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.
New Life, New Lifestyle. Michael Green, Multnomah Press, 1984, 145 pp.
Approximately 300 people were in attendance when Michael Green spoke at the annual meetings of The Renewal Fellowship who were touched by the enthusiasm this man of God displays. Much of this enthusiasm comes through in his writing and in New Life, New Lifestyle we are encouraged as we seek to develop an attitude of discipleship in our daily walk with Christ.
Originally written in 1973, New Life. New Lifestyle has been ‘updated’ for the 80’s but the message is clearly the same. Early in the first chapter Green states, “I am writing this book for people who have begun to emerge from the pool; for those who are making their first cries as babes in the family of God; for those whose eyes have been opened to a new world round about them, after Jesus has laid his hand upon them. I hope I am writing for you. I trust that you know what it is new life in Christ means. If you do, you can skip the rest of this chapter.” Undoubtedly there are few who feel the supreme confidence to miss any of the words of wisdom we can gain through reading, not only the remainder of the first chapter, but also the full text of this book.
Michael Green emphasizes the need for us to be born twice since this is the only true way to live for Christ. He reminds us that some people feel the impact immediately after they start the new life in Christ while others do not. For some the new life develops over a period of time and in both cases areas of doubt require to be dealt with. Regardless, our new life gives us a new sense of pardon, a new desire to please God and a new attitude to others, a new care for Christians, a new power over evil, a new joy and confidence and a new experience of prayer.
In general we are minded that in our daily walk with Christ we gain a fresh perspective which helps us to achieve new attitudes and deepen relationships. This can lead us in the quest to have the impact on society our Lord would wish us to have. As seen in many cases, this can lead to difficulties in our daily living, but we have the assurance that we are never called to any task unless we are given the strength to carry it out.
Michael Green, in this publication, has been used of God to give encouragement, not only to those new in their walk with Christ, but also to those who seek to grow daily. As stated on the back cover, “A new life means a new lifestyle. With clarity and infectious enthusiasm, Michael Green points the way forward for the new believer.” Hopefully each Christian continues to seek guidance in that way forward and all can benefit from an opportunity to read this excellent book.