Doing the Gospel

I think one of the most profound books I have read regarding understanding the mindset of our culture has been "UnChristian" by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. The book provides a lense into the perception of people about Christianity. If you have not read it let me encourage you to pick it up and read it. It will definitely give you good insight into what those who are not Christians think about Christianity. After each chapter the authors provide insight from other writers who offer thoughts and ideas on how to change the perceptions. The other day I was revisting the book and looking at some of the things I highlighted. I would like to share a lenghty portion of Chuck Colson's thought regarding the gospel after the chapter on "Get Saved."
Consider the rise of Christians during the Roman era. People were drawn to Christians, not because of their evangelistic outreaches or crusades, or through mass media-those didn't exist. The church grew because Christians were doing the gospel and had a community - a local church - where people really loved each other. During the great plagues that swept Rome in the second century, all of the doctors fled, but the Christians stayed and took care of the sick. They embodied what Christians are called to do. Although many Christians died because they took care of the sick, pagans were drawn to Christ because they saw both the love of Christians and Christianity itself as a better way of life.....One of the things I do when I meet people is ask them, 'What is Christianity?' Undoubtedly half will respond, 'A relationship with Jesus.' That is wrong. The gospel cannot be merely a private transaction. God didn't break through history, through time and space, to come as a babe, be incarnated, and suffer on the cross just so you can come to him and say, 'Oh, I accept Jesus and now I can live happily ever after.' That's not why he came...Jesus came as a radical to turn the world upside down. When we believe it is just about Jesus and yourself, we miss the point.

Book Review - Crazy Love by Francis Chan

When you pick up a book to read and find it hard to put back down you quickly realize that it is a book that really speaks to your heart. Francis Chan's book Crazy Love is definately one of those books. The book is centered around the theme of recognizing how much God loves sinners inspite of their sinfulness and therefore in return should be pursued as the heart's greatest treasure. However, as Chan alludes to, this is really is not the case in many Christians lives. God is often pursued as something for benefit rather than as something ultimate. A secondary theme is discipleship. The book provides some scathing insight into discipleship because our words as followers of Christ do not necessarily match our actions as followers of Christ. Chan identifies that there is a problem within the church because so many profess to be followers of Christ and yet their lives give no evidence of Christ being central to their life. In other words, Chan's book proclaims the mantra of the epistle of James, "If you have faith you will have works." Very simply Chan believes that if one is overwhelmed by the crazy love of God then their life will give evidence of being consumed by God's love in loving others. Let me provide a few pertinent quotes which may wet your appetite to read this heart piercing book.

If life were stable, I'd never need God's help. Since it's not, I reach out for Him regulary. I am thankful for the unknowns and that I don't have control, because it makes me run to God (p.45).

Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live? Do you see evidence of God's kingdom in your life? Or are you choking it out slowly by spending too much time, energy, money, and thought on the things of this world (p.67)?

My conclusion? Jesus' call to commitment is clear: He wants all or nothing. The thought of a person calling himself a "Christian" without being a devoted follower of Christ is absurb (p.85).

It struck me that many Christians flash around their 'no trans fat' label, trying to convince everyone they are healthy and good. Yet they have no substantive or healthful elements to their faith. It's like the Laodiceans, who thought they had everything until Christ told them they were poor and wretched. They were all about declaring, 'Look, we have no trans fat. We are wealthy, or we have good families, or we go to church every week.' Obviously, it's not what you advertise that counts; it's what you are really made of (p.93).

Lukewarm living and claiming Christ's name simultaneously is utterly disgusting to God. And when we are honest, we have to admit that it isn't very fulfilling or joyful to us, either (p.103).

We are consumed by safety. Obsessed with it, actually. Now, I am not saying it is wrong to pray for God's protection, but I am questioning how we've made safety our highest priority. We've elevated safety to the neglect of whatever God's best is, whatever would bring God the most glory, or whatever would accomplish His purposes in our lives and in the world (p.131).

I wrote this book because much of our talk doesn't match our lives. We say things like, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' and 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart.' Then we live and plan like we don't believe God even exists. We try to set our lives up so everything will be fine even if God doesn't come through. But true faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His promises (p.168).

Is it all coincidence?

Since the healthcare has burst upon the scene over the past several weeks I have become more interested in the political current that is smashing across the American landscape. In my investigation of the health care issue I have discovered there are some interesting connections to other issues such at the stimulus package, the banking crisis, the mortgage crisis, and the automobile bailout, on the surface appear to just be coincedences, but are they? Take a look at the provided article and decide. http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/09/barack_obama_and_the_strategy.html.

Mission Accomplished

The Puembo mission team has completed their mission work and declares it a mission accomplished. It was our mission to come to Puembo, first, to share Christ through a dental ministry. The dental ministry saw over 90 people come primarily for fillings, checkups, and extractions. We were able to hand out over 200 packages of toothbrushes and tubes of toohtpaste. Futhermore, the gospel was presented each day to those who were waiting to see the dentist. We can count four people who came to faith in Christ through the dental ministry. Second, the team came with the mission of laying the foundation for a church plant. This appears to be on the horizon because the people who came to faith in Christ through the dental ministry are willing to start a Bible study in their home. Moreover, God brought before us a marvelous, humble man of God who has a desire and passion to assist in planting a church in the area of Puembo. The vision he has in starting a church that will in turn start other churches is precisely the same vision we had as we made preparations to come to Puembo. Although the work is not done here it has only begun, we believe the first part of the mission has been accomplished.

Today the team finished up the dental ministry, a few traveled to a Children's hospital, and to conclude the day the movie "Fireproof" was shown in the colisieum. We have meet some beautiful and wonderful people. The people of Ecuador are some of the most warm-hearted people you will ever meet. It has been a great joy and pleasure to come and minister to them in the name of Christ. The team has had a wondeful time together this week and will be making their way through Quito tomorrow and onto Atlanta later in the evening. Thank you to everyone who has lifted up the team in prayer each day. We are so thankful for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for the people of Puembo, Ecuador and the work that will be beginning through the Bible studies.

I have attached the photos above in order for you to get a glimpse of the people who were involved and the people of Puembo, Ecuador. From left to right the photos are: a young Ecuadorian boy and girl who came to our VBS time during the week, the dental team who worked tirelessly all week (Kayla Harrison, Marjorie Hawkins, Kelly Benning, Dr. Brian Benning, Destiny Washington, Lisandro, Maryann Tepley,Tracy Dakil, Santiago, and Carolina), our dentist and dental hygienist Dr. Brian Benning and Maryann Tepley, our mission team (Brad and Marjorie Hawkins, Dr. Brian and Kelli Benning, Rick and Kayla Harrison, Tracy Dakil, Maryann Tepley, and Destiny Washington) sharing a lunch together with our translators and IMB missionaries.

A Work of God

We have completed day three and truly sense that God is at work here in the city of Puembo, Ecuador. The dental ministry has been a great blessing to the people. Today more than 30 people were seen and assisted with dental needs. Each day God has provided the opportunity to not only minister through dentistry but open the door to share the gospel. The opportunity to share the gospel during this time has led to the formation of a Bible study in a nearby home. The people who are coming are already asking when we will be back. During the morning time David (translator) and I (Brad) were able to go out into the community and do some street evangelism. We had the opportunity to share the gospel with three individuals. This is a difficult task because the people of have difficulty understanding the significance of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They have heard of him and read about him but seem to place more emphasis in their Bible reading or praying for a relationship with God rather than trusting in Jesus Christ. Our VBS time this afternoon went really well. Over 40 children once again gathered in the colisieum for a time of games, a story, and a craft. Today, David (the translator) told the story of salvation by using the beaded bracelet (black = sin, red = blood, white=Jesus, etc...). The children seem to enjoy time we spend with them. The most exciting part of this time was seeing Pastor Disandro, a local pastor in the area, visit with four women during and after the VBS session. Following the VBS session these women each made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. The most disappointing aspect of the day was there was no Bible study. We had moved the time forward and told the children to go home and tell their parents to come to the colisieum for a Bible study. However, no one returned. Nevertheless, the group as a whole believe that God is truly at work in this area. Please pray for the people of Puembo, the new home Bible study, and God's continued work in this community. From left to right the pictures above are: the children at the colisieum preparing for the Bible story, the suitcase filled with over 200 toothbrushes, Pastor Brad and David sharing the gospel, Dr. Benning working on the teeth of a young girl, and Marjorie Hawkins holding one of the young visitors at the dental ministry.

Renewed, Refreshed and Rejoicing

We have finished our second day in Puembo, Ecuador with a renewed and refreshed desire to minister to the people in this community. We began our morning once again with a wonderful breakfast together. I don't think we could say enough about the delicious meals we have been eating. I know its a mission trip but the food that has been prepared has been great. Nevertheless, the dental ministry began at 9 a.m. Upon arrival the lobby was filled with patients in need of dental work primarily extractions and fillings. Dr. Brian Benning and Maryann Tepley (I was reminded of her last name) begin working with patients non-stop only breaking for lunch. Some have been easy and others difficult. Due to the need of some patients only three pepole were seen in the morning session. However, the afternoon session was more productive so that by the end of the day over 15 people seen. Moreover, as the patients wait to see Dr. Benning, we have taken this opportunity to share the gospel with them by presenting them with a gospel tract. Also, this afternoon a local pastor who is helping us this week took the time to go more in depth about the gospel with a few of the people waiting. Our VBS time this afternoon did not turn out as we had thought. We were anticipating on having many more children but only about thirty showed up to once again play games, hear a story and get to do some coloring. Nevertheless, it was still a great opportunity to minister and serve the children that came. They truly enjoy the attention and time that is given to them during the time of VBS. We have seen a few accept Christ at the conclusion of our Bible story. At the end of the day we all felt tired and exhausted but at the same time renewed, refreshed, and rejoicing because of the opportunity and time we are having in ministering to people who are in great need of experiencing the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We thank you so much for all your prayers because we understand without them it would be impossible for us to continue ministering. Therefore, know that your prayers for us today were greatly needed and greatly appreciated. From left to right the first picture is Kayla Harrison sharing the story of Daniel in the lion's den with the children. She did a great job. The second picture is Tracy Dakil and David (one of the translators) taking the opportunity to share the gospel with some of the youth who stopped by the play basketball. The third and fifth pictures show Dr. Benning, Maryann, and Tracy addressing some of the dental needs encountered on tuesday. The final picture shows the children preparing to play one of the several games that was played in the colisieum. We would continue to ask for your prayers not only for us but also that God would continue to provide us the opportunity to share the gospel at the dental ministry, VBS, and the evening Bible study (we have been having trouble getting it started).

Weary, Wornout, but Willing...

The Ecuador mission teams from FBC Okeene and Watonga arrived in Quito Ecuador late Sunday evening weary, and worn out. Saturday evening the group arrived in Atlanta around 10 p.m., but did not arrive to the hotel until 12 a.m. Sunday afternoon the plane was scheduled to leave at 5:45 p.m. but was delayed until 8:30 p.m. due to mechanical issues and the lateness of the plane coming from its previous destination. Thus, we arrived at the hotel in Puembo, Ecuador at 2:30 a.m. Needless to say everyone was not starting Monday on a full tank. However, Monday morning came and everyone was willing to go into the community of Puembo, Ecuador and minister through dentistry, playing games, sharing a story or just giving a wondeful smile to those encountered. We began the morning by sharing a wonderful breakfast meal before walking over to the area where the dentistry ministry would take place. Once there it was organized chaos as many different people were doing many different things all in an attempt to get the dental trailor up and running as soon as possible. Fortunatly, we were able to get everything situated and working before lunch. After lunch, Dr. Brian Benning and Maryann began seeing patients. Due to the limited time available and the situation of the patients only 3 individuals were able to be seen in the afternoon. However, the next several days are expected to be very busy and productive. The remaining group traveled over to the colisieum to encourage those around the area to participate in a Vacation Bible School ministry. The time begin with several games. At the beginning there were only a handful of children playing but by the time we ended at 4:30 there were over 90 children participating. Following a time of games, Pastor Rick Harrison shared the story of Noah with the children. He very simply pointed out that Noah had listened and trusted God and thus by God's hand Noah was saved from the flood. He concluded by pointing out that this is what Christ has done by coming and giving his life on the cross. Following Rick's sharing of the gospel, the children were given crayons and pictures to color that went along with the story of Noah. This was a wonderful time of interaction and engagement with the children and adults of Puembo. At the conclusion we announced that we would be meeting again in the colisieum on Tuesday at 3:oo p.m. We joyfully are expecting many more children and adults. Although everyone on the mission team seems to be weary, wornout everyone is still willing to minister by sharing the greatness of God's love. Moving from left to right the first picture is the mission team. The second photo is Pastor Rick Harrison sharing the story of Noah to the children outside the colisieum. The third and fourth photos are pictures of the children who came out to the VBS time at the colisieum. The fifth photo is Maryann (sorry forgot here last name) making preparations for an afternoon of dental work. Althought it has been a very long day,I believe each person on the mission team would affirm that it was a great day to be in Puembo, Ecuador because of the opportunity provided to us by God to minister, love and serve the people of Ecuador in order to make the name of Christ known. We would ask for your continued prayers for strength and endurance as we continue throughout the week.

Toward the Brave New World

There has been much discussion regarding the push for a nationalized healthcare system by President Obama and Congress. As the details of the healthcare plan become more and more visible the reason for a quick vote becomes more and more evident. The are many parts of the healthcare bill that are frightening and outright scary but probably the most frightening is the thought of mandatory counseling for the elderly at the age of 65. Althought this type of thinking seems to be something new, in reality it is something that has been around for many years. Futhermore it has been adamantly advocated by many in the Obama administration and Congress. For instance, President Obama's science czar John Holdren has been associated with the "No-Growth Population" movement which advocates stopping the growth of the population in order to utilize the world's resources efficiently. I have attached a link that speaks about John Holdren http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/07/21/john-holdren-reason-fear-obamacare/. Moreover, Tom Daschle, who was President Obama's pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has made astonishing comments regarding the elimination of the elderly primarily in his book Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis. He has stated that healthcare reform "will not be pain free" and advocates that Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them. It is interesting Daschle was picked to lead the Health and Human Services when his background is not in medicine but politics. He is a lawyer not a doctor. There are many other connections to those associated with Congress and the Administration that advocate this mentality. The root of this type of thinking is essentially grounded in a humanistic viewpoint of life. Herbert Schlossberg in his book Idols for Destruction: Christian Faith and Its Confrontation with American Society wrote about many of the things we are seeing today in our world and government, in the 1980's, as a result of a humanistic worldview. In the chapter on "Consequences and Expectations" he makes this statement regarding a type of "no-growth population" movement. He states, "Death, then, is the answer to our economic problems. The elderly will be called selfish if they insist on living, and it will be a humanitarian deed and moral duty to see that they do not continue to live and so deprive others of the quality of life to which they aspire. Some day, perhaps, Francis Crick's call for a new ethic that would insist on mandatory death for all persons over eighty years of age will seem like a first hesitant step toward the brave new world that humanism is bringing into realization."

Living the Truth

In a world that believes in the absence of truth I found this quote from David Wells, in his book The Courage to Be Protestant, pertinent to our mission to convey Jesus Christ as the the Truth. He states, "The church must remember two points in particular: first, that Christianity is about truth, and second, that those who say they are Christians must model the truth by their integrity. A world without truth, postmoderns know, is an empty and dangerous place. And in a world full of hype and spin, manipulation and posturing, personal integrity is like a precious jewel. Even a little integrity goes so much further than all the technology, the country-club churches, and the big performers that can be mustered in the propagation of the biblical gospel (p.92)."

The Church in the World

I have begun reading Brennan Manning's book The Signature of Jesus. This quote is part of his opening words. The greatest need for our time is for the church to become what it has seldom been: the body of Christ with its face to the world, loving others regardless of religion or culture, pouring itself out in a life of service, offering hope to a frightened world, and presenting itself as a real alternative to the existing arrangement (9-10). I may not agree with a lot of with Manning says in his books but I have to say that he is right on spot with this statement. I believe the setting is just right for the church to make a significant impact into the lives of people.

The Obeisance of Idolatry

With a budget almost beyond comprehension President Obama has oiled the wheels of the Federal machine to provide greater provision to the people. The goal of getting more and more people dependent on the Federal government has taken a huge leaped in President Obama's budget. It is no secret that since the implementation of the New Deal in the 1930's and 1940's more and more people became dependent upon the Federal government to provide the needed sustenance to live. As the news of the enormous amount of Federal spending proposed to take place under Obama's new budget began to spread I came across this pertient quote by Herbert Schlossberg in Idols of Destruction. He states, Looking to the state for sustenance is a cultic act; we rightly learn to expect food from parents, and when we regard the state as the source of physical provisions we render to it the obeisance of idolatry. We need to be continually reminded to whom we are to look for susteance: God

The Here and Now of Narcissism

I have been reading Herbert Schlossberg's Idols for Destruction for the past month. It is very interesting and intriguing read. The book was written in the early 80's but the things he mentions and writes about can be seen as reality in our culture today. In the chapter on Idols of Nature he has a section titled "The Cult of Narcissism." Note what Schlossberg says, "The cult of self-expression, with all its excrescences, has become so persuasive that society is often said to have fallen into narcissism. The individual believes himself to the measure of both reality and moral principle. Thus, there are no standards, no belief in eternal truth, no objective measure of right and wrong; norms are delusions, and self-discipline serves no purpose."
I think we could easily say that our culture has reached the pinnacle of narcissism. The statement that "what is true for you may not be true for me," epitomizes the cult of narcissism. The story regarding the Miss USA pagaent and the question from Perez Hilton to Miss California is a great example of the cult of narcissism that permeates our society. I recognize that this is nothing new. However, it really serves as a reminder that this is our world, our society, our culture and our mission field may we go with the authority of Jesus Christ and proclaim him as truth.

Book Review - Liquid Life

In an effort to try to comprehend and understand culture better, I have taking on the task of attempting to read through several secular sociology books. I think these books provide a profitable aspect of where people are today. Although at times discerning the argument and thought of the author may be difficult the benefits gleaned are greatly applicable. The author Zygmunt Bauman begins the introductory chapter with these words, "'Liquid life' and 'liquid modernity' are intimately connected. 'Liquid life' is a kind of life that tends to be lived in a liquid modern society. 'Liquid modern' is a society in which the conditions under which its members act change faster than it takes the ways of acting to consolidate into habits and routines. Liquidity of life and that of society feed and reinvigorate each other. Liquid life, just life liquid modern society, cannot keep its shape or stay on course for long." Very simply 'liquid life' is simply a life that lived in constant uncertainty because society has become a 'liquid society,' a society in constant change.The book is an attempt to try and provide the reader with an awareness of the conditions that have created a life of liquidity because of the liquid society in which each individual lives and exists. The book is filled with great quotes that provide a foundational understanding of how society influences and impacts the lives of individuals.

"Flattened into a perpetual present and filled to the brim with survival-and-gratification concerns (it is gratification to survive, the purpose of survival being more gratification), the world inhabited by 'spiritual lumpenproletarians' leaves no room for worries about anything other than what can be, at least in principle, consumed and relished on the spot, here and now" (p.7)

"'Individuality' stand today, first and foremost, for the person's autonomy, which in turn is perceived as simultaneously the person's right and duty" (p.19)

"Unable to slow down the mind-boggling pace of change, let alone to predict and control its direction, we focus on things we can, or believe we can, or are assured that we can, influence: we try to calculate and minimize the risk that we personally, or those currently nearest and dearest to us, may fall victim to the uncountable and indefinable dangers which the opaque world and its uncertain future hold in store" (p.68-69)

"Consumer society rests its case on the promise to satisfy human desires in a way no other society in the past could do or dream of doing. The promise of satisfaction remains seductive, however, only so long as the desire stays ungratified; more importantly, so long as there is a suspicion that the desire has not bee truly and fully gratified" (p.80)

"Consumer markets feed on the anxiety of prospective consumers which they themselves arouse and do their best to intensify" (p.92)

If your interested in getting a cultural perspective from a well-known sociologist, I would highly recommend this book by Zygmunt Bauman.

The Weightlessness of God

One of my most favorite authors is David Wells, professor of Systematic Theology at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. His books have greatly enhanced my ability to understand the underlying currents of our culture; which have assisted me in formulating and developing ways in which to make the gospel relevant. In his book, God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams, he writes a chapter entitled, "The Weightlessness of God." He begins the chapter by stating, "It is one of the defining marks of Our Time that God is now weightless. I do not mean by this that he is ethereal but rather that he has become unimportant. He rests upon the world so inconsequentially as not to be noticeable. He has lost his saliency for human life. Those who assure the pollsters of their belief in God's existence may nonetheless consider him less interesting than television, his commands less authoritative than their appetites for affluence and influence, his judgment no more awe-inspiring than the evening news, and his truth less compelling than the advertisers' sweet fog of flattery and lies. That is weightlessness. It is a condition we have assigned him after having nudged him out to the periphery of our secularized life. His truth is no longer welcome in our public discourse. The engine of modernity rumbles on, and he is but a speck in its path." Of course, we would almost all certainly agree that this be the picture of our fast paced modern world. But Wells continues, "it is less clear to many that it may also be the case, albeit in less blatantly and obvious ways, in the church."
I concur with Wells. Therefore, the challenge is not only to manifest God to a culture who has clearly moved him out of bounds but to reinvigorate the people in our churches to make him an active participant in their lives.

The Invisible Hand

In 1979, Christopher Lasch wrote a most intriguing book entitled The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations. I started reading the book a few months back but got sidetracked with other interests. I intend to pick it up again because of its enormous relevancy to understanding our narcissistic culture. Nevertheless, Lasch provides a pertinent quote in regards to what I call the "invisible hand" of the mass media upon the lives of peoples. Lasch states, "The mass media, with the cult of celebrity and their attempt to surround it with glamour and excitement, have made Americans a nation of fans, moviegoers. The media give substance to and thus intensify narcissistic dreams of fame and glory, encourage the common man to identify himself with the stars and to hate the "herd," and make it more and more difficult for him to accept the banality of everyday existence."

Book Review - Lost and Found:The Younger Unchurched and the Churches that Reach them

I think as Christians we would all agree that we are at the center of an ever-changing world. A world that is rapidly becoming post-Christian. A generation of people are being raised up who have never been associated with the church nor have than they any understanding of Christianity. This generation is tagged as Young Adults. This segment of the population has become immensely absent from life of our churches. Therefore, there is a great challenge for the church in how to reach and minister to this segment of the population. Is this a daunting task? Yes. Can young adults be reached for Christ? Yes. Is there away to understand the thinking process of this segment? Yes. Ed Stetzer, along with Ritchie Stanley and Jason Hayes, have evaluated and analyzed this segment of the population and are highly optimistic that the church can reach and minister to this group of individuals. The information, evaluation, and analysis have been put into a book titled, Lost and Found.

Lost and Found is a timely read for any Pastor, minister, or church leader in need of understanding that missing segment of most churches: Young Adults. The purpose of the book is succinctly stated as being "who the younger unchurched are and how to reach them" (p.3). The book is simply divided into three parts: who they are, the ministry needs, and churches that are effectively reaching them. It is my purpose to shortly discussion each section, provide quotes, and offer an analysis of the book.

Part one provides the foundation of understanding who the young adults are that are absent from the lives of our churches. Through interviews and surveys the authors provide a solid bases of who these individuals are that are not being reached. The section offers four aspects: the types of unchurched, what they believe, what the future holds, and then a wrap-up. I think an assumption that many churches have regarding this group of individuals is that they are closed to any discussion regarding Jesus Christ. The data provided by the authors seems to point to a different direction. This then should be viewed as a great opportunity. However, the discouraging aspect is the segment has a disappointing view of those associated with the church. These are the two conclusions reached at the end of part one by the authors.

Part two provides information young adults are passion about. From research and surveys the authors identify four areas: community, depth, responsibility, and connection. Each of these areas are identified as valued areas that young adults are looking for society to provide. This portion of the book provides great insight into the thinking of young adults which is imperative in forming ministries that connect with these individuals.

Part three is the section that brings together the information and thoughts of the previous two sections by examining those churches across America that are successfully reaching the young adult segment. It is always beneficial to identify those entities that are involved in ministries that are reaching groups that are difficult to reach and in this case young adults. The authors provide good solid data that churches can study and modify to meet young adults in their context. The final section is simply the how to as provided by differing churches.

Let me briefly provide a few quotes:
"Emerging generations 'long to belong' and are hungry for a we-centered approach to growing spiritually, rather than a me-centered approach" (p.76).

"Rather than behave/believe/belong ministry, we must move toward belong/believe/become model. What this means is that an unchurched individual is immediately welcomed into the community with other Christians" (p.84).

"Young adults are looking for something more realistic - something that allows real challenges, real struggle, and real examination" (p.93).

"It's a mystery to many young adults, both inside and outside of church life, why more Christians don't take their 'responsibilities' more seriously. Young adults believe in global responsibility; they know their choices make a difference. And they are living their lives in a manner that reflects this belief" (p.111).

"Being transparent is allowing others to look into through your life, displaying a window to your soul...Those windows are also opened to move people to meaningful action. That is the kind of transparency that will connect with younger adults" (p.211).

Let me conclude by offering a few thoughts regarding the book. First, I have always enjoyed the writing of Ed Stetzer. Every book I have read written by him has always enlightened my perspective in how to effectively minister and reach people with the gospel. Lost and found is no different. If it your desire to glean an understanding of what this group of individuals think about faith, Jesus, church, and life; this book will be a great benefit. Secondly, I thought the format of the book enhanced the ability to understand young adults better. The progression from the polling, to the characteristics, to the practicality, enables the reader to develop a thorough understanding of the process it will take to reach these individuals. In closing, the book was a fantastic read and one which I will consider as one of the best reads so far this year. If you desire to reach this segment of the population then I believe this book is the one to read.

The Message of the Church

I am currently reading Idols for Destruction by Herbert Schlossberg. It is an older book but seems to be very relevant for the 21st century. I have finished the first chapter and plan to post a review later upon completion of the book. However, at this time I would like to share a quote that I think is pertinent for our postmodern age. The quote comes at the end of Schlossberg's discusson regarding the idol of historicism, which is a reference to the idea that history really has no meaning or purpose. The end result is that there is no room for God on the linear line of history.

Schlossberg references Herbert Butterfield by saying, The great task of the prophets was to show Israel that God was still active in history, just as he had been in the time of Moses. Without that, their denunciations of evil in the two kingdoms would be little more than an exercise in finger-wagging. Judgment for them was not an intellectual activity but a word denoting God's action against evil. The church, too, is custodian of the prophetic message that, after twenty-five hundred years, God is still active in history and still makes himself known in blessing and judgment. The message is as unpopular now as it was then, and there are many places in wihch the church is faithless to its charge, preferring to preach on popular themes that find ready acceptance among those who have rejected the first principles of the Christian faith.

Book Review - The Convergent Church: Missional Worshipers in an Emerging Culture

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending our state's missional ministry conference. The focus was on how to reach younger generations and/or the emerging generation. The key speaker for the two-day conference was Dr. Alvin Reid, professor of evangelism at Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. Dr. Reid did a phenomenal job. I am looking forward to hearing him again next year along with J.D. Greear from Summit Church in North Carolina.

During the conference Dr. Reid's latest book, which was co-authored with Mark Liederbach, The Convergent Church: Missional Worshipers in an Emerging Culture, was on sale. Since I am always looking for books, especially those on sale, that address the rapidly changing nature of culture, I bought one. It is here that I would like to provide a short review along with pertinent quotes that might offer some piece of the framework needed in order to penetrate the cultural wasteland that lies before our eyes.

The outset of the book offers an understanding of the nature of a convergent church. In the mind of Reid and Liederbach a convergent church is one that takes the best of conventional convictions relating to doctrine and truth and the best from the Emergin Church Movement (ECM) regarding cultural engagement and relevance. They propose that because cultural is changing so rapidly the church needs to adopt those aspects that assist in being relevant without losing the historical doctrines of the faith. The outcome of a convergent church will be a convergent Christian who will spend more energy on combining strengths rather than expend energy on the minute differences.

The book is divided into three parts. Part one, which are chapters 1-4, address the present cultural situation and its arrival. In these chapters, the worldview of modernity and postmodernity are constructed by discussing the works of Descartes, Hume, Kant, who represent modernity and Wittgensteing, Foucault, Derrida, who represent postmodernity. Understanding the influence of modernity and postmodernity upon the culture, a discussion regarding the ECM follows. It is here where Reid and Liederbach attempt to provide a working framework of the ECM. Next is an evaluation of the ECM. It is in this portion that the authors address those aspects that are strengths within the ECM and those that are weaknesses.

Part two, which are chapters 5-7, offer a discussion on converging missional worship. The purpose in these chapters is to provide a scriptural basis for the direction the church should be moving. There three aspects: worship, missions, and doctrine. The case is made that each of these are beacons that shine the light in the direction the church should move as it exist in a sea of modernity/postmodernity.

The final section of the book, chapters 8-12, address the practical aspect of living out missional worship. The authors offer a large discussion on the aspect of ethics. First, the difference between right and good. Secondly, the social gospel. The final three chapters are concluding thoughts on evangelism, discipleship, and culture. All three are discussed within the framework of convergence.

Let me provide a few quotes that may wet your appetite for a timely, relevant and well-written book attempting to address the need for relevancy and doctrinal integrity amidst a culture of relativism and pluralism.

"A convergent Christian is less concerned with reacting to what is wrong with the conventionals in their practice or with fussing about where the ECM misses the point theologically than with identifying the strengths of each of these movements and amalgamating them to bring maximum glory to the King of the universe and make the maximum possible impact on the world for Christ" (p.26).

"An overemphasis on orthodoxy can lead to an underemphasis on orthorpraxy. We must not make either/or what is meant to be both/and" (p.48).

"When viewed correrctly the shift from modernism to postmodernism is less an obstacle and more an opportunity for Christianity" (p.69).

"The reason we must move is not because the old house is broken down or useless or old-fashioned; we must move because there is a new and exciting context of life ahead of us" (p.114).

"A missional worshiper is measured by the unsaved people he or she influences daily for the glory of God, not by the church members he or she impresses weekly for the glory of self" (p.156).

"The reason the evangelical community is having so little transformative impact on society is not because we emphasize doctrine. It is because we do not emphasize it enough and do not disciple well in the application of it" (p.170).

In closing, I would like to offer two thougths regarding the book. First, I think the book has a great premise. It is imperative that the church learn how to be culturally relevant witout losing doctrinal truth. I think the book provides an adequate framework in how to do this. Secondly, I did not find the evaluation of the ECM greatly effective. There seemed to be more agreement than disagreement on certain aspects the ECM does. In the end, the book is very readable, immensely relevant and contributive in giving a framework in how to continue to reach our world for Christ.

Empty Idolatry

A few months back, I began reading through God, Revelation, and authority, Vol. 1 by Carl F.H. Henry and came across this wonderful quote regarding the thinking process of modern/postmodern man. 
To escape the shattering emptiness of a life unyielded to the living God he resorts to idolatry in his quest for an unconditioned ultimate that will give direction to his existence and hopefully assure his destiny. His frantic self-striving to invest existence with meaning and security is an idolatrous response to God's revealed purpose for mankind (p.150).

Book Review - A Quest For More: Living for something bigger than you

Paul David Tripp has attempted to write a book that addresses the emptiness and meaningless that life often brings. He begins by pointing out that each individual has been created to be a part of something bigger than themselves. He states, "There is woven inside of us a desire for something more-a craving to be part of something bigger, greater, and more profound than our relatively meaningless day-by-day existence." He uses this as the launch point to discuss that each individuals purpose is tied to God's glory. This forms the foundation for his discussion that sin has wrecked havoc in a persons heart and therefore purpose and meaning is sought apart from God's glory.
In chapters three thru seven Tripp discusses how sin affects the individual in attempting to create their own purpose and meaning. He notes that these affects are most often seen in each individual building their own little kingdom rather than being a part of God's kindgom. He notes, "The little kingdom is a way of living that will shape the way I respond to everything God has placed in my life. Little kingdom living turns life into an endless search for earthly treasures and an unending focus on personal need."
Tripp points out that not only do people attempt to build little kingdoms but often times in the process build civilizations. And the primary civilization is a civilization of self. The characteristics of the civilization of self are: self-focus, self-righteousness, self-satisfaction, self-reliance, and self-rule, and self-glorification. The civilization discussion ends by pointing out that the work of Christ destroys the cycle of civilization building.
Tripp's final kingdom discussion is the costume kingdom. In short, the costume kingdom consist of externally living for the kingdom of God but internally the kingdom of self is the driving force. He states, "It is quite possible for you to be convinced that you are living for the transcendent glories of the kingdom of God when you are, in fact, living for yourself."
Tripps discussion in chapters eight thru seventeen are built around a life that is centered on living with Christ at the center. He states, "In the little kingdom, self is always at the center. In the big kingdom, the kingdom of God, the center is the one place self can never be. The fundamental difference between the two kingdoms can be seen in who resides in the center."
Tripp moves toward the end of the book with a discussion regarding the death of the self. He states, "In calling us to die, Christ is actually rescuing us from death and giving us real life." This is the beginning point for Tripps discussion of living with Christ at the center which is characterized by: groaning, harmony, forgiveness, anticipation, sacrifice, anger, and hope. In each characterization Tripp connects how Christ overcomes the desire to live for self.

The book is very readable and enjoyable. Tripp does a wonderful job of getting to the inner crevice of heart issues. He does not hold anything back. He recognizes the decetifulness and wickedness of the human heart, whether it be a believer or a non-believer. Tripp upholds Christ as the only hope to overcome the sinful heart of an individual. He states, "Only love for Christ has the power to incapacitate the sturdy love for self that is the bane of every sinner, and only the grace of Christ has the power to produce that love." I would recommend this book to any reader.