Jarrett Stephens combines great personal experiences with Biblical references of mountaintop encounters with God. Each chapter also includes some excellent study questions to challenge the reader to evaluate their own faith and steps in their future.

This would be a great study guide for an individual or group.

4 stars
This devotional type study book by Jarrett Stephens is based on a series of sermons he delivered to a youth camp based in the Colorado mountains. The sermon series was developed as a way to share the different challenges and stories that took place on mountains within the Bible. The author takes the reader through the different mountains and associated passages in the Bible. He starts with a personal story and segues into the relevant biblical passage and outcome of both the Bible story and his personal story. There are 10 chapters with related study questions in the back of the book.

This book could easily be used within a small group, Bible study class or as an individual study. I learned so much from this devotional study and feel as if it will appeal to a broad spectrum of people. I loved the style of his writing and I would love to hear him preach a sermon! It is such a blessing to find a book to read that is written by a solid Bible teacher, who is inspired solely by God’s Word and the desire to share that with others. I definitely recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Mountains are Calling was a very deep and encouraging read. It felt like I could get lost in that sermon and wished I could be present at the youth camp when Jarrett was walking through these various Mountains. I enjoyed reading the personal experiences along with each chapter. The author, Jarret Stephens, did not hold back and invited us to think about our own experiences. I am sure this will make a great topic in any group who should be privileged enough to read your book.

I received an ARC of The Mountains are Calling through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book, as Stephens explains, is based on a series of talks he gave at a youth summer camp based in the mountains of Colorado. As the time of the camp approached, he got the inspiration to base the talks on a number of the mountains introduced to us in scripture.
In the book version, these became the chapters.
Each chapter is a blend of story, scripture and steps toward finding meeting between the two. The author also includes ‘Climbing Exercises’ as a type of an appendix. These ‘exercises’ can be used alone or, even better (as he suggests) with a small faith sharing group.
Overall, I found the stories and reflections to be thought provoking. I have to admit that I was attracted to the book and description partially because of our location, close to the Rocky Mountains where my husband spends much of his time and energy. Mountains have always had a mystical draw, and much of this book brings that out.
I have to admit that my theological approach differs from the author’s at many points. However, I suspect that the author would see these differences as something to discuss over coffee in his favourite coffee shop rather than something that would force us apart.
Thank you for sharing the wisdom, experience and love for the Gospel!