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God for Us: Discovering the Heart of the Father through the Life of the Son
God is love. Of course we all know it . . . in our heads, at least. So why does it feel like he’s far off and unconcerned—or may even be against us? We wonder, “Is God good in general, but not to me specifically?”
John’s gospel assures us that God knew we were confused and wasn’t surprised by our distrust. But he also wasn’t content to be misunderstood, so he sent his Son to explain himself to us. Abby Hutto points out that each work of Jesus narrated in John reveals an aspect of God’s character and nature.
Here she presents thirteen of these stories that show, through Jesus, who God is. Each one is accompanied by a testimonial of how modern-day believers have applied these truths to their own lives. These personal and Bible stories, along with further Scripture and personal-application and discussion questions, will show us that God is for us and draws our confused, distrusting hearts back to himself.
John’s gospel assures us that God knew we were confused and wasn’t surprised by our distrust. But he also wasn’t content to be misunderstood, so he sent his Son to explain himself to us. Abby Hutto points out that each work of Jesus narrated in John reveals an aspect of God’s character and nature.
Here she presents thirteen of these stories that show, through Jesus, who God is. Each one is accompanied by a testimonial of how modern-day believers have applied these truths to their own lives. These personal and Bible stories, along with further Scripture and personal-application and discussion questions, will show us that God is for us and draws our confused, distrusting hearts back to himself.
216 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2019
About the author
Abby Ross Hutto
1 book9 followersAbby Ross Hutto is director of women’s ministry for Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church in Gahanna, Ohio, and a gospel coach and network leader with Parakaleo, a ministry of Mission to North America.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 18, 2019
Abby Ross Hutto wants us to know that God can reach every single one of us. Using an innovative allegorical approach, Hutto turns the true stories of men and women she knows into characters named after the characteristic that describes them: Distant, Skeptic, Wanderer, Betrayed, Wounded, to name a few. Hutto introduces each chapter of her new book God For Us by telling a specific and true story of why someone she knows felt far removed from God then she shows how Jesus himself ministered specifically to someone in a similar situation during his time on Earth. At the heart of each chapter is Jesus healing the hurting, welcoming the ashamed, freeing the captives. God is FOR all of these people and he is FOR all of us, too.
It is clear that Hutto writes from rich years of experience in direct ministry. In each story she tells, it is clear that she has earned the privilege of trust through years of prayerful encouragement and gospel-centered fellowship with these people. She doesn’t speak merely from her own life’s journey but adorns the gospel of grace with thirteen profound testimonies of God’s redeeming power.
As an example of Hutto’s wisdom, consider how she frames the story of a young man who went from being abused to being an abuser in the chapter “A God for the Lost.” As Hutto describes, when Lost’s father caught him looking at pornography (“broken expressions of his desires”) as a young man, his father “simply cautioned him not to get caught. He didn’t teach Lost how to fight; he taught him how to hide.” In just a few paragraphs, Hutto captures the essence of what is at stake in the unseen spiritual realm for this man. Each chapter concludes with resounding hope. In “A God for the Ashamed,” Hutto shares how her friend whose story she has told is now “a mama bear in God’s house. She puts herself in between the lies of Satan and God’s beloved children, and she stands her ground. She rebukes the voice of shame with the voice of God’s word.” What a joyful description of a woman redeemed! I teared up many times with the joy of seeing sin’s power broken in the lives of the men and women whose stories she tells.
These stories provide a moving framework that draws us into God’s word. Hutto recognizes how encounters with Jesus recorded in the book of John demonstrate that God is truly for all of us. I was stirred by her description of Jesus healing Lazarus in “A God for the Grieving.” She says, “Jesus was declaring war. He was fighting back darkness and death. With each person he healed, he reclaimed ground that sin and death had stolen from his children.” Hutto unpacks the scriptures with great care and enthusiasm. Her love for God is palpable as she engages with the scriptures.
I was moved by the stories in this book. I saw the lost and hurting with greater compassion. I saw Jesus with greater admiration. I saw the power of the gospel at work. I recommend God For Us with enthusiasm as an encouraging book for personal encouragement or group study.
It is clear that Hutto writes from rich years of experience in direct ministry. In each story she tells, it is clear that she has earned the privilege of trust through years of prayerful encouragement and gospel-centered fellowship with these people. She doesn’t speak merely from her own life’s journey but adorns the gospel of grace with thirteen profound testimonies of God’s redeeming power.
As an example of Hutto’s wisdom, consider how she frames the story of a young man who went from being abused to being an abuser in the chapter “A God for the Lost.” As Hutto describes, when Lost’s father caught him looking at pornography (“broken expressions of his desires”) as a young man, his father “simply cautioned him not to get caught. He didn’t teach Lost how to fight; he taught him how to hide.” In just a few paragraphs, Hutto captures the essence of what is at stake in the unseen spiritual realm for this man. Each chapter concludes with resounding hope. In “A God for the Ashamed,” Hutto shares how her friend whose story she has told is now “a mama bear in God’s house. She puts herself in between the lies of Satan and God’s beloved children, and she stands her ground. She rebukes the voice of shame with the voice of God’s word.” What a joyful description of a woman redeemed! I teared up many times with the joy of seeing sin’s power broken in the lives of the men and women whose stories she tells.
These stories provide a moving framework that draws us into God’s word. Hutto recognizes how encounters with Jesus recorded in the book of John demonstrate that God is truly for all of us. I was stirred by her description of Jesus healing Lazarus in “A God for the Grieving.” She says, “Jesus was declaring war. He was fighting back darkness and death. With each person he healed, he reclaimed ground that sin and death had stolen from his children.” Hutto unpacks the scriptures with great care and enthusiasm. Her love for God is palpable as she engages with the scriptures.
I was moved by the stories in this book. I saw the lost and hurting with greater compassion. I saw Jesus with greater admiration. I saw the power of the gospel at work. I recommend God For Us with enthusiasm as an encouraging book for personal encouragement or group study.
July 17, 2019
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Hutto’s premise is that, while we tend to view Jesus as warm and inviting, we might have a more wary, fearful view of the Father – our Father. She walks through 13 stories in John to show “the heart of the Father through the life of the Son.” And it is a walk full of hope and promise and courage for weary, guilty, bruised hearts.
Hutton confesses from the start that despite knowing God for years, she struggled with how she felt about Him. “I knew the Bible told me that he is a God of love, but his plans often felt petty and cruel to me.”
When we struggle to believe he is in our corner, on our side, we’re missing or forgetting the key facts of this plan he initiated for us.
“The proof of God’s love is the cross of his Son. In one blindsiding act … we see the irrefutable evidence that God loves us.”
Each chapter begins with the story of someone unable to see God as he is: the wanderers, the grieving, the wounded, the failures. I started the book wondering which story I would identify with most closely. I finished it having identified with every one of them.
“The barriers between God and us, which feel so daunting to us, are nothing to him. Nothing can keep him away. No addiction is too strong, no circumstance too great, no sin too evil to restrain the Father from drawing near to us in love.”
Hutto does not make light of our brokenness.
“Something is wrong with us – but Jesus can fix what sin breaks, and those who run to him find refuge and hope.”
Each story inevitably points to the cross and I wept sometimes at the depth of my own mistrust of the Father who loved me this much, the one who could have protected his Son from torment but didn’t, for my sake.
“The Father showed this restraint not because of any lack of love for his Son but because of his incredible love for us.”
I’m not doing justice to either Hutto’s beautiful words or God’s much more beautiful work. I’ll simply say if your heart has even flashes of doubt, you will relish this powerful dose of truth.
“There is no more wrath left for you, beloved child, even though you continue to betray him. Our faithful God absorbed the cost for all your sins, because he is resolved to keep you.”
Hutto’s premise is that, while we tend to view Jesus as warm and inviting, we might have a more wary, fearful view of the Father – our Father. She walks through 13 stories in John to show “the heart of the Father through the life of the Son.” And it is a walk full of hope and promise and courage for weary, guilty, bruised hearts.
Hutton confesses from the start that despite knowing God for years, she struggled with how she felt about Him. “I knew the Bible told me that he is a God of love, but his plans often felt petty and cruel to me.”
When we struggle to believe he is in our corner, on our side, we’re missing or forgetting the key facts of this plan he initiated for us.
“The proof of God’s love is the cross of his Son. In one blindsiding act … we see the irrefutable evidence that God loves us.”
Each chapter begins with the story of someone unable to see God as he is: the wanderers, the grieving, the wounded, the failures. I started the book wondering which story I would identify with most closely. I finished it having identified with every one of them.
“The barriers between God and us, which feel so daunting to us, are nothing to him. Nothing can keep him away. No addiction is too strong, no circumstance too great, no sin too evil to restrain the Father from drawing near to us in love.”
Hutto does not make light of our brokenness.
“Something is wrong with us – but Jesus can fix what sin breaks, and those who run to him find refuge and hope.”
Each story inevitably points to the cross and I wept sometimes at the depth of my own mistrust of the Father who loved me this much, the one who could have protected his Son from torment but didn’t, for my sake.
“The Father showed this restraint not because of any lack of love for his Son but because of his incredible love for us.”
I’m not doing justice to either Hutto’s beautiful words or God’s much more beautiful work. I’ll simply say if your heart has even flashes of doubt, you will relish this powerful dose of truth.
“There is no more wrath left for you, beloved child, even though you continue to betray him. Our faithful God absorbed the cost for all your sins, because he is resolved to keep you.”
June 8, 2019
Thank you to my friend Abby for this gift! She reveals the heart of the Father to us, in her life and in these words, as she helps us look at Jesus and how his life and words reveal the heart of the Father. This is a rich feast and fills me with courage confidence in Gods character, goodness, and love.
January 16, 2023
I’m not going to lie, I had low expectations; a lot of Christian books of this nature are written in a certain way (exclamation points and bright tone), and Abby Hutto’s book is not an exception — but the CONTENT and the approachability AS WELL AS the theological foundation is excellent.
She uses real examples of relatable people to illustrate her story, and it’s not cringe or forcing a narrative like a lot of other books are.
I have sought condemnation from God for a long time, thinking that that’s what I needed to move forward from sin, but honestly her book gave me the answers I needed to reconcile forgiveness with turning away from sin.
Sometimes it’s cheesy, and towards the end you kind of figure out what she’s going to say, but this was packed with gems from start to finish.
She uses real examples of relatable people to illustrate her story, and it’s not cringe or forcing a narrative like a lot of other books are.
I have sought condemnation from God for a long time, thinking that that’s what I needed to move forward from sin, but honestly her book gave me the answers I needed to reconcile forgiveness with turning away from sin.
Sometimes it’s cheesy, and towards the end you kind of figure out what she’s going to say, but this was packed with gems from start to finish.
June 28, 2022
Encouraging, enlightening. This book has such a delightful style, each chapter addressing different doubts or fears or situations that most of us have or will encounter. Her love forand knowledge of God shine through, as she discusses how God really is “for us.”
March 1, 2019
In the introduction, Hutto gives statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health.
“In 2016, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States reported having had at least one major depressive episode during that calendar year.” Page 10.
That statistic stopped me because I can relate. My husband went through a major depressive episode from mid 2014 until 2017. He refused medicine the doctor prescribed. He refused help. He refused to talk about this to anyone. He was diagnosed earlier this year with major depression. For the first time, he is on an antidepressant. As his wife, this has been a hard journey; hard to watch and hard to know what to do. But I prayed. And still pray. And, I trusted in God. and not an outcome.
Hutto asks, “Where is God when we are afraid? The Bible tells us that he is in our corner and on our side.” Page 11. Hutto answers this question through her teachings from the lives of various people in crisis.
In God For Us, thirteen chapters teach who God is for, using the Gospel of John as the Scripture text. The chapters target a specific person in crisis. For example, in the first chapter: “A God for the Distant.” The Bible text is John 1:1-18. The illustration is a person who grew up in a Christian home, but her heart is distant from God. She does not understand the concept of God’s saving grace, and those who are still lost and suffering. She fears God. She does not have a close relationship with Him.
In God For Us, Hutto takes each illustration and text, and reveals “the intentions of God.” His plans are personal and aimed at developing our heart.
God For Us is a deep book. I took twelve pages of notes. I’d read a chapter and think, “this is the pinnacle of the book.” Then, I’d read the next chapter and think the same. This is a book to read, study, and savor. It is definitely a book for strong conversation in a small group.
At the end of each chapter is “Scripture for Contemplation” and “Questions for Reflection and Discussion.” I’ve noticed most books that have questions for discussion are five or so. In chapter one, ten questions are given.
I love it that there is a building in the chapters of who God is and how He reveals Himself to us. “Jesus is God narrated for us, telling us what the Father is like.” Page 22.
Chapter Four: The “I Am” statements are taught. This chapter is titled: “A God for the Wanderer.” Beautiful and deep statements from Hutto touched my heart.
“In his teaching, he connected himself to the rich traditions of the feast and revealed something wonderful about his Father: God has come to find us in our desert. Even more astounding is this: God has a purpose for us in our wanderings. Nothing is wasted with him. In our deserts we come to know him, the Great I am, as he truly is.”
The word “wasted” has been a large sign blinking in my mind (like a neon flashing light.) All these years (36) I’ve spent with a man who has a mental health issue, and he has acted out in ways that are not for the weak of heart. I’ve felt a feeling of wasted time. Time that cannot be recovered. And, what is the purpose of all this? Is it possible there isn’t a purpose and I’m a lame duck?
God For Us is a book where the reader will identify with the people used as illustrations. I certainly have.
Another quote from this chapter, and it is from Paul Miller: “God takes everyone he loves through a desert. It is his cure for our wandering hearts, restlessly searching for a new Eden.” Page 64.
And some of the last words from this chapter: “This is what God produces in us during our wandering-fertile ground that is yielding glory.” This is my answer to the feeling of “wasted.” God is producing in me a “fertile ground” that is “yielding glory.”
God For Us is a powerful book. It is a book that speaks to the heart on a personal level.
Additional thoughts:
•A theme is the Gospel message.
•It is written with compassion and humility.
•A meditative book.
•A great introduction to the Gospel of John.
•An excellent source for recovery groups.
Source: I received a complimentary pdf copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
“In 2016, an estimated 16.2 million adults in the United States reported having had at least one major depressive episode during that calendar year.” Page 10.
That statistic stopped me because I can relate. My husband went through a major depressive episode from mid 2014 until 2017. He refused medicine the doctor prescribed. He refused help. He refused to talk about this to anyone. He was diagnosed earlier this year with major depression. For the first time, he is on an antidepressant. As his wife, this has been a hard journey; hard to watch and hard to know what to do. But I prayed. And still pray. And, I trusted in God. and not an outcome.
Hutto asks, “Where is God when we are afraid? The Bible tells us that he is in our corner and on our side.” Page 11. Hutto answers this question through her teachings from the lives of various people in crisis.
In God For Us, thirteen chapters teach who God is for, using the Gospel of John as the Scripture text. The chapters target a specific person in crisis. For example, in the first chapter: “A God for the Distant.” The Bible text is John 1:1-18. The illustration is a person who grew up in a Christian home, but her heart is distant from God. She does not understand the concept of God’s saving grace, and those who are still lost and suffering. She fears God. She does not have a close relationship with Him.
In God For Us, Hutto takes each illustration and text, and reveals “the intentions of God.” His plans are personal and aimed at developing our heart.
God For Us is a deep book. I took twelve pages of notes. I’d read a chapter and think, “this is the pinnacle of the book.” Then, I’d read the next chapter and think the same. This is a book to read, study, and savor. It is definitely a book for strong conversation in a small group.
At the end of each chapter is “Scripture for Contemplation” and “Questions for Reflection and Discussion.” I’ve noticed most books that have questions for discussion are five or so. In chapter one, ten questions are given.
I love it that there is a building in the chapters of who God is and how He reveals Himself to us. “Jesus is God narrated for us, telling us what the Father is like.” Page 22.
Chapter Four: The “I Am” statements are taught. This chapter is titled: “A God for the Wanderer.” Beautiful and deep statements from Hutto touched my heart.
“In his teaching, he connected himself to the rich traditions of the feast and revealed something wonderful about his Father: God has come to find us in our desert. Even more astounding is this: God has a purpose for us in our wanderings. Nothing is wasted with him. In our deserts we come to know him, the Great I am, as he truly is.”
The word “wasted” has been a large sign blinking in my mind (like a neon flashing light.) All these years (36) I’ve spent with a man who has a mental health issue, and he has acted out in ways that are not for the weak of heart. I’ve felt a feeling of wasted time. Time that cannot be recovered. And, what is the purpose of all this? Is it possible there isn’t a purpose and I’m a lame duck?
God For Us is a book where the reader will identify with the people used as illustrations. I certainly have.
Another quote from this chapter, and it is from Paul Miller: “God takes everyone he loves through a desert. It is his cure for our wandering hearts, restlessly searching for a new Eden.” Page 64.
And some of the last words from this chapter: “This is what God produces in us during our wandering-fertile ground that is yielding glory.” This is my answer to the feeling of “wasted.” God is producing in me a “fertile ground” that is “yielding glory.”
God For Us is a powerful book. It is a book that speaks to the heart on a personal level.
Additional thoughts:
•A theme is the Gospel message.
•It is written with compassion and humility.
•A meditative book.
•A great introduction to the Gospel of John.
•An excellent source for recovery groups.
Source: I received a complimentary pdf copy, but was not required to leave a positive review.
July 31, 2022
I don’t enjoy reading books written for women and usually end up grimacing at the flowery, over wordy stories and language. Give me a meaty theological book or the puritans any day. However part of my job is to find books for our church’s womens ministry. So I read a good deal of books for women.
I started this one expecting to give it the usual two or three stars and gain nothing from it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
* First off there are no awkward scripty quotes strewn about the pages to distract from the actual text.
* Second, the stories actually fit the chapters and aren’t a distraction. The stories here are actually needed to illustrate each chapter. In mainly books a lot of stories distract from the chapters that the authors write. This is not one of them. Maybe it is because they focus on what God has done and how he is brought glory.
* Third, this book is sufficiently long. One of my biggest complains in books written for women is that they are 2-3 times longer than they should be. (The information in most books could be summarized in 50 or so pages - not the 200 most people stretch them to be) This book isn’t wordy and I didn’t find myself skimming large portions of it just to find the main point. Abby thanks her editor for this and so do I!
I have highly suggested it for our women’s study this Fall or winter and I look forward to studying it with a group of women and working through the thoughtful questions together. Most of all I look forward to seeing a grander vision of who God is and how he is for us and with us in the most difficult of circumstances. I can’t wait to hear the stories of our women pointing to the faithfulness of God in the midst of hardship and seeing that he is always good and being encouraged by their faith.
I started this one expecting to give it the usual two or three stars and gain nothing from it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
* First off there are no awkward scripty quotes strewn about the pages to distract from the actual text.
* Second, the stories actually fit the chapters and aren’t a distraction. The stories here are actually needed to illustrate each chapter. In mainly books a lot of stories distract from the chapters that the authors write. This is not one of them. Maybe it is because they focus on what God has done and how he is brought glory.
* Third, this book is sufficiently long. One of my biggest complains in books written for women is that they are 2-3 times longer than they should be. (The information in most books could be summarized in 50 or so pages - not the 200 most people stretch them to be) This book isn’t wordy and I didn’t find myself skimming large portions of it just to find the main point. Abby thanks her editor for this and so do I!
I have highly suggested it for our women’s study this Fall or winter and I look forward to studying it with a group of women and working through the thoughtful questions together. Most of all I look forward to seeing a grander vision of who God is and how he is for us and with us in the most difficult of circumstances. I can’t wait to hear the stories of our women pointing to the faithfulness of God in the midst of hardship and seeing that he is always good and being encouraged by their faith.
March 24, 2019
Thank you, Abby Hutto, for this beautiful book. It has been my companion during this first part of the Lenten season. The best review of this book requires me to borrow the author's words from the concluding chapter: Reading "this book has forced me to look at my life and see that I still harbor a cynical heart within my chest. Every chapter in this book could be my story, and every chapter has been a chance for me to repent and acknowledge the ways that I continue to misjudge the Father’s heart toward me. Every chapter also held the kindness of his forgiveness and a reminder of the depth of his love. I ... have been challenged and comforted while reading these pages." The book is cleverly written about 12 characters, Skeptic, Desperate, Wanderer, Ashamed, Afflicted, Lost, Grieving, Captive, Betrayed, Wounded, Hopeless, and Failure, and I could identify with all of them. This is a great resource for anyone on a healing journey, seeking God's grace and forgiveness. It speaks truth. Amen.
March 7, 2019
If you find yourself, like me, trying to understand better the view God has of you, I encourage you to read this book, “God for Us.” In it, the author, Abby Hutto, walks through the book of John in the Bible and shares from God’s Word how God is God for those who are broken, struggling, defining themself by their sin or failures- He is God for us. Whether we define ourselves as a skeptic, desperate, ashamed, afflicted, etc- she shows us how we can find hope in God in light of the glorious work of Christ for us and the good news of the gospel. There we can see how He truly is God for us no matter what struggle or circumstance we find or define ourselves by. Your heart will be encouraged as you discover there is no need to hide but instead draw near to the One Who knows us and loves us and is for us. I highly recommend this book and know you will be drawn to know and love God more.
March 1, 2019
So often we act like if things are going well, we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop. We protect ourselves with pessimism and jump through superstitious hoops we may not even be aware of in order to please God. The thing is...GOD IS ALREADY PLEASED WITH US because of Jesus. He is already FOR US, we just struggle to believe it.
Abby's book takes this idea head-on, by looking through interviews with real people AND walking through the book of John. The table of contents alone is reassuring - a God for the distant, desperate, ashamed, skeptical...he's is a God for all of these and more.
Men and women will benefit from reading this book and being reminded that God the Father has always been like Jesus, and he is for us, not against us.
Abby's book takes this idea head-on, by looking through interviews with real people AND walking through the book of John. The table of contents alone is reassuring - a God for the distant, desperate, ashamed, skeptical...he's is a God for all of these and more.
Men and women will benefit from reading this book and being reminded that God the Father has always been like Jesus, and he is for us, not against us.
December 22, 2023
Before finishing this book, I had shared info about it with at least 5 different people. Each chapter is centered around a different allegorical character who has a specific struggle with their relationship with God (e.g. Distant, Wanderer, Ashamed, Failure). Each chapter reveals an example of a specific person's struggle, ties it back to scripture (centered around the book of John but not limited to it), and then offers steps taken by the character to move forward and past that particular struggle.
I'd definitely recommend this for personal and small group Bible studies.
This is available on hoopla as an audiobook. I used the audiobook but by midway through, I realized I might have been best served with a paper copy.
I'd definitely recommend this for personal and small group Bible studies.
This is available on hoopla as an audiobook. I used the audiobook but by midway through, I realized I might have been best served with a paper copy.
March 6, 2019
Thank you, Abby, for a hopeful, gospel-filled, nourishing book. I highly recommend this book for personal study, but I especially recommend it for group study. I kept envisioning how special it would be to talk over the discussion questions with a group, to take time to meditate and ruminate on the chapters with others, to share personal stories that relate to the chapters. If you're a Bible study leader, for sure consider this for your next study. And for anyone who struggles to believe that the Father is good or who wants to take some time to focus on the book of John, this book is a win.
April 27, 2019
Wow. I’m so incredibly thankful for this book. What a gift Abby has given to the church and to people trying to understand who God is. She paints a glorious picture of a Father who is strong and compassionate and full of grace. Each chapter pairs a real life story with a story from the book of John. It’s so easy to see myself in bits of each one. I wish I could give this book to everyone I know! Pick it up and prepare to have your view of God challenged and examined and remade in the best of ways.
April 19, 2023
A good book where we look at a God that is for us - the grieving, the abandoned, the lost, the hopeless etc and I saw myself in several of the characters.
I did not like how each chapter (each one is based on a "character" wrapped up so easily - thats not always real life. But I did relate to the God we saw meet them in their pain or sin. Personally struggling to feel like God is actually for me, for my good, loving me in heartbreak, so reading the truth of who he is encouraged me
Would read more from this author.
I did not like how each chapter (each one is based on a "character" wrapped up so easily - thats not always real life. But I did relate to the God we saw meet them in their pain or sin. Personally struggling to feel like God is actually for me, for my good, loving me in heartbreak, so reading the truth of who he is encouraged me
Would read more from this author.
March 29, 2019
4.5 stars. Loved this fresh look at the gospel of John. Both theologically and biblically sound yet still fully engages the heart. Love that every single chapter points to the gospel and clearly depicts our need for our savior. Will refer to it and especially the questions at the end of the chapter as I prepare to lead a Bible study on John. Highly recommend.
December 11, 2019
Loved this book! I read it as part of a group Bible study, but I think it would be just as good reading it on your own. Each chapter tells the story of a person and how learning more about who God is changed their life. Even if you can't relate to the people in the beginning, I bet you will relate by the end! There are also reflection questions at the end of each chapter.
February 28, 2021
This book is a beautiful depiction of how God works in the lives of broken, lost people through the love of God through His son Jesus. Knowing Abby personally, I know it would mean a great deal for you to take the time to read this beautiful reflection on the application of the book of John for our sinful lives.
June 16, 2026
This book was such a beautiful reminder of God’s heart for His people. Abby Ross Hutto weaves together stories from the Gospel of John and real life testimonies in a way that is both deeply encouraging and challenging, leaving me with a renewed confidence that God is truly for us and not against us.
April 16, 2020
This book took a loving approach to walking the reader through some of the most poignant passages of scripture. The well-written story colors in the picture of God with a scripture-based foundation. I took my time reading this to really study the scripture references. It was well-worth it.
July 25, 2023
Didn't finish. Didn't like the style. Seemed like an attempt to copy CS Lewis' style but there is only one. Also, didn't bother to put some of the books statements up against scripture but heard a few things that gave me pause.
August 11, 2023
The book I’d *most highly* recommend for anyone wanting to see the humanity of Christ. This book goes into multiple stories within John to shed light on the character of God and His love for all broken people. Please PLEASE give this a read if you feel a lack of hope or faith. It is a worthy read.
May 29, 2022
A balm for the soul.
February 19, 2023
Worth reading. Simple chapters that really speak right to your heart about how much God loves us.
December 28, 2024
A beautiful treatment of how the Gospel meets us where we are. Great for a devotional reading or bible study.
August 10, 2019
Must read!
"When we are tempted to believe that God does not care about us or that his arm is too short to save, we need to know how to handle ourselves. We need to take our soul in hand, sit ourselves down, and preach a good sermon to our hearts. That sermon cannot be about us. It does not help you to preach to yourself about your past successes in order to encourage you or to shame yourself about your past failures. That works for a little while, but pride and fear are never good long-term motivators for change. We need a different sermon altogether.
The only sermon that will help our hearts has three points. It’s the one that Dr. Lloyd-Jones preached to his congregation:
• Who is your God?
• What has he already done for you?
• What has he pledged, by the blood of his beloved Son, to continue doing for you?
Our God is King of all and is our loving Father."
"When we are tempted to believe that God does not care about us or that his arm is too short to save, we need to know how to handle ourselves. We need to take our soul in hand, sit ourselves down, and preach a good sermon to our hearts. That sermon cannot be about us. It does not help you to preach to yourself about your past successes in order to encourage you or to shame yourself about your past failures. That works for a little while, but pride and fear are never good long-term motivators for change. We need a different sermon altogether.
The only sermon that will help our hearts has three points. It’s the one that Dr. Lloyd-Jones preached to his congregation:
• Who is your God?
• What has he already done for you?
• What has he pledged, by the blood of his beloved Son, to continue doing for you?
Our God is King of all and is our loving Father."
January 1, 2020
This book is soul-searching and based on the truths of the gospel. It moves through the gospel of John while encountering various people with hurts and wounds: someone who thinks they are a failure, someone in bondage to an addiction, wandering, ashamed, afflicted. The reader finds a bit of themselves in each portrait. The great love of the God the Father through Christ His son is evident. The reader is again and again confronted with the love of the true Savior, who died and lives again so that we might find real life in Him.
It took me awhile to read because I kept going back and re-reading chapters.
It took me awhile to read because I kept going back and re-reading chapters.
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