Truth on Fire: Gazing at God Until Your Heart Sings

by Adam Ramsey, Ray Ortlund (Foreword by)

Overview

What would it look like to genuinely love God with our head AND our heart? To have a faith marked by right thinking AND right feeling? To know God deeply AND worship him passionately?

Too often, Christians act as though these things are at odds with one another. But what if God intends for us to possess a Christianity that is radically committed to biblical truth, in a way that did not diminish the life of the heart, but actually intensified it?

Adam Ramsey invites us to engage both our minds and our emotions in our walk with God as we gaze at him until our hearts sing. He sums it up like this:

“My hope in these following pages is to paint a biblical portrait of what God is actually like, so that we can gaze upon him together until our hearts can’t help but sing. To behold him in such a way that our daily experience is transformed with a deepened awareness of who it is we pray to, who it is that is with us, and who it is that we are loved by. To let God’s truth set our hearts on fire.”

If you yearn for God but desire a clearer biblical picture of this God whom you love, or if you have been walking with God for a while now, but your experience of him has become settled or dry, then this book is for you.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784986483
Publisher:	The Good Book Company
Publication date:	09/01/2021
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Adam Ramsey leads Liberti Church on the Gold Coast, Australia and also serves as the director for Acts 29 Asia Pacific. The author of several books, including Truth on Fire and Truly, Truly, I Say to You, his favorite parts of life include being married to Kristina, making memories with their five kids, and preaching good news. Adam is quite serious about joy and an avid practitioner of laughter.

Ray Ortlund is President of Renewal Ministries. He founded Immanuel Church, Nashville, Tennessee and is a council emeritus member of The Gospel Coalition. He has written several books and participated in the ESV and NLT Bible translations. Ray is married to Jani and has four children. He holds a Ph.D. from The University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Ray Ortlund
Introduction
1. God Is Other: The Experience of Wonder
2. God Is Sovereign: The Experience of Assurance
3. God Is Unrivaled: The Experience of Embracing Weakness
4. God Is Never Far Away: The Experience of Courage
5. God Is All-Holy and All-Knowing: The Experience of Honesty
6. God Is Good: The Experience of Trust Through Suffering
7. God Is Love: The Experience of Relational Beauty
8. God Is Never Late: The Experience of Patience
9. God Is Merciful: The Experience of Gentleness
10. God Is Just: The Experience of Prophetic Advocacy
11. God Is Happy: The Experience of Delight
12. God Is Victorious: The Experience of Hope
Conclusion: Reformation and Revival

Editorial Reviews

With humor, wit, passion and power my dear friend Adam Ramsey calls us all to a greater view of God—in all his majestic wonder. Adam’s book is authentic, practical, powerful and lovely. I cannot recommend enough that you submit your heart and soul to the journey in these pages.

Léonce B. Crump Jr. (Founding Pastor

Truth on Fire is a brilliantly crafted book. Adam Ramsey expounds twelve attributes of God both incommunicable and communicable, teaching them with precision from Scripture before showing their implications for us. Whilst doctrinally the content is older than the hills, the book is fresh, rigorous, heart-warming and profoundly comforting.

Jonathan Gemmell (The Proclamation Trust)

In Truth on Fire, Ramsey puts the great truths about God in the driving seat. But each chapter seeks to move us beyond cognitive comprehension to heartfelt experience. Like wine expertly paired to the courses of a meal, Ramsey writes to lead us to feel the beauty of God’s love, know the assurance of his sovereignty, hold onto the trust that flows from his goodness, and enter into the self-searching honesty which is the proper response to his holiness. This is a great book! Reading it will do your head—and your heart—a world of good.

Rory Shiner (Senior Pastor

We should never have to choose between theological care and spiritual reality, but in so many churches those seem to be the only two alternatives. Adam Ramsey shows us how false that choice is, inviting us instead into a theologically robust, spiritually life-giving, and above all exciting vision of the Christian life. We badly need this, so I’m deeply thankful for this book and hope it will galvanise countless churches and Christians into whole-hearted and whole-headed life with God.

Sam Allberry (Pastor at Immanuel Church

Truth on Fire is brimming with poetic insight and prophetic potency for weary Christians who long for greater vistas of God’s goodness. Found within these pages is an evocative theology, which calls forth deeper levels of praise and greater heights of awe in the presence of God by connecting God’s attributes with our deepest needs and desires. Superbly written, joyful orthodoxy.

Kristi Mair (Research Fellow in Philosophy

'Head vs. Heart.’ ‘Feelings vs. Facts.’ ‘Mind vs. Emotion.’ ‘Doctrine vs. Delight.’ ‘Truth vs. Affection.’ Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could replace the ‘vs.’ with ‘and’? In this book, Adam Ramsey has done just that. is an excellent defense of the absolute necessity of a both/and when it comes to our knowledge and experience of God. You need not live in fear that theological depth will quench the Spirit, nor that heartfelt passion will turn you soft on doctrine. Get this book and let Adam show you why. Highly recommended!

Sam Storms (Lead Pastor

Adam Ramsey is a friend. I have eaten in his home in Australia and he has eaten in mine in South Carolina. I can bear witness that he is a man of both the Spirit and the word. Truth on Fire is a brilliant convergence, that reflects the life of one who is living in the wake of both these realities.

Brad Cooper (Lead Pastor

With an exceptional ability to state profound theological truths clearly and simply, Adam inspires the reader to reject ‘the one or the other’ of so-called theological or experiential Christianity. I loved this book, and more than that: I needed it. I was reminded of the joy that comes in gazing at God until, as Adam writes, my heart learns to sing in every circumstance.

Jenny Salt (Associate to Archdeacon of Women’s Ministry

I believe that the way people truly change is by truly beholding the glory of the Lord. This is why I’m exceedingly thankful for Adam Ramsey’s book. Chapter by chapter, with biblical depth and pastoral wisdom, he lifts our gaze up to contemplate the majesty of God. You will find both truth and Spirit in this rich work.

Jared C. Wilson (Assistant professor of pastoral ministry

Truth on Fire is a book that every Christian should have. Adam’s ability to take powerful theological truths about God and guide you to see them worked out in your everyday lives is simply brilliant. Reading these chapters deepened in me a desire to experience more of God, through Jesus, by the power of the Spirit, and experience my life more fully as a child of the kingdom. I know it will do the same in your life.

One Mokgatle (Lead Pastor

Adam Ramsey’s Truth On Fire hits us with both barrels. I walked away knowing the wonderful truths about God, like a seasoned theologian, and once again experiencing my first love for this God, like a giddy teenager.

Sam Chan (Head trainer and mentor

Many know Pastor Adam Ramsey for his joyful leadership and his engaging Christ-centered preaching. As you will see in Truth on Fire, he is also a brilliant writer. I will be using it in several different contexts and highly recommend it (Pastor

It is not easy to engage both the mind and the heart, and yet Adam has produced a fabulous resource doing just that! Truth on Fire is rooted in sound doctrine and saturated in the Spirit, to the glory of God.

Alex Early (Pastor

Truth on Fire is such a needed book for our generation! Experiencing genuine worship is the result of both sound theology and the work of the Holy Spirit. Adam Ramsey has written an exceptional work, that I believe will unleash the power of God through the local church in a way that is desperately needed in today’s world.

Matt Carter (Vice President of Mobilization

With an exceptional ability to state profound theological truths clearly and simply, Adam inspires the reader to reject ‘the one or the other’ of so-called theological or experiential Christianity. I loved this book, and more than that: I needed it. I was reminded of the joy that comes in gazing at God until, as Adam writes, my heart learns to sing in every circumstance.

Jenny Salt (Dean of Students

Adam Ramsey believes that how we think about God should shape how we experience him. I couldn’t agree more. This exquisite book is devotional writing in its purest sense, an invitation not just to know the God of the universe more deeply, but to be overcome in the knowing. Truth on Fire compels us to bow our hearts, to experience and exhibit the reverence that beholding God yields. Read it to think, and read it to feel. Herein is a feast for head and heart.

Jen Wilkin (Author

Immediately captivating, Adam Ramsey’s fine book challenges us not to settle for a faith wholly dependent on sensational spiritual experiences or, in contrast, one which insists on our minds merely being filled with accurate information about God. Eloquently and effectively he argues for a grasp of gospel truth that makes our hearts burn through an ever-increasing knowledge of him.

Terry Virgo (New Frontiers)

We should never have to choose between theological care and spiritual reality, but in so many churches those seem to be the only two alternatives. Adam Ramsey shows us how false that choice is, inviting us instead into a theologically robust, spiritually life-giving, and above all exciting vision of the Christian life. We badly need this, so I’m deeply thankful for this book and hope it will galvanise countless churches and Christians into whole-hearted and whole-headed life with God.

Sam Allberry

Adam Ramsey’s Truth On Fire hits us with both barrels. I walked away knowing the wonderful truths about God, like a seasoned theologian, and once again experiencing my first love for this God, like a giddy teenager.

Sam Chan (City Bible Forum

I believe that the way people truly change is by truly beholding the glory of the Lord. This is why I’m exceedingly thankful for Adam Ramsey’s book. Chapter by chapter, with biblical depth and pastoral wisdom, he lifts our gaze up to contemplate the majesty of God. You will find both truth and Spirit in this rich work.

Jared C. Wilson

We should never have to choose between theological care and spiritual reality, but in so many churches those seem to be the only two alternatives. Adam Ramsey shows us how false that choice is, inviting us instead into a theologically robust, spiritually life-giving, and above all exciting vision of the Christian life. We badly need this, so I’m deeply thankful for this book and hope it will galvanise countless churches and Christians into whole-hearted and whole-headed life with God.

Sam Allberry (Based at Immanuel Church

Truth on Fire is such a needed book for our generation! Experiencing genuine worship is the result of both sound theology and the work of the Holy Spirit. Adam Ramsey has written an exceptional work, that I believe will unleash the power of God through the local church in a way that is desperately needed in today’s world.

Matt Carter (Pastor of Preaching

We should never have to choose between theological care and spiritual reality, but in so many churches those seem to be the only two alternatives. Adam Ramsey shows us how false that choice is, inviting us instead into a theologically robust, spiritually life-giving, and above all exciting vision of the Christian life. We badly need this, so I’m deeply thankful for this book and hope it will galvanise countless churches and Christians into whole-hearted and whole-headed life with God.

Sam Allberry (Associate Minister of St Mary’s

Many know Pastor Adam Ramsey for his joyful leadership and his engaging Christ-centered preaching. As you will see in Truth on Fire, he is also a brilliant writer. I will be using it in several different contexts and highly recommend it

Tony Merida (Pastor

We should never have to choose between theological care and spiritual reality, but in so many churches those seem to be the only two alternatives. Adam Ramsey shows us how false that choice is, inviting us instead into a theologically robust, spiritually life-giving, and above all exciting vision of the Christian life. We badly need this, so I’m deeply thankful for this book and hope it will galvanise countless churches and Christians into whole-hearted and whole-headed life with God.

Sam Allberry (associate minister of St Mary’s

We have all read books that have sharpened our minds and others that have pricked our hearts. Adam Ramsey seeks to harmonize both mind and heart in a way that understands God intellectually and experiences God emotionally. Ramsey does a phenomenal job of balancing both theological truths and the experiential realities that result in a comprehensive knowledge of God. Every Christian who desires to know God more intensely should consider diving deep into this book.

Doug Logan Jr. (Director of the Diversity Initiative

'Head vs. Heart.’ ‘Feelings vs. Facts.’ ‘Mind vs. Emotion.’ ‘Doctrine vs. Delight.’ ‘Truth vs. Affection.’ Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could replace the ‘vs.’ with ‘and’? In this book, Adam Ramsey has done just that. is an excellent defense of the absolute necessity of a both/and when it comes to our knowledge and experience of God. You need not live in fear that theological depth will quench the Spirit, nor that heartfelt passion will turn you soft on doctrine. Get this book and let Adam show you why. Highly recommended!

Sam Storms

Immediately captivating, Adam Ramsey’s fine book challenges us not to settle for a faith wholly dependent on sensational spiritual experiences or, in contrast, one which insists on our minds merely being filled with accurate information about God. Eloquently and effectively he argues for a grasp of gospel truth that makes our hearts burn through an ever-increasing knowledge of him.

Terry Virgo (Founder

Truth on Fire is such a needed book for our generation! Experiencing genuine worship is the result of both sound theology and the work of the Holy Spirit. Adam Ramsey has written an exceptional work, that I believe will unleash the power of God through the local church in a way that is desperately needed in today’s world.

Matt Carter (Lead Pastor

With humor, wit, passion and power my dear friend Adam Ramsey calls us all to a greater view of God—in all his majestic wonder. Adam’s book is authentic, practical, powerful and lovely. I cannot recommend enough that you submit your heart and soul to the journey in these pages.

Léonce B. Crump Jr. (Founder

We should never have to choose between theological care and spiritual reality, but in so many churches those seem to be the only two alternatives. Adam Ramsey shows us how false that choice is, inviting us instead into a theologically robust, spiritually life-giving, and above all exciting vision of the Christian life. We badly need this, so I’m deeply thankful for this book and hope it will galvanise countless churches and Christians into whole-hearted and whole-headed life with God.

Sam Allberry (Pastor

Truth on Fire is a brilliantly crafted book. Adam Ramsey expounds twelve attributes of God both incommunicable and communicable, teaching them with precision from Scripture before showing their implications for us. Whilst doctrinally the content is older than the hills, the book is fresh, rigorous, heart-warming and profoundly comforting.

Jon Gemmell (Co-director of Training

We have all read books that have sharpened our minds and others that have pricked our hearts. Adam Ramsey seeks to harmonize both mind and heart in a way that understands God intellectually and experiences God emotionally. Ramsey does a phenomenal job of balancing both theological truths and the experiential realities that result in a comprehensive knowledge of God. Every Christian who desires to know God more intensely should consider diving deep into this book.

Dr. Doug Logan

Truth on Fire is brimming with poetic insight and prophetic potency for weary Christians who long for greater vistas of God’s goodness. Found within these pages is an evocative theology, which calls forth deeper levels of praise and greater heights of awe in the presence of God by connecting God’s attributes with our deepest needs and desires. Superbly written, joyful orthodoxy.

Kristi Mair (Research Fellow and Lecturer in Philosophy

I believe that the way people truly change is by truly beholding the glory of the Lord. This is why I’m exceedingly thankful for Adam Ramsey’s book. Chapter by chapter, with biblical depth and pastoral wisdom, he lifts our gaze up to contemplate the majesty of God. You will find both truth and Spirit in this rich work.

Jared C. Wilson (Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry; Author in Residence

With humor, wit, passion and power my dear friend Adam Ramsey calls us all to a greater view of God—in all his majestic wonder. Adam’s book is authentic, practical, powerful and lovely. I cannot recommend enough that you submit your heart and soul to the journey in these pages.

Léonce B. Crump Jr. (Founder