Radical Together: Excruciating Power

When I picked up "Radical Together" by David Platt, the first thing I noticed was the paper. Before I read the content, I saw that the book was printed on pages of inexpensive quality. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with the book's product excellence but usually publishers spend a lot of money to make the book high quality paper for that "draw factor." If that were the case, all the content inside would be hypocritically dismantled. Why?

The book hits the heart with a "in your face" impact. If you want a book to challenge you, buy it. If you want to stay the same type of person or Christian, don't read it. I have read literally hundreds, probably thousands of book in my years of study as a minister. This is in the top 25 in power, profundity, and persuasion.

Honestly? I am not sure I can apply it. Yes, I know I am a pastor and ought to be selfless and dedicated to the cause of Christ but this confrontation really makes me consider if I can decide to be radical with my church in the same way as the early church. If I do, it will cause me to change not only my life but also The Fountain of Grace.

Like the paper, it is simple and noteworthy. Don't miss this soul stretcher and pray that your heart will be willing to be new paper for Christ. Give up the expensive lifestyle, the usual, and the profuse. In the end, all of us will rejoice for the sacrifice in being radical together.

I received this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for writing a review.

Desires are Good

The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. These are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the ocean. (Jonathan Edwards)

Washington, A Legacy of Leadership by Paul Vickery

Here is a good read.

The amount of biographies, articles, journals, and anything else a writer could put words on of George Washington is unmatched when it comes to the initial years of America as a birthing nation. This addition provides a description of Washington that is clean, direct, and insightful. Paul Vickers is obviously familiar with his subject and the surroundings of a life “Providentially controlled.” The simplicity of the work is refreshing. The writing is easy to enjoy and beneficial for education. Those who enjoy the contrived or élite discussions of possible inner motivations of the man will not find much to work with.

Washington is presented as a man of character with on the job training in the most consequential time for the future nation. He is humble and ambitious, both necessary for the desired accomplishments of a provider and defender of liberty. The faith of Washington is obviously presented as a part of the man who leans on it with sincere abandonment to “Providence”, Washington’s favorite word for God.

This particular portrait of the General parallels Henry Lee’s word given at his funeral, “First in war – first in peace – and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life; pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting.”

Suggestion? Read it. It’s a keeper.

*** I received this book for free from Booksneeze in exchange for writing a review. ***

Small Groups - Now that's what I'm talkin' about

From one of the guys in the church named Ed

If I had a blog, I'd be blogging right now. Just left small group and was witness to the beginnings of transformation. Will asked one question (I'll let him fill you in on that) and I saw people opening up and interacting like never before. The discussion over one question took up the entire time and we even went late. Perhaps a small step, but people are connecting and learning. A subtle but important distinction was highlighted with the group at the end: "THIS is the church. We are not a church with small groups, small groups ARE the church." I think that resonated. Just my thoughts for the night. I think Grace Fellowship would say: "Now THAT's what I'm talkin about!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Just a note... we calculated and over 90% of our church is in small groups. May it change our entire focus and ministry!