First Hand Faith, written by Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, the founder and president of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, outlines three levels of relationship with Jesus Christ and illustrates those levels using three chairs. Wilkinson states his purpose in writing the book as "to help you release your grip on the soft Second Chair, to encourage you to believe -- really believe -- that what Jesus said is truly the answer you have been looking for," and ultimately to move up to the First Chair of faith.
Wilkinson begins by explaining that his three-chair metaphor represents three generations and their relationships with God. The First Chair is the godly chair, and those who sit in it remain close to God. They are committed to Him and they've seen Him work wonders in their lives. The next generation grew up in godly homes, but they have a second-hand faith. They've heard about how God works and seen the commitment of their parents but never experienced God personally.
Finally, children of second-chair Christians often wind up in the Third Chair. Wilkinson explores in depth the second-chair person's willingness to compromise their faith, and the result is a third generation that lives in conformity with world standards and rejects a God who seems unreal and unreliable. Wilkinson consistently uses solid scriptural references to illuminate his premise, and he asks readers to determine which of the three chairs they are sitting in today. The reader is then introduced to a series of transformational truths found in the lives of first-chair Christians and the process for transforming a relationship with Christ. After the desire to change has been identified, Wilkinson states, people must change their beliefs in order to change their behavior, and he walks the reader through seven "secrets" of the committed. He gives readers basic instruction on how to examine such areas as the focus of their commitment and their core beliefs about the power, person, purpose, program, and provision of Jesus Christ in their life.
Finally, the author goes right to the heart of the generational issue by presenting a biblically supported plan for raising children with first-chair faith. He explains the value of a family legacy of faith in Christ and outlines the roles of firstÐchair fathers and mothers.
Wilkinson also touches on the responsibility of mature parents and grandparents to continue parenting for faith-building after their children have become adults. Nor does he ignore less-than-ideal parenting situations. He remembers to counsel those who may be in a marriage where only one spouse is a Christian and those who are raising their children without the benefit of a partner.
Throughout First Hand Faith, Wilkinson clearly states that if the faith is to be passed on to the next generation, that faith must, at some point, reach the level of the First Chair. It must be a totally committed, daily walk with Jesus Christ that is offered to the next generation in such a way that they will begin to experience that faith for themselves. Only then will all generations move to the really "comfortable" chair at the Master's feet.
Julia Tanner is a church secretary who finds blessings in reviewing books in Eaton Rapids, MI.
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