The Commands of Christ: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus [Paperback]

Tom Blackaby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2012

Jesus says in John 15:10-11, “If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

The Commands of Christ is an unpacking of that key promise, a simply powerful presentation of the loving imperatives we sometimes know more by rote than by heart: Love your enemies; Don’t store up treasures on earth; Seek first the kingdom of God; Let your light shine before men, etc.

Tom Blackaby’s focused writing serves as a plumb line of sorts, guiding us toward a vibrant commitment to the Lordship of Christ that better shapes our lives, how we worship, and how we relate to others. You will begin to know more clearly and experience more fully the freedom that comes through obedient acts of love and service to God.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tom Blackaby is director of International Ministries for Blackaby Ministries International and the former senior pastor of North Sea Baptist Church in Stavanger, Norway. He co-authored The Man God Uses with his father, Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God). Tom and his wife have three children and live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (January 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433672782
• ISBN-13: 978-1433672781
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #705,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tom holds a B.Educ., M.Div.BL, D.Min. He has published books for Thomas Nelson, LifeWay, Broadman Holman, and New Hope Publishers. He in an avid traveler (40 countries) and speaker. Tom and his wife also lead Family/Parenting conferences. You can find more about Tom at www.blackaby.net

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Elemental, scripture-based; good teaching starter January 31, 2012

By R. See

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The Commands of Christ is essentially an expanded outline. The main points look at the commands of Christ on the topics of 1) Coming to God, 2) Christ as Lord, 3) Character, 4) Concerning Others, 5) Calling, and 6) Cautions. These headings receive a few pages of treatment to set the tone for the sub-headings. Under "Coming to God," the sub-headings are 1. Repent, 2. Come as Child, 3. Love God with All Your Being, 4.Receive the Holy Spirit, 5. Enter through the Narrow Door, 6. Worship in Spirit and in Truth, 7. Abide in Me, 8. Remember and Repent. Each of the sub-headings gets an average of three pages of treatment. Illustrations are rare and footnotes are absent. This is not a theological treatise. Each sub-heading looks at a group of verses on the topic, mildly elucidates, and then moves to an "Application:" as the conclusion to each sub-heading. This approach reminds me of an expanded topical reference Bible (e.g. Nave's). You might wish for a longer list of sub-topics under a heading or move proving verses, but The Commands of Christ maintains its brevity, for better or worse.

Addressing the commands given by Christ would seem to be vital in understand both who Christ is and what his relationship must be with one who follows him. But this work's strength is as a good devotional guide to the subject. It will not ask you to consider multiple views of a command, the problems that some of the more difficult commands might entail--in interpretation or action--or many other "deeper" considerations. It is a simple book sincerely listing straight-forward commands by Christ and listing passages that repeat or support the command.

I think that this book would make a significant contribution as a discipleship resource or workbook. It would also serve as the basis for a small group study if the leader/teacher added some supporting materials (commentary quotations, illustrations, and questions). I must admit that I was looking for a little more than I found here--so I've written this review to help anyone else looking at the book to better understand what it contains. Sometimes a simple book on a complex subject is the best approach (hence all the "Dummies" books, right?). This is a good book--but I think Tom Blackaby (with due respect) missed a chance to make this a great one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An easy book to read and understand April 23, 2012

By Irene's Christian Reviews

Format:Paperback

This is an informative book on the different commands found in the Bible. These commands are for areas in our lives that the Lord wants us to grow spiritually. I really liked how the author explained these commands as directives from the Lord to help guide, direct or train us. They are not meant to punish us. The Lord knows we are imperfect and only gives these commands to help guide us to the life He wants us to have in Him.

There are many verses throughout this book. I like that he included most of those in the text so you did not have to look them up. It made reading the book an easy experience. The best part of the book was after the author explained the particular command he was clarifying. He included a section called Application. This section is where the author said here is what the verses said and here is how to apply this particular verse to your every day life.

I liked how simple and easy to understand this book was. I think this would be a perfect book for a new Christian to read, especially if that person is struggling with trying to do everything just right. I found the authors words to be encouraging and very informative. I gave this book 5/5 stars because it is a great book for every Christian to read.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars What did Jesus teach? Commandments of suggestions? March 4, 2012

By James A. Lee

Format:Paperback

The Commands of Christ: What it Really Means to Follow Jesus, by Tom Blackaby, B & H Books , 2012, 176 pages. Interest Group: Religion/Personal Study/New Testament

The name of Tom Blackaby may not ring familiar in too many popular circles. If you knew of his father, Henry Blackaby and appreciated his work, you will appreciate Tom's also. They both establish themselves in their writing with a penchant for dedication to the instruction of God, and the fellowship that brings with it.

In his work, The Commands of Christ: What It Really Means to Follow Jesus, Blackaby sets out to establish parameters of Christian living, as spoken through the mouth of the Lord Jesus Christ. With some introduction and very little pomp, Blackaby outlines the direction of the Christian's life by establishing a system. The system in this book introduces the command, quotes the scriptures from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, and then explains them in a practical manner. After reading each command and it's explanation, Blackaby ensures the reader of a modern explanation to apply personally in our own context.

Other reviewers have commented on the simplistic nature of the outline method Blackaby utilizes. I think this apparent weakness actually serves as a strength to be replicated by other authors treating similar topics. Although it is near impossible to avoid authorial bias in any work, Blackaby serves the text well by remaining without dogmatic denominational interpretation. At the end of the day, Blackaby aims to teach his readers the importance and simplicity of adhering to the commands of the Lord. He is also careful to ensure we remember the importance and distinguishing characteristics of those who claim to follow Jesus, that "if we love him, we will keep his commandments."

I received this book from B & H Books for the purpose of review. No books were harmed in the reviewing of this book.