Deep-Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation

<p>Joshua Choonmin Kang (ThM, Talbot School of Theology) is founding pastor of New Life Vision Church in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, California. He is a speaker and has written books such as <em>Deep-Rooted in Christ</em> and <em>Scripture byHeart</em>. Pastor Kang is also the author of thirty books in Korean, including <em>God's Grace That Turns the Life Around</em>, with over 1.5 million copies in print.</p>
<p>Richard J. Foster is the founder of Renovaré. He is the author of several books, including <em>Streams of Living Water</em>, <em>Prayer</em>, <em>Freedom of Simplicity</em>, <em>Sanctuary of the Soul</em>, and <em>Celebration of Discipline</em>, which has sold over two million copies worldwide; he is coauthor (with Gayle Beebe) of <em>Longing for God</em>. He and his wife, Carolynn, make their home near Denver, Colorado.</p>

This first book in English from Korean-American pastor and prolific author Kang (Oriental Mission Church in Los Angeles) presents 52 reflections on spiritual growth. “Most of us long for transformation but are afraid to change,” he writes, focusing on the deepening of the interior journey. Kang identifies with both his Asian and American roots, and his emphasis on balance and harmony reflects Eastern spiritualities interwoven with his orthodox, biblical evangelicalism. He focuses on simple metaphors and stories from both the Old and New Testaments; themes include silence, solitude, waiting, the wilderness, fruitfulness and self-giving as well as care of the soul. Kang gently urges “character before success, integrity before popularity, maturity before growth and service to others before accomplishment in your own life.” He is direct in his countercultural insistence that ”worldly wealth isn't true wealth; external success should never be our aim.” Rather than providing practical advice on spiritual disciplines, this book leans more toward devotional reading. While some of his observations are vague, Kang's sensible wisdom and quiet emphasis on depth over superficiality on the path toward change make this book a refreshing return to themes of classic Christian spirituality. Richard J. Foster (Celebration of Discipline) provides the foreword. (Nov.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

<p>"<em>Deep-Rooted in Christ</em> . . . is a treasure. It reminds me of the gentle spiritual direction of the classic spiritual writers. On the Protestant side, the writings of Andrew Murray and A. W. Tozer and Oswald Chambers. On the Catholic side, François Fénelon and Thomas à Kempis and the letters of Francis of Assisi to Sister Clare. That is to say, Pastor Kang's book is spiritual wisdom literature of the highest order.<br /><br />"<em>Deep-Rooted in Christ</em> speaks to the heart. It urges, gently but ever so persistently, that our hearts should always be turning, turning into the light of Christ, turning toward the Lover of our souls, turning into the Way and the Truth and the Life--'till by turning, turning we come round right.' At the same time this book warms the heart, constantly drawing and encouraging, never pushing and condemning."</p><p><em>From the foreword by Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline</em></p>
<p>Kang invites us to walk slowly, paying attention to God's work in and around us, to walk intentionally, using spiritual disciplines to develop Christ-like character, to walk purposefully, experiencing deeper grace and vision.</p><p><em>Evangelicals for Social Action, January 2008</em></p>
<p>Kang?s sensible wisdom and quiet emphasis on depth over superficiality on the path toward change make this book a refreshing return to themes of classic Christian spirituality.</p><p><em>Publishers Weekly, September 10, 2007</em></p>
<p>Divided into eight parts for easy devotional reading and written in short, theme-based chapters, <em>Deep-Rooted</em> is a welcoming companion for growth in faith. With chapters on just about every necessary topic for basic Christian growth, Kangoffers a gentle challenge to build faith from the ground up, and to precede spiritual filling with self-emptying. <em>Deep-Rooted</em> holds the warmth of an inspirational read, while maintaining its credible foundation in Scripture. Thanks to its foundational writing and gentle tone, <em>Deep-Rooted</em> is a book that can minister to every spiritual age in Christianity.</p><p><em>Shannon Whiting, urbana.org, January 2008</em></p>
<p>. . . a good starter for anyone who needs to think through why their lives lack the peace, harmony and real fruitfulness which they think they should have. Many in our churches could benefit greatly from it.</p><p><em>Rodney Stent for The Lamplighter, February 2008</em></p>
<p>"Western readers will be blessed by this book. The thought and writing are simple and fresh. Pastor Joshua Choonmin Kang brings his own insight and gentle spirit to Christian life. His work will regenerate and enliven us as he teaches us how to become 'deep people.'"</p><p><em>From the afterword by Emilie Griffin, author of Wilderness Time</em></p>