A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original review appears below. Jack Charleson is an elder and Chairman of Evangelism, Bridlewood Presbyterian Church, Agincourt, Ontario, a bank manager, and Chairman, Steering Committee, Mission Ontario.
Growing Deep in the Christian Life. Charles R. Swindoll. Multnomah Press, Portland, Oregon.
Charles R. Swindoll is pastor of First Evangelical Free Church, Fullerton, California, a broadcaster and prolific author. Over recent years he has given Christians much to think about through his publications and radio broadcasts and in Growing Deep in the Christian Life he encourages us to look back at the root of our Christian faith. The text is clearly based on Scripture and seeks to provide encouragement to those who are intent on developing a deeper understanding of Christianity.
In his introduction, Chuck Swindoll states “The need for knowledge of the Scripture is obvious. Everywhere I turn I meet or hear about well-meaning Christians who are long on zeal but short on facts . . . lots of enthusiasm and motivation but foggy when it comes to scriptural truth. They have a deep and genuine desire to be used by God, to reach the lost, to serve in church, to invest their energies in ‘the kingdom of God and His righteousness,’ but their doctrinal foundation is
shifting sand rather than solid rock.” As I read this it was clear the intent of the book would be to assist a wide range of Christians to develop a more meaningful relationship with God and their fellow man. I certainly was not disappointed and can recommend this book to all, regardless of the depth of their walk with the Lord.
In this book we are encouraged to develop a greater understanding of doctrine but at the same time to become discerning in the application. We need to grow in grace as well as knowledge. This can be achieved through our ability to recognize the Bible as God’s voice and handle the Scriptures accurately. Swindoll goes on to encourage increased knowledge of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. These three aspects are, of course, foundational to the Christian faith and serve to emphasize the depravity of humanity and need for salvation. Through this we grow more effective in the Body of Christ and as part of the family of God we can be more enthusiastic in our worship of the living God. We must remember with Swindoll “No one on earth deserves your worship.
You tread on thin ice when you enshrine any human individual — no matter how mightily he or she is being used of God.” He goes on to say, “it is certainly appropriate to respect them. But our respect should never come anywhere close to man-worship.” This is a warning many Christians need today when they tend to view Christian workers as being infallible.
The Church requires to continually be built up and this can best be achieved through the strengthening of individual members. Each Christian has a responsibility to contribute to God’s plan for his Church here on earth and “We need some way to become clean within so that we can relate to a god who is perfect.” A thorough knowledge of Scripture, assisted by books such as Growing Deep in the Christian Life will assist the members of the family of God to more truly reflect their love for the Saviour and influence those around them by their lifestyle.