The Name Quest - by John Avery (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An insightful journey through all the biblical names of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Beginning in Babel and ending with a burning Babylon, The Name Quest explains the significance that the different names for God have for an everyday relationship with God and for spiritual growth. The names of God are like a rainbow--each name expresses part of the spectrum of the character and attributes of God.

Along the way, the author tenderly answers tough questions:

Which of the Hebrew names of God is His personal name--Yahweh or Jehovah?

What does it mean to pray in Jesus' name?

How can we relate to the Holy God and the Judge?

Why is a God of love called the "Jealous God"?

What does it mean to call Jesus the Messiah?

The Name Quest mentions all the names of God in the Bible while explaining their significance in ordinary language. The author weaves together fifteen years of Bible study research with plentiful illustrations and humorous anecdotes. These include lessons learned as a pastor on a Caribbean island. A visit to a Welsh hill farm introduces a chapter about the Good Shepherd. The story of a Hungarian political prisoner illustrates the meaning of Immanuel (or is it Emmanuel?) A rescue from the slopes of an active volcano helps explain salvation and the meaning of Jesus' Hebrew name Yeshua. Even the clever advertisement on a packet of potato chips offers a lesson about how to grow in faith in God.

Unlike chasing rainbows, the spiritual journey has an end. The Name Quest is a road map for every Christian's spiritual journey and it points to the destination--being formed into the image of Jesus Christ.

The Name Quest examines God's names in chapters about God's character or things that He has done. Most of God's names reflect His character. For instance a chapter on holiness mentions all the names connected to that attribute. The index of names makes this book an excellent reference tool. People who read part of a chapter a day say it makes a good devotional too.

Review Quotes

"No one has ever met God completely or exhaustively. But God invites you to know Him. Like a clear trail in a forest, the names of God lead you deeper into the heart of God. In his book, "The Name Quest", John Avery leads us deeper into God's heart. Enjoy the journey!" --- Floyd McClung International Director, All Nations.

"Encyclopedic in its scope, "The Name Quest" leaves no "stone" unturned in its author's search for names, titles and descriptions of the persons of the Trinity found in the Bible. The word in quotes is a pun intended: John Avery's fine volume includes 180 sidebars, two of which list every occurrence of "stone" ("chief cornerstone," "cornerstone," "living stone," "stone," "stone of Israel," "stone of stumbling") in the Old and New Testaments together with the Hebrew/Greek words they represent and the verses where they are found. The other 178 treat similarly every occurrence of each of the many hundreds of other divine names, titles and descriptions (Avery calls them a "kaleidoscope," a fitting term indeed) in the Bible. The bulk of Avery's book is given to lively expositions of God's acts in creation and redemption, his nature, his miracles, his incarnation, his wisdom, his blessing, his relationship to his people, his timelessness, his faithfulness, his love, his justice, his kingdom, his glory-and more. Avery's writing style is now lively, now challenging, always engrossing. The book leads us through Scripture sometimes chronologically, sometimes theologically. In short, "The Name Quest" is well worth reading through from cover to cover, and prayerfully at that." --- Ronald Youngblood, Professor emeritus of Old Testament and Hebrew at Bethel University, St. Paul, MN. The author/editor/co-editor of more than twenty volumes.

"John Avery has done a masterful job explaining all the biblical names of God in his creative and informative book, "The Name Quest". If you're looking for an exciting Bible study that will help transform you into the image of the heavenly Father, this book is for you. I strongly recommend "The Name Quest" both for young students of the word and for seasoned ministers." --- Peter J. Iliyn, North American Director, YWAM

"The Name Quest, is both light heartedly delightful and deeply thoughtful. It engages the theological mind with a fresh and lively tone. As a First Nations person, I particularly enjoyed the stories which carried the Quest of the book like a tugboat hauling weighty and worthy matters." --- Cheryl Bear-Barnetson Native Musician and Foursquare Pastoral Overseer, Canada.

"What's in a name? John Avery takes us on the ultimate exploration of the Ultimate Name. With both exhaustive research and engaging narrative, John's work and wit will be a blessing to any sojourner's quest. Layperson, teacher, and serious seeker alike will be challenged and edified." ---Sam Skillern Salem Leadership Foundation, www.salemLF.org

"John Avery will take you into a rediscovery of your intimacy with God and into the depths of the Father as you read "The Name Quest". As John points out, 'at every twist, a new perspective on God emerges.' This is timely and a must read!" --- Carl Wills, Core Team leader, Pioneer Network UK

"The theme and direction of "The Name Quest" captured me because the names of God have been significant in my life. Approaching God's names from the point of view of relationship with Him is more important than a simple academic study of the meanings and significance of God's names. "The Name Quest" is a welcome addition to what is available now. The writing style is engaging, and the illustrations are well placed and helpful. The chapter that focuses on the raising of Lazarus is very good, and the four challenges to faith are well stated and touched me." --- Gordon Bergman, Pastor of Pastoral Care, Salem Alliance Church, and Leader of SalemNet

"An amazing book! John Avery has managed to weave together a reasoned and scholar

About the Author

John Avery is a trained teacher with over thirty years experience as a Bible teaching pastor, small group leader, and missionary. He has lived in Israel, Africa, and the Caribbean. He writes a regular Bible devotional for www.BibleMaturity.com.