Ken Hutcherson (1952–2013)

Dr. Kenneth Hutcherson’s perspective on hope—God-given eternal hope—might be construed as glib, sugar-coated and overly optimistic. Except this author is a man who continues to find hope in the midst of a terribly painful and scary path. Dr. Hutcherson has been fighting a seven-year battle with cancer.

His work in “Hope is Contagious” is a beautifully simple message of faith played out in the face of seemingly hopeless situations. Hutcherson’s writing has a down-to-earth conversational style that made this book a quick, easy read. Its invitation to a joy-filled life, however, is immensely profound.

One can sense this writer’s passion to become more like Jesus, and he makes no apologies for God in allowing us to suffer. In fact, Hutcherson starts this book with a call to join in Jesus’ suffering with an in-depth look at Roman 8 where Paul invites us to share both in His suffering and in His glory. Hutcherson writes “God allows you to suffer because [H]e wants you to be like Jesus. He will do whatever it takes to make you and me like Jesus, regardless of how much we cry, scream, get angry, or throw a fit. He is more interested in our character than our comfort, and [H]e knows that becoming more like Jesus makes us more available for [H]im to show other people what Christ is really like.”

Hutcherson relies on our standing as God’s children, His heirs, over and over to demonstrate why fear, despair and hopelessness have no place in our lives as followers of Jesus. “As God’s ambassador,” he tells us, “you have two things going for you. First, you know the kingdom you represent has already won the battle over evil. And second, you know the values of your kingdom give each citizen the best life possible.” From this paradigm, he continues, “You can represent God’s kingdom with power, strength and courage.”

As a former NFL linebacker turned preacher, Hutcherson sprinkles this book with personal stories and side notes that present the Gospel and its truths with compassion, humor and an open invitation to follow a God whose love calls us to a life of joy and hope. “Hope is Contagious” is a must-read for those struggling to make sense of life’s tragedies and would make a great gift for any friend needing a slice of Biblical hope and encouragement.… (mehr)