Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Real: Owning Your Christian Faith by Daniel Darling


I'm a “second generation” Christian. I grew up in church. I struggled with making my parent's faith my own.
Daniel is “second generation” too. In this book he addresses the often misunderstood struggles children of the church face. He desires to light the fuse of dormant faith, to awaken second generation believers to a fresh intimacy with Jesus.
Daniel reminds us we continually need the gospel (we continually sin). He addresses issues like second generation Christians trying to please their spiritual leaders, rebellion against authority, the pride of not rebelling, healing from destructive church experiences, awaking faith within one's soul, being a thinking Christian, parenting and passing on the faith, and training them to live their faith in a sin-soaked world.
Daniel includes in each chapter conversations with second generation Christians. Some are well known names, like Lucado, McDowell, and Blackaby. All of them add their insights to the topic Daniel covers in the chapter.

Daniel knows that second generation Christians cannot survive on their parent's faith. Daniel also knows that many who have grown up in the faith have questions they have long been afraid to voice. He tackles those issues, encouraging second generation Christians to take ownership of their faith.
Every generation needs a fresh encounter with God. Daniel encourages his readers to develop a personal intimacy with God. He gives great advice for doing exactly that.

Every second generation Christian could benefit from reading this book. Daniel understands their situation. Second generation Christians face issues new adult believers would probably never think about.
And their parents should read this book. Christian parents will better understand the struggles their church-going offspring are experiencing.

Daniel Darling is senior pastor of Gages Lake Bible Church in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and is the author of numerous books. He and his wife have four children and reside in the northern suburbs of Chicago. You can find out more about Daniel and follow his blog at www.danieldarling.com.

New Hope Publishers, 186 pages.

I am participating in a blog tour. You can find out more about is at The Vessel Project.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

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