STEP BY STEP
Divine Guidance for Ordinary Christians
by James C. Petty
P&R Publishing, 279 pages, $14.99

Every Christian has wrestled with the sobering question, “How can I know the will of God?” James Petty’s new book helps in that struggle. It is a volume on a critical subject that is truly needed by an undiscerning Church.

In these days of “feeling” orientation and excessive emotionalism, this book is a welcome relief. Petty examines from a biblical perspective three current and popular views of guidance. The book has a wide scope and offers numerous applications for apologists because so many cult followers look for God’s guidance in the wrong places.

Petty looks at guidance and the individual will of God, as well as guidance and Christian liberty. He also gives seven elements of biblical decision-making. Petty uses case studies and examples. He packs his book with Scripture and solid biblical interpretation, demonstrating that God’s Word truly does contain all we need “for life and godliness.” He concludes each chapter with “Review and Reflection” statements and questions, helping re-emphasize the pivotal issues.

The volume’s appendix has an “Assessing My Priorities (AMP) Worksheet.” The dynamic of this item points out that understanding God’s will for an individual’s life is something that need not be monumental, mysterious or mystical. The worksheet alone makes this book very practical and very helpful.

One popular book currently in the Christian marketplace purports to establish biblical guidelines for “knowing and doing the will of God.” However, this perennially best-selling volume is hopelessly flawed with feelings and mysticism. Therefore, Step By Step is even more a needed book. It is a step-by-step examination of what the Bible really says about knowing the will of God. Don’t miss it.

—GRF

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