends that we might know an intimacy with God that surpasses comprehension, but that we must choose to pursue it without hindrance or distraction. He challenges us to give up pursuing Christianity to pursue Christ--to move beyond institutions and agendas to pursue a person. He encourages us that God will welcome us from wherever we are coming.
In the remaining chapters of the book, Adamson centers his focus on the demoniac whose name was Legion. One of the critical observations is that the many, with all his wounds and torments, runs toward Jesus. He hears Jesus say, "what is your name?" Jesus gives him total liberation, sending the demons into pigs rather than letting them wander, and possibly return. He leaves a man clothed and in his right man, one who encourages the people in his town to also engage in the sacred chase, which they do the next time Jesus visits Gadara.
In between discussions of the narrative of Legion, Adamson illustrates principles with life stories and other narratives in scripture. He holds forth the question of will we pursue the intimacy with God that we long for and encourages us that we will be more than met in our chase.
Adamson writes well and compellingly. The only thing I found missing was the idea that as we pursue God, we will find that God has been pursuing us. Perhaps Adamson didn't want to spoil the surprise, and he does encourage us that God will meet us. But the truth at least that I found was that the Lord was the "hound of heaven" pursuing me before I ever pursued him. I found myself thinking as I read this book, "who is chasing whom?"
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
There are many things we chase after in our lives. All these may distract us from the pursuit it is most worthy to chase after--the pursuit of God. Heath Adamson contends that the sacred chase is unlike any other we may pursue:
There is a mind-blowing, never-ending connection with God available to everyone right now. I am not necessarily talking about meeting God so you can go to heaven after you die. That is of primary importance, don't get me wrong, for eternity is long, and your eternal salvation cost God all: his Son.
What I am referring to is the audacious pursuit of God and God's reckless love for you--what I call the sacred chase. Perhaps you think of salvation in Christ like a door. Once you walk through that door, you will discover how unsearchable the love and promises of God are for you....Pursuing this is worth all your efforts. When deep connection and friendship with God is someone's desire, I have never seen that someone walk away disappointed (pp. 12-13).
The author contends that we might know an intimacy with God that surpasses comprehension, but that we must choose to pursue it without hindrance or distraction. He challenges us to give up pursuing Christianity to pursue Christ--to move beyond institutions and agendas to pursue a person. He encourages us that God will welcome us from wherever we are coming.
In the remaining chapters of the book, Adamson centers his focus on the demoniac whose name was Legion. One of the critical observations is that the many, with all his wounds and torments, runs toward Jesus. He hears Jesus say, "what is your name?" Jesus gives him total liberation, sending the demons into pigs rather than letting them wander, and possibly return. He leaves a man clothed and in his right man, one who encourages the people in his town to also engage in the sacred chase, which they do the next time Jesus visits Gadara.
In between discussions of the narrative of Legion, Adamson illustrates principles with life stories and other narratives in scripture. He holds forth the question of will we pursue the intimacy with God that we long for and encourages us that we will be more than met in our chase.
Adamson writes well and compellingly. The only thing I found missing was the idea that as we pursue God, we will find that God has been pursuing us. Perhaps Adamson didn't want to spoil the surprise, and he does encourage us that God will meet us. But the truth at least that I found was that the Lord was the "hound of heaven" pursuing me before I ever pursued him. I found myself thinking as I read this book, "who is chasing whom?"
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 18, 2020
An engaging invitation to an intimate relationship with God
Author Heath Adamson uses excellent story-telling and inspired insight to challenge Christians to a deeper relationship with God. 'The Sacred Chase' is the intentional pursuit of an intimate relationship with God. It involves more than a church service or saying a prayer by rote. As Adamson describes it, we can run our spiritual race with all our heart, but if we’re running in the wrong direction, we still won’t finish. Are we running in the right direction? We can only know this by having an intimate relationship with God.
As a master storyteller, Adamson uses many compelling examples to drive his points home. The Biblical man they called Legion is an ongoing case referenced, along with many Biblical and current day examples. My favorite was the opening story of Tilly’s beach. Tilly’s story is an memorable example of listening to God’s voice and acting upon it.
Adamson uses biblical verses throughout as the foundation for the topics that lead the reader to understanding what the Sacred Chase involves. It covers what an intimate relationship with God looks like and how we can achieve it. God is ready and willing and waiting for us. The rest is up to us.
How this book affected me:
I’m currently in the midst of the “sacred chase” although I didn’t have a name for it until now. So this book had a profound impact on me. It's one of the best books on faith that I've read and has given me the encouragement to go all out in my chase even with the fear and reservations I have about what might be required of me.
My only disappointment was that there were not many specifics on the “how-to”, which is where I stumble. (For example, in the be still and listen department, I seem to end up falling asleep or my mind wanders to other things.) In retrospect, this is a journey of the heart and soul. There is no step-by-step guide for how to adjust feelings. However, the author has made a compelling case for the reasons why we could and should make a relationship with God one of the highest priorities of our lives. This book will leave a lasting impression on my Christian journey.
Who would enjoy this book:
Christians who are feeling stagnant in their walk with Christ and those who desire a closer relationship with God will enjoy The Sacred Chase. It could also prompt a lot of discussion (and spiritual growth) in a Christian book club. It would be thought-provoking pre-requisite reading for a spiritual retreat.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.
Author Heath Adamson uses excellent story-telling and inspired insight to challenge Christians to a deeper relationship with God. 'The Sacred Chase' is the intentional pursuit of an intimate relationship with God. It involves more than a church service or saying a prayer by rote. As Adamson describes it, we can run our spiritual race with all our heart, but if we’re running in the wrong direction, we still won’t finish. Are we running in the right direction? We can only know this by having an intimate relationship with God.
As a master storyteller, Adamson uses many compelling examples to drive his points home. The Biblical man they called Legion is an ongoing case referenced, along with many Biblical and current day examples. My favorite was the opening story of Tilly’s beach. Tilly’s story is an memorable example of listening to God’s voice and acting upon it.
Adamson uses biblical verses throughout as the foundation for the topics that lead the reader to understanding what the Sacred Chase involves. It covers what an intimate relationship with God looks like and how we can achieve it. God is ready and willing and waiting for us. The rest is up to us.
How this book affected me:
I’m currently in the midst of the “sacred chase” although I didn’t have a name for it until now. So this book had a profound impact on me. It's one of the best books on faith that I've read and has given me the encouragement to go all out in my chase even with the fear and reservations I have about what might be required of me.
My only disappointment was that there were not many specifics on the “how-to”, which is where I stumble. (For example, in the be still and listen department, I seem to end up falling asleep or my mind wanders to other things.) In retrospect, this is a journey of the heart and soul. There is no step-by-step guide for how to adjust feelings. However, the author has made a compelling case for the reasons why we could and should make a relationship with God one of the highest priorities of our lives. This book will leave a lasting impression on my Christian journey.
Who would enjoy this book:
Christians who are feeling stagnant in their walk with Christ and those who desire a closer relationship with God will enjoy The Sacred Chase. It could also prompt a lot of discussion (and spiritual growth) in a Christian book club. It would be thought-provoking pre-requisite reading for a spiritual retreat.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2020
We hear a lot about having an intimate relationship with God. We hear about it, and want it for ourselves, but often it seems like we’re stumbling in the dark, waiting for the electricity to come back on so that we can see where we’re going. We’re close, and want to be closer, but we don’t know where to go next, and how to reach the destination. I wish I could say that this book offers a road map, and one that is much more accurate than anything Google Maps, MapQuest, or your GPS device has to offer. But I can’t—for one thing that journey is an individual one, and we each have to find our own route, and secondly, I never got the impression that providing a detailed road map was the ultimate objective.
What the reader will find in The Sacred Chase: Moving from Proximity to Intimacy with God (Heath Adamson, Baker Books, 2020) is something much more valuable: a sense of what is available once the destination is reached, and the necessary encouragement to motivate you to set out on the journey. This is a reminder that there is more, much more, to Christianity than just going through the motions: church on Sunday, maybe a small group or bible study, tithing (or at least regular giving) are all good things, but without the relationship with Jesus, it doesn’t mean a lot—if anything.
Adamson uses many familiar passages from scripture and illustrates them with stories from his own faith walk. I’ve never met the author, and I’m sure he was writing about himself, someone he knows personally, or about people in general, but I felt that he could have been writing about me:
“We become discouraged when our religious experience does not line up with God’s
good heart. Lacking identity, we develop a version of who we pretend to be, and we put
on a show at work, in front of our spouse, at the gym, on the golf course, at church, or in
the coffee shop. We are just terrified that people won’t like who we really are. in our pretension, we can even forget the truth ourselves. We can perform for the approval of others until we are unaware it is a performance.”
Just being close to God isn’t always enough, we want to be next to Him. It’s not too late to set out on your own journey from proximity to intimacy.
The biographical info on the back cover says that the authors life was ‘changed dramatically when… he was rescued from a life steeped in drug abuse and the occult. I enjoy that type of conversion story, so I was disappointed that some of those experiences weren’t included in this book.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the publisher’s bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
4/5
What the reader will find in The Sacred Chase: Moving from Proximity to Intimacy with God (Heath Adamson, Baker Books, 2020) is something much more valuable: a sense of what is available once the destination is reached, and the necessary encouragement to motivate you to set out on the journey. This is a reminder that there is more, much more, to Christianity than just going through the motions: church on Sunday, maybe a small group or bible study, tithing (or at least regular giving) are all good things, but without the relationship with Jesus, it doesn’t mean a lot—if anything.
Adamson uses many familiar passages from scripture and illustrates them with stories from his own faith walk. I’ve never met the author, and I’m sure he was writing about himself, someone he knows personally, or about people in general, but I felt that he could have been writing about me:
“We become discouraged when our religious experience does not line up with God’s
good heart. Lacking identity, we develop a version of who we pretend to be, and we put
on a show at work, in front of our spouse, at the gym, on the golf course, at church, or in
the coffee shop. We are just terrified that people won’t like who we really are. in our pretension, we can even forget the truth ourselves. We can perform for the approval of others until we are unaware it is a performance.”
Just being close to God isn’t always enough, we want to be next to Him. It’s not too late to set out on your own journey from proximity to intimacy.
The biographical info on the back cover says that the authors life was ‘changed dramatically when… he was rescued from a life steeped in drug abuse and the occult. I enjoy that type of conversion story, so I was disappointed that some of those experiences weren’t included in this book.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the publisher’s bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.
4/5
April 22, 2020
Having grown up in the church, I often heard of the importance of a close relationship with Jesus. Yet on any given day, there are way too many voices and responsibilities distracting us from Him.
As life became quieter, more isolated even, it was the perfect time to read The Sacred Chase by Heath Adamson. The days were folding into one another and becoming rote, which made it the right time to stir up the mundane and seek greater depth.
As the author states in his introduction:
“Whether things are going great or you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of things constantly falling apart, right now is your moment to shout a resounding yes and begin the chase – the sacred chase – that always results in winning the prize. And what is that prize? The reality of Jesus in your life today.
The sacred chase is not about performing for God’s approval; rather, it is about positioning your heart and responding to a divine glance. And one glance is all it takes.”
In these historical, pandemic days the author drew me in with his stories and illustrations. Each chapter renewed my desire to be all in as I chase after Jesus in my own life.
There were no step by step suggestions for which I found myself grateful. The sacred chase is meant to be personal and individual, unique to each of us.
The book will shatter some misconceptions, opening our eyes to the fact that we can be near to God yet not intimate with God. We can possess a knowledge of Him without truly knowing Him in a personal manner.
“There is one enemy of our sacred chase that often remains undetected. It causes us to become impressed with ourselves, and though we’re slowly decaying, provides an appearance of life. Spiritual apathy wears it like a costume. We will call it proximity …
Proximity, also called nearness, religious performance, or lack of vulnerability, is a shrewd enemy of our spiritual inheritance.”
(from page 37)
The book was encouraging and challenging as it opened my eyes to see that we are as close to God as we choose to be. God will not limit us in our intimacy with Him. This time of isolation and quieter days, days of less activity, made me realize the depth to which busyness distracts us from being still before God.
We must deliberately posture our hearts so our hearts desire to know and pursue God, no matter how hard the road before us.
“Let us crucify every excuse, and then let us begin the sacred chase.
It is the opportunity of a lifetime and for all of eternity.”
(from page 197)
** I was provided a copy of this book by Baker Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As life became quieter, more isolated even, it was the perfect time to read The Sacred Chase by Heath Adamson. The days were folding into one another and becoming rote, which made it the right time to stir up the mundane and seek greater depth.
As the author states in his introduction:
“Whether things are going great or you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of things constantly falling apart, right now is your moment to shout a resounding yes and begin the chase – the sacred chase – that always results in winning the prize. And what is that prize? The reality of Jesus in your life today.
The sacred chase is not about performing for God’s approval; rather, it is about positioning your heart and responding to a divine glance. And one glance is all it takes.”
In these historical, pandemic days the author drew me in with his stories and illustrations. Each chapter renewed my desire to be all in as I chase after Jesus in my own life.
There were no step by step suggestions for which I found myself grateful. The sacred chase is meant to be personal and individual, unique to each of us.
The book will shatter some misconceptions, opening our eyes to the fact that we can be near to God yet not intimate with God. We can possess a knowledge of Him without truly knowing Him in a personal manner.
“There is one enemy of our sacred chase that often remains undetected. It causes us to become impressed with ourselves, and though we’re slowly decaying, provides an appearance of life. Spiritual apathy wears it like a costume. We will call it proximity …
Proximity, also called nearness, religious performance, or lack of vulnerability, is a shrewd enemy of our spiritual inheritance.”
(from page 37)
The book was encouraging and challenging as it opened my eyes to see that we are as close to God as we choose to be. God will not limit us in our intimacy with Him. This time of isolation and quieter days, days of less activity, made me realize the depth to which busyness distracts us from being still before God.
We must deliberately posture our hearts so our hearts desire to know and pursue God, no matter how hard the road before us.
“Let us crucify every excuse, and then let us begin the sacred chase.
It is the opportunity of a lifetime and for all of eternity.”
(from page 197)
** I was provided a copy of this book by Baker Books. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 9, 2020
I had won an advance paperback copy of this book from the publisher through a giveaway they had on GoodReads, and the following is my honest opinion.
It's easy to imagine a devil-possessed individual singing Amazing Grace once they've allowed themself to accept the Lord into their once decrepit life and lifestyle. Those of us who have already gone from merely having a simple relationship with the Lord to one that is more intimate and are always already to proclaim it by singing What a Friend We Have in Jesus:
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
It, however, is regrettable how so many Christian are confused regarding the level of their relationship with the Lord. Their confusion is rooted in all of the worldly distractions they've got in their perceived Christian lifestyle. They're eager to attain a more intimate relationship with Him but are clueless as to how to do it. The author of this book, Heath Adamson, seeks to enlighten his readers regarding this desired relationship by skillfully interweaving his life experiences and others with biblical stories that most Christians already know from the Sunday School classes they had as children.
Add to this, the addition of scripture, and the apparent result is the realization that anyone with a hunger for religion in their life has the capacity of conquering their despair, their embarrassment, and justification of not having the Lord being a part of their lives. And by inspiring his readers to follow the Lord regardless of their current relationship status, that they'd be able to see their redemption as an entranceway in discovering the Lord's love in a more noticeable realization.
For wanting his readers to achieve a deeper connection to the Lord so that they can sing Amazing Grace in regards to their spiritual transformation, I've given Mr. Adamson the 5 STARS he's garnered from this voracious reviewer of nonfiction Christian books.
It's easy to imagine a devil-possessed individual singing Amazing Grace once they've allowed themself to accept the Lord into their once decrepit life and lifestyle. Those of us who have already gone from merely having a simple relationship with the Lord to one that is more intimate and are always already to proclaim it by singing What a Friend We Have in Jesus:
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
It, however, is regrettable how so many Christian are confused regarding the level of their relationship with the Lord. Their confusion is rooted in all of the worldly distractions they've got in their perceived Christian lifestyle. They're eager to attain a more intimate relationship with Him but are clueless as to how to do it. The author of this book, Heath Adamson, seeks to enlighten his readers regarding this desired relationship by skillfully interweaving his life experiences and others with biblical stories that most Christians already know from the Sunday School classes they had as children.
Add to this, the addition of scripture, and the apparent result is the realization that anyone with a hunger for religion in their life has the capacity of conquering their despair, their embarrassment, and justification of not having the Lord being a part of their lives. And by inspiring his readers to follow the Lord regardless of their current relationship status, that they'd be able to see their redemption as an entranceway in discovering the Lord's love in a more noticeable realization.
For wanting his readers to achieve a deeper connection to the Lord so that they can sing Amazing Grace in regards to their spiritual transformation, I've given Mr. Adamson the 5 STARS he's garnered from this voracious reviewer of nonfiction Christian books.
April 19, 2020
We don’t “chase” after God; we walk with God
In his new book, “The Sacred Chase: Moving From Proximity to Intimacy With God,” Heath Adamson lays out reasons why we need to nurture our relationship with God. He gives accounts from the Bible and his own personal life on how we can accomplish this goal.
However, while I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing his previous book, “Grace in the Valley,” I was very disappointed and dismayed with this latest release.
Published by Baker Books, Adamson’s 208-page book’s title and theme smacks too much of Tommy Tenney’s heretical book, “The God Chasers.” Our pursuit of God is not a race; our faith is a race (Heb. 12: 1-3). We don’t “chase” after God; we walk with God.
After all, following hard after God (Psalm 63:8) does not mean we have to “chase” after Him. He’s not running from us; He’s pursuing us – and wants to draw us into a closer walk with Him every single day as we draw near to Him (James 4:8).
Overall, while Adamson’s book is well-written and actually insightful in some respects, his general message gets clouded by his theologically erroneous approach to intimacy with God, which is not a “sacred chase” after all. It’s a sacred walk with Him (Gen. 3:8).
In the end, this book would have been better had Adamson written it from that biblically accurate perspective, instead of trying to read more into the Scriptures than what has already been written concerning our relationship with God. As a fan of Adamson’s overall work, I was surprised by this apparent aberration from his other books – and remain disappointed by this latest release.
I gave his book a 2 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
In his new book, “The Sacred Chase: Moving From Proximity to Intimacy With God,” Heath Adamson lays out reasons why we need to nurture our relationship with God. He gives accounts from the Bible and his own personal life on how we can accomplish this goal.
However, while I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing his previous book, “Grace in the Valley,” I was very disappointed and dismayed with this latest release.
Published by Baker Books, Adamson’s 208-page book’s title and theme smacks too much of Tommy Tenney’s heretical book, “The God Chasers.” Our pursuit of God is not a race; our faith is a race (Heb. 12: 1-3). We don’t “chase” after God; we walk with God.
After all, following hard after God (Psalm 63:8) does not mean we have to “chase” after Him. He’s not running from us; He’s pursuing us – and wants to draw us into a closer walk with Him every single day as we draw near to Him (James 4:8).
Overall, while Adamson’s book is well-written and actually insightful in some respects, his general message gets clouded by his theologically erroneous approach to intimacy with God, which is not a “sacred chase” after all. It’s a sacred walk with Him (Gen. 3:8).
In the end, this book would have been better had Adamson written it from that biblically accurate perspective, instead of trying to read more into the Scriptures than what has already been written concerning our relationship with God. As a fan of Adamson’s overall work, I was surprised by this apparent aberration from his other books – and remain disappointed by this latest release.
I gave his book a 2 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Baker Books Bloggers Program. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
April 28, 2020
This is the first book of Adamson's I've read and he has a very thoughtful and concise manner in how he shares his stories and interpretations of Scripture to encourage his readers to the sacred chase pursuing intimacy with God.
I loved how he uses a rarely told story in the Bible to illustrate this sacred chase - the story of the man named 'Legion' in the town Gadara. I thought this was an excellent insight into the heart of the 'chase' because one of the most significant elements of this story is that Jesus, after healing the man, simply tells him to return home. And we never hear of the man again. In a world of selfie obsession and seeking significance which has infiltrated the church it's a compelling reminder that intimacy with Jesus doesn't mean we'll become anything special in the eyes of the world. And that's okay because Jesus is all we really need.
There are only ten chapters, all of which start with a story of some sort, many of which are quite unusual, which then serves to illustrate one aspect of the 'chase' with reference to the story in Mark 5. I actually found some of the stories to be a little unnecessary but I understand why Adamson used them.
The book builds to the crescendo of emphasising the sacred chase as being a worthy preoccupation but stops at actually guiding the reader in actually how to succeed in it. This is where a series of disciplines/practices may have been a useful next step. The significant challenge in this world of distraction and self-absorption is keeping the fire of any chase burning and some practical guidelines on how he has managed to achieve it would have been a valuable addition. Perhaps that will be Adamson's next book.
I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to any Christians who are sensing a rising in their yearning for more of God in their life.
I loved how he uses a rarely told story in the Bible to illustrate this sacred chase - the story of the man named 'Legion' in the town Gadara. I thought this was an excellent insight into the heart of the 'chase' because one of the most significant elements of this story is that Jesus, after healing the man, simply tells him to return home. And we never hear of the man again. In a world of selfie obsession and seeking significance which has infiltrated the church it's a compelling reminder that intimacy with Jesus doesn't mean we'll become anything special in the eyes of the world. And that's okay because Jesus is all we really need.
There are only ten chapters, all of which start with a story of some sort, many of which are quite unusual, which then serves to illustrate one aspect of the 'chase' with reference to the story in Mark 5. I actually found some of the stories to be a little unnecessary but I understand why Adamson used them.
The book builds to the crescendo of emphasising the sacred chase as being a worthy preoccupation but stops at actually guiding the reader in actually how to succeed in it. This is where a series of disciplines/practices may have been a useful next step. The significant challenge in this world of distraction and self-absorption is keeping the fire of any chase burning and some practical guidelines on how he has managed to achieve it would have been a valuable addition. Perhaps that will be Adamson's next book.
I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to any Christians who are sensing a rising in their yearning for more of God in their life.
May 9, 2020
In a day and age where it's hard to connect with one another, much less be inseparable and confidential, Heath Adamson has done a really great job with this book The Sacred Chase. The definition for intimate means "marked by a warm friendship developing through long association; suggesting informal warmth or privacy." Jesus said to the disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15, Berean Study).
All of us in our walk with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, should desire to have that same walk as did Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. That's how Christ compares our walk with Him: for Him to share Himself and His plans toward us. Each of us is responsible for our faith in this life. The reason I believe Heath has done a wonderful job in this is that if we so desire a rich and astounding relationship with the One who calls us, we are called to chase after Him with all of who we are. As scripture says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40, New King James).
Overall I find this a very interesting and wonderful book Heath has written and I would say that it behooves each and all to pick up a copy. If you desire more out of your walk with the Lord, Heath has a lot to say along with scripture to keep on running for the prize that is set before us. With that being said I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books to give a fair and honest review.
All of us in our walk with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, should desire to have that same walk as did Abraham, Jacob and Isaac. That's how Christ compares our walk with Him: for Him to share Himself and His plans toward us. Each of us is responsible for our faith in this life. The reason I believe Heath has done a wonderful job in this is that if we so desire a rich and astounding relationship with the One who calls us, we are called to chase after Him with all of who we are. As scripture says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40, New King James).
Overall I find this a very interesting and wonderful book Heath has written and I would say that it behooves each and all to pick up a copy. If you desire more out of your walk with the Lord, Heath has a lot to say along with scripture to keep on running for the prize that is set before us. With that being said I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books to give a fair and honest review.
June 9, 2020
In "The Sacred Chase," Heath Adamson takes a look at the story from Mark 5 when Jesus casts Legion out of the man in the graveyard. As he retells the story, Adamson weaves other Biblical tales, life stories, and spiritual truths in order to encourage readers to increase their intimacy with God. This book falls short in a few places. First, as it does reach the point of encouraging readers to grow in relationship with God, the process does not draw the reader in. Second, the book's message would have been stronger if Adamson had focused exclusively on the primary narrative from Mark 5. Interweaving other Biblical stories in weakens the narrative structure of the book. Going deeper into the story of the man possessed by Legion would have allowed Adamson to develop the points of the book more specifically. Finally, when Adamson discusses King David and the confrontation from the prophet regarding David's actions of Bathsheba, he identified the prophet incorrectly. As Adamson recounts the story he identifies the prophet who knocks as Samuel. If this was the case, David probably would have freaked out as Samuel had already passed away at this point. The prophet that comes and visits David is Nathan. While this seems minor in regards to the point that Adamson seeks to make in the book, it is very important to make sure the narratives you recount from Scripture tell the story as it is relayed. This small mistake causes distraction and breaks down the integrity of the text. Better editing/proofreading would have improved the text at this point.
While Adamson makes his point by the conclusion of "The Sacred Chase," the journey through the book lacks coherency and sound editing. Ultimately, the book felt like a collection of badly drawn together sermons.
I received this book as a review copy from Baker Books in return for an honest review.
While Adamson makes his point by the conclusion of "The Sacred Chase," the journey through the book lacks coherency and sound editing. Ultimately, the book felt like a collection of badly drawn together sermons.
I received this book as a review copy from Baker Books in return for an honest review.
Read
May 14, 2020If you're looking for a book to pick up just for some light pleasure reading... well, this probably isn't it. It's not a book that one is going to read just for fun, but rather a book that many can learn from. Still, that's not to say there aren't some rather entertaining moments too. In fact, right from the intro there was a story about a prank that had me chuckling as I read...and served as a great analogy for the topic of this book, The Sacred Chase.
This is a book that encourages readers to seek God with their whole hearts, mixed with personal stories and Biblical references to give a better understanding of this message. It's not a super long read, though it is one that will make you want to stop and think about what you've read as well. If you've struggled with what it means to have a close, intimate relationship with God and find yourself feeling as though you're constantly chasing after Him, this might just be the book for you to check out!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
This is a book that encourages readers to seek God with their whole hearts, mixed with personal stories and Biblical references to give a better understanding of this message. It's not a super long read, though it is one that will make you want to stop and think about what you've read as well. If you've struggled with what it means to have a close, intimate relationship with God and find yourself feeling as though you're constantly chasing after Him, this might just be the book for you to check out!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
July 24, 2023
Misinterpreting/misquoting Scripture: Did anyone else notice in the last chapter?
I found this book really interesting and enjoyed delving deeper into Legion’s encounter with Jesus (as well as the references to David’s story). I also found myself agreeing with what was mostly written, in terms of how he challenges the readers towards intimacy with God and pursuing this sacred chase as what matters most. However I found that in the last chapter, he talks about how Jesus goes back to the region of Gadara, referencing Mark 6:53-56. From my understanding (and also as I looked at the map in my Bible that tracks Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee), Gennesaret is a completely different region from Gadara and so to say with certainty that Jesus returned there, referencing Mark 6, and to make a comparison between when Jesus met Legion and how Jesus was received later on by the people would have been wrong, wouldn’t it?
Really open to hearing what others think! Esp if I’m wrong in thinking this way!
I found this book really interesting and enjoyed delving deeper into Legion’s encounter with Jesus (as well as the references to David’s story). I also found myself agreeing with what was mostly written, in terms of how he challenges the readers towards intimacy with God and pursuing this sacred chase as what matters most. However I found that in the last chapter, he talks about how Jesus goes back to the region of Gadara, referencing Mark 6:53-56. From my understanding (and also as I looked at the map in my Bible that tracks Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee), Gennesaret is a completely different region from Gadara and so to say with certainty that Jesus returned there, referencing Mark 6, and to make a comparison between when Jesus met Legion and how Jesus was received later on by the people would have been wrong, wouldn’t it?
Really open to hearing what others think! Esp if I’m wrong in thinking this way!
December 30, 2021
"The Hebrew word translated 'think' means to 'calculate, estimate, put a valuation on.' It is safe to say that what we calculate to the thousandth decimal in our thinking, which takes place often subconsciously, literally shapes how we perceive the world. There are more electrical impulses traveling from your brain to your eyes than vice versa. This means your brain tells your eyes what to see."
This was my first time reading one of Adamson's books, and it was well worth it. There were little bits of brilliance here and there (like what I begun this review with), but I think this book is aimed and geared best for a person getting acquainted with having a serious, life-altering for the very first time. If that is you, this is one of the very first books you need to pick up.
This was my first time reading one of Adamson's books, and it was well worth it. There were little bits of brilliance here and there (like what I begun this review with), but I think this book is aimed and geared best for a person getting acquainted with having a serious, life-altering for the very first time. If that is you, this is one of the very first books you need to pick up.
April 27, 2020
This book was incredible writing and compelling to read with that also encouraging, inspiring, and giving us to clear understanding about at the end of our life that we are all dream and want to be in the Haven and be happy there in the Garden of God but before that will happen. We can not look over the way our lifestyle living with all suffering around us had been changing us what we want to become and where we wish to go. This book will be reminding
us to not going up in the everyday and in every step of that God will never leave you from that. I highly recommend to everyone must read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review “.
us to not going up in the everyday and in every step of that God will never leave you from that. I highly recommend to everyone must read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review “.
January 8, 2023
I was super excited for this book but I found it extremely lacking. No real depth. With a title and subtitle, one would think that it would provoke you to go get alone with God but I didn’t experience that. Perhaps it’s because we come from the same stream and a lot of this sounded like regurgitated sermons from many different speakers. Bummer
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