Basic Discipleship

I first read an earlier print of this book over 15 years ago. This is a foundation building book that I would be very keen to get into the hands of a new Christian. Yet it also has just as much value to the person who has been a Christian for decades. It tackles many difficult subjects head on - such as Lordship, being Servant Hearted, Forgiveness, Confession, Repentance, Pride, Humility, Evangelism. I quite like the books original title: "Whole Hearted" as that's the essence of what McClung is getting at. To be whole hearted in our passion and commitment to follow Jesus. Don't be put off by the word "Basic" in the title. This book packs a punch! Despite coming back to this book after many years I find that the principles and character issues discussed here have a timeless meaning that have just as much impact on me now as they had 15 years ago. All of us, if we are honest, could do with having someone to lovingly point out some of the basic character issues that we struggle with and McClung does that very well. For all Christians I think the most challenging parts of the Christian faith are not the things that are hard to understand but rather the simple things that are hard to do. For example the book is worth buying just for the chapters on obedience, pride and humility. This book lays a solid foundation for the new believer and for the rest of us it seriously challenges our apathy and pride ... yet all the while keeping us laughing at ourselves and wondering at how wisdom comes in simple truths.