David Gregory’s book, "Open" is a very cool little book that brings parts of scripture to life through relatable narrative that's packed with adventure. Because I got a complimentary copy from Tyndale, I wanted to share my thoughts here. Only a few pages in and I was wondering about some really important questions. Questions like: In short, if you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions; that you're reading the Bible and don’t know why; that your prayers aren’t getting received, Open will balance your spiritual walk and restore your relationship with God.

The Adventure Begins In Peculiar Places and Ways

In Open, Emma makes a choice she immediately regrets. She tries to correct that choice, but it’s too late. Regret begets remorse, producing an onslaught of emotional feelings like guilt, shame and more. In the midst of her spiral, she receives a peculiar message that prompts her to follow through. Probably as much of curiosity as it is of desperation. Emma is transported directly into the Gospel of Mark (Mark 4:35-41), the waves feeling very real as they crash against her, the ferocity of the storm wailing, the men aboard in a panic, and Jesus resting peacefully without a worry in the world. This is the first of many encounters Emma has with Jesus as the word come to life, speaking directly to her. She experiences them and finds herself on and adventure with Christ. At the same time, he's teaching her as much about herself and her life as he is teaching those we've read about throughout the Bible. She also learns and understands that, sometimes, taking the paths that God has cleared foe you will usher in purpose filled storms. Storms to grow you. To draw you nearer and to reveal the true you.

So how did I relate to Emma’s experience with Jesus?

I was all of four pages in before I jotted a note to myself reading: You see, we too often act like our relationship with Jesus is a switch we can turn on when we need or want it, and we forget that, when it comes to God, the light's always one. I was particularly enlightened to my own shortcomings when Emma said; "I'd mostly let my relationship with God coast..." When we are coasting in our relationship with Christ, our prayer time is probably lacking, our study of the word may be either non-existent or lacking, and we're caught up in the whirlwind of life. Distraction abounds and we're pulled from doing God's will. Our hearts have become leavened by the ways of this world and we focus more upon worldly desires than we do bringing glory to God.

An Adventure in Religion and Denominations

One of the problematics that exists within religion and denominations is our tendency to gamify church by developing mental checklists so we can have/maintain a notion of “winning” at church. It probably isn't an intentional action, but it’s a big problem. It's a problem because it does so at Jesus’ expense. In our quest to check all the metaphorical boxes, our very existence gets dehumanized, our purpose is skewed and we get caught up in the ways of judgmentalism. Another problematic we face in our religiosity is our tendency to cling too tightly to traditions. These traditions are not God made. Rather, they are man-made. In chapter 7 of Zechariah, we're the prophet reminds Israel that their forefathers blindly "did religion" but refused to hear God's word or obey his commands. They had religion of the head, but not of the heart.

"Dead traditions become roadblocks to progress." (h/t to Warren Wiersbe)

I think much of this happens as a result of the comfort we receive through familiarity. Emma is no exception. She laments that; "Jesus wasn't enough. The Bible didn't provide the answers I needed... my only real fulfillment was in the past."

Get Started on Your Own Adventure with Christ

If you are coasting or feel like the scriptures are no longer relevant to you, this is the book to read. If you feel distant from Jesus, this book brings him back into view and will provoke you to grow closer still.

Start with a free download of Chapter 1 of David Gregory's Open

OPEN

 About David Gregory

David Gregory is the author of several books including the New York Times bestseller Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, A Day with a Perfect Stranger, The Next Level, The Last Christian, and the coauthor of the nonfiction The Rest of the Gospel. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning master s degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and the University of North Texas.