Downpour : He Will Come to Us like the Rain

by James MacDonald

Hosea 6 declares, “Come, let us return to the LORD . . . let us press on to know the LORD . . . And He will come to us like the rain.” This verse is the essence of Downpour, a revival-ready book by Pastor James MacDonald. MacDonald writes with the desire to witness an absolute soaking of God's Spirit on the church in North America. He is grieved by statistics showing little or no difference between the lifestyles of professing Christians and their nonbelieving neighbors, and he counters that with a five-point outline that charts the pathway to personal revival.

Genres: Christian Living, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

James MacDonald (D. Min. Phoenix Seminary) is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy, and both are from Ontario, Canada. He is the father of three grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and grandfather to four amazing grandsons. James’ ministry focuses on the unapologetic proclamation of God’s Word. In 1988, along with a small group of ministry partners, James and Kathy planted Harvest Bible Chapel which has grown to 13,000 people each weekend, meeting in six locations.

In 1997, a Bible-teaching broadcast ministry called Walk in the Word was established, now reaching more than three million people weekly. In 2002, a church planting ministry called Harvest Bible Fellowship was born and has established more than 70 churches across North America and around the world. James’ vision is that God will use him to help plant 1,000 churches in his lifetime.

James’ extensive ministry also includes a training center for pastors, a year-round camp, a biblical counseling center, a disaster recovery organization, and a Christian school—all used to reach more people with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Now impacting millions of lives annually, God’s favor upon these ministries has been described by James as “abundantly baffling.” The MacDonalds’ view their ministry as proof that God still uses broken vessels to pour out His grace.

Reviews

[S. Runyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book for those who are in need of self-revival but also those who need a strong reminder of how one's relationship with God should feel. Macdonald asks insightful and thought-provoking questions, getting you to think about what's next in my relationship. He offers great encouragement in reminding us that we are all children of the Most High.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your life is in crisis, this book might help you. Macdonald presents one important path to becoming a follower of Jesus. The Gospel is clearly presented in this book, which is good. But what is not so good -- due perhaps to his limited experience, he presents this as the only path. Having traveled the past 30 years in scores of countries and heard hundreds of testimonies from new converts, I can attest that thousands and perhaps millions of converts, like me, have come to Christ just by reading the Bible, and not because of any great "crisis" in their lives. James, you need to get up to speed on this. Don't put the Holy Spirit in a box. And by the way, Macdonald refers to C.S. Lewis on page 37, evidently not realizing that Lewis's conversion experience contradicts much of what Macdonald writes in that chapter of the book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to be convicted? Do you want to get sin out of your life to make way for a truly satisfying relationship with Christ? This book will show you the way. It doesn't do the work for you, however. To truly gain the benefit of MacDonald's teaching, you'll have to commit to doing some hard things--digging deep, recognizing your sin for what it is, and getting rid of it. This is not a simple read. It will take time and commitment, especially if you want it to change your life. The last chapter has some of the most practical, helpful teaching on the Holy Spirit I have ever read. Highly recommended.

[Elizabeth Plumberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great guide for personal revival. I highly recommend it for anyone wishing to refresh their walk with the Lord or looking to keep it fresh. In typical fashion, Pastor James gives the hard truth without apology but not without compassion. The book is interactive giving practical steps for the reader to take before moving onto the next chapter. If you aren't ready or willing to do the homework, you won't get as much from this book...but if you jump in, I have no doubt the Lord will bless your sincere efforts.

[Chiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

My small group at CPCC (Stepanie H., Ilene G., Penny F., Erin R., Lynn S., Sarah M., Stef M., Tracy J., Gina G., Chris F.) This book is a great guide for personal revival. I highly recommend it for anyone wishing to refresh their walk with the Lord or looking to keep it fresh. In typical fashion, Pastor James gives the hard truth without apology but not without compassion. The book is interactive giving practical steps for the reader to take before moving onto the next chapter.

[Dave Rench · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 points:
God on the Throne: A picture of Holiness
Sin in the mirror: A picture of ???
Self in the Dirt: A picture of Repentance
Jesus on the Cross: A picture of Grace
Spirit in Control: A picture of Power

Excellent book, although I really appreciated the audio sermon series better. MacDonald's delivery is fantastic and convicting, as he speaks with such passion.

[Jeannene Simonton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my summer Bible study book with my friends. So far, so good.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good study on personal revival.

[Mark Minkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a personal revival....awesome!

[Mandie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love listening and reading James MacDonald's books and bible studies. There is a lot of great scripture in this book. I highly recommend it.

[Amy]

This is the workbook edition.