The Real God: How He Longs for You to See Him

by Chip Ingram

See God for Who He Is, Not What You Think He Ought To Be

Anyone who has tried to describe God to someone else, especially an unbeliever, knows that it is easy to find yourself at a loss for words. It seems that this part of our lives, which we claim is central, is often difficult to put into words. But if you know God, shouldn't you be able to describe him? What is he like? How can we put his eternal attributes into words?

Join Chip Ingram in this fascinating study of seven attributes of God: his goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. Readers will see God in a whole new light and discover that our view of God impacts every decision in our lives. It will change the way we pray, the way we live, and the way we think about the world around us.

God longs for us to know him as he really is. Get ready to meet God again for the first time.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Religion, Christianity

304 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

About the author

Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for over thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Culture Shock, The Real Heaven, The Real God, The Invisible War, and Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California.

Reviews

[Jo Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am having trouble rating this book because I did it as part of a Bible study, so it took months to get through. The videos that accompanied it helped the book become more relatable, but it is based on Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy and that book was excellent, so in comparison this one fell short.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book for anyone you know who has questions about God.

[Sandra Weltzin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! I would highly recommend it, along with the companion workbook/study guide, and videos. They can be found online, including through the author's website. I watched all the related videos for free, which he has posted on YouTube. The author covers different material in each, so I would highly recommend reading and viewing all three for the full experience, although each is great on its own.

My church small group did a study last year using all three resources. The author, Chip Ingram, covered seven attributes of God in the book, which are: God's Goodness, Sovereignty, Holiness, Wisdom, Justice, Love, and Faithfulness. He has each chapter organized nicely, using a similar format for each attribute. The book also includes application activities near the end of each chapter.

There are many books that cover many of God's attributes, but I really loved the examples Chip gave in each chapter of the book, as well as in his videos, and in the workbook/study guide. A couple of my favorites include the train story (in the God's Wisdom chapter of the book...wow!!), as well as how Chip explained the process of holiness (Justification/Sanctification/Glorification) in his video, where he used an example of buying a house... Wow! What a great "reframing" example! (pun intended)

His book, videos, and workbook/study guide can be purchased through his website. Here is a link directly to all the resources: https://livingontheedge.org/series/th...

Here is a link to a playlist of all the related videos in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJT29...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

See God for Who He Is, Not What You Think He Ought To Be
Anyone who has tried to describe God to someone else, especially an unbeliever, knows that it is easy to find yourself at a loss for words. It seems that this part of our lives, which we claim is central, is often difficult to put into words. But if you know God, shouldn't you be able to describe him? What is he like? How can we put his eternal attributes into words?
Join Chip Ingram in this fascinating study of seven attributes of God: his goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. Readers will see God in a whole new light and discover that our view of God impacts every decision in our lives. It will change the way we pray, the way we live, and the way we think about the world around us.
God longs for us to know him as he really is. Get ready to meet God again for the first time.

Heather's Notes
I really liked this book. Why I did not learn anything "new", it helped me define some of my beliefs and allowed me to better explain how I believe God to be. It was also nice to be reminded of how he feels for me and His wants/plans for me. I will be looking at other things Chip has written

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you look at God? Do you think He's a killjoy, setting out rules, taking away your life, and making sure you never have any fun? Or maybe you've always thought of Him as sadistic and twisted, waiting to take you away, death by lightning bolt, at any moment? Do you think He's all loving, and never sends anyone to hell? Do you think He's too judgemental?

The Real God tackles our socialized views of God and replaces them with His real attributes. Through scripture, personal stories, and carefully applied logic, Chip Ingram addresses the lies we grow up believing and the fear and anger we often carry from let-downs and tragedies, revealing God as He really is - infinitely loving, infinitely just. Faithful, present, steadfast. A leader you can believe in and follow. If you want to see God for who He really is, or if you want to know what the Bible really says about His character (in context!) I recommend this book.

This is also a great study for couples and small groups.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Real God by Chip Ingram is scripturally sound and easy to understand. He dedicates this book to “all who earnestly seek to know God and reflect His likeness in every moment of every day in every way” ((Chip Ingram, The Real God , Baker Books, 2016, p. 7) Though the book is basically theological in content, Ingram writes using personal examples and anecdotes, helping the reader to understand and internalize each attribute. He tackles the doubts and questions people have about God’s character, and then shows how the natural order, the human heart, history, the Bible, and Jesus all reveal the attributes he highlights. The book is a helpful, readable resource on “how God longs for you to see him,” the book’s appropriate subtitle.. Four stars.
M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D. 2/2/2017

[Sarah Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Misperceptions about God can certainly create a barrier in your relationship with him. And meanwhile, the friendship, love, and encouragement you could be sharing with your heavenly Father are never realized – all because of wrong assumptions about him.”

If you believe in God, you probably have a view of him that is shaped by your life experiences. Maybe you see him as an authoritarian telling you what you can and can’t do. Maybe you see him as a promise of success if you are good. If you examine how you view God, do you think it’s correct? Maybe there is more to Him that what you perceive.

I chose to read The Real God when I joined Baker Books Bloggers. Once a month, I can chose to select a book to review from an email they send out. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have not read any other books by Chip Ingram.

Read more Here: http://sarahannecarter.com/the-real-g...

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I make a point to get this book out often to re-read it. I keep spare copies to share with others. It is a must-read for everyone who is wondering about GOD. Who He is? Is He even real?

Inspiring and refreshing. Thank you, Chip!

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this on Hoopla. I really wish it was Chip that read it. It wasn’t. I really like Chip Ingram. Love the guys teachings. The book was on his story which was good but the book wasn’t what I expected.

[Dulce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real God is a must read for all Christians who want to see God as He longs to be seen. It's one of those books hat you will want to read over and over!

[Geoff Petrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that is easy to read but doesn't compromise on depth with knowing God deeper.

[Fred Wilhoft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book on God’s attributes. Chip has a way of communicating complex truths in a clear and compelling way.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, just didn't hold my interest. Didn't finish.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book that everyone should read no matter where you are in your faith.

[Louisa Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

this made me think how much God is FOR me, a little repetitive

[Elizabeth Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible!

[Charity Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for every person. If you want a great view of God and even yourself this book is it. It is easy to read, but still spiritual deep. So many relatable points and practical advice. Chip does a great job of describing God, but in a way you want a relationship with Him...and giving you tools to grow your relationship with God. He makes a relationship with God feel attainable without minimizing God. He helps you flush out wrong views that you may of God due to other people and past circumstances. I have read this book twice now and would do it again. I own it and we have had our kids read it. Chip also has a wonderful podcast about each chapter for those who don't like to read or Moms who are just too busy to read. They are just as good as the book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading slowly through this book, it was a great study into the character traits of God. The way Chip describes them, challenges you with action items at the end of the chapter, and brings in his own personal stories was majorly impactful.
We read this as a group study and I loved talking about it each week. The way he wrote about some of the characteristics really helped change my heart in certain areas.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! Chip starts out by explaining how important it is that we see God as He really is, not through the misconceptions so many of us have. If we truly saw Him, it would change our lives forever! Each chapter discusses an attribute of God, such as His goodness, His holiness and His sovereignty. He explains what the word really means, especially as it applies to God. Then he shows how God reveals this quality to us and how we should respond. He has a section for living it out, where he says to write a quote and a Scripture on a note card to read every day. He also includes a prayer, a Scripture passage to read, questions, ways to involve your friends or families and some action to take. Chip uses many stories from his own life in the book and explains how he struggled with understanding some of these qualities of God himself. He also uses a lot of Scripture and quotes from other theologians. This book really clarified attributes I knew God possessed, but explained them more thoroughly than I'd heard before. I learned a lot and was reminded of a lot I already knew. It was easy to read and kept my attention. I can't recommend it enough! I think everyone should read this book!

I received this book free from Baker Books.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real God: How He Longs For You To See Him by Chip Ingram is a study focusing on seven attributes of God - His goodness, sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, justice, love, and faithfulness. The purpose of this book is to shatter whatever preconceived notions you may have as to who or what God is, both in your life and in the universe, and to replace these concepts with a more accurate view of God, based on His holy scripture.

Ingram starts by explaining why and how so many of us have partial or inaccurate views of God, how this affects our world and those around us, and what we can do in order to try to realign our view with the view God wants us to have of Him. Ingram goes on to share personal stories, vivid examples, and lots of scriptural references to help us get a more refined and in-tune image, while stressing that we should not try to limit God to our earthly and human notions of what is - or is not - possible.

In this intense study, Ingram also weaves in suggestions, prayers, and action plans that will help us live out these seven main attributes in a more Christ-like and God-honoring fashion in our everyday lives. Our ultimate goal is to have a closer relationship with God, and honor him by assisting others in their relationship with him. This can only happen if we are open to seeing the real God - the God that is full of goodness, rules with absolute sovereignty, encompasses all holiness, has unlimited wisdom, yields perfect justice, and loves us unconditionally with endless faithfulness.

Each of the seven main attributes is designed to be a week-long focus, making this perfect for individual or small group study. This book is great for anyone who longs to have a closer personal relationship with God, or to better relate to, understand, and demonstrate any of the covered attributes. 5/5 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received a free print edition of this book from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

[Gini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ingram says up front that his desire for those that read this book is “to engage the reader in a lifelong pursuit of knowing, seeing, and experiencing the Real God.” (15) The Real God? He means the one found in Scripture who has not been conformed to my ideas or desires. So, is saying that I might have some distorted idea of God? The nerve! Yeah, that’s where I started with this book. Doesn’t give an author much room to work. I put the book down, went on vacation, and then came back to it, more just to get it off my to-do list than anything else.

Not only did I discover that I needed a vacation, but that over time I had acquired a distorted view of the God of the Bible. Time for some adjustment, and this book provided the means for that adjustment. Ingram uses an older book by Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, as a jumping off point for his work with this book. There are other books that address the attributes of God, too, but Ingram brings a more current vernacular with more current illustrations to his readers with this one. He also adds a tool he labeled B.I.O. (from bios meaning life) that gives the reader some action points related to the focus of each chapter. His aim to do more than put some information in front of his reader. Tozer had the same hope, I’m sure, but in a way that differed in accordance with his generation.

If you sense a drift in your own spiritual walk, or are just wanting to know who this God is that Christians talk about so much, I’d recommend this book to you. It’s not a speed read, but it will accomplish the desire the author has set forth in the beginning of his book.

I received this book from the publisher in return for a review

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is God?

God has been defined, redefined, and then redefined again. Some say that God is this, some say that God is that. Many accept parts of God they like and reject parts that they do not. Others hold views that God is unreachable.

In his book, The Real God, Chip Ingram desires for his readers to come to an understanding of who God is. While a human cannot completely understand an infinite God, God has given us His Word to reveal Himself. Using the Bible as his foundation, Ingram teaches on seven attributes of God. By doing so, the reader should come away with a proper understanding and view of God that is Biblical and truthful.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Blue North · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I think of the attributes of God, in my mind there is an equation drawn. The closer I come to loving God and praising Him for His holiness, I will love myself and other people more each day. God is so big how is it possible to ever understand Him totally? Chip Ingram gives many scriptures to help us see God better and better each day. The book is easy to read. It's friendly. Sometimes the author shares stories from His personal experience and stories from the Bible. I especially liked reading about God's sovereignity. It is impossible to gulp the "The Real God" by Chip Ingram. It left me wanting to take time slowly remembering God's goodness and His justice.

[Scott Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loud and clear message that we are not alone. Inspiring!

[Jim Teggelaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian theologian/teacher Ingram persuasively argues that what we think about God is the most important aspect of our lives. He borrows from works of Packer and Tozer and offers here a warm and readable book of the attributes of God, filled with Bible texts, convincing arguments and examples from his own journey. Excellent.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Receiving a print copy of this book was more than a delighting surprise. It’s got a simple book cover. It’s kind of thick—almost 300 pages, but it’s never a boring read. All throughout, I’ve been eager to devour its every page, albeit the author did not have a sense of humor.

This is the first Chip Ingram book that I was able to read. I didn't know much about the author; but through this book, I got to know him—and the real God even better. The author succeeded in making the attributes of God more comprehensible for ordinary people like myself. It made a number of subjects—justification, sanctification, and glorification—clear to me.

My tears have welled up many times while devouring the gems in this book. It was able to draw me again and again to the God who’s so loving and faithful yet just.

I love the "Live It Out—B.I.O." portions. This is where readers are encouraged to pray about what has been covered by certain chapters. These include practical tips that we can apply to our lives and things that we can do alongside others. These prompted me to have the stuff written in these sections printed out on a few index cards for easy access.

Part of Chip Ingram’s life story, which he generously shared in this book, has encouraged me and even helped increase my faith in God.

Even before I read it in its entirety, it has already become one of my favorite books of all time! It even made me look forward to reading all of Chip Ingram’s other books.

Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.