Anyone read the book Experiencing God?

romanchog Apr 15, 2013

I was wondering if anyone has read the book or done the workbook "Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King. My daughter is reading this book or using it in her bible study and I just want to make sure I know what she is receiving into her spirit. I would read it for myself but I don't have the book (or money to buy it) and my daughter does not live at home so I cannot read hers.

I read a critique by Gregory Koukl president of Stand to Reason that is the source of my concern. The review is here:
http://knowtruth.tripod.com/sg9901.htm

Koukl's main concern is with the emphasis that this book places on receiving "assignments" from God and how this is the primary way that God speaks to us. According to Koukl, if we experience God we will regularly have these "leadings" that will be God speaking to us. Some of his concerns explain my daughter's attitudes, so he may be correct on this.

I don't agree with everything Koukl says in this critique, so that is why I need some advice on this. Koukl implies that the apostles made decisions based on human wisdom, not by seeking the Lord in prayer. This is obviously not biblical.

Any insight would be useful. Thanks.

sermonindex Apr 15, 2013

I worked through the study Experiencing God several years sgo. While not rememberkng the particulars I did not come across anything that sent up red flags. As I remember the study us scriptural and your daughter is getting into the Bibke. With all the garbage that is out there I would bless God your daughter is showing an interest in the scriptures. There are those heart renchibg storiesoff children who reject Christ and his word when they leave home.

Bearmaster.

Matthew2323 Apr 16, 2013

Romanchog,

I concur with bearmaster. Although it's been a while since I've read it and gone through the workbook it is a good resource for a young Christian or anyone who has never been exposed to the idea that God leads His children by His Spirit. The book does cover a lot of Scripture, which is, of course, open to interpretation. So, as with anything, no one should agree with it 100%.

Way back when the book first became popular, I read Koukl's "rebuttal" and found it lacking. No, I don't remember the details but it seems that Christians who focus on reason and the intellect tend to minimize the spiritual side of our faith. From a biblical standpoint, it's all important.

I have a copy of the book I'd be happy to give you. My email address is in my profile if you're comfortable with that.

Grace and peace,
Matthew