The Power To Change Lives

Into The Room by Steven Rogers is a powerful contemporary Christian novel that completely consumed me. It was utterly brilliant as I witnessed dying to self and living for Jesus.

We meet a man whose lifestyle sees him spiraling downwards. He is an alcoholic with no incentive to stop stop as“When I stop drinking, I feel worthless.” He doesn’t like himself and feels powerless. “I’ve created a person I hate, supported by a lifestyle I refuse to abandon.” Alcohol has been in charge since he was fifteen years old.

The reader joins a trip to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. It is twelve days with the potential to change a life forever. Each day presents an opportunity to draw closer to God.

We witness the love of Jesus for the hurting and the broken, as it shines through the lives of others. As the leading man fights his personal demons, he is not alone. “No matter how far away I go, I can’t get away from myself.” Something needs to change.

The character needs Jesus but He believes he is too bad for God. “Even if He’s there, God couldn’t possibly have room for me.” God has room for everyone. He asks us to come as we are and He will transform us from the inside out. But first we must ask Him into our lives.

There is the theme of forgiveness. We are already forgiven by God, now we must forgive ourselves.

Prayer is important. Prayer is talking to God. “Lots of prayers are distressed pleas.” God longs to answer the cries of our heart.

Watching the birth of a new Christian is a beautiful thing. We see the old life stripped away and a new life put on.

The characters are wonderfully drawn. The love emanates from the pages to envelop the reader. As the love of Jesus surrounds a character, it is irresistible.

I thought the plotline was well planned and executed. At times I found it reminiscent of It’s A Wonderful Life as I pictured one of the characters as Clarence from the film, with his kindness and good heart.

There is a thin veil between heaven and earth. As we move forwards in our walk with God, we may find ourselves caught up in a spiritual battle.

I loved the layout of the book – a chapter a day and a personal letter summing up the progress.

Throughout the novel there was much scripture to build on the locations. I think it would be fascinating to study the book in small groups, a chapter a week to discuss and digest.

I absolutely adored Into The Room. For me, it was reminiscent of Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory and also of The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings.

I think Into The Room has the potential to become a Christian classic. It should be mentioned in the same breath as C.S. Lewis, as it is a timeless novel. Its relevance will last for eternity.

You do not want to miss Into The Room – grab your copy today and then buy copies for your friends. This book is just too good to keep to yourself. It has the power to change lives as the heart of God is revealed.

I feel sorry that the book has ended and am hoping for a sequel. I want to find out what happens next.

I will leave you with my favourite quote:

“Christianity has built a new life on top of my old one, taking my past mistakes and helping me make something positive out of them.”

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON