Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians

Rating:
Summary: Good, Inspiration Stories But Theological Lacking
Review: I was given this book as a young Christian and easily devoured every word of it. The stories in Lawson's book are awesome. You will be encouraged as you read about the faith and hunger men and women had for the presence of God in their lives. None of the people in the book were satisfied with simply living for Jesus but they wanted to make a divine impact for the kingdom upon the earth. From John the Baptist to John Wesley to many unknowns as well you will read the stories of various Christian experiences in God's presence that transformed their lives.

My one drawback as I look back at this book is the theology of the book. Simply put (as one reviewer put it before me): there is none. Lawson simply tells the stories of the various believers experiences. The book leaves the impression that the Christian life is simply one experience after another or that a Christian needs one "mighty" Holy Ghost experience and that is it. The daily discipleship is lost (Luke 9:23-26). Further, not all experiences should be outright declared from God. We must test our experiences by the Scriptures (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). Doctrine is important (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:1) and we must not allow experiences to become the true test of Christianity (2 Cor. 13:5).

Get this book. Read it and most of all, open your Bible and test everything you read by the truth of God's Word (John 17:17).

Rating:
Summary: For the person who is serious about knowing God.
Review: This reader-friendly composite of biographical sketches is directed to the person who is not satisfied with nominal Christian living. The author points directly to each biographee's source of spiritual renewal and/or completion, i.e, the Holy Spirit, and subsequent effects. An interesting aspect of this work is its transdenominational nature; no particular sect is endorsed, though many are included by virtue of their highlighted adherants. If the reader is honestly interested in a closer walk with God, this book will provide plenty of inspiration.