Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners (Union)

The Ortlunds--Ray, Dane, and Gavin--are a family of insightful authors, who have written significant books. Continuing this is Deeper, which states upfront that change is a matter of moral, intellectual, and experiential growth, and it occurs by “the life of God in the soul of man.” Dane has a specific audience in mind, those who are frustrated and worn out, who haven’t made much progress in the Christian life, and who don’t feel very sanctified. He reassures us that Jesus is more committed to our growth than we are. He then examines aspects of spiritual maturity: an increased sensitivity to sin, progressive repentance, union with Christ, a palpable awareness of God’s love, service energized by pardon, refinement through suffering, utilizing the resources of Scripture and prayer, all fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This would make an excellent group study book, a book for new believers, or a supplement to Confirmation or a baptismal class. For preachers, it would inform a sermon series.

I read a lot of ministry books. A lot. This is one of the best ones I've read in a while. Christians tend to internalize their sanctification as "I need to try harder." Salvation is by faith alone but sanctification is just white knuckling it. This books point us back to Jesus (as the bible does) not just for justification but also for sanctification. There are a bunch of good nuggets in here but Dane quotes McCheyne in a way that sums up this book well: "For every one look at yourself, take ten looks at Jesus."

"Deeper" is a good read for anyone tired of self-effort and instead wants to rely on God's grace working in and through the person for ongoing spiritual maturity. The book is around 180 and covers several topics: pain, union with Jesus Christ, being honest with God, slowing down and enjoying your relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and other topics. What I liked about the book: - Covers many relevant topics. - Good focus on relying on God's strength and power instead of self-effort. - Transitions smoothly from topic to topic. - Easy to read and understand. - Many good suggestions for practical application. Good and timely read in a day and age when people (even many in church) who are trying to rely on their efforts instead of leaning into Jesus Christ. Recommended.

I hovered back and forth. On the one hand, there were places where I felt overwhelmed, thinking that I come far short. It left me a bit discouraged and wondering if I will ever have these "experiences." And in my meditations, I wonder if the book leaned a little too far towards pietism and experience, or if it was just my anxiety and self-doubts....and so I reread it. I think I misunderstood him the first time, because I tend to twist myself into doubt and turmoil and comparing myself to others. When I get to that place in my life, I have learned to take my gaze off of myself and look to Jesus, who did it all for me and will never let me go and this won't change based on how I am feeling at a particular moment... And then I realized that this is exactly what he is saying - and I needed to slow down, stop the self doubt, and really hear what the scripture has to say. And then I found myself growing a little bit more - not so as I can look at myself and say "Look at me!" But so as I find myself more and more thirsting for the day when I see Him face to face. And if one wants to nitpick certain minor things in the book, one certainly can. It is a book by a guy who sounds like he has the same struggles we all have. But all in all, when you read it, you are forced to look away from yourself and look to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. And that is definitely worth 5 stars. As a side note - it is not written for academians and "scholars". It is written for people like you and me. The chapters are easily digestible and cause you to put it down over and over and simply think. so don't be afraid to take your time and think it through. It is worth it.

to achieve real and sustainable change. The basis of life for Christians is Christ and it’s with Him that author Dane C. Ortlund begins this tiny, transformative book, “Deeper”. He uses scripture to review the nature of Christ, His work, relationships and clarifies what growth in Christ really means. Real change cannot happen without this understanding. It’s assumed that readers of this book are reasonably well versed in Biblical doctrine. Ortlund encourages slow, careful, thoughtful progress thru this book. He leads readers thru various doctrines, (after highlighting those things that block our ability to change and fully access Christ), and moves on to the tools for successful day by day application so we can achieve lasting change and a vital, growing relationship in Christ. All things considered, a fine addition to your library📚

This book is one to be savored. I love the writer's “voice” and tone, his personable way of presenting truths and giving Bible-based illustrative example of really helping the reader to approach the great glory and wondrousness of Jesus Christ from a deeper perspective. There are so many chunks of wisdom and refreshing truths that help to revive the hearts and minds' perspectives on how incredibly awesome and multi-faceted our Lord Jesus Christ is. I've found myself crying for the beauty and approachability, the tenderness and might of Jesus, reminded by the gifted writing of this author. How easy it is to get caught up in the cares and concerns of this world, when we as Christians no that this place is only a small picture of our existence. The author helps in re-shifting and refocusing our attention on just a few of the unspeakably wonderful characteristics of the Saviour of our souls. I'm still enjoying my way through this, I don't want to rush, I don't want to miss anything, it's to be savored. There's so many (Bible-based) nuggets that help to ground me back into being awe-struck and amazed of how our mighty Lord, even in all His power, loves me, desires an ever-growing and loving relationship with me, even though He knows all the stuff about me that I cringe to think about. He came to save some 2,000 years ago, and He is still saving all those that will come to Him while all still have breath. The author mentioned the story of the sinful woman who came to Jesus, (aren't we all sinful!) and washed His feet with her tears, dried his feet with her hair, used expensive fragrance on His feet while in the Pharisee's house. There was such a stark difference in how Jesus saw her and the Pharisee saw her. Jesus is so approachable, even to us who are major sinners, and how He loves us and is ready to forgive and take us in to the family of God. What wondrousness! I enjoy how the author helps the reader to wake back up to how mind-blowingly amazing Jesus is and how we need to snap out of the stresses and doldrums of every day life and savor on, meditate on, and again worshipfully delight in Jesus, His saving Love, and His character. Thanks for reading.

Plan ahead for a slow and thoughtful read because this book is too good to speed through and put on your shelf. Ortlund does an expert job of moving the reader’s vision of discipleship and spiritual formation from self-effort to identification with the King. The most influential belief that the disciple can come to hold is the reality of their identity in relationship with Christ. The Christian is not working to become, or striving toward, being a new man or new woman; the Christian is a new creation in relationship with Christ. No longer does the disciple get on the hamster wheel of self effort and the cycle of attempt and setback. The disciple learns their identity in Christ and opens themselves up to the growing knowledge of the contours of this identity. The audience for this volume is the pastor/teacher or knowledgeable disciple and Pastor Ortlund crafts his paragraphs in this direction. The thoughts demand a slow, careful read with your Bible close by to consider the references. Even as the verses take hold, you will want to go beyond memorization and prayerfully apply the truths to your life. This is a book you will read, highlight and notate for some time. Take all the time you need.

I’m one of the few that I know who did not enjoy “Gentle and Lowly.” Everyone I know, and all who you know, love that book. I didn’t, and I felt I missed something. The main area why is that it was a one-trick pony, and kind of…boring. Dane Ortlund is an excellent writer, but I didn’t enjoy the book. Dane deserved another chance. I got Deeper, and I was so glad I did. I loved this book. Dane is really an original and powerful writer, fleshing out important concepts with clever anecdotes or important quotations from church fathers. It is an impassioned look at growing deeper in Christ. Each of the nine chapters cover a broad perspective of the Christian life. This book was so encouraging to me (especially as I read this through a tough time in life), and I heartily recommend it. Whether you enjoyed “Gentle and Lowly” or not.

I read the previous book by this author (Gentle and Lowly) and really enjoyed it. This one does not disappoint. Once again he uses lots of quotes from scripture and from well-known theologians (like CS Lewis and Jonathan Edwards) to back up his claims. It is thought provoking to my mind as well as my soul.