Something Must be Known & Felt: A missing note in today's Christianity

by Stuart Olyott

In true Christianity God's revealed truth is believed, it is lived out, and it is felt. It impacts the soul. If we forget this we will eventually lose biblical religion altogether. But what are we to make of our emotions? What does the Bible say? And does it tell us how to know which of our feelings are pleasing to God, and which are not? This book begins by answering these questions before moving on to examine other aspects of spiritual experience. It sheds light on the Holy Spirit's work in the soul, on how to know whether we are true Christians or not, on what it means to experience the felt presence of Christ, and on how to seek and receive God's guidance. The book closes with two chapters on experiences in prayer which are now largely forgotten. There is an extended treatment of 'the prayer of faith'; that is, praying in such a way as to have certainty about the outcome. This is followed by teaching about 'waiting on God' and the wonderful things that happen to those who do. Whole continents of spiritual experience are waiting for us to explore them, and it is the author's prayer that this book will help many of the Lord's people on their journey.

Genres: Theology, Christian Living

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Adam Laughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books I want to read more than once. I have read this now 3+ times.

Real Christianity rests on doctrine, ethics and experience. Sadly much modern Christianity rests on doctrine, ethics and methodology. The difference between these 2 systems is profound and deadly.

This book explores topics like, how does the Holy Spirit work in regular Christian experience, what role do emotions play in our faith and what should we expect to experience in prayer, assurance and guidance?

Brilliant, simple, clear, concise - essential reading for all Christians.

[Joshua Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful read that develops a theoretical grasp of how our emotions - strong movements of the will - are linked to our understanding, and a practical belief in the need to both know and feel in order to enjoy a rich Christian existence. With the latter of these often being neglected, Olyott argues that in our fear of ungodly feelings, we've almost resolved to not feel at all - a dangerous situation that must be avoided.

[Daniel Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful

[Ian Rees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting series of reflections on the immediate presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He did seem to be making a bit too much of a case against those who only believe that God must work through the Word - I don't think I know anyone who believes that. But there were some very stimulating chapters on asking and knowing that God's answer is on the way, and on waiting for God. These gave a powerful description of a life that is devoted to God and centred around him, which is a great aim to have.

[James Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and rich exhortation to cultivate the spiritual health of the heart. Particularly benefitted from chapter 5 on Guidance and the examples therein. Also enjoyed the thorough recommendation of prayer walks, a practice that I used to partake in during my days at Bristol CU and now feel encouraged to pick up once again.

In reference to Isaiah 40:28-31:
"Waiting on the Lord is not the same as simply spending a long time in prayer. It means communing with Him and pouring out our hearts to Him, until He touches our souls with the assurance that He has heard us. Every time of waiting is different from the previous occasion. The subjects that the Holy Spirit moves us to pray about, and the emotions that we feel, are as varied as those found in the...Psalms. The length of each time of prayer is different. What does not change is...our time apart is characterised by powerful, personal dealings between us and our God."

[Ben Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long story short, I liked the first 4 chapters, less so the last 3.

The first 4 chapters were about looking at emotions from a biblical perspective, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc, which I found helpful and had a good level of depth. Whilst reading the last 3 chapters, I found myself confused as to why they were in the book, as weird as that sounds. I don't think the link between the subject of the book (the feelings that should be felt by a Christian as a result of what they believe) and the subjects of those last 3 chapters was made particularly clear. There were also a couple of points there that I wasn't sure about.

I may well be missing something and might try reading it again sometime. Overall, I thought it was decent, but can't help feeling disappointed given how I found the last half of the book.

[Paul Brunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important and stirring book.

[Ryan Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold, especially the last chapters.

[Paddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read!

[Will Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish every Christian to read this small book. Brilliant.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are widely circulated—and widely, though they shouldn’t be. Others seem to fly under the radar, even though they ought to be read by most Christians. This is the latter. It is an outstanding, critically important book that should be in the hands of every Reformed Christian, whether Continental, Presbyterian, or Baptist. In short, all who take the Bible seriously, believe it to be the inerrant Word of God, and call themselves evangelical should buy it, read it, and then re-read it.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Haven't come across or read a book that deals with the issue of our emotions. Helpfully explains terms such as 'the presence of the Lord' and 'waiting on the Lord'. Above all it is a book that seeks to help us experience God in a deeper and richer way.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leads to a great crescendo, in the final chapter "Waiting on the Lord"! Very helpful and practicable, learning the discipline of silence and waiting!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book. Olyott is plain in his writing and easy to read.