Jesus Loves Me: Christian Essentials for the Head and the Heart

by John S. Dickerson

If you asked a millennial or younger person in your church, "What do I need to believe to be a Christian?" what would they say?

At a time when "truth" is up for grabs, a journalist-turned-pastor wants to help believers understand what they believe. How? By using the simple lyrics "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

In this winsome book, bestselling author John S. Dickerson clearly and faithfully explains essential Christian beliefs, using simple stories that have resonated with his congregation of thousands. He guides readers into these basic beliefs, and most importantly, he illustrates why these beliefs matter .

The result is an easy-to-read primer, designed for a time when Christianity is questioned and challenged. It is a great study for young adults, new believers, and long-time believers who want to reclaim the essentials.

For anyone who wants their small group, church, or loved ones to embrace the authority of Scripture and the nonnegotiable doctrines of Christianity.


"What does it mean to be a genuine Jesus follower in an age when most people, including many self-described Christians, believe that God is well-pleased with a life lived in alignment with a 'designer faith' of their own making? In Jesus Loves Me , John Dickerson answers that question with a deep dive into the simple but profound gospel that Jesus taught as the only kind of faith the Heavenly Father would be well-pleased with. As Dickerson points out, we can't be true Jesus followers if we don't know who He is or what He said and never bother to actually live like He told us to live. Whether you are a brand-new Jesus follower or a longtime veteran, this book will help you nail down the basics of what it means to genuinely know and follow Jesus."-- Larry Osborne , author and pastor, North Coast Church

"Most Christians would tell you they believe the Bible to be God's Word. And yet many of those same Christians could not even articulate what the core beliefs are to the Christian faith. In Jesus Loves Me , John Dickerson does a great job of helping believers understand the basic teachings of Scripture. This is a great resource for any Christian who needs to build a stronger foundation to their faith."-- Steve Poe , lead pastor of Northview Church, Carmel, Indiana

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2021

About the author

John S. Dickerson is a prize-winning journalist, a recognized voice in American Christianity, and bestselling author of "The Great Evangelical Recession." His writing has appeared in The New York Times and USA Today, among others. In 2009 Tom Brokaw, Charles Gibson (ABC News) and Anna Quindlen (Newsweek) named his investigative reporting the best in the nation. As a pastor, John has guided individuals and communities through grief and loss. He serves as Lead Pastor of Connection Pointe Christian Church in the Indianapolis area.

Reviews

[Dave Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice read for the essentials of Christianity based on the song lyrics, "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know. For the Bible Tells Me So."

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars is being generous for this one if I am being honest. From using the egg and three leaf clover analogies for the Trinity, to historical oofs like claiming Martin Luther King Jr. Was a champion of the Christian faith, to teetering on works-based salvation at times, this was at times a dog's breakfast. Between those types of moments throughout the book, there was actually some pretty good material. However, it simply was just not a well thought out book and I would not recommend it. I picked this book up because I was assigned another book written by Dickerson while I was Seminary and found it pretty good. This one was just not.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

JESUS LOVES ME by John S. Dickerson is a must-read for all Christians looking to reinvigorate their faith. If you want to learn about Christianity, this book is for you too. The book title is based on the song, "Jesus Loves Me (this I know, for the Bible tells me so.")

The author uses the song lyrics to teach about Jesus and our relationship with God. Jesus loves YOU. Jesus saved us with His death on the cross. God continually calls us back to Him despite our sinfulness. God created us in His image and desires to reform us, rescue us.

What do you believe about Jesus? Use the Bible to help you deepen your faith. Use this book to guide you to a better understanding of both Jesus and your relationship with Him.

[Jacob Abshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book works as a great “intro” to the Christian faith. Perhaps not incredibly in depth on some theological points, so for those walking with Christ for years it may seem basic (for lack of a better word), but I think it’s a great tool for its intended audience, touching on many theological essentials for new believers. Would certainly recommend for new Christians or someone curious about Christianity…or perhaps even for Christians wanting an easy, encouraging read.