January/February Book Works

by Jean LeStourgeon

SECRETS OF THE VINE

Secrets Of The Vine is another little powerhouse book by Bruce Wilkinson. When I first laid my eyes on it I thought it looked like one of those cutesy little stocking stuffer books; you know the kind that lack any real meat, the one's you pick up on the 50% off table after Christmas. But the reality is there is no more important topic for the Christian and no greater need in Christendom today than understanding the absolute importance of abiding. In this little book, Wilkinson gives an easy to understand overview of the discipline of abiding with plenty of real life examples for practical application.

There were two things I particularly liked about this book. First, Wilkinson brings to life for his readers the allegory of the vine and the branches by giving us a glimpse into the world of the vine and the vinedresser. Understanding the cultivation process of the grapevine makes the allegory from John 15 much more meaningful. Second, he does a particularly nice job of explaining the process and purpose of pruning in our lives and helps the reader make the distinction between pruning and disciplining.

Finally, this book provides plenty of practical guidance in the area of abiding. It is likely to help you identify areas in your life that are in need of pruning, it will help you to understand and recognize what fruit is, and it will help you to understand that abiding in Christ is the key to enjoying a successful and personally satisfying life.

Wilkinson says, and I have to concur, that "too many Christians...are standing in the shadows of the vineyard...they have discovered that following Jesus has turned out far differently than expected. They feel confused and disillusioned-maybe even betrayed by God." This book was written for those Christians especially, whose spiritual lives have been marked by disappointment. Wilkinson shares that for years he misunderstood the principles Jesus gave His disciples in John 15. He wanted God to help him win on his own terms. But finally, when he really heard and understood what Jesus was saying, he found freedom and joy. And that is my prayer for those of you who would read this little book, that you would find greater freedom and joy in Christ than you ever thought possible.

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