$11.95 and a Cure for Myopic Vision
The other day I went to redeem my little Books-a-Million gift card and decided to go with a little pocket-size book called Atlas A-Z. In this little atlas is a whole world, one which most Christians, especially American Christians know little about. Only when a tsunami hits can we speak of Indonesia or Sri Lanka or of Sudan when there is genocide; yet in this vast world in every corner there are Chrisitians giving their lives, anonymously heroes, men and women who the world, yea even some Christians, are not worthy. For most of us, our vision goes no farther than our zip codes can take us, and yet the arms of God's love extends to every people, every tribe, every nation for the glory of God. This "myopicy" can be cured if but believers would do a "Where in the World is God" search and become what missiologists call a "world Christian". This is what I want to be, and I am far from it, but with this atlas I hope to know more about the mosaic of the Redeemed and be better informed and prayer about God's work around the world. One more thing, there is a book called Operation World by Patrick Johnstone that is simply amazing. Next to your Bible, I recommend this book - that is, if you have a heart for the nations and want to see the peoples satisfied with the pleasures of God. Jabez can wait, trust me, and if you are looking for that elusive "purpose-driven life", you won't find it in the pages of a book, but the commentary of missionary lives' given for the cause of Christ around the world. Let's join them, and see a thrust take place that will reverberate and shake the nations.
posted by Timmy Brister at 3/22/2005 12:41:00 PM
4 Comments:
so what do you truly think about the Purpose Driven Life book? Do you not agree with it?
3/22/2005 01:37:00 PM
Well, let's just put it this way. There are many things suspect about the book, not the least of which is the attempt to make the gospel a popular sound-byte that would appeal to the masses. For a helpful critique of the book, however, I would like to refer you to this link: http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/topic/seeker.html
Please refer to the articles pertaining to the "Purpose Driven Life" section. There a number of articles, and it would take you some time to read them all (most are helpful). Let me know what you think.
By the way, popular books don't always mean they are theologically and biblically true. Although there may be some blessings and providential workings as a result of the book (i.e. Ashley Smith), this book unfortunately serves as a theological manual for a biblically illiterate society who have taken Scripture out of context and turned them into slogans. If you want a further exposition of this perspective, let me know. Thanks for the interest.
3/22/2005 02:02:00 PM
I will read these articles. Thank you. Although there are some 'simple' things, slogans, it has done alot in people's lives. the thousands of people that were saved from going through this bible study will probably tell you, the simpleness meant alot. i know that it was the Holy Spirit drawing them and that was the reason they were saved. The people of God that were going out, visiting these people, inviting them to the Bible study--because of that, they were saved. I don't think that the thousands of people would have been saved through 'slogans' alone and through a 'manual'.
3/22/2005 03:33:00 PM
Yes, I agree with you. Many have been impacted with this book. I am not saying that it is all bad, and I am not saying that you should not read anything Rick Warren is putting out. I too believe that there were many who were drawn by the Holy Spirit as well, but the Spirit works with the Word of God, and saving faith comes from an understanding given through God opening the minds and hearts of sinners through His Word. However, this is much to be wary of. For instance, if you had the opportunity to be a part of the 40 Days of Purpose program, you will know that Warren gave a gospel presentation in the first telecast/video. In his presentation, not one single element of the gospel was presented. Instead, it was basically God "has a wonderful plan for your life." Now pray this prayer with me. The quality of Christianity you have is determined by the kind of gospel you preach. Now is not the time to determine whether or not the whole purpose-driven campaign was effective. Time will tell and some fruit will remain and some will not. As in the parable of the soils, most gave the appearance of fruit but did not last. It is my prayer that whatever tool or program that we as Christians use, we preach the whole gospel to the whole person that fruit may remain to the glory of God. The other side of the story needs to be heard. Progress necessitates resistance thinking, not mindless followship, and this I hope that we all endeavor to do.
3/22/2005 09:54:00 PM
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