Book Review: What if Jesus Meant What He Said by Nate Bramsen

This book review is from a book that I bought!  It was published Dec. 7, 2017.  I have the kindle version, and a print book, it's that inspiring!

Published by Emmaus International, you can purchase there or from amazon.  The kindle version is only $3.99.

This book was very well done!  But I warn you, this book will as Nate Bramsen says in the intro, make you uncomfortable.  He is correct, but he has a great way with his words, questions, and scripture connections of instilling a plan that with the Holy Spirit leading, it can be done, but not if I stay in control of me. 

One of my favorite features was at the end of the book, a bonus feature.   Diving Into Scripture
Nate Bramsen shares how he studies and meditates on scripture with a LOT of higher level thinking involved.   His concepts are not new to me, but how he approaches his study is, and he gives a formula to follow as you study any verse or passage.  I can't wait to try it. 

Here are other aspects I loved:

• Written for any age person.   Children would do best going through this with their family, as there is so much meat and good content in the book.  If you look at the amazon reviews, two reviewers already comment on how the book was for them. One is a 70 year old man (it might be my Dad!)  and another is a stay at home Mom who wondered if the book would be for those younger than her, she enjoyed it.  
• Reflect and Respond Chapter Endings.  Every chapter has questions about the concept to help you apply the thinking to your life, and help you move ahead and grow in the challenges presented. 
• Easy to Read, Lifetime Applications. The books format is appealing to almost any reader. (Sorry no pictures, but a whole portion of the book is connected to the image that we frame our lives with the Word of God!).  But it is complete with a lot of scripture, personal stories, balanced with life connections in hymns, poems, reading, culture, etc.  It has 27 chapters, with the reflections at the end of each chapter.  They are not very long, so it's an easy book to pick up when you have a few minutes.  The book is divided into four themes as well, making it easier to comprehend and connect the ideas.  As well as every few paragraphs have a heading or bold quote to keep the reader focused and on task.  
• Simple concept but complex application. The book is based on Matthew 16:24 "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."  (Berean Study Bible).  The book is about the pursuit of following Jesus completely.  
• Challenges for Life.  Bramsen shares the uncomfortable, he warns you, he reminds you that even people who are written about in the Bible didn't always measure up, they may even have failed, but with a mindset focuses on scripture, he teaches, shares, and challenges the reader to grow in applying the concept of dying to self.  
• Teaching Bramsen is a gifted teacher.  I've heard him speak several times.  He's so easy to relate to, youthful, exuberant, yet direct, grounded in scripture, highly intelligent and well read, and committed.  I really was curious to see if he could continue that charisma on the printed page, and I was not disappointed.  
• Questions The book is full of 'probing' questions that help the reader determine, can I really take Christ as His Word?  Bramsen gives scripture as answers, and then makes compelling statements with convicting concepts to help be sure that the reader knows what it means to pursue an intimate, loving relationship with our Great God.