God Is on Your Side - by Joshua Ryan Butler (Paperback)

About the Book

"The influential pastor and author of The Skeletons in God's Closet invites those trapped in doubt, shame, or disappointment to discover afresh the life-transforming truth that God is always looking out for you"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

The influential pastor and author of The Skeletons in God's Closet invites those trapped in doubt, shame, or disappointment to discover afresh the life-transforming truth that God is always looking out for you.

Do you ever question whether God is on your side? It's easy to believe he is when life is going well. It's harder to believe when you're reeling from rejection or betrayal, wrestling with depression or a terminal diagnosis, grappling with loneliness, or grieving broken dreams.

Jesus reveals a God who is more on your side than you ever dared to dream. In this study on the gospel of John, you'll discover the Creator who enters your side of creation, the Savior who fights for you on the cross, and the Redeemer who works through you with meaning and purpose. You'll discover

- how God is closer than you think--guiding, guarding, and loving you
- how the Old Testament brings John's gospel to life in fresh ways
- simple, practical ways to experience God's love every day

You don't have to win God's love. God has come to win yours. Even in your darkest moments, he pursues you to shape you and hold you close. Come encounter the hope-filled radiant love of the God who is always on your side.

Review Quotes

"This isn't a pastor's advice on getting through it with flowery and clean platitudes. It's a broken vessel crying out in the wilderness. God Is on Your Side pulls readers into the pages of John, creating a new lived experience of what the biblical text really means."--Brenna Blain, theologian and author of Can I Say That?

"In our age of overwhelming disillusionment and discouragement, this book reminded me why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is still good news. The love of Christ is the theme of the gospel of the beloved disciple. Let it be the song of your heart. This is what it means to have life to the full."--Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and author of Strange Religion

"God Is on Your Side takes profound truths and paints them in majestic, moving images. Butler has the mind of a theologian but the pen of an artist, with his finger on the pulse of the mainstream world and a yearning to show you the heart of God. Most important, he shares realities that he actually lives. Read this book--and everything he writes."--Jesse Lusko, lead pastor of Counterculture Church

"Joshua Ryan Butler's new book on John's gospel seamlessly combines literary and pastoral attentiveness. Whether John is new territory or an old friend, Butler offers fresh insight and will reassure you that God has indeed taken our side."--Peter Leithart, president of the Theopolis Institute and author of On Earth as in Heaven

"God Is on Your Side is like refreshing medicine to remind us of the biblical truths that God is not only with us; he is for us and loves us far beyond anything we can possibly imagine."--Dan Kimball, author of How (Not) to Read the Bible, co-lead pastor of Vintage Faith Church (Santa Cruz), and vice president of Western Seminary

"Like a rich balm to the heart, God Is on Your Side feels like sitting across from a trusted friend--someone who has walked through deep valleys and still clings to Jesus with a deep hope and fidelity. Josh blends profound theological depth with a pastor's care and a vulnerable honesty that refreshed me with grace and renewed wonder."--Naseem Khalili, pastor of community formation, Imago Dei Community

"With pastoral wisdom, theological depth, and vulnerable storytelling, God Is on Your Side will renew your vision of Jesus and his life-giving gospel."--Rev. Ashish Mathew, lead pastor of Seven Hills Church

"This is a beautiful book. Butler's engagement with Scripture is rich and delightful."--Justin Whitmel Earley, business lawyer and author of Habits of the Household and The Body Teaches the Soul

"We've all heard the well-known saying 'God is on our side.' But what does this actually mean? I'm grateful for the wisdom and theological attentiveness of my friend Josh Butler as he tackles a simple saying that has profound impact on our lives."--Joel Muddamalle, PhD, theologian in residence at Proverbs 31 Ministries and author of The Hidden Peace

About the Author

Joshua Ryan Butler is a teaching pastor with the Willamette family of churches in the Portland area and the author of The Party Crasher, Beautiful Union, The Skeletons in God's Closet, and The Pursuing God. Butler and his wife, Holly, along with their three children, enjoy spending time with friends over great meals and exploring the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.