Growth: Training vs. Trying

by John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, Judson Poling

What would your life be like if Jesus lived it? Imagine the change you would experience in your thoughts, actions, and relationships. Think of the joy and freedom that could transform every area of your life. That’s exactly what God has in mind for you! You’ll find out how in Growth. Through personal study and small group interaction, this study sets you on a path to live out the character of Jesus in this world as only you can. It happens not by trying hard, but by training. By cultivating spiritual disciplines--Scripture meditation, prayer, solitude, endurance, loving others--you’ll discover the joy of being transformed by Christ and the freedom of living each day sustained by his power. Leader’s guide included!Growth group sessions are:Training to Live Like JesusThe Practice of Scripture MeditationThe Practice of SolitudeSimple PrayerThree Transforming PrayersThe Roundabout WayAnd the Greatest of These Is Love

Genres: Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Tyler Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worked through this seven-week devotional book for weekly meetings with my professor Dean Flemming and my friend Josh Turner. It guided our discussion each time we met and moved us to devotional reflection and prayer on our own during the week. Ortberg makes you carefully think through how spiritual practices can transform your life. It prompted careful examination and encouragement of my own spiritual life and practices.

[Danielle Woodring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for my leader development group at church. I really enjoyed the Bible study sections! Definitely a book to take slowly and really spend time each week over the spiritual exercises and Bible study.

[Peter O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good practical, common sense, easy to understand content for a Christian book about following Jesus. Bible study sections and verses to study were relevant, directly related to chapters/sessions and with straight forward questions. Perfect read for small group study/discussions with most book being self study and reflection questions