In his introduction to ENCOUNTERING JESUS, James Stuart Bell states that he wants to “reveal Jesus in new and exciting ways as He has manifested himself to these privileged individuals in circumstances that have transformed their lives.” Despite the fact that some of the contributors were reluctant to share their stories, for a variety of reasons, those who did provide a real blessing and inspiration.

We are at a time in history when there are more non-Christians than Christians. Yet the phenomenal success of recent Christian films like God is Not Dead and, more recently, War Room seems to indicate that people are seeking answers. Answers to questions like “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” “If God is good, why is there suffering?” Believers sometimes appear to have the answers and often have a different way of approaching life. Christian writers and filmmakers are eager to explore and share what they have discovered.

"Just as the stories from the Bible impact our lives today, so reading inspirational books can be life-changing even to those who don't have first-hand experience."

In his book STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE, Jonathan Acuff has a section titled “Pretending That if God Spoke to You Audibly, Everything in Your Life Would Instantly Fall Into Place.” It's a very funny look at faith, and, as with much humor, it contains much truth. When I chose to review ENCOUNTERING JESUS, I was reminded of that chapter because Christians are often guilty of using Christian-speak: e.g. phrases like “God spoke to me” “love offerings” and “afterglow.” While perfectly understandable to Christians, these may seem odd to non-believers. However, the writers in ENCOUNTERING JESUS are ordinary people who have actually heard from Jesus in various ways.

Skeptics may think that someone with a very good imagination could easily write a series of stories about encounters with the Divine. That's true, but as such they would not have the same impact as these do. There is a sense of reality, intensity and passion in the telling of these encounters that give “knowing Jesus” a fresh and deeper meaning.

Throughout the books of the Old Testament, God spoke to many people. He also made his presence known by performing countless miracles. And Jesus, the incarnation of God, also made himself known and performed many miracles. Those who experienced these manifestations were often ordinary people, not necessarily the priests or deeply religious members of society. So it shouldn't be too much of a stretch to believe that it is possible to have encounters with Jesus today.

Among the 39 stories told in ENCOUNTERING JESUS, some are visions while others take the form of dreams, feelings or audible words. In each case, the encounter proved to be life-changing either as a direct answer to prayer or the fulfillment of a deep need. These encounters validated the faith that believers put in God. They validated the declaration that God loves us and cares for each and every one of us.

Just as the stories from the Bible impact our lives today, so reading inspirational books can be life-changing even to those who don't have first-hand experience.