Rating: 
Summary: Good Lessons; Questionable Exegesis
Review: I first heard the substance of this book in several video lectures by Wilkinson about seven years ago. At the time, it was very impactful for me. I was especially blessed by seeing the difference between chastening and pruning. Wilkinson uses John 15 and the analogy of the Vine and Branches to develop three basic principles for Christian living, which he names "Secrets of the Vine." Starting with the premise that there are four levels of fruit-bearing in the lives of all Christians (barrenness, fruit, more fruit, and much fruit), coupled with the presupposition that every branch spoken of in John 15 is a true believer, Wilkinson teaches: 1. If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to DISCIPLINE you. 2. If your life bears some fruit, God will intervene to PRUNE you. 3. If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to ABIDE more deeply with him. The book is pretty much built around these three concepts: disciplining (chastening), pruning, and abiding. There is no doubt that there is much truth here. God DOES discipline his sinning children who for a season may not bear fruit, as Hebrews 12 makes clear. (But I am not absolutely convinced that this is what John 15:2 is describing.) Again, God DOES prune (or purge) his children, as the text makes clear. And Wilkinson does well in drawing distinctions between chastening and pruning. They are not the same. It is also true that we have a command to "abide" in Christ. But I think all Christians will do this to some degree, whereas Wilkinson seems to think that many, if not most, Christians never attain to "abiding." I think he may go wrong here, not in his description of Christian experience(for it is without dispute that there can be vastly different degrees of closeness in people's relationships with the Lord), but in his interpretation of this particular passage. There are some subtle theological beliefs which seem to be underlying this book, which I think are dangerous. Wilkinson seems to believe that it is possible to have Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord,and that perseverance in faith is not essential to eternal security (hence, the author's denial that John 15:6 refers to hell), and that there are "levels" in the Christian life (the old higher/deeper/fuller Christian life myth popularized by Keswick). For a balance check out: D. A. Carson's Commentary on John: he gives a better interpretation of these verses. See also John MacArthur in "The Gospel According to Jesus" chapter 15. And to combat the Keswick-type deeper-life teaching, see Packer's "Keep In Step With the Spirit." I think the teaching in these books is more true to Scripture. HOWEVER, (to be fair) I will say (though I was quite surprised to see it) that A. W. Pink takes essentially the same interpretation that Wilkinson does. But Pink's Exposition of John was written in the early portion of his ministry and may reflect a position which he eventually discarded. Anyway, with all of that said, I enjoyed my reading of this book. It has some very good lessons for us. I just wish Wilkinson had grounded it in a more accurate exegesis of Scripture.
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Summary: Secrets of Intimacy with God
Review: "Secrets of the Vine" offers readers another uplifting dose of Bruce Wilkinson's positive preaching. You come away from "Secrets" and "Jabez" invigorated by God's grand vision for your life, desiring to do more for God and be more in God. This is a wonderful gift Wilkinson offers to readers, both Christian and others. I have some major theological critiques of "Secrets" when placed beside the Greek text of John 15:1-17, the portion of John's Gospel from which Wilkinson draws his secrets of the vine. 1) Wilkinson empasizes a distinction throughout the book between "discipline" and "pruning". This distinction is not found in the Greek text of John 15. Raymond Brown, the great John scholar writes in his definitive commentary on John, "Verse 2 describes two different actions of the vinedresser. The first, that of cutting off branches that cannot bear fruit, takes place in February-March. Sometimes the vines are so completely cut back that one sees in the vineyards only the stalks bereft of branches. Later (August), when the vine has put forth leaves, comes the second stage of pruning, as the vinedresser pinches off the little shoots so that the main fruit-bearing branches get all the nourishment" (The Gospel According to John, Vol.II, pg.675). Both verbs describe pruning activities of the vinedresser. 2) The imperative (command) word in the Greek text is NOT "Bear Fruit!" Wilkinson places his major emphasis for our lives upon bearing more and more fruit, upon producing. This emphasis is not in the Greek. The word, "abide" or "remain" (Gk:menein) is found 10 times in the Greek. Fruit is found 7 times. Twice the word for abide is a command, "meinate"! Here is the true emphasis of Jesus' teaching: not upon production of more and more fruit (good works according to Wilkinson), but upon simply abiding in the Vine (intimacy with Christ) and having the Vine abide in us. You must read through 88 pages before this central teaching on abiding from John 15 is found in Wilkinson's writing. I would recommend readers to skip over pages 1-88 and go directly to "More with God" on page 89. Fruit is a by-product of remaining in Jesus and having Jesus remain in us, not the goal of our lives. 3) I don't know where the 4 baskets come from. They are not found in the Greek text of John 15. There is enough in John 15 to interpret without adding in more imagery to distract readers from Jesus' teaching. 4) Fruit for Wilkinson equals "good works", both outward and inward. The context of John does not favor this understanding of fruit. John's gospel emphasizes the fruit of Christlikeness, eternal life and being filled with grace and glory, NOT mere good works. 5) Even in Wilkinson's teaching on "Abiding" there are some disconcerting human-centered viewpoints which are not found in the Greek text of John 15. He writes on page 95, "In abiding, it's always our move!" No. Both Christ and Christian can move. In fact, Jesus emphasizes his choice and appointment towards the end of his parable when he says, "It was not you who chose me; it was I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will remain" (John 15:16). Wilkinson also offers a dangerous understanding of "abiding" on page 122 when he states, "If you are in a season of abiding..." Abiding is never a mere "season" in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ but the vital relationship which keeps us alive and growing. Wilkinson envisions three seasons in the believers' life: a season of discipline, a season of pruning and a season of abiding. This is a forced interpretation of the Greek text. Abiding is a lifelong, intimate, growing relationship with Jesus, the Word become flesh, full of grace and truth. Apart from these textual concerns, I found "Secrets of the Vine" a refreshing, uplifting sermon on fruitful living in Christ. I'm delighted to see millions rediscovering the life-changing person of Jesus Christ through such writers as Bruce Wilkinson. For two more books on the life-changing person of Christ and fruitful living for parents, look into "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home" (New York, Crossroad, 2000) and "The Christian Family Toolbox: 52 Benedictine Activities for the Home" (New York: Crossroad, 2001), both by David Robinson.
Rating: 
Summary: Reader from Israel
Review: Really an excellent book, insightful from only a point that the Holy Spirit can bring. It is to the Vine as the work by Keller/ Psalm 23 is to shepherding.
Rating: 
Summary: winning on God's terms
Review: Secrets of the Vine walks us through the first half of John 15, where Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser...I am the vine, you are the branches." As Christians we have likely heard this metaphor before, but have we really grasped all that it implies? Taking slight liberties with the text, Wilkinson introduces us to four distinct stages of a vine bearing fruit: no fruit, fruit, more fruit and much fruit. He expands on each, introducing us to our current stage and offering helpful guidance to propel us toward the "much fruit" category. The first "secret" talks of God's fatherly discipline that pushes us toward a life that bears fruit. Secret number two is that God the vinedresser will prune us of our selfish desires so we can bear even more fruit. Secret number three involves God's invitation to abide more deeply with Him. In the words of the author, "...the secrets of the vine reveal how God changes you so that you will become even more useful (fruitful) for His glory." This little book will help you come to terms with the current struggles you have in your life, and focus your attention on becoming the person God meant you to be. Highly recommended. Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory
Rating: 
Summary: Pruned by the Word of God
Review: John 15:3 clearly says we are already cleansed by the Word! Cleansed and pruned come from the same Greek root word. So John 15:3 is basically saying you are pruned by the Word of God! To abide in Christ and Him in you, you have to stay in the Word and let him prune you by His Word. His Word is life and truth. Read John 15 with Psalms 1 for a better understanding and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to you. Hebrews 12 in context with 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Word is profitable in correcting us and instructing us. Stay in the Word abide in Christ.
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Summary: Lessons To Be Learned
Review: Bruce did a wonderful job of expounding on Jesus teaching about the vine and the branches. His analogy of the four baskets--from "no fruit" to "much fruit" is enlightenng. And his insight into the difference between discipline and pruning shows that both processes are painful and how we can discern between the two. Something we can all benefit by knowing, because at some time in our lives, if we are truly in the vine will experience both. I have. It's encourageing to know that even during times of discipline the vinedresser--our loving Father--is caring for us in a tender, loving way, in order that we might bear fruit. If only we would choose to bend in the way that He chooses. And when He prunes us, even though it's painful, is for the purpose of expanding our fruitfulness. While reading this little gem, I was able to recognize that the pain I suffered a couple of years ago was a result of God's pruning in my life. It brought joy when I recognized the fruit that sprung forth as a result of that pruning. Now, all I have is the task of living in obedience and abiding in Him, waiting for the pruning shears to cut again, in order for more fruit to come forth. What could be better? But because I'm not perfect, at some time I'm sure the hand of disciple will touch me once again. Only after reading this book, now I know what to look for. I can discern why the pain is there, whether it be pruning or discipline. By applying the Prayer of Jabez and the principles in Secrets of The Vine my life has been enriched. But something that struck me as I read this book was how often I miss out on understanding a spiritual truth, because I didn't take the time to really study. I have a Strong's Concordance, so I have no excuse. Why do I, like so many others, leave it to someone else to do the footwork for me? Jesus gave the analogy of the vine and the branches for a reason. But how many of us have looked into what tending a vineyard is all about? If we had, we wouldn't need Bruce to show us. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." NIV How can we correctly handle the Word if we don't read it--study it? Each of us has a responsibility to study for ourselves. I want my life to be as enriched as Bruce's, because I took the time to find out for myself by thorough study. By Bruce's faithfulness, he is bearing "much fruit", and I am thankful that God is using him to help others have a better understanding of what scipture teaches, including myself. This comprehensive book can help your understanding of the vinedresser's work in your life. Do you desire to bear fruit and then more fruit? Do you want to learn what it means to abide in the vine? Are you suffering through painful circumstanes and wonder why? Then I highly recommend you read this book, along with careful personal study, and begin to bear the fruit you were destined to bear. The Lord Bless You until He Comes!
Rating:
Summary: how the sharpest shears can bring the most joy
Review: With Chapter 15 of The Gospel of John as its basis, where Jesus speaks to His disciples about the True Vine and the branches, this marvel of a book uses the imagery of the vineyard to illustrate the spiritual truths of achieving a fruitful life for God. If anyone thinks this book might be about material abundance, it is not...far from it ! In fact, it shows how as part of the pruning process, one might have to let go of those possessions we "hold too tightly".
When the Vinedresser gets out his sharp shears, it feels like tough love, but if we submit, it is a liberating love that brings us the joy of being closer to Him. Chapter 3, "The Best Good News (You Didn't Want to Hear)", outlines the steps of discipline, and Chapter 4, "Love by Degrees", talks about repentance, and much of the following chapters are on that daunting word, "pruning". "Pruning is how God answers your prayers that your life will please Him more and have a greater impact for eternity" (pg. 60).
In Chapter 5, "A Country Awakening", there is a very useful chart that helps discern whether one is being disciplined or pruned; as often both can be painful, they are sometimes confused, but their purpose and consequence are quite different.
In Chapter 6, "Flourishing Under the Shears", Dr. Wilkinson talks about how we have to submit to the tests of faith, and might have to give up things dear to you, in order to have personal transformation, and a bigger harvest for God. Chapter 8, "Living in the Presence", is exquisite, and gives the simple steps to the "promise and practice of abiding", an abiding that brings peace and happiness to every day, no matter what the circumstances.
It is a well-made volume with nice quality paper, and nine line drawings of vineyard themes by Vicki Shuck that are lovely, and represent much more than vines and grapes.
Small but very mighty, this book is one of the most important I have read ( I have underlined so many passages, it has almost as much of my ink as print); it has been a powerful blessing in my life, and if you are looking for a "breakthrough" book, this may well be it.
Rating: 
Summary: Wilkinson brutalizes scripture
Review: If you want a feel good book that exemplifies eisegesis, you found it her. The man who is the master of missing the point and imposing an agenda into the Word of God has once again accomplished his purpose. To his credit he makes some good suggestions for abiding in Christ at the end of the book, but he spends the majority of the book ignoring most credible scholars, while affirming that those who don't produce fruit are okay, just wait and the Lord will lift you up. Maybe he won't. Don't allow you salvation to rest or be lost on the teachings in this book
Rating:
Summary: A life altering book
Review: If someone were to ask me to name a book that truly changed my way of thinking about my Christian walk, it would definately be this one. I love the whole book how it shows God as the person in charge of the grapevines, and how he either prunes us, lets us grow or how our life can be filled with abundance. It may be a small book, but it packs a punch. Very easy to read, and the Bible is definately a reference that Bruce refers to often. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to figure out where they are in their Christian walk, and how to draw nearer to the Lord.
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Summary: Better than Jabez, but be discerning still
Review: I read this out of curiosity more than anything. I didn't like Jabez, and I wasn't expecting much out of this either. But I did find it to be better than Jabez. I'm still not convinced it is entirely biblically sound, but he has some good points and some interesting applications. And I didn't find anything I seriously objected to, like with Jabez. I found his explanation of vineyards and grapevines very helpful in understanding this passage of John. I thought he did a good job in making the distinction between discipline and pruning, and that is important. But I disagree that abiding is the next step after bearing much fruit. I think that abiding is a continuous state for all Christians...without Jesus, you can do nothing. Including bear fruit. So you need to be abiding to bear fruit in the first place. I can't really argue with anything he said per se, but I do think he still bordered on the "this is the secret of getting what you want out of God" type of mentality, which I'm uncomfortable with. My radar always goes up when authors use phrases like "God wants to....if you'll just let him" and assorted other phrases that seem to suggest that God's action is dependent on my permission. God is God and doesn't need my permission to do anything. He's the Creator and I'm the creature, and it's not my place to tell him how to form me, as Romans tells us. The clay doesn't say to the potter "Why have you made me this way?" I also liked the idea of a spiritual journal, but I doubt that I'll ever do it as he describes. I've tried it in the past and it just doesn't work for me. So I guess Secrets is a good read, but I'd be discerning too.
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