that many Christians have succumbed to the advisements of pragmatic theology and pop-psychology. Neither of which do more than re-invent or subtly apply the techniques of atheistic psychologists. The humanist is concerned with exalting man instead of glorifying God. His motive is to make the individual feel good without acknowledging the presence of sin. Such practices not only lead to the erosion of true Biblical theology, to the godless pursuit of self over God, but they also fail to address the issues. The student is left in a worse state then when he started. We are glad to say that the New Growth series avoids the dangers and errors of humanism. These small booklets from New Growth Press provide perspective for those grappling with issues of the heart- for those that we call “real people.” Is there such a thing as a single parent? Do spouses cheat in real life? Can a marriage ever loose its intimacy? What about dealing with difficult people? New Growth has caught on- or seems to understand, that human problems need Biblical solutions. And these small, but impressive little pamphlets are fitted to the task. Whether you need answers for yourself or know others that do, these booklets will come as a welcome word of advice. Each work begins by entering into the particular struggle of the individual, assuring the reader that the author understands the problem. Sometimes there are cords in life that will be broken and to feel is human, but to act upon feeling is not always wise. New Growth Press encourages the Christian to deal with problems in a way that brings glory to God.
It is not possible for us to summarize every booklet at this time, but we can tell you that each one provides a Biblical perspective and seems to deal with the root issues. For example, those dealing with a cheating spouse: New Growth does not simply invalidate the individual’s feelings, but neither do they advise one to act upon the basis of their feelings. “Even as you decide to trust God, your own emotions may urge you to take matters into your own hands. You might be tempted to nurture hateful thoughts, wallow in self-pity, or simply give up. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed to forgive; it’s simply that forgiveness is a process. You have to make daily, even moment by moment decisions to turn from bitterness and self-protection and turn to God. As you persevere, you will find it easier and easier to do. Don’t complicate matters by insisting on a dramatic forgiveness experience. Let God’s work unfold in your heart over time.” This is Biblical counseling as it was meant to be done- urging God’s children to put their trust in Him! Don’t get me wrong, not every point made will be agreed, but every pamphlet is a step in the right direction, pointing the Christian back to his Bible and thus to his God.
Honestly, where can one get a Biblical perspective on “Eating disorders” or “Helping an angry Child”? Far too long our options have been slim to none. The people of God are “real people” with “real problems” and therefore are in need of down to earth Biblical solutions. If you know people who are struggling with the issues covered in these brave little books, don’t just speculate about solutions- don’t simply point them to the techniques of psychologists, but provide them with a copy of one of these pamphlets. And if they will not read it, then read it for them- by doing so you will be enabled to help them.
If you are anything like me then you have problems, then you must work through issues, and sometimes this means more than just the private thoughts of ones mind, sometimes it means reaching out for help, sometimes it means taking advice from those who have studied and thought through the issues. We do not blush to say that New Growth can help; sometimes our problem is simply the fact that we cannot realistically grasp the context of our situation; there are times when life seems too big for us to comprehend. Knowing what we are up against and knowing what actions we can take to work through our problems, in a way that brings glory to God, is often enough to solve our problems.
So what are these little pamphlets and why are they worth one’s time? In a point, they are the Biblical response to what it means to be human- they are answers to some of life’s most gripping questions, “how and what should I do?” But are they really worth my time? Can a 25-page booklet solve my problems? There is ultimately no book or advice that can solve any person’s problems if the person is not willing to listen and work through the issues. These pamphlets do not solve every problem, but they certainly contain many solutions to many common problems. So, there is no magic in these little pamphlets, but there is truth, not the final word but the right word! And sometimes that can make all the difference.