Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow

To be sincerely honest, I don't remember much about this work due to the fact that I read it several months ago and twas not mine. Nevertheless, I remember getting helpful insight from this and would still like to review this in order to let others who might be thinking of making a purchase based on the information provided from the back cover of the work and other reviews to buy this if you were thinking about it. Dr. R.C. Sproul is good at what he does because from the two books that I've read from him, this one included, I always learned something new. I personally like what he writes on Bible study, tithing, worship, and stewardship. I recommend another book: Dr. Steve Lawson's the Unwavering resolve of Jonathan Edwards. Which helps pursue and grow in holiness. -Young Man

The book was in excellent condition. Couldn't tell if it was used or not.

I found this book to be a very good read. I tried to read it slower but it kept me glued to the pages. This book covers many of the basic habits that christians should ever be concious of but really have wandered from. For me it caused me to do a self assessment and really showed me how much i could improve in each of these areas. If you desire to grow this is a must read. While it is a book that would be a good read to get a new believer right into a good set of habits as well. That being said i can honestly say this is book to be revisited throughout my christian walk because while the fact that we need to grow will never change nor will the tools and habits that help us get there. Five stars

5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow is a book about Christians and farming. R.C. Sproul suggests five things that every Christian needs to grow--barley, wheat, corn... OK, I'm just kidding. But don't you think the strangely ambiguous title could fit such a book? In reality, 5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow is a reprint of a small book published in 2002 by Thomas Nelson. Revised, expanded and given a great new cover, the book has been republished by Reformation Trust, the publishing division of Ligonier Ministries. Just as any living organism has requirements if it is to grow and thrive, in the same way Christians have God-given requirements that are necessary elements if there is to be any growth in grace and godliness. In this book R.C. Sproul describes five spiritual "nutrients" crucial to spiritual maturity: Bible study, prayer, worship, service and stewardship. In the Introduction Sproul borrows the biblical metaphor of athletics and writes, "Christians are called upon to train, to make sacrifices, and to embrace certain disciplines in order to give God `our utmost for His highest.' This book deals with five of those disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, service and stewardship. Just as Olympic athletes work hard to achieve their best performances, our diligence in attending to these aspects of the Christian life will help determine our effectiveness in serving our Lord." Sproul teaches that the Word of God is God's instrument for both conversion and spiritual growth. "By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we begin to gain the mind of Christ and learn what discipleship is." He offers advice on getting started in reading the Bible suggesting both methods and resources that will assist the new believer. When it comes to prayer, Sproul distinguishes between prayer as a duty, a privilege and a means of grace before offering practical tips on praying effectively. The chapter dealing with worship speaks of God's regulations in worship, of the importance of worshiping in both spirit and truth and of the importance of preparation for times of worship. He then writes about service, saying that it is a practice essential to a vibrant faith and discussing the nature of servanthood. In the book's fifth chapter he looks at sacrificial stewardship, discussing the tithe and the value of investing in the kingdom of God. And finally, in chapter six Sproul addresses a variety of relevant questions and answers ("Does God hear, act on, or grant the prayers of unbelievers?" "Should worship services have any focus on unbelievers?" "How often should a church celebrate the Lord's Supper?"). This is a small book, gift-sized really, and one that is very easy to read and digest. It is an ideal book to hand out as a gift or to give to a new believer. It offers introductory wisdom on disciplines that are crucial to the Christian life. Yet there is enough here that even a long-time believer will find biblical wisdom to challenge his Christian walk.

THIS BOOK IS CLEARLY IN RESPONSE TO THE PRAYER OF JABEZ. The dimensions of the cover, number of pages, and the promise of a simple formula for Christian growth. The book titled: Five Things Christian Needs to Grow is thinner and the print in the text smaller. Text print is smaller then other Sproul books. On the cover of the Prayer of Jabez is the line "Breaking Through to the Blessed Life". "To Grow" does not have the sound of immediacy as "Breaking Through" does. Both texts are aimed at the believer who feels something lacking in their Christian walk. The Sproul's work maps out five things a Christian needs to do to have spiritual growth. This work is more a brief outline what a Christian needs to have in his walk. Wilkerson's work more concentrates on prayer and having faith in whom one prays to. Sproul urges the Christian to hunger for God's word. Biblical study is paramount in the Christian walk. It is important that the Christian read the whole bible, but in what sequence of books read will alter the edification of the person. The whole bible is a message from God. Sproul recommends the order, composition, and number of chapters Christian should read daily. He also recommends other ligonier resources that help a student of the bible understand God's word. What type of prayer does R.C. Sproul suggest. He starts with the obvious the "Lord's prayer". The prayer Jesus used as example for the disciples. From there he broadens his suggestion of praying through the Lord's prayer; to use the exact words but to follow up with your own paraphrase and concepts. This is what Martin Luther taught. Martin Luther also prayed through the ten commandments and the Apostles creed. This discussion on prayer is prescriptive and descriptive. He also encourages the reader to seek out the work "A Simple Way to Pray". He encourages the Christian to understand prayer as more than supplication and intercession. The Prayer of Jabez is about praying for supplication and intercession. Very well because it is about praying how to serve God and being used by God. The third thing is Worship. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. (Psalms 122:1 AV) R.C. Sproul stresses the seriousness of worship. Worship is for God. The ultimate aim is not for the participants enjoyment, enlightenment, or growth. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 10:3 AV), Does one come to worship for one's own well being or does one come to church to glorify God? Do you come to church to make friends? Do you come to fellowship with godly people? Do you come to have an emotional experience or to praise God? True worship can only occur when truth is taught. Sproul argues doctrine divides, but it also unites those who truly want to know God. Referring to Romans 5:1,2 and Hebrews 4:16, it i