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Your Own Jesus: A God Insistent on Making It Personal
Casting Crowns’ lead singer Mark Hall asks, “Do you have your own Jesus?” Why do you feel close to God one minute and so far away the next? Why does your faith seem empty? Why is it so easy to compromise with the world? Perhaps it’s because we have merely inherited someone else’s Jesus, relying on what we’ve seen and heard from family, friends, or pastors. A true storyteller and a teacher with a heart for ministry, Mark Hall traces the downward spiral caused by spiritual compromise with the world, and then charts the upward road to wholeness and health that comes when we claim our very own Jesus. You need to discover your own Jesus. The real Jesus. The one who wants you to be honest, committed, and uncompromising. The one who is waiting to have a relationship with you. Move past imitating a religion to experiencing a relationship that is vibrant, personal, and fulfilling.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published July 24, 2009
17 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 29, 2009
Are you a believer? Do you have a passion for a closer walk? Have you noticed in other believers something you just don’t enjoy, yet?
You might need “Your Own Jesus“.
In Youth Pastor, Contemporary Christian Singer and Songwriter Mark Hall’s new book, “Your Own Jesus: A God Insistent on Making It Personal“, you will find yourself laughing, sometimes wincing, but delighting in this read.
Revelation 12:11 states “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.“
This is an invitation book, an overcoming book, that speaks to the fact that so many of us know Jesus but only from afar but not up close and personal.
The introduction and chapter titles bring the reader to remembrance many of the Casting Crown songs and lyrics providing more detail into the thoughts that produced these songs.
Mark Hall speaks to this point with passion and with urgency. The stories and episodes in this book are poignant and sincere.
* Walking us through Psalm 1 (his personal life verse(s)) is astonishingly accurate and describes the ’slow fade’ is a process.
* His story of preparing youth leaders prior to a youth camp should cause all leaders to think about their own sin before presenting themselves to minister in any capacity to another.
* The oak tree illustration identifies the depth and richness of a close walk with our Savior is necessary to combat gusty lies of the enemy.
It is not a work of theology as some would characterize theology. It is work of testimony and in so takes the reader into biblical doctrine in a much more personal way.
I enjoyed many of the thought provoking quotes such as…
* “I have a saved spirit but I still think with a lost brain.”
* “He was listening to the still wrong voice.”
* “If you are the only christian you know without sin, you are already in the sitting in the seat of the scoffer.”
A delightful, deep, very illustrative book that causes the reader to consider we cannot live off the FAITH of another no more than we can live the LIFE of another.
An added bonus is the discussion guide at the end of the book. Youth workers, Sunday School Teachers, and any other church leader could benefit greatly from this book.
You might need “Your Own Jesus“.
In Youth Pastor, Contemporary Christian Singer and Songwriter Mark Hall’s new book, “Your Own Jesus: A God Insistent on Making It Personal“, you will find yourself laughing, sometimes wincing, but delighting in this read.
Revelation 12:11 states “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.“
This is an invitation book, an overcoming book, that speaks to the fact that so many of us know Jesus but only from afar but not up close and personal.
The introduction and chapter titles bring the reader to remembrance many of the Casting Crown songs and lyrics providing more detail into the thoughts that produced these songs.
Mark Hall speaks to this point with passion and with urgency. The stories and episodes in this book are poignant and sincere.
* Walking us through Psalm 1 (his personal life verse(s)) is astonishingly accurate and describes the ’slow fade’ is a process.
* His story of preparing youth leaders prior to a youth camp should cause all leaders to think about their own sin before presenting themselves to minister in any capacity to another.
* The oak tree illustration identifies the depth and richness of a close walk with our Savior is necessary to combat gusty lies of the enemy.
It is not a work of theology as some would characterize theology. It is work of testimony and in so takes the reader into biblical doctrine in a much more personal way.
I enjoyed many of the thought provoking quotes such as…
* “I have a saved spirit but I still think with a lost brain.”
* “He was listening to the still wrong voice.”
* “If you are the only christian you know without sin, you are already in the sitting in the seat of the scoffer.”
A delightful, deep, very illustrative book that causes the reader to consider we cannot live off the FAITH of another no more than we can live the LIFE of another.
An added bonus is the discussion guide at the end of the book. Youth workers, Sunday School Teachers, and any other church leader could benefit greatly from this book.
July 27, 2012
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't life changing on the whole, some chapters I felt like skipping thorough. However, there were one or two chapters that really spoke to me.
I love the fact though that that the book is about a personal Jesus, one who wants a deep relationship with us.
Hall writes near the beginning of a conversation with a youth group member who had been in college for a few months:
" "Man, I need help," he said, his voice almost a quiver. "These professors are pounding me. The entire culture here is mocking everything I heard you say."
He spent the next several minutes asking questions, though one unsettled me more than any of the others. He told the story of an assertion someone made in class that left him too befuddled to reply, which is why he had called me for help.
"Now, what do I believe about that again?" he asked.
Less than a year after leaving the cosy spiritual nest of our church group, where everyone shared the same beliefs and lingo, he was facing the white-hot furnace of a hostile universe and its ungodly worldviews. And he folded like paper in fire.
He didn't have his own Jesus. "
This part resonated with me because it is a fear that my children will be able to parrot their handed-down beliefs, but when they step out into the big wide world they may find that you cannot live off someone else's beliefs. But, it is good to have that fear - my children need Jesus, not me (as Mark Hall puts in one of his songs, "We can't strap ourselves to the gospel because we are slowing it down"). This also fitted in with the parts of the other book I've just read 'Why Christian Kids Rebel'.
I need this for me too. I need my own relationship with Jesus. Not a predigested relationship given to me from the pulpit. I need to know him for myself, I need to walk with him and to know him. He isn't a theory, a philosophy, he is real.
I love the fact though that that the book is about a personal Jesus, one who wants a deep relationship with us.
Hall writes near the beginning of a conversation with a youth group member who had been in college for a few months:
" "Man, I need help," he said, his voice almost a quiver. "These professors are pounding me. The entire culture here is mocking everything I heard you say."
He spent the next several minutes asking questions, though one unsettled me more than any of the others. He told the story of an assertion someone made in class that left him too befuddled to reply, which is why he had called me for help.
"Now, what do I believe about that again?" he asked.
Less than a year after leaving the cosy spiritual nest of our church group, where everyone shared the same beliefs and lingo, he was facing the white-hot furnace of a hostile universe and its ungodly worldviews. And he folded like paper in fire.
He didn't have his own Jesus. "
This part resonated with me because it is a fear that my children will be able to parrot their handed-down beliefs, but when they step out into the big wide world they may find that you cannot live off someone else's beliefs. But, it is good to have that fear - my children need Jesus, not me (as Mark Hall puts in one of his songs, "We can't strap ourselves to the gospel because we are slowing it down"). This also fitted in with the parts of the other book I've just read 'Why Christian Kids Rebel'.
I need this for me too. I need my own relationship with Jesus. Not a predigested relationship given to me from the pulpit. I need to know him for myself, I need to walk with him and to know him. He isn't a theory, a philosophy, he is real.
April 22, 2022
chapter titles were titles of Casting Crowns songs and explained it from a biblical perspective. Strong emphasis on having a relationship with God. As I skimmed through the pages I saw him having a suicide attempt and that intrigued me to read the book. I only got halfway through because there wasn't any new information for me. I don't like reading books that don't provoke me to use my highlighter at some point.
July 17, 2018
This book was formatted just a bit differently than the other books I've read written by Mark Hall. That wasn't really a bad thing, I actually liked this format quite a bit. Some of the chapters I didn't connect with as much as others but man... when I did connect, it hit hard. I highly recommend Hall's books to anyone who is seeking a closer relationship with God.
May 6, 2017
Even though I already have my own Jesus before I read this, I was still able to acquire valuable lessons from this book. This is the book you would want to share to your loved ones and friends.
January 7, 2021
Great book
Mark Hall presents a challenge to believers to truly live the Gospel and not just talk about it. I loved this book.
Mark Hall presents a challenge to believers to truly live the Gospel and not just talk about it. I loved this book.
February 14, 2021
Mind blown.
October 22, 2021
Thought provoking and I agree with the basics of having a personal relationship with Jesus. It's just some of the fine points and Scripture interpretations that I had trouble with.
October 6, 2023
A great read. Bite sized stories of how knowing Jesus personally makes a difference in lives. A lot of wisdom and good moments that convicted me.
November 7, 2024
Relationship!
January 7, 2026
Excellent read - well worth thinking through - do you have your own personal relationship with Jesus?
July 7, 2010
I think Mark Hall is a very gifted and talented man. Not only can he sing exceptionally but he also put together a great book. I have seen Casting Crowns in concert and they are amazing! This book will inspire you to seek Jesus in a personal way, just as Jesus himself desires us to do. Nice job Mark!
August 8, 2021
absolutely brilliant and a read for anyone in ministry
why do you believe what you do? who dictates right and wrong ? when if.comes to.it , we will have to face a time when what we know is what we know because ... Mark Hall beautifully opened up.about what it means to take our.relationship with Christ personally
why do you believe what you do? who dictates right and wrong ? when if.comes to.it , we will have to face a time when what we know is what we know because ... Mark Hall beautifully opened up.about what it means to take our.relationship with Christ personally
April 12, 2010
A good book to read if you want to learn how to have a personal relationship with God and as Mark Hall puts it discover your own Jesus. Hall also shares some touching and raw stores though out the book.
July 20, 2013
This book had a couple of very powerful and moving stories. I liked it but it seemed more of a casual chat with a friend than a deep discussion. The overall point of the book was awesome and thought provoking but you would have to look elsewhere for richer content.
January 4, 2010
I'm learning on how no one is perfect even pastors....
December 30, 2009
This is a great book for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.
July 12, 2010
My friend Ashlee lent this to me.
August 12, 2012
Enjoyed this book very much. Very encouraging book helping to understand my relationship with Jesus.
August 28, 2012
Mark Hall is a gifted songwriter who writes simply and clearly for all to understand and identify with. There are also discussion questions focused on restoration and growth.
March 17, 2013
What a great book! It was thought-provoking, meaningful and insightful. It will bring me closer to my Jesus.
March 6, 2013
Inspiring stories. Seems geared toward young people or new believers.
June 25, 2014
Your Own Jesus is learning how look deep into your own walk with Him. It makes you think whether you even have your own Jesus or not. Going through the motions is not good enough.
February 11, 2016
Loved this short book by the lead singer for the greatest contemporary Christian group of all time.
If you haven't heard Mr. Hall's testimony I greatly recommend you google it now.
If you haven't heard Mr. Hall's testimony I greatly recommend you google it now.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews