Positives Many reviewers laud the book for its powerful reminder of the Christian call to make disciples, emphasizing this as a command from Jesus and a fundamental aspect of faith. Readers found it deeply insightful, providing a fresh perspective on their role on Earth and identity in Christ. The book is praised for its clear, accessible writing style, which avoids academic jargon while still delivering profound spiritual truths. It effectively outlines what a disciple is, the importance of community within the church, and how to approach Bible study. A significant strength highlighted is its comprehensive overview of the entire biblical narrative, tracing salvation history from beginning to end and showing how all Scripture points to Jesus. This makes it an excellent resource for connecting biblical knowledge with practical application in daily life.
Negatives However, some readers noted that the book did not fully meet their expectations regarding practical, step-by-step advice on how to disciple others. While it passionately argues for the necessity of discipleship and provides biblical context, some felt it lacked concrete methodologies. The book's structure, with a substantial portion dedicated to a broad biblical overview, led some to feel it shifted focus from direct discipleship instruction to a general theological foundation. Consequently, more experienced Christians occasionally found parts of the content, particularly the biblical overview, to be foundational rather than deeply challenging. Additionally, several reviewers stressed that the book is primarily designed for interactive group study, and reading it individually or in an audio format diminished its intended impact, as it includes prompts for reflection, Bible reading, and discussion.
Conclusion Overall, "Multiply" is considered a valuable and inspiring resource, particularly for its ability to rekindle a passion for the Great Commission and provide a clear framework for understanding God's overarching plan. Despite some wanting more specific guidance, its strength lies in its ability to articulate the "why" of discipleship and ground it firmly in biblical theology. It is highly recommended as a foundational text for new believers, those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible's narrative, or anyone looking to disciple others. The book is best utilized in its intended format: as an interactive study guide within a small group or one-on-one mentorship setting, where its questions and prompts can be fully engaged with for maximum spiritual growth.
