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Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow
People need to maintain a diet of nutritious foods if their bodies are to grow and thrive. But what do the people of God need in order to grow and thrive in the Christian faith? In this book, noted theologian and pastor R.C. Sproul identifies five of the crucial “nutrients” that promote spiritual Bible study, prayer, worship, service, and stewardship. With biblical insight and practical wisdom, Dr. Sproul teaches Christians how to maintain a balanced “diet” that will lead to growth and mature Christian living.
This book is an important resource for new believers to learn these spiritual disciplines and become grounded in the Christian faith in a way that anyone can understand.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2002
118 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Sproul
675 books1,993 followersDr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.
Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.
He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.
Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 4, 2018
Five stars! I love everything that R.C. Sproul has written.
April 1, 2019
I love R.C. Sproul's books. They are quick reads, yet have so much to them. I liked how this one features 5 things to help you grow. I can see myself rereading certain chapters again, especially the one on studying the Bible. It was very good and I recommend it.
March 31, 2019
Excellent. I particularly enjoyed the section on stewardship.
October 17, 2009
My community group at church picked this book to read. Sproul is generally a good author, so I was really looking forward to it. What doctrines were we going to talk about? What difficult passages was he going to guide us through?
None, as it turns out.
It turns out that you're supposed to go to church, pray, read the Bible, tithe, and serve. REALLY? And is the Pope Catholic? I can see how this would be helpful for a brand new believer, perhaps as a baptism present, but otherwise, this is simplistic to the point of almost being embarrassing.
None, as it turns out.
It turns out that you're supposed to go to church, pray, read the Bible, tithe, and serve. REALLY? And is the Pope Catholic? I can see how this would be helpful for a brand new believer, perhaps as a baptism present, but otherwise, this is simplistic to the point of almost being embarrassing.
June 29, 2022
A short resource for believers in growing in these five areas:
1. Prayer 2. Studying the Bible 3. Worship 4. Serving 5. Stewarding
“Being a Christian is not an acquired skill or discipline like diving or ice skating. It is a living, vital relationship with the God of the universe, a relationship that begins when a person becomes a new creation in Him and receives Jesus as Lord by faith."
1. Prayer 2. Studying the Bible 3. Worship 4. Serving 5. Stewarding
“Being a Christian is not an acquired skill or discipline like diving or ice skating. It is a living, vital relationship with the God of the universe, a relationship that begins when a person becomes a new creation in Him and receives Jesus as Lord by faith."
December 27, 2019
A brief primer on discipleship that is worthwhile for all believers. Sproul is wise and winsome here and his five things are a good place to start the Christian journey.
May 5, 2022
The explanation by Dr Sproul always compact and to the point. As an apologist, he surely understand what he said, thus could explained with simple things yet direct to the point.
March 3, 2024
Very basic but important instructions on the discipline and heart we should have as Christians.
June 13, 2023
I believe this is a text every new believer should read. It gives guidance for all areas of the spiritual walk, and is more practical than I expected, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I even thought the Question and Answer segment at the end was a great element because it addresses some of the struggles and concerns that believers may have.
February 26, 2024
5 ⭐️
This was a great book to listen to! I really enjoyed how clearly R. C. Sproul broke down all of the topics into easy to understand sections. I would definitely recommend😊.
This was a great book to listen to! I really enjoyed how clearly R. C. Sproul broke down all of the topics into easy to understand sections. I would definitely recommend😊.
March 3, 2025
First sentence: It is a worldwide phenomenon. Every four years, the world pauses and holds its collective breath while the Olympic Games take place.
Premise/plot: The Christian life is a disciplined life. Sproul writes, "like Olympic athletes, Christians are called upon to train, to make sacrifices, and to embrace certain disciplines in order to give God "our utmost for His highest." This book deals with five of those disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, service, and stewardship." There is a chapter dedicated to each discipline or grace. Through the disciplines, grace flows and abounds.
My thoughts: This is a solidly biblical book.
I enjoy spending time with R.C. Sproul. It is good for my soul. I enjoy his stories. For example, "As a new Christian I was infatuated with Scripture. I wanted to spend almost every waking moment reading it. As a result, I made the dean's list in my first semester of college. It was not the list of academic achievement, however; it was the list of students placed on academic probation." OR "At seminars, I often ask for a show of hands indicating ing how many people have read the entire Bible. Rarely do even 50 percent of the people answer "yes." I ask, "How many of you have read the book of Genesis?" Almost everyone raises his hand. Then I say, "Keep your hand up if you've also read Exodus." Only a few hands are lowered. "Leviticus?" That's when hands start dropping quickly. With Numbers it's even worse."
I enjoy his practical teaching. For example, "I suggest that you put a question mark in the margin beside every passage that you find unclear or hard to understand. Likewise, put an X beside every passage that offends you or makes you uncomfortable. Afterward, you can focus on the areas you struggle with, especially the texts marked with an X. This can be a guide to holiness, as the Xs show us quickly where our thinking is out of line with the mind of Christ." Further: "If I don't like something I read in Scripture, perhaps I simply don't understand it. If so, studying it again may help. If, in fact, I do understand the passage and still don't like it, this is not an indication there is something wrong with the Bible. It's an indication that something is wrong with me, something that needs to change. Often, before we can get something right, we need to first discover what we're doing wrong."
I enjoy his honesty. "I don't think there is any area of the Christian life in which people are more weighed down by guilt than in the area of their prayer lives. Most Christians will readily confess that their prayer lives are not what they should be. And one major reason for this problem is that Christians don't really know how to pray effectively." Another favorite of mine is, "I hear people say, "Doctrine divides." Of course doctrine divides, but it also unites. It unites the ones who love God's truth and are willing to worship Him according to that truth. God wants people to worship Him from the heart and from a mind that is informed of who He is by His Word."
His works are full of gems and insights. For example, "I think one of the reasons many Christians never get to the meat of the Word but remain at the milk level is because they never really learned how to drink the milk."
Premise/plot: The Christian life is a disciplined life. Sproul writes, "like Olympic athletes, Christians are called upon to train, to make sacrifices, and to embrace certain disciplines in order to give God "our utmost for His highest." This book deals with five of those disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, service, and stewardship." There is a chapter dedicated to each discipline or grace. Through the disciplines, grace flows and abounds.
My thoughts: This is a solidly biblical book.
I enjoy spending time with R.C. Sproul. It is good for my soul. I enjoy his stories. For example, "As a new Christian I was infatuated with Scripture. I wanted to spend almost every waking moment reading it. As a result, I made the dean's list in my first semester of college. It was not the list of academic achievement, however; it was the list of students placed on academic probation." OR "At seminars, I often ask for a show of hands indicating ing how many people have read the entire Bible. Rarely do even 50 percent of the people answer "yes." I ask, "How many of you have read the book of Genesis?" Almost everyone raises his hand. Then I say, "Keep your hand up if you've also read Exodus." Only a few hands are lowered. "Leviticus?" That's when hands start dropping quickly. With Numbers it's even worse."
I enjoy his practical teaching. For example, "I suggest that you put a question mark in the margin beside every passage that you find unclear or hard to understand. Likewise, put an X beside every passage that offends you or makes you uncomfortable. Afterward, you can focus on the areas you struggle with, especially the texts marked with an X. This can be a guide to holiness, as the Xs show us quickly where our thinking is out of line with the mind of Christ." Further: "If I don't like something I read in Scripture, perhaps I simply don't understand it. If so, studying it again may help. If, in fact, I do understand the passage and still don't like it, this is not an indication there is something wrong with the Bible. It's an indication that something is wrong with me, something that needs to change. Often, before we can get something right, we need to first discover what we're doing wrong."
I enjoy his honesty. "I don't think there is any area of the Christian life in which people are more weighed down by guilt than in the area of their prayer lives. Most Christians will readily confess that their prayer lives are not what they should be. And one major reason for this problem is that Christians don't really know how to pray effectively." Another favorite of mine is, "I hear people say, "Doctrine divides." Of course doctrine divides, but it also unites. It unites the ones who love God's truth and are willing to worship Him according to that truth. God wants people to worship Him from the heart and from a mind that is informed of who He is by His Word."
His works are full of gems and insights. For example, "I think one of the reasons many Christians never get to the meat of the Word but remain at the milk level is because they never really learned how to drink the milk."
August 31, 2019
Good introduction to basic disciplines
The information in this little book will be of great value to new believers. It may also benefit people who have been attending church a long time but feel their faith lacks depth. For mature Christians, this is mostly review, although it is a good refresher and a way to check our priorities.
The information in this little book will be of great value to new believers. It may also benefit people who have been attending church a long time but feel their faith lacks depth. For mature Christians, this is mostly review, although it is a good refresher and a way to check our priorities.
October 17, 2015
Read this quickly, it was a book that was just sitting on my shelf, its as basic as it sounds but still very useful. This would be an excellent book to give someone who is new to the faith.
March 10, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Simple truths on complex matters I highly recommend it for any believer that needs a fundamental review of the basics of our faith. I was blessed mightily by this book.
September 28, 2018
This is a good book on spiritual disciplines in the Christian life. They are: reading Scripture, prayer, worship, service, stewardship. Sproul with his characteristic skill opens these up with clarity and simplicity, and shows the importance of each one. This book is "classic Sproul." It is very edifying. I could easily see this becoming a Sunday School series at my church. The material is solid through and through.
There are a couple of points of critique though. At one point he says, "The five practices we are exploring in this book are all means of grace." But as a matter of fact, they are not--at least not according to confessional Reformed theology. Several of these are what could be called "means of discipleship" (service, stewardship, worship). But the means of grace are those things that uniquely bring Christ down to us, and those are the word, prayer, and sacraments. (Also if this is, indeed, a study of the means of grace, why isn't there a chapter on the sacraments?)
Also, the book ends with a chapter on Q&A related to the book. Some of the answers were good, others were fine, and others were not fine.
Overall, though, this is a very helpful and very readable study of Christian habits and practices that all Christians should develop.
There are a couple of points of critique though. At one point he says, "The five practices we are exploring in this book are all means of grace." But as a matter of fact, they are not--at least not according to confessional Reformed theology. Several of these are what could be called "means of discipleship" (service, stewardship, worship). But the means of grace are those things that uniquely bring Christ down to us, and those are the word, prayer, and sacraments. (Also if this is, indeed, a study of the means of grace, why isn't there a chapter on the sacraments?)
Also, the book ends with a chapter on Q&A related to the book. Some of the answers were good, others were fine, and others were not fine.
Overall, though, this is a very helpful and very readable study of Christian habits and practices that all Christians should develop.
February 9, 2020
Great little primer and reminders on growing in Bible Reading, Prayer, Worship, Service, and Stewardship.
I really enjoyed Sproul's explaination of prayer as communicating with our spouse. We desire to communicate to love, to learn, to grow in a relationship. It is not just a checklist item, or a Magic 8 ball we go to with requests only. Make time for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and finally supplication.
I did disagree with Sproul on the last chapter (dangerous to do, I know). But I think his view that tithing as 10% carries over from the OT to the NT is not correct. He views continuity in the covenants from his PCA lens, but I think there is discontinuity (Hebrews speaks of and Old and New covenant). I think one of the implications is that we are not tied to a legal "tithe" but we are called to joyfully give as Christ gave himself for us. I think this NT giving in many ways raises the bar for giving from the standard 10%. When you give someone a # to hit, they tend to hit that # without feeling joy, or feel guilty if they don't give that #. When you tell them to joyfully give out of love, as we grow in faith, it is our desire to give more and more as stewards of our possessions.
I really enjoyed Sproul's explaination of prayer as communicating with our spouse. We desire to communicate to love, to learn, to grow in a relationship. It is not just a checklist item, or a Magic 8 ball we go to with requests only. Make time for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and finally supplication.
I did disagree with Sproul on the last chapter (dangerous to do, I know). But I think his view that tithing as 10% carries over from the OT to the NT is not correct. He views continuity in the covenants from his PCA lens, but I think there is discontinuity (Hebrews speaks of and Old and New covenant). I think one of the implications is that we are not tied to a legal "tithe" but we are called to joyfully give as Christ gave himself for us. I think this NT giving in many ways raises the bar for giving from the standard 10%. When you give someone a # to hit, they tend to hit that # without feeling joy, or feel guilty if they don't give that #. When you tell them to joyfully give out of love, as we grow in faith, it is our desire to give more and more as stewards of our possessions.
April 5, 2019
The 5 things Sproul highlights in this book five areas Christian's should grow through: Prayer, Worship, Service, Study, and Stewardship.
- "“Christians are called upon to train, to make sacrifices, and to embrace certain disciplines in order to give God ‘our utmost for His highest.’ This book deals with five of those disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, service and stewardship. Just as Olympic athletes work hard to achieve their best performances, our diligence in attending to these aspects of the Christian life will help determine our effectiveness in serving our Lord.”"
- “By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we begin to gain the mind of Christ and learn what discipleship is.”
Very practical advice clearly derived from scripture.
Ideal book to hand out as a gift or to give to a new believer by allowing them to develop disciplines that are crucial to the Christian life.
- "“Christians are called upon to train, to make sacrifices, and to embrace certain disciplines in order to give God ‘our utmost for His highest.’ This book deals with five of those disciplines: Bible study, prayer, worship, service and stewardship. Just as Olympic athletes work hard to achieve their best performances, our diligence in attending to these aspects of the Christian life will help determine our effectiveness in serving our Lord.”"
- “By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we begin to gain the mind of Christ and learn what discipleship is.”
Very practical advice clearly derived from scripture.
Ideal book to hand out as a gift or to give to a new believer by allowing them to develop disciplines that are crucial to the Christian life.
January 16, 2025
Short and concise, over all good book. Gives some helpful insights on practical Christian growth with Biblical teachings.
I especially liked his correlation with prayer to God and our marriage as the church of Christ. What Christ would say keeps us away from him is that we, much like in a marriage where the wife doesn’t talk to the husband, they will naturally grow apart. We will also grow apart from God. Prayer is key to a thriving relationship with God. Just as communication is key in marriage.
I especially liked his correlation with prayer to God and our marriage as the church of Christ. What Christ would say keeps us away from him is that we, much like in a marriage where the wife doesn’t talk to the husband, they will naturally grow apart. We will also grow apart from God. Prayer is key to a thriving relationship with God. Just as communication is key in marriage.
December 31, 2017
In this book, R.C. Sproul outlines 5 graces that should be a part of every Christian's daily life. He wonderfully provides Scripture, personal experiences, an illustrations to support each one. This is a great resource for new believers to start out with as a guide along with the very best source - the Word of God. But it is also beneficial to the believer who has been in the way for some time to help us reevaluate our walk with the Lord.
February 14, 2019
This is a back to basics book. RC looks to the fundamentals of feeding the spirit of a believer. It's not a book that shames you into reading the Bible every day, he tells you how to study it. He doesn't tell you just to pray every day, he unfolds Jesus’ example how to pray.
RC then looks at more than one not-so-evident ways that Christians grow, in serving and tithing.
It's a great book to teach and remind us.
RC then looks at more than one not-so-evident ways that Christians grow, in serving and tithing.
It's a great book to teach and remind us.
October 20, 2019
This book provides a helpful perspective regarding five important things for Christians to grow. It includes the reasons for doing these (with Biblical support) as well as some ways they could be done. It would have been better if there was more attention to practical application. Additionally, at times the points were not clearly written, concise, or easy to follow. Overall, a good, quick, helpful read!
August 21, 2020
A good reminder
Overall the book was a good reminder of what a Christian should do more accurately what we are required to do as a believer in Jesus. Reading the Bible, prayer, stewardship, service, and worship are all types of what it means to be a believer, and should be a part of a believer's life.
Overall the book was a good reminder of what a Christian should do more accurately what we are required to do as a believer in Jesus. Reading the Bible, prayer, stewardship, service, and worship are all types of what it means to be a believer, and should be a part of a believer's life.
June 2, 2024
5 things: Bible study, Prayer, Worship, Service, Stewardship.
I learned a few things from this book. The best thing: If you are stuck in a prayer rut, try praying by going "through" three things: The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles Creed. Very helpful! Focus on one aspect and expand each section or petition in your prayer.
I learned a few things from this book. The best thing: If you are stuck in a prayer rut, try praying by going "through" three things: The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles Creed. Very helpful! Focus on one aspect and expand each section or petition in your prayer.
June 16, 2020
A great little introduction to practical Christian living and lifestyle. Sproul has a great way with words and communicates a lot very quickly, yet without sacrificing the substance of what he’s talking about.
December 22, 2020
Good basic understanding if you are just coming to Christ but if you have been a Christian for awhile these are all things you probably know and are doing or have a reason you choose not to. I doubt this book will sway you one way or another to change.
August 27, 2021
Fairly good summary of key doctrines. He does drop in some very human opinions, however, like a complaint about class warfare in a progressive tax system, but then engages in his own warfare about low pay for pastors.
November 14, 2023
R.C. Sproul is a master teacher in that he has a deep understanding of Christian theology while also having the ability to explain and teach these concepts simply. And he does so without reducing or watering down the content.
January 28, 2024
Sproul covers 5 means of grace in the Christian life: Word, prayer, worship, service, and stewardship. The book is remarkably and characteristically clear, and would serve as a good book for any new Christian.
April 9, 2018
Great book! Quick read, very clear, biblically backed book on the basics of Christian disciplines. Would be a great gift for a new believer.
February 20, 2019
A good overview of some spiritual disciplines.
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