Jesus, Continued...: Why the Spirit Inside You Is Better than Jesus Beside You

JD Greear brings out new thoughts and questions about what Scripture means. Great for group discussion while helping us grown spiritually.

For the last couple years I have been receiving free copies of books from publishers to write blog reviews for, and when I first got started I received a copy of "Jesus Continued... Why The Spirit Inside You is Better Than Jesus Beside You" by JD Greear. I honestly picked this book for no discernible reason other than I think I had recently read a verse like it in the Bible and thought what could Jesus possibly mean that it is for OUR benefit that he leave?Unfortunately, due to an unfortunate luggage accident that occurred on a cruise ship, where I was intending on reading this book, my book ended up drenched in a broken bottle of Fireball and we had to toss it out otherwise risking my Spirit-filled (pun intended) book becoming a nasty cinnamon version of one of those taxi cab pine tree air fresheners, not ideal. And with the books disposal from our stateroom, this book was lost to my memory.I bring this up to start a book review because it was not until I arrived here in Shanghai that I realized how little I had relied on the Spirit back in the States. There had been numerous occasions for me to learn to rely less on me and more on Him, but I elected to keep the ball and head back onto the field under my power far too many times. But moving to do ministry in East Asia has a way of cutting the cords of all your distractions and crutches, and it made me realize how little I had truly relied on the power of the Spirit.SO I remembered this book and repurchased it on my iPad and began devouring it. The words were both cutting, as it revealed my infrequency of focus on the promises of the Spirit, and a drink of fresh water, as I realized the opportunity and hope to be yet discovered within those promises of power, light, and togetherness.JD wrote with great clarity, helping to take solid theological concepts and bringing them to life through examples from modern life and Scripture to build a compelling case to press deeper into the presence of the Spirit.Perhaps the most meaningful section to me was found in the Appendix, entitled "A Word to Pastors." In this section he addressed how so many seminary graduates are equipped with solid education but few encounters with the power of the Spirit's Presence. I realized he was writing about me. I graduated from seminary feeling pretty good about my accomplishments so far, ready to attack the darkness for God, but am just now realizing how little I have sought God's presence in prayer and began simply walking in His promises within the Bible.After reading this section I felt like an idiot.SO with that READ THIS BOOK if you want to feel like an idiot. But an idiot who is better equipped to focus on the power and presence of the Spirit.For me personally, this book has motivated me to reevaluate the way I have organized my ministry, pray with my discipler about how I can press deeper into the Spirit, and begin discipling men to truly tap into the Spirit's power themselves!

J.D. does a great job at simplifying the Holy Spirit through many biblical passages and personal experiences to help us further seek that dynamic with the Holy Spirit that we so long for. Books cannot do everything however, we have to get out of the books and get into the bible and prayer to establish the that relationship. Establish relationship over everything!John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Wonderful combination of theological /biblical truths and practical, everyday life application! Greear's tackles the subject of the Holy Spirit with biblical clarity, and vulnerable honesty. I highly recommend this book.

Like other books about the holy spirit, there is a range of beliefs based on people's background. I had a hard time with this book at first. My thoughts on the holy spirit have always been in conflict and confusion based on the range of perspectives from my own experience. Once I came to terms that I don't have to fully agree or disagree with everything the writer believes, and that there are things not yet revealed to me and likewise there are aspects of the spirit that I have experienced that the author may not have yet experienced, I was able to absorb and appreciate that book a lot more. God reveals different aspects of the holy spirit to different people. Instead of forming a strict map of the holy spirit, it is good to be okay that each of us experiences and reflects a unique aspect of the holy spirit. Instead of regarding or disregarding an idea based on my experience, it was great to gain this author's perspective. There are some aspects of the book that I agree with and some that I do not. Mostly, however, there are things I do not yet have an opinion about.I recommend reading this book from an open minded perspective. The author uses a lot of scripture but that does not necessarily mean that you have to agree with his interpretation of scriptures. There are some aspect of the writer's opinion that seemed a bit conservative and some aspects that seemed a bit liberal. I recommend readying every book about the holy spirit as someone's perspective. 'Eat the meat and spit out the bones' and be receptive for the holy spirit to reveal things to you at his own timing.

This is an excellent book about the Holy Spirit. The book is divided into three sections: The Missing Spirit, Experiencing the Holy Spirit and Seeking the Holy Spirit.Throughout the book Greear weaves Bible stories or references and the words of well known scholars as well as sharing his own experiences and stories. For example, A touching story to illustrate God’s adoption of us (pg 85) brings this concept to life.Are there times when you can’t feel God’s presence? Greear says “If you are a believer the feeling of being alone is always an illusion.” Pg 187The section on seeking the Holy Spirit is challenging. We long for revival and for Holy Spirit power. “Revival is the intensification of the normal operations of the Holy Spirit.” Greear outlines steps to revival. These are not easy steps – think humility and repentance. “The Holy Spirit… is power for those who know they are powerless.” Pg 220This is a life changing book.

I am very grateful to God for inspiring J.D.Grear to write this passionate, eminently readable book. Through it I have been given renewed hunger for the Spirit of God in me and my fellow Christians. He has also given clear directions by which we may encounter God in the ways He intends.Each chapter is filled with thoughtful and personal teaching, calling us to rediscover or discover what God wants to do in our lives by His power, and where we may find it.The gospel is at the centre as the Father sends Jesus and Jesus sends the Spirit to ensure that the gospel gets out.Don’t just read it...act on it...even if the action is to wait. A great post-Pentecost read.

I thought that this was a fabulous book. It is clear and balanced. As a pastor this is a book I would love many of the people on the church to read.

A page turner; an exciting account of just Who is equipping us and a reminder of the power of the Spirit unleashed through the Word.

Great book. Powerful insights. Well worth reading.

An excellent book on the whole. Can't agree with all that he says on words of knowledge and so on but there is just so much for all to take out of this book