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Heaven is For Real #3

Dios es real: y anhela contestar tus preguntas más difíciles

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Dios es Real aborda las preguntas: ¿Cómo es Dios? ¿Por qué son las cosas como son, a pesar de quien Dios es?
Si el primer libro de Todd, El Cielo es Real, fue sobre el “entonces y allí” del cielo, Dios es Real es sobre el “aquí y ahora” en la tierra:
¿Por qué hay tantos hipócritas de iglesia? ¿Por qué los cristianos hacen de la cruz un asunto tan importante? ¿Por qué Dios no parece contestar nuestras oraciones más grandes? 
Las personas están cansadas de las respuestas adecuadas que se ofrecen en lenguaje de iglesia explicando sus preguntas; nosotros queremos la verdad directa y explícita. Lo que nos molesta de la vida y la fe es real y rudo. Necesitamos una voz franca que brinde las respuestas de Dios a las luchas difíciles y a las dudas que duelen.
Todd va a la carga sobre estos temas con el valor de un bombero, la vulnerabilidad de un amigo de pueblo, y la compasión de un pastor local. Él ayuda a articular las preguntas que tienen las personas, y luego les aporta sabiduría bíblica relevante para que den sus siguientes pasos en la fe.
Dios está preparado para conocerte. ¿Estás tú preparado para conocerle?

God is for Real addresses the questions: What is God like? Why are things the way they are in spite of who God is?
If Todd's first book, Heaven Is for Real, was about the then and there of heaven, God is Real is about the here and now on earth. Why are there are so many hypocritical church people? Why do Christians make such a big deal about the cross? Why doesn't God seem to answer our biggest prayers?
People are tired of pat answers offered up in churchy language explaining away their questions; we want the down-and-dirty truth. What bothers us about life and faith is real and gritty. We need a plain-spoken voice to offer God's answers to difficult struggles and painful doubts.
Todd charges into these subjects with a fireman's courage, a small-town friend's vulnerability, and a local pastor's compassion. He helps articulate the questions people have, then gives them relevant biblical wisdom for taking their next steps in faith.
God is ready to meet you! Are you ready to meet Him?

271 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2018

67 people are currently reading
849 people want to read

About the author

Todd Burpo

15 books806 followers
Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. He and his wife, Sonja, have four children: Colton is an active 14-year-old; he has an older sister, Cassie; a younger brother, Colby; and a very special sister he met in heaven, yet to be named.

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5 stars
109 (43%)
4 stars
90 (36%)
3 stars
35 (14%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
14 reviews
January 19, 2018
As somebody who is looking for a solid argument why God or Jesus should be believed over all the evidence to the contrary, I thought that based on this book’s title, there would be a solid argument.

Unfortunately, the book is filled with anecdotes of minor occurrences in the author’s life where he claims God intervened. None of these claims has any evidence nor does he made any real argument for why God exists. If the best this guy could think of is is that God exists because he got a hotel room away from a noisy band, then he is just grasping at straws and selling gullible people this book to make an extra book. To think that God exists because he granted the prayer of of his hotel room being changed while children die of cancer is about as narcissistic as one can get.

After wasting a couple days reading this, I am just as, if not more, agnostic than before.
Profile Image for Susan Shipe.
Author 46 books15 followers
September 26, 2017
We all read and loved "Heaven is for REAL" the story of a little boy's trip to heaven and back! Well, Todd Burpo, dad to that little boy is back to tell us GOD IS FOR REAL!

In this book Todd answers the questions: Why are there so many hypocritical church people? Why do Christians make such a big deal about the cross? Why doesn't God seem to answer our biggest prayers? Todd states 'people are tired of pat answers' but I venture to think it was Todd himself tired of those pat answers so he dove in some deep water and found the answers! Lucky for us, he is sharing them.

Todd Burpo is the real deal and brings real answers to real questions. This book would make a great book club read.
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,106 reviews35 followers
September 12, 2017
`God Is For Real` is a Christian Living book by author Todd Burpo. I chose this book to review because I reviewed and liked `Heaven Is For Real`, Todd's first book. I believe the author wrote this book for believers as well as unbelievers. I would like to know this author personally so I could find out what he knows about our eternal life.

I think this book picks up where `Heaven Is For Real` left off. Heaven Is For Real speaks of the people and things the author's son saw. `God Is For Real` speaks of the reality of God and though the world is evil God loves us all. God made hell for the devil and his angels. He wishes none shall perish. I think what motivated the author to write this book is that he wants everyone to know God loves and cares for us all.

I like the author's tip about reading the Bible book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John several times so the believer or seeker can learn about Jesus. We need to base our life on Jesus instead of society, hypocrites, or churchians. (see page #63)

My lasting impression of this author is that he talks to the reader, revealing his own faults, not at the reader. I would love to read more books by this author. This is one book I will remember for a long time. I also felt the cover fit will with this book.

I recommend this book to believers and seekers, because it will encourage them and maybe answer some of their questions.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
Profile Image for Chad Short.
21 reviews
September 7, 2019
The author writes on a variety of topics related to the Christian faith. The writing has a very warm, pastoral tone. It is evident that Todd Burpo wants his readers to know the God he has come to know and love.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
27 reviews
October 10, 2018
God Is For Real : And he longs to answer your most difficult questions.

Before I begin this review, I must insert a disclaimer. I was not hired or asked to do this review by the publisher or author.

I do not know Todd Burpo personally, but we do have a connection. I will explain later.

Because I know of Todd and his son’s extraordinary story, I picked up this book. It was also in a discount store, so that sweetened the pot. I also have similar beliefs as Todd, so I suspected that I would enjoy this book on those merits alone. I was not disappointed.

Having grown up in church and in a pastorate, I have heard it all. I know the lingo and I know the drill. What this doesn’t mean is that I have always had it all together. Frankly, I still don’t. So, when I picked up this book, it was for more than just a casual read. I wanted to know if there were things that Todd would say that would resonate with me, and bring me to a closer relationship with God. Again, I was not disappointed. This is what I found:

Todd’s writing style is easy going. It is not churchy, preachy or in-your-face, but instead is straightforward and meets the average reader on their level. This is good for those who are not looking for books that are so stuffed with theology that they are difficult to understand or comprehend.
Todd brings very relevant questions to the table that many new and seasoned Christians ask. With those questions, he brings relevant and honest answers based on scripture and experience in his own walk and that of those he’s come in contact with. Thus, you as a reader and someone who may be seeking those same answers, are getting examples from every day people like you and me. He has the ability to apply scripture in a reasonable way in which it’s easier to see how and why God would have chosen to share that scripture and context with us, as his children.
Todd opens up his own heart and life and shares deeply in regard to his relationship with his father. I knew his father. I didn’t know him very well, but having had spent several years in the same church and Sunday school class together, I could say that I knew him beyond an acquaintance level. I’d always thought his dad very quiet, reserved and troubled. I knew his relationship with his son was on rocky ground when I told him that I’d bought Heaven is for Real and was inspired by the story of his grandson. His response was not one that you’d have expected. I was saddened when I read in this latest book about that relationship, and could see why Todd would arrive where he did. What was even more troubling however, was the response from my church family to Todd. I was shocked, but yet, not shocked. I wanted to write Todd and tell him, “this is not how all of us feel!” But to what end? So I didn’t.
As a whole, I greatly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all who are seeking a deeper understanding of questions that plague us every day. In the end, God loves us, wants the best for us, longs for us to be in right-relationship with Him and yearns for us to say “yes, Lord!” He gives us a choice.
I have been inspired to change my thought process on a few things. While personal, I may, at a future date, share those thoughts and hopefully inspire others with my own experiences.
Profile Image for J. Jeffery.
38 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2023
Overall, it was very good. From my point of view, the book helps your reflect on your personal spot in life with God and if you are truly content with the impact you've made. I have been a devote and practicing Catholic since baptism. I have always strived to get my family to mass, make a difference, say prayers for others, honor the sacraments & seek forgiveness, while also celebrating that we are in the light of God and thankful for each day. Tod's book helps someone with no/little faith to full faith reflect and ask profound and vitally important questions.

The book lets you continually take a deep breath at the conclusion of each chapter. The chapters help the reader truly develop a sense of what wall they have hit in their faith or tests and trials they must overcome. For me Reverend Burpo and his son's story have furthermore concreted my faith and gave me the rejuvenation to continue to make a bigger difference both within my community, as a father, husband, and kind stranger.

Lastly, his book really breaks down major aspects of God and the faith to welcome anyone with questions. The most important theme I think you learn is that life is quick & Satan is responsible for bad things happening. Chapters 14-18 are crucial, and in chapter 21, you get a chance to discover what it is you're stuck at or missing. He's a very accepting and welcoming individual with genuine care for what impact each word he wrote has, you can just tell. 4.2/5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Dariush Youkhaneh.
Author 6 books5 followers
February 9, 2020
The book is mix of Todd's story , from his family to his community. Somehow in the middle of the bool i felt disconnection. It looks like a sermon than a book. There a few things which i was amazed to see. Personally if i don't do a sport i dont like i don't mock or keep questions others about why they do that which i ve read it in one occasion in this book.
But this it doesnt mean the actual message of Todd not coming across.
Indeed , He is brave to call some believers churchians and other called name. Who doesn't know it? Not everyone going to church they are real Christians! It felt the author were repeating himself.
There were one case which he called Ruth mother in law , a mother. I was thinkng hang on, that person wasnt her mother according to bible ( possibly a missing words there).
Although there are a lot to pick up and i am thanking Todd for the time and effort to prepare this book. Rightly, You can not compare this book of Todd with his first book Heaven is for real.
Rate 3 should be my score.
Profile Image for Danijel.
480 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2019
Str. 27 - V tistem trenutku je tudi mene premagal jok in skozi najglobljo temo je posijala luč. Kako se lahko deklice, ki je izkusila takšno zlo, počutila dovolj varno, da je stekla na oder in se pred tako veliko množico rokovala svojim sinom?

Spoznanje, da bog resnično ukrepa proti zlu, me je prevzelo in tisti trenutek je bil zame ključen: spoznal sem, da lahko prodremo skozi temo, ne glede na to, kaj si drugi mislijo, in nekaj pomeni, da tistim, ki jih je tema globoko prizadela, prinašamo Božjo luč. Ne glede na to, da se mi bo vedno zdelo, da nisem dovolj dober, ne bom pozabil priložnosti, ki jo je bog naklonil, da se je tista posebna deklico opogumila. Kot bi mi Bog dan dejal: "Glej, da ne boš oglasil v svoje luči."
35 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2023
Like most, I read this after reading "Heaven is for Real" (What a book!! Changed everything for me spiritually).

In this book, the Dad addresses some KEY questions most people ask - Why is there suffering in the world if God exists. How churchians (the ones who go to church and follow dogma) are NOT true Christians. And what it really means to BE a Christian, to be like Christ. Loved the beautiful pieces of Scripture Todd peppers in, all throughout the book. This book helped me, in 5 hours, to learn more about God and Jesus Christ that years of Catechism / Sunday School. So glad I read it. Highly recommend it to anyone who has the typical questions on God and the Cross and suffering in the world.
Profile Image for Matt Randall.
495 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2018
This book is simply a man's honest thought on what God is and how he wants to connect with you. Todd Burpo had something amazing happen to him in 2003, his son went to heaven and came back with some amazing stories of hope. Im sure his faith was cemented in with this event, his faith was strong long before then.
This man does not have a doctorate in Theology. Hes a part time mechanic, part time pastor, and part time firefighter. He speaks plainly and directly to the truth he has found. I really recommend this book to anyone.
Profile Image for Terry.
220 reviews
June 17, 2022
I really love Todd Burpo’s down to Earth style of writing. His real life stories, humor and deep faith are uplifting and inspiring. Reading this book help me through the darkest time in my life as I grieved the loss of my lifelong best friend who passed away from COVID last summer. Her loss left me broken and lost. So many activities that we shared became painful and reading was one of them. When I finally had the courage to read, I opened “God is for Real” to find comfort, healing and strength through God’s grace as shared by Todd Burpo.
Profile Image for Gina.
583 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my Kindle.
"Heaven is Real," his first book, was a good one. This one was different, but it definitely was a great read. He digs deep in the Bible to answer questions that we've all wonder about and wanted to know the answers. Whether you agree with him or not, he does open your mind and get you thinking more.
6 reviews
Read
April 16, 2020
The book was good. I have not read his previous book Heaven Is For Real although I have watched the movie, I know its not as good as the book but. I could relate to his direction and enjoyed reading things that I have not always considered. While reading the book I was leading a single mom's class at church and was able to use the material to help lead other women.
Profile Image for Ben.
2,739 reviews234 followers
December 13, 2022
God Is Real

This was a really lovely book.

Extremely well written, honest, and encouraging.

I really liked it.

Gave me some really important insight to pray about.

Would highly recommend.

4.7/5
Profile Image for Sammy McGregor.
187 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2024
The book I didn't know I needed until I was reading it. Thanks so much to Todd for tackling the big...and often awkward questions. Your insight and sharing of personal experiences gave me peace and hope and has helped me in my journey closer to Jesus.
Profile Image for Jalisa Jones.
38 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and I took away some wisdom from it. Thank you for writing this book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
171 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2019
Loved the simplistic writing style and stories throughout. Very touching and down to earth.
Profile Image for Jeanne Briggs.
70 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2020
Really good book easy to understand, questions are asked and explained in a way that the reader can understand. Worth reading
Profile Image for Idealist  Messy.
30 reviews
June 4, 2023
DNF. The writing sucks. So I just decided to read the Bible rather than this.
2 reviews
March 6, 2025
Another excellent & inspiring book by Todd Burpo!

It was a easy to read book with events & lessons we can relate to. Very satisfying & worth the money.

Profile Image for Mindy G..
545 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2025
HB

One thing I’ve learned is to look for His presence in the pain. Instead of just trying to get an answer to make things make sense, I look for his presence and this stuff that doesn’t make sense.
p. 3

God doesn’t call you to stay faithful to a people who are not faithful to him.
p. 54

So, here’s the surprise for you if you don’t trust the religious ones. You’re in good company: Jesus didn’t trust, either. What’s more, Jesus cares most about your actual obedience—your actions that prove your following him. He isn’t looking for a membership card as a record of showing up and sitting in a room to prove you follow him. He’s not looking for people who say they are going to work in the vineyard; he’s looking for those who show up, even if they said they wouldn’t before.
p. 59

His promises are intense and so meaningful for your life.
p. 61

Here’s the deal: the term Christian is a title, you earn, not one you self-proclaim. Don’t worry about churchians who called themselves Christian. That doesn’t matter in the least to Jesus. Look for the people who prove themselves to be “like Christ.” Those are the real deal; those are the ones who prove God is for real in their lives.
p. 60

We need a source for truth that is outside these human-made institutions, whether they are secular or we consider them sacred. Scripture is where we find that nonsubjective source. We need a place to find unchanging truth.
p. 63

Pray this: “God, show yourself as real to them.” I would rather my kids see God in their circumstances than have no problematic circumstances in their lives. I pray that they would experience God in their circumstances.
p. 72

Most Christians choose to live by safe instead of by faith. God responds to obedience more than anything else I have ever watched in people’s lives.
p. 134

God responds to obedience more than anything else I have ever watched in people’s lives.
p. 134

“Find people whose character is worth following—their advice is what you want to listen to.”
p. 137

“God, I don’t care what people think of me today, but I care about what they think of your son because of me today. Amen.”
p. 140

Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “I have a great need for Christ. I have a great Christ for my need.”
p. 165

“If I let God do what he wants with my life, he will make me do something I hate.” My friend Phil calls this the greatest lie in the world today that does the most damage.
p. 168

“Champions are made when the stands are empty.”
p. 190

“Think of your character as muscles you are building in your experiences.”
p. 192

“You must face weight resistance to build muscle. Nobody ever got stronger without resistance. Atrophied spiritual muscles need to face resistance to grow character. Those who have faced more resistance in life often have deeper character. Those who have experienced more pain have a higher pain tolerance. They’ve just worked out those character muscle muscles.
p. 194

“Are we asking God to move, or are we asking God to make somebody else move?”
p. 202

“Straight lines, teach character. Curvy lines, teach deception and entitlement. Some parents teach their kids to expect to find loopholes or third or fourth chances instead of expecting responsibility from themselves.”
p. 206

“Satan hurts you, and then he frames God for it.”
p. 212

“Jesus works in each of us to grow proof in our lives that we are surrendered to him.”
p. 222
1 review
July 28, 2022
An honest conversational style experience. Todd uses his everyday life experiences and not so everyday tragedies in this world to illustrate some of the most profound questions you might have concerning God. As a follower of Christ and someone trying to make the next active step in my faith, I find inspiration from the plain insight and the real world application presented by the author. The book was a blessing, thank you!
Profile Image for Kirsten.
711 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2017
Todd asks questions and helps lead us to answers.
He takes our doubts and reassures us.
He answers some questions we haven't even asked yet.

My new prayer will be- God, show yourself as real to them.

Take your faith from defensible to undeniable.
God has the power to move stunted faiths to growth.

God is real.

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