|
That's precisely why Bill Hybels wrote his latest book, The God You're Looking For, and why Christians who want to know Him better and people who just aren't sure what to believe should read nothing else until they read this book (except, maybe, the rest of this review). In it, Hybels examines God's qualifications to be Lord over all, and protector of individual hearts. In short, he shines a light on that dark unknown, so we can stop looking and start enjoying the abundant life God promises. Hybels recognizes that the terrain searchers must navigate is littered with conflicting theories, esoteric mumbo-jumbo, and outright heresy.
"What prevents people from having the kind of relationship with Him that infuses them with peace and strength is, simply, a misunderstanding of who God is," Hybels said in a recent telephone interview. "Whether you've been committed to God for years or for the first time you're looking toward heaven for answers to life's puzzles, we all want the same thing: to know God. We can't be intimate with someone we don't know."
Drawing from Bible stories and more contemporary anecdotes, each chapter examines descriptions of God: righteous, in control, giving, all-knowing, never changing, always there . . . eleven in all.
"I don't claim the book to be an exhaustive list of God's qualities," said Hybels, a smile in his voice. "Only the Bible can do that. I wanted to address the things about God that I believe are most important to people."
And Hybels should know. As founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church outside Chicago, he ministers to more than 16,000 people every weekend. Many of these churchgoers are "seekers" -- people concerned enough about the truth to take time to seek answers, but not yet certain enough to lay their lives at the foot of the cross. Hybels has heard their concerns, their doubts about God's ability to satisfy their every need.
Treading a careful balance between theology and readability, this book introduces seekers to a God who deserves to be found and gives believers a deeper understanding of the One they worship. Hybels has distilled complex spiritual ideas into the literary equivalent of a fireside chat, as in this passage about taking refuge from life's burdens in God:
"For the life of me, I can't figure out how this calling-on-God thing works, but it does. The Bible tells us to walk by faith, not by sight, and this is one of those times where we can't understand why something works."
Refreshingly honest, plainly written. And yet, when Hybels wants to communicate an important element of God's character, he doesn't mince words: "Do you want to break God's heart? Here's a simple recipe: Simply break your word."
Bottom line: Anyone who has been hurt or frustrated by our imperfect world will find hope and encouragement in this work. Anyone who is not quite sure what to believe will find answers. Anyone who yearns to walk in His presence will, quite frankly, find Him here.
The God You're Looking For is structured to slowly build a complete image of God. So which attribute does Hybels think is most critical?
"The chapter on how gracious God is, hands down," he says. "People tend to focus on their misdeeds, and say, 'God can't forgive that.' You know what? He can."
Now, admit it. Isn't that the God you had in mind?
Robert Liparulo is an author and reviewer in Colorado Springs, CO.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com
Support your