7 Commitments for Spiritual Growth: An Introduction to the Ministry and Lifestyle of a Forerunner

by Mike Bickle, Brian Kim

In 7 Commitments for Spiritual Growth Mike Bickle and Brian Kim present a compelling prophetic wake-up call to the Body of Christ in this generation by outlining the need for the ministry of the forerunner. This prophetic call is backed up with practical wisdom on how to use these seven foundational commitments to live in wholehearted abandonment to Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. These practical steps have been a key to the spiritual growth of believers throughout the centuries and are necessary for those who will not settle for anything less than radical pursuit of God.

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Mike Bickle is the director of the International House of Prayer Missions Base of Kansas City, an evangelical missions organization based on 24/7 prayer with worship that is engaged in many evangelistic and inner city outreaches along with multiple justice initiatives, planting houses of prayer, and training missionaries.

The International House of Prayer has continued in non-stop prayer led by worship teams since September 19,1999, and is committed to combining 24/7 prayers for justice with 24/7 works of justice. Around 1,500 people (staff members, students, interns) serve full-time on the missions base, investing fifty hours per week in the prayer room, classroom, and ministry outreaches. Mike is also the founder of the International House of Prayer University which includes a full-time Bible school, music school, and media school.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of a few books by Mike Bickle that I started reading just before the New Year. The 7 Commitments of a Forerunner is wonderful. I would recommend it to any Christian who is desiring to go deeper with Jesus. In the first two chapters, Bickle explains the current crisis in our world and the darkness that is pressing in all around us as Satan and evil is gaining ground prior to return of Jesus. He then explains the concept of a forerunner by comparing it to John the Baptist. John warned people about the coming Messiah, but also got people ready for His coming. In the same way, forerunners will live in the now and the future. "Forerunners emphasize Jesus' second coming at the same time as proclaiming the benefits of His first coming as they win the lost, heal the sick, help the poor, and walk in love and holiness."
The remainder of the chapters deal with the individual 7 commitments of a forerunner. Bickle explains that if as a Christian you believe you have been called to this lifestyle these commitments will help increase your walk with Jesus. I believe even if you are not specifically "called" practicing more discipline in these areas will increase your walk with Jesus. The commitments are Pray daily, fast weekly, do justly, give extravagantly, live holy, lead diligently, and speak boldly. Each chapter is ripe with Biblical and personal examples as well as practical advice on how to go about making these commitments real in ones life.
READ THIS BOOK. Besides, you can get a free pdf version on his website.

[Tom Brantner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great challenge to rise above mediocrity of American Christianity

[Joshua Bocanegra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content is great for someone looking for a disciplined Christian life. The writing is terrible.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every disciple of Christ.

[Susanna Howell · Rating 2 out of 5]

solid