The Spiritual Quest: Pursuing Christian Maturity [Paperback]

Luder G. Whitlock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000

Why is there so little difference between the moral and ethical behavior of church members and non-church members? Luder G. Whitlock Jr., president of Reformed Theological Seminary, suggests that one reason is because Christians do not have a clear picture of the goal of spiritual growth. Many books talk about ways to grow spiritually but are unclear regarding behavior and character.

In a lucid style rich with illustrations, Whitlock puts flesh on the notion of being conformed to the image of God. By examining God's character and attributes-he is relational, forgiving, loving, just, righteous, faithful, and holy-and by understanding the principles underlying his commands, readers can begin to live according to God's expectations.

The Spiritual Quest addresses topics as personal as a Christian approach to eating and clothing, to general issues of power and beauty, to the specifics of seeking God's will in church architecture and worship. Whitlock makes his points with vivid stories and relevant quotations, challenging readers to press on to the goal of becoming like Christ.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It invites us to ponder again what it means to exhibit in our lives what we utter with our lips." -- -Michael Cromartie, Vice President, Ethics and Public Policy Center

From the Back Cover

How can I live according to God's expectations?

Although many Christians strive to mature in their faith, they often have an unclear picture of the goal of spiritual growth. This book puts flesh on the notion of being conformed to the image of God and shows how we can begin to live according to his expectations.

"A welcome antidote to the current state of spiritual malaise that has settled on the evangelical church." -Chuck Colson, Prison Fellowship Ministries

"Although the Bible speaks clearly about spiritual growth, Christians are often at a loss in regard to the specifics of pursuing Christian maturity. This book clearly describes how to reflect the attributes of God. I recommend it highly." -Josh McDowell, Josh McDowell Ministries

"I never want to stop growing or learning, and this book was a gift from our sovereign Father. God has so spoken to my heart." -Kay Arthur, Precept Ministries

"At last, a book that helps us grow up by leading our longings toward God. Not in a formulated, 'easy fix' way. But the right way. By helping us to know God in a solidly fresh and compelling way." -Joseph M. Stowell, Moody Bible Institute

"Cuts through the current confusion and gets right to the biblical reality. Solidly theological and richly biblical." -R. Albert Mohler Jr., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Charts the path to spiritual maturity with intelligent insight and wise counsel-and in a manner that both stimulates the mind and stirs the soul." -Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary

"The kind of book I wish I had read a long time ago. A fresh, clear, and understandable book you will read often and give to your friends." -Steve Brown, KeyLife Network

"I recommend this to every Christian who wants to know and follow Jesus with an undivided heart." -Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 185 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801063388
• ISBN-13: 978-0801063381
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,306,108 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wanting to mature in your walk with Christ -- good place to start..., March 27, 2008

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Dan Panetti "Worldview Director" (Plano, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Spiritual Quest: Pursuing Christian Maturity (Paperback)

Good read. Whitlock writes a book to ask and answer the question - what does a maturing, growing Christian look like? Whitlock believes that Scripture teaches that "salvation" isn't the end of one's spiritual journey - the sanctification process is one where a person through obedience and the work of the Holy Spirit is transformed by the renewing of their minds into conformity to the will of God and the image of His Son Jesus Christ. What does this process look like and how does it impact the everyday decisions of a person's life - Whitlock claims in The Spiritual Quest that the process is arduous (taking effort on the part of a disciple of Christ) and it's impact is radical (transforming a person not only internally, but in their external interactions with others as well).

Whitlock writes that as Christians learn more about the nature and attributes of God Himself through His Word, those attributes should be more and more evident in their own lives - "we now begin to bear the image of Christ," as Calvin wrote. Whitlock does a good job of dropping in little snippets from some of the great Christian authors of the past - from Lewis to Calvin and gives you a taste for others including Carl F.H. Henry, Francis Schaeffer, Jonathan Edwards and Richard Foster. Just as there is no shortcut to physical development, Whitlock writes that the same truth applies to spiritual maturity - there is no shortcut. A maturing Christian must continue to soak in the Word of God through a personal study of Scripture as well as through the relationships with other believers primarily found in the body of Christ as the church.

This book would be a good read for a Christian wanting to mature - they will walk away with excellent instruction, solid motivation and outstanding resources alluded to throughout Whitlock's book.