Christians have always been interested in how they are to grow in Christ. While Christianity has a long history of talking and writing about how to grow in Christ what is often missed in that particular discussion; especially in contemporary discussions is the Gospel. We are often focused on the mechanics of growing that we miss out on the source. This is why Christians should rejoice in the resurgence in interest in the Puritans because they sought to implement a thoroughly explicit understanding of biblical Christianity to the totality of their daily life and church life. Few men have written as widely or as much on the Puritans today as Dr. Joel Beeke. I’ve long enjoyed his work and thank God for his passion for the Puritans. Recently Dr. Beeke wrote, Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth: Knowledge, practice and experience.
The book examines Colossians 1:9-14 with a view to show the importance of a biblical and Reformed spirituality for all of life. Many people who are new to the Reformed understanding of the Christian faith will find this book a boon to their spiritual lives. The Reformers did not only emphasize Scripture but also the importance of aligning one’s whole life with the Word of God. The Puritans took seriously the teaching of the Reformers and sought to implement that teaching into all of life. Another way to say this is that the Reformers and the Puritans were men and women who believed and practiced Sola Scripture—that is they came under the Word of God and live by its commands by the grace of God. This is on display in Dr. Beeke’s book as he seeks to walk through Colossians 1:9-14 with a view to show how to grow spiritually in knowledge, practice and experience.
We live in a time where the latest and greatest in terms of spiritual growth emphasizes mechanics on how to grow divorced from the Bible. This is why Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth by Dr. Joel Beeke is such an important book because it rightly emphasizes that the Christian growth in grace is one of steady growth rather than an all-out go as fast as you can and then fizzle out at the end.
While I’ve long appreciated Dr. Beeke’s ministry in recent days I’ve been reading more and more of his work. What I appreciate is that he shows the importance of doctrine for all of life. This is on full display in Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth. Perhaps you are a new Christian wondering how to grow in your knowledge of the Word of God or the grace of God. Perhaps you are a seasoned Christian going through a rather difficult season of life. Wherever you are in your Christian life, Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth has something for you—namely it will take you to the Word of God and point you to the gospel all with a view to help you develop a well-rounded Christian life. I encourage you to pick up Developing Healthy Spiritual Life for in doing so, you will find a biblically balanced and practical process to grow in the grace of God.
Title: Developing Healthy Spiritual Growth: Knowledge, Practice and Experience
Author: Joel Beeke
Publisher: EP Books (2013)
I received this for free from EP books review program for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
