Book Review: Your Church is Too Safe

Your Church is Too Safe was written by Mark Buchanan, a Baptist pastor from Canada. This book was written as a wake-up call for the church to live up to its mission and to live as an embodiment of the kingdom of God here on earth.

I can’t say I completely agreed with everything written in this book. There were some things I didn’t agree with, such as referring to Jesus’ cries to His Father in Gethsemane as “complaints,” or referring to Peter, James and John as Jesus’ “favorites.”

There were times that it seemed Buchanan went to the extreme to make his point, but perhaps that was his purpose. He seeks to address the complacency, apathy and even hypocrisy of individuals in the church today. He challenges Christians to live as a radical and authentic incarnation of God’s love and be the Church we ought to be, full of grace and truth.

I believe the real test of this book isn’t Buchanan’s writing; it is the reader’s response to it. What will we do in response to the issues Buchanan raised? How can we step out of our comfort zone and show love to the least of these? It might make us uncomfortable. We might have to interact with and love people who are different than us. We might have to change the way we do some things. We might have to challenge our traditions. But we might just discover that living as Jesus called us to live truly is the best way.

A side note – I know you can’t judge a book by its cover, but I had some trouble with the dust cover of this book. I’m not sure if it was just my copy or if it was the material the jackets were made of, but the inside flap didn’t want to properly lay flat.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan as part of the Your Church is Too Safe blog tour on the Engaging Church blog.

Book Review: My Own Worst Enemy

My Own Worst Enemy was written by Janet Davis. Although the front cover may not scream for you to pick it up, this book will inspire women to live to their potential as the individuals God has created and called them to be. The main theme of the book encourages women to shine, not hiding the person that they are, but standing tall as women of God.

This book is written in a readable style, and I believe many women will easily relate to the illustrations presented. The author seemed to have good insight into the female mind and the things that women experience, including the silent struggles women may face. Through the stories told in this book, readers will come to realize that they are not alone and that others experience the same thoughts, emotions and attitudes that they do. You may have heard that voice in your head before asking, "Just who do you think you are?" This book inspires women to overcome those doubts and fears and shine. Each woman has something unique to offer, and this book encourages women to contribute their voice and creativity without allowing anyone, especially themselves, to hold them back from following God's call.

The author shares her own personal experiences as well as stories of other contemporary women dealing with various issues and emotions. Also included in each chapter is a unique look at the story of a woman in the Bible. These stories include the experiences of Mary, Martha, Naomi, Esther, and the woman at the well, among others. The author made some interesting points regarding these biblical stories, although I felt she read into the Scriptures a little too much sometimes. There were times she described what the individuals may have been thinking, even though we are not explicitly told by the Scriptures what their thoughts were at that time.

At the end of each chapter are some questions for reflection to help readers apply the messages and truths to their own lives. I found these questions to be helpful, relevant and challenging to me personally. There are times that I doubt or question myself, as described in this book; however, I could relate to some of the author's descriptions of herself and her story encouraged me in my own pursuits. For example, she had long desired to write a book, a dream that finally came true for her, despite her doubts. Publishing a book is a dream of mine as well, and I hope that it will one day become a reality.

The author spoke about the difference between shining and being prideful and between hiding our light and being humble. God does not want us to hide our light; He desires, even commands, us to let our light shine. As we do so, we bring glory to Him as we live as His children, sharing His love and truth. May you continue to shine as you live as the person He has created you to be!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my review.

Let your light shine! Matthew 5:16

Motive Check

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His listeners not to perform their righteous acts in order to be seen and applauded by other people. He goes on to specifically mention the acts of giving to the poor, praying and fasting. These things are to be done in secret. The quiet acts are clearly seen by our unseen Father, who will reward them.

"Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 6:1 CEB

Time for a motive check. Why do we do what we do? With what attitude do we do it? Do we serve just so other people will applaud us? Do we put on a show when we pray? Do we give to the needy so that others will affirm our goodness? Do we seek to let everyone know that we are acting righteously? These attitudes can creep in stealthily, corrupting our pure motives.

It is true that we are to let our light shine in front of people, but the motive for this is to bring glory to God, not ourselves. This comes from a lifestyle of living faithfully and honestly for the Lord, not simply doing acts of righteousness for a human audience.

"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 CEB

If we continue to live for the approval of other people, to please them, we cannot truly serve Christ as we ought to (Galatians 1:10). Yet, when we live to please God alone, the rewards are wonderful.

Lord, may we faithfully serve You, to give You the glory You rightfully deserve. We are Your servants, Your children, here to do Your will. Help us to do just that. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Book Review: How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens

How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens was written by Michael Williams. This guide takes readers on a journey through each book of the Bible, while focusing on how Christ is revealed and pointed to throughout the Scriptures and how each individual book relates to the larger redemptive narrative of the entire Bible.

Each biblical book is covered in a chapter of the Jesus Lens book. Each chapter includes an introductory overview of the biblical book(s); a statement describing the theme; a verse or passage to memorize; a description of how the teaching of the book(s) relates to the Person of Jesus; as well as some contemporary applications and questions to help readers connect the message of the biblical book(s) with their own experiences in today's world. These components are also summed up in a handy chart at the back of the book covering all of the Old and New Testaments.

The overviews in each chapter give readers a short introduction to each biblical book, which is especially helpful for books with which they may not be as familiar. Williams' book also is helpful in getting readers to understand that the messages of these biblical books are still relevant in today's world. This book can help readers to cross the cultural divide and apply the messages and principles of the Scriptures to life today. Although I believe it is important that we do not neglect the original meaning and context of the Scriptures for the original audience, seeing how each book relates to Christ is helpful for us as Christians today, living under the new covenant. Jesus Himself acknowledged that the Scriptures testify about Him (see John 5:39).

I decided to focus my study and review on the books of Psalms and Hebrews, two that I have been studying this year.

Old Testament: Psalms

The Old Testament is sometimes seen as irrelevant in today's culture. However, Williams' book helps readers to see how the prophecies, teachings and laws in the Jewish Scriptures were ultimately fulfilled in Christ. It also provides contemporary applications for the teachings found in these books.

In the book of Psalms, we get a glimpse into a genuine, intimate relationship between a human and God. We learn that we too can pour out our honest feelings before God. Williams' book described the movement of the psalms from lament to praise. Because of God's goodness, we can always end up in praise.

The Jesus Lens: According to Williams, the relationship with God we see depicted in the Psalms was exhibited in Jesus' own relationship with His Father. Christ, who has revealed the Father to us, is also the Way by which we can have this relationship with God as well.

New Testament: Hebrews

The New Testament book of Hebrews was written to an audience of Jewish Christians. These believers were struggling somewhat with this new faith. It seems that the author of Hebrews is trying to get his audience to see the ancient teachings they knew through the "Jesus lens." He seeks to help them realize that the teachings of the Scriptures have been fulfilled in Christ. He wants them to understand their need for continual faith in Jesus, so that they will not give that up and turn back to the legalism of the old covenant.

The Jesus Lens: The Law and its teachings and observances were only a shadow of things that were to come, but Christ and His sacrifice are far better and eternal. In the book of Hebrews, readers are reminded that Christ is the mediator of our relationship with the Father and we must continue steadfastly in our faith in Him.

In the application section for Hebrews, Williams wrote that contemporary readers may not be struggling with the idea of turning back to Jewish practices as the original audience was; however, there may be other things to which we may be tempted to return. Yet, we too must hold firmly to our faith in Christ.

Conclusion

I believe that Williams' book provides a good introduction to each book of the Bible and is helpful for readers who are interested in digging into the Scriptures and discovering how they can be applied to the lives of Christians today.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan as part of the Jesus Lens blog tour.

Psalm of the Week

Psalm 9

¹ I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts.
² I will celebrate and rejoice in you; I will sing praises to your name, Most High.
³ When my enemies turn and retreat, they fall down and die right in front of you
⁴ because you have established justice for me and my claim, because you rule from the throne, establishing justice rightly.
⁵ You’ve denounced the nations, destroyed the wicked. You’ve erased their names for all time.
⁶ Every enemy is wiped out, like something ruined forever. You’ve torn down their cities—even the memory of them is dead.
⁷ But the LORD rules forever! He assumes his throne for the sake of justice.
⁸ He will establish justice in the world rightly; he will judge all people fairly.
⁹ The LORD is a safe place for the oppressed—a safe place in difficult times.
¹⁰ Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, LORD.
¹¹ Sing praises to the LORD, who lives in Zion! Proclaim his mighty acts among all people!
¹² Because the one who avenges bloodshed remembers those who suffer; the LORD hasn’t forgotten their cries for help.
¹³ Have mercy on me, LORD! Just look how I suffer because of those who hate me. But you are the one who brings me back from the very gates of death
¹⁴ so I can declare all your praises, so I can rejoice in your salvation in the gates of Daughter Zion.
¹⁵ The nations have fallen into the hole they themselves made! Their feet are caught in the very net they themselves hid!
¹⁶ The LORD is famous for the justice he has done; it’s his own doing that the wicked are trapped. Higgayon. Selah
¹⁷ Let the wicked go straight to the grave, the same for every nation that forgets God.
¹⁸ Because the poor won’t be forgotten forever, the hope of those who suffer won’t be lost for all time.
¹⁹ Get up, LORD! Don’t let people prevail! Let the nations be judged before you.
²⁰ Strike them with fear, LORD. Let the nations know they are only human. Selah

Common English Bible

Compare other translations at BibleGateway.com

From One Generation to Another

Senior adults may not have the ability to serve on the frontlines of children's ministry like they once did, but they still have the desire to make a positive impact on the next generation. Tapping into the wisdom, love and gifts of these older members of your congregation will be beneficial for all ages. There are many ways senior adults can be involved in children's ministry. Here are a few ideas:

Prayer Warriors: Senior adults are some of the greatest prayer warriors! Give them a list of names of kids and volunteers in your ministry and encourage them to pray for those individuals and their families.

Birthday Patrol: Senior adults can lead a card ministry. Give them a list of the birthdays of children in your ministry and let them send out a birthday card to each child for his or her special day!

Preparation Time: Senior adults may be able to help with some of the preparation duties in your ministry, from folding newsletters to preparing craft supplies.

Tasty Treats: Utilize the cooking and baking talents of senior adults. Ask them to make a batch of cookies for snack time or prepare a meal for children at your mid-week program.

Nursery Duty: Many older women especially love cradling newborn babies. Encourage them to serve in the nursery or at least stop by and give some love and attention to these little ones.

A Friendly Greeting: Have senior adults serve as greeters to welcome children as they arrive or depart from services, VBS, or other programs and events. Children will appreciate the smiles and hugs from these grandparent figures. 


Listen to Their Stories: From their years of experience, senior adults have some pretty interesting stories. Perhaps there is a story they can share with your children during an upcoming lesson - maybe from a past missionary journey they took part in, or of an interesting happening from their own childhood. Older children could even interview these adults. Keep a copy of the interviews in your church library as a treasure for the years to come.



Serve Them: These adults have been a blessing to many individuals throughout the years. Let your children's ministry be a blessing to them as well. Get your children actively involved in serving senior adults in your congregation and community. Take a visit to a nursing home and sing to the residents or have children hand out crafts or cards they have made. Older children could take part in service activities such as raking leaves for an elderly person.



Note: Wheelchair races are not recommended.



"You’ve taught me since my youth, God, and I’m still proclaiming your wondrous deeds! So, even in my old age with gray hair, don’t abandon me, God! Not until I tell generations about your mighty arm, tell all who are yet to come about your strength, and about your ultimate righteousness, God, because you’ve done awesome things! Who can compare to you, God?" -Psalm 71:17-19 CEB 

In what ways are senior adults involved in your church's ministry to children and families?

The Resurrection and The Life

Praise the Lord for a new day! It's March. Springtime is coming. Out of the deadness of winter, new life.

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" - John 11:25 CEB

Jesus spoke these words to Martha, following the death of her brother Lazarus. Jesus was reassuring her with the hope of life in the midst of the shadow of death. Although these words were spoken so many years ago, the question Jesus raised is still directed to us today: Do you believe this? Take some time to reflect on Jesus' question. Consider your response, as if your life depended on it. It does.