The Purple Book: Biblical Foundations for Building Strong Disciples

by Rice Broocks, Steve Murrell, Ed Stetzer (Foreword)

In today's uncertain world, storms will arise that test your faith in a loving heavenly Father. At times, the winds and waves of the world's deceptions will roll in and seek to erode your confidence in God. Without a firm foundation in the truth of God's Word, you may be tempted to go off course and accept less than God's best for you. However, when you hear Jesus' words, receive them, and put them into practice, you will construct a life the torrents cannot shake, "because it was well built" (Luke 6:48).

The Purple Book will help you understand foundational truths that God wants you to hear on topics such as sin, salvation, spiritual gifts, prayer, worship, generosity, and evangelism. It will show you how the Bible is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). It will help you understand that the faith you hold has true power to change lives and transform nations. It will give you a solid foundation the enemy cannot dismantle—and a heart shaped by knowledge of God's Word.

Genres: Christian, Discipleship, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Faith, Christian Living, Religion

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2006

About the author

Soon after Rice Broocks became a Christian as a third year university student, he discussed his faith with his brother Ben, an atheist, who was a third year law student. Though Rice was young in his faith, his simple answers to his brother’s questions led to Ben’s acceptance of Christ, and he baptized Ben later that day.

“Since that day I’ve devoted my life to reaching out to an unbelieving, skeptical world with the message that God is indeed real and has revealed Himself in nature, as well as in history,’” said Broocks.

In his new book, God’s Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty (Thomas Nelson, March 2013), Broocks offers a clear, understandable overview of the evidence for God as well as the credibility of the Christian faith, while responding directly to many skeptical claims.

Broocks is the co-founder of the Every Nation family of churches, which currently includes more than 1,000 churches in more than 60 countries. Present on hundreds of college campuses, Broocks has spent the last 30 years with Every Nation focusing on equipping college students around the world to defend their faith.

Broocks also serves as the senior minister of Bethel World Outreach Church in Nashville, Tenn., where he provides oversight for this multi-ethnic, multisite church, currently meeting in locations in Middle Tennessee, Texas, and Arizona.

He is the author of several books, including his upcoming release, God’s Not Dead, Every Nation In Our Generation and the Purple Book (Biblical Foundations).

Broocks holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss., as well as a doctorate in missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.

Broocks lives in Franklin, Tenn., with his wife, Jody, and their five children.

Reviews

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a workbook girlie. I did the pages I was assigned years ago in a ministry program and even did a few extra because I wanted to do the entire workbook, but it's not for me. I could never pick it back up. So long, farewell. The chapters I did were helpful at the time, but honestly it's been a while I can't remember anything about them specifically, so they weren't impactful enough to last with me.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great in-depth look at the Christian faith. It is perfect for those who are new to Christianity or want an intense study of their belief. Be prepared to do a lot of work! It took me months to complete this book.

[Cess Que · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book allows you to work with it and write/think about your faith. It gives a fairly simple guide but the results are far from simple. It's in-depth and every Christian would benefit from working through a copy. You will be able to examine yourself and at the same time learn of the beauty of God's love. It's a must buy :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A all encompassing, Christianity 101 type book that is great for new believers to gain a good foundation of biblical truth and for mature believers to be reminded of what the bible says about certain topics. Could be great for a disciplining tool.

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though growing up in the church should have thought me a lot of biblical principles, when I decided to say thank you to God and look at Jesus as a model for my life, I had very little of the word left in me. This book helps baby Christians and maybe seeking Tomases gather the Biblical groundwork of the faith.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for Christians new or veterans. I have learned so many things while studying these scriptures and doing the lessons. Biblical foundations should be as much a part of our lives as Bible reading...every day.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome awesome tool for new believers especially. I've bee a christian for a long time now and this was just a refreshing workbook. It had a bit of a charismatic leaning , but overall this is a solid discipleship tool. I highly recommend it!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Build your foundations folks !! Then a Storm-proof life, as promised, will be yours ;)

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great discipleship book with all the basics covered from a biblical standpoint.

[Ericl]

Well it was great it really put what I believe in that book it talks about God

[Mara Ruzol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps you get to know God more, go deeper in learning His word. Discipline was developed in me while reading and answering this book.

[Lane Halterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great foundational workbook!

The Purple Book does a great job focusing attention to basic foundational beliefs by pointing to scriptures that create those beliefs. This book is great for those who have never read the Bible, or for those who wish to read it again. I really enjoyed digging through my Bible to find scriptures that cover topics that are frequently discussed today. I thoroughly enjoyed what this book is and what it allowed me to do!

[Kelly Valencia-Aiken · Rating 1 out of 5]

I HATED this book because it was sooooooooo factual and had NOTHING to do with a relationship with the Lord through Holy Spirit. If this was intended as an informational book, they achieved that! However, it is used in churches all over the world (such as the one I attend) as a foundation of faith and I find serious fault with how a lot of the information was presented and the very in-your-face bias regarding various topics which were taken out-of-context and prescribed in a legalistic way.

[R y n · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good workbook to start with if you want to learn what does it mean to live as a Christian, and some important values to understand. It covers the topic from Sin & Salvation, Repentance, Obedience, Prayer & Worship, Generousity, until Resurrection & Judgement. My favorite chapter of all are (2) Lordship & Obedience; and (9) Faith and Hope.

For some reason this book can be found on Google if you just type the title + "pdf". I give credit to my friend for giving me a copy of this.

[Careea Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have had this book when I first became a Christian! This book is challenging in the best way. It helped me solidify my faith and know what I believe. Anyone wanting to go deeper in their faith or to know that they know the truths of the Bible, should read this. It is also a great book for new believers, mentoring, and seasoned believers who want to go deeper.

[Priscilla Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and easy to follow, easy to understand book to help newbies, and seasoned Christians to grow in their understanding of God's word. A great way to build confidence in sharing the gospel with others.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this book in a church discipleship program, and I think it’s extremely helpful. Only concerns, some if the questions are vague depending on translation, and the lines aren’t always suited to the answer. Content is good, though.

[Jammye Morphis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing connection with God

[Christopher-James Neethling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent discipleship tool to work through with new believers.

[Haydee Cos · Rating 5 out of 5]

i like an in-depth reading of the book

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Bible study for every Christian to understand the foundational basics of Christianity!

[Joe Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purple Books is really foundational. Most of the verse that I remembered until now is because of this book.

[Joseph Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

We use this in our church. We shares it to our church leaders to discuss to the new believers.

[Faye Fresta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little bible study resource to open discussion for those not only new to faith but for all stages.

[Christina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book. do it.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo foundational! I wish I had something like this when I first became a Christian. We use this book at our church to mentor and walk through with new believers. What a great resource!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doing it as a class at my Church weekly.