Showing results by author "Charles M. Sheldon" in All Categories

Charles M. Sheldon, through the words of protagonist Rev. Henry Maxwell, encourages Christians to question every choice, every thought, and every motive against what they believe Jesus would do in the same situation. This creates an environment of not only self-reflection and internal conviction, but also brings into question the influence and effectiveness of the church and its leadership. Uprooting comfortable and stale Christianity, Sheldon promotes drastic spiritual growth, which is shown in this story to impact the individual as well as the community as a whole.

In His Steps is a popular work of religious fiction by Charles Monroe Sheldon which was first published in 1896, and has sold more than 50 million copies to date. This inspirational novel popularized the expression, “What Would Jesus Do?” The story begins with four small-town characters who resolve to undertake no action without first considering Christ's example. By their example, their lives, their congregation, and their community are transformed.

What if, suddenly, Jesus appeared on the streets of your city? That's the scenario of Jesus Is Here, Charles M. Sheldon's sequel to his classic novel In His Steps, the book that introduced the world to WWJW: "What would Jesus do?"

An all-time best seller, this timeless classic, written at the turn of the century, has blessed millions of people who have asked the vital question, "What does it really mean to be a Christian?" As a young minister, and before becoming editor of the Christian Herald, Sheldon disguised himself as an unemployed printer and tramped the city streets with others in that same plight. He was shocked by the indifference of the Christian community. From that experience he wrote this novel.

Since 1896, over 15 million readers have been intrigued by this extraordinary story. The appearance of a mysterious stranger and his impassioned pleas for the poor and downtrodden leaves a small town deeply shaken. The town's congregation decides to follow in the footsteps of Jesus regardless of the consequences. This story has inspired generations of believers, and echoes today, as young Christians ask, "What would Jesus do?" and try to follow in his footsteps.

In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? has sold more than 30 million copies, and ranks as the 39th best-selling book of all time. The main character is the Rev. Henry Maxwell, pastor of the First Church of Raymond, who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking: “What would Jesus do?”

Over 100 years ago, Reverend Charles Sheldon stepped up to the pulpit to deliver a sermon to his little flock of Congregationalists. Little did he know that his humble parable would evolve into a novel that would be published in 45 languages and affect the lives of at least 15 million people. A desperate, unemployed printer, looking for help in the mythical town of Raymond, is ignored until he’s on the verge of dying. His last words, as he collapses in front of a church congregation, point out the difference between believing in Christianity and actually living it.

What would Jesus do? When several members of an ordinary American church are challenged to not take a single action without fist asking that crucial question, they discover the power of God to transform their own lives—and their world. Charles M. Sheldon’s provocative novel, originally published in 1896 and enthusiastically rediscovered by today’s believers, testifies dramatically to the value of Christian witness in all of life.