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Learning from the Giants: Life and Leadership Lessons from the Bible
If you could spend a few minutes with the giants of faith in the Old Testament in person, what lessons would they share with you? In Learning From the Giants John C. Maxwell draws on fifty years of studying the Bible to share the stories of Elijah, Elisha, Job, Jacob, Deborah, Isaiah, Jonah, Joshua and Daniel. These people fought and won epic battles, served kings, and endured great hardships for God to come out on the other side transformed through His grace. Through them Maxwell explores timeless lessons we can learn about leadership, ourselves, and our relationship with God.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2014
98 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
John C. Maxwell
998 books5,832 followersJohn Calvin Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. Some of his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 11, 2016
This wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be. Don't get me wrong, it is still somewhat motivational, interesting and biblically accurate. For those looking for a quick read and a couple of key affirmation points to motivate, this is spot on. However, I was hoping Maxwell would dive deeper in than the straight passages and provide insight into how the characteristics, conflicts and wisdom of each person developed. I felt like this book had way more potential than the bubble-gum, quick pick-me-up, feel good booster than it is.
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April 1, 2019A quick read book that is easy to understand and enlightening in a spiritual aspect of one’s life.
March 1, 2022
Leadership lessons from Bible characters. And the messages aren’t bad, they’re just all very cliche and honestly applied a little randomly. He doesn’t really back up the points he chooses, and they’re not very deep or inspiring. Still, I appreciate his effort
I haven’t read any of his other works, and I know they’re quite famous, so I’m not sure how this prepares. I honestly was bored and unimpressed by this rendition.
I haven’t read any of his other works, and I know they’re quite famous, so I’m not sure how this prepares. I honestly was bored and unimpressed by this rendition.
December 29, 2018
This is a nice, quick read that can be used as a devotional or something to knock out during a couple of lunch breaks. Maxwell's premise of meeting with a number of heroes from the Bible in one day is a little silly, but there are some true words of wisdom in each "visit." This isn't a book I would recommend highly, but its brevity makes it worth the read.
May 16, 2024
This book can be used for spiritual growth and daily living. The “lesson learned” sections help with the process and discussion guides lead to deeper learning and insight.
The premise of this book is based on “what if” conversations with powerful men and women of faith, for learning. Therefore, it’s written in fiction and non-fiction. I appreciate the author wanting to connect with readers by writing that way. The settings and descriptions were nicely done. But, since I’d already read about these powerhouses of faith, my perception of them was different. For that reason, the fiction seemed too fictional. But, there is value in this book and good teaching.
If Learning from the Giants was written entirely in non-fiction, my rating would have been higher.
The premise of this book is based on “what if” conversations with powerful men and women of faith, for learning. Therefore, it’s written in fiction and non-fiction. I appreciate the author wanting to connect with readers by writing that way. The settings and descriptions were nicely done. But, since I’d already read about these powerhouses of faith, my perception of them was different. For that reason, the fiction seemed too fictional. But, there is value in this book and good teaching.
If Learning from the Giants was written entirely in non-fiction, my rating would have been higher.
December 4, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed other books by John C. Maxwell, but this one didn’t land the same way for me. The imaginative setup, sitting in his study and holding conversations with giants of the faith, felt a bit strange and pulled me out of the experience. Because I hold Scripture in such high regard, the fictionalized dialogue came across as distracting rather than enriching. That said, there were elements I appreciated. The questions at the end of each chapter were thoughtful, the prayers were meaningful, and the book was an easy, accessible read. I also liked how the historical stories were brought to life. I just couldn’t connect with the imaginary conversations themselves, which made the overall impact weaker.
November 12, 2022
You may have previously heard the messages written on this book either at church or sunday schools. But anyways it's a great reminder for all of us to have great faith just as these 'giants' do.
Some of my favorites:
Elijah:
No matter what has happened in your life, return to God. He has not given up on you, and He never will. God is faithful to the end.
Job:
"People look at my stature, and they often dismiss me. But God gave me the capacity to be bigger on the inside than the outside "
"Every day I would look at the size of my problem and the size of my God. My strength came from knowing that my God was bigger than my problems".
Some of my favorites:
Elijah:
No matter what has happened in your life, return to God. He has not given up on you, and He never will. God is faithful to the end.
Job:
"People look at my stature, and they often dismiss me. But God gave me the capacity to be bigger on the inside than the outside "
"Every day I would look at the size of my problem and the size of my God. My strength came from knowing that my God was bigger than my problems".
May 3, 2024
John C. Maxwell gives us insight into how God will use flawed people known at biblical giants for his purpose if we will ask for guidance and prepare to obey God's direction in his book Learning from the Giants: Life and Leadership Lessons from the Bible. Maxwell explores the faith of Joshua, Moses, Deborah, Job, and Elisha among others to serve as mentors for modern day Christians. The big takeaway for me that if we're not willing to step up to the challenge God will use another person of faith to fill the "hole" that needs filled. At about four hours listening time this is a serves as a quick lesson of encouragement.
January 3, 2021
A very helpful and inspirational book dispensing life's and leadership lessons from the Bible's giants of the faith. The main takeaway for me is that the lives of Biblical heroes of faith have a lot to teach us about challenges and opportunities that come our way. How we respond to them is what what makes an impact to our own lives and that of others. A little easy-to-read book that can be read in one sitting. Read it and be inspired!
May 31, 2019
What lessons did the heroes of the Bible learn? What can we learn from their mistakes, failures, and successes? Elijah, Elisha, Joshua, Daniel - come into the author's office one at a time and talk to the two of us about what they learned over their lifetime. This is a good book for Christians and especially leaders.
June 8, 2019
The lives of the patriarchs and heroes of the Bible provide both struggles and failures that we can relate to, and results to which we can aspire. Although my name is Deborah, I found from this book that I really am Jacob. I am thankful that God loves me in my Jacob moments, my Isaiah moments, and my Elijah moments.
September 28, 2022
It was the book I started reading when I turned 30 and paused in between during the pandemic, picked it up again this year and took my time with it. It’s a fun and light book to read to connect back to yourself and your relationship with God. It’s honestly a Adult Catholic book that I’d keep with me to refer to in life, especially when focus and purpose is so difficult to find these days.
January 23, 2019
Love the thought about second chance. We all receives this encounter
This book was very interesting with the various sub. Headings from all the characters. I will endeavour to use some of his instruction
This book was very interesting with the various sub. Headings from all the characters. I will endeavour to use some of his instruction
June 20, 2019
Good book from John Maxwell. I was expecting something more and felt a little let down with this Maxwell book, especially after reading many of his other books and rating with 5 stars. Still not a bad book just not up to John Maxwell standards...SLT
March 18, 2021
This book provides great insight into the lives of Bible heroes as well as the lessons we can learn from them. It lends itself well to a teaching series or even small group format with questions to reflect on at the end of each chapter.
March 11, 2024
Excellent read
I love how John distills the experiences of these leaders in a relatable and powerful way. Whether individually or in a group study, this is a great investment of time to go through all 3 of these books.
I love how John distills the experiences of these leaders in a relatable and powerful way. Whether individually or in a group study, this is a great investment of time to go through all 3 of these books.
May 29, 2017
Oh, brother Maxwell...you're so keen on the good book
July 18, 2017
A great book for beginner readers of the Bible. Also a good read for developing leadership. I just wish Maxwell had have gone a little deeper.
June 7, 2019
La forma creativa de la narración del autor es cautivante, una sola historia de la cual podemos tomar excelentes consejos de Dios para nuestra vida
January 12, 2020
Book #7 Leadership lessons from biblical giants: Elija, Elisha, Job, Jacob, Deborah, Isaiah, Jonah, Joshua & Daniel.
Great read
Great read
January 19, 2021
Good information
This is a good study guide a book to use for reference, and good for all Christians, who study the bible.
This is a good study guide a book to use for reference, and good for all Christians, who study the bible.
April 13, 2021
Interesting concept, but that's about it. Maybe it was too hyped up for me and I placed my expectations way too high. However, it still contained fundamental truths that I generally agree with.
August 5, 2021
This was an excellent book of learning from different giants of the Bible on trusting in and having a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I highly recommend it.
June 9, 2022
It's not a bad book. Quite useful.
June 12, 2023
A great read!
July 14, 2024
This book is not as good as I was hoping it to be. I felt myself as I couldn’t wait to get to the end. I’m hoping all his books are not like this.
April 22, 2025
Easy to read. Practical. Encouraging.
March 15, 2024
Libro ligero con enseñanzas prácticas .. no te cansa está muy bien escrito. Podemos recoger grandes enseñanzas de estos héroes de la fe
June 15, 2015
Encouraged to write a follow-up to an earlier book he wrote called "Running with the Giants" (a good read!), John Maxwell writes this follow-up noting that after 50 years of reading the Bible, all of his years of leading, and his leadership experiences sprang from scripture. This work features 9 giants in the Bible and includes their stories, leadership lessons and how God used them for His purposes. Also includes discussion material and questions for small groups.
December 28, 2015
GOD IS GREATER THAN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGES.
~ “We want God to do the spectacular everytime, but sometimes He would rather whisper to us.”
~ “We don’t need to be fixed to come to God. We need to be broken.”
~ “Where God touches you, He will use you to touch others.”
We cannot run far enough,
Disobey long enough,
Or do anything wring enough
That God does not want us back.
EVEN WHEN WE GIVE UP ON OURSELVES, GOD WILL NOT GIVE UP ON US.
~ “We want God to do the spectacular everytime, but sometimes He would rather whisper to us.”
~ “We don’t need to be fixed to come to God. We need to be broken.”
~ “Where God touches you, He will use you to touch others.”
We cannot run far enough,
Disobey long enough,
Or do anything wring enough
That God does not want us back.
EVEN WHEN WE GIVE UP ON OURSELVES, GOD WILL NOT GIVE UP ON US.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews