
Never Settle for Normal: The Proven Path to Signficance and Happiness
The Proven Path to Significance and Happiness
$34.39
- Paperback
144 pages
- Release Date
18 July 2017
Summary
The first book from influential pastor and longtime writer for Desiring God, Jonathan Parnell, Never Settle for Normal, is a fresh presentation of God’s redemption plan for humanity and the truth that all generations learn: “Our hearts are restless until they can find rest in God.” Never Settle for Normal retraces the ever-fascinating story of God’s redemption plan for humanity in non-intrusive language and a tone that will appeal, in particular, to millennial readers–both inside and outside the faith community. The essential question the book seeks to answer is “what does Christian faith provide in finding authentic meaning and happiness in life?” Retelling the “greatest story ever”–persuasively with new freshness by using abundant popular cultural references tied to biblical truth, the author creatively discusses the key tenets of Christian faith–creation, fall, redemption, new creation–from the perspectives of both mind and heart. The book reveals how the Christian experience, crescendoing in the believer’s union with Christ, answers the universal human desire for glory and gladness.
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781601429063 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1601429061 |
| Author: | Jonathan Parnell |
| Publisher: | Multnomah Press |
| Imprint: | Multnomah Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 144 |
| Release Date: | 18 July 2017 |
| Weight: | 369g |
| Dimensions: | 132mm x 203mm |

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Critics Review
“Never Settle for Normal may be the key to help you doubt your doubting of God, because the god you are doubting might not be the real God. And if you lose reality while turning from the imaginary, you lose everything. You long for happiness and significance. Jonathan Parnell makes a compelling case that the whole history of the world exists to show you where this is found. This book is a journey from eternity to eternity. You may find what you are longing for not in a collection of ideas organized around themes but in a kind of earthy itinerary from creation to the end of the world. I hope so.”
—John Piper, founder and teacher at desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis
“Jonathan Parnell shares astounding truth, making what it means to be a Christian understandable for any reader—from the wanderer to the veteran in the faith. Never Settle for Normal is a helpful primer and tool for anyone exploring Christianity.”
—Trillia Newbell, author of Enjoy, Fear and Faith, and United
“Jonathan Parnell has written an engaging book about our relentless quest for satisfaction that takes us down thousands of culs-de-sac and dead-end streets—until we follow Jesus. It’s refreshing to read about God as a happy, loving Father in a book that doesn’t minimize his wrath against sin. Never Settle for Normal shows sin for what it is and does, exalts Christ, and powerfully portrays his violent rescue of his people.”
—Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven, Happiness, Truth, The Treasure Principle, and other books
“In moments of true awareness we look around at one another and this world and we know. Deep in our soul we know there is more than what we can see with our eyes. Proverbs tells us to get wisdom and insight; there is no quest as noble as this. The stakes are high and we need real help for the journey. Parnell’s book is a trustworthy guide for all who are seeking God or any who are unsure where to begin.”
—Gloria Furman, author of Glimpses of Grace and Alive in Him
“Most people I meet have a gap between the life they live currently and the life they believe they were born to live. The frustration that comes from wanting to live a life that matters, while seemingly never getting there, can be maddening. The way to bridge that gap is through the way, truth, and life—Jesus. Jonathan Parnell has written a captivating book to help show this reality. Read it, embrace it, and share it with someone you know who is searching for more.”
—Alvin L. Reid, senior professor of Evangelism and Student Ministry and Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Never Settle for Normal is a great help to anyone seeking more than this life offers. I’d encourage believers to read this book and take careful note of the clear way Parnell teaches biblical truth. Then buy a few copies to give away to skeptical or curious neighbors and friends.”
—The Gospel Coalition
Jonathan Parnell
Jonathan Parnell (@jonathanparnell) is a writer and content strategist at desiringGod.org, and is the lead pastor of Cities Church in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, where he lives with his wife, Melissa, and their growing family.
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