Men of Character Series

By Gene A. Getz

How to Become God's Man: Lessons From the Past

Review by Jay Graham

Two years ago, readers began reaping the benefits of studying Dr. Gene Getz's Men of Character Series. A pastor in Garland, Texas, radio commentator, professor, and author of more than 30 books, Getz demonstrated his ability to present role models for today's Christians from ancient times with four books -- Nehemiah: Becoming a Disciplined Leader; David: Seeking God Faithfully; Elijah: Remaining Steadfast Through Uncertainty; and Joshua: Living as a Consistent Role Model. From the start Getz maintained that the lives of men in the Bible demonstrated worthy examples of godly character that brought wisdom and inspiration to guide us through the challenges we face today.

The series was timely and very well received, and in January of 1996, Getz continued the Men of Character Series with: Jacob: Following God Without Looking Back; Joseph: Overcoming Obstacles Through Faithfulness; and Abraham: Holding Fast to the Will of God.

This year Getz adds more to this collection of insight and interpretation with two more volumes just now appearing in bookstores: Moses: Freeing Yourself to Know God and Samuel: A Lifetime of Serving God. In each, Getz brings these Bible characters to life in a very readable way. These are not scholarly discourses; on the other hand, they do follow the scriptural order of each man's life and offer instructional insights for modern readers. Getz helps men think about themselves at the end of each chapter in two sections: "Becoming God's Man Today" and "Personalizing These Principles."

Readers can tell that Getz is a pastor and a preacher. He has a particular gift for making the connection between the lives of Bible characters and the needs of men today, using dialogues, interesting headings, and maps. He also draws out New Testament principles and parallels.

In Samuel: A Lifetime of Serving God, Getz speaks directly to Promise Keepers and to men who are struggling with staying committed. "If Samuel were alive today, I'm convinced he would endorse the . . . promises and encourage each one of us to become men of character," writes Getz in the Introduction.

Another mark of this worthy series is the caliber of men who wrote the Forewords, among them, Howard Hendricks, Bruce Wilkinson, Paul Meier, and Frank Minirth. Bill Bright's Foreword to Samuel is a moving testimony to the impact of the Great Commission on his life and its result in Campus Crusade for Christ.

With softback bindings and blank lines to answer questions, the books in the Men of Character Series are excellent choices for men's study groups.

Jay Graham is a church youth leader in Greensboro, NC.

Copyright ©1997 ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com