Over the last two years I have encountered several books that are important in that they 1) warn of current issues and 2) offer ideas for a Biblical change in direction. I am reminded of the phrase in the Flood story which says that Noah "walked in close fellowship with God." The Hebrew word is Halakh and it means "human locomotion without any suggestion of a definite destination." The word in the NT is the word for community. We walk in community with Christ, meaning we have an open and honest relationship that extends to God, others and self. What does this have to do with reading? Lots!
When we are willing to listen to critique and learn from that critique we are in the act of being honest. Of all the groups I am part of the Church should be willing to look honestly at itself and make changes. The Psalmist said it like this "Search me o God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything that offends me and lead me along the path everlasting![Ps. 139:23-24NLT]." We should have that same desire to walk with God, even when we can't see the destination.
So ... here are some good reads that look (with honesty) at the Church. They are both critical and medicinal as they offer solutions. They are not for the squeamish.
The Present Future, Reggie McNeal
Radical, David Platt
They Like Jesus But Not The Church, Dan Kimball
Unchristian, Kinnaman and Lyons
The Forgotten Ways, Alan Hirsh
Leading Beyond the Walls, Adam Hamilton
Exiles, Michael Frost
God's Word tells us the truth will set us free. Let's work toward Good News being a Church and a place of freedom to live out our walk with God in joy, peace, love, fear, awe, community and honesty!
No comments:
Post a Comment