New theological work challenges readers to examine whether their faith is truly personal or merely inherited tradition
Author William L. Baessler has released “God and Me – A Personal Relationship,” a thought-provoking exploration that tackles one of Christianity’s most pressing questions: Do believers have a personal relationship with God, or simply follow general religious practices?
Drawing from decades of experience teaching new church members, Baessler noticed a troubling pattern. Many Christians couldn’t answer a simple question: “Who do you say Jesus is?” This observation prompted a comprehensive study examining the biblical foundations of genuine, personal faith.
The book doesn’t ask readers to blindly accept religious dogma. Instead, it invites them to investigate for themselves what Scripture reveals about God’s desire for individual relationships with each person. Baessler presents six critical biblical promises that thread throughout Scripture – promises about God’s nature, creation, redemption, sanctification, covenants, and grace.
What makes this work unique is its accessibility. Baessler avoids theological jargon and instead uses everyday language and relatable examples to explain complex spiritual concepts. He compares God’s triune nature to light, demonstrating how something can be three distinct things while remaining fundamentally one entity. This practical approach helps readers grasp ideas that have puzzled theologians for centuries.
The author acknowledges that some divine mysteries exceed human comprehension. However, he argues this shouldn’t prevent believers from pursuing intimate knowledge of God. “If we could understand God totally, we would be equal to God, which isn’t possible,” Baessler writes, encouraging readers to embrace faith alongside reason.
Throughout the manuscript, real human experiences shine through. Baessler shares observations about how personality traits present from infancy – whether compliant or challenging – influence how individuals approach their spiritual journey. Yet he emphasizes that regardless of personality, age, or background, every person shares something profound: God’s unconditional love.
The work stems from material Baessler originally developed for one-day membership seminars at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lake Mary, Florida. This practical origin ensures that the content addresses real questions believers face as they explore their faith.
For those struggling to articulate their beliefs or wondering whether their faith is authentic, “God and Me – A Personal Relationship” offers a roadmap. It doesn’t provide quick answers but encourages thoughtful exploration of what it means to truly know God personally.
The book is now available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats.
About the Author:
William L. Baessler developed this material while serving at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lake Mary, Florida, where he witnessed countless individuals grappling with questions about personal faith versus inherited religious tradition.