Simply Jesus: Experiencing the One Your Heart Longs For

by Joseph M. Stowell

Simply Jesus. What would it mean to fix our attention fully on the Person of Christ? To approach Him apart from systems, formulas, religion, and well-meaning Christian culture? To see Jesus Himself? And how would that change us? Moody Bible College President Joseph Stowell ponders these probing questions -- showing through dramatic stories and surprising insights how believers can experience significant life-change as they encounter Christ -- our model of understanding, love, and courage, today. Simply Jesus identifies experiences that can awaken the realization of our basic need to focus on Him ... like temptation, trouble, and surrender. A book intended for both spiritual seekers and Christians who are ready for a fresh, personal encounter with the Savior their heart searches for.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Theology

86 pages, Hardcover

First published January 18, 2002

About the author

Dr. Joseph M. Stowell serves as the 11th President of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Comprised of approximately 2500 undergraduate and graduate students, Cornerstone is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming power of the gospel. The University is committed to creating an environment where students thrive both spiritually and intellectually as they prepare themselves to influence our world as followers of Jesus.

An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has also written numerous books including "The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, The Upside of Down" and "Eternity." Joe also serves with RBC Ministries, partnering in media productions, writing, and outreach to pastors. His "Strength for the Journey" web ministry, www.getmorestrength.org, features daily devotionals, weekly messages and commentary, downloadable Bible study curriculum, and an audio library of his most requested messages. Joe serves on the Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College, and has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership.

From 1987-2005, he served as the president of Moody Bible Institute, and as teaching pastor at the 10,000-member Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Chicago from 2005 to early 2008 prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone University. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master's College in 1987. Joe and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.

Reviews

[Annabeth Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph M. Stowell wrote about our wonderful creator so beautifully. Through his short testimonies, Biblical excerpts, Praise breaks, and wisdom filled thoughts, Stowell created a life changing perspective for me. He wrote on how Jesus is more than mere knowledge. “In the last two thousand years, no other individual has commanded such respect and honor” says Stowell. Throughout the whole book, Stowell gives insight on how to “experience the one your heart longs for”. He wrote, “Jesus intends for us to experience the pleasure + reassuring peace of His presence”. If you are looking for a book that encourages you along your life with Christ I highly suggest Joseph Stowell’s Simply Jesus!

[mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short and small book but it still holds and impact. During the book, mostly the beginning, i had a hard time connecting with the author as he is 1) a male 2) a lot older than me and 3) I didn't relate to him. Although I did not understand the author at some points, he still made many valid and good points. He encouraged me to do some self-reflecting on my life and helps me learn about others. It was a bit of a slow read for me but i don't regret reading it. This also wasn't the type of book that i would normally read so if this was something you are more interested in, you'll probably enjoy it more than i did.

[Titus · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful read, especially the last chapter, taking us from Gethsemane to all the way down the road of Calvary along with Jesus, sharing in His suffering and being found in Him with an inexpressible joy and closeness.

[Lyvonne Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring to serve

Powerful, yet gentle. A fresh perspective on serving Jesus. I would recommend this wholeheartedly to young Christians and seasoned ones, as well.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those that want to get close to Christ

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars is not fair. This is probably 3 starts for a new believer. Let’s call it spiritual milk. Skim milk

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted in angelroman

I was looking for a book that would help me to know more about Jesus, to improve my relationship with Him, you know, going deeper into intimacy with Him, and this book seemed the right one. But after reading some pages I realized two things:

The first one was that I felt this book was intended to give only an introduction about the second person of the Trinity. That doesn’t mean it’s not good at all, actually it’s really good the way Stowell starts describing the importance about Jesus, and how there’s a big difference between just knowing about Him and knowing Him personally.

Jesus intends for you to experience the pleasure and reassuring peace of His presence at the core of your life. - Joseph M. Stowell

There’s a progression throughout the book, it’s not only about knowing the importance of Jesus’ impact in our lives, it’s also about giving Him the first place in ours and be consumed by His life.

I got to say that the final chapters about meeting Jesus in (1) seductions of life, (2) in the midst of our suffering and (3) in the process of full surrender are really helpful and anyone can feel identified with those situations. Definately the section I liked the most.

The second thing is that I believe this book really good for new born christians. I can easily see this book being taught in a small group or in the church sunday school.

Conclusion: If you are a new born christian this book is definately for you. If you’re looking for deep theological stuff maybe you should skip this one.

Disclosure: I received this ebook for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for an honest review.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply Jesus by Joseph Stowell

Joseph Stowell has written a little book that is Simply Jesus. It is not a long complicated highly intellectual treatise on what it means to know Jesus. The discussion is more like a conversation with a caring teacher.

There is a richness in not just knowing Jesus but in experiencing Him; and this is what Stowell writes about--experiencing Jesus. He tells us of some attitude shifts that must be made before we come to the place of experiencing Jesus. Then he writes of three meeting places; in the Power of His Resurrection, in the Fellowship of His Sufferings, and in Sweet Surrender.

This would be a wonderful book to give a new believer or one who is wandering and wondering. A Christian who is feeling alone and lonely but doesn’t know why would benefit as would anyone who just needs a reminder or nudge to rekindle their faith.

I highly recommend this little book. It is easy to read but has surprising depth and is encouraging in it’s simplicity.

This book was sent to me without charge
by WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for this review.

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Simply Jesus’ – a slight volume (a mere 60 pages) that packed a punch. It reads simply and clearly but it’s made its point and met its purpose.

If you feel something is missing in your Christian walk or even if you wonder if this is it (of being a Christian), you’re probably missing something. Joseph M. Stowell shared that there is more to it – that experiencing Jesus in this life “makes the brightest treasures of life look dull by comparison”. You will be so taken by Jesus that there will be no looking back because you only want more of Jesus.

Asides from some examples and life-stories of how possible it is for ordinary people to have this kind of Jesus experience, this book also included some guidance of how we can have that ultimate experience. These tips may help but only if you’re willing.

Thank you WaterBrook Multnomah via Edelweiss for the privilege to read & review ebook

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple, excellent book, the focus of which is dwelling in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Dr. Stowell is an excellent writer who peppers his points with compelling illustrations, making for an easy read. The chapters are short and of a good size to meditate upon before charging ahead. It is a good fit for individuals who are busy and/ or going through a difficult time.

After reading this book, I was so impressed with the simple explanation of the essence of the Christian walk that I purchased several of these books to give as Christmas gifts to service providers.

Highly recommended.

[☆Brittany☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was reading this book alongside "The Purpose Driven Life" & both books touched on the same subjects. It was a GREAT read & really showed me some things that I wasn't aware of when it came to my spiritual walk with Christ.

It was very inspirational to me & really showed me that I wasn't living how a true Christian should (I already knew I wasn't but this book really showed me how I should be living).

I would recommend this book to any Christian regardless of how mature they are in their spiritual life. You will always be able to learn something new & I learned plenty from reading this book.

[Stacie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Simply Jesus by Joseph M. Stowell, in exchange for review from Blogging for Books. The book discusses living a life, simply for Jesus, versus others and self. There is a difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Everything in our lives is worthless, when compared to God. Our problems don't matter when compared to God.


Other highlights from the book:

When we get to know Jesus, we understand our purpose and worth more.
We should not flaunt our "goodness" because it hinders a relationship with Jesus
We should not expect medals for spiritual accomplishments
Trouble does not discriminate. We all have issues.

[Karen Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read to refresh you in your faith. I like the engaging way that Joe Stowell writes. I was reminded by this book that Jesus is all about people. Stowell says that People are Jesus' love language.

I also found chapter 8 subtitled "experiencing Jesus in seasons of suffering," very helpful.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books I pull out once a year to remind me of the important truths of Christianity. If you're ever left feeling like Christ isn't playing as big a role in your life as you've wanted or you feel he should be, then this is a good, short book to read to get your focus right again.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - I read it when going through some very difficult trials and it was a big help in helping me focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and no one else!!

[Caroline Fontenot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiny book packed full of goodness.

[Honor]

Great book:)

[Dan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great devotional book where I took a chapter a day. It was challenging to my spiritual ways. I highly recommend it.

[db · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to read at Christmas