52 Weeks with Jesus: Fall in Love with the One Who Changed Everything

by James Merritt, Leonard Sweet (Foreword by)

Overview

Jesus Christ is the most influential human to ever walk the earth. We've heard and seen so many depictions of Him that we think we know Him better than we actually do. If we took the time to really look at Him, we might be surprised at what we'd find.

In 52 Weeks with Jesus, author and pastor James Merritt leads you on a transformational journey as he shares what he's learned over a lifetime of studying Jesus' life and ministry. As you join Dr. Merritt on this journey, you will come to know and encounter Jesus in new and surprising ways and be inspired anew to embrace His invitation, "Come, follow Me."

Filled with practical applications and surprising truths, this book will help you more ably answer that ancient question that's as timely today as when it was first posed: "Who do you say that I am?"

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736965026
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	12/15/2014
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

James Merritt (PhD) is a pastor, author, and host of the Touching Lives television program, seen nationwide and in 122 countries. Previously, he served as a two-term president of America’s largest Christian denomination. As a national voice on faith and leadership, Merritt has been interviewed by outlets including Time, Fox News, MSNBC, and 60 Minutes. He resides with his family outside Atlanta, Georgia.

Table of Contents

Foreword 11

Introduction: The One and Only 13

How to Read This Book 17

Section I Jesus, the Transformer

1 Just Like Us 20

2 A Misfit among misfits 24

3 A Messy Messiah 28

Section II Jesus, the Answer

4 Bread for the Journey 34

5 Light in a Dark Place 38

6 An Open Door 42

7 The Good Life 46

8 A Grave Buster 50

9 A One-Way Street 54

10 The Root of the Fruit 58

Section III Jesus, the Miracle Worker

11 A Man of Marvels 64

12 Crisis Manager 68

13 Captain of My Ship 72

14 A Miraculous Multiplier 76

15 A Leader Worth Following 80

16 The Great Empathizer 84

17 The Divine Ophthalmologist 88

18 Spiritually Sovereign 93

Section 4 Jesus, the Storyteller

19 The Seed Sower 100

20 The Best Boss 104

21 The Eye Opener 108

22 The Divine Auditor 112

23 A Better Financial Planner 116

24 The God of Tomorrow 120

25 The Life of the Party 124

26 A Hospitable Host 128

27 The Object of Our Worship 132

28 The Grace Giver 136

29 Discerner of the Heart 140

30 A Divine Divider 144

Section 5 Jesus, the Teacher

31 Flying Standby 150

32 A Prayer Warrior 154

33 Focused on the Father 158

34 The One Who Provides 162

35 The Treasure Principle 166

36 A Marriage Counselor 170

37 Can One Become Two? 174

38 Love: Can Two Stay One? 179

39 The Number One Priority 183

Section 6 Jesus, the Helper

40 The Thirst Quencher 188

41 A Most Valuable Treasure 192

42 A Gracious Judge 196

43 Always Available, Always Accessible 200

44 Our Best Friend 204

Section 7 Jesus, the Leader

45 The Standard of Greatness 210

46 A Servant First 214

47 The Victor 218

48 Commander in Chief 222

Section 8 Jesus, the Overcomer

49 The Passion of the Christ-the Rest of the story 228

50 His Grace, My Place 233

51 The Warrior Rises 237

52 Dead Man Walking 241

Acknowledgments 247

About the Author 249

Notes 251

Editorial Reviews

"James Merritt's challenge to spend 52 weeks with Jesus is one of both great discipline and great delight. Your passion for Jesus will grow and your life will be transformed through the time you spend in his Word with 52 Weeks with Jesus."
—Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, author of I Am a Church Member and Autopsy of a Deceased Church

"In 52 Weeks with Jesus, James Merritt gifts us with a rich, accessible guide to knowing Jesus more intimately that promises to change the way you see yourself, God, and others. This book will help you drink deeply of the living water, munch on the bread of life, and draw closer to the good shepherd than you ever have before. Read with caution—you'll walk away changed."
—Margaret Feinberg, author of Wonderstruck and Fight Back with Joy

"James Merritt is clear, on point, and writes with authority, wisdom, and compassion. In this book, he confronts the reader page after page with Jesus. Spending time in this book will surprise you, enlighten you, and just might change your life."
—Russell D. Moore, president, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention

"Jesus may be the most misunderstood person in history, and part of the reason is that most people have never taken time to actually study his life and teachings, 'Christians' not excluded. It's easy to forget that Jesus was not simply an idea or a topic to debate. Rather, he was a man who turned the world upside down by who he was, the things he said, and what he did. James Merritt's 52 Weeks with Jesus is an accessible, digestible exploration of Christ's sermons, stories, and miracles. It shatters myths, shakes assumptions, and is littered with surprising insights you've probably never considered. Thank you, Dr. Merritt, for painting a picture of Jesus that is true and textured and as graceful as the first-century Rabbi himself!"
—Tullian Tchividjian, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and author of One Way Love

"52 Weeks with Jesus presents dozens of metaphors for Jesus and backs each one up with biblical references, commentaries, meditations, and prayers. I plan to gift it to others often."
—Leonard Sweet, Drew University, George Fox University, Sermons.com

"Scripture tells us that blessed is the man who delights in the Word of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. In 52 Weeks with Jesus, James Merritt provides a believer with a year's worth of meditations on the Word made flesh. His observations on the life, ministry, and Lordship of Jesus are winsome, wise, and well written. Anyone who commits to spending 52 weeks meditating on our Lord will be blessed beyond measure for the effort."
—Ed Stetzer, LifeWay Research

"People often approach the biblical narratives of Jesus like a coroner dissecting a corpse, and then wonder why their relationship with Christ is so lifeless. In 52 Weeks With Jesus, Dr. James Merritt leads readers on a year-long journey to meet, experience, and fall in love with the most important person in history."
—Andy Stanley, senior pastor, North Point Ministries

"To know Jesus is to fall madly in love with Jesus. To understand who he is and what he did (and continues to do!) is to be awed and amazed. It will drive you to worship and then service in gratitude for such a great King. James Merritt helps us spend a year in devotional study of the Son of God. I read the book in a single sitting and was once again overwhelmed at the greatness and goodness of my Savior. So, spend a year and soak in this study. I am convinced you will never be the same."
—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

From the Publisher