A Guide to Better Understanding Yourself and Others
Inspiring, Sorrowing, Evil, Abused, and Unexpected
Linda Barnes graciously invites us to gaze into the mirror of Scripture and see for ourselves an accurate but transformable spiritual reality: sinful pride defeats our spiritual progress but true humility pursued with grace in the Spirit is the key to victory. Christians who struggle to make the progress in their spiritual lives they think they ought, should pursue this study!
Take it from a pastor of 33 years experience: this study could make any church a whole lot nicer place to be. A wide range of personal anecdotes, Bible passages and quotes keep us interested. Thoughtful questions provide grist for group discussion and personal reflection. Anyone who honestly and prayerfully engages in this study is bound to grow more like Jesus - and make everyone around them happier! Highly recommended for Bible studies, Sunday School classes, and personal devotional use.
Linda Wentworth Barnes has produced a book that can help anyone who has chosen to live a life that honors God. In her study of pride and humility, she has thoroughly investigated Biblical passages and has also researched available works on the subject produced by classic and contemporary Christian leaders. This book would be great for small groups and also for individual study, because Linda has woven together all of her research in a way that is easy to understand and apply to everyday life.
I found Linda Barnes' study on humility and pride to be well researched, clearly understandable and helpful for living as followers of Jesus Christ.
Pride And Humility: A Guide To Better Understanding Yourself And Others is a thought-provoking self-directed small group study written from the perspective of lay but packed with theological and practical gems. The author takes you on a twelve week journey to explore the chasm of pride and humility using scripture to highlight human actions and response. What an opportunity for self-exploration and spiritual enlightenment! This is a perfect small group Bible study for any season.
Whether we realize it or not, we all struggle with pride and humility. In her book, Linda gently leads us through an heart examination to help us find and deal with these issues.
Linda has done an excellent study for both Pride and Humility, drawing from scripture, personal experience and the lives of historical figures. I recommend this resource for the benefit of local churches and Bible study groups!
I am a handy-man, a do-it-yourselfer. 'Have toolbox will travel'. Mine is not a big toolbox, just the basics. On occasion, however, I over-look the toolbox, head to the kitchen, and grab a butter knife instead of a screw-driver. I have even used my shoe heel as a hammer, knowing that the real tools were a short distance away in the toolbox.
As a missionary pastor, with over 25 years of experience, I do not want my parishioners doing the same thing with their Christian development. I do not want them grabbing any ole tool. Believe me, there are a number of “butter knife,” and “shoe heel” spiritual tools out there. My goal is to see people with a desire to seek the tools that will help them understand the deep principles of God's Word, and, I want them to know how to properly use those tools in their daily spiritual journey.
Linda Wentworth Barnes has written such tools with her Humility and Pride devotionals. Her theological research and writing, coupled with provoking true stories, applied to current modern issues create the right tools that every one of us need in our daily journey.
Linda is not afraid to call out Christians by asking the tough questions concerning humility, and pride. Her scholarly writing on the subjects should aid each one of us as we become more knowledgeable about what the Bible truly means on these subjects.
Not only does her work show scholarly theological research, but her writings also show us her true disciple's heart. Linda writes from experience, as a pastor's wife, and a worship minister. She desires to see others excel in their Christian faith – to overcome the cardinal sin of pride, and replace it with Christ-like humility that is lived out each and every day. Linda writes with passion, and experience.
I recommend the investment in this very fitting tool, but not just the money. I recommend the time investment as well. I believe you too will see that it is a fitting tool for your toolbox – your daily journey with Jesus Christ.