Customer Reviews

Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs : The Powerful Principle of the Three Chairs

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dr. Wilkinson's book not only gives the encouragement needed to understand that we are all seeking spiritual breakthroughs in our lives, but he gives us the equipment needed to make those changes. This book is so practical and easy to read...as if you were sitting in the room having a conversation with the author. Reading it and applying its principles has helped me to be a better husband, father and worshipper, and focus my life's work not just on teaching and encouraging others, but truly promoting hearts changed and brought into fresh communion with Christ. READ IT! I also highly recommend "Personal Holines in Times of Temptation," Dr. Wilkinson's previous book, of which he makes reference to several times as foundational information for "Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs."

I have enjoyed reading this book, even though, at times, the challenge to live a more godly life is convicting. I believe the author exhibits "tough love" in calling forth God's best in the reader. I have found this, along with Bruce Wilkinson's other books, to be helpful in my Christian walk.

I read this book about a year ago, and like my Bible, I find myself going back to it. If you have ever had any questions about where you are in Christ or spiritual maturity, this is a book for not only you and your household. A great gift for every occasion! The Lord's Blessings.

this is ideally for couples, but the lessons are awesome for singles, too, and Wilkinson scores right on target this time.

Plain and simple this book will change your life

ESB helps me understand why so many churches fall into mediocrity and can't get past the 75th anniversary without becoming a religious club or meeting place. This book has the principles to keep a Christian passionate for God. I love its practicality.

This book is very inspiring. Arrived in perfect condition and on time. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to grow spiritually.

Wilkinson used a simple but effective teaching aid - 3 chairs which are used to represent 3 portraits or spiritual states in which everyone in the world can be divided into as illustrated in the diagram below:

CHAIR ONE - commitment, saved, spiritual

CHAIR TWO - compromise, saved, carnal

CHAIR THREE - conflict, unsaved, natural

His thesis that by identifying which chair we are sitting on at present, we can make a `spiritual breakthoughs' by making a decision to move from one chair to another.

Firstly, in an effort to make the concept relevant, Wilkinson have oversimplified the process of spiritual growth without reference to grace, spiritual formation, character development and development of new worldview. He seems to give the impression that spiritual breakthroughs is easy and achievable by human effort alone.

Secondly, there is weak theological support for his thesis except using Paul's terms (spiritual, carnal and natural man). In his Biblical example, he used Joshua, elders and children of elders. While he made his point of generational slide, the children of elders were disobedient rather than non believers. But it is true that there is a generational slide if each generation do not develop personal faith in Jesus.

Thirdly, Wilkinson meant the three chairs for Christians, backslidden Christians and non-Christian but there is no reference to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and of the Holy Spirit in spiritual transformation. Wilkinson seems to imply that spiritual growth can take place by decision making alone. There cannot be movements between the chairs without adequate appropriation of the theology of the cross and inner transformation without the work of the Holy Spirit especially in his examples of Julia, Ernie and Kate.

Finally, while marriage and parenting is important, one wonders whether the three-chairs model is the right approach. Section 3 & 4 sounds like promotions for Walk-Thru-the Bible Ministries programs. Wilkinson's book promises spiritual breakthroughs but one wonders whether it can delivers except for a short time haze of spiritual high.

Perhaps it is the fact that I am young, and that is why this book didn't cause any spiritual breakthroughs for me. Much of the book is geard toward those who are married or divorced and have children. I had high expectations when I picked it up because his other books I have read are wonderful, but I just didn't get much out of this one. The three chairs concept of spiritual maturity in an individual seems undermining to me as well. God is big and does big things and maybe, just maybe you don't sit in one of those three chairs. Wilkinson creates a character for each chair, and considering most of them were married/divorced/parents I really didn't identify with any of them, but I am sure if you are any of these the principles are wonderful. I wouldn't recommend it for young singles.