If - (Paperback)

About the Book

New York Times bestselling author and his son unpack Romans 8 for teens, reminding them that God is for them--all the time, in every way imaginable--and inspiring them to turn their if only regrets into what if possibilities.

Book Synopsis

The word If is a powerful little word. Some people are stuck in if only, trudging through lives marked with regret. But God wants us to live lives marked with possibilities, with the what if attitude that looks forward to the future with confidence. Why? Because the answer to "If God is for us, who can be against us?" is "No one." God is always on our side, every day, in every way.

Young people especially need to hear this life-changing message of hope and freedom from Mark Batterson and his son Parker. With his trademark enthusiasm and contagious joy, Batterson helps teens and young adults overcome those feelings of guilt, fear, and doubt that plague them and embrace the truth that in Christ there is no condemnation. Unpacking the promises of Romans 8, he shows young readers that they are more than conquerors--right now and forever. And because of that, the possibilities for their lives are limitless.

From the Back Cover

All that stands between you and your wildest dreams is one little if.

Are you stuck in if only--if only I hadn't said that to my parents, if only I hadn't quit that team, if only I hadn't screwed up that friendship? God can turn those if only regrets into a what if attitude that looks forward to the future with confidence. There are 1,784 ifs in the Bible. The most significant? "If God is for us, who can be against us?" It's the game changer! God is always on your side--every day, in every way--and that one little if changes everything.

With enthusiasm and contagious joy, Mark and Parker Batterson help you overcome guilt, fear, and doubt, because in Christ there is no condemnation. And because of that, the possibilities for your life are limitless.

"Batterson doesn't say if only and settle for regret. He says what if and leans into adventure. Read this book and you will too!"--Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author of Do Over

"Whatever is holding you back, lay it down. You don't want to miss the stories God has for you. Because if God is real, what do we have to lose?"--Jennie Allen, visionary of IF: Gathering, author of Restless

"Finally, a book that shows you how and why we should all take the risks that lead to a life of genuine and faithful purpose."--Judah Smith, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus Is


Mark Batterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker and The Grave Robber. He is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. Mark has a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.

Parker Batterson has coauthored three books with his father. His passions include film, outdoor adventure, and all things coffee.

About the Author

Mark Batterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, The Grave Robber, A Trip around the Sun, and If. He is the lead pastor of National Community Church, one church with eight campuses in Washington, DC. Mark has a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children. Learn more at www.markbatterson.com.

Parker Batterson is a student at Southeastern University where he is studying film. His passions include photography, music, and extreme hikes. He has written three other books with his father, including The Grave Robber, Student Edition.