daddy4ms

Who is your favorite author?  There are many great authors out there.  I will be sharing over the next several months authors who have helped me grow in grace and the gospel.  I will try and include images of some of my favorite books by them. These will be shared in alphabetical order. Author: Jefferson Bethke

Here is my final post from Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke.  His final chapters focus on our future and why we need the be participants in the church. We are to created, cultivate, and redeem while we're here. . .The fact that we can create is a sign we are created in his image. Since everyone is made in the image of God, everyone has worth and everyone has dignity. Faith is no longer wrapped up in a building; it's wrapped up in every soul who loves Jesus. When the people of God move, the church moves. It's not brick and mortar; it's skin and bone. We are called to redeem this earth--everything, not just the spiritual part. Jesus is Lord of all of it, even the mundane Mondays through Saturdays. He's not just in charge of Sundays. I saw the church wasn't a museum for good people; it was a hospital for the broken. Jesus wasn't trying to create a place to show off his shiny employees; he wanted a place where his children could be healed. Fo...

Jefferson Bethke has written an excellent book on the differences between religion and a relationship with Jesus.  I am sharing more quotes from the book today: Many Christians don't really care about God; they just want to use him to get what they truly want--status, a nice job, a car, forgiveness--you name it. . . .We have elevated the gifts above the Giver.  Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy. He owes us nothing, but he gives us everything. It is clear in Scripture that he is not the source of evil, nor did he cause it, but he promises he can use it. . . .Suffering is never from God, but he can redeem it. Again, when you are suffering, God is not punishing you. I am so sure of this because God promised that he has already laid all punishment on Jesus on our behalf. When I'm struggling, one of the most encouraging things is to just have my friends and family be there for me. Their simple presence--saying nothing, simply sitting there with me--a...

Here are more thoughts from Jefferson Bethke from Jesus > Religion : The biggest difference between religious people and gospel-loving people is that religious people see certain people as the enemies, when Jesus-followers see sin as the enemy. It's only when we understand that in Jesus we are cleansed, washed, and renewed that we see our sin fall by the wayside. Avoiding sin isn't about us not getting in trouble; it is about us trusting that the Creator knows his creation best and has designed the world to work in a certain way. Keep our eyes on him, and we will make it because it depends on him, not us. When Jesus and his righteousness are ultimate, then you actually see evil as the source of evil, rather than politics, money, or gender. But the truth is, God doesn't grade on a curve; he grades on a cross. It seems Jesus didn't come to lower the standard; he actually came to raise it. He took the issue from external to internal. Jesus is quite clear...

I am currently reading Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke.  I am holding off on the recommendation because I am only a few chapters in.  But here are a few quotes: It isn't just good advice (religion); it's good news (Jesus). Jesus became the face of the Law rather than the concrete tablets Moses is always holding in those ancient depictions. Love is the new law. That is the essence of fundamentalism--living by the rules to stay out of trouble rather than seeing the rules as tools to bring us into intimacy and joy. We exchange relationship with God for a bunch of church games. There is no glory brought to God's name when people are doing something because it's an obligation, with no real enjoyment of their Creator. In speaking of the parable of the prodigal son, Bethke writes, "God gives grace to the younger and the older. No one is past redemption. No one is past grace. All God wants is for both the religious and the rebellious to come into the part...

Below is a picture of books I am currently reading. Return to the blog in weeks ahead to see thoughts and quotes.