Winepress Publishing sent me Bible Basic Training, by James and Jeff Jay, to review a few weeks ago. The idea of comparing training in the Bible to training in the Army was of interest to me because I can relate well to both.
In 1969, I enlisted in the Army and participated in Basic Training at Fort Lewis, Washington for about six weeks before I flew to the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After spending a year there, and four years at West Point, I served 20 years as an officer in the Army. Four of those years were at the Army Fitness School. A renewed and exploding faith has energized me to spend the last six years writing and speaking about the link between the Christian faith and health.
In Bible Basic Training, Jeff and James Jay accurately use the analogy of becoming spiritually fit in the Christian faith and becoming fit to be a soldier in the Army. Just as certain skills and competencies are required to succeed as a soldier in the Army, there are a set of basic skills and knowledge needed to be fit as a “Soldier in God’s Army.” In the book, the Jay brothers hit upon many of the key principles that are outlined in the Bible which will especially help a seeker or a new believer understand key aspects of the Christian faith.
Those who have spent any time in the service will especially relate to the terms that are used in the book – infiltration, land navigation, soldier skills, commander and fitness test to name a few. Whether you’re a seeker or new believer or whether or not you’ve served in the military, Bible Basic Training will help you understand several core principles to become spiritually fit …. with Jesus Christ as your Commander in Chief.
I recently finished reading the book. I believe is is an excellent “how to” handbook for seekers, new converts, or “old timers.” I believe it could be the basis for a class for the evangelically minded on how to reach the lost and develop the new Christian.
Good job, Jay brothers! I will be ordering more copies.