People just like us

Do you ever wonder what the people in the Bible were like? In James 5:17, talking about one of them called Elijah, James says he was ‘just like us’. What is true of Elijah is true of all Bible characters. They may have lived thousands of years ago and lived in a country thousands of miles from most of us, but in essence they were just like us. 

This book aims to get to know some of them. Their stories are extremely interesting and hugely relevant. Some of their lives serve as warnings, while others as examples and encouragements. And refreshingly and authentically, the Bible presents them ‘warts and all’.

The book is written in a clear and accessible way for all ages and stages and should interest you whether you are a Christian who wants to learn more about these characters or somebody who has never met them before.

These are arresting pages from one devoted to helping all he can reach, especially the younger generation. Instead of speaking to the supposed interests of youth in the present day, Alun Ebenezer compels attention to the truth about God which, once received from Jesus Christ, has life-changing power. It is truth with a ‘new world’ effect for all who come to Christ. Our families and schools and universities are in sore need of it. All who can testify, ‘Old things are past away, behold, all things have become new,’ and all who pass from earth to heaven, are people who came by this way. Who can tell what lasting good this plain-speaking book will do!

Iain H. Murray

Co-Founder of Banner of Truth

 The glory of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the ‘lost’. We are all sinners in need of a Saviour, and so were all the people described in the Bible, except one. The Lord Jesus alone lived a perfect life. Alun Ebenezer provides us with a readable and realistic account of a whole gallery of Bible characters. Each one needed the free gift of salvation – just as we do.

Sharon James

Author of several books including The Lies We are Told, The Truth We Must Hold

Social policy analyst, The Christian Institute

 Earnest and earthy, warm and winsome, personal and pithy, this is a vigorous stroll through the Scriptures, presenting in vivid strokes portraits of various Bible characters. Some are more prominent in the pages of God’s Book, others more obscure, but all have lessons for us to learn. They are, indeed, people just like us, and that should both shake us and stir us. The author’s heart shines through on every page, and his affection and regard for his readers is evident. Combining a personal touch with a pastoral tone, this is a book to instruct and encourage all who take it up.

Jeremy Walker

Pastor, Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK

 Writing evangelistically, as much as preaching evangelistically, is demanding work. Alun Ebenezer has provided us with an evangelistic book that is rooted in God’s Word and written with arresting illustrations and applications. Preachers will benefit, Christians in general will benefit, and unbelievers will be challenged

to consider their ways. Warmly commended.

Ian Hamilton

President, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Newcastle

 There are few people whom I look forward to hearing speak about the Christian faith as much as Alun Ebenezer, and since we were members of the same congregation, that privilege was regularly mine, listening to him talking to us about Almighty God and also leading

us when we hear him speak with God. He has never disappointed me. He is astute in his understanding of historic Christianity, lucid and engaging both in what he says and writes about the faith. Read this book where Alun Ebenezer casts some light on the journeys

other men and women have taken on their pilgrimages. They came to know the living God and so they received the gift of the life of eternity.

Geoff Thomas

Conference Speaker and author, Aberystwyth, Wales

 In People Just Like Us, Alun Ebenezer presents a wonderful compendium of short biographies about biblical characters, filled with lively illustrations and applications. Moreover, he points to

the fact that there is only one perfect human and by faith in Him alone we can know God and find true satisfaction. So, ultimately this is a book about grace, as chapter after chapter presents us with God, ourselves and the Saviour Jesus Christ – and invites us to come to Him.

Gavin Peacock

Former professional footballer and Director of International Outreach, The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Associate pastor, Calvary Grace Church, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

 Alun Ebenezer makes these Bible characters spring from the pages in such a way that we feel transported to the times of his subjects, sharing with them in their agonies and ecstasies. The contents of this book are as nourishing as the richest Bible study and as powerful as the most searching evangelistic sermon. The author will have you enquiring about the sequel. Fasten your seat belt and get ready for the ride!

Mike Mellor

Pastor and evangelist