With Jesus, by Brian G. Hedges is a book that invites readers on a journey of a lifetime. The gospel is weaved into the fabric of this story and helps readers understand the role that Christ places in individual lives. Hedges writes, “Whatever the shape of your life, whether your personal saga is comedy, tragedy, adventure, or soap opera, the gospel resounds with good news for all who believe: you’ve been inserted into a new story – the story of Christ. This book is about finding your place in the story of Jesus.”
The author is convinced that many people read the gospel “through the wrong lens.” Therefore, his goal is to help people read the Gospel narratives in a “gospel-centered way.”
The book begins with the birth of the self-existent Son of God in the manger. Hedges guides readers through the Gospel narratives and highlights each of the significant aspects of Christ’s earthly life from his baptism to Gethsemane, the crucifixion, the resurrection, ascension, and return. Each chapter includes well-thought-out observations about the person and work of Christ that both encourage and challenge.
Hedges work weighs in at 185 pages. Each page is packed with biblical wisdom and insight. The writing is pastorally challenging and theologically engaging. Many Puritans and stalwarts from church history are consulted, which only strengthens the punch in this already excellent study. The investment of time and energy in Hedges book will pay rich dividends and will shower a wealth of gospel-centered joy on each reader.
The lesson that stands out for me above all come in a few short sentences by the author:
“I have been gripped with this glorious truth: that in all of his obedience, Jesus was acting as our representative, husband, and head. If I am in Christ, then his achievements are counted as mine. What he accomplished, I accomplished with him.”
Readers are urged to plunge, prayerfully into this very well-written book and spend some time With Jesus.
Dr. David Steele has been in pastoral ministry since 1991. He holds BS and MA degrees from Multnomah University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary and a D. Min from Bakke Graduate University. Following graduation from Multnomah University, he served eight years as Pastor to Students at Lacey Chapel. In 2000, he became the Pastor of Theology at First Baptist Church in La Grande, Oregon where he served for over eleven years. In 2012, he became the Senior Pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washington.
He is the author of Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther, A Godward Gaze: The Holy Pursuit of John Calvin, and The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church.
At Christ Fellowship he leads the staff, serves as the Pastor for preaching and vision casting, and oversees Veritas (adult theological education) and Iron Men (men’s leadership development).
His personal mission is to positively influence people, impact the world one person at a time and to glorify God by enjoying him forever. His passion in ministry is preaching, teaching, and leadership development. Specifically, his aim is to educate the mind, engage the affections, equip the whole person, and encourage God-centered living that treasures Christ above all things.
He and his wife, Gerrene were married in 1991 and they have two children.