Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus - by Dave Ripper (Paperback)

About the Book

"Don't just read the Bible. Let the Bible open you to knowing its Author. Dallas Willard is one of the most beloved figures in the modern spiritual formation movement, and his insights into Scripture have been described as revolutionary. Willard read the Bible with the reverence of a Southern Baptist, the intellect of a philosopher, and the heart of a mystic. Dave Ripper uncovers the unique, realistic approach Dallas took to reading the Bible, in which he moved beyond mere propositional knowledge about God to truly encountering the personal reality of the God of the Bible. This immersive approach to Scripture helps us learn to study, teach, and experience God in Scripture like Dallas did, as an apprentice of Jesus"--

Book Synopsis

Discover new, vibrant ways to experience God's presence through Bible study

Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a unique pathway to deeper spiritual engagement, using Dallas Willard's revolutionary approach to reading the Bible. More than a study tool, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus invites you to transform your encounters with Scripture from mere information gathering to profound spiritual experiences. Using primary source material and insights from Willard, Dave Ripper takes you on an immersive exploration of Scripture that mirrors the intellect of a philosopher and the heart of a mystic.

You'll find experiential exercises designed to prompt reflection and foster enriching group conversations, helping you not just to read, but to truly know the God of the Bible. Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, and spiritual seekers shaped by voices like Eugene Peterson and Richard Foster, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a call to experience God's presence in new and vibrant ways.

Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with Scripture as a disciple of Jesus. It offers practical tools, insights, and exercises that can be applied both individually and in group settings. By incorporating the teachings of Dallas Willard, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus provides a unique perspective on reading the Bible that goes beyond simple information gathering.

Review Quotes

"Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers Dave Ripper's insightful sharing of Dallas Willard's soul-filled passion for Scripture and spiritual practices. Willard desires humanity to daily experience eternal living. Ripper discusses Willard's mindset theologically, philosophically, experientially, reflectively, transformationally, lovingly, unhurriedly, and mystically. Willard desires Christ followers to encounter an intimate 'with-God life' experience, soaking in God's Holy Book. Embracing God's Word and disciplines provide paradigms for deep and spiritual immersion."

--Barbara L. Peacock, Dallas Willard Award winner and founder of Peacock Soul Care

"In Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus, Dave Ripper maps out the clues left by Dallas Willard for engaging with the Bible. Through story and scholarship, Dave weaves a comprehensive invitation for meeting God up close and personal through Scripture. Read this book, accept the helpful invitations at the end of each chapter, and prepare to get to know Jesus more deeply than you did before."

--Lacy Finn Borgo, spiritual director and author of Spiritual Conversations with Children and Faith Like a Child

"Dallas Willard has had a remarkable impact on an inordinate portion of the church. In this book, Dave Ripper helps guide us through how to not only read but also be shaped by the Scriptures that contain unique power to illumine the human condition."

--John Ortberg, founder of BecomeNew.com

"Dave Ripper knows and loves the Scriptures, and he knows and loves Dallas Willard. With the heart of a pastor, the insight of a biblical scholar, and the skill of a biographer, Dave becomes the channel through which his love and knowledge are forged by the grace and power of the Spirit into this truly remarkable offering for apprentices of Jesus. I sense Dallas smiling over this book and saying, with a wink to Dave, 'You got it!'"

--Howard Baker, professor emeritus of spiritual formation at Denver Seminary and author of The One True Thing and Soul Keeping

"I've often wondered how Dallas Willard arrived at such fresh takes on familiar scriptures. After reading Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus, I understand--and better yet, Dave Ripper's practical exercises will help me do it for myself."

--Ted Harro, president of Renovaré

"It's refreshing to find a book that's authored by a pastor who believes Christlike formation is the central mission of the local church and has discovered ways to place the Scriptures in the middle of an authentic spiritual, formational experience. Pastor Dave Ripper loves and lives Dallas Willard's approach and invites us to do likewise as healthy disciples of Jesus."

--Stephen A. Macchia, founder and president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. and the author of Becoming a Healthy Church, Crafting a Rule of Life, and Broken and Whole

"Nothing has supported my discipleship to Jesus more than Scripture. I resonate deeply with the work Dave Ripper is doing in Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus. If you are looking to jump-start, refresh, or deepen your followership of Jesus, this book is a great place to start."

--Todd Hunter, author of What Jesus Intended

"Through years of study, practice, and learning, Dave Ripper has synthesized the ideas of Dallas Willard and applied them to his life and ministry. Dave shares his personal journey and includes his method of interacting with Scripture to aid our moving from communication to communion with God."

--Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, cofounders of Soul Shepherding and authors of Journey of the Soul and Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith

"Throughout the ages, Christ followers have affirmed the astonishing good news that we can encounter the living God as we read the Scriptures. In his careful reflections on the way that Dallas Willard read, taught, and lived the Scriptures, Dave Ripper guides us step by step into how we can open our hearts and minds to this divine encounter. This accessible book deepened my desire to live more deeply with one foot in the Bible and my other foot in my everyday life. I believe it will also do this for you."

--Trevor Hudson, author of Seeking God and In Search of God's Will

About the Author

Dave Ripper is the lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church, a multicongregational church in southern New Hampshire, focused on spiritual formation. He earned a doctor of ministry in spiritual direction from Fuller Theological Seminary and The Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is coauthor of The Fellowship of the Suffering and serves as the chaplain for the Boston Bruins. Dave and his wife, Erin, a mental health therapist, have three children. They make their home in the woodlands of New England near Nashua, New Hampshire.