The Discipline of Surrender: Biblical Images of Discipleship

The Christian Life often seems to involve swinging back and forth between guilty passivity before God and exhausting activity for God. Douglas Webster helps us get past such a frustrating and false dilemma by showing how Christian discipleship brings together the vitality of discipline under the peace of a continuing surrender to the initiative of God. By exploring the rich images used throughout the Bible, The Disciple of Surrender illuminates the heart and soul of life in Christ. The down-to-earth images of altar and lamb, thorn and trumpet, farmer's yoke and shepherd' staff powerfully convey to us the patter of life poured out on us from God. Mundane objects such as towel and basin, manna and donkey humbly serve as God's object lessons to capture our prayerful imaginations and propel us toward lives of courage, humility and flat-out dependence on God. This book is for all those who are wary of simple techniques or sure-fire methods for following Jesus but who are seeking a deeper, richer and biblically sound source for their spiritual nourishment. Douglas D. Webster (PhD., St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology) is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. He also teaches courses at Bethel Seminary, San Diego, and Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Canada. He is author of eight books, including A Passion for Christ and Soulcraft.