I’m beginning a 12 week series of blog posts based on the book you see pictured above. If interested you can purchase it or simply check it out here.
John Calvin is credited with saying:
The gospel is not a doctrine of the tongue, but of life. It cannot be grasped by reason and memory only, but it is fully understood when it possesses the whole soul and penetrates to the inner recesses of the heart.
As you look, the title of the book is a strange one. In fact, that title will give you all sorts of options on books…some very far out. But as the front cover states this book is about living the gospel in front of people.
In my world, one of the number one excuses used for not following Christ is the lack of consistency in living a life of faith in front of people, i.e. too many hypocrites. Bobby’s challenge is for those of us who are Christ-followers to become visible representatives of the One we profess to love so much.
I think that is an excellent idea! People are tired of hearing us “voice” our beliefs and not “see” them fleshed out. Only when we are transformed by the gospel will we find our lives changed and then, in turn, being used to change other lives.
Can you/do you disagree?
That is the challenge I will be addressing over the next 12 weeks. I hope you will join me and join in the discussion. Your thoughts are appreciated.
It won’t surprise you that I wrote down that Calvin quote as important in my notes as I read the first part of the book. So far the book is revealing itself as practical, written with perspective and wisdom, and entirely relevant. I look forward to pressing on through it.
Glad I am not alone in liking that quote Daniel. I hope you continue finding the book as you see it now.
It would be hard to disagree with this! I like it a lot. How can our beliefs make a difference if they never become known/”seen”?
You understand Stephen the dichotomy we are under.
If the Gospel doesn’t produce actions in our life, then any words we say are meaningless.
Very true.
I don’t think the Why people do not follow Christ has much to do with how professed Christ followers act. For me I just don’t believe the story is any more than just old myths and ancient visions and dreams that were written down.
There is no evidence to support the rather extraordinary claims.
I think most non followers see a very disjointed and mixed message of what even believing it means.
When Christians can’t even agree on what it means why would you expect non Christians to be interested in your personal version?
Your reason for not following is different from the majority Jeff (even though you know I totally disagree with your words). However, you don’t pretend and I can respect that. However, I do hope my life is consistent enough to not turn people off or away, but make them curious.
My pastor tells us how much he hears that statement from people not attending church: They are all hypocrites. He counters by agreeing with them that, yes, they are; we are sinners, all of us, and that’s precisely why we NEED church. I have a blog coming out later this month on that precise topic.
Looking forward to this 12 week adventure! Blessings, Bill!
I agree with your pastor Martha. In spite of what many say, we need the church and the fellowship.
I think too that sometimes we feel as if we don’t want people to know we’re Christians because so many have only had bad experiences. The see the Westboro crew or knew the harsh church lady growing up. But that’s exactly why people need to know–not because we’re perfect, but because if we live the Gospel, it will maybe challenge their preconceived ideas about Christians. Good thoughts, Bill! Look forward to reading more on this.
You bring up a good point Jason. So many have had bad experiences. it is up to those who care to leave a good taste in their mouth. I look forward to hearing more from you as I move through this series.
The reasons indicated, for the fast rise in religious affiliation by the 2012 Pew research study,”Nones on the Rise” were that Churches are:
1. Too much about money and power
2. Too focused on rules
3. Too involved in politics.
The fact that maybe many are seen as hypocrites seems to me to indicate that people that say they are religiously affiliated really are unaffected by the experience but are simply claiming an affiliation due to tradition or upbringing. They are just giving the safe expected response.
I think more and more people, as seen in the 20-30somethings, will simply find religions, of any kind, less and less relevant to living a happy and productive life.
The problem with the Pew Research type of study, Jeff, is like most research: a (relatively) small group of people are surveyed and assumptions are made on that survey. I agree the three points do take in many churches. But there are also those who aren’t into any of those three. Therefore they should not be judged on that scale. Sadly you ARE right about the reason people give for their involvement in the faith- tradition or upbringing. I am also aware of the studies on the Millenials which is largely the group you mentioned (without name).
I’ve heard about this book and even have it on my Reading List. I’m very interested in your series.
Can’t wait!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts TC.
I think we are shrinking away from our public stand. It seems like every time someone comes forward with a gospel-inspired truth, they are shoved aside as haters and dissenters. It certainly scares away all but the boldest! And right now, the boldest are the dumbest, the worst. The only people willing to take a stand are those with the wrong message!
i think you are right David. As the criticism gets stronger and the battle intensifies, as the “unfairness” of treatment becomes even more aware, it is easier to shrink than to fight. Sadly, your last sentence is spot on.
The gospel is not at all about ‘what we do’…or ‘what we don’t do’.
Those things are law issues (in the law/gospel paradigm).
The gospel is this…and only this…”Your sin is forgiven for Jesus’ sake”.
That’s it.