Truly, truly, I say to you

Jani Ortlund

In 40 brief but rich devotionals, trusted pastor Adam Ramsey helps us draw strength from the life-giving words of Jesus. Although structured for the season of Lent, these soul-enriching meditations, prayers, and quotes can be savored throughout the year. Take a walk down the fresh pathways Adam opens for us—straight to the heart of our Savior. You’ll be glad you did.

J.A. Medders

‘Is Jesus real to me?’ That is one of the most pressing questions of a Christian’s spirituality. And in this stellar book, Adam Ramsey, with his pastor’s heart and theologian’s skill, takes us through the Gospel of John, where we encounter the real Jesus—the one who really is Lord and Savior, our gracious Friend, our living Redeemer. Truly, Truly, I Say to You will help you enjoy the real Jesus.

“Jesus-centered devotional that’s great for any time of the year!”

This book was written for Lent, but is appropriate for any time. It’s never not a good time to focus on the life and death of Jesus Christ. Adam Ramsey takes the reader on a journey through the gospel of John, delivering 42 short, but powerful devotions. The focus is on Christ and what real Christianity is all about. Not a self-help model. Not a do better or try harder mentality. But a focus on Jesus, run to Him, cling to Him, abide (devotional #26) in Him.

I appreciate the format of this book with each devotional full of Scripture from John’s gospel as well as supporting Scripture, a prayer, and an excerpt from trusted theologian Charles Spurgeon.

This book will leave you feeling refreshed and encouraged as you focus on who Jesus is, what He’s done, and how He loves His people. Your soul will feel renewed as you meditate on the life of Christ, on His ministry, and on His death and resurrection. You can’t read this book and not be moved into a deeper adoration of your Savior.

“Excellent”

An excellent and helpful set of devotions, rich in content and a joy to read.

“A down-to-earth exposition of deep theological truths.”

Enjoyed reading the book through Lent.I found it challenging and very personal. It felt as if the author was speaking directly to me and not to Christians in general. The author mentions events in his own life so it feels like a letter between friends but contains deep theological truths. I will use it again in the future.

“Good family devotional”

I am loving this book. We use it as a family devotional every evening before bed. I love that we begin by reading the scripture from our Bible and then the devotional really expands on it. It ends with a prayer and a paragraph from Spurgeon. It’s not too long for a 12 year old to participate and I find my soul satisfied with how beautiful our Lord and Savior truly is. I would recommend this book to anyone.

“Comforting and Pastoral”

In this devotional, Adam Ramsey explores the words of Jesus. Each reading begins with a short quote and its Scripture reference, and then Ramsey unpacks its meaning and implication over a few pages. The readings all end with a prayer and with a quote from Charles Spurgeon that fits with that day's theme. Ramsey designed this devotional for use during Lent, and the table of contents splits the 42 readings up over the weeks approaching Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. However, the devotional is suitable for use at any time. There aren't a lot of specific references to Lent, and the multi-faceted exploration of Jesus is relevant at all times.

This book includes wonderful encouragement from Scripture, and Ramsey's thoughtful reflections include a number of different practical applications and encouragements for people dealing with different spiritual issues, such as struggling with assurance of their faith or feeling spiritually dry. The gentle, pastoral tone throughout the book is very helpful, and the book gives readers a deeper sense of Jesus's compassion and love. The Spurgeon quotes are also very encouraging, and these short segments can be a great on-ramp for people who want to read his work but aren't familiar with his old-fashioned writing style.

"Truly, Truly, I Say to You" is a great devotional for any time of year, and it is great for individual reading or for families to read together. Even though Ramsey wrote this book for adults and gives adult-oriented practical examples, the writing is simple and conversational enough for older children to follow along and be engaged in family readings, and the reflections involve universal spiritual feelings and struggles rather than advice for any particular life stage.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Truly a blessing this Lent season”

A book that will incline your heart to delight in your Saviour!

“A wonderful Lent devotional”

A brand new devotional for Lent, Adam Ramsey has written a wonderful collection of 42 reflections on the words of the Saviour as they are recorded throughout John’s Gospel. These Christ-focused reflections take the reader on a journey through John’s Gospel through the whole of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, focusing in on the words of Jesus and expounding them for the reader to pray and meditate on.

The book itself is divided up into the five weeks of Lent, Holy Week and Easter, and each chapter begins with a short suggested passage from John’s Gospel to read, a clear and practical reflection on the passage and a prayer at the end. There is also a well-chosen quote from the great Victorian preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon, which I thought was a really helpful addition to what I had just read and the perfect way to conclude the chapter.

On a more personal level, I have been deeply blessed by this new Lent devotional and it has now become an important part of my daily devotional - albeit a bit early for Lent in order for me to do this review, but it could be used at any time of year. Having been blessed by other excellent Lent devotionals that focus more on the events leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection, “Truly, Truly, I Say to You” is very refreshing in its approach of focusing on the words of Christ Himself. This is a devotional that offers something else, it causes me to linger on the words and the self-revelation of Christ, to hear those all-important words of eternal life from the Saviour’s mouth afresh and to meditate on them.

In conclusion, this is a wonderful book for Lent - I have already been recommending it to others and I highly commend it to you too, I am sure that your soul will be deeply refreshed as you focus on these life-giving words of the Saviour in John’s Gospel this Lent and Holy Week.

*Disclaimer, TGBC kindly provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Dive into the wisdom of Jesus!”

Truly, Truly, I Say To You features 42 devotions from Adam Ramsey that focus on the powerful and transformative words spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of John. The devotions are ideal for Lent, but can also be used throughout the year to deepen one's relationship with Jesus. The words of Jesus bring grace, truth, and comfort to the reader, allowing them to encounter Jesus and learn more about his character and presence.

Ramsey also shares insights from Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, making this book a rich tapestry of biblical truth. With every page, you'll feel like you're sitting in a classic Puritan study, as Ramsey expertly mines every nugget of truth from each saying.

Some of the most powerful moments come from the brief but meaningful sayings of Jesus, like "Abide in Me," "I choose you," and " It is finished." The questions Jesus asks, like "What are you seeking?" will leave you searching your heart for the only one who can truly satisfy.

Perfect for Lent, but meaningful all year round, this book will challenge what you thought you knew about Jesus and bring you closer to the heart of his message. With each turn of the page, you'll be grateful for the words of eternal life that Jesus speaks.

“Focus on Jesus”

Is there still power and wonder in the words of Jesus? In Truly, Truly, I Say to You, Adam Ramsey writes meditations on the words of Jesus form the Gospel of John.

Slow Down, Be Still

In just less than 200 pages, Ramsey shares 42 sayings of Jesus (one of them is actually the silence of Holy Saturday), explains what they mean, and applies them to your life. These are short reflections but every single one of them is worth your consideration. This book will cause you to slow down, be still, and soak yourself in Scripture.

Throughout the book, Ramsey shares insights from Charles Spurgeon. Their thoughts fit well together and it is clear that Ramsey highly respects and has learned much from the Prince of Preachers. This book reminds me of classic books from the Puritans, where they squeeze out every bit of truth from a single verse or saying. Ramsey triumphantly carries on this tradition.

Focus on Jesus

While written and arranged with Lent in mind, this book is a fitting devotional for any season. Reading it at the start of the new year helped bring me in to focus on what Jesus’ life was really about and what I should be focused on. It has caused me to challenge what I think Jesus said with what he actually means. I am grateful for God’s Word and I don’t want to take it for granted this year. Where else can I go? Jesus has the words of eternal life. No one ever spoke like this man!

I received a media copy of Truly, Truly, I Say to You and this is my honest review.