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How to Be a Child of God: Witness Edition
Experience these simple truths illustrated and learn how trust and faith in God can lead to a fulfilled, abundant, and victorious life.
49 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2012
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September 4, 2018
We received an unsolicited shipment of these books in the jail a little while back. I really appreciate anyone willing to donate their time and money to get the gospel behind bars. And How to Be a Child of God: Witness Edition contains the gospel as well as good artwork to communicate the good news. It’s designed much like a comic book, with no chapter breaks but becoming text-heavy as the book proceeds. However, I can’t recommend it as I found it confusing and even troubling in areas.
The layout was simply difficult to follow logically as it’s somewhat stream-of-consciousness. It starts with Jesus, His life, death, burial, and resurrection (pp. 1–5). Then, it moves on to describe why salvation is necessary (pp. 6–7). Page 8 begins, “One day, someone came alone and explained the story of Jesus,” though it isn’t clear if this is talking about the formation of Scripture or a present-day evangelist (the pictured figures are dressed in modern clothing—so is this talking about the tract itself?). Page 9 shows Jesus close and helping us with our problems, but then the next pages shows us separated from Him (again?) (10–11), and then a pictured Jesus on the cross bridging the gulf to… Jesus (12–13). The next pages have the sinner’s prayer (14–15). This is followed by an explanation of what happens spiritually when we become Christians (16–20), and a repeat of that explanation with more detail on pp. 21–24. After that comes instructions on what to do next (25–26), followed by pages of illustrated Scripture verses highlighting all these points (27–30). Coming back to the point of witnessing, the book proceeds to explain the why and the how of witnessing (31–32). Then, the book gives a detailed explanation of “how to tell your story” (witness via testimonial, 33–36), followed by instructions for “how to witness” (37–40). The book concludes with printed Scripture verses (41–48) and a recommended bibliology (49). The elements are almost all there, if not somewhat jumbled.
There are other confusing elements. For instance, the artwork isn’t completely helpful; the family of Adam includes a man holding a Bible and a cross (7, 17, 23, 36), but there’s no explanation as to whether he’s saved or a false convert, as it seems from the artwork. It’s also confusing in places as to the intended audience; twice it repeats the phrase, “your will and your lives” (13, 35). That may simply come down to editing, an issue demonstrated in the previous paragraph.
More gospel explanation would have helped. There’s no clear demonstration of God’s high standard, with no mention of His law. The word “sin” only appears once (euphemisms are often preferred), resulting in a soft demonstration of our condemnation outside of Christ. As such, while the phrase “the penalty for sin” appears (4), it’s never defined, and Hell is absent from this book. Also absent is an explanation of justification before a holy God and the term “repent.” (In fact, oddly, on p. 35, the saved person is “now accountable” to God.) Instead of exploring these categories, the book explains that Jesus came “so we could establish a personal relationship with Him” (5), that there are the two families (of Adam and of God), and that we need union with Christ. Again, this isn’t bad, but it’s not sufficient.
There were also some troubling theological elements. Those who are concerned about potential second commandment violations in the depiction of God and Christ will not be able to use this book. That aside, we read that Jesus died for our “sins, faults, and character defects” (12), a statement needing some explanation. The book presents a tripartite anthropology and says, “Our spiritual dimension is the part that relates to God” (24), rather than our whole being. The reader is told he is “literally the body of Christ” (25, cf. 32), not just part of the body of Christ. Three times, the book instructs those witnessing to make sure folks read the sinner’s prayer on p. 14 (38–39). All quotations are from the NLT, which the book recommends for converts (26).
These are not as much of a concern as the mystical elements of the book. While describing prayer to God, it says, “Imagine Him in the form of Jesus” (26). The book promises that the Holy Spirit will grant “new understanding of what the scripture means” (26). The book also says that, as the reader begins to think about the unbelievers he knows, he is “beginning to think with the mind of Christ” (32). The text says that as God’s child, the reader can “sit in His lap” (31), which is also depicted in the artwork (29). When explaining the gospel, the reader is instructed to say to the one humbling himself, “In a strange and miraculous way, a proclaimer appears” (34), referencing oneself (40)! It goes on to say, “You want to become a child of God and in all the forms that can be achieved” (35).
Perhaps the most troubling is the Keswick theological thread running throughout. There are continued references to the “fulfilled, abundant, and victorious life” (back cover), “abundant life” (9), “abundant living” (26), and the reader is called throughout to “complete abandon” and sincerity (13), to “be absolutely and totally surrendered” (25), and to “the end of self” (34). On the additional resources page are notable Keswick promoters and mystics such as Bob George, Watchman Nee, and Andrew Murray.
Again, there is much to be commended in this book. It has the gospel, if not presented as clearly as it could be. Still, it’s confusing in parts, strange in others, and borders on heterodoxy. I really wish we hadn’t received 600 of these, because we can’t distribute them in good conscience.
The layout was simply difficult to follow logically as it’s somewhat stream-of-consciousness. It starts with Jesus, His life, death, burial, and resurrection (pp. 1–5). Then, it moves on to describe why salvation is necessary (pp. 6–7). Page 8 begins, “One day, someone came alone and explained the story of Jesus,” though it isn’t clear if this is talking about the formation of Scripture or a present-day evangelist (the pictured figures are dressed in modern clothing—so is this talking about the tract itself?). Page 9 shows Jesus close and helping us with our problems, but then the next pages shows us separated from Him (again?) (10–11), and then a pictured Jesus on the cross bridging the gulf to… Jesus (12–13). The next pages have the sinner’s prayer (14–15). This is followed by an explanation of what happens spiritually when we become Christians (16–20), and a repeat of that explanation with more detail on pp. 21–24. After that comes instructions on what to do next (25–26), followed by pages of illustrated Scripture verses highlighting all these points (27–30). Coming back to the point of witnessing, the book proceeds to explain the why and the how of witnessing (31–32). Then, the book gives a detailed explanation of “how to tell your story” (witness via testimonial, 33–36), followed by instructions for “how to witness” (37–40). The book concludes with printed Scripture verses (41–48) and a recommended bibliology (49). The elements are almost all there, if not somewhat jumbled.
There are other confusing elements. For instance, the artwork isn’t completely helpful; the family of Adam includes a man holding a Bible and a cross (7, 17, 23, 36), but there’s no explanation as to whether he’s saved or a false convert, as it seems from the artwork. It’s also confusing in places as to the intended audience; twice it repeats the phrase, “your will and your lives” (13, 35). That may simply come down to editing, an issue demonstrated in the previous paragraph.
More gospel explanation would have helped. There’s no clear demonstration of God’s high standard, with no mention of His law. The word “sin” only appears once (euphemisms are often preferred), resulting in a soft demonstration of our condemnation outside of Christ. As such, while the phrase “the penalty for sin” appears (4), it’s never defined, and Hell is absent from this book. Also absent is an explanation of justification before a holy God and the term “repent.” (In fact, oddly, on p. 35, the saved person is “now accountable” to God.) Instead of exploring these categories, the book explains that Jesus came “so we could establish a personal relationship with Him” (5), that there are the two families (of Adam and of God), and that we need union with Christ. Again, this isn’t bad, but it’s not sufficient.
There were also some troubling theological elements. Those who are concerned about potential second commandment violations in the depiction of God and Christ will not be able to use this book. That aside, we read that Jesus died for our “sins, faults, and character defects” (12), a statement needing some explanation. The book presents a tripartite anthropology and says, “Our spiritual dimension is the part that relates to God” (24), rather than our whole being. The reader is told he is “literally the body of Christ” (25, cf. 32), not just part of the body of Christ. Three times, the book instructs those witnessing to make sure folks read the sinner’s prayer on p. 14 (38–39). All quotations are from the NLT, which the book recommends for converts (26).
These are not as much of a concern as the mystical elements of the book. While describing prayer to God, it says, “Imagine Him in the form of Jesus” (26). The book promises that the Holy Spirit will grant “new understanding of what the scripture means” (26). The book also says that, as the reader begins to think about the unbelievers he knows, he is “beginning to think with the mind of Christ” (32). The text says that as God’s child, the reader can “sit in His lap” (31), which is also depicted in the artwork (29). When explaining the gospel, the reader is instructed to say to the one humbling himself, “In a strange and miraculous way, a proclaimer appears” (34), referencing oneself (40)! It goes on to say, “You want to become a child of God and in all the forms that can be achieved” (35).
Perhaps the most troubling is the Keswick theological thread running throughout. There are continued references to the “fulfilled, abundant, and victorious life” (back cover), “abundant life” (9), “abundant living” (26), and the reader is called throughout to “complete abandon” and sincerity (13), to “be absolutely and totally surrendered” (25), and to “the end of self” (34). On the additional resources page are notable Keswick promoters and mystics such as Bob George, Watchman Nee, and Andrew Murray.
Again, there is much to be commended in this book. It has the gospel, if not presented as clearly as it could be. Still, it’s confusing in parts, strange in others, and borders on heterodoxy. I really wish we hadn’t received 600 of these, because we can’t distribute them in good conscience.
November 17, 2021
How to be a Child of God by David Howell (Witness Edition) is a beautifully illustrated, full-color, 49-page booklet offering a step-by-step guide to salvation, redemption, and sanctification through Christ, His crucifixion, and His blood that brings an invitation to the family of God and presents a new life in Christ to prison inmates across America. With 223 full-text Bible verses combined with the full-color illustrations, inmates, despite education or reading ability, are presented with a clear Biblical overview of the free gift of salvation and the truth of the Gospel that transforms the old life into a new life in Christ.
In Colossians 1:27 Christ is in you and your identity is in Christ. We were crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20), buried with Him, resurrected with Him, ascended with Him and now are seated with Him in Christ in heavenly places at the right hand of the Father. (Romans 6:1-6, Ephesians 2:6)
Designed to be used as a study guide by encouraging prayer and meditation of the Scriptures, the booklet can be used as a group, or individual Bible study, and the author has included a witness edition that explains how to effectively witness to others for Christ. The booklet brings deep understanding and individual transformation through the power of Christ as stated in Colossians 2:12 NLT, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
Captured on each page through the hand-drawn and full-color sketches, the true meaning of the conversion process, knowing God as Father, and becoming born again through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross sheds light on the powerful transformation process. The pictures, text, and scripture verses give understanding as the reason and purpose for atonement. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is portrayed as the only One who was able to make this perfect sacrifice. The captives are set free as the author explains scriptural truths in a simple format, giving understanding that becoming a child of God is not difficult, but a privilege and an invitation to them to enter into a new family - the Family of God.
What makes this book incredibly unique is the ease at which the author describes deep spiritual truths in such a simple way, along with the vivid pictures, even a child can understand the truths presented. The author also clearly gives representation of what moving from the old life into this new life means by delineating from the generational bloodline, coming from Adam, that each of us was born into, and helping them understand that a new family lineage is the only remedy. The old baggage and the old ways are buried, and the new life has been raised with Christ.
How to be a Child of God (Witness Edition) comes highly recommended to anyone who is incarcerated, but is also a wonderful evangelism tool that could be handed out to anyone. The story of redemption comes alive through the pictures, reaching many in the name of Christ. As an added bonus, the author has included complete scriptural references in the back, and also additional books for further study and reading.
In Colossians 1:27 Christ is in you and your identity is in Christ. We were crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20), buried with Him, resurrected with Him, ascended with Him and now are seated with Him in Christ in heavenly places at the right hand of the Father. (Romans 6:1-6, Ephesians 2:6)
Designed to be used as a study guide by encouraging prayer and meditation of the Scriptures, the booklet can be used as a group, or individual Bible study, and the author has included a witness edition that explains how to effectively witness to others for Christ. The booklet brings deep understanding and individual transformation through the power of Christ as stated in Colossians 2:12 NLT, “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
Captured on each page through the hand-drawn and full-color sketches, the true meaning of the conversion process, knowing God as Father, and becoming born again through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross sheds light on the powerful transformation process. The pictures, text, and scripture verses give understanding as the reason and purpose for atonement. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, is portrayed as the only One who was able to make this perfect sacrifice. The captives are set free as the author explains scriptural truths in a simple format, giving understanding that becoming a child of God is not difficult, but a privilege and an invitation to them to enter into a new family - the Family of God.
What makes this book incredibly unique is the ease at which the author describes deep spiritual truths in such a simple way, along with the vivid pictures, even a child can understand the truths presented. The author also clearly gives representation of what moving from the old life into this new life means by delineating from the generational bloodline, coming from Adam, that each of us was born into, and helping them understand that a new family lineage is the only remedy. The old baggage and the old ways are buried, and the new life has been raised with Christ.
How to be a Child of God (Witness Edition) comes highly recommended to anyone who is incarcerated, but is also a wonderful evangelism tool that could be handed out to anyone. The story of redemption comes alive through the pictures, reaching many in the name of Christ. As an added bonus, the author has included complete scriptural references in the back, and also additional books for further study and reading.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews