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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
MacArthur at His Best, May 13, 2004
John MacArthur does one thing best: in-depth, expositional Bible teaching. This book puts his primary strength on display for all to see. This book is generally intended for new believers, but long-time Christians will reap much benefit as well. MacArthur covers most of the major elements of the Christian life in rich depth. Best of all, after an introductory chapter on Scripture, he starts out with two chapters on glorifying God. This focus keeps the book from solely focusing on the spiritual disciplines. Granted, MacArthur's expositional skills do present a drawback. MacArthur so thickly packs his teaching with Scripture verses that he seems uncomfortable if he doesn't give you every last Scripture he can find to back up his point. Sometimes it seems like his teaching would be more powerful with a few less verses to back up each point. There are some other weak points. After Chapter 3, chapters are presented in an order seemingly without rhyme or reason; the book doesn't build in its approach to its subject matter, but merely shifts from topic to topic. It's also a bit strange that the book contains chapters on hope and love but lacks one on faith. The chapter on fellowship does not deliver what it seems to promise; instead of focusing on the role of the church in the believer's life, MacArthur develops his theme around salvation and how to become a member of Christ's body. (It's still a good chapter -- just misnamed. It would probably best fit early in the book.) But these are minor quarrels for a book that kept me occupied in Scripture readings for roughly six months! The Keys to Spiritual Growth is not one of MacArthur's better-known books, but it's an excellent one nonetheless.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Solid fundamentals, May 1, 2008
Over the years I have read several of MacArthur's books, referenced his Bible commentary, listened to his CDs and seen him on video; and have come to trust his knowlege and judgment on Biblical subjects. He has written an excellent book here on the essentials of Christian spiritual growth.
This book is only 178 pages, but touches on all aspects of the Christian life: consistent Bible reading, frequent prayer, frequent confession and repentence of sin, service to others, fruit of the spirit, witnessing, fellowship with believers, hope and assurance, faith, etc. All these behaviors we understand in the Biblical term sanctification, and MacArthur uses an abundent use of scripture to illustrate what is underway in our lives as new creatures in Christ. While our salvation is entirely a gift of God's grace,we are made to understand that we can, and should, participate in our sanctification.
This book is solid on the fundamentals of an authentic Christian life. At the core of this life is the Holy Spirit living in us and through us. Over time this Spirit conforms us into the image of Jesus. This book is a real practical guide with info you can immediately apply to your life no matter where you are in your walk with Christ.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book on discipleship and Christian growth, April 9, 2004
This small, but very valuable book is a goldmine. If no other book, I believe this one would make an excellent book for discipleship/new member classes at a church. It's very concise (178 pgs) and each chapter can be read in a day (13 chapters) or over the course of a week, giving the reader time to mediate on and put into practice what's read in the book. This is one you'll want to lend out to your friends whose spiritual growth you care about.... so buy two copies!
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