Good Steward Books: Book Review
"Multiply" by Francis Chan can be summarized as...a how-to manual on the theme of the Bible. What do I mean by "the theme of the Bible?" Well, the theme of the Bible is God's salvation plan through Jesus Christ for mankind. Francis Chan and Mark Beuving give a very gifted theme "manual" with "Multiply".
Chan starts chapter one by outlining what being a disciple of Christ really is...not, going to church or sitting in a pew, but literally "following Jesus and His commands". He states on pg. 16 that a disciple is "a follower or apprentice" and a disciple "literally follows" someone or something. So a disciple of Jesus is "as simple as obeying His call to follow". He continues by laying out a simple summary of the plan of salvation. He doesn't give a "come-into-your-heart" sermon rather a honest overview of what being a disciple of Jesus is all about: God's grace and the cost of being a disciple of Christ.
He quickly rolls into some of the most important roles of the Church and starts chapter 2 by urging the need to be a discipleship maker. He insists that being a discipleship maker is not just for pastors and preachers, but for every serious follower of Jesus who wants to love others and Jesus more. Chan is insistent on the need in the modern western church for Christians to being involved, studying/living out the Bible, and being committed to a local church. He continues by urging local churches to consistently help the people around them, but also to have a global perspective by being involved in supporting missions work, the great commission, and/or actually going on the mission field.
One of the coolest things about this book is the history of God's covenant, as outlined in the Old and New testaments. Francis dedicates parts 4-5, over 1/2 the book, to summarizing God's redemptive plan in the Old and New Covenant. He starts with Genesis, moves to Abraham & Moses, and shows how God has been all about redeeming people since the fall. With so many modern authors literally ignoring the amazing covenants of God in both Testaments, Francis does an amazing job of laying out God's redemptive work in the Children of Israel, the Prophets, and finish's with Jesus coming, death, resurrection, Church, and finally his return.
This is why I called this book the "theme of the Bible". Because it really does lay out well what God's Word, His redemptive grace, and the Church's role is all about...being and making followers of Jesus. The book also really urges the reader to not just read about being a disciple, rather "making disciples" with the people God brings into our lives. They also have some great study guides, questions, and website that go along with the book. The website has some great videos, podcasts, prayer request blogs, and resources for the "disciple making disciples".
I rate this book at a solid 5 stars and would really encourage you to go to our website Good Steward Books pick up a copy today!
