The State of the Church – Andrew Murray

A review of this book was compiled by:

Eugene Marais

A summary of this book:

Murray attended the World Missionary Conference in Scotland in 1911. The conference highlighted the church's weakness in reaching the lost and emphasized that this is in large part because of the lack of Spiritual life in the local churches. This book takes these thoughts further and is a call to action for people to be filled with the Spirit, to pray more and then to reach the world.

What did you like about the book?

This book has really stirred me into praying more! Murray gives some great Biblical motivations for why we should be praying and the impact of it. I haven't walked away guilty that I'm not praying more but rather astounded that I have the absolute privilege of praying to our wonderful God!

What did you not like about this book?

Murray's thoughts can be quite dense and it's often quite convicting. I couldn't read too many pages before taking a break and thinking about what I just read..

Who would benefit most from reading this book?

Everyone! Leaders in the church would especially benefit.

Do you recommend this book?

Yes, without reservation!

If someone reads this book, they should be aware of the following...

This book was written over 100 years ago into a very specific situation. Even though the problems the global church face are still similar, it is helpful to remember that things are different and especially so in your local church context.

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About the book review author:

Eugene and Jess Marias have been married since 2008 and have 4 kids, Jethro, Immi, Samuel and Jaylin. They have been part of Oxygen Life since 2005. Eugene and Jess have been an eldership couple since 2012, and now lead both the Western Suburbs and Despacth congregation.