Finding the Will of God: A Pagan Notion?

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for living for God
Review: I once knew a Christian who was considering buying a new sports car. In order to determine what God's will was on the issue, she opened her Bible, at random. The verse she picked happened to mention silver--the color of the car. She took that as God's approval for purchasing the car. Similar horror stories are scattered through Waltke's "Finding the Will of God." He wrote about common mistakes (Pagan mistakes) Christians use to conjure up God's will. More importantly, Waltke outlines how we can actually live in God's will, without relying on superstition, guesses, or other poor theologies.

His advice is amazingly simple and refreshingly sound. He lists steps, such as reading the Bible (to actually know God, and not some random verse), seeking the advice of Christian friends, etc. Essentially, his advice boils down to this: know God. Waltke wrote that the God who would give his own Son to save us, would not hide his will. We don't need to search for his will, as much as need to focus on knowing God.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who is the theological librarian at a divinity school. I was struggling with some choices and "Finding the Will of God" offered clear, biblical, and practical ideas. Waltke's style is easy to understand. The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence, and are short enough to read through easily. Most of all, the book really made me think about what it means to "know God." I would strongly recommend this book to any Christian, but especially to those who are concerned about making biblical decisions and living a life that pleases God.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for living for God
Review: I once knew a Christian who was considering buying a new sports car. In order to determine what God's will was on the issue, she opened her Bible, at random. The verse she picked happened to mention silver--the color of the car. She took that as God's approval for purchasing the car. Similar horror stories are scattered through Waltke's "Finding the Will of God." He wrote about common mistakes (Pagan mistakes) Christians use to conjure up God's will. More importantly, Waltke outlines how we can actually live in God's will, without relying on superstition, guesses, or other poor theologies.

His advice is amazingly simple and refreshingly sound. He lists steps, such as reading the Bible (to actually know God, and not some random verse), seeking the advice of Christian friends, etc. Essentially, his advice boils down to this: know God. Waltke wrote that the God who would give his own Son to save us, would not hide his will. We don't need to search for his will, as much as need to focus on knowing God.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who is the theological librarian at a divinity school. I was struggling with some choices and "Finding the Will of God" offered clear, biblical, and practical ideas. Waltke's style is easy to understand. The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence, and are short enough to read through easily. Most of all, the book really made me think about what it means to "know God." I would strongly recommend this book to any Christian, but especially to those who are concerned about making biblical decisions and living a life that pleases God.

Rating:
Summary: A Passionate Plea for Biblical Sanity
Review: IT always amazes me that those who read and study their Bibles know more about it that those who would get their theology from an emotional worship service. THis book had about the same impact on me that lightnng has on a tree. Personally, this book could not have come at a better time; I was pleading with "wishy-washy" Christians to go to the Bible for discernment on wether this was God's will.
Dr. Waltke bridges the gap between scholar and lay person without compromising truth. The first chapter he gives horrid examples of Christians who follow mis-guided adivce (we are all guilty of at least one example) adn later on in the book he shows the biblical counterpart. The Book is not very long, esay to read, and packed with dynamite. The Chapter on 'reading the bible' is worth the price of the book. Again those who read their bible, this will not come as a surprise. However, if you get your direaction from extreme emotions, this book will be a painful challenge. I really wanted to give the book 18 stars but that was not an option. By the book. Ask for as many free copies as you can and give them to your sorely sincere but misguided friends...

Rating:
Summary: A Passionate Plea for Biblical Sanity
Review: IT always amazes me that those who read and study their Bibles know more about it that those who would get their theology from an emotional worship service. THis book had about the same impact on me that lightnng has on a tree. Personally, this book could not have come at a better time; I was pleading with "wishy-washy" Christians to go to the Bible for discernment on wether this was God's will.
Dr. Waltke bridges the gap between scholar and lay person without compromising truth. The first chapter he gives horrid examples of Christians who follow mis-guided adivce (we are all guilty of at least one example) adn later on in the book he shows the biblical counterpart. The Book is not very long, esay to read, and packed with dynamite. The Chapter on 'reading the bible' is worth the price of the book. Again those who read their bible, this will not come as a surprise. However, if you get your direaction from extreme emotions, this book will be a painful challenge. I really wanted to give the book 18 stars but that was not an option. By the book. Ask for as many free copies as you can and give them to your sorely sincere but misguided friends...

Rating:
Summary: Powerful Wisdom for Confused People
Review: Many sincere believers in their commendable desire to seek God's will wind up using very un-Biblical methods of guidance. With the knowledge of a Biblical scholar, the clarity of an excellent teacher, and the wisdom of one who has walked with the Lord a long time, Bruce Waltke has given us a wonderful summary and practical description of what it truly means to seek God's will (and Waltke explains and clarifies all the meanings that phrase can carry). As the author would say, "One does not divine God's will. One lives God's will as one comes to know Him through His word." (pp. 71).

This is not merely a critique of many modern ways of "seeking God's will", but also a Biblical description of God's pattern of guidance for the believer. As his later chapter titles sum up, God's program for guidance includes (in order): Read your Bible, Develop a Heart for God, Seek Wise Counsel, Look for God's Providence, Does this Make Sense? and (rarely) Divine Intervention. Dr. Waltke has reminded us all that our Father is not one who hides His overall purpose for our lives, and the author does a great job of showing us how our loving Father guides and leads His children. Pick up a copy today - even if you aren't facing a "major decision" right now, it will still help you gain wisdom and direction in how to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful Wisdom for Confused People
Review: Many sincere believers in their commendable desire to seek God's will wind up using very un-Biblical methods of guidance. With the knowledge of a Biblical scholar, the clarity of an excellent teacher, and the wisdom of one who has walked with the Lord a long time, Bruce Waltke has given us a wonderful summary and practical description of what it truly means to seek God's will (and Waltke explains and clarifies all the meanings that phrase can carry). As the author would say, "One does not divine God's will. One lives God's will as one comes to know Him through His word." (pp. 71).

This is not merely a critique of many modern ways of "seeking God's will", but also a Biblical description of God's pattern of guidance for the believer. As his later chapter titles sum up, God's program for guidance includes (in order): Read your Bible, Develop a Heart for God, Seek Wise Counsel, Look for God's Providence, Does this Make Sense? and (rarely) Divine Intervention. Dr. Waltke has reminded us all that our Father is not one who hides His overall purpose for our lives, and the author does a great job of showing us how our loving Father guides and leads His children. Pick up a copy today - even if you aren't facing a "major decision" right now, it will still help you gain wisdom and direction in how to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.