Customer Reviews

So, You Want To Be Like Christ?: Eight Essentials to Get You There

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"So, You Want to Be Like Christ?" combines two essential ingredients: crisp, creative, practical writing with a meaningful, relevant, topic. For the first time, Chuck Swindoll focuses his literary skills on the ancient art of Christian living through spiritual discipline.

While some assume that the current generation lacks discipline and the will to sacrifice, Swindoll recognizes that the opposite is true. Today's generation could become "the greatest generation" if they were mentored into the historical practices of the Church.

Swindoll provides the mentoring-in-writing through his user-friendly examination of eight classic disciplines: prayer, humility, self-control, sacrifice, submission, solitude, silence, and hope. Though these are familiar to readers of books by Foster and Willard, they are not the standard practices of most evangelical Christians. With Swindoll's reputation, he may well incite a new wave of spiritual formation.

As with his other writings, Swindoll provides ample biblical content to ground his topic theologically, then surrounds his chapters with timely illustrations, helpful suggestions, and practical exercises. For those hungry for an introduction to a deeper, more disciplined spiritual life, "So, You Want to Be Like Christ?" does indeed provide "eight essentials to get you there."

Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

I was humbled and uplighted by this book. For years Chuck has been a favorite of mine. His candor and preciseness are the qualities that draw me to his writes. As a young pastor I look to him for pastoral advice and I find them in his writings.

This volume is primarily about eight disciplines that must be at the center of everyone's life, esp. if you are a pastor, leading God's people. I especially like his chapter on Surrender. Thank you, Chuck.

This is one of the best 'spiritual guidance' books I have ever read. I think because his thoughts and points of view were coming from his personal experiences, rather than what he thinks things should be like. I definitely look forward to reading another book by Swindoll.

This is surely one of Swindoll's finest, there seems to be a humbleness and passion in these pages that carries these special thoughts along. Eight disciplines are developed in a devotional style, wrapped around a core development of discipline and intimacy with God. I'm not quite through the first reading yet, and I'm already sure that I'll need at least two more times through, probably slower each time, before I can expect to see real application. I'm being challenged deeply, by a pastor who really cares about Christlikeness, in his own life and mine.

Readers of Charles Swindoll know what they're in for - a well-written, scripturally sound treatment of the subject at hand. This is, to my knowledge, the first time Swindoll has tackled spiritual disciplines, and he's as insightful as ever. Excellent review for mature Christians, and a good beginning text for those new to the faith.

This is a great book for whoever wants to make changes in his/her own life and be closer to God. The suggestions Swindoll gives are very appicable to everyone's life. It's somethig anyone can do, provide there is the desire to become more like Christ.

This book is a must if you want to walk with Christ on a daily basis and be what He intends for us to be. It's encouraging, insightful, and easy to understand. In our busy world, we need to unclutter our minds and focus on Him, that is what true success is all about and to be a light where Christ has placed us. I highly recommend this book, it will guide you on the right path.

I think this is the first book I have ever read from Brother Swindoll. I just finished it reading a few minutes ago and I have come to the conclusion that this is a book that should be part of every Christian's personal library. Though he mentions "Eight Essentials To Get You There" (there meaning to be like Christ), I think of these essentials as selective ones and not as exhaustive. He is a great writer and this book flows easily from topic to topic. It covers these essentials in a brilliant, straight-forward manner that will make the reader examine his/her own life in contrast with that of Christ.

The only thought I disagree with in this book is found on page 63 where Brother Swindoll states the following: "I do not believe that people today receive audible instructions from God, receiving them directly from somewhere within their spirits. Our only reliable source of communication from God is the sixty-six books of the Bible." If this is so, and if I am understanding correctly what Brother Swindoll is stating, then there are three problems with this assumption or belief; 1) If the Bible is the only reliable source of communication from God to His people, then why did God Himself "gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,"? 2) If the Bible is the only reliable source of communication from God, what would happen when God sends an angel with a message for a particular person as He sent an angel to Cornelius? 3) If the Bible is the only reliable source of communication from God, are we not putting God in a box by refusing to accept that He can choose to speak audibly to whosoever He desires at the time and place of His choosing? By accepting the belief that God cannot audibly speak to His people, are we not stripping Him of His sovereignty? I hope this is not the case. Other than my disagreement mentioned above, I feel this is a great book for helping us to want to be like Christ.

Very inspirtional reading pastor Swindoll really helps in showing us how to walk in this life and hold to the teachings of our lord Jesus.

Along with the workbook, this book is not for those who are content with their relationship with Christ, but for those who desire a deep intimacy with Him. Practical applications abound.