Saddleback Church

Peter may have been the first one out of the boat, but Jesus' invitation to walk on water is for us all. But walk on water? What does that mean? Walking on water means facing our fears and choosing not to let fear have the last word, discovering and embracing the unique calling of God on our lives, and experiencing the power of God to accomplish what we would not be capable of doing on our own. Relating the story in Matthew 14 to life today, teacher and best-selling author, John Ortberg, invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zones. Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God. Get to know Jesus as only a water-walker can, aligning yourselves with God's purposes for your lives. There's just one requirement: If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat!

Recommended by Chris Goulard and Debbie Eaton

"This short book—almost a pamphlet, really—has had a profound influence on my spiritual life. It helped shape my thinking on faith, adversity, meekness, redemption, divine guidance, and the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It’s just 64 pages long, but it has taken me a life time to read. I’m still not finished with it, and I have read it at least fifteen times from cover to cover over the last 35 years." –Buddy Owens, Pastor of Spiritual Growth, Saddleback Church

Recommended by Buddy Owens

Pastor Jim Cymbala calls us back to a fiery, passionate preoccupation with God that will restore what the enemy has stolen from us: our first love for Jesus, our zeal, our troubled children, our wounded marriages, our broken and divided churches. Born out of the heart and soul of The Brooklyn Tabernacle, the message of Fresh Faith is illustrated by true stories of men and women whose lives have been changed through the power of faith; the same faith that can transform your life starting today.

Erwin McManus wasn't raised in a Christian home, so when he came to Christ as a college student, he didn't know the rules of the "religious club."

He didn't do well in Shakespeare courses, so he didn't really understand the KJV Bible he was given either. But he did understand that prayer was a conversation, and he learned to talk to God and wait for answers. Erwin's way was passionate and rough around the edges; a sincere, barbaric journey to Christ. Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently than civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ's mission differently. The Barbarian Way is a call to escape "civilized" Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians—just as Christ intended.