daddy4ms

We, as a pastoral staff, are reading through Jesus Outside the Lines by Scott Sauls.   I have appreciated greatly its perspective. I am only halfway through but it might be a book that churches should go through together to help them learn to lovingly disagree with one another.  In his chapter on judgment and accountability, Sauls had some great thoughts: We run from criticism, even constructive criticism, because we know that a single word of criticism possesses more emotional power over us than a thousand praises. We know that we are not perfect. But there's something in all of us that still wants, even needs, to feel and be seen as perfect. For those who believe in Jesus, the Cross moves their Judgment Day from the future to the past. the compassionate Jesus speaks sharply and loudly about judgment so we will "flee from the wrath to come" as we flee into his merciful arms. The good news is that anyone who fears God will never have any reason to be afraid...

If you have not picked up Jesus Outside the Lines by Scott Sauls, you are missing out on a great book.  I think this book should be required reading for all in church leadership and every Christian. Why?  Because in the church, we are horrible at dealing with disagreements.  We take sides. We hurt people.  This book is a breath of fresh air for me and I think it will be for you too.  Here are some quotes from his chapter on "Affirmation or Critique": Jesus was offensive to smug, judgmental, religious people. He was a breath of fresh air to broken, nonreligious people. This longing for affirmation makes sense. Both existentially real and biblically true, it is reason we Christians should be the most affirming people in the world. Have we grown accustomed to relationally including and excluding others based on a list of spoken or unspoken "clean laws" that have no basis in Scripture? Have we grown accustomed to scolding others for certain sins while exempt...