“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a bowl or hids it under a bed. Instead, the person puts it on a lampstand so those who come in will see the light” (Luke 8:16 NCV).
Many of us have heard these words of Jesus from our youth. We have sang, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” It has been paired with the thoughts of being the salt and light of the world, and to be a light unto dark places.
But this verse is one slice of a greater message. While these are true statements and are implied and connected to these words from our Savior, they are part of something different.
We’ve wrapped our first full week at Gateway. It was quite full between unpacking the house, getting into the office and trying to unpack and organize there, getting ready for Thursday Bible Study and Sunday morning. Our home voicemail wasn’t working and I recorded a new message at the church. But all in all, that was to be expected. Then came the unexpected.
One thing I do a lot of is reading. I also like to put book reviews here on this site. I don’t usually do what I’m doing here, though, and that’s talking about a book that has just hit shelves, and I haven’t read it yet.
“The Christian Atheist” is written by Craig Groeschel, pastor of multi-site and internet church, Life Church (www.lifechurch.tv). In the promotional material I’ve seen online today, Craig calls himself a “recovering Christian Atheist”. At the bottom of the post you can watch a promo by Craig on the book.
The concept for “The Christian Atheist” is that an overwhelming percentage of North Americans claim to be Christian. But do they really live as if they believe God exists and salvation is found in Christ? We hear it, read it, repeat it, but are those who profess Christ (“Christians”) who live as though God does not exist (“atheists”)?
My Dad told me about a book he picked up by a popular author. He started reading it and almost put it aside because it challenged and convicted him. I expect “The Christian Atheist” to have the same effect on us as we read it. Of course, if we can’t be convicted by the truth, we’ve got a deeper problem, right? Not everyone goes looking for a challenging word, but I think we as the people of God might want to start.
If you’ve picked up the book and read it, leave your comments here, or post a review at: www.christianbooklounge.com.
You can get more information, check out the blog and download a sample chapter at: www.christianatheist.com.
We’ve been talking about hope. I recently received an email from a friend in our church with a link to this video. Put simply, it is a video of hope. While the story is about Haiti in the specific, I believe we can take the hope that this imparts in our hearts and apply it to every country, state/province, city, and church.
Today I was reading through 2 Timothy. Several verses refreshed deep feelings and thougths within, while others caught me off guard. Each time you read the Bible, depending on your current situation or need, different elements will be brought to light. I was touched today by a couple of ignored lines and phrases. One of those is my topic today.
Chris MacKinnon 