Face to Face with God summary

Understanding the Nature of God

In Face to Face with God, Bill Johnson takes us on a journey to understand the nature of God and how we can experience His presence in our lives. He begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing God personally, not just knowing about Him. Johnson believes that God is not just a distant deity, but a loving Father who desires to have a close, personal relationship with us.

Johnson argues that our ability to experience God's presence is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our understanding of who He is. He encourages us to see God as a good and loving Father, who is always present with us, even in the midst of our struggles.

Developing a Lifestyle of Intimacy

Johnson then delves into the concept of intimacy with God, explaining that it's not just about spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, but about developing a lifestyle of intimacy. He suggests that we should cultivate an awareness of God's presence in every aspect of our lives, not just during designated spiritual activities.

Furthermore, Johnson highlights the importance of cultivating a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving, regardless of our circumstances. He believes that a thankful heart opens the door for us to experience more of God's presence and power in our lives.

Overcoming Hindrances to Intimacy

In the next section of Face to Face with God, Johnson addresses the common hindrances that prevent us from experiencing God's presence. He identifies fear, guilt, and shame as some of the major obstacles, and encourages us to confront and overcome these hindrances through the power of God's love and grace.

Johnson also emphasizes the importance of guarding our thought life, as negative and ungodly thoughts can create a barrier between us and God. He encourages us to fill our minds with God's truth and promises, and to resist the lies and deceptions of the enemy.

Walking in God's Presence

As the book progresses, Johnson discusses what it means to walk in God's presence on a daily basis. He explains that it's not just about feeling God's presence in moments of worship or prayer, but about carrying His presence with us wherever we go. Johnson believes that as we grow in intimacy with God, His presence becomes a natural part of our lives, influencing our actions and interactions with others.

He also stresses the importance of staying connected to a community of believers, as the presence of God is often manifest in the midst of corporate worship and fellowship.

Experiencing God's Glory

In the final part of the book, Johnson explores the concept of God's glory and how we can experience it in our lives. He describes God's glory as His manifest presence, power, and goodness, and encourages us to seek after it with a wholehearted pursuit.

Johnson concludes Face to Face with God with a call to embrace a lifestyle of intimacy with God, where His presence becomes the central focus of our lives. He believes that as we do so, we will experience transformation, breakthroughs, and a deeper understanding of God's love and purposes for us.