By Steve

Thoughts on Surprised By Hope, by N.T. Wright.

This book is dangerous. Timely. Helpful. And I love it! But let me say, it's not for everyone. It will challenge pre-conceptions and shake up some of your cherished doctrines (though they will be put back together in a way that will give passion to your love for God).

The other day I was challenged by my "church planting coach" to work out what it means to accept Jesus, to be saved, to be (a) Christian. This challenge came from a lengthy conversation we were having where we found many points of aggreement but diverged from time to time as well. He issued the challenge, because it's important to him (and to me) that we know what it is we are asking people to do. What is the gospel Citywalk is preaching/living and how do others enter into it. He knows enough about me that alter calls and 4 spiritual laws don't fit into my way of answering his questions. But he also has never heard me articulate what I do believe.

He also said that many young pastors he works with refuse to clearly describe these issues at all. They just want people to hang out with Jesus. And since my coach is "old" and "old fashion" in their opinion (neither of which are true), they don't respond well to his questions (I often find myself not responding well either, but not on this issue of salvation). So he has challenged me to work this out, in part for me and for the church, but also to help others struggling with similar things. I accept.

That's why this book is so timely. The subtitle reads, Rethinking heaven, the resurrection and the mission of the church. These are a few of the most important issues to consider if I am to personally work through what it means to follow Jesus. You can't rethink your approach to sharing the gospel if you're not willing to rethink some of these things. I think that's why so many are fuzzy on what this entire "become a Christian" thing is all about. Some may continue to cling to tired old theologies and just want fresh ways to refer to them. It may be true though, that our theologies inform our methods...so both must be looked into.

This is also what makes the book dangerous. If you're quite happy with your current beliefs and can effectively share them with others...that means people want to listen, and they are interested and attracted to what you are saying and they want it for them too...then don't read this book. But if you're like me, a bit frusterated and fed up with how people speak of faith, and proclaim to have become Christian but live effectively no different, then you must read this book. But reader beware, if you're not willing to open your mind a bit to things that may at first read seem wrong, then don't read this book.

Here's to a good journey over the next few Thursdays (or Fridays) together. Open your mind. Open the book. Open your wallet (just kidding). And be open to a more Biblical, helpful and dangerous way of trusting and following Jesus.