Growing Up in Grace: The Use of Means for Communion with God

By Murray G. Brett

Book Overview

Christianity as possession is not simply an experience of salvation in the past, nor simply a status once for all bestowed. It is a high and holy vocation to be fulfilled in all who name Christ's name. We dare not rest until we attain to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This book addresses our consciences about the character of our Christian way. Is there credible godliness? Is there a deepening, growing relationship with our Lord? Is the Love of Jesus Christ constraining our behavior - love so amazing, so divine demanding our souls, our lives, and our all - and are we giving the Lord affectionate obedience in return?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1601780613
• ISBN13: 9781601780614
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Will read over and over

I think this book touches on the basics of living a fruitful, growing life in Christ. I felt like a pastor I had in SC exemplified much of what Mr. Brett discussed and it was so good to find a book that was what can really be lived out. This book is theology discussed and then theology applied. The scenarios, I thought, were especially helpful to take the theology out of the abstract and force you to apply the truths to life. The thought that especially hit home with me was on repentance. The heart of repentance is not only turning from my sin, but running to the arms of my loving Father. That thought warmed my heart and helped me to see some of my sin as a real offense to the Lord causing broken fellowship with my Father. Who wants to stay like that? Jesus is exalted and cherished in this book, and I highly recommend it for any Christian, though I will add that I think it might be helpful, if a person is not used to a reformed perspective to go through it with an older mentor.

Convicting and Edifying

The goal of Murray G. Brett's Growing up in Grace is to encourage readers to find their happiness in communion with God. The author believes, as the Puritans did, in the use of means for growing in grace. Humility, confession, repentance, prayer, and meditation on God's word are emphasized, and for the right reasons. We are to do all of these things to "glorify and enjoy God." A story or passage--often from a Puritan classic such as the Pilgrim's Progress--along with a passage of Scripture introduces each chapter. From there the author proves the importance and usefulness of his subject, liberally quoting Scripture and the best Christian authors. Each chapter ends with application and exhortation, questions, a case study, and a list of recommendations for further study. The chapter dealing with humility and pride was particularly convicting to me. "God is immeasurably superior to us and unless you understand that--unless it affects you to the point that you cry out to Him for His grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ--you do not yet know Him as you ought" (page 35). "Pride is the first, the worst, and the most prevalent of all sins; yet we have the tendency to treat it as if it is nothing at all, at least when it is in us" (page 38). Also, I had to give up on highlighting in the chapter titled, "A Catalogue of Sins Seldom Confessed or Repented of." Every point was worthy of reflection, repentance, and prayer. Beginning with, "Acting from, to, and for ourselves, rather than from, to, and for God," the author lists 95 sins, mostly dealing with our attitudes and affections. Murray Brett is influenced heavily by the Puritans and Scripture. The book is reminiscent of a Puritan work, yet written in contemporary English with timely applications. Mr. Brett's style is clear and direct. The tone of the book is warm, loving, and pastoral; at the same time, the author does not dismiss the least sin or laziness. His goal is to encourage communion with God, and so he doesn't spare anything that hinders that communion. This book is meant to be worked and prayed through, not merely read. I hope to go back and do just that. It will be worth the effort. I recommend it to the reader who desires a stronger relationship with God through Christ. To those that believe that their relationship with God is strong enough, I recommend it even more. Murray G. Brett has been the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Commerce, Georgia for twelve years. He earned his Master of Divinity from The Master's Seminary, which is headed by Dr. John MacArthur. Growing Up in Grace is his first book. I hope we see many more.