I was very happy to receive this book from my in-laws last month as a birthday gift. Tim Challies is my favorite blogger, and I usually visit his site every day. His first book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, was written two years ago and has been endorsed by many of Christian leaders whom I respect a great deal. A couple of those men include Pastor John MacArthur and Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment is a 200-page book that consists of ten chapters, an appendix of discernment resources, study guide, and Scripture index. Tim Challies tells us how to devote ourselves to developing biblical discernment. His book is extremely relevant and a clear examination of an all-important topic that needs to be addressed more.

What a great and useful book on fulfilling the command of the Book of Proverbs to seek wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 2:1-9 is clear on what we are to seek for and the author of this book guides us in the step by step process in how to develop discernment and avoid pitfalls and dangers that comes with discernment. The final chapters the book he navigates the reader through a step-by-step process of working through an issue with discernment. Pick up and read and re-read and apply the principles of this book to your life and you will grow in discernment regarding doctrine and devotions.

I found, in this book, an over-shadowing of judgment against people who aren't this or that, or who operate this way and that. That was not helpful to me. I wasn't interesting in judging people by their action/inaction, I was interested in learning to listen to the Spirit as far as discerning between truth and disception,and what that looks like, and how to "study to show myself approved" in this area. Overall, a disappointment. I will not be passing this book on to anyone.

In this day-and-age of spiritual fads and Christian theology "lite," this title by Challies is a great help to believers. He looks at several aspects of Christian, Biblical discernment, and how critical it is for the church. He begins by giving a call to discernment, explaining that it is not just about defining God's will but defending God's truth. He also makes a clear distinction between judging and discerning. Discerning focuses upon testing such things as teaching, prophecy, spirits, leaders, other believers, the times in which we live, and ourselves.This book is a very good investment, and is recommended highly. Not only is the content of the book helpful, but the resource listing at the back offers other good titles along the same lines. Challies also mentions his website, www.discerningreader.com, which provides even more of the rare, spiritual insight found in this title.Not only will you enjoy reading this book, but it will make you long for more Christian, Biblical discernment.

The church has lost its ability to discern. This book is a good entry level book on this important subject. A much needed book.