Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith

Throughout his book, Just Walk Across the Room, Mega-church pastor Bill Hybels stays on his message that all Christians, labeled "Christ-followers" by Hybels, are "called, equipped, and expected to share the gospel." Sharing the gospel, according to Hybels, is as simple as walking across the room and is powerful enough to impact eternity for those living far away from God. Hybels shares this message throughout his book that targets all Christians in hopes of motivating readers to take in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. In keeping with his informal style, Hybels shares his convictions through bullet points, stories, anecdotes, paraphrased stories from Scripture and simple teachings. Underscoring all of his writing is his firm belief that all people need Jesus Christ for salvation, and God is counting on all Christians to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Hybels assures his readers that anyone can do the work of an evangelist for Jesus; while, he also reminds readers of the eternal consequences or benefits that are at stake in the transaction. Christians are never alone in the work of sharing the gospel. Hybels writes, "One thing I've learned is that life's great moments evolve from simple acts of cooperation with God's mysterious promptings -- nudges that always lean toward finding what's been lost and freeing what's been enslaved. The adventure of collaborating with God involves bestowing the greatest gift a person can receive -- the gift of amazing grace -- on undeserving (and often unsuspecting) people like you and me." Part of Hybels message is for people to become aware of the "nudges" from the Holy Spirit to share the gift of God with people. Hybels frames this collaboration as an adventure to see what God is going to do next to transform people's lives. It all starts for Hybels in Jesus' being willing to leave heaven to give his life for sinners who were doomed to death and hell forever. Jesus Christ left the glories of heaven and "wrapped himself in human flesh, and he walked across the cosmos in order to stretch out a hand to people like you and me." Hybels believes this message of grace and salvation through and through. He preaches it and shares his conviction that every person in the world would live a "vastly better life if God's love, grace, and redemption were operating in their lives." For this reason, he feels compelled to approach all sorts of people in hopes of being able to point them to Jesus. Hybels writes that evangelism is work, hard work that involves putting your heart on the line to offer grace and acceptance and love to people, some who are far from God. Hybels summarizes the dynamics involved in personal evangelism with the Holy Spirit as "Living in 3D." This is the method for interacting with others to facilitate leading them to Jesus: 1. Develop Friendships by engaging in the lives of people around them. 2. Discover stories before shar

This is a great book for Christians who want to share the message of Jesus but are hesitant to get into evangelism. This book contains many practical, yet inspirational ideas to help guide you as you take the message of Jesus to your friends, relatives, associates and neighbors.

I am 66 years old and have been in the church all of my life (well, that is I've been a member since I was 10, but I've been IN the church since the first Sunday I was alive). At this late date THIS book is changing my life. It is very well written, easy to read, and the concepts are amazing! I am buying more copies and giving them away. David MayA Call to Arms! Out of the Pews and Into the Streets The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21 Century Church

Bill Hybels shows us through example that evangelism isn't only for evangelists; that evangelism isn't especially talking on a megaphone on a street corner; but that it is living your life, listening to God's promptings; and gently taking advantage of these life encounters to share your faith in Christ. This can be done at different levels; having faith that God will provide another to complete the growth in the seeds that you have planted. I am an introvert, and I discovered that God can use me powerfully to show others that following Christ is the Way! Great reading,( & listening with the audiobook)! He leads by example. It is a blessing to see how dynamic Bill Hybels is, by allowing God to work through him.

All of Hybels writing speaks to me, but this book moved me deeply. With each turn of the page, I felt my passion to share God's love growing. The stories were moving, but more importantly, God's truth shines through the words on the pages. If you haven't shared Christ with someone in a long time, or you're a little intimidated, read this book. Thanks Bill for your example and ministry!