Book Review: Gospel by J D Greear

I would have to say that I looked forward to reading this book by Dr. JD Greear for quite some time. JD is a fellow pastor and a scholar and missionary (as if you could really be a pastor without also being somewhat of a scholar and missionary). He leads an incredible church that is making a difference in the world and is a personal hero of mine…even though we have never met and he couldn’t pick me out of a lineup with me wearing a name tag. Still, I have listened to many of his messages, followed his visionary leadership with great interest and would hope that I might be able to get to know him personally one day.

Much has been said in recent years about “the Gospel.” Some seek to define it with theological and practical precision…to the point that the application of the gospel is left behind. Others have simply assumed that the gospel is only the “plan of salvation” and has little bearing on the lives of people who already believe. JD argues that the Gospel is far more than an invitation to believe; rather it is the power for living extraordinarily in Christ and for Christ (p.21). Greear stated, “…the gospel shouldn’t just be a ticket to heaven but the core of our entire lives. When you have made your home in the gospel.[sic] You will be radically generous. You will show audacious faith. These things are not added after the gospel, they flow from the gospel.”

One of the arguments that Greear makes is that the gospel puts our lives in a proper perspective and context. In the gospel we are reminded that God alone makes us worthy and that any other pursuit of worthiness, by any means (including by religious accomplishment), is a type of functional and practical idolatry. One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

True religion is when you serve God to get nothing else but more of God. (p.32)

This quote reminds us that God is not a “tool” to pursue abundant life; rather life in Christ IS abundant life. Any pursuit other than Christ…satisfaction in anything else apart from Christ…is idolatry.

Perhaps the greatest reminder about the Gospel is that it is not the story providing entrance into the Kingdom. It is the Mission Statement/Core value/Chief Pursuit/Defining “key” of a believer’s life. The truth of Christ’s salvation and the righteousness that comes with it, as well as the responsibility to pursue deeper application of His salvation in our lives…changes every element of our lives.

Particularly helpful (and personally warranting an “Amen” from me as I read it) was Appendix 2. This was somewhat of an afterword and warning to those who would seek to correct the fine points of gospel understanding in others…to  the exclusion of pursuing the gospel. As Greear noted, many people live the gospel without being well-versed in defining it with theological precision. [This resonated with me since I believe the Bible to be pastoral and not simply a proof text for theological supposition. I fear that many in Christian circles today want to major on minor nuances, endless conversations about fine points of theology, and wordsmithing doctrinal statements while failing to apply these doctrines personally. (Reminds me of the warnings of the Apostle Paul to Timothy.) Greear did a great service to all of us in warning all of us not to spend our lives seeking to define the gospel; but, to immerse ourselves in living the gospel.

Hats off to Dr. Greear. A great read in a very readable format. Having listened to many of his messages via podcasts etc., I am convinced that this is a “from the heart” work and I am thankful for it…and for having the opportunity to read it. Thanks JD!! I highly recommend it.

You can purchase a copy of this book from your local bookstore or from Amazon HERE.

Book Review: Dug Down Deep, by Joshua Harris

Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris. (Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs, 2010).  240 pages reviewed.

Dug Down Deep is a wonderful and thoughtful read for the average person seeking to apply biblical truth and live out his Christian faith. Harris, in a very conversational style, offers a vulnerable commentary on his own personal experience of seeking to nail down his faith. Like many things in life, there is a difference between academic knowledge and application of that knowledge. Harris boldly shares about his own journey to apply the Scriptures to everyday living.

Perhaps as refreshing is the fact that he doesn’t shy away from biblical truth. Some authors ignore or gloss over difficult truths in the Bible so as to keep it “readable.” Harris refused to compromise with the truth but sought ways to communicate them so that they were readable. As a professor of mine told me in Seminary, “Doctrine is not boring…preachers are. Doctrine simply is. It is the task of the preacher to communicate so that the audience understands how exciting doctrine is.”

I know…exciting and doctrine don’t seem to belong together, but they do. Harris takes the approach that if you are going to build an exciting and rewarding life, then it must be built on a solid foundation. To get to that foundation, one must dig past the superficial spiritual “topsoil” and get to the rock solid base of good doctrine.

This is a great read for the person who wants to grow deeper in his faith but whose eyes glaze over at the word “doctrine” or the thought of bible study. Five stars for Harris!!

You can purchase a copy from Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of their blogger’s book review  program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Point of Clarity: LDS and Rhetoric

With the leading Republican nominee being a professing and active member of the LDS (Latter Day Saints/ Mormon) church, we are hearing significant interest by onlookers as to how evangelical Christians view the faith system. While I have personal reservations about the “motives” of the questions, the topic is important enough to speak to it…because discerning Christians should always be able to “give a defense” for what we believe (1 Peter 3:15).

The underlying question is whether we, as believers, should support a candidate who is not an evanglical Christian. It is a strange questions since no one asks if a person is faithful as an evanglical. Is it more “dangerous” or “unsavory” to have a candidate who is non-evangelical…or a “baptist” who can’t define what “is” is? Truthfully…we need to move the conversation beyond the labels and see what a person believes (worldview), how that affects his/her decision making, and then exercise STEWARDSHIP over what God has entrusted to us as Christian believers with a fundamental right to vote.

HERE is a helpful comparison page on some of the major differences between Historic Christianity and Mormonism. (NOTE: Just because something is historic doesn’t make it right or wrong. Be willing to examine the doctrines themselves and compare them to the Scriptures. If they are correct, then embrace them.)

HERE is a great article written by Dr. Ed Stetzer who is a “mentor at a distance” to me. [By that I mean that his work has been helpful and we have met a couple of times. I read his books and require them for reading in the classes I teach on subjects like church planting and missions. Ed and I do not exchange Christmas cards...but I would if he would send me an address   ].

One of the most helpful parts of Stetzer’s article is the call for clarity on the language we use. To use the term “cult” (which we are hearing and will be hearing more if in the days ahead) is to invite empassioned responses. (Images of Waco or Jim Jones come to mind). Since this is not the goal of well-intentioned commentators or even pastors like me, it is more useful to grab a term that communicates our goal.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, I do not believe that the teachings of the LDS Faith are consistent with the Bible. I do not believe that people who hold to the orthodox teachings of the LDS church are “believers” as the Bible speaks of believers and therefore I do not believe that the LDS faith teaches or experiences Salvation as it is described or promised in the Bible. So…I do not believe that members of the LDS faith are “Christian” as we use and understand the word (since it communicates by definition that one is a “follower of Christ”). You cannot rightfully claim to be a follower of Christ and not follow Christ in His life and teachings. Jesus spoke differently of Himself than the teachings of the Mormon church portray.

At the same time, I would argue that the teachings of Mormonism are moral, in the same way that Islam and Buddhism or even some others are moral. What we know though is that religion is not a utilitarian tool to foster morality. It is a system that teaches people how to relate to God in truth. I can legislate morality but I cannot legislate a relationship with God.

My charge to you who read along here…don’t fall into the trap of using incendiary words that do not further the conversation. Don’t get drawn into a soundbite that ultimately hurts the cause of Christ. Here is what Christ wants from you and me as an ultimate goal…that we would faithfully proclaim the gospel in a way that exalts God, reconciles men, and doesn’t erect artificial barriers to salvation.

At the same time…let’s not be so “flippant” in our use of words that we lose the meaning of what it is to be a “Christian.” The United States is not a Christian nation. 80% of Americans are not Christians (though they would claim to be even though they have no biblical connection to Jesus). Someone is not a Christian simply because he says so. One is a Christian if he follows after Christ.

Lest I be misquoted or misunderstood: Do not read this and think that I “hate” mormons. I love them. I have friends who are in the LDS church. We disagree about Jesus but our children have common interests and we relate to one another. I always desire for them to be changed/converted/saved and to follow Jesus as Lord. I do not apologize for that. I desire that because I love them. Further, I do not feel superior toward people in the LDS church or any other faith system. Were it not for the grace of God and the love and care of people in my life who told me the truth about Jesus, I would be just as separated from God as every non-Christian on the planet…and that is the majority. I do not see myself in an elitest way; rather, I see myself as a servant of Christ and therefore, an agent of the Kingdom and a friend to those whom Jesus loved and died for. As such, I serve others…even (and especially) those who have yet to experience the love of Christ in the same way I have.

So…How would Jesus Vote?

This may be better stated, “How will believers vote on behalf of Jesus” in the upcoming mid-term elections.

We live in an incredibly blessed country where we are allowed the privilege of speaking into the process of government. Some Christians think that “render unto Caesar…” precludes believers from having a very active role to play in government. Actually…the truth is far from this.

Believers are to represent Christ as His ambassador wherever they find themselves. We represent Him when we shop at the market, in the way we treat our employees, when we complete and sign our income tax returns, and when we interact with our neighbors. How we VOTE is no less a representation of Jesus.

Sometimes, I am asked…”who should I vote for on…?” Truthfully, my answer is nearly always the same. I can tell you who I am voting for and why…but only God can tell you who you should vote for. A pastor is not a Union Boss or a power broker seeking to influence elections. He is a man who issues a clarion call in every situation for the believers to embrace righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and for the unbeliever to repent in light of God’s rule and reign (Matthew 4:17).

As such, I often ask myself, “Who would Jesus vote for?” I believe there is a close connection between the candidate and the issues…and the vote Jesus would have us to cast. I know that Jesus would not have us vote our “checkbook” or “pocketbook.” He told us to not worry about our needs in life, since God is all-powerful and would certainly provide as we sought after Him and His will.

I imagine if Jesus were to cast a ballot, it would relate more to the morality of humankind, than the condition of the economy. It is not that having good morality “gets” us to God; rather…He would focus there because an absence of moral action ALWAYS results in suffering, struggle, strife…and ultimately…judgment. So, He would care more about abortion than social security. He would care more about integrity than immigration policy.

So, should a believer be active in the democracy where he lives? I certainly believe He should. I also think that the believer should cast a ballot for the interests that reflect the heart and teachings of God.

Someone might say…”My ballot is my own. I will cast it as I see fit.” While it is true that no one accompanies you into the voting booth…and it is also true that our laws prevent any coercion in your casting a ballot. At the same time…it is also true that no believer is an island unto Himself, nor is he self-directed. We all are seen in every action by our Lord and He has a specific will.

Success in life is to discern the will of God and then to do it. Remember…”righteousness exalts a nation.”

Book Review: Jungle Warfare: A basic field manual for Christians in Sales, by Christopher Cunningham

Jungle Warfare: A Basic Field Manual for Christians in Sales, by Christopher A. Cunningham. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010). 211 pages.

In a world that sees a dichotomy between a person’s spiritual life and his or her “professional” life, this book seeks to shift the opinion and bring about a view that all of life, for a Christian, belongs to God. The format is a 22 day devotional and reflection guide. It contains Scriptures, prayer, brief and non-technical commentary on applying a biblical principle…as well as space for note-taking or journaling.

As a pastor and former corporate sales professional, I was intrigued by the title and was curious as to how the author would treat the subject. His efforts were admirable. While I did find a theological point of error as it relates to Christian doctrine, the overall book was good.

Particularly valuable is the last section of the book which functions as a collection of questions, concerns, and ethical challenges that every Christian salesman faces from time to time. The author’s treatment of these questions was very helpful and the book is worth the time to read…if for no other reason than that.

I recommend this book to a salesman who seeks to honor God in the performance of His duties. At the same time, I would encourage a reader to be very discerning when evaluating the author’s interpretation of biblical passages and his assertions about orthodox Christianity, as they are somewhat lacking. As someone once said…”Eat the watermelon but spit out the seeds.”  

You can purchase a copy at your local bookstore or through Amazon HERE.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Why Studying the OT is important to Spiritual Growth

My Associate Pastor, Jonathan Hill (http://followjonathan.wordpress.com/), and I were talking recently about how readership on our morning devotional ”blogs” tends to drop off in the OT Books. I even had someone tell me once (or three thousand times), “I only read the NT because, (1) we live under grace now; (2) I don’t understand the OT; (3) all of the killing makes me sick; (4) It’s too hard; (i.e. I couldn’t get past Leviticus), etc.”

While I am quick to agree that reading in the OT is sometimes more challenging than NT study…there are several reasons why we must study the OT if we are ever to become what God desires for us to be.

• First, theological. Those of us who hold to a “high view of Scripture” assert that the Scripture is divinely inspired and divinely preserved. Therefore, if God saw fit to inspire and preserve the OT for us, it is critically important for our experience.
• Second, contextual. The NT was written by (primarily) Jewish men to an audience who were predominantly Jewish or were at least aware of the Jewish background of the writers. We cannot expect to fully grasp the context of the NT writer’s teachings without having an understanding of their background and reference points.
• Third, the OT was the source of teaching and revelation about God for the NT writers. As I told someone once (grinning)…”Jesus never used the NT in His preaching.”
• Fourth, reading and studying the OT bears witness to the consistent and progressively revealed plan of God from Creation…throughout history…to the prophetic expectations of Revelation. The thesis is consistent and connects everything from Genesis, to Esther, to Galatians, to Revelation.
• Fifth, the OT is a source of encouragement for imperfect people. As one of my OT professors used to say, “The OT presents people as they really are, warts and all.” David- a man after God’s own heart is also an adulterer and a murderer who dealt with consequences of his sin, depression, and pride. Knowing that he made it…gives me encouragement in my struggles.
• Sixth, mission. Christians and Jews both accept the writings of the OT. Studying the OT so that one can present the gospel from it is invaluable.
• Seventh, You ought to read the OT because of all of the cool stories. (I say that a bit-tongue in cheek-but it’s true). Much encouragement comes from faith stories like Joshua and Jericho or Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Nehemiah is one of the strongest leadership training resources I have ever used. Stories of Noah explain the flood account (that appear in nearly every near-east religious tradition…even if Dr. Fluffyhead doesn’t buy it) and give us permission to no longer be vegans.

Ultimately, we know that it is profitable to study the Scriptures…all of the Scriptures. God’s truth is clearly displayed throughout all of the Bible and when we read all of it, we increase the opportunity for Him to speak directly into our lives.

So…what do you think? Is this a compelling reason to study the OT? Have you got any reasons you would add to the list? Let me hear from you…

Article on “Southern Religion,” by Dr. Alvin Reid

Dr. Reid is one of my heroes. I love his writing and his passion for evangelism. I was reading on his site recently and ran across this article which spoke to a few things I have been thinking about recently. I found it to be challenging and helpful. He speaks of the “Southern Religion” sub-culture that exists in the deep south “bible belt.” I have been keenly aware of this since moving back tot he South after 3 1/2 years as a church planter in New York. (Until then…I was admittedly naive to many of these observations.) I am not saying that “southern is bad” or “church” in the south is bad; rather, I am saying that we must understand our religious heritage in context and seek, not to further our heritage…which may be fallible…but further the gospel and Christ’s Kingdom which certainly transcends culture.

One of the tests of a sub-culture, is to examine what is “important” to the people in that culture. What consumes their conversations. What will they “fight you for.” Notice Reid’s comments (which I pulled out of a larger context) and see what I mean:

Southern Religion means well. It talks a lot of Jesus. It sings about Him with passion. It values the institutions associated with His movement.  But in too many ways it has also missed the point. And today it often gets in the way of the gospel. Let me be clear: Southern Religion today is part of a greater problem of cultural Christianity that has been too prevalent in the past and in other places…

Southern Religion sees Christianity from a MINIMALIST view.  It defines a “great” Christian by the big 3: Show up in church, be a steward and give, and serve in the church. No matter that you are a racist, or cheat on your taxes, or practice shady deals in your business, just be active at the church house. Such a minimalist approach creates a “good guys vs bad guys” mentality with the bad guys being those who disagree, not with essential doctrine, but with your preferences. I lost count of how many times someone in the South told me they are sure Southern Gospel will be sung in heaven around the throne. With all due respect to my friends who love SG, music in heaven will be much better.  When we start deciding from our preferences what matters most, the gospel gets pushed to the periphery. And that is exactly what has happened. We are reaping a lot of what we have sown.

This minimalist view relates to theology and morality. Your views on eschatology and the prohibition of alcohol had better line up. By the way, mine do, but I do not think either is quite as important as the Atonement. “I don’t smoke, drink, cuss, or chew, or run around with girls that do.” Make no mistake: the Scripture is clear in its call to holiness. But when Southern Religionists get passionate about alcohol but remain silent about racism, or get more vocal about their SEC football team than the good news found in Christ, even lost people see the disconnect.

You can read his full post HERE, and I would encourage you to do so. Even if you disagree it can be helpful. Then drop back here and share your thoughts. I really want to know!

Article by Dr. Al Mohler on “The Shack”

Dr. Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has written a review on “The Shack.” You can read it HERE. Particularly interesting to me is the observation he makes about the lack of theological discernment on the part of evangelicals.

I wrote a review on the book as well which can be accessed HERE. In it, I observed that some recognize error in the book, but dismiss it under the guise that the book is a work of fiction. Notice the comments in Mohler’s piece as it relates to this:

Similarly, writing at Books & Culture, Katherine Jeffrey concludes that The Shack “offers a postmodern, post-biblical theodicy.” While her main concern is the book’s place “in a Christian literary landscape,” she cannot avoid dealing with its theological message.

In evaluating the book, it must be kept in mind that The Shack is a work of fiction. But it is also a sustained theological argument, and this simply cannot be denied. Any number of notable novels and works of literature have contained aberrant theology, and even heresy. The crucial question is whether the aberrant doctrines are features of the story or the message of the work. When it comes to The Shack, the really troubling fact is that so many readers are drawn to the theological message of the book, and fail to see how it conflicts with the Bible at so many crucial points.

All this reveals a disastrous failure of evangelical discernment. It is hard not to conclude that theological discernment is now a lost art among American evangelicals — and this loss can only lead to theological catastrophe.

The answer is not to ban The Shack or yank it out of the hands of readers. We need not fear books — we must be ready to answer them. We desperately need a theological recovery that can only come from practicing biblical discernment. This will require us to identify the doctrinal dangers of The Shack, to be sure. But our real task is to re-acquaint evangelicals with the Bible’s teachings on these very questions and to foster a doctrinal rearmament of Christian believers.

What cannot be overlooked is the fact that every work, even fiction, can have an impact on our worldview. The most dangerous part of a book like The Shack, is not the book, but the intellectual dishonesty or naivety with which many approach the book. Let’s not dismiss the fact that it makes heretical statements. Let’s identify them and identify them as such. What would be the greatest travesty would be for those who come from the evangelical world to act as though this were nothing more than another (potentially correct) viewpoint of the Person and Nature of God and how He relates to His Creation.

Hats off to Dr. Mohler for another sobering and timely review of this work and the deeper issues at hand.

I am open to your thoughts as well.

Interesting Article on “The Joy of Giving”

Here is an article by a Medical Doctor who was the son of Sir John Templeton, world-renowned philanthropist. As I have read about the father, I can not discern if he was a believer, but he obviously impressed some of his thoughts on his son. (Again, the article is by the son). I thought it interesting….

This week, we start a new series called “Give it All Away!” and we will spend 4 weeks discussing the subjects of giving, generosity, and the benefits thereof.

This is one of the articles I found in my research. Thought you might like to read it directly. You can access it HERE. Please drop back by and share your thoughts….ALSO, please share, if you are comfortable doing so, a brief testimony of your attitude and practice toward giving.

For me, my discipline has evolved through the years. I have not always been a disciplined “giver.” I have, however, been a committed giver and supporter of my church and its mission and ministry for well over a decade and can say that the axiom is true, “You cannot out give God.”

I would love to hear your stories….

Link to John Piper on Christian Hedonism

Hye guys. I read this article today. Since I preached last week on the “Idol of Hedonism,” and referenced the subject of “Christian Hedonism,” I thought I would point you to this LINK HERE to a short article that John Piper wrote today defining the what and why of Christian Hedonism. As I said on Sunday, I am not certain that the title originates with him, but he is the one who helped me understand the concept best.

Enjoy the ARTICLE and drop back by here to comment on it if you would. If you missed the message on Sunday, this LINK will take you to our website where you can listen to it, download it, or subscribe to the podcasts via iTunes. Enjoy.