Heartbeats of the Holy

by Keith E. Knauss

Before God works THROUGH a man, He works IN a man, because the work that we do is the outgrowth of the life that we live. Little wonder that Alexander Whyte told a group of theological students, "A congregation is awaiting you, to be made by you, after you are made by God." Whatever "call" a man may pretend to have, if he has not been called to holiness, he certainly has not been called to the ministry. The pastor's priority is to live obediently before the Lord. Dr. Clarence Macartney wrote it "The better the man, the better the preacher. When he kneels by the bed of the dying or when he mounts the pulpit stairs, then every self-denial he has made, every Christian forbearance he has shown, every resistance to sin and temptation, will come back to him to strengthen his arm and give conviction to his voice. Likewise every evasion of duty, every indulgence of self, every compromise with evil, every unworthy thought, word, or deed, will be there at the head of the pulpit stairs to meet the minister on Sunday morning, to take the light from his eye, the power from his blow, the ring from his voice, and the joy from his heart." Keith Knauss provides the insight and means of becoming the kind of man that the Lord wants us all to be--HOLY. May the gracious Holy Spirit be pleased to take this presentation of thought gathered from holy men of God and capture their heartbeat for us. May He see fit to stir the fires within our hearts and renew our determination to magnify our office, to give ourselves up to God's work, to labor in season and out, to do good, and give no offense that both the ministry and ourselves be lifted up above all faultfinding of fair-minded men.

Genres: Theology

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Paul Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book has been a great help to me over the years. An Evangelist friend gave me my copy and I have read it through several times in the last four-ish years I have owned it. I have made it my habit for the last three years to read it on New Year's Day as a challenge and admonishment to keep pressing forward in the Lord's work.

This is a short book; 22 chapters which make 92 pages with the bibliography in the edition that I own. Most chapters are less than four pages long, some are only two pages. I think some of the chapters could have been longer, and some chapters I enjoy more than others. Regardless of the subject in the chapter, Knauss will really make you think and consider what he is writing. When I first received this book I read a chapter a day as a small part of my daily devotions. The thought-provoking nature of the book made it much easier to receive one chapter at a time.

My favorite aspect of this book is the many, many quotes Knauss uses by renowned Men of God of old who the Lord used in great ways. As the chapters go on the use of quotes decreases some, but on most chapters there are several quotes from several different sources.

This is not a textbook or a theological primer, but it is a book that will make you think and consider what the author is saying. If you approach it with an open mind and heart I believe you will be challenged by the subject matter and encouraged in your service of the King of kings!

[Nicholas Maulucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one in Bulgarian. Short, but good. Recommended for all preachers.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is basically a book for born-again preachers. It is highly recommended for them but be warned- this is not a fluff piece. This is a nitty-gritty, get some backbone, type book that will, if allowed, galvanize your soul.
That being said, it is a book that would benefit born-again laymen. It will encourage you to new heights and help you to see the battle your preacher friends are facing.
This is not a book for the natural man. You will not understand it. You will find it strange. You will think it a waste of time [though assuredly it is not- you are just not the audience]. To read this book without knowing the Saviour in a personal relationship would be akin to reading a mathematics book without knowing how to count. You are going to think it is gibberish. It's not gibberish, it's just written for the spiritual man and thus written in a different "language" than you understand.

[Philip Rabon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every preacher should read this book. Helpful, encouraging, and convicting. As a matter of fact, this book should be read on a regular basis.

[Simeon Brazzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouragement! The author is obviously spent a lot of time in the pastorate. Much wisdom to be gathered here

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but great read. Lots of powerful and practical advice for ministry.

[Chuck Shorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful, little book was lent to me last month by a preacher friend of mine. As a pastor, I found it's pages jam-packed-full of great advice, pointed admonitions, and needed encouragement. Great Stuff.

[Thomas Kinsfather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this in one day and I wish I could get that day back.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fantastic read for anyone called to preach the glorious Gospel!