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52 Ways to Grow Your Faith: Connect with God in a Busy, Noisy World
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith will do what it says AND give you freedom. Your spiritual growth strategy does not have to be limited to reading and praying. Try growing spiritually while walking, driving or working out. 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith will jump-start a stalled faith, provide a road map for a new faith, and energize an active faith. Use this resource with friends in a weekly study group or on your own - but get ready to grow and connect with God in a busy, noisy world.
219 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 26, 2012
Gregg Peter Farah’s book 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith; is meant to help the reader incrementally grow his/her walk with God. Farah is the teaching pastor and student ministry pastor at Shelter Rock Church. The Introduction encourages the reader, letting him/her know the path is easier than one might think. The book is divided into eight sections each with a different way to grow. This includes growing on your own, growing with a friend and with a group, and growing methodically, to name a few. The book is further broken down into 52 chapters, thus the 52 ways to grow your faith. Each chapter, usually no more than five pages, has seven parts. This could have made for a great way to break the spiritual growth discipline into a week-long study; however, Farah does not do this as the introduction, “Key Verse,” and “Prayer” are very short. The reader could still focus on developing and putting into practice a spiritual growth discipline over a week, referring back to the book each day. The book also includes Curriculum Ideas for group studies, suggesting three options for length and how to structure a class. It ends with the author’s endnotes and a preview of his other book, 52 Reasons to Believe.
Farah’s writing is refreshingly methodical, which might be helpful for some personality types. There is also a good range in the book. It does not start out too hard or assuming too much of the reader. Neither does it assume too little of a more spiritually grown reader. This book would be very useful in a group setting where the group meets once a week or at a weekly Bible Study.
The book is not without its faults, however. One major evangelical pit fall evident in most chapters is the “Key Verse,” usually one verse, which can contribute to proof-texting. If this book is not being used in a group or study setting it would be very easy to read one chapter, start to work on that discipline and then forget about the book for several days or weeks. A “Further Reading” list would have been a great addition at the end of each chapter. This addition could help the reader to turn the book into a daily devotional by reading one of the suggestions each day.
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith would be good for anyone wanting a way to start their walk with God. It could be helpful for young adults who are making their faith their own or any new Christians. It would also be a good kick-start to someone who has maybe stopped moving forward or slowed down in his/her walk after being a Christian for some time.
Farah’s writing is refreshingly methodical, which might be helpful for some personality types. There is also a good range in the book. It does not start out too hard or assuming too much of the reader. Neither does it assume too little of a more spiritually grown reader. This book would be very useful in a group setting where the group meets once a week or at a weekly Bible Study.
The book is not without its faults, however. One major evangelical pit fall evident in most chapters is the “Key Verse,” usually one verse, which can contribute to proof-texting. If this book is not being used in a group or study setting it would be very easy to read one chapter, start to work on that discipline and then forget about the book for several days or weeks. A “Further Reading” list would have been a great addition at the end of each chapter. This addition could help the reader to turn the book into a daily devotional by reading one of the suggestions each day.
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith would be good for anyone wanting a way to start their walk with God. It could be helpful for young adults who are making their faith their own or any new Christians. It would also be a good kick-start to someone who has maybe stopped moving forward or slowed down in his/her walk after being a Christian for some time.
August 12, 2013
This review is from: 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith: Connect With God in a Busy, Noisy World (52 Series) (Paperback)
Gregg Peter Farah is a new author for me. In reading this book I was reminded of things I was taught years ago but somehow let slip by over the years. The chapters are short, to the point, they have scriptures that can help. There is always a suggestion to help you grow in faith, short stories of how others grow. I particularly like the ones that tells us to find our own quiet getaway to be with God. I love to be outside (if the weather permits), listen to the sounds of nature, look at the awesome artistry of God in all the things he has made. This book was a good reminder of things I just stopped doing years ago. Oh, not studying my Bible or praying but finding those quiet moments just between God and me. Also, the reminder to pray continuously. I do pray every time I see or hear a siren, an ambulance. I pray for whoever they are on the way to get or taking to the hospital. I was taught that as a child and I never forgot the wonderful pastor that taught it to me. Gregg's teachings are simple to understand, the scriptures are accurate (I'm one of those that always looks up the scripture used in a book & cross-reference it.) I do recommend this for new Christians, mature Christians or Christians (like me) that just forgot some of the things that I should still be practicing every day. Thank you Gregg for reminding me of some of those things. I decided to reread this book as part of my daily Bible study. I highly recommend this book. Its helped me and I think it will help whoever reads it - at least in some part of their lives.
This book was given to me by bookfun.org to read and leave an unbiased review of the book.
Gregg Peter Farah is a new author for me. In reading this book I was reminded of things I was taught years ago but somehow let slip by over the years. The chapters are short, to the point, they have scriptures that can help. There is always a suggestion to help you grow in faith, short stories of how others grow. I particularly like the ones that tells us to find our own quiet getaway to be with God. I love to be outside (if the weather permits), listen to the sounds of nature, look at the awesome artistry of God in all the things he has made. This book was a good reminder of things I just stopped doing years ago. Oh, not studying my Bible or praying but finding those quiet moments just between God and me. Also, the reminder to pray continuously. I do pray every time I see or hear a siren, an ambulance. I pray for whoever they are on the way to get or taking to the hospital. I was taught that as a child and I never forgot the wonderful pastor that taught it to me. Gregg's teachings are simple to understand, the scriptures are accurate (I'm one of those that always looks up the scripture used in a book & cross-reference it.) I do recommend this for new Christians, mature Christians or Christians (like me) that just forgot some of the things that I should still be practicing every day. Thank you Gregg for reminding me of some of those things. I decided to reread this book as part of my daily Bible study. I highly recommend this book. Its helped me and I think it will help whoever reads it - at least in some part of their lives.
This book was given to me by bookfun.org to read and leave an unbiased review of the book.
August 2, 2013
About the Book:
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith will do what it says AND give you freedom. Your spiritual growth strategy does not have to be limited to reading and praying. Try growing spiritually while walking, driving or working out. 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith will jump-start a stalled faith, provide a road map for a new faith, and energize an active faith. Use this resource with friends in a weekly study group or on your own - but get ready to grow and connect with God in a busy, noisy world.
My Review:
Included in Gregg Farah's book, 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith are just that. Ways that we can spread out our faith a little wider and a little deeper. We all need to grow as Christians at some point because without it we won't bear much fruit for the advancement of the kingdom.
The book is set up much like many devotional or Bible study type book. Giving you short and sweet read throughs as to not lose your interest in the faith growing element. The book can be used very easily in a group setting, where you can bounce your ideas and thoughts off of another individual, but I found it just as effective used alone.
My favorite way to grow my faith was listed as number 45, "listening to worship music". The reader, Bob said he felt it was a way for him to stay connected through God all day. I totally agree with this sentiment. I always tell my children if we put good things in, good things will come out. I believe that another idea that we should really get planted into our thinking is that God needs to be brought into all aspects of our lives. He deserves more space than we allow Him. Maybe through this way of thinking our faith could grow alot stronger.
If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can do so at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bookfun.org.
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith will do what it says AND give you freedom. Your spiritual growth strategy does not have to be limited to reading and praying. Try growing spiritually while walking, driving or working out. 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith will jump-start a stalled faith, provide a road map for a new faith, and energize an active faith. Use this resource with friends in a weekly study group or on your own - but get ready to grow and connect with God in a busy, noisy world.
My Review:
Included in Gregg Farah's book, 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith are just that. Ways that we can spread out our faith a little wider and a little deeper. We all need to grow as Christians at some point because without it we won't bear much fruit for the advancement of the kingdom.
The book is set up much like many devotional or Bible study type book. Giving you short and sweet read throughs as to not lose your interest in the faith growing element. The book can be used very easily in a group setting, where you can bounce your ideas and thoughts off of another individual, but I found it just as effective used alone.
My favorite way to grow my faith was listed as number 45, "listening to worship music". The reader, Bob said he felt it was a way for him to stay connected through God all day. I totally agree with this sentiment. I always tell my children if we put good things in, good things will come out. I believe that another idea that we should really get planted into our thinking is that God needs to be brought into all aspects of our lives. He deserves more space than we allow Him. Maybe through this way of thinking our faith could grow alot stronger.
If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can do so at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bookfun.org.
August 19, 2013
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith
The book, 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith, was written by Gregg Peter Farah and published by Carpenter’s Son Publishing (2012). The author is a Pastor at Shelter Rock Church on Long Island, NY.
We all know that prayer, Bible reading, sharing our faith, etc. will help us to grow in the Lord. In this easy to read, creative, and practical book, the author describes additional ways to grow. Although the common methods are included, the book provides creative ideas to enhance our relationship with the Lord and to break up our usual routine. The author discusses different ways to grow – on our own, with a friend, in a group, on the go, methodically, and artistically. Although I liked many of the ways he mentioned to become closer to the Lord, I will give only a few. One idea is to carry an index card in your pocket or purse so that you can write what you got out of a sermon or a verse from your Bible reading. Then use the card to refresh your memory of spiritual things. Another of the 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith that is in the book is by observing your spiritual birthday and Farah gives some wonderful things to think about doing on that day.
God said that the believers should develop fully to conform to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29) and this book gives some creative ways to do just that. I thought the book was excellent and, because I am a how-to person, I liked the creative ideas for growing in the Lord.
Thank you Carpenter’s Son Publishing for offering it free in exchange for my honest opinion and BookFun.org that made it all happen!
The book, 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith, was written by Gregg Peter Farah and published by Carpenter’s Son Publishing (2012). The author is a Pastor at Shelter Rock Church on Long Island, NY.
We all know that prayer, Bible reading, sharing our faith, etc. will help us to grow in the Lord. In this easy to read, creative, and practical book, the author describes additional ways to grow. Although the common methods are included, the book provides creative ideas to enhance our relationship with the Lord and to break up our usual routine. The author discusses different ways to grow – on our own, with a friend, in a group, on the go, methodically, and artistically. Although I liked many of the ways he mentioned to become closer to the Lord, I will give only a few. One idea is to carry an index card in your pocket or purse so that you can write what you got out of a sermon or a verse from your Bible reading. Then use the card to refresh your memory of spiritual things. Another of the 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith that is in the book is by observing your spiritual birthday and Farah gives some wonderful things to think about doing on that day.
God said that the believers should develop fully to conform to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29) and this book gives some creative ways to do just that. I thought the book was excellent and, because I am a how-to person, I liked the creative ideas for growing in the Lord.
Thank you Carpenter’s Son Publishing for offering it free in exchange for my honest opinion and BookFun.org that made it all happen!
August 1, 2013
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith by Gregg Peter Farah
Found this book very helpful in ways I can help grow my faith. I loved the way Gregg wrote it. First he gives us a ideal and a explanation of each discussion. Then there is a key verse to connect it to the discussion. Then a devotion, which helps you connect to the discussion . Next there is a quote to pull it together. Then a try it and story of someone who tried each step. Ending with prayer. It is full of ways we can use to put these steps in our lives to help us grow stronger to the Lord. To build our Faith. To help others. About being a friend to others. I liked the one on visiting a strange church sitting where no one knows you and see how you feel inside. Makes you think am I friendly to others in my own church. Or am I in my own world not worried about others. We need to be a out reach. Stay in God’s word memorize God’s word hold it dear to our heart. This book would be suitable for young to old. Thanks for touching my heart. I have things to work on.
Found this book very helpful in ways I can help grow my faith. I loved the way Gregg wrote it. First he gives us a ideal and a explanation of each discussion. Then there is a key verse to connect it to the discussion. Then a devotion, which helps you connect to the discussion . Next there is a quote to pull it together. Then a try it and story of someone who tried each step. Ending with prayer. It is full of ways we can use to put these steps in our lives to help us grow stronger to the Lord. To build our Faith. To help others. About being a friend to others. I liked the one on visiting a strange church sitting where no one knows you and see how you feel inside. Makes you think am I friendly to others in my own church. Or am I in my own world not worried about others. We need to be a out reach. Stay in God’s word memorize God’s word hold it dear to our heart. This book would be suitable for young to old. Thanks for touching my heart. I have things to work on.
August 16, 2013
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith by Gregg Peter Farah
This is a great little book to help us grow closer to God. I found the ideas, practical and easy to use. Each chapter includes a growth idea, scripture, devotion, quote from someone else, tips on how to apply this to your life, a real story from someone that has tried it and a short prayer. The ideas are simple and helpful enough to use in Bible studies and teachings. I plan on implicating a few in my everyday life and sharing them with my Bible study group. This book was well planned and thought out. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting more out of their relationship with God. It does not matter if you are a new Christian or have served God for many years; there is something for every one. I challenge you to pick it up and read it for yourself. I want to thank the author Gregg Peter Farah and Carpenter’s Son publishing for bringing good Christian books like this for readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my review.
This is a great little book to help us grow closer to God. I found the ideas, practical and easy to use. Each chapter includes a growth idea, scripture, devotion, quote from someone else, tips on how to apply this to your life, a real story from someone that has tried it and a short prayer. The ideas are simple and helpful enough to use in Bible studies and teachings. I plan on implicating a few in my everyday life and sharing them with my Bible study group. This book was well planned and thought out. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting more out of their relationship with God. It does not matter if you are a new Christian or have served God for many years; there is something for every one. I challenge you to pick it up and read it for yourself. I want to thank the author Gregg Peter Farah and Carpenter’s Son publishing for bringing good Christian books like this for readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my review.
September 18, 2013
If your faith is feeling dead or slightly stale, then check out this book. The author has created 52 different ways to rejuvenate, invigorate, and revitalize your faith. Each chapter begins with the idea of how to put some life back into your faith. It is followed by a Bible verse, a story that relates, a key quote, a "try it" section that explains how to make it work, testimonials from people who tried the idea, and lastly a prayer to wrap it up. There is also a section to write down some thoughts or prayers.
I really enjoyed reading through these chapters. The ideas were sometimes fun, sometimes thought provoking. Each one made me stop and think about what I was doing in my faith walk that I could improve on. It is definitely a book that I would recommend. Even if you don't feel like you need a jump start, there is always room for improvement. And it's always great to see things from a different perspective. Looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I received this book free of charge from Book Fun in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed reading through these chapters. The ideas were sometimes fun, sometimes thought provoking. Each one made me stop and think about what I was doing in my faith walk that I could improve on. It is definitely a book that I would recommend. Even if you don't feel like you need a jump start, there is always room for improvement. And it's always great to see things from a different perspective. Looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I received this book free of charge from Book Fun in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2013
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith is an exciting way to reach new goals whether you are a baby in Christ or an older more experienced Christian. Each chapter contains material to read, discuss (in small or large groups), and to end in prayer.
One of my favorite chapters was Thirty-three, All You Need Is…A WILLINGNESS TO BE HUMBLED. A Key Quote from that chapter really spoke to me – “Do not have your concern first, then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all in harmony with him.” – Hudson Taylor.
I would recommend this book to new believers to help you grow, but also to more advanced Christians to help you keep on track while running your race. It can be used by your self, or in a small group session meeting weekly and discussing the works, or even in large groups.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite chapters was Thirty-three, All You Need Is…A WILLINGNESS TO BE HUMBLED. A Key Quote from that chapter really spoke to me – “Do not have your concern first, then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all in harmony with him.” – Hudson Taylor.
I would recommend this book to new believers to help you grow, but also to more advanced Christians to help you keep on track while running your race. It can be used by your self, or in a small group session meeting weekly and discussing the works, or even in large groups.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2013
52 Ways to Grow Your Faith challenges Christians to come out of themselves and see the world around them. The author, Gregg Peter Farah, has divided the book into 52 steps for growing in faith. This book emphasizes time spent with God in prayer and in His Word as well as encourages the believer to partner with other believers using accountability sharing. Mr. Farah presents this in an easy reading style with good, practical examples and applications.
I highly recommend 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith as a means of becoming the person God wants all of us to be. I wish I had had this book a while ago as it would have been a helpful resource while mentoring a co-worker.
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion. This review is also posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
I highly recommend 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith as a means of becoming the person God wants all of us to be. I wish I had had this book a while ago as it would have been a helpful resource while mentoring a co-worker.
I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion. This review is also posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
August 11, 2013
Gregg Peter Farah's book 52 Ways to Grow Your Faith got my attention just with the title alone. It is easy to read, well written and gives you a lot of helpful information in practical and fun ways. I love the way the author gives you the growth idea, a Bible verse, quotes, tips and real people who have tried the steps and have grown in their faith. I will be keeping this book close by to help me grow my faith. Recommend all read it.
I received this book from bookfun. for my honest opinion and review.
I received this book from bookfun. for my honest opinion and review.
August 5, 2013
Gregg Farah wrote a great book. It is fun,easy to read,enjoyable and makes you want to keep reading it.
It truly makes you want to increase your faith in Our Lord Helps you connect with Our Lord even with our crazy distracting world around us
I was given this book from the book club network for my honest review
It truly makes you want to increase your faith in Our Lord Helps you connect with Our Lord even with our crazy distracting world around us
I was given this book from the book club network for my honest review
February 13, 2018
The book is just what the description says it is--quick and easy ways to grow your faith, especially for people who don't have much time for reading and praying. Or especially for people who may not like to read and/or aren't comfortable with spending a lot of time praying. Those traditional ways just don't work for everyone.
Fortunately, there are other ways. Some of the more obvious ones include appreciating the beauty of this world, sharing your testimony with a friend (or a stranger) and listening to their story. He encourages serious involvement in small groups.
There are also more methodical ways to grow, such as setting a time (and an alarm) to sit and just be with God, if for only five minutes.
Mr. Farah also suggests ways to grow through the arts, such as listening to contemporary worship music, attending Christian concerts, and reading through an old church hymnal.
(So many of the old hymns were deeply meaningful! But many of the new ones are, too.)
All in all, this book was breezy, light reading--maybe written for people who don't like to read (or don't have much time to). The suggestions are probably best for new Christians, youthful Christians, and too-busy Christians who need their faith rekindled. The right reader might love this book.
But if you seriously want to grow your faith, deep calling to deep, you need to get serious about the spiritual disciplines. I suggest you try any or all of the following books:
Renovation of the Heart and its companion volume: Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice
A Year with God: Living out the Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
Building Y0ur Spiritual Core: 101 Creative Ways to Connect with God
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper
52 Ways to Grow your Faith was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fortunately, there are other ways. Some of the more obvious ones include appreciating the beauty of this world, sharing your testimony with a friend (or a stranger) and listening to their story. He encourages serious involvement in small groups.
There are also more methodical ways to grow, such as setting a time (and an alarm) to sit and just be with God, if for only five minutes.
Mr. Farah also suggests ways to grow through the arts, such as listening to contemporary worship music, attending Christian concerts, and reading through an old church hymnal.
(So many of the old hymns were deeply meaningful! But many of the new ones are, too.)
All in all, this book was breezy, light reading--maybe written for people who don't like to read (or don't have much time to). The suggestions are probably best for new Christians, youthful Christians, and too-busy Christians who need their faith rekindled. The right reader might love this book.
But if you seriously want to grow your faith, deep calling to deep, you need to get serious about the spiritual disciplines. I suggest you try any or all of the following books:
Renovation of the Heart and its companion volume: Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice
A Year with God: Living out the Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
Building Y0ur Spiritual Core: 101 Creative Ways to Connect with God
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper
52 Ways to Grow your Faith was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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