David Needham asks “Christian, do you know who you are?” in this remarkable and easy-to-understand rerelease of his book about the Christian’s birthright. He offers fresh insight into the theological problem of Christian identity, biblically-based teaching, and a challenge for personal enrichment and further Bible study. Birthright achieves an excellent balance between the theological and the practical. The author’s sincerity and candid writing style are guaranteed to buoy the spirits of readers.
Birthright
Needham
This book's Disciple Making Purpose
This book is the big brother to the beginning steps of Search for Significance quietly addressing self-worth by putting a thorough foundation on our identity in Christ. It works to help disciples be prepared to stand for Christ and weather the storms of life. Birthright is helpful to move the needle a bit deeper, with deeper Biblical understanding of our new position in Christ. Our team feels the book a bit deep for Year One but perfect for the journey to consecration in Year Two where more of this challenge and knowledge is needed. Do not avoid this book! Disciples need depth and they can handle depth.
Key Topics or Truths
The Meaning of the Christian Life
Identity in Christ
Abiding in Christ
Self-Worth
This Book is Good For...
Every maturing Christian. It is a deeper dive into what it means to be a Christian from God’s perspective.
How We Use this Book to Make Disciples
Disciples generally find this a more difficult read because of its reading level and because most Christians have never read a more textbook approach to their faith. So, we take this one easy and slow, allowing four weeks to read. Our reading and review plan (including sample questions) is below. Here are a few tips:
- We used to warn people that it was a tough read. WE DO NOT do that anymore because it seemed to make it worse rather than better.
- The topics and content of this book need little help from the disciple maker. However, even after years of using it in disciple making, we are very careful to review it before we discuss it.
- There is so much valuable content and most of your time during review will be spent helping people wrap their heads around topics like justification, redemption, being grafted into Christ, etc.
Week 1 : Foundations of Identity : Chapters 1 – 3
Themes: The wonder of humanity, the cry for meaning, and our new position in Christ
- How does Needham introduce what makes us truly human? (Ch. 1)
- In what ways are humans searching for identity and meaning? (Ch. 2)
- What does it mean to be more than justified in Christ? (Ch. 3)
Week 2 : Living the New Life : Chapters 4-6
Themes: New-covenant living, expectations of God’s children, and His design for a miraculous life
- What does it mean to be part of God’s “new age”? (Ch. 4)
- Who are the two kinds of people? (Ch. 5)
- What kind of person are you?
- What does Needham assert about our expectations as God’s children? (Ch. 6)
Week 3 : The Model and Mechanics of Living the New Life : Chapters 7-8
Themes: His design for a miraculous life, the “how-to” of spiritual transformation—what you must believe (part 1)
- What is God’s model for the transformed life? (Ch. 7)
- What key beliefs must one hold to live this “miracle life”? (Ch. 8)
Week 4 : How to Part 2, Future Purpose : Chapters 9-10
Themes: The “how-to” of spiritual transformation—what you must do and the overarching goal for God’s children and deepening understanding
- What actions reinforce your new identity? (Ch. 9)
- What is the ultimate goal for God’s “miracle children” according to Needham? (Ch. 10)
We use the individual discussion method here talking with only one disciple at a time. We take liberty to vary the questions because those listening are still learning so we might not ask everyone in the group the same question but will definitely ask several the same questions. We do not feel constrained to go around the circle but follow the Holy Spirit and the room, often jumping from person to person.
Real Life Story
Mary says, “I’ve been a Christian for about 30 years, and yet after all this time, several theological-practical issues have eluded me (especially the old self/new self dilemma). Needham’s book has helped me to finally begin to grasp them at a heart level and to begin living them out, with new freedom and joy. His book is easy to read (he has a great sense of humor too) and yet very thought-provoking and carefully researched.”
Know Issues or Controversies
No Known Controversies
Some think that this book is a bit dry or written in an “old” style. Kendra was one of those. She thought this book was so boring. “Arghh. I just hate reading it,” she would comment. Her feelings reflected the feelings of many readers. Her discipleship leader just kept refocusing her, saying, “I know the style might be a little like a school book but look at the content. Do you see what God did when he adopted you?” Kendra kept plugging away reading and learning. Quietly, the Holy Spirit was building a seemingly boring foundation for her. Fast forward a few years later and Kendra found herself leading a group of ladies who had a good but touchy-feely, somewhat shallow faith. What book did Kendra pick next for her D2 Group? Birthright! Enough said.
I love this book because it puts a solid foundation under the feet of disciples. So many Christians have never had the opportunity to chew a little Biblical meat about their identity in Christ and what it means to be a part of Christ. I also like that sometimes it reads like a textbook pushing the learning styles of those I get to disciple.
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Needham
Book Details
Pathway Steps: 8,9
- Phase: Year 2
- Book Type: Non-Fiction
- Flair: Instructive, Self-Help
- Tags: Difficult Read, Theology
Reading Time
Four Weeks
Start Reading After Week 18
7 Pages per Day
16 Minutes per Day
Related Reads
This book is the deeper, broader version of the truths shared in Search for Significance. It also acts as a companion to Sit Walk Stand. It is a difficult read and I always follow it with something a bit lighter or a novel.