Timothy Keller in Prodigal God makes a strong assertion. It's neither common or popular in the current climate of Christianity in North America today. But, I agree with it. We need each other.
"Christians commonly say they want a relationship with jesus, that they want to 'get to know Jesus better'. You will never be able to do that by yourself. You must be deeply involved in the church, in Christian community, with strong relationships of love and accountability. Only if you are part of a community of believers seeking to resemble, serve and love Jesus will you ever get to know Him and grow into His likeness."
Keller goes on to quote C.S. Lewis. Lewis describes the beauty of being a member of the body of Christ:
"In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out. By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity. I want other lights than my own to show all his facets."
About Me
- Paul Metler, Ph.D.
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- Hello. Thanks for stopping by. If you care to read about what's crossing my mind or sticking in my heart I welcome you to my latest post. So, I hope you enjoy my ramblings. More importantly, I hope I can encourage you to join me in my quest to be a faithful follower of my Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Courage and Faith
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (Acts 26:28)
King Agrippa’s response to Paul’s testimony is memorable. The KJV reads “almost thou persuaded me to be a Christian”. Paul presented a passionate and compelling account of the Gospel. Agrippa listened and managed to muster up a fairly puny response. Waht about us? We have received the Gospel. None of us would dare to diminish the power of the Gospel with our words. I pray we do not diminish it with our actions. Agrippa lacked the faith and courage to move forward and accept Jesus. Moving boldly with our testimony requires the same faith and courage. Consider the words of Robert Quinn:
The land of excellence is safely guarded from unworthy intruders. At the gates stand two fearsome sentries – risk and learning. The keys to entry are faith and courage.
King Agrippa’s response to Paul’s testimony is memorable. The KJV reads “almost thou persuaded me to be a Christian”. Paul presented a passionate and compelling account of the Gospel. Agrippa listened and managed to muster up a fairly puny response. Waht about us? We have received the Gospel. None of us would dare to diminish the power of the Gospel with our words. I pray we do not diminish it with our actions. Agrippa lacked the faith and courage to move forward and accept Jesus. Moving boldly with our testimony requires the same faith and courage. Consider the words of Robert Quinn:
The land of excellence is safely guarded from unworthy intruders. At the gates stand two fearsome sentries – risk and learning. The keys to entry are faith and courage.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Servant Leadership
"human beings can make choices to live and lead at a higher level, to be serving rather than self-serving. But when you look at the leaders around the world—whether they’re running countries, businesses, churches, educational institutions, or what have you—too many people are choosing to be self-serving rather than serving. Why is that? Because they don’t have a different leadership role model." Ken Blanchard
Blanchard points us toward the ultimate leader. Most of us are quick to acknowledge what a great leader Jesus was (and is). Yet, how often do we consider his leadership principles as a model for our own leadership? Blanchard calls this the "choice" to lead at a higher level. I like his terminology. In biblical terms it is a choice to lead according to the tranformation of the Spirit rather than the desires of our selfish nature. The choice is made more difficult when we celebrate leaders who are self-serving (as we so often do in our culture).
Blanchard points us toward the ultimate leader. Most of us are quick to acknowledge what a great leader Jesus was (and is). Yet, how often do we consider his leadership principles as a model for our own leadership? Blanchard calls this the "choice" to lead at a higher level. I like his terminology. In biblical terms it is a choice to lead according to the tranformation of the Spirit rather than the desires of our selfish nature. The choice is made more difficult when we celebrate leaders who are self-serving (as we so often do in our culture).
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