Growing Up In Grace: The Use of Means for Communion with God

by Murray G. Brett

Christianity as possession is not simply an experience of salvation in the past, nor simply a status once for all bestowed. It is a high and holy vocation to be fulfilled in all who name Christ's name. We dare not rest until we attain to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This book addresses our consciences about the character of our Christian way. Is there credible godliness? Is there a deepening, growing relationship with our Lord? Is the Love of Jesus Christ constraining our behavior love so amazing, so divine demanding our souls, our lives, and our all and are we giving the Lord affectionate obedience in return? Table of
1. Finding Happiness in Communion with God
2. The Grace of Humility
3. The Grace of Confession
4. The Grace of Repentance
5. Lord, Keep Me from All Sin
6. The Highest Motive of Repentance
7. The Price of Brokenness
8. How to Repent of Daily Sins
9. A Catalogue of Sins Too Seldom Confessed
10. The Grace of Prayer
11. A Guide for Personal Daily Prayer
12. The Grace of Law
13. Lay Your Gold in the Dust
Making the Most of this Book in Small Groups

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Elizabeth Eflin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Growing Up in Grace" by Murray Brett is an easy to read, yet spiritually "meaty" book on the importance of the means of grace in the Christian life. He shares info in a very pastoral way that encourages the reader towards deeper fellowship with God. Most chapters have the main reading, a section with discussion questions, a section with a prompt for thinking through how to counsel others, and a list for further reading on the topic at hand. Then at the end of the book, there is also a helpful section on how to lead a group study with the book (though it is also encouraging reading it on your own). Each chapter is filled with scripture, and quotes from saints who came before. The writing is clear, and while some of the topics are a little more on the deep side, it was all easy to understand and clearly communicated. Whether you need a book for a group study, or you are looking to grow in godliness, I definitely recommend this book.

Note: it is currently out of print, but you can still purchase the ebook, or buy a used copy!

[Christina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I was really disappointed with this book. A friend of mine recommended it so I decided to buy it and give it a try. The book felt too "strict" in actually not rejoicing in the grace regarding the various sin areas in our lives. The book overall just wasn't very well organized or put together in a logical way. I can't quite figure out why, but the book felt more condemning than grace-filled, which is ironic given the title of the book. Some of the analogies and chapters were too simplistic in nature. For example, the chapter on prayer was too shallow, not expressing enough of the relationship aspect of prayer! The whole purpose is to commune with our Father, not just ask God for things. There are so many hundreds of more excellent books on theology to read and occupy your mind with, so I was sad that I spent time on this book. I'm sure the author has good intentions, but I didn't think the book communicated the gospel clearly or in a very uplifting way.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so glad that this book is over. Some good points but too many quotes from other people and not enough of Brett's own opinion. His opinion also didn't take into account the different walks of a Christian.

[Bob Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it's mediocre. It covers some basics, but I was hoping for more.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read, not because it was bad, but because it dealt with a tough subject. Murray G. Brett wrote this book as a plea that we (the readers) do the will of God.

That sounds good until you (well, me anyway) realize the call is to master Humility, Confession, and Repentance so that we might better commune with God. Speaking only for myself I know there are areas where I need to humble myself, confess, and repent of my sin. Looking inward at my soul is valuable but at times painful. It is good, but it feels bad!

Mr. Brett has written a book that makes you think. It is well-written and easy to follow. He has included questions for personal or group study and some scenarios to be discussed.

I recommend this book to any who want to walk a better Christian walk. Please don't hold it against me when it starts to feel a little tough. You will be better for it in the end.

[Brenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You already know a book is going to be fantastic when the books opens up with the declaration of man's purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

I highly recommend this book to any Christian who desires to deepen their communion with God. The whole book is about what it means to abide in Christ, and how it looks practically within the Christian's life. I enjoyed this book because it not only had deep theology, but it made theology practical. We were made to know Christ, and to make Christ known, and that is what this book is about.

[Richard Monyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that really challenged me to grow up and mature in my faith. It challenged me to lay down everything that could possibly take the place of God in my life. Laying my gold in the dust as they put it and making God alone my gold and my greatest treasure. I have been challenged to delight in God's law so much that I become ravished by the moral beauty of His law and experience personally the moral excellence of it. This is a book I will continue to study and use as it is loaded with prayers and rich in scripture and references online.

[Brandon Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. There was a lot of small gray areas this book helped to shine light on. Looking forward to improving on those. This book is also great for a study group, looking forward to doing that in a couple of months.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobering, challenging, and convicting. Yet uplifting, rejuvenating, & revitalizing!

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book.
isn't too big, but it has a lot of information and teaching within its pages.
It covers the topic of growing in a personal relationship with Christ.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book was good. I liked the scenarios at the end of most chapters made you think about the information from the chapter

[Dann Zinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical advice for Christian living.

[Jt]

really challenged me in my walk with the Lord.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

This book deserves to be read multiple times. If you desire to grow closer to God, and grow in holiness, by all means read this book. You will not be disappointed.