It's Not What You Think: Why Christianity Is About So Much More Than Going to Heaven When You Die

by Jefferson Bethke, Ann Voskamp (Foreword by)

Overview

Join Jefferson Bethke, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus > Religion, as he challenges the accepted view of contemporary Christianity with the world-changing message that Jesus actually brought.

Jesus was most upset at people for seeing but not seeing. For succumbing to the danger and idolatry of forcing God into preconceived human ideals. But what if there were a better way? What if Jesus came not to help people escape the world but instead to restore it?

It's Not What You Think tells the familiar stories of the scripture in a radically new light, presenting God's unchanging truths from the Old and New Testaments as the challenging story that it is: a mysterious, compelling narrative with God at the center.

Along the way, Bethke reminds us of the life-changing message of Jesus that turned the world upside-down—a world that God is putting back together—teaching us how to:

• Uncover our true purpose and satisfy our longing for significance
• Find the kingdom of God wherever we are
• Embrace the gifts of fellowship and community

Praise for It's Not What You Think:

"With a deep discernment of the times we're living in, Jefferson spotlights many misinterpreted truths in the Bible and puts a voice to the true heart of God’s Word. His desire to bring us into a more intimate encounter with God jumps off of each page. Christians need this book—now more than ever!"

—Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author of Forgiving What You Can't Forget and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries

"It's easy to get stuck in life. To let our faith grow stagnant, our walk grow weary, and our hope grow silent. Jefferson isn't okay with that and has created a book that turns what we think we know upside down. Creative, honest, refreshing. I'm a huge fan of the heart that explodes from this book."

—Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work & Never Get Stuck

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781400205417
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	10/13/2015
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,038,906
Product dimensions:	5.45(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Jefferson Bethke is the New York Times bestselling author of Jesus > Religion and It's Not What You Think. He and his wife, Alyssa, host The Real Life Podcast and run FamilyTeams.com, an online initiative equipping families to live as a multi-generational team on mission. They live in Maui with their daughters, Kinsley and Lucy, and son, Kannon. To say hi or to learn more, go to jeffandalyssa.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword Ann Voskama xiii

Introduction: living in Color xxi

1 Your Story's Not What You Think: Love Defined You Before Anything Else Did 1

2 The Temple's Not What You Think: It's God Pitching His Tent in Your Backyard 27

3 People Are Not Who You Think: They're Neighbors to Love, Not Commodities to Use 51

4 You Aren't Who You Think: You're a Person from the Future 77

5 The Sabbath's Not What You Think: You Rest As You Play 97

6 Worship's Not What You Think: You Become What You Behold 117

7 The Kingdom's Not Where You Think: It's Not in the Sky; It's Here Now 131

8 Brokenness Is Not What You Think: You Must Embrace Your Scars 159

9 The Table's Not What You Think: It's Not Just a Meal; It's a Sacred Space 175

Conclusion: A Final Word to My Friends 197

Acknowledgments 201

Notes 203

Further Reading 209

About the Author 213

Editorial Reviews

10/01/2015
Bethke (Jesus > Religion) rose to fame with a Youtube video titled "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus" and has never looked back. In his most recent book, a take on the New Testament and the message of Jesus, Bethke recounts a number of episodes and parables; these are interspersed with the author's own experiences. He doesn't pretend to have scholarly knowledge yet is motivated by a sincere faith and writes with vivacity. VERDICT Bethke's informal charm and bright-eyed devotion is certain to please his loyal enthusiasts and will perhaps attract more believers.

Library Journal