The Owner's Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life [Hardcover]

Charles R. Swindoll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2009

Best-selling author Charles Swindoll uses clear, biblical teaching and pastoral instruction to show Christians the essentials of the Christian life.

The instant after salvation, the new believer's question is: "What next? How should I live now that my life has changed?" What they discover, and what every Christian discovers, is that living a life that glorifies God requires mastering some basics, nothing more nothing less. Yet most honest Christians would say that sin persists in their lives, and walking the walk can be harder than it looks.

Written for all believers, The Owner's Manual for Christians captures the essentials of the Christian life in simple, inspiring terms. Clear biblical teaching and pastoral instruction encourages readers onto the Christian life they long for . . . and can have. It just takes a God-given desire for obedience and the practical applications this book teaches. This will be a must-have for every Christian for years to come.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084990191X
• ISBN-13: 978-0849901911
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #826,732 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Charles R. Swindoll is senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary, and the Bible teacher on the internationally syndicated radio program Insight for Living. He has written more than thirty best-selling books, including STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP, LAUGH AGAIN, THE GRACE AWAKENING, and the million-selling GREAT LIVES FROM GOD'S WORD series. Chuck and his wife, Cynthia, live in Frisco, Texas.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Swindoll Laces His Book with Colorful Illustrations and Anecdotes from History as well as His Own Life, June 29, 2009

By 

FaithfulReader.com (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Owner's Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life (Hardcover)

Have you ever purchased a piece of furniture, a bike, or a barbeque that required instructions? Did you try to assemble the item with or without reading the instructions? Be honest.

Let's face it. All of us skip the owner's manual and instructions from time to time thinking we can do it on our own. And while that principle may work when it comes to assembling a small item like a blender or lamp, it doesn't hold true when it comes to putting all the pieces together in something as large and complex as life. We need an owner's manual. We need someone who knows how it all works --- inside and out. God gives us His Word, the Bible, and invites us to read, study and discover Him and how life is meant to be lived.

Charles Swindoll believes the Bible is the only true "Owner's Manual for Christians" and the only source of reliable truth from God. In his latest book, this bestselling author encourages readers to view THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR CHRISTIANS as a "quick start guide." It is designed to be an easy-to-read, essential guide to some of the most foundational passages of Scripture.

Swindoll begins the book by looking at God's character and the foundation of faith, diving into topics such as grace, love, joy, fellowship and God's will before tackling the idea that what is true about God also becomes true of you. He invites readers to look at the importance of intimacy with God, prayer, humility, surrender and self-control as they grow in their knowledge of God. Yet the journey of growing in God doesn't stop there. We must also learn to develop a Godly moral compass, overcoming the failures, suffering, temptation and guilt that come with living in a fallen world. We must learn to move beyond shame and doubt, and what it means to live sacrificially.

Throughout the book, Swindoll draws heavily on Scripture from the Old Testament as well as the New. He's not afraid to explore the stories of lesser known prophets and characters like Micah, as well as draw on the rich teachings of Jesus. Known for being a highly effective storyteller, Swindoll laces his book with colorful illustrations and anecdotes from history as well as experiences from his own life. In addition, poignant quotes dot his writing and the introduction to each chapter. Yet Swindoll never loses his practical approach to life and faith. He writes:

"Prayer is classic proof that we don't master spiritual disciplines easily. Developing the discipline of prayer while breaking the habit of worry will call for great mental effort. It will take time for you to master this new way of thinking. Stay with it. After persistent, continual conversation with the Father, mixed well with waiting for Him to work, you will receive what has been promised you. After doing your part, God will do His. Count on it!"

Overall, THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR CHRISTIANS points you to the real owner's manual --- the Bible, issuing an invitation to get to the author better than ever and calling you to remain faithful in your Christian journey.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars classic swindoll, May 31, 2010

By 

Koovie (Traverse City, Mi.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Owner's Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life (Hardcover)

Once again Chuck has been able to simply put christian living into words. God certainly uses him in so many ways, but I love his writings.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story telling for great truth!, June 27, 2009

By 

Cindy Ellis - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Owner's Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God-Honoring Life (Hardcover)

Chuck did a wonderful job in sorting through his vast story telling vault and placing them with great truth from the Bible.