Closer Than Close

CLOSER THAN CLOSE

Dave Hickman

ISBN 978-1-63146-408-9

Religion / Christian Life / Spiritual Growth

NavPress

177 pages, softcover

$14.99 U.S.

First, the disclaimer.  "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done,

We are told in John 15:9,

“As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.”

John 15:9 (kjv)

Jesus promised in John 13:34 – 35,

34  A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35  by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

And in John 14:23, we are given hope that such a transformation is even possible:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 14:23

Like Abby (p. 130), all I want is a real, vibrant, closer than close relationship with my Heavenly Father (who  created me), my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (who redeemed me), and the Holy Spirit (who leads, guides, comforts, corrects, and empowers me.) 

Is that too much to ask?  Author Dave Hickman doesn’t seem to think so.  That’s why he wrote this book.

While the book could be considered short (only 177 pages), the ground it covers is extensive.  First Dave addresses the problem (the gap between creator and creation).  He then outlines what happened, and why.  And finally, he offers a workable solution to the dilemma at hand. and / or our Heavenly father.

The last section of the book contains an overview and brief explanation of the spiritual disciplines which were an integral part of the early church, and have been re-discovered by such authors as Dallas Willard (“The Spirit Of The Disciplines”) and Stephen Foster (“Celebrating The Disciplines.)  Far from being an end in and of themselves, the disciplines are given their proper place, and their proper emphasis.  The disciplines serve to “position” the believer in their relationship with God, so that he can do his best work in our lives.  The discussion of each discipline, while brief, is nonetheless thorough and amply illustrated through the experiences of the saints throughout the ages, on up to Dave Hickman’s personal testimonies.

5 stars for a short book that’s deep enough to drown in