This week we launch a new Book Review feature on ZoneGathering.com. Every other week throughout 2007 an NCC leader will review a book that has some relevance to our efforts to “Be One, Make One, For One.†The titles will touch on topics across the spectrum from personal growth, evangelism, discipleship, and missions to theology and leadership. Our goal is to alert you to useful resources in your ministry and personal spiritual growth. If you have a book you would like to see reviewed or if you would like to write a review, please let us know!
The Journey: How to Live By Faith in an Uncertain World
Billy Graham, W Publishing Group, 2006
To open this new feature, it seems only fitting that we begin with a work by one of the giants of the church. Perhaps the most celebrated religious leader of the twentieth century, the Reverend Billy Graham, has led thousands around the world to Christ and now as his life and ministry near their end he has released what some have called his magnum opus, The Journey: How to Live By Faith in an Uncertain World.
The book is the culminating work of a long life devoted to evangelism and discipleship, compiled largely by drawing from sermons, articles and correspondence from years of ministry. Graham has assembled a sweeping overview of what it means to journey along God’s path – from a basic presentation of the gospel message to a final chapter on the reality of heaven.
The consummate evangelist, Graham devotes the first extensive section of the book to sharing the fundamentals of the gospel message, inviting readers in with the promise that God, “wants to free you from your old ways and put your feet on a new path – His path.†The second section is devoted to basic discipleship, including an overview of prayer, the Bible, community and the Holy Spirit. Section three addresses the challenges all believers face from temptation and relational struggles, to suffering and discouragement. In the fourth and final section Graham calls on readers to “stay the course†and he shares bits of wisdom on marriage, parenting, and decision-making and reflects on the challenges of age and the promise of heaven.
The book is very extensive and, as a result, feels a bit superficial to a reader who is well acquainted with the subject matter. However, upon reaching the end of the book, I was persuaded that Graham’s refreshingly straightforward style and his years of experience in evangelism make The Journey a great resource for leaders to give to seekers and those who are in the early stages of their discipleship journey. The book could be used in a small group setting, though our own Journey curriculum is probably better suited to NCC’s structure and approach.
For those of us further along in our journey, the greatest value in the book may be the sections that Graham devotes to suffering, grief, old age, leaving a legacy, and the hope of heaven. In hearing one of the giants of ministry reflect on what matters at the end of a great journey, perhaps we’ll all be remind what’s actually important as we travel along our own.
Hurray! Heather G. posting on ZoneGathering!
Everyone be sure to check out the ZoneGathering Bookstore on the right hand side bar when you’re buying resources.
nathan.
January 30th, 2007
heather g! this is an awesome post. thanks so much!!
heidi scanlon
January 30th, 2007
Heather G. - so excited about the upcoming book reviews! Thanks for your review of BG’s book.
Leslie
January 30th, 2007
This will be a great new feature and I, too, am way impressed with HG’s post. (Are we making you blush?)
Jana
January 30th, 2007