To me, a relationship involves two people in union with each other and they have the same ideals and values. Working together for the same cause with love and admiration for the betterment of both. And I think that was the precise premise being stated and shown in the latest book to come from Dave Hickman titled Closer Than Close: Awakening to the Freedom of Your Union with Christ. It was such a eye opening book that may or may not be the ray of light to creating a better union with Christ that so many wish they had. Some of us think that by going to church and praying we had the best kind of relationship but that is just not true. Our relationships with Christ can be so much more benefitting once we listen to what we already knew to be true and that is that we are one with Christ. This blew my mind and it was so inspiring. Hickman shares so much more than just examples and stories, he shares himself and that was what captured my heart. Must read. I received a copy of this NavPress published book from Tyndale House Publishers for this review and all opinions are my own.

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 doesnt seem to think so. Thats 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.

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 Hickmans personal testimonies.

5 stars for a short book thats deep enough to drown in

Have you had a longing to be close to the Lord or at least closer than you are now? Have you tried a long list of things to try to get closer to Him and ended up feeling none of them really accomplished the goal?

Many of us have been there at one time or another or perhaps more than once or twice in our Christian walk.

That was true for Dave Hickman, author of the newly released book, Closer Than Close. For years he described himself as striving to be close to Jesus until (in his words) I stumbled upon the shocking reality that Jesus was already as close to me as He could possibly get.

If you have walked a similar walk, striving to be close to Jesus, wishing you could have a more connected relationship with Him, or glimpsed it in the life of someone else and wondered what you had missed, Closer Than Close, is a book you wont want to miss reading.

I really enjoyed "Closer than Close" by Dave Hickman. While I may not be in line with his doctrinal thinking, He brought his idea home which I am in total agreement with. It's not enough to say we want a personal relationship with Christ, as He wants more. He wants a more intimate union with us. He created us, therefore what could be the best compliment we could ever give Him than to be "one with Him", allowing Him to be part of us, what we do and say, how we act. After all, He created us in HIS image.

This book is very well-written, and easy to understand. I think it would be great for teenagers on up to adults. I highly recommend it.

For the most part, this was a great book with many good points. My only reservation with the book was in Chapter 8 where he downplayed praying in my opinion. I also did not like the last chapter which seemed to be a recruitment tool and a pat on the back from the author instead of a 'normal' conclusion. Even though I had some disagreements with some of his points, it is worthwhile reading.